Cary Spotlight | Issue #430

How About Christmas from Outer Space? Hope Blooms in Western North Carolina, Smishing Scams

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Gay!

📰 How About Christmas from Outer Space?

📰 After Hurricane Helene, Hope Blooms in Western North Carolina

📰 Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: What U.S. state has a town called Santa Claus that receives thousands of letters for St. Nick each year?

(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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You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Gay!

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Don Pettit and Suni Williams. Photo: NASA

How About Christmas from Outer Space?

Astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore are marking the holiday season aboard the International Space Station as their return to Earth faces delays. Stranded since June, the duo has embraced the festive spirit, posing for holiday-themed photos while continuing their scientific work. NASA’s decision to finalize a new Dragon spacecraft has pushed their return to Earth to no earlier than March 2025, ensuring safety and mission readiness.

Despite the delay, Williams and Wilmore have maintained a positive outlook, celebrating Thanksgiving in space with traditional foods and sharing their experiences with the public. The crew’s resilience highlights the enduring spirit of exploration and teamwork in the face of challenges. Read Full Report

Just curious…

What part of holiday celebrations would you miss most in space?

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The Cane River flooded in Yancey County. When waters receded, fields were covered with mud. (Photo Credit: NC State)

After Hurricane Helene, Hope Blooms in Western North Carolina

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on Western North Carolina, bringing record-breaking floods, devastating winds, and over $53 billion in damages. Communities faced massive challenges, from destroyed homes and farms to power outages and food shortages.

The NC State Extension in Yancey County, led by David Davis, spearheaded recovery efforts. They organized statewide donations of hay and supplies to help farmers sustain their livestock and livelihoods. Their work extended beyond agriculture, with teams distributing food, medicine, and water, setting up shelters, and coordinating with relief organizations to provide critical resources like mobile clinics and laundry facilities.

For Davis and his staff, the mission was personal. As lifelong residents of the area, they viewed their neighbors not just as disaster victims but as family. Beyond immediate aid, the Extension has shifted its focus to long-term recovery, offering resources for sustainable farming and supporting mental health recovery programs for children.

Through tireless efforts, the Extension has become a cornerstone of hope and resilience for the region as it continues to recover and rebuild. Read Full Report 

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Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams

As smishing scams—phishing attempts through text messages—become more prevalent, it’s important to stay vigilant and protect your personal information. Follow these tips to safeguard yourself against these deceptive tactics.

  • Be Skeptical of Unknown Senders
    Treat messages from unfamiliar numbers with caution. Scammers often impersonate trusted entities or use urgent language to trick recipients into acting quickly. Avoid engaging with these texts or clicking on any links.

  • Verify Claims Independently
    If a message claims to be from a bank, delivery service, or other organization, contact them directly through official channels. Do not use the phone numbers or links provided in the message to verify its legitimacy.

  • Avoid Clicking Unsolicited Links
    Scammers use malicious links to steal personal information or install harmful software on your device. Even if a message seems legitimate, err on the side of caution and do not click.

  • Keep Your Phone Software Updated
    Regularly updating your phone’s software ensures you have the latest security patches, which can help protect against malicious attempts. Outdated systems are often more vulnerable to attacks.

  • Consider Mobile Security Tools
    Installing trusted mobile security apps can provide an additional layer of defense, helping to detect and block malicious links and other potential threats.

By remaining cautious and adopting these practices, you can reduce your vulnerability to smishing scams and keep your personal information secure. Stay alert and prioritize your digital safety. Read full Report

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. Most events are closed for the holidays.

December 26th (Thursday)

December 27th (Friday)

December 28th (Saturday)

December 29th (Sunday)

December 30th (Monday)

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

Santa Claus, Indiana, is a small town known for its festive name and unique Christmas spirit. Each year, the town receives thousands of letters addressed to Santa Claus from children all over the world. Volunteers from the town’s "Santa’s Elves" program respond to every letter, keeping the holiday magic alive. The town also features Christmas-themed attractions like Holiday World, a seasonal amusement park.

For more information, visit Santa Claus, Indiana’s official website.