Cary Spotlight | Issue #453

How Cary is Making Streets Safer, Cary’s Final Leaf Collection, Solution to Wake County's Homelessness Crisis, "Nothing Else Matters"

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Linda!

📰 Learn How Cary is Making Streets Safer

📰 Cary’s Final Leaf Collection Kicks Off January 21

📰 New Apartment Complex Targets Wake County Homelessness Crisis

🧭 The Timeless Power of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters"

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

"Are Home Sale Prices Here to Stay?"

The Cary Spotlight Real Estate Edition dives into the hot topic: Should we keep publishing home sale prices? Readers have spoken, and the results are in!

Find out what your neighbors think and whether this feature will stick around—don’t miss Monday’s edition! 🏡

Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay tuned.

Chris Coetzer, PhD
Founder, Cary Spotlight

Question: What is the longest mountain range on Earth?

(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.
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?

Meme-o-meter

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You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Linda!

Spread The Word

If you want to help Cary Spotlight even more, share Cary Spotlight with your friends and neighbors.

How $11 Can Bring Joy to Someone’s Day in Cary, Apex or Morrisville
Small acts make a big difference. For just $11, MOM Wishing Widows Well hand-delivers bouquets to brighten the day of widows, seniors, and those facing loneliness for Valentine’s Day.

Learn How Cary is Making Streets Safer

Are you curious about how Cary is enhancing safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists? In the latest episode of Cary Matters, District D Councilmember Sarika Bansal and Cary’s longest-serving Councilmember, Jack Smith, discuss the Town’s innovative Traffic Calming Program.

From tools like speed humps and radar signs to raised crosswalks, this program combines data-driven decisions with community input to address safety concerns and create more connected neighborhoods.

Learn how you can request traffic calming measures for your area and track project progress through Cary’s Traffic Calming Hub.

Watch now to see how Cary is building safer streets for everyone.

You can access Cary’s Traffic Calming Hub through the Town of Cary's official website.

This page provides comprehensive information on active and potential traffic calming projects, including updates and opportunities for community feedback. For direct access to the Project Engagement Hub, where you can find specific project details and participate in surveys, visit publicinput.com/CaryTrafficCalmingHub

We’d love to hear your thoughts on Cary’s efforts to enhance road safety!

How familiar are you with Cary’s Traffic Calming Program?

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Register for half-marathon or marathon use code “Spotlight” and save $20

Cary’s Final Leaf Collection Kicks Off January 21

Credit: Town of Cary, NC

The Town of Cary has announced the final round of loose leaf collection for the season, starting January 21.

Residents are advised to place their leaves curbside by 7 a.m. on the first day of their collection period, following guidelines to ensure safety and accessibility. Leaf piles should remain clear of sidewalks, storm drains, and utility markers and should not contain trash, large stones, or other debris.

Additional pickups outside of the scheduled period are available for a fee, which can be arranged through 311.

For those seeking alternative options, the Town offers several solutions. Leaves in reusable containers or brown paper bags can be placed curbside for weekly yard waste collection. Leaves can also be dropped off, free of charge, at the Citizen's Convenience Center. A new feature this season allows private landscapers to dispose of residential leaves at the Convenience Center, provided homeowners contact 311 to register.

Residents can track collection progress in real-time using the Town’s live leaf map at carync.gov/leaves, making it easy to stay informed. With multiple options and clear instructions, Cary’s approach ensures a smooth end to the leaf collection season.

Learn more here: carync.gov/leaves.

Just curious…

We’d love your feedback! Let us know how useful you found this information and whether it helps you plan for the upcoming collection period.

How helpful was this post in preparing you for Cary’s leaf collection season?

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New Apartment Complex Targets Wake County Homelessness Crisis

In a bold response to Wake County’s homelessness crisis, nonprofit CASA is nearing the launch of King’s Ridge, a new apartment community near Sunnybrook Road. With over 100 fully furnished 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom units, the complex is designed to provide safe, affordable housing for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Residents will pay no more than 30% of their income for rent, ensuring financial accessibility alongside the dignity of a thoughtfully furnished home.

King’s Ridge goes beyond housing, offering on-site support services to foster long-term stability. The complex features two medical clinics, case management, and a tenant liaison, marking CASA’s first integrated approach to holistic resident care. All units have been pre-leased through partnerships with local organizations, and the first residents are set to move in by February.

By addressing both immediate housing needs and broader systemic barriers, King’s Ridge is expected to reduce homelessness in Wake County by 10%, offering a powerful example of community-driven solutions to a pressing social issue. Read Full Story

The Timeless Power of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters"

Metallica & San Francisco Symphony: Nothing Else Matters (Live)
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhWfrtIPZjk

“I love when people listen to metal and realize that it isn't just headbanging about nothing. There's love and sadness and anger and just everything laid bare in it.” ~Anonymous Youtube viewer

In 1991, Metallica ventured into uncharted territory with "Nothing Else Matters," a ballad that defied the conventions of the band’s signature heavy metal sound. Emerging from their self-titled Black Album, the song is an evocative exploration of love, vulnerability, and personal connection—a stark departure from their typically hard-edged repertoire.

Written by frontman James Hetfield, the track originated as a deeply personal piece meant to remain a private expression of his feelings for his then-girlfriend. Its lyrics delve into themes of emotional closeness, trust, and resilience in relationships. As listeners embraced the song, its resonance expanded beyond romantic love, becoming an anthem for authenticity and self-discovery.

Musically, "Nothing Else Matters" stands apart. A delicate, haunting guitar intro gives way to orchestral arrangements that elevate the song’s emotive impact, showcasing a versatility that cemented Metallica's place in mainstream music. This ballad was not only a risk but a triumph, becoming one of their most celebrated and enduring pieces.

The song’s evolution from an intimate creation to a universal statement of connection underscores its timeless appeal. Fans across generations find meaning in its simplicity: a reminder to focus on what truly matters

You can find the official lyrics for "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica on their official website: Nothing Else Matters

Just curious…

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Let us know what resonates most with you about Metallica’s timeless ballad, "Nothing Else Matters." Choose the option that speaks to you, or share your own perspective!

What stands out most to you about "Nothing Else Matters"?

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

Hi, I’m Chris Coetzer, founder of Cary Spotlight—your go-to hyperlocal newsletter and podcast showcasing the incredible businesses and charities that make Cary special.

Our daily email reaches over 5,700 engaged readers who trust us for local recommendations—and now, I want to feature YOU!

Join me on the Cary Spotlight Connect Podcast for FREE:
✅ Share your business story.
✅ Answer your top 3 FAQs.
✅ Connect with Cary residents who are eager to support local businesses like yours.

Spots for 2025 are limited, so don’t wait! Click the button below to secure your spot and put your business in the spotlight. 💡

Each initiative reflects a different facet of Dr. King’s dream, from fighting food insecurity to fostering community connections and caring for the planet. Together, they offer residents of Cary and beyond a chance to make an impact and to carry forward the ideals of equality, service, and compassion.

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 18th (Saturday)

January 19th (Sunday)

January 20th (Monday) MLK DAY

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

The Andes is the longest mountain range on Earth, stretching approximately 7,000 kilometers (4,350 miles) along the western coast of South America. Spanning seven countries—Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina—the Andes are known for their dramatic landscapes, including towering peaks, high plateaus, and active volcanoes. The range is also home to rich biodiversity and ancient civilizations like the Incas, whose legacy includes Machu Picchu.

For more information, visit National Geographic’s Andes Overview.