Cary Spotlight | Issue #284

Potential August Hurricane Looms, Hurricane Recovery Efforts Improve, Cary's BBQ Festival, Journey League's Impact

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

😀 Meme of the Day

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

📰 North Carolina on Alert as Potential August Hurricane Looms

📰 North Carolina’s Hurricane Recovery Efforts Improve, But Challenges Persist

📰 Sip, Savor, and Celebrate: Cary's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is Back

🏆 Building Community Through Sports: Journey League's Impact on Athletes with Disabilities

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What animal laughs when tickled?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi as the newest local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store.

Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.
email: [email protected]

Meme of the Day.
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North Carolina on Alert as Potential August Hurricane Looms

North Carolina is closely monitoring a developing tropical system that could pose a hurricane threat in August, a month that has historically brought significant storms to the state.

The National Hurricane Center warns that the system could soon intensify and move up the Eastern Seaboard.

North Carolina has experienced notable August hurricanes in the past, including Bonnie in 1998, Irene in 2011, and Isaias in 2020. Each storm brought its own challenges, from flooding and storm surges to infrastructure damage. With the peak of hurricane season approaching, residents are being urged to prepare and stay informed as the situation develops. Read full article

Readers can stay up to date on the developing storm and access vital resources through the following channels:

  1. National Hurricane Center (NHC) - The NHC provides real-time updates, forecasts, and alerts about tropical storms and hurricanes. Visit their website at nhc.noaa.gov for the latest information.

  2. ReadyNC - This is North Carolina’s official source for emergency preparedness. The website ReadyNC.org offers resources for storm tracking, emergency planning, and updates on local conditions.

  3. North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS) - Follow NCDPS for updates on state emergency operations and public safety announcements. Their website is ncdps.gov, and they are active on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

  4. Local News Outlets - Stay tuned to local news stations such as WRAL, ABC11, and Spectrum News for regional updates, evacuation orders, and local impacts.

  5. FEMA App - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) app provides alerts from the National Weather Service, tips for emergency preparedness, and information on how to stay safe before, during, and after a hurricane. The app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.

  6. Weather Apps - Utilize weather apps like The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, or NOAA Weather Radar to receive push notifications on the storm's progress and other severe weather alerts.

  7. Social Media - Follow the official accounts of the National Hurricane Center, ReadyNC, and NCDPS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for real-time updates and information.

By accessing these resources, readers can stay informed and take the necessary steps to prepare for any potential impacts from the storm.

North Carolina’s Hurricane Recovery Efforts Improve, But Challenges Persist

Years after hurricanes Matthew and Florence devastated parts of North Carolina, nearly 2,000 residents are still waiting for aid and housing.

The state's recovery efforts, overseen by the North Carolina Office of Recovery and Resiliency (NCORR), have been slow but are showing signs of improvement. With over $236.5 million allocated for Matthew and $542.6 million for Florence from the federal government, the state has repaired or rebuilt over 13,600 homes and public structures.

However, the application process, which closed in April 2023, left many families in prolonged uncertainty. Nearly 1,900 applicants remain in various stages of the recovery process, and criticism over the pace and quality of aid continues. NCORR officials, under closer scrutiny, aim to complete all remaining awards by fall 2024. Read Full Story

Credit: Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate: Cary's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is Back

Cary's Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is set to return on August 2-3, bringing two days of Southern-style celebration. With over 60 beers and 40 bourbons available for unlimited tasting, attendees will receive a souvenir glass to enjoy the extensive offerings.

The festival also features a wide array of barbecue, with pulled pork, ribs, brisket, and sausages taking center stage.

Highlights include the Shrine of Swine, offering whole hogs for sampling, and seminars led by Master Distillers and Pit Masters in the Tasting Theater. Guests can also enjoy live music, games at the Cochon Carnival, and unique shopping opportunities.

The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is a rain-or-shine event, and attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance, as availability may be limited on the day of the event. Free parking is available at the Amphitheatre-owned lots, with additional paid options at local businesses. Learn more here

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Credit: Journey League

Building Community Through Sports: Journey League's Impact on Athletes with Disabilities

In the heart of the Triangle, a unique basketball league is redefining community and inclusivity. We would like to highlight Coach Mike and Coach Laura from Journey League, a basketball league for people aged 12 to 99 with disabilities. Founded in Cary in 2016, Journey League is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities through the love of basketball. Initially rooted in Cary, the league has since expanded to Apex, Garner, Wake Forest, and even as far as Dayton, Ohio.

Journey League offers much more than just a place to play basketball. It’s a sanctuary where teens and adults can engage in physical activity, build lasting friendships, and experience the camaraderie of team sports. The league’s mission is to foster an environment of acceptance, teamwork, and joy, all while celebrating diversity and sportsmanship.

At the core of this thriving community are the dedicated volunteer coaches, known as "Go Givers," who selflessly commit their time and energy to support the athletes. Coaches like Mike and Laura have become central figures in the lives of many players, helping to build a safe and inclusive space for everyone involved.

With its recent expansion to Pittsboro, Journey League now serves over 350 athletes across North Carolina and Ohio. The league’s rapid growth reflects the high demand for such inclusive programs, with plans to open two more locations in North Carolina by the end of the year.

Journey League’s success is fueled by the generosity of corporate and local sponsors who believe in its mission. These partnerships enable the league to continue offering scholarships and creating opportunities for athletes to showcase their abilities. Upcoming events like the September Golf Outing provide vital support for the league’s ongoing expansion and ensure that more individuals with disabilities can participate in this life-changing program.

As Journey League continues to grow, the hope is that it will return to its roots with a branch in Cary, allowing even more local residents to experience the joy and community it fosters.

What aspect of Journey League do you find most compelling?

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Do you know anyone who might be interested in volunteering or supporting Journey League?

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To participate, reservations are required and can be made through the event link on Mosa Pet Spa's website. The event promises to be a meaningful day for both pet owners and animal lovers, as every dollar spent helps to create a brighter future for dogs in need. Learn more about PIPS on their website.

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

August 2nd (Friday)

August 3rd (Saturday)

August 4th(Sunday)

August 5th (Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

Rats are one of the few animals known to exhibit a laughter-like response when tickled, especially when young. This intriguing behavior was discovered through scientific research, which found that rats emit high-pitched sounds outside the range of human hearing when tickled, akin to laughter.

This response is seen in their play and social interactions, suggesting that, much like humans, rats experience a form of joy. The study of rats' laughter has helped researchers better understand the emotional lives of animals and the evolutionary underpinnings of laughter.

For more information on this fascinating topic, you can read about the studies conducted on rat laughter at the National Geographic website.