📫Walmart Shrimp Recall Includes Wake County Stores | Local Tourism Hits $3.4 Billion | Western Governors University to Open Raleigh Hub📍

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Hello friends!

Did you know Friday, August 22nd is National Tooth Fairy Day?
This delightful celebration honors one of childhood's most enchanting traditions—the tiny, winged friend who trades lost teeth for a little surprise under the pillow.

For kids, it's a moment of wonder. For parents, it’s a chance to share in the magic, spark big smiles, and create memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a shiny coin, a sweet note, or a glittering sprinkle of fairy dust, the Tooth Fairy reminds us all that a little bit of make-believe can make everyday life extraordinary.

So tonight, celebrate the whimsy—write a tiny note, leave a sparkling trail, or simply share a story about how the Tooth Fairy first visited your home.

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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 📍

What does the Tooth Fairy use to fix her house?
Floss and hammer! 🦷🔨✨

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

Hurricane Hazel (1954): One of the most devastating storms to ever hit the state. Hazel made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, unleashing winds up to 150 mph and storm surge reaching 18 feet in spots like Holden Beach. It destroyed or severely damaged over 54,000 structures and claimed 19 lives in North Carolina alone.

Oberlin Village: A Living Legacy of Freedom in Wake County

Tucked away in West Raleigh lies Oberlin Village Historic Overlay District—the most intact Reconstruction-era freedmen’s community in Wake County and one of the few remaining in the entire state. This historic gem tells the story of resilience, independence, and pride in the years following the Civil War.

In 1858, Jesse Pettiford, a free Black farmer, purchased 16 acres along New Hillsborough Road. After the Civil War, newly freed men and women joined him, buying land, building homes, and establishing businesses. By the 1870s, residents proudly named the settlement Oberlin, after Oberlin College in Ohio—one of the first U.S. schools to admit Black students.

By 1880, Oberlin Village was bustling with life—carpenters, masons, seamstresses, ministers, and teachers formed a thriving middle-class community. Landmarks like Wilson Temple United Methodist Church, Oberlin Cemetery, and Latta University became cornerstones of education, faith, and remembrance.

The homes of Oberlin Village are more than structures—they are storytellers. Built in styles ranging from Queen Anne to Craftsman bungalows, each one showcases the creativity and skill of its African American builders, often adapting designs with unique cultural touches like wraparound porches and sky-blue ceilings.

As Raleigh grew, much of Oberlin was lost to development. But thanks to preservation efforts by groups like Friends of Oberlin Village, key landmarks—including historic homes and the sacred Oberlin Cemetery—continue to stand. In 2018, Raleigh officially designated the area as a Historic Overlay District, safeguarding its legacy for future generations.

Walking through Oberlin Village is like stepping into a living history book—one filled with stories of courage, craftsmanship, and community pride. It is a place where the past meets the present, reminding us how freedom and determination can build a legacy that lasts for centuries.

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Wake County Schools Move Toward Clearer Emergency Alerts

Wake County Public Schools are evaluating a significant shift in how they communicate emergency situations to students, staff, and parents. The district is considering replacing its traditional color-coded alert system—terms like “Code Red” or “Code Yellow”—with the Standard Response Protocol (SRP), an approach designed to provide clearer, more actionable instructions during crises.

Wake County Tourism Hits $3.4 Billion in 2024

Wake County set a new tourism record in 2024, with visitors spending $3.4 billion—the highest ever. Hotels, restaurants, attractions, and events all saw a boost, supporting thousands of local jobs.

Officials credit the county’s mix of cultural festivals, historic sites, and entertainment for drawing travelers from near and far, and say continued investment will keep Wake County a top destination. Read More

Surveillance Footage Sheds Light on Fuquay-Varina Teen’s Death

Surveillance video has provided new details in the case of Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old from Fuquay-Varina, who was found dead in a Florida retention pond earlier this month.

Authorities say Pelletier was seen acting erratically before leaving a vehicle, with footage capturing him running across Interstate 75 and near a Lowe’s store before entering the pond where he later died. Investigators report no signs of foul play, and autopsy and toxicology results are pending.

Pelletier’s family, who had been searching for him since his disappearance on August 1, are now awaiting further updates from investigators.

Western Governors University to Open Raleigh Hub

Western Governors University (WGU) will open a new 48,000-square-foot operations hub in Raleigh near Crabtree Valley Mall, set to launch in spring 2026. The facility will consolidate WGU’s Durham office and create nearly 300 new jobs, supporting regional operations, education technology, and program development.

WGU currently serves over 6,000 students in North Carolina and more than 190,000 nationwide, offering online degrees in business, healthcare, technology, and education. The expansion highlights Raleigh’s growing role as a center for educational innovation and workforce development. Read More

Wake County Real Estate: A Snapshot of the Market

Wake County’s housing market is showing signs of stabilizing after years of rapid growth, offering a nuanced picture for both buyers and sellers.

According to the latest data, the median home price in Wake County is $492,000, marking a modest 0.4% increase compared to last year. While home values have slowed their climb, inventory levels are healthy, with over 4,100 homes on the market and more than 1,600 new listings added in June alone.

Homes are selling closer to their list prices, with a median sale-to-list ratio of 99.7%, and the average time on the market has lengthened to 34 days, up from 20 days a year ago. Sales activity remains strong, with 1,682 homes sold in July, an increase from 1,411 in July 2024.

Market observers note that while the pace of price growth has slowed, Wake County continues to be a competitive and attractive area for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, there may be more opportunities to find homes at fair market value, while sellers may need to adjust expectations to align with current conditions.

Despite the cooling, experts say the market’s resilience reflects Wake County’s continued appeal—its mix of vibrant communities, job growth, and amenities keeps demand strong even amid price stabilization.

Walmart Shrimp Recall Includes Wake County Stores

Wake County shoppers should be aware that Great Value frozen raw shrimp sold at Walmart is part of a nationwide recall due to potential contamination with cesium-137, a radioactive substance.

The recall affects 2-pound bags from supplier PT. Bahari Makmur Sejati with lot codes 8005540-1, 8005538-1, and 8005539-1, all with a best-by date of March 15, 2027.

Consumers are advised to discard the shrimp immediately and contact a healthcare provider if concerned. For more details, check the FDA website.

Raleigh Teen Charged in Armed Sexual Assault and Robbery

RALEIGH, NC — A Raleigh teenager has been charged with sexually assaulting a victim and robbing them at gunpoint, according to a recent warrant. Authorities allege the incident involved both physical assault and the use of a firearm to threaten the victim.

Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation and urge anyone with information to come forward. The teen is currently in custody and is facing multiple serious charges. Read More

Wake Schools Report Fewer Than One Teacher Vacancy Per School

Wake County Public Schools have made significant progress in filling teacher positions, now averaging fewer than one vacancy per school. The improvement comes after targeted recruitment efforts, retention programs, and competitive pay. Read More

A Simple Act of Kindness: Australian Postie Saves the Day

In a touching display of thoughtfulness, Australian postal worker Gurpreet Singh went above and beyond his duties to help a local resident during a rainy day. When Verrity Wandel was caught in a downpour while returning home, she feared her laundry left outside would be soaked. To her surprise, upon arriving home, she found her clothes safely dry and a package at her door.

Curious, Verrity checked her security footage and discovered that Gurpreet had taken the initiative to bring in her laundry, protecting it from the rain. She shared the heartwarming video on Instagram, where it quickly went viral, amassing over two million views within a day. The act was widely praised, with many applauding Gurpreet's kindness and the positive impact of small, selfless gestures.

Australia Post expressed their appreciation for Gurpreet's actions, commending him for going beyond his responsibilities to assist a customer in need. This story serves as a reminder of how simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference in someone's day and inspire others to do the same.

"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

How can you reduce the risk of cancer?

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

🎉 Fun Things to Do in Wake County: August 22–24, 2025

Looking for weekend plans in Wake County? From live music to arts festivals, here’s a curated list of events happening Friday through Sunday, August 22–24:

Friday, August 22

• An Evening with Ash Taylor
  📍 Wake Forest Listening Room
  🎶 Enjoy an intimate acoustic performance by Ash Taylor in downtown Wake Forest.

• Friday Night on White
  📍 White Street, Wake Forest
  🎤 Live music by The Brickhouse Band, food trucks, and a beer tent. Perfect for families and friends alike.

• Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
  📍 Koka Booth Amphitheatre, Cary
  🍖 Sample craft beers, enjoy bourbon tastings, live bluegrass music, and mouthwatering BBQ.

Saturday, August 23

• Wake Forest Comic-Con
  📍 Flaherty Park Community Center, Wake Forest
  🦸‍♂️ Comics, cosplay contests, vendors, and fun activities for all ages.

• Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival
  📍 Downtown Cary
  🎨 Over 300 artists, live music, food trucks, and a beer garden—perfect for a full day of fun.

• Dru Hill & Silk R&B Rewind Concert
  📍 Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts, Raleigh
  🎤 Enjoy nostalgic R&B hits from Dru Hill and Silk.

• Moonwake Bazaar
  📍 Morgan Street Food Hall, Raleigh
  🛍️ Local artisans, live music, and delicious food make this a must-visit market.

Sunday, August 24

• Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (Continues)
  📍 Downtown Cary
  🎨 The festival continues—more art, music, and tasty food.

• Durham Bulls Baseball Game
  📍 Durham Bulls Athletic Park
  ⚾ Catch an afternoon game with family-friendly entertainment.

Ongoing & Recurring Events

• Wake County Farmers Markets
  📍 Various Locations
  🥕 Fresh produce, handmade goods, and live entertainment at local markets.

• Events at NC State Fairgrounds
  📍 Raleigh
  🎪 Various ongoing activities, fairs, and markets throughout the weekend.

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

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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]