Cary Spotlight | Issue #074

Goodbye Ordinary: Cary Couple's Journey | NC's High School Proposal | M.O.M.'s Mission

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week!

📅 Adventurous Cary Newlyweds Say Farewell to Conventional Life with Grand Sale

📰 North Carolina Considers Allowing Three-Year High School Graduation

📰 Cary Resident Sentenced in Death of Young Motorcyclist

💡 M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well Spreads Love in Cary

🏆 Backyard Bistro Joins Canes Family as Team Eyes Expansion

🏆 Goalkeeper Hancuff Rejoins North Carolina Courage in Preseason Boost

😀 Viral Meme

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Which renowned research university is located near Cary?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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North Carolina Considers Allowing Three-Year High School Graduation

State legislators in North Carolina are advancing a law that would permit high school students to graduate in three years by completing a reduced number of credits.

The law, aiming for the 2024-2025 school year, would require students to take a specific sequence of courses, focusing heavily on core subjects. While this initiative offers an accelerated path to higher education or the workforce, it raises significant concerns regarding early academic decision-making, the pressure on students, and the ability of schools to provide necessary courses due to staffing issues.

Additionally, the introduction of early graduate scholarships aims to support students financially in their post-secondary pursuits, as educators and school districts await further details and potential modifications to the law.
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Gabrielle “Gabby” Nora Hamed. Photo Credit: Annalyn Hamed.

Cary Resident Sentenced in Death of Young Motorcyclist

Charles Edward Dail III, a 64-year-old from Cary, was sentenced to 81 months in prison after a March crash that killed Gabrielle “Gabby” Nora Hamed. The crash occurred when Dail turned left in front of Hamed's motorcycle while under the influence.

He faced several charges, including felony death by motor vehicle and DWI. The sentence reflects the cumulative crimes listed in the indictment. Hamed, who grew up in a military family and lived overseas for most of her life, had settled in North Carolina in 2015, leaving behind a grieving community.
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Credit: M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well

M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well Spreads Love in Cary

M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well*, under the compassionate leadership of Marie Martin, is a testament to the power of community and kindness in Cary, North Carolina. Founded just two years ago, this non-profit organization has a simple yet profound mission: to deliver floral arrangements to individuals in the Cary, Apex, and Morrisville areas who are alone, ensuring they feel loved and connected.

Marie, a retired President of the United Way of Central Virginia, relocated to Cary with her husband, Jim, seven years ago. Witnessing the loneliness of individuals during special holidays, Marie was moved to act. What started as a personal initiative to deliver flowers on Valentine's Day 2021 to friends, rapidly expanded due to the overwhelming gratitude received. The community's response was so positive that she established M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well, Inc. in 2022, a name that also signifies her initials, Marie O. Martin.

The organization's activities center around major days of love and remembrance, like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, turning them into opportunities for outreach and connection. Over 40 volunteers gather to create and deliver these symbols of care and support, reaching over 150 individuals in 2023 alone. These volunteers, a blend of community members and partnerships with local businesses and non-profits, are the heartbeat of M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well, dedicating their time and resources to bring smiles to those who might otherwise feel forgotten.

The community's involvement is significant, with contributions from local clubs, stores, and senior centers. However, as the organization grows, so does its need for resources. With an ambitious goal to raise $5,000 for 2024, they aim to make 500 arrangements, a testament to their commitment to reaching more lonely hearts in the area.

As M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well looks towards another Valentine's Day of giving, they call for more volunteers, names of individuals in need, and donations. Their work is a reminder of the difference a single act of kindness can make, transforming special days from moments of solitude to celebrations of community and care.

In a world where loneliness can overshadow love, M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well stands as a beacon of hope and solidarity. Marie and her team of volunteers are not just delivering flowers; they are delivering a message loud and clear: in Cary, no one is alone, and everyone is loved.

“Your gift of $11.00 or more pays for a beautiful floral arrangement in a vase with a ribbon which will be hand-delivered to their door with a Valentine's Day note!”, says Marie.

Please consider volunteering your time, contributing to support, and suggesting names of individuals who will be alone (not just for widows) on Valentine's Day, 2024! Go here to learn more: M.O.M. Wishing Widows Well

*M.O.M. stands for Marie O. Martin

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Backyard Bistro Joins Canes Family as Team Eyes Expansion and Betting Facility

The Carolina Hurricanes have officially acquired Backyard Bistro, a well-known restaurant across from PNC Arena, as part of their strategy to expand and enhance fan engagement.

The restaurant has been a fixture for sports enthusiasts since 2009 and will continue to operate under its current management. While there were initial plans to introduce an in-person sports betting facility at the bistro, the timing and details of this development are still pending regulatory decisions.

The acquisition aligns with the Hurricanes' commitment to Raleigh, evidenced by their involvement in the forthcoming $300-million renovation of PNC Arena and a long-term lease agreement. Read full story

Goalkeeper Hancuff Rejoins North Carolina Courage in Preseason Boost

Hensley Hancuff is recalled to the North Carolina Courage from her loan at Växjö DFF in Sweden, ready to join the team's preseason camp. Her return, following Katelyn Rowland's departure, bolsters the Courage's goalkeeping squad alongside Casey Murphy and Marisa Bova.

With a notable collegiate and professional career, including a successful stint in the Australian A-League, Hancuff's reintegration is a strategic move by the Courage, who are looking to build on their impressive record in the National Women's Soccer League. Read full story

Adventurous Cary Newlyweds Say Farewell to Conventional Life with Grand Sale

Credit: Brenna Dragos

A newlywed couple from Cary is selling their possessions and moving into a converted van to start a life on the road. Their two-day sale offers a wide range of items, from high-end clothing to unique home goods.

Editor’s Note: This was such a unique event. We decided to post the description without edits. See what’s on sale here

“We are a recently married couple, selling everything we own and moving into a converted sprinter van to live on the road. We are kicking off the next chapter of our life and it starts here! Scary? Yes. Exciting? Yes!

If you like nice things, popular brands, and decor you won't find at Home Goods, you'll have fun here. Everything in our 4 bedroom house can't come with us into 80 sqft. Jan 6th and 7th.

We have TONS of new/like new clothing items (mens medium, womens s/m. mens size 10/11 shoes, womens 9-10) from nice brands. (Lululemon, Free People, Athleta, Peter Millar, Nike, Adidas, Guess, Wilsons Leather, Brooks Brothers, Banana Republic, FRYE, Via Spiga, Spell and the Gypsy, Anthropologie, Paige Jeans, Seven jeans, Citizens of Humanity, etc.) Lots of nice mens pants (32/33/34) and womens dress pants (2-6).We have furniture, handmade furniture, camera gear, DJI drones, comics and collectibles, farmhouse decor, rugs, fancy art supplies, blanket ladders, unique lighting, metaphysical items, tools, fitness equipment, pots/planters...honestly everything. I also have a Louis Vuitton bag/wallet that I am looking to sell.

Pleaseeeee bring your friends/neighbors by THIS WEEKEND between 8 & 5!! 1117 Wake Robin Ln, Cary NC 27519”

Upcoming Local Events

January 5th (Friday)

January 6th (Saturday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
Duke University in Durham