In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week

📰 Wake Tech Students Knit Comfort for Cold-Stricken Shelter Animals

📰 Community Meeting in Cary Calls for Urgent Road Safety Improvements

🔥 Cary Residents Unite to Combat Park Damage, Eye Zoning Changes for ADUs

🏆 World Cup Champion Sam Mewis Ends Illustrious Soccer Career at 31

🏆 Major League Rugby Expands with Young American-Focused Team in Charlotte

😀 Viral Meme

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Which County is Cary a part of?

A) Wake B) Chatham C) Durham D) All three counties E) A & B only

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Wake Tech Students Knit Comfort for Cold-Stricken Shelter Animals

Students at Wake Technical Community College, as part of their DECA Club activities, spent an afternoon making blankets for shelter animals affected by the cold weather.

This initiative, led by club president Aidan Keyes, aimed to make productive use of leftover materials from a similar event in the fall. The effort underscores the club's commitment to community service, extending their care to include animals.

The project aligns with DECA’s goal of preparing students for leadership and entrepreneurial success while emphasizing the importance of community involvement. Read full story

Community Meeting in Cary Calls for Urgent Road Safety Improvements

The Cary community is rallying for road safety improvements after six-year-old Joslin Hernandez was fatally hit by a car.

Residents, led by Catherine Williams, a local of 29 years, organized a meeting with police and city leaders to discuss speeding and traffic safety concerns on Walnut Street.

Proposals included installing crosswalks with flashing lights, more signage, and reducing speed limits. Cary Police Chief Terry Sult acknowledged the community's concerns and is exploring short and long-term solutions, emphasizing the role of community policing in these efforts.

The meeting represents a proactive step by residents and officials to enhance neighborhood safety. Read full story.

Related stories from Cary Spotlight:
6-Year-Old Victim of Road Accident Dies, Remorseless Driver Charged

Cary Residents Unite to Combat Park Damage, Eye Zoning Changes for ADUs

In a striking example of community consensus, Cary's residents (who are subscribed to this newsletter) have voiced a unanimous call to action in response to the alarming degradation of the town's newly established park. The Downton Cary Park, a symbol of Cary's commitment to environmental beauty and public space, now confronts a severe challenge, with over a thousand plants and trees suffering from neglect and damage.

Last week we asked our subscribers to weigh-in on this issue.

Here a is small sample of the comments:

“I witnessed all that was mentioned in the plea to protect the park. Such a shame! We are blessed to have such a wonderful park.”

“Parents need to be more involved with this, parents tend to be busy doing other things besides watching their children as they run around and destroy property, because kids know better.”

“There's just no excuse for being so self-centered and disrespectful. Perhaps we need more security presence, or surveillance cameras and fines. Consequences matter.”

“I find this news very distressing but to play devil's advocate, is it possible damage was caused by recent storms/high winds/rain? It seems strange that park visitors would be pulling off so many tree branches without others noticing and reporting it. ”

“We have been to the park 3-4 times and love it. I think it will be beautiful in the spring and summer. I have been disappointed though to see several times unsupervised children running around, moving furniture, trampling gardens. Where are their parents?”

“Part of the beauty of parks is the nature around it. It’s a shame that some people can’t see that or feel as it’s not their property they can do what they want. Plus too many parents are wrapped in their phones are talking with other people to even bother watching what their kids are doing and correct them. ”

“The park is fabulous! I love everything about it. It is a great place to visit and walk around and watch the people. Love the children’s area with all the great slides and especially the dog park. Great job Cary!” See Issue #082: Real Talk

This week’s Topic: As the town moves forward, Cary is also considering changes to its zoning regulations to encourage the development of more Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), reflecting its evolving approach to urban planning and community development.

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World Cup Champion Sam Mewis Ends Illustrious Soccer Career at 31

At 31, USWNT star midfielder Sam Mewis has announced her retirement from professional soccer, citing ongoing knee issues as the primary reason.

Despite battling the injury since 2017, Mewis played in the 2019 World Cup and the 2020 Olympics, but needed another surgery in 2023.

Known as the "Power of Tower" for her midfield dominance, Mewis made 83 appearances and scored 24 goals for the USWNT. Her club achievements include three NWSL titles and an FA Cup victory. Mewis plans to remain involved in soccer through media coverage. Read full story

Major League Rugby Expands with Young American-Focused Team in Charlotte

Major League Rugby will include a new team, Anthem Rugby Carolina, based in Charlotte and focusing on young American talent.

Supported by World Rugby, this initiative aims to strengthen U.S. rugby leading up to the World Cups in 2031 and 2033. The team's introduction follows the departure of the Toronto Arrows and New York Ironworkers, and is part of a broader strategy to make rugby more relevant in the U.S.

Despite challenges, MLR has been a platform for nurturing U.S. talent, with increasing numbers of professional American players. The Anthem Rugby Carolina team, embodying a deep connection to the Charlotte community, will begin its inaugural season against the New England Free Jacks. Read full story

Cold Weather is here!
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Upcoming Local Events

January 20th (Saturday)

• Pop Up Chorus: GLOW Edition 6:30PM-8:30PM

• Richard Boston at South Line Brewing 6PM-9PM

• PineCone Open Youth Jam 2:30PM-4PM

• Cary Downtown Farmers Market 9AM-12PM

January 21st (Sunday)

• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Minnesota Wild 5PM-9PM

• Winter Owl in the Snow (Sip and Paint Class) 6PM-9PM

• Johnny Folsom 4 3PM-4:30PM

• Performances at the Page: Erik Dyke and Friends 4PM-5:30PM