📫Wake County Adopt a Pet Extravaganza | Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve | Big Fall Sales📍

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Hello friends!

Today, we celebrate our loyal companions—the ones who greet us with wagging tails, unconditional love, and more joy than we could ever measure. It’s National Dog Day! If you’re a dog lover, take a moment to give your favorite furry buddy an extra pat, a belly rub, or maybe a tasty biscuit.

Here’s to the pups who make our days brighter and our hearts fuller. Share a photo of your four-legged friend with us—we’d love to see those happy faces!

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.”

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the dog sit in the shade?
Because he didn’t want to be a hot dog! 🌭🐾

📍 Triva 📍

Did You Know?
According to the American Kennel Club, the French Bulldog became the most popular dog breed in the United States in 2022, surpassing the Labrador Retriever, which had held the top spot for over 30 years.

Brevard Plein Air Festival: Painting the Mountains

Each September, the artsy mountain town of Brevard, NC becomes a living canvas for the Plein Air Festival—a celebration where creativity meets the crisp charm of early fall. Around September 13, artists scatter throughout town and into the surrounding Blue Ridge landscapes, capturing the vivid colors, quaint streets, and stunning vistas right before your eyes.

Imagine strolling downtown, coffee in hand, as painters transform blank canvases into sweeping mountain views, cascading waterfalls, and sunlit streetscapes—all while you watch. The French term en plein air means “in the open air,” and here, it’s an invitation to witness art come alive outside the studio, framed by the sights and scents of autumn.

The weeklong event wraps up with the Wet Paint Show & Sale, where freshly finished masterpieces are displayed and ready for purchase. It’s not every day you get to watch a painting’s journey from brushstroke to gallery wall—and maybe even take home a one-of-a-kind piece of Brevard’s beauty.

Beyond the art, the festival offers a perfect excuse to explore downtown Brevard, with its galleries, boutiques, and charming eateries. Nature lovers can pair their visit with a trip to nearby Pisgah National Forest or DuPont State Recreational Forest, where waterfalls and scenic trails add even more inspiration to an art-filled weekend.

With its mix of live creativity, small-town charm, and mountain majesty, the Brevard Plein Air Festival is more than an art show—it’s an experience that captures the essence of fall in North Carolina.

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Wake County Adopt a Pet Extravaganza

The Wake County Animal Center is hosting its Clear the Shelter Extravaganza through August 31, 2025, waiving all adoption fees to help find loving homes for the hundreds of pets currently in its care. The shelter, located at 820 Beacon Lake Drive in Raleigh, is facing serious overcrowding, with nearly 250 dogs and 300 cats awaiting adoption. Normally, adoption fees range from $15 to $95, but during this special event, families can bring home a new furry friend at no cost while still benefiting from the center’s full adoption process, which includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.

To make the experience even more joyful, the shelter is adding festive touches with themed weeks, costumes, music, and treats to celebrate every adoption. Open daily from noon to 6 p.m., the center encourages residents to visit in person or browse its online gallery to find their perfect companion. Shelter officials hope the event will help ease the strain of overcrowding and give pets the forever homes they deserve.

Discover the Beauty of Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

Nestled in Cary, North Carolina, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is a hidden gem for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts seeking a peaceful escape from the everyday hustle. The preserve features over three miles of family-friendly trails, winding through forests and along bluffs where visitors can enjoy fresh air, gentle exercise, and the soothing sounds of birdsong. Interpretive signs along the trails provide fascinating insights into the local flora, fauna, and geology, making each walk both enjoyable and educational for all ages.

One of the highlights of Hemlock Bluffs is its scenic overlook points, which offer breathtaking views of the Neuse River valley and surrounding woodlands. These overlooks are perfect for photography, picnics, or simply pausing to take in nature’s beauty. Along the trails, visitors may also spot deer, birds, and other native wildlife, providing countless opportunities for animal lovers to connect with nature.

Hemlock Bluffs also offers educational programs and guided walks, where visitors can learn about conservation, ecology, and local history. The preserve is open year-round, with trails accessible daily from sunrise to sunset, making it an ideal destination for a quick nature retreat or a full day of outdoor exploration. Whether you’re looking for a quiet escape, a family outing, or a chance to reconnect with the natural world, Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve promises an enriching and memorable experience for every visitor.

Siena Hotel Fire in Chapel Hill: Arson Suspect Found Dead

A fire broke out early Friday morning, August 22, 2025, at The Siena Hotel on East Franklin Street in Chapel Hill. Around 4:30 a.m., the Chapel Hill Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at the hotel, evacuating approximately 50 guests. There were no reported injuries among the guests. The fire is being investigated as an arson. Read More

Wake County Teachers Urge Fast Action on HVAC Repairs

Teachers in Wake County are calling for urgent repairs to the school system’s aging HVAC units, citing frequent disruptions and extreme classroom temperatures. The district faces a $200 million maintenance backlog, with many systems over 15 years old.

The North Carolina Association of Educators is pushing for detailed cost estimates and quicker repairs, while students suggest modernizing units with energy-efficient heat pumps to save on long-term costs. Temporary solutions, like portable chillers, are in place, but educators stress that a comprehensive plan is needed to ensure safe and comfortable learning environments. Read More

Fallen Officer Honored

knightdale bridge had been renamed after a local fallen officer. Read More

Juliana’s Courage: An 11-Year-Old Hero Saves a Life

It was an ordinary afternoon in Massachusetts—until a sudden cry for help shattered the calm. Five-year-old Jack Buss had fallen through an unstable cover and into a hidden, 20-foot-deep well. Fear rippled through the neighborhood, but one young girl didn’t hesitate.

Juliana Fischer, just 11 years old, heard the desperate calls and ran toward the danger. With steady hands and a clear head, she quickly dialed 911 before helping her father retrieve a ladder. Together, they lowered it into the dark well, guiding Jack step by step back to safety.

Emergency crews later secured the site, but the moment had already cemented Juliana’s place as a local hero. She didn’t panic. She didn’t freeze. She simply acted—with courage beyond her years and a heart full of compassion.

This story is a beautiful reminder that heroes aren’t defined by age or size—they’re defined by the choices they make when someone needs help most.

"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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What foods keep your muscles from aging?

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

What’s Happening August 26th

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

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