Cary Spotlight | Issue #362

Check Scam Hits Cary | Engineers Innovate Green Chemistry | Bond Referendum for Parks & Housing

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Quote of the Day

📰 Check Washing Scheme Hits Cary: Residents Urged to Take Precautions

📰 NC State Engineers Trees for Sustainable Chemical Production

📰 Cary's 2024 Bond Referendum: Investing in Parks, Recreation, and Housing

⭐ Culinary Excellence: Italian Cuisine's Impact on American Culture

😋🍴 Savor Cary: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

☀️ Cary NC Weather

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

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Which insect can carry more than 50 times its body weight?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Check Washing Scheme Hits Cary: Residents Urged to Take Precautions

A Cary man recently encountered a check washing scheme after mailing a payment through a secure USPS mailbox. His check, meant for a contractor, was intercepted, altered, and cashed by an unknown individual. After reporting the incident to the police, he discovered two other residents had fallen victim to the same fraud in September.

Credit: ABC11

The North Carolina Bankers Association highlighted the resurgence of check-related scams, noting that while checks are now used far less frequently, they still account for the majority of financial fraud cases. Banking and postal officials recommend that residents use electronic payments whenever possible or, at the very least, deposit checks directly inside post offices to minimize the risk.

The victim’s bank managed to recover his stolen funds, but not every case of fraud resolves as smoothly. His story serves as a warning to others in Cary to be cautious with mailed payments and to explore safer alternatives for handling transactions. Read Full Report.

NC State Engineers Trees for Sustainable Chemical Production

Researchers at NC State University have made significant progress toward replacing fossil fuels with chemicals derived from trees. The team focused on modifying lignin, a structural polymer that makes trees difficult to ferment into chemicals. After identifying that lignin’s methoxy content influences microbial breakdown, they used CRISPR to develop poplar trees with lower methoxy levels.

These engineered trees proved easier to convert into valuable chemicals, such as acetone and hydrogen gas, through microbial fermentation. The environmentally friendly process uses less energy and fewer chemicals compared to traditional petroleum-based production.

The researchers are now conducting field tests to determine the viability of these modified poplars on a larger scale. If successful, the project could revolutionize chemical production and offer a sustainable solution to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Read Full Report

Cary's 2024 Bond Referendum: Investing in Parks, Recreation, and Housing

On November 5, 2024, Cary residents will vote on two bond measures totaling $590 million. The Parks and Recreation Bond allocates $560 million to expand parks, build two new community centers, and improve recreational amenities. Meanwhile, the Housing Bond dedicates $30 million to affordable housing projects, addressing a need for more inclusive living options.

The town's past success with bonds, including the popular Downtown Cary Park, underscores the value of these investments in building public spaces and infrastructure. With a 'AAA' credit rating, Cary can secure low-interest financing, reducing costs for taxpayers. However, property taxes will rise by nine cents over the next several years, with the first increase taking effect in 2026.

If approved, these bonds will ensure that future residents benefit from the investments, continuing Cary's tradition of sustainable growth and high-quality services. Additional tax adjustments may follow to fund the operating costs of new facilities as part of the town’s long-term planning.

Further Reading: CaryBonds.org | Cary Bonds FAQ

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Culinary Excellence: Italian Cuisine's Impact on American Culture

Italian cuisine, with its flavors and traditions, has become a beloved part of the American culinary landscape. This October, as we celebrate Italian American Heritage Month, it’s an opportune time to reflect on how Italian food has shaped American dining and become synonymous with comfort, family gatherings, and community.

The Journey of Italian Cuisine to America

Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. What began as regional dishes from Southern Italy—such as simple pastas and pizzas—transformed as Italian Americans adapted their recipes to available ingredients in the New World. Over time, Italian cuisine became a key component of the American diet, influencing everything from casual dining to holiday celebrations.

Italian Cuisine: A Symbol of Community and Family

Italian American food is more than just sustenance—it reflects core cultural values. Dishes like lasagna and spaghetti are often served at large family gatherings, embodying traditions of togetherness. Practices such as Sunday dinners, where multiple generations share meals, have become cherished customs in many American households​.

Preserving Italian Heritage Through Food

Italian American Heritage Month not only celebrates the flavors of Italian cuisine but also serves as a reminder of the immigrants who brought these traditions to America. Through food festivals, cooking classes, and Italian American community events, the legacy of Italian cuisine continues to thrive, connecting generations and fostering cultural pride.

Who has the Best Pizza in the Cary Area?

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Credit: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

Savor Cary:
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse 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: BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

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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 19th (Saturday)

October 20th (Sunday)

October 21st (Monday)

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

The leafcutter ant is known for its incredible strength, capable of carrying more than 50 times its body weight. These ants cut and transport pieces of leaves back to their colonies, not as food but as material to cultivate fungus, which serves as their primary food source. This impressive feat of strength is essential for their survival and highlights the complex division of labor within their colonies.

For more information about leafcutter ants, you can visit the Smithsonian's National Zoo page on ants.