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- Cary Spotlight | Issue #411
Cary Spotlight | Issue #411
Grants for Hurricane Survivors, Scratch-Off Success $1 Million Win, Community Steps Up for Local Animal Shelter


In this Cary Spotlight Issue…
💭Spotlight Hook Trivia
😀 Meme of the Day
📰 North Carolina Offers Buyouts and Elevation Grants for Hurricane Survivors
📰 Scratch-Off Success: $1 Million Win in Goldsboro
📰 From Blankets to Dog Beds: Community Steps Up for Local Animal Shelter
🧭 The Time Travel Paradox You’ve Never Heard Of
☀️ Cary NC Weather
🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses: Cary Spotlight Directory
📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)
Question: Which sea is the saltiest body of water in the world?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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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?

Meme-o-meterClick to cast your vote (see live results) |

North Carolina Offers Buyouts and Elevation Grants for Hurricane Survivors
To aid recovery after Hurricane Helene, North Carolina is rolling out a FEMA-funded Hazard Mitigation Grant Program offering three main options for affected homeowners. The first option allows the state to buy homes at pre-disaster market value, demolish them, and convert the land into green spaces, restoring natural floodplains to mitigate future risks.
For residents who wish to remain, the program offers elevation grants. Homes can either be raised two feet above the floodplain or rebuilt on elevated foundations if they are too damaged for standard elevation. These measures are intended to safeguard homes from future flooding but require strict compliance with eligibility criteria.
The program has provided hope for families like the Darnells in Hendersonville, whose home was severely damaged during the hurricane. Floodwaters displaced the family and destroyed adaptive features vital for a disabled family member, leaving them eager for state assistance to rebuild.
Officials are working closely with homeowners through Disaster Recovery Centers to provide clarity on eligibility and options. The program represents a critical step in helping communities recover while preparing for the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
To learn more about the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, you can click here.
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Scratch-Off Success: $1 Million Win in Goldsboro
Rodrick Ford, a Wayne County resident, won a $1 million prize on the Millionaire Maker scratch-off ticket purchased at S & N Quick Mart in Goldsboro. Instead of receiving an annuity of $50,000 annually over 20 years, Ford opted for a lump sum of $600,000. After state and federal taxes, his net payout was $429,009.
The Millionaire Maker scratch-off game, launched in 2021 by the North Carolina Education Lottery, has 60 top prizes of $1 million. Ford’s win leaves seven of those top prizes still available, continuing to inspire lottery hopefuls throughout North Carolina. Read Full Report
From Blankets to Dog Beds: Community Steps Up for Local Animal Shelter
The Wake County Animal Center received an outpouring of community support after heating issues left parts of the shelter colder than usual during freezing temperatures. Local realtor Isabel Hope mobilized donations of blankets and dog beds through a social media appeal, collecting supplies within 24 hours. Shelter staff acted quickly over the Thanksgiving holiday, installing temporary heaters and maintaining indoor temperatures within safe levels.
This heating issue follows similar challenges during the summer, when record-breaking heat taxed the facility’s HVAC system. Built in 2010, the shelter’s infrastructure struggles to meet current demands, but plans for a new facility are underway to address these recurring issues and improve animal care.
Donations have been vital, but the shelter encourages continued support through fostering, adopting, and volunteering to sustain its life-saving mission.
To adopt, visit pets.wake.gov.
Read Full Report
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The Time Travel Paradox You’ve Never Heard Of
What is a Jinn Particle? Neil deGrasse Tyson and Chuck Nice break down this time travel paradox, its appearances in pop culture– like Back to the Future and Rick and Morty–, and what would happen if a time machine became a Jinn Particle.
About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!
Would you like to see more videos exploring science concepts like this?Click to cast your vote |
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.
December 7th (Saturday)
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 4:30PM-10PM
13th Annual Gifting Tree Project All Day
Tree Lighting Celebration 9AM-10PM
Photos with Santa 10AM-5PM
Skating Rink 2PM-10PM
Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
December 8th (Sunday)
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 4:30PM-10PM
Photos with Santa 10AM-5PM
13th Annual Gifting Tree Project All Day
Cary Players Presents A Sherlock Carol 7:30PM-9:30PM
Skating Rink 2PM-10PM
A Peter Rabbit Christmas 2PM-3PM
A Peter Rabbit Christmas 5PM-6PM
December 9th (Monday)
NC Chinese Lantern Festival 4:30PM-10PM
Photos with Santa 10AM-5PM
13th Annual Gifting Tree Project All Day
2024 Women's College Cup - National Championship Match All Day
Cary Players Presents A Sherlock Carol 7:30PM-9:30PM
Skating Rink 1PM-9PM
12 Days of FITmas: Stretch & Refresh 10AM-11AM
Upcycled Glass Etching Workshop 6:30PM-8:30PM
We invite you to check it out, stay informed, and submit your events to Thousands of Cary Locals!
👇 Have an Upcoming Event?👇
The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
The Dead Sea, located at the border of Jordan and Israel, is the saltiest body of water in the world, with a salinity of around 34%. This hypersaline lake sits at the lowest point on Earth’s surface, approximately 430 meters (1,410 feet) below sea level. Its extreme salinity makes it impossible for most life forms to survive, giving it the name “Dead Sea.” The mineral-rich waters and mud are renowned for their therapeutic properties.
For more information, visit Britannica's entry on the Dead Sea.
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