- Cary Spotlight
- Posts
- Cary Spotlight | Issue #397
Cary Spotlight | Issue #397
Step Into a Classic Christmas, NC Heating Companies Gear Up for the Chill, Death on NC State Campus


In this Cary Spotlight Issueโฆ
๐ญSpotlight Hook Trivia
๐ Meme of the Day
๐ฐ Step Into a Classic Christmas at Caryโs Page-Walker Center
๐ฐ As Winter Looms, NC Heating Companies Gear Up for the Chill
๐ฐ Creator of HowStuffWorks, Marshall Brain, Dies on NC State Campus
โค๏ธ Thank Your For the Flowers! Ginny Markart
๐งญ Building Tomorrow's Leaders Through Giving: Inside Kids Who Give
โ๏ธ Cary NC Weather
๐ Lots Of Events This Week
๐๏ธ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Which city is known as the "Pearl of the Orient"?
(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.
email: [email protected]
Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.
Whatโs 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-meterClick to cast your vote (see live results) |


Credit: Town of Cary
Step Into a Classic Christmas
at Caryโs Page-Walker Center
Step back in time this holiday season at Caryโs historic Page-Walker Arts & History Center. On Saturday, December 7, from 2 to 5 p.m., the former 19th-century hotel will host a free afternoon of festive cheer, blending classic holiday traditions with community warmth.
Visitors can enjoy an afternoon filled with freshly baked cookies, charming carolers, and a variety of family-friendly activities, including holiday-themed stories and crafts for children. The festive atmosphere might even include a surprise visit from a well-known guest from the North Pole.
Afterward, the celebration continues in Downtown Cary. Stroll through the Social District to marvel at a winter wonderland of lights and seasonal decorations. Wrap up the evening with the townโs signature Christmas Tree lighting event at Downtown Cary Park, a community favorite that signals the start of the holiday season in style.
Whether itโs nostalgia, community spirit, or simply the joy of the season, this event offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Go here for more information.
Are you planning on going to this local event?Click to cast your vote |
As Winter Looms, NC Heating
Companies Gear Up for the Chill
As central North Carolina prepares for its first freeze of the season, heating companies are experiencing a rise in requests for routine maintenance. HVAC technicians are focusing on cleaning systems, inspecting gas furnaces, and ensuring heat pumps transition seamlessly between cooling and heating modes. Regular maintenance addresses common issues such as clogged furnaces, failing capacitors, and blocked drain lines, which can lead to system inefficiencies and higher energy costs.
Experts highlight the importance of sealing windows, adding insulation, and maintaining consistent thermostat settings to improve heating performance. They also caution against turning systems off during extended absences, which can strain systems upon restarting.
For long-time homeowners like Brad Earle, annual tune-ups are essential for preventing costly and inconvenient repairs. With winter on the horizon, technicians are urging residents to schedule maintenance now to stay ahead of potential cold-weather issues.
Creator of HowStuffWorks, Marshall Brain, Dies on NC State Campus
North Carolina State University is grieving the loss of Marshall Brain, a faculty member and the visionary behind the popular website HowStuffWorks, who was found deceased in his office on the universityโs Centennial Campus this past Wednesday.
While specific details of Brainโs death have not been confirmed by the university, sources close to him suggest it was by suicide. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected, and the NC State Police Department has closed its investigation.
Brainโs career was defined by a passion for education and accessibility. Through his groundbreaking website, HowStuffWorks, he made complex subjects understandable and engaging for millions. His contributions extended beyond the digital realm, as he also wrote for WRAL.com and published The Doomsday Book, which examined critical global challenges.
A respected teacher, writer, and innovator, Brainโs death has sent shockwaves through the academic and broader communities. His legacy remains as a champion of curiosity and education, leaving behind a significant impact on those who learned from his work.
Thank Your For the Flowers!
Ginny Markart

Age Is Just a NumberIt is concerning to see that there are many people that are waking up feeling tired, experiencing stiffness, and feeling the need for more support in staying healthy. Take the Thrive Wellness Blueprint Quiz. Get recommendations designed to support your overall well-being. Click here to take the quiz | ![]() 88-year-old Ploutarchos Pourliakas crossed the finish line at the 41st Athens Marathon on Sunday, proving once again that age is no match for determination. |

Building Tomorrow's Leaders Through Giving: Inside Kids Who Give
An unique initiative is redefining philanthropy by placing the power of giving directly into the hands of children. Founded just a year ago, Kids Who Give has swiftly become a beacon for youth-led charitable efforts, inspiring young minds to support local nonprofits and effect meaningful change.

Credit: Kids Who Give
The organization's mission is straightforward yet profound: to inspire kids to give and harness the power of collective giving to support local nonprofits and change lives. At the core of this mission are the children themselves, who serve as the decision-makers and leaders of the organization, with guidance from their parents and the founders.
The concept for Kids Who Give was born from the shared passion of founders Jenn and Brenna, who met while organizing a school fundraiser when their daughters were just two years old. Their journey led them to Julie and the nonprofit Women Who Give a Hoot, which further inspired them to create a space where children could experience the joy of giving firsthand. Everything they do is for the kids.

Credit: Kids Who Give
In its inaugural year, Kids Who Give has organized three Giving Parties, where children come together to support local charities. These events not only raise funds but also educate young participants about the impact of their contributions. The organization also offers volunteer opportunities throughout the year, fostering a culture of empathy and community involvement among the youth.
The success of Kids Who Give has not gone unnoticed. Other cities across the country have expressed interest in establishing their own chapters, a testament to the organization's innovative approach to youth philanthropy.
Looking ahead, Kids Who Give is excited about several upcoming opportunities. On December 1, they will showcase their creativity by decorating a tree for the Downtown Cary Gifting Tree Program. The public is invited to vote for their tree, with hopes of earning first place.
Their next Giving Party is set for February 2, 2025, promising another opportunity for children to engage in charitable giving and connect with their community.
Through initiatives like these, Kids Who Give is not only supporting local nonprofits but also nurturing the next generation of compassionate leaders, proving that age is no barrier to making a difference.
The community is warmly invited to learn more about this inspiring charity, donate, or get involved by visiting www.kidswhogiveraleigh.org. Together, we can empower the next generation of leaders to make a difference in their community and beyond.
Kids Who GiveClick to share 3 things you love about this charity or recommend a way people can support their mission! |
Weโd love to hear from you! Kids Who Give is all about inspiring young minds to embrace generosity and leadership. Tell us how you encourage giving in your family or community:
Letโs Tell Your Brandโs Story.
Increase Your Local Visibility and
Connect with Our Community!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Cary area residents in an upcoming issue of Cary Spotlight? Click the link below.
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.
November 23rd (Saturday)
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 4:30PM-10PM
Nike Cross National SE Regional 8AM-6PM
Triangle Youth Music presents 2024 Fall Strings Concert 9AM-8PM
Triangle Youth Music presents 2024 Fall Jazz Concert 7PM-9PM
Food Truck: Saffron on Wheels 8PM-10PM
Cary Farmers Market 9AM-NOON
Yoga 9AM-10AM
November 24th (Sunday)
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 4:30PM-10PM
November 25th (Monday)
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 4:30PM-10PM
November 26th (Tuesday)
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 4:30PM-10PM
Enjoying Cary Spotlight? Help us keep the lights on! Your support keeps this newsletter going strong and allows us to help more people. Every bit helps! Thanks for being part of our community.๐ Click the button below to make a quick donation ๐
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question๐๐๐
Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Orient" due to its rich history, cultural diversity, and strategic location along the Pacific trade routes. This bustling metropolis blends colonial heritage, with landmarks like Intramuros and San Agustin Church, with modern skyscrapers and vibrant markets. As a gateway to the Philippines, Manila is a cultural and economic hub that showcases the nation's unique charm.
For more information, visit Manila's page on Wikipedia.
How Did We Do With This Issue?Click to cast your vote |