In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🛑 Over 400 Roads Closed as Hurricane Helene Devastates NC Mountains

✈️ How to Navigate Flight Cancellations and Delays Like a Pro

😋 Savor Cary: Kristina Shuford (Winner)

🚢 Ponant Offers Exclusive Access to Mediterranean Treasures

😋Tasty Trend: Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What was the Fred Bond Era in Cary known for?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients. You can read their Business Spotlight | Menu

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Over 400 Roads Closed as Hurricane Helene Devastates NC Mountains

Hurricane Helene brought devastating flooding to Western North Carolina, with more than two feet of rain shutting down over 400 roads and cutting off entire communities. 

Interstate 40 and other major highways were closed due to landslides, and parts of Asheville and Chimney Rock Village were submerged or swept away by the floodwaters. Rainfall totals exceeded 23 inches in some areas, leaving 900,000 households without power. 

The storm's unrelenting force not only submerged roads but also overwhelmed Unicoi Hospital, prompting a dramatic rescue of over 50 people stranded on its rooftop.

The scale of the destruction extends to vital infrastructure as well. A portion of Interstate 40, a major transportation artery that connects Tennessee and North Carolina through the scenic gorge, slid into the swollen river below, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). This closure is expected to last indefinitely, severing a key link between the two states and further isolating the region.

The storm claimed two lives, while tornadoes caused additional injuries. Mudslides destroyed homes and highways, leaving residents stranded for hours. Emergency services were overwhelmed with calls, and families remain cut off from communication due to widespread outages.

Evacuations were ordered near dams, though no failures were reported. Recovery efforts are expected to take weeks as officials work to clear roads and restore power. Read Full Story | See Photos & Updates

How to Navigate Flight Cancellations and Delays Like a Pro

Flight cancellations and delays are increasingly common, but with the right approach, you can minimize frustration and stay on track. Here are key tips to help you handle travel disruptions smoothly.

Key Tips for Handling Flight Cancellations and Delays:

• Check Flight Status Before Leaving Home: Stay updated on your flight’s status through airline apps, free text alerts, or by searching your flight number on Google. This saves you from unnecessary trips to the airport and helps you make changes early.

• Act Fast at the Airport: If your flight is canceled or delayed once you're at the airport, head quickly to the airline’s service desk. Being first in line increases your chances of securing an alternative flight. Simultaneously, call the airline’s help center to maximize your chances of getting through sooner.

• Use Alternative Contact Methods: If U.S. customer service lines are busy, try calling international help lines for quicker assistance. Many agents can handle your booking regardless of location. Alternatively, use social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to reach out to airlines.

• Be Prepared and Polite: Airline agents are more likely to assist if you remain calm and courteous. Additionally, do your own research on alternative flight options before reaching the desk—this can help expedite the process when rebooking.

• Hotel and Meal Vouchers: If your flight is delayed overnight and you're not in your home city, ask the airline for a hotel or meal voucher. While it’s not guaranteed, especially for weather-related issues, it's always worth requesting. Check your credit card’s travel protections for potential reimbursements.

• Consider Travel Insurance: For frequent travelers, buying travel insurance can offer added protection, covering expenses like hotels or meals if your flight is significantly delayed or canceled.

• Refunds and Vouchers: If your flight is canceled or significantly delayed, you’re entitled to a full refund rather than a voucher. Be cautious when accepting vouchers, as they can limit your flexibility and future travel options.

• Avoid Layovers When Possible: Booking direct flights minimizes the chances of disruptions, as layovers increase the potential for delays or missed connections.

These tips will help you navigate air travel disruptions with confidence, allowing you to stay one step ahead when facing cancellations or delays. Read Full Report

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Savor Cary: Kristina Shuford (Winner)

We are thrilled to announce the very first winner of our Savor Cary giveaway—Kristina Shuford!

Kristina referred new readers to Cary Spotlight and has won a VIP dining experience valued at $100. As part of this exciting new initiative, she will get to choose from a curated selection of top-notch dining options in Cary, with new experiences being introduced monthly.

Thank you, Kristina, for being an active part of our community, and congratulations on winning the inaugural prize! Stay tuned for more opportunities to Savor Cary and explore the best of our local dining scene.

Editor’s Note: We have seen your requests and we will be adding links to the restaurant websites that we feature in future editions. Bon appetit!

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Ponant Offers Exclusive Access to Mediterranean Treasures

Ponant, a French luxury cruise line, continues to set the bar for intimate and enriching travel experiences with its fleet of sleek, sophisticated ships.

The fleet includes six "Ponant Explorer" vessels, four expedition ships, and the exclusive 32-passenger yacht Le Ponant. Known for its adults-oriented voyages, Ponant offers access to some of the Mediterranean’s most sought-after yet less-traveled destinations.

In partnership with Smithsonian Journeys, select cruises feature expert-led talks and are conducted entirely in English. These voyages also include inclusive amenities like dining, alcohol, WiFi, and gratuities.

With over 44 unique itineraries, Ponant offers something for every traveler, from a Celtic voyage to explorations of Japan’s cultural treasures. One of the standout voyages is the Circumnavigation of Sicily aboard Le Champlain, which departs in 2024 and 2025 and includes visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites. New destinations, such as Tunis, will also be featured in future sailings.

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

Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce 😋

📋 Ingredients List:

• 4 (6-ounce) filet mignon steaks

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/2 cup finely chopped shallots

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 4 ounces lobster meat, chopped

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

📝 Instructions:

1. Season filet mignon steaks with salt and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steaks and cook to desired doneness, approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

3. Transfer steaks to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

4. In the same skillet, add shallots and garlic, sauté until softened, about 2 minutes.

5. Add shrimp and lobster, cook until just opaque, about 2-3 minutes.

6. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.

7. Stir in heavy cream and thyme, simmer until sauce has slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

8. Remove from heat, stir in butter until melted and incorporated.

9. Spoon shrimp and lobster cream sauce over filet mignon and serve immediately

Notes 💡:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Give it a try and let us know what you think.