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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 💡 Discover: The Teen Making Reading Cool Again
• 📰 News: Wake County Offers Free Space Heaters
• 📰 News: Fenton Brings Back Outdoor Ice Skating
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🎁 Your gift fuels local fun: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Scroll or Skip to your favorites.
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Question: What is a group of jelly fish called?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
THE SPOTLIGHT IS ON CARY ✨
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Cary Spotlight Connect 🎧
Host: Dr. Chris Coetzer, Founder of Cary Spotlight
Guest: Kashika Paul, Founder of The Read Initiative (Literacy Nonprofit)
The Teen Making Reading Cool Again
What started as a childhood love of books has become a growing youth-led literacy movement. In this episode of Cary Spotlight Connect, Dr. Chris Coetzer welcomes Kashika Paul, a 17-year-old high school senior, published author, and founder of The Read Initiative.
Kashika shares how writing her first novel at age seven inspired her passion for helping other young people discover the joy of reading and creative writing. She discusses the challenges of launching her nonprofit, including an initially empty book donation bin that eventually led to approximately 100 donated books and a successful Blind Date with a Book event.
Now expanding from Wake County into Pitt County, The Read Initiative is empowering students to lead literacy projects in their own communities. Kashika's story demonstrates how persistence, creativity, and community partnerships can transform one student's vision into a movement with the potential for nationwide impact..
What You’ll Learn
How Kashika began writing at seven and published her first novel at 13.
Why she founded The Read Initiative to make reading exciting and accessible for young people.
How she transformed an unsuccessful book drive into a collection of approximately 100 books.
How Blind Date with a Book brought together literacy, local businesses, and student artists.
How a Governor's School seminar inspired the creation of a Pitt County chapter.
How students can volunteer, build leadership skills, and launch literacy chapters in their communities.
Memorable Quotes
“sometimes I just need to like change my approach rather than giving up.” — Kashika Paul
“You just have to be passionate about making a difference.” — Kashika Paul
“there is always going to be a place for you in the Read Initiative.” — Kashika Paul
A Special Shoutout from Kashika Paul
"I'd like to give a special shoutout to my incredible team at The Read Initiative for helping turn my vision into something bigger than I ever imagined. I'm also incredibly grateful to my family for their constant love and support, especially my younger sister, Avika Paul, who has helped with everything from making bookmarks to outreach efforts. None of this would have been possible without the amazing people supporting me along the way!"
Call to Action
Help make reading and writing more accessible to the next generation! Join The Read Initiative's Wake County team, start a student-led chapter in your county, or connect with Kashika to explore volunteer opportunities.
Organization: The Read Initiative
Website: thereadinitiative.org
Instagram: @the.read.initiative
Email: [email protected]
Kashika Paul, Founder of The Read Initiative (Literacy Nonprofit) Photo Credit: The Read Initiative
Just curious…
What do you think about the mission behind The Read Initiative?
- ❤️ Love it! We need more initiatives like this.
- 🌟 Great idea, especially with students leading the way.
- 📚 Book access matters, but making reading fun matters more.
- 🤔 I like the concept, but wonder how much impact it can have.
- 🌱 I'd love to see how this initiative grows and reaches more communities.
- Other (please specify)
Stats & Moments
Age 7: Kashika began writing her fantasy novel, Enchanted: Not Everything Is as It Seems.
Age 13: She published her first book.
November 2025: Founded The Read Initiative at age 16.
Approximately 100 books: Collected through her first school book drive.
2 counties: The initiative expanded from Wake County to Pitt County.
Future vision: Student-led literacy chapters throughout North Carolina and eventually across the United States.
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction and welcome
00:20 — Meet Kashika Paul and The Read Initiative
00:40 — Discovering a love for reading and writing
02:02 — From writing at seven to publishing at 13
03:33 — Why Kashika founded The Read Initiative
04:40 — The empty donation bin and lessons in persistence
06:16 — Creating Blind Date with a Book
07:39 — Governor's School and expansion into Pitt County
08:46 — Building a statewide student-led literacy movement
09:31 — How to volunteer or start a local chapter
10:26 — Opportunities for students to make a difference
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Wake County Offers Free Space Heaters
Wake County organizations are reporting growing demand for portable space heaters as colder weather approaches central North Carolina. The Warmth for Wake program has already distributed approximately 100 heaters this season and expects to provide at least 500 before spring. Last year, the county distributed more than 400 heaters, highlighting the continuing need for heating assistance among local households.
Warmth for Wake provides free space heaters to Wake County residents who do not have adequate heating in their homes. Program officials say they have worked to minimize eligibility barriers so more residents can receive help. Registration began in October, and assistance is expected to remain available through the end of March 2027. Residents can request heaters by calling or visiting their nearest county regional center.
Helping Hand Mission is also experiencing increased demand. Executive Director Sylvia Wiggins said many families are facing significant financial challenges and may not have the resources to purchase heating equipment. Both organizations are prioritizing safety by inspecting heaters before distribution, testing gently used equipment and checking for product recalls. Wake County generally seeks new heaters to improve reliability and safety.
As temperatures decline, local officials are encouraging residents who lack adequate heating to seek assistance. Community members who want to help can contact local organizations about donating suitable heaters or supporting their winter assistance efforts. Safe use of portable heaters remains essential, including keeping them away from flammable materials and avoiding extension cords.
What Wake County Residents Should Know
❄️ Free heaters available: Warmth for Wake provides space heaters to qualifying Wake County residents.
🏠 Who qualifies: Residents who do not have adequate heating in their homes.
📅 Program dates: October 2026 through March 2027.
📈 Growing demand: The county expects to distribute at least 500 heaters this season.
📞 How to apply: Call or visit your nearest Wake County regional center.
❤️ How to help: Contact Helping Hand Mission or local assistance organizations about donating heaters or other needed supplies.
🔥 Safety reminder: Keep portable heaters at least three feet from combustible materials and plug them directly into wall outlets.
Just curious…
What do you think would help Wake County families struggling to heat their homes the most this winter?
- 🔥 Free space heaters for families in need
- 💰 Financial assistance with heating and utility bills
- 🏡 Free repairs or upgrades to home heating systems
- ❤️ More community donations and nonprofit support
- 📢 Better awareness of available heating assistance programs
- ⚡ Long-term solutions to make home heating more affordable
Fenton Brings Back Outdoor Ice Skating
Fenton's annual Skate the Square attraction has returned to Cary, transforming the shopping and entertainment district's central square into an outdoor ice skating rink for the holiday season. The rink is open through February 7, 2027, giving Triangle residents several months to enjoy a seasonal activity with family and friends.
Visitors can take advantage of several weekly discounts. Students can purchase $15 tickets, plus tax, Sunday through Thursday with a valid student ID. Every Monday is Cheapskate Day, offering $15 admission to all skaters. On Tuesdays, veterans, military members, first responders, healthcare workers, teachers and social workers can receive the same discounted rate with valid identification.
Fenton is also hosting three December DJ nights, each running from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The schedule includes Après Ski on December 3, Y2K on Ice on December 10 and Holiday Hits on December 17. These themed evenings combine music with outdoor skating to create additional opportunities for seasonal entertainment.
Residents planning to visit can find current skating hours, ticket information and event details on Fenton's official website. With the rink open into February, families and groups have opportunities to enjoy the attraction throughout the winter season.
What Cary Residents Should Know
⛸️ Season dates: Open now through February 7, 2027.
📍 Location: Fenton in Cary.
🎓 Student discounts: $15 plus tax, Sunday through Thursday, with valid student ID.
💵 Cheapskate Mondays: $15 plus tax for everyone.
🚒 Blades & Badges Tuesdays: $15 plus tax for eligible service professionals, with valid ID.
🎧 December DJ nights: December 3, 10 and 17, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
🎟️ Tickets and information: Skate the Square 2026-27 Season.
Just curious…
What are you most excited about at Fenton's Skate the Square this winter?
- ⛸️ Enjoying outdoor ice skating with family and friends
- 💰 Taking advantage of the $15 skating discounts
- 🎧 Attending the themed December DJ nights
- 🎄 Soaking up the festive holiday atmosphere
- ❤️ Planning a fun winter date night at Fenton
- ☕ Skipping the skates and enjoying the shops, restaurants and winter scenery
- Other (please specify)
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Nov 10 - Nov 15, 2026
🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:
• Today: Art Cart 12PM-3PM
• Today: Handmade in Clay for the Holidays 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Wednesday: Veterans Day Observance 11AM-NOON
• Wednesday: Live at The Bark Bar: illoh 6PM-9PM
• Wednesday: Tai Chi: Downtown Cary Park 6:30PM-7:30PM
• Thursday: ACC Women’s Soccer Semifinals 11AM-4PM
• Thursday: ACC Men's Soccer Semifinals 5:30PM-10:30PM
• Thursday: Free Square Dance Fun Night 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Thursday: A Capella Concert 7PM-8:30PM
• Friday: TBA
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Yoga 9AM-10AM
• Saturday: Ceremonial Groundbreaking: GoCary Bus Operations & Maintenance Facility 10AM-10:59AM
• Saturday: Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra 7:30PM-9PM
• Sunday: ACC Women’s Soccer Championship 12PM-3PM
• Sunday: Grateful for Good Dogs: Dog Obedience 2PM-3PM
• Sunday: ACC Men's Soccer Championship 4PM-7PM
• Monday: Stretch and Refresh 10AM-11AM
But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: A group of jellyfish is most commonly called a smack, a bloom, or a swarm
Smack: The most popular colloquial and traditional collective noun, often said to describe the sting you might feel if you accidentally swim into them.
Bloom: Used when a large number of jellyfish gather together in a specific area, often numbering in the hundreds or thousands.
Swarm: Used to describe a dense, moving mass of jellyfish
Learn more, Jellyfish