📫Woman Struck By Train | NC High School Athletes Cashing In On NIL Deals | 7 Cases of Flesh-Eating Bacteria | Free Custard!📍

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Hello friends!

🍦 Happy National Custard Day! 🎉
TGIF! Today’s your official excuse to indulge in the creamiest, dreamiest frozen custard around. Whether you like it classic, topped with sprinkles, or piled high with goodies—treat yourself and make this day the sweetest ever! Life’s too short to say no to custard. Enjoy every spoonful! 😋💛

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.”

Celebrate National Custard Day!

Goodberry's Frozen Custard is celebrating National Custard Day on August 8th with a tasty deal: enjoy $1 off all sizes of their Carolina Concretes—mini, regular, and jumbo—from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. The featured flavor of the day is Strawberry. Plus, Goodberry's will donate 5% of all sales that day to the Wake Ed Partnership. They’re also teaming up with Duke Children’s to offer a special “Harper’s Berry Bliss” concrete, donating $1 from each purchase to support Duke Children’s Hospital.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is marking National Frozen Custard Day on August 8th with a special treat: get a free mini one-topping sundae with the purchase of any menu item. This offer is available for dine-in, carry-out, drive-thru, and online orders—including orders placed through the Freddy’s app and website. To redeem online or via the app, simply add a regular menu item and a mini one-topping sundae to your cart, then enter the code CD2024 at checkout.

🎉 From Fashion to Gadgets – The Deals Are Always Changing! 🎉
Every day brings new savings, and we’re here to hook you up! Whether you’re shopping for a birthday, Christmas, a last-minute gift, or just treating yourself (because why not?), we’ve got your back with fresh coupons and awesome deals — all through our link!

We hustle daily so you can save big for you and your family.
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Let’s make shopping more fun and more affordable — together!

🕒 Deals change daily,

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

📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why did the frozen custard apply for a job?
Because it wanted to make a little dough while staying cool! 😄🍦

📍 North Carolina Triva 📍

🥛 Did you know?
Slower churn: Because it’s churned more slowly than regular ice cream, frozen custard contains less air, called “overrun,” resulting in its dense and creamy consistency.

Daniel Ridge Falls

Daniel Ridge Falls is a stunning new waterfall destination located in the heart of Pisgah National Forest near Brevard, North Carolina. This hidden gem features a spectacular 150-foot cascade that plunges gracefully over rugged rocks into a serene pool below, offering breathtaking views that appeal to photographers, hikers, and nature lovers alike. The falls are accessible via a 2.5-mile round-trip trail that winds through lush forests, crossing babbling creeks and providing opportunities to spot native wildlife along the way.

The best times to visit Daniel Ridge Falls are in spring, when melting snow and seasonal rains create a powerful and roaring cascade, and in fall, when the surrounding forest bursts into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, making it a perfect spot for leaf peepers and photographers. The trail is easy to moderate, making it family-friendly and suitable for casual hikers seeking a scenic outdoor adventure without strenuous climbs. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of this newer, less crowded spot, as well as explore the shaded trail lined with ferns, wildflowers, and moss-covered rocks.

At the falls, visitors can capture postcard-perfect photographs, enjoy a peaceful picnic near the rushing water, and observe local wildlife including songbirds and deer. It’s recommended to wear sturdy hiking shoes for better traction, especially since parts of the trail can be slippery or muddy. Visiting on weekdays or early mornings can help avoid crowds, allowing for a more serene experience. Bringing water, sunscreen, and practicing Leave No Trace principles will help keep this natural treasure pristine and enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you’re a dedicated waterfall chaser, a family looking for a scenic outing, or simply someone wanting to reconnect with nature, Daniel Ridge Falls offers a beautiful and refreshing escape in North Carolina. It’s a perfect place to experience one of the region’s newest and most enchanting natural wonders.

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NC High School Athletes Cashing In on NIL Deals

High school athletes in North Carolina can now earn money through name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Since the rule change on July 1, 36 student-athletes statewide have signed NIL deals — including 5 in Wake County.

Most deals involve social media promotions, local sponsorships, and branded merchandise. While the new policy opens doors for young athletes, officials encourage families to review contracts carefully and stay informed. Read More

7 Cases of Flesh-Eating Bacteria Reported in NC This Year

North Carolina has reported 7 cases of Vibrio vulnificus—a rare, flesh-eating bacteria—so far in 2025. Health officials say the infections likely stem from warm coastal waters and exposure through open wounds or raw seafood.

Vibrio vulnificus can cause severe illness or even death, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Officials urge beachgoers to avoid water if they have cuts and to cook all shellfish thoroughly. Read More

Recall Alert: Member’s Mark Freeze-Dried Fruit Packs

A Class II recall has been issued for Member’s Mark Freeze-Dried Fruit Variety Packs sold at Sam’s Club due to potential Listeria contamination.

• Recall Date: July 30, 2025

• Product: 15-pack of freeze-dried strawberries, bananas, and apples

• UPC: 1 93968 50900 2

• Lot Numbers: 25175–25206

• Use-By Dates: June 24–July 25, 2027

• Distributed: July 1–25 in 43 states, including North Carolina

No illnesses have been reported. Customers should return the product to Sam’s Club for a refund and avoid eating it, especially those at higher risk like pregnant women or the elderly. Read More

Woman Struck by Train

A Wendell woman, 21-year-old Ellaryan Marie Miller, was struck and killed by an Amtrak train in downtown Clayton on August 5, 2025. Miller, a UNC Wilmington student, was crossing railroad tracks outside a designated area near W. First Street when the accident occurred. The train, traveling from New York to Charlotte, had about 200 passengers but no injuries onboard.

This is the second pedestrian fatality involving an Amtrak train near downtown Clayton in less than two months. Officials say there’s no foul play and remind the public to stay off railroad tracks for safety. The community mourns Miller’s tragic loss as the investigation continues. Read More

Homelessness in Wake County, NC

The 2025 Point-in-Time Count reported 1,258 unhoused individuals, up 10% from 2024, with 315 unsheltered—a 9.8% increase. The affordable housing shortage, with a 65,860-unit deficit, rising rents, and expiring pandemic-era protections drive the crisis. Wake County schools noted 5,556 homeless students in 2024-2025, up 8% from 2022-2023. Black residents, 21% of the population, made up 63% of the homeless in 2024. Despite efforts like Raleigh’s housing programs and 3,500 new affordable units since 2019, the crisis persists. Read More

A Heroic Dog Saves Lives in Pittsburgh

In a remarkable display of loyalty and instinct, a dog in Pittsburgh's North Shore neighborhood led a stranger to two unconscious individuals in need of urgent medical attention. On July 29, Gary Thynes was at a local park when a dog began persistently barking and nudging him, seemingly trying to get his attention. Following the dog's lead, Thynes was guided to a tent encampment near railroad tracks, where he discovered a man and a woman unresponsive and in critical condition. Without hesitation, Thynes called 911, and emergency responders quickly transported the pair to a nearby hospital. Their current conditions remain unknown.

Initially, animal control planned to take the dog to a distant pound, but Thynes, recognizing the animal's heroic actions, decided to care for the dog himself. He noted that the dog appeared thin and had an eye infection, and he vowed to help restore its health. Thynes expressed deep admiration for the dog's actions, stating, "He definitely saved some lives." This heartwarming story underscores the profound bond between humans and animals and highlights the often-overlooked role pets play in our lives.

This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the unexpected ways in which compassion and courage can manifest, even from our four-legged companions.

"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

16 Options to Stay Active

Ever feel like retirement isn’t quite what it used to be? Nowadays, many people hitting retirement age want to stay active, keep busy, or even earn a little extra cash. Curious what jobs can pay quickly and keep you engaged? Here are 16 options that do just that!

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

What’s Happening This Weekend

🎶 Friday, August 8

• Friday Night on White (Downtown Wake Forest, 6–9 PM)
  Free outdoor concert featuring The Brickhouse Band, food trucks, local brews, and a family atmosphere. Bring your own chairs/blankets.

• Live Music at Oak City Brewing (Knightdale, 5:30 PM onward)
  Part of August’s First Friday series: local vendors, food trucks, and live music in a fun, casual mix.

• Live Acoustic Set at Farmhouse Jams (Wendell, 7 PM)
  Enjoy local artists performing in a cozy, open-air café setting.

🎉 Saturday, August 9

• Family & Festival Fun in Knightdale

  • Knightdale Farmers Market (Station Park, 11 AM–2 PM): Local produce, crafts, and food trucks.

  • Sprinkling Seeds of Summer (Grasshopper Farms, Knightdale, 10 AM–12 PM): Kids’ crafts and games with Sunny the Fun Fairy.

• “Waitress” Musical Performance (Raleigh, evening)
  A live Broadway-style show at the Lincoln Theatre—check schedules for showtimes.

• Big Concert Night at Walnut Creek (Raleigh)
  Dierks Bentley’s “Broken Branches Tour” performs live at Coastal Credit Union Music Park.

• Wine & Live Music at Local Vineyards

  • Haze Gray Vineyards (near Fuquay-Varina) hosts Reggie Johnson Food Truck & Music at noon.

  • Junius Lindsay Vineyard (nearby) features a live music session at 2 PM.

☀️ Sunday, August 10

• Explore Cary’s Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival (Downtown Cary, 9 AM–5 PM)
  Over 300 artisans, live music, food trucks, and family activities.

• Historic Yates Mill County Park Tours (Raleigh, 1–5 PM)
  Free guided tours of the rebuilt 18th-century gristmill and nature trails.

• Nature Time in Cary & Beyond
  Bond Park and the American Tobacco Trail offer boating, hiking, biking, and relaxing scenery.

• Winery Mornings
  At Junius Lindsay Vineyard enjoy the “Brushes & Bubbly” art + wine session starting at 11 AM.

🍷 Wine Tastings & Sip Events

• Taylor’s Wine Shop Tasting (Raleigh): A free summer wine tasting kicks off at 5:30 PM on August 8.

• Westgate Wine Bar Events (Raleigh)
  Ongoing series including "Blind Tasting: Northern vs Southern Hemisphere" (Aug 5), and "The Wine Hedon" tasting (Jul 30).

• Triangle-area Wineries: Consider visiting Chatham Hill Winery (Cary) or Cloer Family Vineyards (Apex) for vineyard tours, local muscadine wines, and occasional live music nights.

📌 Other Highlights & Ongoing Attractions

• Marbles Kids Museum (Raleigh) – Interactive exhibits & IMAX shows; great for families.

• NC Museum of Art & Sculpture Park (Raleigh) – Free admission to gallery and 164-acre sculpture trail. Ideal for all ages.

• Joel Lane House & Ghost Tours (Raleigh) – Historic walking tours and evening ghost walks at Dorothea Dix Park on Sunday nights.

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]