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 Issueโ€ฆ

๐Ÿ’ญSpotlight Hook Trivia

๐Ÿ˜€ Meme of the Day

๐Ÿ“ฐ Step Into a Classic Christmas at Caryโ€™s Page-Walker Center

๐Ÿ“ฐ As Winter Looms, NC Heating Companies Gear Up for the Chill

๐Ÿ“ฐ Creator of HowStuffWorks, Marshall Brain, Dies on NC State Campus

โค๏ธ Thank Your For the Flowers! Ginny Markart

๐Ÿงญ Building Tomorrow's Leaders Through Giving: Inside Kids Who Give

โ˜€๏ธ Cary NC Weather

๐Ÿ“…Lots Of Events This Week

๐Ÿ›๏ธ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Which city is known as the "Pearl of the Orient"?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Meme of the Day.
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Meme-o-meter

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Credit: Town of Cary

Step Into a Classic Christmas
at Caryโ€™s Page-Walker Center

Step back in time this holiday season at Caryโ€™s 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 townโ€™s signature Christmas Tree lighting event at Downtown Cary Park, a community favorite that signals the start of the holiday season in style.

Whether itโ€™s nostalgia, community spirit, or simply the joy of the season, this event offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Go here for more information.

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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 universityโ€™s Centennial Campus this past Wednesday.

While specific details of Brainโ€™s 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.

Brainโ€™s 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, Brainโ€™s 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 Number

It 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 Give

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Weโ€™d 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:

How Do You Inspire the Next Generation to Give?

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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.

November 23rd (Saturday)

November 24th (Sunday)

November 25th (Monday)

November 26th (Tuesday)

  • NC Chinese Lantern Festival 4:30PM-10PM



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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿ‘‡

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.