📫Wake County Fun | Biscuits & Banjos | Prima Menu Tasting | Wake Expands EMS Staff📍

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Hello friends!

Fall is in full swing, and here in North Carolina, that means one thing—the leaves are putting on a show! From vibrant reds to golden yellows, October and early November are prime time for leaf peeping.

If you haven’t yet taken a drive to the mountains, now is the perfect opportunity. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah National Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains are bursting with color, offering scenic views, hiking trails, and plenty of photo ops. Don’t forget your camera—and maybe a cozy sweater—because these autumn vistas are something you’ll want to remember.

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a quick day trip, take some time to enjoy nature’s masterpiece. Trust us, there’s nothing quite like crunching leaves underfoot, crisp mountain air, and endless fall colors to remind you why NC is such a beautiful place this time of year. 🍂

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 vampire read the newspaper?
He heard it had great circulation! 🧛📰

📍 Trivia 📍

Fun Food Fact: It’s National Candy Corn Day in the U.S., perfect timing for Halloween sweet treats! 🍬

Correction: In a previous trivia post, I mistakenly mentioned that Lake Norman is a natural lake. In fact, it is a man-made lake.

🎻 Biscuits & Banjos: Durham’s Newest Roots Revolution Hits November 1–2, 2025! 🎻

Grab your dancing shoes and your appetite, Durham—Biscuits & Banjos Festival is crash-landing into downtown like a freight train of fiddle fire, soul-stirring harmonies, and buttery, flaky, life-changing biscuits. Conceived by Grammy-winning sonic sorceress Rhiannon Giddens (yes, that voice from the Carolina Chocolate Drops and “O Brother” fame), this two-day, November 1–2, 2025 blowout is a love letter to Black string-band music—the hidden heartbeat of Carolina’s musical DNA. Think banjos that talk, fiddles that weep, and rhythms that make your hips move before your brain signs off. It’s not just a festival; it’s a cultural resurrection, and you’re invited to the revival.

Over 48 hours, downtown Durham transforms into a living jukebox of Appalachian soul. The action bounces between iconic venues:

• Durham Armory – the gritty, historic heart for high-energy barn-burners.

• DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) – the polished stage for seated, goosebump-inducing sets.

• Pop-up stages on CCB Plaza and American Tobacco Campus for free mini-shows and surprise jams.

And the lineup? Sweet mother of mercy:

• Carolina Chocolate Drops REUNION – Giddens, Dom Flemons, Hubby Jenkins, and the full crew back together for the first time in years, plucking strings like they’re pulling history from the soil.

• Taj Mahal – the blues legend bringing gravel-road wisdom and harmonica heat.

• Christian McBride – jazz bass god trading licks with banjo virtuosos (yes, it works—brilliantly).

• The Legendary Ingramettes – Richmond’s gospel queens delivering hand-clapping, spirit-lifting fire.

• Leyla McCalla – Haitian-Creole cello magic meets Carolina twang.

• Plus rising stars like Jake Blount, Jontavious Willis, and Tray Wellington Band—all keeping the flame blazing.

But this ain’t just stand-and-clap. Biscuits & Banjos weaves in hands-on heritage:

• Banjo & fiddle workshops – learn clawhammer from a master or bow a tune in 30 minutes.

• Biscuit pop-ups – local chefs sling sky-high cathead biscuits with sawmill gravy, pimento cheese, or hot honey—some say the biscuit line is the headliner.

• Art installations – giant banjo sculptures, quilted soundwave banners, and interactive “sound gardens” where you pluck strings to trigger field hollers.

• Panel talks – “Black Banjo Then & Now,” “Women in String-Band Music,” and storytelling sessions with elders who learned from elders who learned from enslaved musicians.

It’s education disguised as a party—10,000+ expected to flood Durham’s streets, eating, dancing, learning, and leaving with a deeper love for the music in North Carolina’s bones.

• History in motion – This is the music your grandpa’s grandpa danced to, now reclaimed, remixed, and electric.

• Soul food for the soul – Post-election, pre-holiday, mid-fall—perfect timing for joy, healing, and community.

• Durham at its best – food trucks, craft beer, rooftop views, and that Bull City swagger.

• Weekend passes: ~$100–$200 (single-day ~$60–$100) – grab early at biscuitsandbanjos.com.

• Free community events: Plaza jams, biscuit demos, and kids’ fiddle petting zoo.

• Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes—venue-hopping means 10K steps easy.

• Parking: Use city decks or ride-share; American Tobacco lots fill fast.

• Weather: November chill—layer up, but the music (and biscuits) keep you warm.

Whether you’re a banjo nerd, a biscuit stan, or just someone who believes music can change the world, Biscuits & Banjos is your November must. Come for the reunion, stay for the revolution—and leave with a full belly, a full heart, and a new favorite song you’ll hum all winter.

See you in Durham—where the past picks a new tune, and the future claps along.

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Fun Events in Wake County, NC on October 30, 2025

With Halloween on Friday, October 31, 2025, October 30 kicks off pre-Halloween excitement across Wake County—think concerts, spooky candlelight shows, and family-friendly haunts. Focus is on Raleigh and Cary for the biggest draws, but I’ve included options in other areas like Garner and Apex where available. Events are free unless noted; costumes encouraged. Weather forecast: Mild highs around 65°F, perfect for evening outings. Check town sites or apps like Eventbrite for last-minute changes.

Raleigh

John Legend: Get Lifted – 20th Anniversary Tour (7:30 p.m., Red Hat Amphitheater, 1 E. Lenoir St.)
Grammy-winning artist performs hits from his debut album plus new tracks in an outdoor amphitheater setting. Tickets $50–$200; expect a soulful, feel-good vibe with opening acts. Great for date nights or groups.

Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics (6:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m., Historic Wakefield Barn, 3605 Glenwood Ave.)
Intimate string quartet plays spooky favorites like “Thriller” and “Ghostbusters” under flickering candles in a rustic barn. Tickets $30–$50; immersive, low-key fun for all ages—hauntingly romantic!

Cary

Trunk or Treat (5:30–7:30 p.m., FREE, Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St.)
Cary Police Department hosts safe, decorated car trunks for candy collection, plus games and photo ops along Park Street. Part of “Downtown Scary Cary” series leading into Halloween—kid-focused but open to families.

Garner
Head to nearby Raleigh for the above, or check Ken’s Korny Corn Maze (open evenings through October 31, 1600 Jones Sausage Rd.) for hayrides and flashlight mazes ($10–$15). Trick-or-treat night is October 31 (6–8 p.m.).

Apex

•  Tour of Frights (6–9 p.m., FREE, Self-guided around town)
Ongoing drive-by or walk-through of decorated homes and businesses—grab a map at Apex Town Hall (919-249-3400). Spooky lights and displays; family-friendly way to ease into Halloween. No formal October 30 gathering, but it’s active nightly.

Knightdale
Visit Grasshopper Farms (8521 Buffaloe Rd., open daily) for evening corn maze adventures, pumpkin picking, and cider ($12 admission). Official trick-or-treating is October 31.

Pro Tip: Traffic spikes around 6 p.m. on I-40/540—use NC Quick Pass for tolls. For more spooky options, haunted attractions like Clayton Fear Farm (near Garner, open Thursdays) run hayrides and trails ($25+). Dive into the NC State Fair’s final days (ends October 26) if you’re craving rides and fair food, though it’s wrapping up soon. For broader Wake County vibes, Falling for Local at Dix Park (Raleigh) had fall fun earlier, but echoes linger with local markets. Happy haunting!

The Prima Menu Tasting Event Comes to The Cotton Company in Wake Forest

Mark your calendars, food lovers! The Prima Menu Tasting Event will take place on Saturday, November 16, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at The Cotton Company in downtown Wake Forest.

Guests will enjoy an evening of culinary exploration as Prima’s chefs present a selection of new and seasonal dishes, artfully crafted to showcase fresh ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample a variety of small plates, meet the culinary team, and share feedback on potential future menu offerings.

Tickets are $45 per person, which includes tastings, light refreshments, and exclusive access to Prima’s upcoming seasonal menu.

With its charming historic setting and community atmosphere, The Cotton Company provides the perfect backdrop for this one-of-a-kind tasting experience. Space is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.

Wake County Expands EMS Staff to Meet Growing 911 Demand

The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved 12 new full-time Emergency Medical Services (EMS) positions in response to the county’s rapid population growth and rising call volume.

The new hires will include seven paramedics and five EMTs, strengthening both advanced and basic life-support capabilities across the county.

Rising demand for EMS
Wake County continues to grow by about 66 new residents every day, and more than half of that growth comes from residents aged 55 and older — a group with higher medical and emergency service needs. EMS call volume has also been climbing by an estimated 6 to 7 percent each year, putting added strain on existing crews.

Improving response and readiness
According to EMS Director Jon Studnek, scaling staffing now will help maintain quick response times and ensure reliable service as demand increases. “A larger population will result in a larger number of 9-1-1 calls,” Studnek said. “It’s critical that we expand early to stay ahead of those needs.”

The additional positions will allow the department to better balance shifts, reduce overtime pressure on current staff, and improve coverage across growing parts of the county.

Recruitment for the new roles is already underway, with applications open for the March EMS Academy. The county is also investing in new and upgraded EMS stations to support this expansion and modernize its public-safety infrastructure.

🎃 Trunk or Treat Events

Lions Park Trunk or Treat

• Date & Time: Thursday, October 30, 4:15 PM – 6:15 PM

• Location: Lions Park and Community Center, 516 Dennis Ave., Raleigh, NC 27604

• Details: A family-friendly celebration featuring music, arts and crafts, costumes, decorated trunks, and treats. Open to children aged 12 and under. Visit Raleigh

Lake Lynn First Tee Trunk-Or-Treat

• Date & Time: Thursday, October 30, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Location: Lake Lynn Park and Community Center, 7921 Ray Rd., Raleigh, NC 27613

• Details: Join the City of Raleigh and First Tee for a spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat event. Registration is encouraged but not required. Visit Raleigh

Infant Toddler Center Trunk or Treat

• Date & Time: Thursday, October 30, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM

• Location: 104 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC

• Details: The Infant Toddler Center invites the community to join them for fun, games, activities, treats, and more! AllEvents

WF 1 Trunk or Treat

• Date & Time: Thursday, October 30, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Location: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1524 Jenkins Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587

• Details: Annual Trunk or Treat event with trunk setup at 6:30 PM and the parade of goodies starting at 7:00 PM. Church of Jesus Christ Locations

Hubert Vester Auto Group Trunk or Treat

• Date & Time: Thursday, October 30, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Location: Hubert Vester Auto Group Chevrolet, Honda, and Toyota dealerships on Raleigh Road, Wilson, NC

• Details: An evening of trunks, treats, and games with prizes at each of the Hubert Vester dealerships. A photo booth will be available at the Chevrolet dealership. Wilson Chamber of Commerce

RTP Trunk or Treat

• Date & Time: Friday, October 31, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

• Location: World Overcomers Christian Church, 2933 S Miami Blvd, Durham, NC 27703

• Details: A family-friendly event with decorated trunks, treats, and a Best Trunk Competition. Registration is required to participate as a "Trunker." Raleigh Family Adventure

Abound Health Trunk or Treat

• Date & Time: Friday, October 31, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

• Location: 240 Newton Rd, Ste 113, Raleigh, NC 27615

• Details: A safe, inclusive, and sensory-friendly Trunk or Treat event featuring decorated trunks, a costume parade, crafts, music, games, and fall fun. Abound Health

🍁 Fall Festivals

2nd Annual Fall Festival at Miller-Motte College

• Date & Time: Thursday, October 30, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Location: Miller-Motte College, 3901 Capital Blvd., Suite 151, Raleigh, NC 27604

• Details: An evening of family fun with games, music, food, treats, a bouncy house, and a Trunk or Treat. Costumes are encouraged.

Colman Domingo: A Life Guided by Radical Love

At 55, Colman Domingo is more than an acclaimed actor, writer, director, and producer—he is a man whose life and work are guided by a deep commitment to love, generosity, and community. From his breakout moments on Broadway to his celebrated performances on screen, including a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for Sing Sing, Colman has consistently used his platform to uplift others and advocate for meaningful change.

Beyond his artistry, Colman is known for his generosity behind the scenes. On Sing Sing, he championed equitable pay for the cast, ensuring fairness and recognition for everyone involved. This dedication reflects the same principle that drives his creative choices: that success is most meaningful when it builds up others.

Colman’s influence extends far beyond awards and red carpets. Through mentorship, collaboration, and advocacy, he cultivates spaces where creativity, respect, and humanity flourish. His career is a testament to the idea that true accomplishment is measured not just by accolades, but by the lives we touch and the love we share.

In a world that often emphasizes competition and individual gain, Colman Domingo stands as a reminder that radical love—love expressed through generosity, empathy, an

"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

Does art have an impact on aging?

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