In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🔥 Daily Quote

🧭 Breaking Barriers Above the Clouds: Theresa Claiborne’s Trailblazing Journey

✈️ Navigating RDU This Summer: Tips to Avoid Common Travel Delays

🎖️ Reflecting on the True Cost of Our Freedom This Memorial Day

😋 Savoring the Best of Cary: 4 Must-Try Mexican Cuisine Restaurants

😋Tasty Trend: Melon and Feta Tetris Salad

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who is the first woman to reach both poles?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Quote (and Photo) of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
— Saint Augustine

Breaking Barriers Above the Clouds: Theresa Claiborne’s Trailblazing Journey

Captain Theresa Claiborne, a trailblazer in aviation, concluded her impressive 43-year career with her final professional flight, which landed at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 23, 2024. Coming from Lisbon, Portugal, this flight not only marked the end of Claiborne's active flying career but also celebrated her pioneering role as the first Black woman to fly in the US Air Force and her subsequent success as a commercial pilot with United Airlines. Throughout her career, Claiborne broke down racial and gender barriers, advocating for diversity and inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams in aviation.

As she steps back from commercial flying, Claiborne plans to continue her advocacy work, focusing on mentoring, writing, and engaging with historical aviation projects.

She has been a significant figure in Sisters of the Skies, a non-profit aiming to increase the number of Black women in the cockpit, where she has worked to provide scholarships and support to aspiring pilots.

While she may no longer be piloting commercial aircraft, Claiborne's impact on the aviation industry is poised to endure as she shifts her focus to preserving and promoting the legacy of diversity and excellence in aviation. Read Full Story

Editor’s Note: In the US, 93.7% of professional pilots are White and 92.5% of professional pilots are male, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Navigating RDU This Summer: Tips to Avoid Common Travel Delays

As Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) enters another bustling summer season, travelers can expect to face various congestion points. Last year, the airport saw over 1.35 million passengers each month during this period, with projections indicating a new record might be set this year. Despite ongoing expansion plans, the anticipated improvements will not be in place for the current summer, necessitating strategic navigation through several chokepoints.

1. Parking Challenges: With over 18,500 parking spaces distributed across decks and remote lots, RDU often reaches full capacity, particularly at Park Economy 3. Future expansions will nearly triple this lot's capacity, but for now, travelers are advised to reserve parking online at least 24 hours in advance to ensure a spot.

2. TSA Checkpoint Delays: The early hours see the busiest times at TSA checkpoints, with RDU planning to expand and streamline these areas next year. Until then, arriving well-prepared and considering expedited screening options like TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can help minimize wait times.

3. Limited Food Services: The pandemic's impact still lingers in the airport's food and beverage offerings, with many outlets yet to reopen. RDU expects to enhance its dining options by year-end, but currently, travelers might face longer waits for food and should plan accordingly.

4. Pick-up Area Congestion: Early morning and late evening flights lead to congested pick-up zones. A redesign of the terminal approach roads and a new ground transportation center are planned, but in the interim, using the cell lot for pick-ups and coordinating closely with arriving passengers can ease the process. Read full story

Here's an overview of some notable nonstop flights you can access from RDU

Reflecting on the True Cost of Our Freedom This Memorial Day

As Memorial Day nears, our thoughts gravitate towards the profound sacrifices made by countless individuals whose efforts have safeguarded the freedoms we relish. This observance extends beyond its casual association with the onset of summer—it stands as a dedicated moment for reflection and gratitude.

Memorial Day is marked not merely by recreational activities but by a deeper recognition of the costs paid by those who never returned home. It is a day to remember that each moment of liberty we enjoy has been earned through the ultimate sacrifices of others—lost lives that left behind grieving families and children who would only know their parents through photographs.

This solemn holiday reminds us that while we may celebrate in the warmth of family gatherings and enjoy leisurely pursuits, we also owe a moment of silence and respect for those who have laid down their lives. It's a day to acknowledge the weight of freedom, paid for not with currency, but with the lives and blood of those who wore our nation's uniforms.

Chris Coetzer, PhD
Founder/Editor
Cary Spotlight

Savoring the Best of Cary: 4 Must-Try Mexican Cuisine Restaurants

If you're craving Mexican cuisine in Cary, North Carolina, you're in for a treat. The town is home to a variety of exceptional restaurants, each offering a delightful bounty of flavorful Mexican dishes.

1. Torero's Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Torero's offers a wide range of authentic Mexican dishes, including chicken tacos, camarones a la chipotle, and a variety of fajitas. Patrons appreciate the generous portions and consistently good food. The restaurant is noted for its vibrant dining atmosphere and friendly service​.

2. Bravos Mexican Grill: Rated as one of the best Mexican grills in Cary, Bravos is known for its extensive menu featuring dishes like Texas fajitas and Pollp Relleno—a grilled chicken breast stuffed with ham and spinach. The restaurant is also appreciated for its fast service and the variety of dining options including take-out​.

3. Los Tres Magueyes: Celebrated for its authentic, yet mild flavor profiles that cater to all palates. They offer a variety of salsas and hot sauces for those who prefer a spicier meal. The restaurant also features daily drink specials and is a local favorite for its welcoming atmosphere​​.

4. Gonza Tacos y Tequila: This award-winning establishment is known for its unique blend of Colombian-Mexican cuisine. It features handcrafted Latin cocktails and a wide selection of tequilas. Gonza Tacos y Tequila offers a creative menu with dishes prepared using fresh, local ingredients​.

Did we miss any of your favorite Mexican restaurants in Cary? Let us know at [email protected].

Melon and Feta Tetris Salad 😋

This Melon and Feta 'Tetris' Salad is bursting with fresh summer flavors and is super fun to make! Add on some black olives, red onions, mint, and cucumbers, and top with a Honey Lemon Vinaigrette for a touch of bright citrus! This salad is perfect for a picnic, or enjoy it at your next summer gathering!

📋 Ingredients List:

• 2 cups 1 inch cubed watermelon

• 1/4 medium canteloupe 1 inch cubed

• 1/4 medium honeydew melon 1 inch cubed

• 2 mini or Persian cucumbers cut into 1 inch lengths and trimmed on the sides if needed

• 1 cup 1 inch cubed Feta approximate

• 6-10 radishes cut into 1 inch cubes or thereabout

• 1/3 cup black or kalamata olives

• 1/4 red onion cut into thin rings

• fresh mint chopped for garnish

• flakey sea salt and coarse black pepper for finishing

• 1/2 tsp sumac for finishing

📋 Ingredients List (Honey Lemon Vinaigrette):

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 2-3 tbsp runny honey

• salt and pepper

📝 Instructions:

• Honey Lemon Vinaigrette, made in advance:

  1. Whisk all the vinaigrette ingredients together. Taste and re-season as desired.

  2. This can be stored in the fridge till needed. Bring to room temperature before using.

• Make Salad:

  1. Arrange the melons, cucumbers, feta and radishes onto a platter.

  2. Scatter the olives and red onions over everything.

  3. Drizzle with the dressing. Finish with the mint and a sprinkling of flakey salt and coarse pepper. This can sit for a while before serving. If you are preparing this in advance, you may hold off on the mint and salt and pepper. Also, at the very end, sprinkle sumac over everything.

  4. Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge, it keeps quite well.

Give it a try and let us know what you think. Print recipe & tips