Cary Spotlight | Issue #400

Celebrating 400 Issues of Cary Spotlight, Updates on Local Tragedy, Sophie's Grill Review

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

📰 Celebrating 400 Issues of Cary Spotlight: A Community Milestone

📰 Cary Woman Charged as Rescuers Work to Save Neglected Great Dane

📰 Mother, Stepson, and Girlfriend Fatally Shot in Cary Tragedy

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

🎁13 Amazon Black Friday Deals: Updated List

😋🍴 Discover Cary (Restaurants): Sophie's Grill And Bar Review

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses: Cary Spotlight Directory

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

Question: Which U.S. state is home to the most national parks?

(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.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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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?

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Celebrating 400 Issues of Cary Spotlight:
A Community Milestone

Today marks the 400th issue of Cary Spotlight, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate this moment with you—our loyal readers and local business sponsors. Reaching this milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of all 5,599 subscribers and the past and present local business sponsors who believed in our mission. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Over the past 400 days, Cary Spotlight has been dedicated to bringing our community closer together. From shining a light on local businesses and sharing stories of resilience to covering key events that shape our town, our goal has remained the same: to amplify visibility, inform residents, and maximize the success of local enterprises.

Stories That Inspire and Connect

We’ve told stories that matter—featuring everything from the inspiring work of small businesses like Bee BanhMi and Mosa Pet Spa to heartfelt local causes like Le Chéile North Carolina’s Family Field Day. We’ve uncovered hidden gems, helped readers plan their weekends with our events calendar, and even taken you on virtual adventures through our Travel + Discover editions.

A Community Effort

At its heart, Cary Spotlight is about you. Your engagement, feedback, and enthusiasm fuel every word we write. Whether you’ve discovered a new restaurant, learned about a neighbor making a difference, or found inspiration for your next adventure, we’re grateful to be a part of your daily routine.

Looking Ahead

Our mission remains steadfast: to connect, inform, and celebrate all that makes Cary special. Here’s to continuing the journey, growing together, and shining a spotlight on the stories that make our community extraordinary.

Thank you for being part of the Cary Spotlight family—here’s to the next 400!

Just curious…

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Cary Woman Charged as Rescuers Work to Save Neglected Great Dane

Teagan, a severely malnourished Great Dane puppy, is recovering at N.C. State Veterinary Medical Center after Cary authorities intervened in her case. Her owner, Claudia Delacerda, faces animal cruelty charges for allegedly depriving the puppy of basic sustenance. The puppy was discovered after a social media post prompted police action.

Perfectly Imperfect Pups, a local rescue organization, took over Teagan’s care at the Wake County Animal Shelter's request. Teagan, who weighs half her expected weight and is battling a lung infection, is receiving extensive medical treatment, with costs already exceeding $8,000. Despite the challenges, her rescuers are determined to see her recover, buoyed by support from veterinarians, rescue volunteers, and the community.

Nicole Kincaid, the rescue’s founder, highlighted the availability of resources for struggling pet owners, stressing that neglecting an animal is never acceptable. Teagan’s case underscores the importance of community vigilance and the compassion required to address animal welfare issues.

Community members who wish to contribute to Teagan’s recovery can make donations via the Perfectly Imperfect Pups website. Read Full Report 

Mother, Stepson, and Girlfriend
Fatally Shot in Cary Tragedy

A fatal shooting on Smokemont Drive has left the Cary community in shock after three people were discovered dead inside a family home earlier this week. Police responded to the scene on Monday afternoon, where they found 54-year-old Erica Alyse Holton, her 19-year-old stepson Xavier Neil Holton, and his girlfriend, 19-year-old Aminah Michelle Guy, all fatally shot.

Authorities are investigating the incident as a possible murder-suicide. According to a search warrant, Erica’s husband, Shawn Certain, contacted 911 after discovering the bodies. He suspected his stepson, Xavier, was responsible before also taking his own life. Erica and Aminah were found in the living room, while Xavier was located upstairs in a bathroom with a firearm in a nearby sink.

During a search of the home, investigators collected several pieces of evidence, including two cell phones, a firearm, ammunition casings, and projectiles. While the exact motive remains unclear, the tragic incident has devastated the family and shocked neighbors.

As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss and reflects on the ripple effects of this heartbreaking tragedy. Read Full Report

Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (25 Nov 2024)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

13 Amazon Black Friday Deals:
Updated List

Looking for the best Black Friday deals without the hassle? Cary Spotlight has done the hard work for you, curating a list of 13 must-have Amazon deals that deliver big savings. From KitchenAid mixers to YETI drinkware and Ninja air fryers, these picks combine unbeatable discounts with rave reviews that are on sale now. Don’t miss your chance to snag these top-rated products before they sell out!

Credit: Sophie's Grill And Bar

Sophie's Grill And Bar Review

Sophie's Grill And Bar is one of the eateries that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover 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: Sophie's Grill And Bar

Reader Poll Results (Issue # 341)

Sophie's Grill And Bar Review (8 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (4)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (4)


Cary Spotlight Readers’ Feedback:

“They make great cabbage rolls. ”

“You can watch sports and drink a beer, you can dance or listen to live music or you can have an awesome specially prepared Bulgarian meal pared with a glass of wine. Inside or outside, Sophie’s has it all. ”

“The Eastern European food is a wonderful treat! The bacon wrapped figs appetizer is a must!”

“The food is great. Best though is the staff. They are so friendly and helpful. ”

Sophie's Grill And Bar

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

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Cary Spotlight’s “Discover Cary” giveaway, a new initiative designed to highlight Cary's vibrant dining scene. Subscribers can enter to win a local dining experience by referring new readers to our newsletter.

You can choose from a selection of dining experiences valued up to $100 (Dine-in Gift Card). Next drawing: 24 Dec 2024.

Support Local Businesses

Cary, NC! Know local business that would love a free listing on our new Cary Spotlight Directory? It's a community resource website for newcomers and long-time residents. Let them know they they must apply to join our directory. We are adding local businesses, charities and Veterans Organizations. Learn more are our Cary Spotlight Directory

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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 26th (Tuesday)

November 27th (Wednesday)

November 28th (Thursday) 🦃 HAPPY THANKSGIVING

November 29th (Friday)

November 30th (Saturday)

December 1st (Sunday)

December 2nd (Monday)

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

California is home to the most national parks in the United States, boasting nine stunning parks that showcase the state’s diverse natural beauty. From the towering sequoias of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to the iconic granite cliffs of Yosemite and the otherworldly landscapes of Death Valley, California offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor exploration. Its parks preserve unique ecosystems and attract millions of visitors annually.

For more information, visit National Park Service's California page.