Cary Spotlight | Issue #449

Cary Community Spirit Soars, Heating Assistance Program in Wake County, Cary’s Dreamfest Brings Art, Service, and Unity

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Elaine!

📰 Cary Community Spirit Soars: Swan Rescued from Icy Pond in Lochmere

📰 Heating Assistance Program in Wake County Seeks Community Support

📰 Cary’s Dreamfest Brings Art, Service, and Unity to MLK Weekend

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: What is the deepest ocean 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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Meme of the Day.
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You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Elaine!

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Credit: Maria Jayoussi

Cary Community Spirit Soars: Swan Rescued from Icy Pond in Lochmere

Editor’s Note: Story based on the images and details shared in a local Facebook group. We share it in Cary Spotlight as a a symbol of community spirit and determination

Last Saturday, January 11, 2025, Lochmere residents in Cary witnessed an unusual winter spectacle—a swan trapped in the icy waters of one of the neighborhood’s small ponds. With temperatures dipping low enough to form a thin sheet of ice, the bird appeared unable to free itself, prompting neighbors to spring into action.

Armed with small boats and paddles, the group coordinated a rescue effort, carefully navigating the partially frozen pond to reach the struggling swan. After some effort, the swan was freed from the icy trap and safely guided to shore, to the relief of both the rescuers and onlookers.

The heartwarming incident served as a reminder of the power of teamwork in moments of need. The rare icy conditions provided an unexpected backdrop for an inspiring story, one that showcased the kindness and quick thinking of Lochmere’s residents.

Just curious…

Inspired by the recent swan rescue in Lochmere, we'd love to hear from you! Let us know how you might respond in a similar situation:

How Would You Respond in a Community Emergency?

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Heating Assistance Program in Wake County Seeks Community Support

Wake County’s Warmth for Wake program is seeing unprecedented demand this January as colder-than-average temperatures drive up the need for heating assistance.

The program, which provides firewood and space heaters to residents struggling to keep their homes warm, has found its resources running low after a surge in requests. Many households in the area still rely on firewood as their primary heating source, making the availability of this resource critical during the winter months.

Warmth for Wake, which is funded entirely by donations and supported by volunteers, has faced challenges this season due to slow donations in December and a significant increase in demand.

Despite these difficulties, the program continues to assist households and is urging the community to help by donating funds or volunteering to prepare and deliver firewood. With the ongoing support of the community, Warmth for Wake hopes to continue serving residents through the remainder of the winter.

Click here for information on how to donate, volunteer or get help.

How Familiar Are You with Warmth for Wake?

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Cary’s Dreamfest Brings Art, Service, and Unity to MLK Weekend

Cary’s Dreamfest Weekend, set for January 17-20, 2025, invites the community to honor the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through a series of events emphasizing unity, compassion, and service. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Cultivating a Community of Compassion,” reflects Dr. King’s call for justice and equity.

The weekend features a variety of activities, from an art exhibition inspired by themes of representation to a 5K Walk for Hope promoting community solidarity. Families can enjoy storytelling and crafts at the children’s program, while the Cultural Arts

Celebration offers performances by local poets, musicians, and dancers. A screening of Farming While Black, paired with a panel discussion, highlights issues of equity in agriculture, and the weekend’s Interfaith Service provides space for reflection. The Village Gathering, complete with a shared meal, encourages dialogue on how Dr. King’s vision can guide modern communities.

Dreamfest not only celebrates Dr. King’s life but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing work required to achieve his dream of justice, equity, and compassion for all.

Learn more at carync.gov/dreamfest

Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (13 Jan 2025)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

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.

January 14th (Tuesday)

January 15th, 2025 (Wednesday)

January 16th (Thursday)

January 17th (Friday)

January 18th (Saturday)

January 19th (Sunday)

January 20th (Monday) MLK DAY

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

The Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean in the world, with an average depth of about 12,080 feet (3,682 meters) and a maximum depth of 36,161 feet (11,022 meters) at the Mariana Trench’s Challenger Deep. Covering more than 63 million square miles, the Pacific is also the largest ocean, accounting for nearly one-third of the Earth’s surface. Its vast depths and size host a diverse range of ecosystems and some of the least explored areas on the planet.

For more information, visit NOAA’s Ocean Exploration.