Cary Spotlight | Issue #425

Timeless Journeys History Brought to Life, Cary Couple’s Lifeline for Hurricane Helene Survivor, Hope for Christmas Tree Growers

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Congratulations to Our Cary Spotlight Winners!

🧭 Timeless Journeys: How New Hope Valley Railway Brings History to Life

📰 Cary Couple’s Found $1,000 Becomes Lifeline for Hurricane Helene Survivor

📰 NC State’s Cutting-Edge Research Reshapes Christmas Tree Industry

📰 USC Standout Defender Joins North Carolina Courage Roster

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Which country has the most volcanoes 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

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Timeless Journeys: How New Hope Valley Railway Brings History to Life

Summary

In this conversation, Dr. Chris Coetzer interviews Tom Hutchinson, a volunteer with the New Hope Valley Railway. They discuss the heritage railway's offerings, including train rides, a garden railway, and special events like holiday-themed rides with Santa.

Tom shares insights into the history of the railway, the types of locomotives used, and the unique experiences available for families and train enthusiasts.

Keywords: Cary Spotlight, New Hope Valley Railway, heritage railway, train rides, family activities, volunteer, community events, model trains, holiday rides, local attractions

Takeaways:

  • Cary Spotlight connects local community members with their passions.

  • The New Hope Valley Railway offers a unique heritage experience.

  • Train rides are available on historic diesel locomotives from the 1940s.

  • The garden railway provides a fun experience for younger visitors.

  • Special events like 'Operator Loco' allow guests to drive a locomotive.

  • Holiday-themed rides with Santa are popular and often sell out.

  • Visitors can explore historic railway cars, including a post office car.

  • The railway operates year-round with specific schedules.

  • Planning ahead is essential for popular rides during the holiday season.

  • Community involvement is key to the railway's operation.

For those captivated by the charm and history of the New Hope Valley Railway, this heritage attraction offers more than just train rides—it’s a journey through time, powered by community passion.

To support the railway’s mission and experience its unique offerings, from historic locomotives to holiday-themed rides, plan your visit or purchase tickets here. or read the New Hope Valley Railway Local Charity Spotlight.

Have you ever visited the New Hope Valley Railway?

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Cary Couple’s Found $1,000 Becomes Lifeline for Hurricane Helene Survivor

Barb and Jerry Derome found $1,000 in an envelope during a walk last fall and turned it over to police, waiting to see if its rightful owner would claim it. When the money went unclaimed, they reclaimed it with the intention of giving it to someone in need.

Their search led them to Bob Bittner of Devoted City Church, who highlighted the struggles of families displaced by Hurricane Helene. The Deromes decided to donate the money to Mike Benham, a father who had lost his home and car and was also fighting leukemia.

The donation was delivered at the hospital, providing much-needed relief and hope for Benham and his family. The Deromes’ thoughtful act transformed a chance find into a powerful gesture of support for a family in crisis. Read Full Report

NC State’s Cutting-Edge Research Reshapes Christmas Tree Industry

North Carolina’s iconic Fraser fir, the heart of many holiday traditions, is under threat from climate change, disease, and pests. The Christmas Tree Genetics Program at NC State is addressing these issues through groundbreaking research. By analyzing the DNA of Fraser firs, the program identifies trees with the strongest genetic traits, enabling growers to cultivate firs that are faster-growing, more resilient, and more cost-effective to produce.

The program’s efforts are already transforming the industry. Genetically improved trees command higher prices and require fewer resources, offering a financial lifeline to growers. Researchers like Sai Gade are uncovering how Fraser firs respond to pests, expanding knowledge in previously unstudied areas.

Even as events like Hurricane Helene cause significant losses, the program’s forward-looking approach is ensuring a sustainable future for Christmas tree farming. With their work, the team at NC State is safeguarding a cherished holiday tradition for generations to come. Read Full Report 

Credit: NC Courage

USC Standout Defender Joins North Carolina Courage Roster

The North Carolina Courage announced the signing of Brooklyn Courtnall, a decorated collegiate defender, to a three-year contract extending through the 2027 NWSL season. Courtnall, a standout player from the University of Southern California, made her mark as a four-year starter, earning multiple conference and national honors, including first-team All-America recognition in her senior year. She played a pivotal role in leading USC to a Big Ten regular season title and an NCAA quarterfinal appearance while contributing to 11 defensive clean sheets.

Courtnall’s international resume includes representing Canada in the 2022 Under-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she scored twice and helped her team secure a bronze medal. Her athletic lineage, with a former NHL player father and athletically accomplished siblings, underscores her strong foundation in competitive sports.

Joining the Courage in January, Courtnall’s addition brings a combination of skill, versatility, and leadership to the team. Her signing reflects the Courage’s commitment to building a strong defense as they aim to uphold their championship legacy in the coming seasons. Read Full Report

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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.

December 21st (Saturday)

December 22th (Sunday)

December 23th (Monday)

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

Indonesia has the most volcanoes in the world, with over 130 active volcanoes spread across its vast archipelago. Located along the Pacific Ring of Fire, this volcanic activity results from tectonic plate boundaries and subduction zones. Notable volcanoes include Mount Merapi, Mount Bromo, and Krakatoa. Indonesia’s volcanoes have shaped its landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural history, making it a unique and dynamic region.

For more information, visit USGS's page on Indonesia's volcanoes.