Cary Spotlight | Issue #423

Raising Hope, Holiday Spirit on Wheels, Lights in the Sky Stir Curiosity, Our Cary Spotlight Winners!

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Congratulations to Our Cary Spotlight Winners!

🧭 Raising Hope: The Service Dog Stories of Margo Bennett

📰 Holiday Spirit on Wheels? Wake County Says Keep Decorations Off Cars

📰 Lights in the Sky Stir Curiosity in Central North Carolina

📰 Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park Stadium Renamed First Horizon Stadium

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: What is the tallest waterfall in the world?

(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

📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: Learn more

Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.
Advertising Opportunities

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?

Love puns? Now we know.

Meme-o-meter

Click to cast your vote (see live results)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Congratulations to Our
Cary Spotlight Winners!

Thank you to everyone who shared why you love reading Cary Spotlight—we’re truly inspired by your kind words! We’ve randomly selected 3 lucky winners from the entries.

If your name is on the list below, email [email protected] with your shipping address by December 21, 2024, to claim your gift.

Thank you for being part of the Cary Spotlight community!

Raising Hope: The Service Dog Stories of Margo Bennett

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Chris Coetzer dives into the world of service dogs through the eyes of Margo Bennett, a seasoned volunteer puppy raiser and children’s book author. Over three decades, Margo has trained countless dogs to assist individuals with disabilities and has shared their stories in books to educate and inspire young minds.

The episode highlights the transformative power of the bond between humans and animals, the profound impact on recipients, and how the community can support Margo’s mission.

Keywords: service dogs, puppy raising, children's books, therapy dogs, CANINE Companions, Wake County, dog training, volunteer work, community service, animal assistance

Takeaways:

  • Margo Bennett has been a volunteer puppy raiser for 30 years.

  • She wrote children's books to help kids understand service dogs.

  • Different types of service dogs include guide dogs, therapy dogs, and facility dogs.

  • Raising a service dog is a rewarding but emotional journey.

  • Not all dogs complete service training; some change careers.

  • Released service dogs can become therapy dogs or be adopted.

  • Margo's books aim to educate and inspire children about service dogs.

  • All proceeds from her books support K-9 Companions and training programs.

  • The impact of service dogs is profound for both the dogs and their recipients.

For those inspired by Margo’s mission to educate and uplift through the stories of service dogs, her children’s books offer more than just tales—they’re a gateway to understanding the profound bond between humans and animals. To support K-9 Companions and explore these heartfelt stories, purchase Margo’s books here or read the Tails of Dogs Who Help Local Charity Spotlight.

What aspect of service dogs fascinates you the most?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Holiday Spirit on Wheels? Wake County Says Keep Decorations Off Cars

Holiday cheer is lighting up Wake County highways as some drivers adorn their cars with Christmas lights and decorations. While these displays may seem harmless, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office warns they can distract other motorists and even create safety hazards if not properly secured. Red and blue lights, reserved for emergency vehicles under North Carolina law, are strictly prohibited, with potential misdemeanor charges for violators.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that safety is their main concern, especially as traffic increases during the holiday season. Deputies will remain active on the roads, including Christmas Day, to ensure motorists follow safety regulations. They advise residents to keep decorations on trees rather than vehicles to avoid potential risks and keep everyone’s holiday travels joyful and safe. Read Full Report

How do you feel about decorating cars with Christmas lights and holiday decorations?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Lights in the Sky Stir Curiosity in Central North Carolina

As reports of drone sightings sweep the East Coast, central North Carolina residents are noticing unusual objects in the sky. In Raleigh, one resident captured video of a light flashing and changing colors in a way she found inexplicable. While some believe these sightings could be drones, others point to their stationary or erratic behavior as evidence of something else.

Federal authorities, including the FBI and Department of Defense, have received over 5,000 tips about drone sightings but maintain that there is no evidence of anything anomalous or threatening. Raleigh police confirm they have received no official reports of drone activity, but the sightings have stirred curiosity, prompting more residents to look up and question what they see. Read Full Report 

Credit: First Horizon

Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park Stadium Renamed First Horizon Stadium

WakeMed Soccer Park’s 10,000-seat stadium has been renamed First Horizon Stadium, thanks to a naming rights agreement with Tennessee-based First Horizon Bank. The partnership, which also includes permanent branding and new signage, underscores First Horizon’s support for women’s sports and professional soccer in Cary.

Steve Malik, owner of the North Carolina Courage and North Carolina FC, described the deal as a significant commitment, reflecting the need for corporate partnerships in the region. The move follows other naming rights initiatives by First Horizon, including partnerships with the Charlotte Hornets and Greensboro Coliseum.

As naming rights deals gain momentum in the Triangle, North Carolina State University is also exploring sponsorship opportunities for Carter-Finley Stadium. Meanwhile, Malik continues to seek an equity partner for the Courage after advanced talks with Marc Lasry fell through due to league restrictions.

The Courage, a dominant force in women’s soccer since relocating to Cary seven years ago, have earned multiple championships and international titles. The new partnership with First Horizon is a testament to the team’s growing influence and an investment in the future of sports in Cary. Read Full Report

How do you feel about WakeMed Soccer Park’s stadium being renamed First Horizon Stadium?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

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 19th (Thursday)

December 20th (Friday)

December 21st (Saturday)

December 22th (Sunday)

December 23th (Monday)

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

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the tallest waterfall in the world, with an uninterrupted drop of 979 meters (3,212 feet). Located in Canaima National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the falls cascade from the summit of Auyán-tepui, a flat-topped mountain. Angel Falls is named after Jimmy Angel, a U.S. aviator who was the first to fly over the waterfall in 1933. It is a breathtaking natural wonder and a popular destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

For more information, visit UNESCO's page on Canaima National Park.