Cary Spotlight | Issue #232

Fatal Accident South of Clinton, Juneteenth Events, 102-Year-Old Crossing Guard Retires, Crime Stats Released

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

😀 Quote of the Day

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

📰 Cary Man Dies in Collision with Semi-Truck South of Clinton

📰 Cary's Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Reflection

📰 End of an Era: 102-Year-Old Thomas Faucette Retires as School Crossing Guard

🚨The Cary Police Department Crime Data

🏆 $1 Million Stakes: La Bombonera and U.S. Women Victorious in TST Finals

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Where is the world's largest church located?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Speed light

Cary Man Dies in Collision with Semi-Truck South of Clinton

On Saturday evening, a fatal collision occurred on U.S. Highway 421 south of Clinton, involving a Cary resident. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol responded to the scene around 8:15 p.m.

The accident involved a southbound 2024 Freightliner semi-truck carrying pellets and a 2007 Toyota Tacoma traveling east on Mount Gilead Church Road. The Toyota failed to yield at a stop sign, resulting in a severe crash that pushed the vehicle off the road, where it overturned in a ditch.

The semi-truck driver was not injured in the accident. However, Biviano Velasquez Morales, 41, of Cary, who was driving the Toyota, died on impact. Authorities have confirmed that alcohol was not a contributing factor. Read more

Cary's Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom and Reflection

Juneteenth in Cary, North Carolina, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people, blending celebration and reflection. Historian Darrell Stover has been instrumental in developing Cary's annual Juneteenth event over the past six years. This celebration is part of a broader series of events in the Triangle area that honor African American culture with parades, speeches, performances, and community gatherings.

The essence of Juneteenth lies in the late arrival of emancipation news to Galveston, Texas, in June 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. This year's Cary celebration features Dr. Freddie Parker, who will discuss the historical experiences of runaway slaves. The event also sheds light on Cary's own history of slavery, referencing plantations like White Plains and Crabtree Jones.

Cary's Juneteenth celebration emphasizes education and community engagement, providing a deeper understanding of the transition from enslavement to freedom. The Town of Cary, known for its cultural inclusivity, welcomes everyone to participate in this significant event, which underscores the ongoing quest for freedom and justice. Read More

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Schools Out

End of an Era: 102-Year-Old Thomas Faucette Retires as School Crossing Guard

Thomas Faucette, at 102 years old, has retired after a distinguished 36-year career as a crossing guard at Peck Elementary School in Greensboro.

His life of service began in World War II, followed by a career in the postal service until his retirement in 1986. In 1988, he started his role at Peck Elementary, ensuring the safety of students for over three decades.

On the final day of the Guilford County Schools year, the school community gathered to honor Faucette’s contributions. With the school moving to a new building next year, his absence will be acutely felt.

Faucette’s wife, Elizabeth, plans to keep him active in retirement, acknowledging the significant void his departure creates. The school celebrates his life of dedication and service, marking the end of an era. Read More

Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (10 June 2024)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

Credit: TST

$1 Million Stakes: La Bombonera and U.S. Women Victorious in TST Finals

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 TST competition at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC, both the men’s and women’s finals brought high-stakes drama, with each match offering a $1 million prize to the victor.

For the first time in the tournament's history, the women's final took the field, setting a precedent before the men's final followed. The format, a seven-on-seven match played over 40 minutes, culminated in a unique “target score time,” where the winning goal needed to surpass the leading team’s score by one, ensuring an electrifying walk-off finish.

In the men’s final, La Bombonera from Delaware, with strong Mexican roots, triumphed with a decisive 4-0 victory. Chad Poarch, an alumnus of the University of Delaware, sealed the win during “target score time,” securing the substantial $1 million prize.

The women’s final saw the U.S. Women, led by Heather O’Reilly and Ali Krieger, emerge as the first-ever champions in this category. The team, featuring USWNT veterans including Ali Long, Lori Lindsey, and Cat Whitehill, faced the local NC Courage. The match was fiercely contested, with both teams exchanging goals initially, but the U.S. Women pulled ahead to clinch a 6-3 victory. Talia Dellaperuta, a standout from UNC, scored the decisive walk-off goal during “target score time,” a moment she described as unparalleled in her career. Read full article

Credit: Town of Cary, NC

All this June celebrate the colors of Pride with activities and events in Cary. Events include The History of PFLAG in Cary -The Sally Zumbach Story on June 18 at the Page-Walker; Pride Cary Night Market at Downtown Cary Park on June 22; Allies and Icons Pride Film Festival at The Cary Theater; Pride Through the Decades, an art exhibition at Cary Arts Center and more. Learn more

Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

June 11th (Tuesday)

June 12th (Wednesday)

June 13th (Thursday)

June 14th (Friday)

June 15th (Saturday)

June 16th (Sunday)

June 17th(Monday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

The world's largest church, St. Peter's Basilica, is located in Vatican City. This iconic and historic basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, designed by renowned architects including Michelangelo. St. Peter's Basilica is not only an important religious site but also a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.

To learn more about St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City, you can visit the official Vatican website.