📫Wake County Experiencing Massive Boom | Kindness Shines Brightest in Our Kids | 50+ Things 2 Do In Wake This Week📍

Read Online

Hello friends!

Quick dose of joy: it's National Golden Retriever Day! 🐾✨ These fluffy, tail-wagging bundles of sunshine are all about big smiles, endless love, and pure happiness on four paws.

If you've got a Golden stealing hearts (or socks), give 'em extra belly rubs today. No pup? Puppy video scrolling is 100% valid celebration!

Thanks for being here—your good vibes make every email feel special.

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.”

New drop alert: the coziest, cutest women’s tops just landed in EVERY color and style — plush fleeces, mock-necks, cropped cardis & more! Crazy-soft, insanely flattering, and prices so good you’ll want the whole rainbow.

Stay warm, look hot, slay winter. Shop now before they’re gone! 🏃‍♀️💨

✨ Shop Boujee for Less! ✨

Love looking fabulous without breaking the bank? When you shop through our Wake News & Events Boujee link, part of your purchase helps fund Esophageal Cancer research and T2T— so you can feel good while looking great!

💎 New deals drop daily — and if you’re lucky, you’ll uncover some hidden steals that’ll make your wallet happy.

So go ahead — enjoy the boujee life at budget prices.
👉 Shop our Boujee Link today and sparkle for a cause!

Please note that for some deals you may need to be an Amazon member.

Buffalo Wild Wings – (Raleigh, Cary, Garner, Wake Forest)
🍽 BOGO 50% Off Traditional Wings 

Check out more weekday deals!

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

What do you call a pony with a cough?

A little horse!

📍 Trivia 📍

• The Day the Music Died happened on February 3, 1959.
  Rock 'n' roll legends Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper tragically lost their lives in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa—immortalized in Don McLean's song "American Pie." A somber but iconic moment in music history.

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, Jackson County emerges as one of the South's most enchanting winter getaways during its magical "Secret Season" from January through early spring. With fewer crowds, lower rates on cozy cabins, historic B&Bs, and mountaintop lodges with crackling fireplaces, this peaceful escape delivers crisp mountain air, breathtaking layered views, and the occasional light dusting of snow that turns peaks and frozen waterfalls into a serene wonderland—perfect for stargazing under brilliantly clear skies with minimal light pollution.

The real draw? A delightful mix of adventure and relaxation without the big-resort frenzy. Thrill-seekers flock to Sapphire Valley Resort near Cashiers for family-friendly skiing, snowboarding on gentle slopes with short lift lines, and exhilarating snow tubing down multi-lane runs like Frozen Falls—ideal for beginners mastering the basics or kids giggling through speedy slides. Nature lovers hike quieter trails like Whiteside Mountain for panoramic vistas and icy cascades, cast lines for trout on the Tuckasegee River (part of the renowned WNC Fly Fishing Trail), or simply drive scenic overlooks along the Blue Ridge Parkway for jaw-dropping sunsets and wildlife spotting.

Beauty abounds in the frost-kissed forests, sparkling rivers like Lake Glenville (the highest east of the Mississippi), and quaint towns—Sylva and Dillsboro buzz with brewery hopping, farm-to-table dining, and cozy galleries, while Cashiers offers upscale Southern comfort food by warm hearths. Fun events keep the vibe lively: lingering holiday lights, community markets, live music at breweries, and occasional winter festivals or craft fairs add warmth and local charm to the chill.

Whether you're craving adrenaline on the slopes, tranquil hikes to frozen beauty, or fireside evenings with mountain magic, Jackson County wraps you in rejuvenating serenity and unforgettable joy—your ideal winter reset awaits in these hidden gem mountains! ❄️🏔️ (Check DiscoverJacksonNC.com for the latest deals and updates.)

Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays at Burgerfi

10831 Wakefield Commons Drive
Wakefield, Raleigh NC 27614

Check out more “Kids Eat Free” deals online!

_{Read Online}

Wake County Experiencing Massive Boom

Wake County, North Carolina, is at the center of a significant boom in life sciences and advanced manufacturing, driven by major corporate investments that are creating thousands of high-quality jobs and boosting the local economy.

Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, announced in January 2026 that it is more than doubling its investment in a new state-of-the-art biomanufacturing facility in Holly Springs to approximately $2 billion. Originally announced in 2025 with a $700 million commitment and groundbreaking in August 2025, the expansion increases production capacity for next-generation medicines, including treatments for metabolic conditions such as obesity. The facility, expected to be operational by 2029, will support over 500 high-wage manufacturing jobs and more than 1,500 construction jobs, totaling over 2,000 positions tied to the project.

This announcement highlights the momentum in Holly Springs and southern Wake County, where other biopharma leaders are also expanding:

• Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is advancing its large-scale cell culture facility with a total investment exceeding $3.2 billion, projected to create 1,400 jobs by 2031.

• Amgen has committed to a second expansion in Holly Springs, bringing its total investment to about $1.57 billion and supporting roughly 725 jobs.

• Novartis is investing over $231 million in Morrisville for small molecule manufacturing and related capabilities, initially creating over 100 high-paying jobs with plans for further growth and hundreds more by 2030.

Beyond these life sciences powerhouses, companies like BuildOps announced 291 new jobs in Raleigh in June 2025, contributing to broader economic diversification.

The Research Triangle region, encompassing Wake County, has attracted substantial capital in recent periods, with life sciences manufacturing leading the charge. Over 1,000 cleantech companies and 300 advanced manufacturers anchor the area's economy, supporting innovation, supply chains, and workforce development.

These investments are transforming Wake County's job market by generating thousands of skilled, well-compensated positions in biomanufacturing, research, and support roles—many offering average salaries well above regional norms. The influx is stimulating local economic growth through increased tax revenues, demand for housing and services, retail developments (such as new projects in Wake Forest including the Wake Forest Exchange and additions like Whataburger), infrastructure improvements, and multiplier effects from construction and operations spending.

As these facilities come online in the coming years, Wake County is solidifying its position as a global hub for life sciences and advanced manufacturing, promising sustained prosperity for residents and businesses in 2026 and beyond.

Get vacation-ready with breezy maxi dresses, vibrant swimsuits, chic cover-ups, and tropical resort outfits—all on sale right now at prices that won’t sink your budget!

Stock up on flowy florals, sunny accessories, and must-have beach looks perfect for deck days and sunset dinners. Your next getaway starts here—shop today and sail in style! 🌴👗🏖️

Kindness Shines Brightest in Our Kids

One recent and truly heartwarming story of compassion resurfaced and gained fresh attention in late January 2026, reminding the world of pure, unfiltered kindness. In the bustling streets of Grozny, the capital city of Chechnya (in the North Caucasus region of Russia), a young schoolboy named Ibrahim was making his usual walk to school on a chilly morning.

As he passed by a sunny spot on the sidewalk, he noticed two stray dogs peacefully basking in the warm sunlight. Without a second thought—or any sign of fear—he stopped, knelt down gently, and wrapped his arms around both dogs in a tender, loving hug. He embraced the older one fully while softly petting the younger companion, his face lighting up with a genuine smile. Believing no one was watching, Ibrahim simply offered comfort to creatures often ignored or overlooked in city life.

A resident in a nearby residential building spotted the sweet moment from their window and captured it on video. The short clip—showing the quiet street, the relaxed dogs, and Ibrahim's instinctive empathy—quickly spread across social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), going viral once again and touching hearts worldwide. It was shared by accounts highlighting animal kindness and human compassion, including reposts in early-to-mid January 2026 that praised the boy's gentle spirit and thanked his parents for raising such a caring child.

The original footage (from around 2021 but recirculated with renewed warmth in 2026) beautifully illustrates how small, thoughtful acts can bridge divides—even between a child on his way to school and street animals in need of affection. Viewers commented that it serves as a powerful reminder: compassion doesn't require grand gestures; sometimes it's just pausing to show love when no one expects it.

You can see the touching social media pictures and video clips here:

• GreaterGood's feature with embedded footage: https://greatergood.com/blogs/news/cw-heartwarming-moment-boy-hugs-stray-dogs-showing (includes the viral capture credited to Facebook/lucyfomhelp)

Stories like this prove that humanity shines brightest in everyday moments of empathy—especially from the hearts of children.

"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

What does your face say about your health?

Sun, style, and zero stress 🌴✨ Our women’s 2-piece vacation outfits are made for beach days, brunch dates, and sunset strolls. Mix, match, and pack light—because looking fabulous on vacation should be effortless. 🕶️👗Check Out The Sales!

👉Did you know that Outback Steakhouse gives Senior’s 10% on their bill? Be sure to check out other great senior discounts below👈

_{Read Online}

• February 3, 2026

  • Family Storytime at Wake County Public Libraries (various branches): Join an interactive reading session perfect for kids and families to spark imagination and early literacy skills through engaging stories and activities.

  • Beer & Banjos at Bowstring Pizza and Brewyard, Raleigh: Enjoy a free, family-friendly evening of live roots music and banjo tunes in a lively outdoor setting—great for unwinding with friends or family over craft beer and pizza.

  • K-5 Adventures at Athens Drive Community Library (and other branches): Dive into fun, educational programs tailored for kindergarten through 5th graders, featuring hands-on learning and creativity to keep young minds engaged.

  • Exploration Station: Winter Wonderland at Historic Yates Mill County Park, Raleigh (ongoing through early February, viewable this week): Discover the beauty of winter at the park with self-guided photo displays of snowy scenes, frozen ponds, and wildlife—ideal for a peaceful family nature outing.

  • Ongoing Daily Options (Feb 3–6):

    • Marbles Kids Museum, Raleigh: Explore interactive, hands-on exhibits designed to inspire creativity and play for children of all ages.

    • NC Museum of Natural Sciences, downtown Raleigh: Experience free world-class exhibitions on dinosaurs, space, wildlife, and more—perfect for curious minds any day.

    • NC Museum of Art, Raleigh: Wander through free outdoor sculpture trails and indoor galleries showcasing diverse art collections in a beautiful park setting.

    • JC Raulston Arboretum Garden Story Walk (daily): Stroll scenic gardens while following a story-themed path for a relaxing, educational outdoor adventure.

    • Urban Air Raleigh Jumperoo sessions: Let little ones bounce and play in a safe, energetic trampoline and adventure environment tailored for younger children. More info: Search Urban Air Raleigh events.

    • Built to Remember Exhibit at Artspace, Raleigh: View artist Lauren Selden’s thoughtful exhibition honoring memory and history—great for seniors and art lovers seeking inspiration.

• February 4, 2026

  • Storytelling and Drumming with Shenette Swann (Black History Month Series) at Southgate Community Library, Raleigh: Celebrate Black creativity through interactive storytelling, singing, and drumming that brings families together in a joyful, inclusive cultural experience.

  • K-5 Adventures (various branches, including potential Black History themes): Engage school-age kids in educational adventures with games, crafts, and learning focused on history and culture during Black History Month.

    Ongoing Daily Options (as listed above for Feb 3–6).

  Events and Shows (Feb 3–6, 2026)

  • 112 Room 112 Tour: Tue, Feb 3, Meymandi Concert Hall.

  • Southern Farm Show: Feb 4–6, NC State Fairgrounds (major agriculture expo).

  • Carolina Ballet: Carmen Suite: Opens Feb 5, Fletcher Opera Theater.

  • Little River Band: Thu, Feb 5, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

  • NC Symphony: Friday Favorites: Fri, Feb 6, Meymandi Concert Hall.

  • Taylor Tomlinson: Feb 6-7, Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

  • First Friday Raleigh: Fri, Feb 6, downtown art galleries and performances.

  • Portraits of Resistance and Resilience Quilt Show: Opens Feb 4, Downtown Cary. 

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

We strive to make sure that all information is accurate. However, we always recommend check all details with the event organizer.

There are so many events happening in and around Wake County, NC that we have gone to a seperate page to list events. Please click this button to view all of the area’s great events!👇

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!

👇👇👇

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