In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

✈️Your Voice Matters: RDU Calls for Community Feedback on Upcoming Budget

🧭 Checked Bag Fees on the Rise: United Airlines Joins American in Fee Hike

🧭 Fred G. Bond Metro Park: Wake County's Premier Urban Oasis

🚢 Queen Mary 2: Where the Journey Becomes the Destination

▶️ Cunard Queen Mary 2 Full Ship Tour

😋Tasty Trend: My Mom’s Meyer Lemonade Recipe

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is a James Beard award-winning vegan chef bringing equality to the food system through the promotion of plant-based eating in Black communities?

A) Bryant Terry B) Terry Collins C) Kobe Bryant

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Your Voice Matters: RDU Calls for Community Feedback on Upcoming Budget

Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) has unveiled a draft budget and business plan for the next fiscal year, focusing on enhancing the customer experience through various construction projects and sustainability efforts.

The plan includes significant upgrades to infrastructure like the runway, restrooms, and parking facilities. Feedback from the public has highlighted a desire for more parking spaces, diverse food options, comfortable waiting areas, and a broader range of direct and international flights.

The airport is also prioritizing energy efficiency to cut costs. RDU is currently collecting suggestions and comments from the public via email to [email protected], with all input to be presented to the airport authority board for consideration.

You can read the plan here

Read Full Story

Checked Bag Fees on the Rise: United Airlines Joins American in Fee Hike

This week, United Airlines announced a $5 increase in checked baggage fees for domestic flights, a change that will take effect on Saturday.

This marks the airline's first fee adjustment in four years, setting the cost for the first checked bag at $40 and the second at $50, with a $5 discount for those who pay in advance. The airline emphasized exceptions for certain groups, such as United Chase credit card holders and active military members, who will not be affected by the fee increase.

This fee hike follows a similar announcement by American Airlines, which attributed its increase to the rising cost of fuel. The trend of rising baggage fees is not isolated, with JetBlue and Alaska Airlines also announcing increases earlier in the year. Read full story

Fred G. Bond Metro Park: Wake County's Premier Urban Oasis

Fred G. Bond Metro Park, a huge expanse of 310 acres in the heart of Wake County, serves as a pivotal urban sanctuary that marries natural beauty with recreational bounty. Opening its gates promptly at 7:30 a.m. and bidding adieu to visitors at dusk, the park's timings are clearly communicated at its entrances, ensuring all guests can plan their visits within the park's welcoming embrace.

The park offers a plethora of amenities catering to diverse interests. For those seeking a serene spot to gather with a small group of friends or family, the waterfront and deck area, dotted with picnic tables both with and without grills, stand ready for walk-up use. However, for larger assemblies or organized events, the park kindly requests reservations at either the Kiwanis or Buehler Shelter, designed to accommodate such gatherings.

At the heart of the park's recreational offerings is the Bond Park Boathouse. This charming facility, ensconced among towering pines beside the tranquil Bond Lake, offers visitors a chance to indulge in a variety of refreshments ranging from snacks to ice cream, all available for purchase.

For the adventure seekers, Bond Park introduces a basic orienteering course. This point-to-point course challenges visitors to navigate from start to finish, visiting a series of control points, with the option to use either the basic map or the master map for an added layer of complexity.

The park also houses the Bond Park Challenge Course, an outdoor learning facility designed to push the boundaries of personal growth and teamwork through a series of graduated challenge activities. When not in use for programmed activities, the Challenge Course Shelter is open to all on a first-come, first-served basis.

Beyond these features, the park is home to the Sertoma Amphitheatre, Compost Education Center, Tree ID Trail, Lazy Daze Playground, and athletic fields, all seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. Whether it's enjoying a picnic, catching a performance, exploring the trails, or simply playing, visitors find a unique blend of activities that cater to both the body and spirit.

The community's affection for Fred G. Bond Metro Park is palpable, with many recounting years of fond memories shaped within its bounds. From idyllic walks around the lake, witnessing nature's spectacle, to children's laughter echoing from the playground, the park is celebrated as a cornerstone of Cary, offering both a retreat into nature and a space for play.

Google Maps directions to Bond Park.
Address: 801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513

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Queen Mary 2: Where the Journey Becomes the Destination

The Queen Mary 2's six-day Atlantic crossing is far from the dull voyage one might expect. It positions itself as a place of intellectual and cultural stimulation, hosting the Literature Festival At Sea and offering a range of activities including theatrical performances, lectures on art investment, and more.

The ship's library and upscale dining options like the Princess Grill and Queens Grill provide further enrichment. As the journey ends with sights of dolphins and the Statue of Liberty, the experience leaves passengers wishing for more, highlighting the ship's unique appeal and value starting at $1,389 per person for a seven-day sailing.

Feel free to visit their website for current cruise dates and the details

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My Mom’s Meyer Lemonade Recipe

Chef Valentina raves about how this Meyer Lemonade recipe is easy-to-make, full of flavor and has the perfect balance of ingredients. It's refreshing, sweet, tangy and oh-so-delicious. What sweet and delicious memories.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 cups water

• 2 cups Meyer lemon juice

• dash of salt

In a small saucepan, heat the sugar with the water until it's dissolved. Remove from the stove and pour it into a large pitcher.

Add the lemon juice and a bit of salt. Stir to blend.

Once the lemonade has cooled to room temperature, place it in the refrigerator.

Serve chilled over ice.

Notes: Meyer lemons are thought to be a cross between a standard lemon and an orange. They have smoother, thinner skin, a wonderful tangy aroma and are also sweeter and less acidic than most other lemons. Alternative: is to substitute Meyer lemon juice with 1 cup orange juice and 1 cup lemon juice.

Give it a try and let us know what you think. Click for Full Post