Cary Spotlight | Issue #361

NC Increases Aid for Hurricane Helene Victims | Fall Fun at Good Hope Farm | Parrot Heads Party for a Cause

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Quote of the Day

📰 NC Boosts Unemployment Benefits for Hurricane Helene Victims

📰 Food, Fun, and Farm Life Await at Good Hope Farm’s Fall Celebration

❤️ Parrot Heads of North Carolina: Partying with a Purpose

😋🍴 Savor Cary: Saffron Indian Cuisine

☀️ Cary NC Weather

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

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: What animal can shoot a boiling hot chemical spray as a defense?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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NC Boosts Unemployment Benefits for Hurricane Helene Victims

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, North Carolina is increasing unemployment benefits to provide financial support to affected residents. Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order on Wednesday, raising the maximum weekly benefit from $350 to $600 for individuals whose employment has been disrupted by the storm.

The calculation method for determining benefit eligibility remains unchanged, ensuring consistency across claims. The increase targets residents in western North Carolina, where many jobs have been lost and work hours reduced due to the storm’s damage.

Since Helene’s landfall, unemployment claims from storm-affected counties have surged, accounting for nearly 80% of new claims statewide. The expanded benefits apply to unemployment weeks starting September 29 and will remain available until further action by the governor. Read Full Report.

Credit: Cary It Green

Food, Fun, and Farm Life Await at Good Hope Farm’s Fall Celebration

This Saturday, Cary residents are invited to immerse themselves in history and community at the Harvest Festival, hosted by Good Hope Farm. This family-friendly event offers a chance to experience life on a historic farm while enjoying a variety of activities and local flavors.

Visitors can explore the teaching farm and meet farmers selling fresh produce. Antique farm equipment will be on display, and local craft vendors will add to the lively atmosphere. Live music will provide the perfect soundtrack as attendees enjoy food and beverages from popular local businesses, including Death by Taco, Bond Brothers Beer Company, and Carrboro Coffee Roasters.

For children, the festival offers an inflatable slide area and face painting, ensuring fun for all ages. Attendees can also participate in craft stations and popup workshops or relax in hammocks scattered throughout the farm.

Environmental educators will be available throughout the day to share insights on composting, clean energy, native plants, tree care, and the importance of songbirds. The event highlights sustainability, reflecting the farm’s mission to educate the community about eco-friendly practices.

Due to the farm’s historic nature, on-site parking is unavailable. Guests are asked to park at Good Hope Baptist Church, located at 6628 Good Hope Church Rd., just 0.05 miles from the farm. Complimentary shuttles will run between the parking area and the festival grounds throughout the day.

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Credit: Parrot Heads of North Carolina

Parrot Heads of North Carolina: Partying with a Purpose

The Parrot Heads of North Carolina (PHofNC) have spent three decades blending fun with philanthropy, channeling their love for Jimmy Buffett’s music into meaningful community service. Founded in 1994, this lively group operates under the motto “Party with a Purpose!”—a reflection of their commitment to giving back while enjoying every moment.

Each year, PHofNC selects three charities as the focus of their fundraising and volunteer efforts. In 2024, their annual MargaRALEIGHville event raised more than $11,000 to support the Ronald McDonald House, the Food Bank of Central and Eastern NC, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Their generosity goes beyond fundraising, with members actively volunteering—collecting food, recycling pop tabs to support Ronald McDonald House programs, and building beds for children who might otherwise sleep on the floor.

Credit: Parrot Heads of North Carolina

The organization’s commitment to service extends throughout the year. Members gather at charity events, host fundraisers, and contribute their time to support community initiatives. These efforts have created more than just a membership roster—they’ve cultivated a family-like community bound by the shared joy of making a difference.

With a welcoming spirit, PHofNC invites anyone interested to join their monthly meeting, where newcomers can meet the “phlock” and discover the group’s vibrant mix of fun and purpose. Meetings typically begin at 3 p.m. on the Second Saturday of the Month and take place at Rally Point Sports Grill, located at 837 Bass Pro Lane in Cary. Those interested are encouraged to email the organization at PHofNC for the latest details.

If you’re ready to have fun, make new friends, and leave a positive impact along the way, the Parrot Heads of North Carolina are eager to welcome you aboard. Grab a margarita, join the party, and help make a difference—because in this group, every celebration counts.

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Take the Quiz

Feeling like your life’s a bit... wobbly? Take this 30-second quiz to see if your health, wealth, and happiness are rolling along smoothly or need a tune-up. It’s fun, fast, and might just make you say, ‘Ah, that’s why!’ Take the quiz now.

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Credit: Saffron Indian Cuisine

Savor Cary: Saffron Indian Cuisine

Saffron Indian Cuisine 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: Saffron Indian Cuisine

Saffron Indian Cuisine

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Enter Our Monthly Drawing – You Pick the Prize!

We’ve got exciting news! Every month, we hold a special drawing, and the winner gets to choose their prize 🎉. Next drawing: 24 Oct 2024.

This month’s options include:

🍽️ A $100 gift card to your favorite local restaurant OR

💙 A $100 donation to a local charity, like DORCAS Ministries, made on your behalf.

You’re automatically entered when you participate in our referral program! Here’s your personal referral link to share with friends and increase your chances:

👉 https://www.caryspotlight.com/subscribe?ref=PLACEHOLDER

The more people you refer, the better your chances of winning—and the best part? You choose the reward that’s right for you!

Thank you for being part of the Cary Spotlight community. We appreciate your support in helping us grow and make an impact!

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 18th (Friday)

October 19th (Saturday)

October 20th (Sunday)

October 21st (Monday)

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

The bombardier beetle is known for its remarkable defense mechanism, in which it shoots a boiling hot chemical spray from its abdomen to deter predators. This spray, made of hydrogen peroxide and hydroquinone, is released at nearly 100°C (212°F) with an audible popping sound. The beetle’s ability to control the chemical reaction and aim the spray makes it a fascinating example of nature's ingenuity in defense.

For more information about the bombardier beetle and its unique adaptations, you can visit the Britannica page on the bombardier beetle.