📫 Wake County Launches New Fraud Alert | Barkitecture Comes to Cary | Unsung Heroes Award | Wake4Hearing 📍

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Hello friends!

It’s Thursday — the unofficial kickoff to the weekend! The week may have been busy, but now is the perfect time to start planning some fun, adventure, and relaxation for the days ahead. Whether it’s checking out a local event, exploring a new restaurant, or just enjoying a quiet day in, the weekend is yours to make memorable.

I do want to give you a heads up. My husband is having surgery tomorrow so the newsletter will not be as big as normal for the next few days. Thank you for your understanding.

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.”

🎉 From Fashion to Gadgets – The Deals Are Always Changing! 🎉
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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

😄 Why don’t Thursdays ever get invited to parties?
Because they’re always in “Fri-nal” preparation mode!

📍 Trivia 📍

• 1845 – Establishment of the U.S. Naval Academy
  The United States Naval Academy was founded in Annapolis, Maryland, to train officers for the U.S. Navy.

Your Next Fall Adventure

Looking for the ultimate fall adventure that mixes fun, challenge, and classic autumn charm? Crossroads Corn Maze in Wendell, NC, is calling your name! This 5-acre corn maze is the heart of the farm, offering twists, turns, and surprises for all ages. Whether you’re racing through with friends or taking a relaxed stroll, the maze is guaranteed to get your heart pumping and your laughter flowing. Younger adventurers can explore the hay maze or try the rope maze, while everyone can hop on a scenic hayride that winds around the farm and even includes a complimentary pumpkin to take home.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Crossroads Corn Maze also has cozy fire pits perfect for roasting s’mores, fresh fall produce, and games that keep everyone entertained. It’s a picture-perfect place to celebrate the season, capture memories, and enjoy the simple joys of autumn in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.

The 2025 season runs October 3rd through November 2nd, with Friday hours from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Tickets close one hour before the farm shuts down. Admission is $17 for adults, $14 for kids, and group rates are available, including private group options for larger gatherings. Your ticket includes access to the corn maze, a hayride, and a pumpkin per paid guest—plenty of value for a day packed with fall magic.

Located at 5712 Watkins Rd, Wendell, NC, Crossroads Corn Maze is an easy drive from Raleigh, Rolesville, Knightdale, and Wake Forest. With its mix of outdoor adventure, festive activities, and charming rural setting, it’s the perfect destination for families, friends, or anyone ready to embrace the crisp air and colorful leaves of fall. So grab your boots, bring your camera, and dive into the autumn fun at Crossroads Corn Maze this season!

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“Unsung Heroes” Award for Showcasing Student Artwork

Wake County, NC — Herbert Akins Road Middle School art teacher Aurelis Lugo has been honored with the national Unsung Heroes Award for her extraordinary work in spotlighting the creativity of students with disabilities.

Lugo’s classroom is known for its inclusivity, where every child—regardless of physical, cognitive, or learning challenges—has the chance to express themselves through art. From textured collages and adaptive mixed-media paintings to expressive portraits, her students’ work is proudly displayed in school hallways and community events.

As part of the recognition, Lugo will receive a $2,000 grant to expand her program. She plans to invest in adaptive art tools, textured materials, and other resources that make it possible for all students to bring their ideas to life.

Parents and school leaders praise Lugo for not only nurturing artistic skills but also building confidence and visibility for her students. “Every child has a story to tell,” Lugo said. “My job is to give them the brushes and the stage to share it.”

Wake County Public Schools commended her efforts, noting that her dedication “embodies the spirit of equal opportunity, innovation, and compassion.”

🐾 Barkitecture Comes to Cary

Downtown Cary Park goes to the dogs (and cats!) on Saturday, October 11, from 1–5 PM with Triangle Barkitecture— a free, family-friendly design competition and fundraiser. Local architects and creatives will showcase more than 20 imaginative pet houses, each auctioned off to support rescues including Hope Animal Rescue, Mia’s Mafia, and Perfectly Imperfect Pups.

The day also features a Howl-o-Ween pet costume contest, kitten cuddle room, live music, local vendors, adoptable pets, and plenty of wag-worthy fun. Bring your family, bring your leashed pup, and come see creativity built for paws!

📍 Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy Street

Wake County Launches New Property Fraud Alert System

Wake County property owners now have a new tool to protect their homes from fraud. The county has launched a free Property Fraud Alert System, designed to notify residents if any documents are recorded in their name. This early-warning system helps detect potential deed fraud before it becomes a bigger problem.

Residents are encouraged to sign up today to stay informed and safeguard their property. Protect your home—knowledge is your first line of defense! Read More

Wake4Hearing

Cary is set to host the 2025 North Carolina Walk4Hearing on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at WakeMed Soccer Park. This annual event, organized by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), brings together individuals, families, and organizations to raise awareness and funds for those affected by hearing loss. Participants can join as individuals or form teams to walk the 5K route, celebrating the theme: Celebrate. Empower. Inspire. The event fosters a sense of community and support for people with hearing loss while highlighting the importance of hearing health and accessibility.

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by a stage presentation at noon, with the walk starting at 12:15 p.m. Attendees can sign up online, join existing teams like Now Hear This Audiology or BEGINNINGS, create personalized fundraising pages, or make direct donations to support local programs and services for the hearing loss community. The Walk4Hearing is more than a walk—it’s a movement that empowers individuals, educates communities, and promotes inclusivity. Whether walking in honor of a loved one, supporting a friend, or advocating for better hearing health, every participant makes a difference.

For more information and to register, visit walk4hearing.org/NorthCarolina. Gather your family, friends, and colleagues, and take a step toward a more inclusive and supportive community. Together, every step counts.

Beacon Village Rises Again

When Tropical Storm Helene swept through Swannanoa, North Carolina, Edwards Avenue in Beacon Village was left almost unrecognizable. Homes were flooded, families displaced, and the familiar rhythm of neighborhood life vanished beneath the rising waters.

But amid the devastation, something extraordinary began to bloom. Volunteers from Fuller Center Disaster ReBuilders rolled up their sleeves, hammers in hand, ready to restore not just houses, but hope. Slowly, walls were mended, roofs patched, and doors reopened.

When the first home was finally rebuilt, the neighborhood gathered in celebration. A block party blossomed in the wake of hardship—tables laden with food, children laughing, neighbors sharing stories, and a sense of relief that felt almost tangible. Melissa Butler, whose home had been among the hardest hit, returned first. Standing on her restored porch, she felt something she hadn’t in weeks: the comforting hum of community, the warmth of familiar faces, the simple joy of greeting neighbors once again.

Beacon Village’s story is about more than brick and mortar. It’s about hearts rebuilding together. Strangers became friends, neighbors became a support system, and the neighborhood itself seemed to pulse with renewed life. Through the generosity of volunteers and the resilience of residents, Beacon Village wasn’t just repaired—it was reborn, a testament to the power of connection and the human spirit.

"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 is the most popular Halloween candy?

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

What’s Happening Today?

🎭 Comedy & Entertainment

• 🎭 Joe Dombrowski at Goodnights Comedy Club
  📍 Location: Goodnights Comedy Club, Raleigh
  🕕 Time: 6:30 PM
  🎟️ Admission: $25
  Experience a night of laughter with Joe Dombrowski, offering a unique blend of humor and charm. AXS

👶 Kids & Family Activities

• 🎨 Little Picassos
  📍 Location: North Hills, Raleigh
  🕘 Time: 10:00 AM
  🎟️ Admission: Free
  A sensory-focused morning with crafts, coloring, and hands-on art activities led by Learning Express. WALTER Magazine

🧓 Senior-Friendly Events

• 🧠 Relationship Wellness Workshop
  📍 Location: Richard B. Harrison Community Library, Raleigh
  🕕 Time: 6:30 PM
  🎟️ Admission: Free
  A workshop focusing on building and maintaining healthy relationships. WALTER Magazine

• 🎨 Beginning Painting Workshop
  📍 Location: Arts Together, Raleigh
  🕔 Time: 5:45 PM
  🎟️ Admission: Pre-registration required
  An introductory painting workshop designed for seniors to explore their artistic side. WALTER Magazine

🎉 Festivals & Community Events

• 🎃 Sculpture in the Garden
  📍 Location: North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill
  🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  🎟️ Admission: Free with $5 suggested donation
  Explore unique sculptures set amidst beautiful garden landscapes. WALTER Magazine

• 🚛 Touch-a-Truck – Horn-Free Hour
  📍 Location: Apex Night Out, Apex
  🕓 Time: 4:00 PM
  🎟️ Admission: Free
  A special hour for children with sensory sensitivities to explore various vehicles in a horn-free environment. WALTER Magazine

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

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!

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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]