Cary Spotlight | Issue #438

A Winter Wonderland of Light in Cary, Legacy Shines at Habitat Wake, Seeing in Full Color

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Jenny!

📰 NC Chinese Lantern Festival Creates A Winter Wonderland of Light in Cary

📰 Jimmy Carter’s Legacy Shines at Habitat Wake’s Old Poole Place

📰 Seeing in Full Color: Libraries Expand Accessibility in Wake County

🧭 Never Do These 8 Things in Life

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: What is the name of the world's largest coral reef system?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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NC Chinese Lantern Festival Creates A Winter Wonderland of Light in Cary

The holiday season may have drawn to a close, but a dazzling cultural experience continues to illuminate Cary, North Carolina. The NC Chinese Lantern Festival, hosted at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, offers a mesmerizing blend of artistry, tradition, and innovation through January 12. This family-friendly event, a hallmark of Chinese cultural celebration, features intricately crafted silk lanterns and captivating performances by visiting artisans.

This year’s festival highlights the skill and dedication of more than 25 artisans from Zigong, the centuries-old lantern-making capital of Sichuan Province. Their creations, hand-assembled from silk stretched over steel frames and illuminated by hundreds of LED lights, range from towering sculptures to delicate displays. Among the festival’s standout features is the breathtaking Chinese Dragon that graces Symphony Lake, stretching nearly 200 feet in length and weighing 18,000 pounds—a feat of craftsmanship requiring a crane and a team of 15 for installation.

The festival is produced by Tianyu Arts & Culture, Inc., in partnership with the Town of Cary, joining an elite group of U.S. cities to host such an event. The lanterns and materials, shipped from China and assembled on-site, represent a tradition that dates back over two millennia to the Han Dynasty. Once reserved for emperors and nobility, today’s lantern festivals bring communities together to celebrate prosperity, hope, and new beginnings.

Tickets for the festival are a hot commodity, often selling out quickly. With limited availability, guests are encouraged to plan ahead and secure tickets online to experience this vibrant cultural event. Get tickets before you go

Just curious…

What excites you the most about the NC Chinese Lantern Festival?

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Jimmy Carter’s Legacy Shines at Habitat Wake’s Old Poole Place

Old Poole Place in Southeast Raleigh stands as a living tribute to former President Jimmy Carter’s commitment to affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity Wake County, which is celebrating 40 years of service, continues Carter’s mission to make homeownership accessible for families in need.

Carter’s legacy with Habitat for Humanity began decades ago, elevating the organization’s visibility and impact. His annual participation in the Carter Work Project highlighted his hands-on dedication to the cause. Following his passing, donations to Habitat Wake surged, with many made in his memory, demonstrating the deep respect for his contributions.

The Old Poole Place community will eventually provide homeownership opportunities for 114 families, with 40 homes already completed. These homes are a crucial step for many families of color, helping them build financial stability and generational wealth. In Carter’s honor, Habitat Wake plans to launch a special build this year, continuing his work of turning the dream of affordable housing into reality.
Read Full Report 

Seeing in Full Color: Libraries Expand Accessibility in Wake County

North Carolina State University Libraries in Wake County has seen success with its own color-corrective glasses program, launched in 2021. Available through the university’s Technology Lending Program, the glasses have provided students and staff with moments of discovery, from seeing campus reds in their true vibrancy to appreciating autumn foliage.

Libraries are bridging the gap between accessibility and innovation with the addition of color-corrective glasses to their lending programs. Designed to aid individuals with color blindness, the EnChroma glasses use advanced light-filtering technology to enhance color perception, particularly for those with red-green deficiencies. This initiative, part of a broader push for inclusivity, aligns with similar efforts across the country.

Libraries nationwide are introducing these glasses through partnerships with local organizations and manufacturers, ensuring minimal strain on budgets while maximizing community impact. Borrowers often share powerful stories of how the glasses have enriched their lives, whether by bringing clarity to art, nature, or daily surroundings.

This move underscores the evolving role of libraries as hubs of accessibility, innovation, and emotional connection, demonstrating their dedication to serving patrons in new and meaningful ways. Read Full Report

Never Do These 8 Things in Life

 Editor’s Note: I found this post online worth sharing without edits or additions. Credit to the unknown author.

  1. Never play with someone's feelings just for your happiness. You may win the game, but the risk is that you will surely lose the person for a lifetime.

  2. Never stop to make yourself better. No matter what you know, the minute you stop building yourself, you begin to deteriorate.

  3. Never think that you are not good enough. In life, people will take you for what or how you present yourself.

  4. Never lose hope in life. To hope, is to breathe life, to free your mind from fear and pessimism and fill it with optimism and positive thinking. So, no matter how difficult your life gets, never deprive yourself of hope.

  5. Never lose your self-respect. Self-respect is a form of self-care.

  6. Never beg for opportunities. Snatch them. When you beg for opportunities (including jobs), you will be seen as inexperienced and of low value. It is much better to have confidence in the value you have to offer than to beg.

  7. Never take anyone or anything in life for granted. Taking things for granted is considered irresponsible, even damaging. Taking your spouse for granted is a surefire way to make them feel unloved. Taking your income for granted can put you at financial risk if you lose your job. Taking your health for granted can lead you to take poor care of yourself.

  8. Even if the world takes advantage of you, never let the good in you die

Which of These "Never Do's" Resonates Most With You?

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🚀 Cary Business Owners: Let’s Share Your Story! 🎙️

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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. Most events are closed for the holidays.

January 3rd (Friday)

January 4th (Saturday)

January 5th (Sunday)

January 6th (Monday)

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

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the northeastern coast of Australia, is the world's largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 kilometers (1,430 miles). Comprising nearly 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, it is home to an incredible diversity of marine life, including colorful corals, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the reef is a global icon of natural beauty and a vital ecological treasure.