📫Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Pasta | Christmas Parades Are Coming | 🎬 First Friday Market & Movie Night📍

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Hello friends!

Happy Election Day & National Candy Day! 🍬🇺🇸

Hello, sweet readers! Today’s a double treat — it’s Election Day and National Candy Day! So before you unwrap that chocolate or sneak a few gummy bears, make sure you get out and vote. Every vote counts — and you’ve definitely earned a little sugar rush afterward!

Only 56 shopping days until Christmas, so it’s officially time to start decking the halls, checking your lists (twice), and maybe sampling a few candies for “quality control.” 😄

Here’s to a day that’s sweet, spirited, and civic-minded — because nothing’s more satisfying than democracy and dessert! 🍭🗳️

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

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—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 M&M go to school?
Because it really wanted to be a Smartie! 😄

📍 Trivia 📍

• On November 4 1842, Abraham Lincoln married Mary Todd in Springfield, Illinois.

• On November 4 1922, the entrance to Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered in Egypt by Howard Carter and his team

Get into the holiday spirit early this year at the Christmas in November Craft & Gift Show, held at the charming Old Rock School in Valdese, North Carolina. Running November 3–9, 2025, this festive event showcases over 75 talented artisans offering everything from hand-carved woodwork and cozy holiday décor to boutique apparel, soaps, candles, and more. It’s the perfect place to find unique, handcrafted gifts for everyone on your list—or even a little treat for yourself.

The show is set inside the historic Old Rock School (400 Main Street West), a venue full of character with its fieldstone walls, art-gallery spaces, and even a model railroad display to delight kids. Admission is budget-friendly, typically $2 or free with a canned-food donation, making it a family- and wallet-friendly outing. Visitors can enjoy prize raffles, freshly baked goods, and wine samples while exploring the aisles of creative vendors, adding extra fun to the shopping experience.

This isn’t just another craft fair—it’s a community celebration. The event is hosted by the Historic Valdese Foundation and the Rock School Arts Foundation, highlighting local craftsmanship and supporting town initiatives. Whether you’re hunting for distinctive gifts, enjoying the festive atmosphere, or simply soaking up the charm of Valdese, the Christmas in November Craft & Gift Show is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with style, flavor, and a touch of local magic.

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Get Out and Vote — It’s Election Day! 🗳️

Today, November 4th, is Election Day, and your vote matters more than ever. Local elections help shape the future of our schools, roads, parks, and communities — so don’t sit this one out!

Before you head to the polls, check your polling place, hours, and sample ballot through your county’s Board of Elections.

Polls are open until 7:30 p.m., so grab your ID, make your plan, and get out and vote!

Your community. Your voice. Your vote counts!

🎬 First Friday Market & Movie Night — Nov. 7 at Moore Square

Downtown Raleigh comes alive this Friday with food, fun, and a little movie magic! Stroll the First Friday Market at Moore Square from 5–9 p.m., snack your way through local food trucks, and enjoy live tunes as the sun sets.

When night falls, grab your blanket and settle in for a free outdoor showing of The Princess Diaries at 6:30 p.m. — because every queen deserves her crown (and a good popcorn moment).

Bring friends, family, and maybe your tiara — it’s Raleigh’s favorite free night under the stars! 🌟

👉 Details on raleighnc.gov

Two More Deaths Reported in Listeria Outbreak Linked to Ready-to-Eat Pasta

Health officials report that two additional deaths have been tied to a nationwide Listeria outbreak linked to ready-to-eat pasta salads and meals sold at Trader Joe’s, Sprouts Farmers Market, Kroger, and Walmart. The outbreak has sickened 27 people across 18 states, with 25 hospitalized.

The recalled products, produced by Nate’s Fine Foods in California, include various pre-cooked pasta used in deli salads and prepared meals. Consumers who purchased these items should not eat them and should discard or return them.

Listeria can cause severe illness, especially in pregnant people, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems. Symptoms can appear days to weeks after exposure.

For the full recall list and details on affected products, visit the FDA here: FDA Listeria Outbreak Advisory

Wake County’s Christmas Parades Are Coming!

The holiday season is officially here, and there’s no better way to kick it off than with a festive Christmas parade! Wake County lights up with marching bands, sparkling floats, and the jolly man himself—Santa Claus—spreading cheer throughout our towns.

Mark your calendars: the Raleigh Christmas Parade leads the way on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m., right in downtown Raleigh. It’s the largest parade between Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, with dazzling floats, community groups, and plenty of candy for the kids. (More info here)

Smaller towns join the fun in December. Apex lights up its streets on December 6, and Rolesville follows on December 7 with local floats, marching bands, and holiday cheer. These parades are perfect for family photos, catching candy, and sipping hot cocoa while enjoying the sights.

Whether it’s Raleigh’s grand spectacle or the cozy small-town celebrations, Wake County parades are a chance to celebrate community, make memories, and welcome the holidays in style. Don’t forget your warm mittens and holiday spirit—these parades are magical!

From Struggle to Service

Sometimes the most inspiring acts come from those who have walked through hardship themselves. Chef and social-media personality Tini Younger knows this firsthand. In her early twenties, she faced financial uncertainty that brought her close to homelessness, a reality that left her grappling with fear and helplessness. Instead of letting that experience define her, Tini chose to transform it into purpose.

Today, Tini uses her platform to shine a light on child food insecurity across the country. As a “Hunger Hero” with the No Kid Hungry and HelloFresh campaign, she volunteers at shelters in Atlanta, teaches cooking skills, and creates opportunities for families in need. Last year, she even turned her wedding registry into a donation drive, asking guests to contribute items for a local women’s shelter instead of gifts—resulting in truckloads of supplies that brought immediate relief and hope.

Tini’s approach is simple yet profound: she doesn’t just feed stomachs—she nourishes dignity and community. “It’s more than just putting stuff on a plate,” she says. “Food brings people together. It’s a way to communicate with other people, to show care and compassion.”

Her story reminds us that our past struggles can become a source of strength and inspiration. By choosing to act with empathy and generosity, Tini Younger demonstrates how one person can turn hardship into a mission of hope—showing all of us that even small acts of kindness can make a lasting difference.

"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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