Cary Spotlight | Issue #404

Teen Killed in Cary Crosswalk, Reduced Fees for Pet Adoptions at Wake County Shelter, Tails of Dogs Who Help

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

📰 Teen Killed in Cary Crosswalk; Driver Faces Multiple Charges

📰 Adopt a Pet for the Holidays: Wake County Animal Center Launches Seasonal Campaign

📰 Communities Unite to Recover After Hurricane Helene’s Destruction

🧭 Stories with a Pawprint: How "Tails of Dogs Who Help" Inspires Cary's Next Generation

🏈 College Football Clash: UNC vs NC State (Reader Poll)

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses: Cary Spotlight Directory

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

Question: What is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea?

(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.
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Teen Killed in Cary Crosswalk; Driver Faces Multiple Charges

A tragic accident in Cary claimed the life of a 13-year-old girl who was struck by a trash truck while using a crosswalk near High House Road and Cornerstone Drive. The collision occurred Friday morning near the Cornerstone shopping center. The girl was taken to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.

Authorities identified the driver as 57-year-old Adrian Theodore Holt of Raleigh. Police reported that Holt failed to yield the right of way and reduce his speed before striking the pedestrian. Additional charges include carrying a concealed weapon.

Holt, an employee of Wall Recycling, a private contractor serving the shopping center, was arrested at the scene. He faces charges of misdemeanor death by motor vehicle and remains in custody on a $250,000 secured bond. His court appearance is set for December 19. Read Full Report

Adopt a Pet for the Holidays: Wake County Animal Center Launches Seasonal Campaign

The Wake County Animal Center is hosting its annual “Home for the Holidays” campaign from December 1 through December 22, offering discounted adoption fees to help pets find homes for the holidays.

During the campaign, fees are $25 for dogs and $5 for cats, making it an affordable way to welcome a new pet into your family. The center cares for dozens of animals, including dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens, with many more in foster homes.

All adopted pets come spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations, ensuring a smooth transition into their new homes. For those who cannot adopt, the shelter encourages donations of money or supplies from its holiday wish list to support the animals.

The Wake County Animal Center, located on Beacon Drive in Raleigh, is open daily, and its website features a gallery of adoptable pets ready to bring joy to their new families this season. Read Full Report 

How likely are you to adopt a pet, donate, or support an animal shelter this holiday season?

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Communities Unite to Recover After Hurricane Helene’s Destruction

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which tore through the Southeast two months ago, Western North Carolina remains a region marked by both devastation and resilience. The storm, one of the deadliest in the state’s history, claimed more than 200 lives, including over 40 in Buncombe County, and destroyed entire neighborhoods with record-breaking floods.

In Swannanoa, residents have found solace and strength in community efforts. Volunteers gather daily in a parking lot-turned-community hub to provide meals to over 1,000 people still recovering from the storm. Grassroots organizations like BeLoved Asheville have stepped in to offer temporary housing solutions, while innovative efforts such as the "Flush Brigade" helped address immediate needs in the storm's aftermath.

Rebuilding costs for the region are estimated to surpass $50 billion, and many families and businesses face significant financial and emotional challenges. Yet, even amid these hardships, residents emphasize the bonds formed through shared adversity. The storm, while devastating, has brought neighbors closer, reinforcing a collective determination to rebuild stronger than before.
Read Full Report

Do you know anyone living in Western North Carolina?

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The University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels and the North Carolina State (NC State) Wolfpack are scheduled to play their final regular-season game against each other on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 3:30 PM Eastern Time at Kenan Memorial Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

🏈 College Football Clash: UNC v NC State

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Stories with a Pawprint: How "Tails of Dogs Who Help" Inspires Cary's Next Generation

Margot Bennett has quietly transformed her decades of service dog training into an extraordinary legacy of education and community giving. Through her children’s book series, Tails of Dogs Who Help, Margot invites readers—both young and old—into the world of service dogs, sharing their life-changing journeys through the dogs’ own eyes.

Margot and Felix - Meet the Author (Credit: Margot Bennett)

Each book is more than a delightful story. With real photos of the dogs at work, interactive questions, and educational insights, Margot’s books are designed to inform and inspire. They introduce children to the rigorous and compassionate process of training service animals while fostering an understanding of their crucial role in the lives of those they help.

“I especially liked the part that talked about the difference between service dogs and therapy dogs,” one Amazon reviewer noted. “It was great for my kids to understand why it’s okay to interact with one and not the other. Very cute story with pictures of a real therapy dog.” Another reviewer described the books as “wonderful, delightful, and easy to read,” while parents and educators alike praise them as engaging tools to spark curiosity and compassion.

Margot’s commitment to service doesn’t end with her books. All proceeds are donated to sponsor future service dogs, a testament to her lifelong dedication. As a volunteer puppy raiser for over 30 years, Margot has raised 12 service dogs who now work across the country as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and facility dogs. Her latest trainee, “Mr. T,” is already making an impression at school visits and local events before his transition to professional training next year.

Her latest trainee, “Mr. T” at Geluna Gelato in Cary (Credit: Margot Bennett)

Beyond the pages, Margot’s impact ripples through Wake County. She’s a regular presence at the Cary Farmers Market and local businesses, where her book signings bring together families, dog lovers, and those curious about service dog training. Her dream is to see her series in every Wake County elementary school, educating a new generation about the transformative power of service dogs.

Credit: Dogs Who Help

Readers of all ages find Margot’s stories heartwarming and deeply meaningful. “This book is perfect for schools and public libraries,” one Amazon reviewer said. “It’s part of a series that not only teaches but inspires children to see the purpose and value in every dog.”

As Margot works on her fifth book, Aspen: Life After Rescue, her mission remains steadfast: to champion the stories of dogs who help, and to build a more empathetic, informed community. With every pawprint-stamped, hand-wrapped book, Margot Bennett proves that sometimes, the best lessons come from our four-legged friends.

For more on Margot’s work or to order a book, visit dogswhohelp.com.

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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

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 30th (Saturday)

December 1st (Sunday)

December 2nd (Monday)

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

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, is an autonomous region of Italy known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Covering an area of about 25,711 square kilometers (9,927 square miles), Sicily is home to ancient Greek and Roman ruins, charming coastal towns, and Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. Its unique blend of architectural heritage and culinary traditions makes it a favorite destination for travelers.

For more information, visit Visit Sicily's official tourism site.