📫 Family Reading Hour | Handmade Magic to Cary | Durham’s Holiday Art Walk is Back🎄

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Hello friends!

👔 Happy International Men’s Day! 👔

Today we celebrate the men and boys in our lives — fathers, brothers, friends, mentors, and colleagues — and the positive impact they make every day. It’s a day to appreciate, support, and uplift the men around us.

Celebrate by saying thank you, sharing a kind word, spending quality time, or even trying a fun activity together — from a walk in the park to cheering on a favorite sports team. Small gestures go a long way in showing appreciation!

Here’s to the men who inspire, protect, and make life a little brighter — today, we honor you! 💙

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.”

✨ Shop Boujee for Less! ✨

Love looking fabulous without breaking the bank? When you shop through our Wake News & Events Boujee link, part of your purchase helps fund Esophageal Cancer research — so you can feel good while looking great!

💎 New deals drop daily — and if you’re lucky, you’ll uncover some hidden steals that’ll make your wallet happy.

So go ahead — enjoy the boujee life at budget prices.
👉 Shop our Boujee Link today and sparkle for a cause!

Please note that for some deals you mayneed to be an Amazon member.

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the man put his money in the blender?
Because he wanted to make liquid assets! 😄

📍 Trivia 📍

About 49% of North Carolina’s population are men, meaning roughly half of the residents are male.

Glide into the Season: Ice Skating in the Triangle

There’s something undeniably magical about gliding hand-in-hand across a sparkling sheet of ice, the crisp winter air nipping at your cheeks, and the soft glow of twinkling lights reflecting on the rink. Ice skating in the Triangle offers just that kind of enchantment — a perfect way to embrace the holiday season, whether you’re planning a romantic date night, a festive outing with friends, or a fun family adventure.

One of the most popular spots is Skate the Square at Fenton in Cary, open from November 7, 2025, through February 8, 2026. This charming outdoor rink is set in a festive plaza with holiday lights overhead, cozy fire pits to warm up after a few spins, and seasonal music that sets the perfect mood. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or taking your first tentative steps, the rink creates a joyful and playful atmosphere for everyone.

Another delightful option is Raleigh’s Downtown Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater, where the combination of city lights and seasonal décor transforms the experience into something almost cinematic. Early evenings are especially romantic, with the soft glow of surrounding lights making every lap feel like a scene from a holiday movie.

For couples, there’s nothing like holding hands, laughing at wobbly spins, and stealing a moment to share hot cocoa between laps. Families will love the joy and energy of little ones twirling and racing around, and friends can turn it into a friendly skating challenge. Ice skating in the Triangle is more than just an activity — it’s a festive, heartwarming way to make memories, celebrate the season, and embrace a little winter magic.

📍 Locations & Dates:

• Skate the Square at Fenton, Cary: Nov 7, 2025 – Feb 8, 2026 | Outdoor rink, festive lights, fire pits

• Downtown Rink at Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh: Seasonal schedule (late November through December) | City lights, holiday décor

✨ Pro tip: Dress in layers, bring warm socks, and grab a hot drink afterward to prolong the cozy, festive feeling.

 Senior Discount of the Day: Publix 

Senior Wednesday Discount
5% off for customers age 60+ every Wednesday.

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Family Reading Hour

Get ready to turn the page together! The WAKE Up and Read coalition invites families throughout Wake County to participate in its free reading-hour program. This special hour is designed to bring caregivers and children together to explore books, build literacy skills, and bond over stories.

While times may vary by location, the program is typically offered at participating libraries and community sites across Wake County. Keep an eye on your local branch’s calendar for the next scheduled session.
(Bonus: You can learn more and find resources from WAKE Up and Read here: https://wakeupandread.org

What to expect:

• A welcoming, family-friendly environment—caregivers and children reading together.

• Engaging children’s books selected for varying ages (infants through elementary school).

• Tips and take-home ideas to continue the reading fun at home.

• No cost to attend—just show up with your family.

• Opportunity to connect with other families, caregivers, and reading champions in the community.

  
  WAKE Up and Read is committed to ensuring that all children in Wake County read proficiently by the end of 3rd grade—regardless of zip code or background.

  Family reading hours are an excellent step toward that goal: by engaging children early and making reading a shared experience, the program supports school readiness, learning opportunities, and family involvement.

How you can participate:

1. Check your local library or the WAKE Up and Read website for upcoming reading-hour dates and locations.

2. Bring your child(ren) and a favorite book (or borrow one on site).

3. Make it a regular habit: aim for one hour of reading together per week—this helps build momentum at home.

4. Share your experience: tell friends, neighbors or your parent network about the reading hour and invite them along.

Helpful link:
WAKE Up and Read – Family Resources & Events: https://wakeupandread.org 

🎨 Glenaire Craft Fair Brings Handmade Magic to Cary!
November 19 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

If you’re looking for a little sparkle, creativity, and holiday cheer, the Glenaire Craft Fair is calling your name! This beloved annual event transforms the Glenaire community into a bustling marketplace of handmade wonders, where local artisans show off their finest creations—just in time for holiday gifting (or treating yourself… because you deserve it!).

From cozy knits and hand-poured candles to one-of-a-kind jewelry, seasonal décor, whimsical art pieces, and baked goods that might disappear before you get them home, the fair is packed with unique finds you won’t see in any store. Each item comes with a story, a maker’s passion, and the charm that only handcrafted goods can deliver.

But it’s not just about shopping—it's about connecting with the talented creators who pour heart and imagination into every piece. You’ll find friendly faces, warm conversations, and maybe even a few demonstrations happening throughout the day.

Mark your calendar, grab a friend, and spend a delightful fall day strolling aisle after aisle of creativity. Whether you're hunting for the perfect present or simply love browsing beautiful handmade things, the Glenaire Craft Fair on November 19th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the place to be!

Durham’s Holiday Art Walk is Back

Durham’s Holiday Art Walk is back and it’s ready to sprinkle a little creative magic across downtown! On November 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 20 from 1 to 5 p.m., the streets transform into a lively open-air gallery where art lovers, holiday shoppers, and curious wanderers can stroll, sip, browse, and discover. Picture this: dozens of talented local artists showcasing everything from vibrant paintings and handcrafted pottery to jewelry, textiles, photography, woodwork, whimsical sculptures, and gifts you didn’t even know you needed—but suddenly can’t live without. As you wander from booth to booth, you’ll catch snippets of live music, savor the delicious smells drifting from nearby cafés, and feel the festive buzz that only Durham can deliver. It’s the perfect excuse to spend a crisp fall weekend exploring downtown, finding one-of-a-kind treasures, and supporting the creative minds who make the Triangle’s arts scene shine. Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts, treating yourself, or just soaking up the artsy atmosphere, the Holiday Art Walk offers a joyful, colorful, and utterly unique way to kick off the season. So lace up your walking shoes and let Durham’s creativity lead the way!

Make Sure to Visit the Cary Senior Center

Get into the holiday spirit at Cary’s Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair! On November 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cary Senior Center (120 Maury Odell Place, Cary), you can browse a delightful selection of unique gifts handcrafted by talented local artisans over age 50. From festive décor and handmade jewelry to cozy textiles, artwork, and more, every item is lovingly created by your creative friends and neighbors. It’s the perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind holiday gifts while supporting the artistry and passion of the community. Stop by, shop, and celebrate the season with handmade charm!

Celebrate the Season at the Holiday Crafts Fair at NC State!

On November 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and November 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Crafts Center at Thompson Hall (210 Jensen Drive, Raleigh) will be filled with stunning handmade creations. Explore a variety of pottery, glass, jewelry, wood, and fiber arts, and take the chance to meet the talented artists behind each unique piece. Admission is just $3 per person (free for children 9 and under), making it a perfect outing for the whole family. Stop by, find one-of-a-kind gifts, and support local artisans while getting into the holiday spirit!

Immigrant Mother Volunteering While Her Own Home Rebuilds

In western North Carolina, after the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene, volunteer efforts have been critical in reaching families still recovering. Among these volunteers is Clara Carrias: a Mexican immigrant, mother of three, part-time cook, and English-learner. Even though her own home suffered damage, she spent hours navigating blocked mountain roads so that families could receive food, water, cleaning supplies and much-needed care.

What stands out: she brought her children along when childcare was unavailable, she bridged language and cultural gaps for Latino residents, and she persisted despite exhaustion. Her story reminds us that kindness often comes from those also bearing burdens — and yet choosing to serve anyway.
Key takeaway: Service doesn’t require perfection or abundance — just a willing heart in the midst of one’s own story.

"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 heal a wound quicker!

👉Early Birds get the worm! Texas Road House Mon–Thu, 3–5 PM: Frieday’s until 4pm. Select entrées for $10.99. Includes Country Fried Chicken, Pork Chop. There are ton’s more Early Bird deals below!👈

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What’s Happening Today?

GIS Day 2025
When: Nov 19 • 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Where: City of Raleigh Museum, 220 Fayetteville St., Ste. 100, Raleigh NC 27601
Details: A free event where you can explore the power of geographic information systems (GIS) — how “smart maps” and location‑based data help shape our communities. Raleigh
Good for: Tech‑curious folks, families who like interactive exhibits, educators.

Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
When: Nov 19 • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury Odell Place, Cary NC
Details: Shop unique holiday gifts made exclusively by creative friends and neighbors over age 50. Midtown Magazine
Good for: Holiday gift hunting, supporting local artisans, relaxed browsing.

Holiday Crafts Fair at NC State
When: Nov 19 • 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: The Crafts Center, Thompson Hall, 210 Jensen Drive, Raleigh NC
Details: Browse handmade pottery, glass, jewelry, wood & fiber art, and meet the artists. Admission is $3 per person; free for ages 9 and younger. Midtown Magazine
Good for: Families (kids free), art‑lovers, unique gifts.

10th Annual N.C. Chinese Lantern Festival
When: Ongoing (includes Nov 19) — check local listings
Where: Raleigh area
Details: A major festival event spanning Nov 15 through January — includes Nov 19 in its run. Visit Raleigh
Good for: Evening outings, family‑friendly photo ops, big spectacle.

Communitea
When: Nov 19 • 10 a.m.
Where: Middle Creek Community Library, Apex NC
Details: A community tea event — relaxing, connect‑with‑others vibe. Eventbrite
Good for: Seniors, caregivers, folks wanting a low‑key morning social.

Homespun Holiday Craft Fair (Garner)
When: Nov 19 (tentative based on past event cycle)
Where: Garner United Methodist Church, Garner NC
Details: Local artists from across North Carolina gather to offer handmade goods — a “start of holiday season” kind of event. Facebook+1
Good for: Craft‑fair fans, supporting small vendors, finding early holiday décor.

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