Cary Spotlight | Issue #353

Asheville Recovers from Hurricane Helene | N.C. State 'Purple Day' Recognizes Domestic Violence Victims | Florida Braces for Milton's Impact

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Quote of the Day

📰 Hurricane Helene Leaves Asheville Reeling, Echoes 1916 Flood Disaster

❤️ Wake County Steps Up: Cary Spotlight Readers Reflect on Personal Ties to Hurricane Helene’s Impact

📰 'Purple Day' at N.C. State: A Tribute to Domestic Violence Survivors and Victims

📰 Evacuations and Storm Surges: Florida Braces for Hurricane Milton's Fury

❤️ Thank You for the Flowers! Paula Sears

😋🍴 Savor Cary: a'Verde Cocina + Tequila Library

☀️ Cary NC Weather

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

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who was the first Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Hurricane Helene Leaves Asheville Reeling, Echoes 1916 Flood Disaster

Hurricane Helene struck Asheville and surrounding areas with a devastating force reminiscent of the region's historic Flood of 1916. Floodwaters from Helene caused rivers, including the French Broad, to surpass previous flood records, leaving communities underwater and causing at least 89 deaths statewide. 

Buncombe County, where Asheville is located, reported 40 deaths, the highest of any county. The storm dropped up to 31 inches of rain in some areas, leading to widespread destruction of infrastructure, including roads, homes, and power lines.

The financial toll is estimated to reach up to $250 billion. State and federal agencies, along with local organizations, are working to help the communities recover, but the road to rebuilding will be long and difficult. Read Full Report.

Wake County Steps Up: Cary Spotlight Readers Reflect on Personal Ties to Hurricane Helene’s Impact

Credit: Cary Spotlight Issue #346

As recovery efforts continue in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation in Western North Carolina, additional teams from Wake County have joined the mission to provide aid. The powerful storm caused widespread flooding, wind damage, and prolonged power outages, leaving many communities struggling to restore basic services. Roads and bridges have been washed out, making it difficult for rescue and repair crews to reach isolated areas.

In a recent reader poll conducted by Cary Spotlight (Issue #346), an overwhelming 82.5% of respondents said they knew someone in the affected areas. Many shared personal stories of the hardships their friends and family members are facing in the aftermath of the storm.

“I have several friends in Western North Carolina,” one reader wrote. “They’ve suffered from power outages for a week or more, no water for that amount of time, and bridges are out, so there’s no way to get out of their neighborhoods. For many, the destruction of their property is a huge issue.”

Another respondent shared the plight of a relative in Hendersonville: “My nephew and his family are safe, but their house is heavily damaged, now threatened by a mudslide. The road nearby is nearly destroyed.”

Many readers expressed relief that their loved ones had survived the storm but conveyed deep concern over the long road to recovery. “I have four very close friends in three separate towns. All are safe,” one reader shared. “But I have many other acquaintances of whom I know nothing. This is a dreadful occasion… my heart bleeds for everyone!”

The outpouring of personal stories from Cary residents highlights the deep connections between the community and those in the storm-ravaged regions of Western North Carolina.

As more teams from Wake County join the relief effort, the sense of solidarity and shared resilience grows stronger. In the face of this disaster, Cary Spotlight readers remind us all that we are more connected than we may realize—and no one is facing this alone.

'Purple Day' at N.C. State: A Tribute to Domestic Violence Survivors and Victims

North Carolina State University will host "Purple Day: Honoring Voices, Illuminating Hope," an event dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence.

The centerpiece of the event is the "Silent Witness" exhibit, which includes life-sized red silhouettes representing individuals who have lost their lives to domestic violence.

In collaboration with InterAct of Wake County, N.C. State’s Women’s Center will also hold a tribute walk featuring the voices of survivors, along with interactive and visual arts designed to promote healing and amplify their stories.

A resource fair will provide information and support to attendees, highlighting programs like N.C. State’s Intimate Partner Violence Survivor Program. The event aims to raise awareness, honor victims, and support survivors in their journey toward healing. Read Full Report 

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, you can call The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). For county-by-county help, the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence has a list of resources at nccadv.org.

Here are some additional resources:

Credit: WRAL

Evacuations and Storm Surges: Florida Braces for Hurricane Milton's Fury

Hurricane Milton battered Florida on Wednesday with tropical storm-force winds, rain, and tornadoes, threatening the state with catastrophic flooding and widespread destruction.

The storm's uncertain path left millions in the Tampa Bay region and beyond at risk, and officials issued evacuation orders for over 7 million people. However, many residents faced challenges in evacuating, with some choosing to stay behind due to logistical difficulties.

As Milton, a Category 3 hurricane, approached, emergency responders warned they would be unable to respond to calls during the height of the storm. With storm surges of up to 13 feet expected and rain totals potentially reaching 18 inches, central Florida braced for significant impacts.

The state continues to recover from Hurricane Helene's devastation just two weeks ago, and many communities are still vulnerable to further damage. Read Full Report

Do you know anyone living in Florida in the path of this storm?

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Thank You for the Flowers!
Paula Sears

Credit: a'Verde Cocina + Tequila Library

Savor Cary: a'Verde Cocina + Tequila Library

a'Verde Cocina + Tequila Library is one of the restaurants that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s Readers for our Savor Cary Giveaway. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below. We will share the results of this reader poll in an upcoming issue. Checkout their website: a'Verde Cocina + Tequila Library

a'Verde Cocina + Tequila Library

Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu.

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Cary Spotlight introduced the “Savor Cary” giveaway, a new initiative designed to highlight Cary's vibrant dining scene. Subscribers can enter to win a VIP dining experience by referring new readers to our newsletter.

You can choose from a selection of dining experiences valued at $100 (gift voucher), with new options introduced monthly to keep the contest engaging and fresh. First drawing: 24 Oct 2024.

Recommend Cary Spotlight and Win Dinner on Us!
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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.

October 10th (Thursday)

October 11th (Friday)

October 12th (Saturday)

October 13th (Sunday)

October 14th (Monday)

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

Dr. Antonia Novello made history as the first Hispanic and first female U.S. Surgeon General, serving from 1990 to 1993. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush, Dr. Novello was a pioneering advocate for public health, focusing on issues such as childhood immunizations, smoking prevention, and improving healthcare for women and minorities. Her groundbreaking leadership has left a lasting impact on public health policy in the United States.

For more information about Dr. Antonia Novello, you can visit the National Library of Medicine's page on her.