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  • 📫Missing Wake County Teen Found Dead In Florida | Student Killed In Clayton Train Accident | Back To School Supplies | Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics 📍

📫Missing Wake County Teen Found Dead In Florida | Student Killed In Clayton Train Accident | Back To School Supplies | Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics 📍

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Hello friends!

Today we honor the crispy, golden magic of perfectly cut julienne fries—those thin, elegant strips of potato perfection that feel just a little fancier than your average fry. Whether you keep it classic with a sprinkle of sea salt or pile on the toppings, today’s the day to crunch away without guilt.

If you’re in North Carolina, you don’t have to look far for fry heaven:

  • The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar (Raleigh) – Their truffle fries are a must-try.

  • Al’s Burger Shack (Chapel Hill) – Famous for hand-cut thin fries made fresh daily.

  • Trophy Brewing & Pizza (Raleigh) – Pair a craft beer with a plate of crisp shoestring fries.

Celebrate local, support NC restaurants, and enjoy the crunch!

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! 🎉
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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 French fry break up with the potato?
Because it found someone a-peeling. 🥔🍟

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

🥛 Did you know?
North Carolina produces over 200 million pounds of potatoes annually, and around 70% of them are used for potato chips—meaning a huge portion of chip products consumed across the Eastern U.S. likely came from NC-grown potatoes.

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

This Week’s Feature-North Carolina Get-A-Ways

Wrightsville Beach

Wrightsville Beach started as a remote fishing spot used by Indigenous peoples before development began in the late 1800s with the founding of the Carolina Yacht Club in 1883. Improved access via Shell Road and the railroad by 1902 spurred growth of hotels, cottages, and tourism.

The iconic Lumina Pavilion, opened in 1905, became a lively entertainment hub with dancing, movies, and nightlife through the Big Band era. Though it was eventually destroyed by a hurricane in the 1970s, locals still remember its vibrant presence.

Despite being battered by major storms—including Hurricane Hazel in 1954 and Florence in 2018—the community has rebuilt stronger each time. Wrightsville Beach is also known as North Carolina’s surfing birthplace, with early surfers riding its waves as far back as 1909.

Today, the Wrightsville Beach Museum of History preserves the island’s heritage, and visitors can explore historic architecture via self-guided tours. The beach itself stretches over four miles and is celebrated for clean sands, great surf, and a lively dining and shopping scene.

Whether you’re into surfing, paddleboarding, scenic walks, or fresh seafood with a view, Wrightsville Beach offers a relaxed coastal charm that keeps locals and visitors coming back.

Call Marie at 352-585-5259

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📩🏡 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?

Wendell Family Mourns

Ellaryan Marie Miller, a 21-year-old senior at UNC Wilmington from Wendell, tragically died on August 5, 2025, after being struck by an Amtrak train in downtown Clayton near West First Street around 5 p.m. Miller was walking to her car and crossed the tracks in an undesignated area when the accident occurred.

The train, carrying about 200 passengers en route from New York to Charlotte, did not have any injuries among passengers or crew. The incident is considered a tragic accident.

Miller was a Communication Studies major and active campus leader. She is survived by her parents, siblings, and other family members. Funeral details have not yet been announced. Read More

Raleigh Man Drowns at Colchuck Lake in Washington

Akash Gopalakrishnan, a 30-year-old from Raleigh, NC, tragically drowned while swimming at Colchuck Lake near Leavenworth, Washington, on August 3, 2025. Hiking with friends in the Enchantments area, he experienced cramps in the cold alpine water and called for help. Despite rescue efforts and CPR, he did not survive.

Gopalakrishnan was visiting the U.S. on a work visa from India. Authorities remind hikers to exercise caution when swimming in cold, high-altitude lakes like Colchuck. Read More

Missing Wake County Teen Found Dead in Florida

Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old from Wake County and recent Fuquay-Varina High graduate, was found dead on August 8, 2025, in a retention pond near Bradenton, Florida. He had been missing since August 1 after sending a distress text to his mother.

Authorities found no signs of foul play; an autopsy is pending. Giovanni’s family discovered his body near where his belongings were last seen. They are mourning his loss and have requested privacy. Read More

One Injured, Two Pets Dead in Morrisville House Fire

A house fire early Saturday on Downing Glen Drive in Morrisville left one person with burns, who was taken to UNC Burn Center. Firefighters rescued the individual and another who escaped on their own.

Tragically, a dog and a cat died in the fire, while another cat was saved. The cause is under investigation by the Wake County Fire Marshal. No firefighter injuries were reported. Read More

Back-to-School Vaccine Clinics

As the new school year approaches, Wake County is hosting a series of back-to-school vaccine clinics throughout August and September to help students meet state immunization requirements. These clinics provide an easy, no-cost way for parents to ensure their children are up to date on vaccines before the first day of school.

While there are no clinics scheduled for Tuesday, August 12, one of the next opportunities will be on:

  • Tuesday, August 19
    Time: 5:30–7:30 PM
    Location: Northern Regional Center, 350 E. Holding Avenue, Wake Forest, NC

The clinics are open to children entering kindergarten, 7th grade, and 12th grade, as these grade levels have specific vaccine requirements in North Carolina. Parents are encouraged to bring their child’s current immunization records and a valid ID. Walk-ins are welcome at most locations, but early arrival is recommended to avoid wait times.

Additional back-to-school vaccine clinic dates are scheduled at various regional centers across Wake County through the end of September, giving families multiple chances to meet the state’s September 30 vaccination deadline. Read More

Back to School Supplies

The “Back to School with Tools4Schools” supply drive runs through August 22, collecting donations at drop-off sites across Wake County, including Rolesville.

Once collected, supplies are distributed through the Tools4Schools store at 1816 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC. Only Wake County Public Schools teachers and certified staff are eligible to pick up supplies. Educators must register for a time slot in advance—walk-ins are not allowed. During their visit, they can “shop” for classroom materials using a 100-point quarterly allowance, ensuring they start the school year with the resources they need.

Because we can all use some good news.

Asheville Builds a Playground Where Every Child Can Play

This summer, Asheville celebrated a truly inspiring milestone in Riverbend Park: the opening of its first fully wheelchair-accessible playground. This innovative playground was designed to ensure that children of all abilities can play side by side — running, swinging, sliding, and sharing laughter without barriers.

The project came to life thanks to a passionate coalition of local families, disability advocates, city officials, and community volunteers who all shared a vision of inclusion. Their goal was simple but powerful: to create a safe, welcoming space where every child can experience the joy of play equally.

Located centrally within Riverbend Park, the playground features smooth, accessible pathways, ramps, adaptive swings, sensory play areas, and equipment specially designed for children with mobility challenges. Every element was thoughtfully selected to encourage interaction, friendship, and fun for all kids.

This community-driven effort reflects Asheville’s commitment to embracing diversity and building spaces where everyone belongs. The new playground is more than just a play area — it’s a vibrant symbol of unity, compassion, and the power of collective action.

As children explore the playground’s colorful structures this summer, families are reminded that true joy happens when everyone has a chance to join in.

"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

Do individuals who are more grateful experience lower levels of fear and anxiety related to death.

What’s Happening August 12th

Live Music & Social Events

  • Pitches & Pints Networking
    When: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Where: Blackbird Brewery, Wake Forest
    Mix business with pleasure at this casual networking event featuring craft beer tasting.

  • Trivia and Music Bingo Night
    When: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Where: Artisan Beer and Cheese, Rolesville
    Test your trivia skills and enjoy music-themed bingo in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

  • Soulful Sounds Live Music
    When: 8:30 PM
    Where: ARISE Coworking, Rolesville
    Unwind with an evening of soulful live music in a cozy setting.

Wellness & Creative Workshops

  • All Of Me Series: Creative Embodiment Workshop
    When: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
    Where: Haven Farm, Knightdale
    Experience a blend of painting, meditation, and gentle yoga to nurture your mind and body.

  • Memory Café Social Gathering
    When: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
    Where: Cary-Kildaire Rotary Club
    A welcoming space for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers to connect over dinner and music.

Games & Family Fun

  • Summer Bingo
    When: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Where: Chick-fil-A, Garner
    Join in for a lively bingo game with prizes perfect for the whole family.

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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🎬 Free Outdoor Family Movie Nights! 🍿🌟  Click Here ❗👈

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