📫Speak Out on School Violence | Wake County Crime Spree | Apex Residents Still Concerned About Utility Bills 📍

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Hello friends!

Happy Labor Day Weekend, Friends!

As we head into the holiday, let’s take a moment to celebrate the hard work that keeps our communities strong—and to enjoy a well-deserved break! Whether you’re grilling out with family, exploring local festivals, or simply relaxing with a good book, may your weekend be filled with joy, connection, and a little adventure.

Thank you for being part of our wonderful community. Here’s to rest, fun, and making memories this Labor Day!

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

Please be aware, we will not publish on Labor Day September 1st. Have a wonderful and safe holiday. 🔦

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

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the scarecrow get a promotion on Labor Day?
Because he was outstanding in his field! 🌾😄

📍 Triva 📍

Labor Day was first celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City and became a federal holiday in 1894. It honors the contributions of American workers and marks the unofficial end of summer—complete with parades, picnics, and community celebrations!

Apple Jam – A Sweet Start to North Wilkesboro’s Apple Festival

Date: September 30, 2025 (Evening)
Location: Downtown North Wilkesboro, NC

Get ready to welcome fall in the most festive way possible at Apple Jam, the high-energy kickoff to the North Wilkesboro Apple Festival. Taking place on the crisp evening of September 30, this event is all about great music, local flavor, and small-town mountain charm.

Highlights to Enjoy

• Live Music Under the Stars – Apple Jam sets the tone with lively performances from bluegrass, folk, and Americana bands. The mix of banjos, fiddles, and soulful harmonies creates the perfect soundtrack for a cool autumn night.

• A Taste of the Festival Ahead – Local vendors offer apple-themed treats—think fresh cider, hot apple fritters, and caramel-dipped delights. It’s just a small sample of the goodies coming to the main festival, but enough to tempt your taste buds.

• Downtown Vibes & Community Spirit – Streets fill with families, friends, and festival-goers eager to celebrate the season. The atmosphere is electric—dancing, laughter, and the smell of warm cider in the air.

• The Perfect Prelude – Apple Jam isn’t just a concert—it’s the start of something bigger. The Apple Festival itself brings arts, crafts, food, and family fun to downtown North Wilkesboro in the days that follow, making this a must-attend week for anyone who loves fall in the mountains.

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Art and Nature Await at the North Carolina Museum of Art

Located in Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) is a must-visit destination for families, seniors, and art lovers of all ages. Inside, visitors can explore diverse and ever-changing exhibitions, including current highlights like “The Book of Esther in the Age of Rembrandt,” which showcases 17th-century Dutch interpretations of the biblical story of Queen Esther.

Outside, the Museum Park offers over 4.7 miles of walking trails, outdoor sculptures, and scenic spots, providing a perfect space to enjoy art and nature together. Paved paths make it accessible for walkers, strollers, and seniors, while benches and shaded areas allow for relaxing and taking in the surroundings.

Whether you’re strolling the trails, discovering world-class art, or enjoying a quiet moment in the sculpture garden, the NCMA blends creativity and nature into an experience everyone can enjoy. It’s a wonderful spot to connect with culture, history, and the outdoors—all in one inspiring place.

Dix Park to Showcase Giant Troll Sculptures by Thomas Dambo

Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh will welcome five massive wooden troll sculptures this October, created by renowned Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Known for turning recycled wood into whimsical works of art, Dambo’s trolls will be hidden throughout the park, encouraging visitors to explore and discover.

The installation—part of Dambo’s global “Trail of a Thousand Trolls” project—highlights creativity and sustainability while inviting the community to experience nature in a playful, artistic way. Read More

Apex Residents Still Concerned About Utility Bills

More than a year after a ransomware attack disrupted Apex’s billing system, many homeowners say they are still seeing unusually high utility bills and remain frustrated with the process.

An independent audit revealed the town had actually underbilled customers by more than $300,000 due to system errors, meter delays, and software glitches. While officials have paused late fees and launched account reviews, residents say trust in the system has yet to be fully restored. Read More

Wake County Crime Spree: 3 Teens Arrested After Stolen Kia Chases End in Crashes

A string of vehicle break-ins in Cary led to two police chases early Tuesday involving stolen Kias, both ending in crashes. One vehicle crashed in Apex, injuring a juvenile suspect, while the other wrecked near Crossroads in Cary.

Three teens—each under 17—were arrested and face multiple charges, including breaking and entering, possession of a stolen vehicle, and fleeing to elude. Police say the investigation is ongoing. Read More

Speak Out on School Violence: ‘We’re All Scared’

Parents across the Triangle are expressing deep concern over rising school violence and recent lockdowns, including incidents involving weapons—even airsoft guns. Many feel anxious despite safety measures, emphasizing the need for stronger protections and vigilance both at school and at home. Read More

Mateo’s Birthday Gift: Kindness Beyond His Years

On his 8th birthday, Mateo Nicasio had a small plan: go shopping with his $23 birthday money. But life had a bigger lesson in store for him.

As Mateo and his mother, Daniela Santos, stopped at a traffic light in Glenview, Illinois, he noticed a woman selling candy on the corner. Without hesitation, Mateo handed her all of his birthday money. “So she can buy her baby milk,” he said simply, thinking only of helping someone in need.

Daniela captured the moment on video and shared it online. It didn’t take long for the story to go viral, touching hearts across the country. Instead of accepting gifts for himself, Mateo wanted the attention to inspire kindness. His mother helped him launch a small GoFundMe campaign to support others in need—raising money to buy food, clothing, and essentials for people experiencing homelessness.

Mateo’s simple act reminds us that generosity isn’t about how much you have—it’s about the courage to give what you can. In a world that often feels rushed and divided, an 8-year-old boy showed that compassion can ripple far beyond a single moment.

"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

Which is better for you, kale or brocolli?

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Check out our online calendar for more events and local activities!📌

What’s Happening August 29th - 31st

• 🎬🐠 IMAX Nature Docs @ Marbles IMAX — 1:00–2:00pm (“Under the Sea 3D”), 3:45–4:45pm (“America’s Musical Journey”), 6:15–7:15pm (“Into America’s Wild”). Big-screen, kid-friendly nature films. Marbles IMAX, Downtown Raleigh.

• 🕵️‍♀️🌙 Downtown Raleigh True Crime Tour — 8:00–9:30pm. Guided evening walking tour of historic cases. Meets at Moore Square, Raleigh. 

• 😂🎤 John Crist: The Emotional Support Tour — 7:30pm. Stand-up comedy night out. The Ritz, Raleigh.

• 🧠🎲 Trivia Night in the Park — 6:00–8:00pm. Free, all-ages trivia on the Great Lawn. Downtown Cary Park, Cary. 

• 🚂🎠 Pullen Park (classic train & carousel) — Park open 6:00am–10:00pm (amusements operate daily; check day-of hours). Sweet, low-key outing for all ages. Pullen Park, Raleigh. 

• 🏛️🆓 “Free Friday” at Mordecai Historic Park — 10:00am–4:00pm. Drop-in to explore one of Raleigh’s oldest sites. Mordecai Historic Park, Raleigh. 

Sat, Aug 30

• 🎉🎨 African American Cultural Festival — Day 1 — 11:00am–9:00pm (Family Village 11:30am–6:00pm). Free, family-friendly block party with music, art, food & vendors. Fayetteville St., Downtown Raleigh. 

• 🛍️🍔 The Raleigh Market (NC State Fairgrounds) — 9:00am–5:00pm. Treasure-hunting at one of the Southeast’s biggest flea/antique markets. NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. 

• 🦉🌳 Birdwatching at Dix Park — 7:30–9:00am. Gentle, guided nature outing; bring binoculars if you have them. Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh.

• 🧘‍♀️🔔 Sound Bath & Stretch at Dix Park — 7:00–8:00pm. Relaxing, meditative wind-down in the park. Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh.

• 🎈🎶 End-of-Summer Block Party @ Dix Park — 5:00–9:00pm. Live music, lawn games, food—easy crowd-pleaser for families & couples. Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh.

• 🎻🪄 Harry Potter™ and the Order of the Phoenix™ In Concert — 7:30pm. Full film + live symphony—magical date night. Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary. Cary Farmers

• 🍶🍷 Sake & Wine Class @ Waverly Place — 5:00–6:30pm. Tasting + tips—great for curious couples. Waverly Place, Cary. Town of Carrboro

• ⚽✨ NCFC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies (Star Wars™ Night) — 7:30pm. Pro soccer with themed fun; kid-friendly. WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary.

• 🥬🎶 Cary Downtown Farmers Market — 8:00am–12:00pm. Local produce, baked goods, occasional live tunes. 135 W Chatham St., Cary.

• 🥕🧺 Holly Springs Farmers Market — 8:00am–12:00pm. Top-rated regional market with chef demos rotating in season. 300 W Ballentine St., Holly Springs.

• 🌽🍑 Wake Forest Farmers Market — 8:00am–12:00pm. Friendly, small-town vibes & fresh finds. 235 S Taylor St., Wake Forest.

• 🍑🌳 White Deer Park Nature Center (drop-in) — 10:00am–5:00pm. Hands-on exhibits & trails—great with kids & grandparents. 2400 Aversboro Rd., Garner.

• 🥗🛒 NC State Farmers Market (daily) — 5:00am–9:00pm. Year-round produce halls + restaurants; easy family stroll. 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh. 

• 🎹🎻 The Piano Guys — 8:00pm. Viral classical-pop crossover—romantic concert pick. The Ritz, Raleigh.

• 💃🕺 Discover Dance: Latin Session — 7:00–8:30pm. Free drop-in dance lesson for all ages/levels. Downtown Cary Park, Cary. 

• 🌞🧘 Morning Yoga in the Park — 9:30–10:30am. Bring a mat; mellow community class. Downtown Cary Park, Cary.

Sun, Aug 31

• 🎉🎨 African American Cultural Festival — Day 2 — 1:00–9:00pm (Family Village 1:30–6:00pm). Music, art, food & community—free! Fayetteville St., Downtown Raleigh. 

• 🛍️🍔 The Raleigh Market (NC State Fairgrounds) — 10:00am–5:00pm. Second day of vintage, art, collectibles & eats. NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh. 

• 🚲🛣️ Traffic Garden Play Time @ Dix Park — 10:00am–1:00pm. Kid-sized “streets” for scooters/bikes—learn road skills safely. Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh.

• 🍹🎵 Summer Bash Vendor Market — 12:00–5:00pm. Pop-up vendors + hangout vibes (21+ drinks available). The Backyard Bar, Raleigh. 

• 🥗🛒 NC State Farmers Market (daily) — 5:00am–9:00pm. Grab brunch at the market restaurants & shop fresh. 1201 Agriculture St., Raleigh. 

• 🌿👟 Easy Strolls: Pullen Park — 6:00am–10:00pm. Shady paths, playgrounds, & lake—good for seniors and multi-gen groups. Pullen Park, Raleigh. 

• 🎧📺 Audio Advice Live (Hi-Fi & Home Theater Expo) — 9:00am–4:00pm (last day). Hands-on demos; enthusiasts + curious couples welcome. Downtown Raleigh Convention Center/Sheraton. 

Be sure to click below to review our “Events Calendar” with over 100 events happening today and this week!

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