Cary Spotlight | Issue #374

Parks Bond Price Tag, Cell Phone Rules in Schools, & Autumn Views in Cary

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Quote of the Day

📰 A $560 Million Parks Bond Raises Concerns Over Cost in Cary

📰 Wake County Considers New Cell Phone Rules to Balance Learning and Safety

📰 Latino Diamante Awards Celebrate Community and Excellence in Cary

📷 The Colors Of Autumn In Cary, NC

😋🍴 Savor Cary: Crosstown Pub and Grill Review

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅Lots Of Events This Week

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Who was the Italian physicist awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on nuclear reactors?

(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 | Order Online | Catering Options

Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.
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A Brush with Passion

What happens when a former ICU nurse follows her passion for art? Shalimar Waffa’s leap from healthcare to the canvas has transformed an old pawn shop into one of downtown Cary’s most vibrant creative spaces. With textured oil paintings, private classes, and community events, Art by Shalimar offers more than just art—it builds connections. Don’t miss the full story!

Art by Shalimar

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

Who else do you know in Cary who might also want enjoy reading the Cary Spotlight?

Meme-o-meter

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A $560 Million Parks Bond Raises Concerns Over Cost in Cary

Cary’s proposed $560 million bond seeks to expand parks and recreation facilities to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. The bond would fund six major projects, including a $300 million sports and recreation center in the South Hills district, additional pickleball courts, and a nature park. Town officials argue that these projects are necessary for Cary’s future, pointing to the town’s nearly 40% population growth since 2010.

If approved, the bond would also mean a gradual property tax increase, adding about $340 per year for a $400,000 home, as the town raises funds over time to cover the expense.

However, some residents express concerns over the bond’s significant cost, especially in light of ongoing debt from previous bonds like the 2019 parks bond that helped develop Downtown Cary Park. The total financial commitment, with interest, could reach $875 million, causing opponents to question whether these facilities warrant the investment.

As the election approaches, Cary voters face a critical choice: endorse the ambitious plan and incur higher taxes or hold back on this development initiative, potentially delaying projects aimed at enhancing Cary’s recreational offerings. Read Full Report.

Do you support the town’s vision of becoming a sports tourism destination?

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Wake County Considers New Cell Phone Rules to Balance Learning and Safety

The Wake County School Board is considering changes to its cell phone policy, aiming to reduce classroom distractions while maintaining access for emergency communication.

Many parents and educators express concerns that cell phones interfere with students’ focus, as social media and videos often compete with classroom instruction. Supporters of the policy change argue that restricting phone use during school hours could improve attention and participation, fostering a more engaged learning environment.

At the same time, recent incidents, like a code red lockdown at Broughton High School, highlight the reassurance cell phones can provide during emergencies, allowing students to notify family members of their safety.

However, experts warn that phones in crisis situations could complicate emergency protocols or reveal students’ locations. As the board weighs these perspectives, it is gathering input from parents, students, and teachers and reviewing policies from other districts to ensure the approach meets community needs while offering families time to adapt to potential changes. Read Full Report

How do you feel about students having cell phones during school hours?

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Latino Diamante Awards Celebrate Community and Excellence in Cary

The Latino Diamante Awards lit up the Cary Arts Center on Saturday, bringing together community members to celebrate Latino achievements across North Carolina. Hosted by the Diamante Arts & Cultural Center, the state’s longest-standing Latino arts organization, the awards honored contributions in arts, business, health, education, and community service.

This year’s event embraced a new approach to inclusivity, inviting all nominees and revealing winners live. Special recognitions included the Jaime Leon Youth Award and the Lizette Cruz Watko Lifetime Achievement Award, paying tribute to outstanding dedication to Latino communities.

The evening’s festivities included dynamic performances, from a Spanish rendition of "Diamonds" to traditional Mexican dances by Flor de Hidalgo, immersing the audience in Latin American culture.

The ceremony also featured a moment of solidarity for Hurricane Helene victims, with a portion of proceeds directed toward relief efforts in Western North Carolina. Guests closed the night with a vibrant dance party, underscoring the event’s spirit of resilience and unity, and celebrating the powerful impact of Latino contributions across the state. Read Full Report

The Colors Of Autumn In Cary, NC

Credit: Gus Zimmerman (Cary Spotlight Subscriber)

Take the Quiz

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Credit: Crosstown Pub and Grill

Crosstown Pub and Grill Review

Crosstown Pub and Grill is one of the eateries 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. Here are the results from our last reader poll (see below). Check out their menu on their website: Crosstown Pub and Grill

Reader Poll Results (Issue # 321)

Crosstown Pub and Grill (17 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (10)

🟨🟨🟨🟨⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (7)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:

“We love their Fish & home made chips. Great service also. Parking is a problem though.”

“Great neighborhood place. Good fish and chips.”

“Best burgers, sandwiches in a friendly atmosphere.”

“Love the cold beer, good food and great people! You must try the Fish & Chips...many say it is the best in Cary!”

Crosstown Pub and Grill

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

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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 Nov 2024. (We are waiting to confirm our October Winner.)

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!

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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 31st (Thursday)

November 1st (Friday)

November 2nd (Saturday)

November 3rd (Sunday)

November 4th (Monday)

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

Enrico Fermi, an Italian physicist, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1938 for his pioneering work on nuclear reactions and the discovery of new radioactive elements. Known as one of the architects of the nuclear age, Fermi later played a critical role in the development of the first nuclear reactor as part of the Manhattan Project. His groundbreaking research in particle physics and quantum theory has left a lasting legacy in both theoretical and applied physics.

For more information on Enrico Fermi, you can visit: Nobel Prize page on Enrico Fermi