Cary Spotlight | Issue #480

Cary Seeks Public Input on Future Housing, New EMS Program Aims to Stop Overdose Cycle, Cary Families Invited to School BreakOUT!

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Libby!

📰 New EMS Program Aims to Stop Overdose Cycle with On-the-Spot Treatment

📰 Cary Families Invited to School BreakOUT! for a Day of Creativity and Fun

📰 Cary Seeks Public Input on Future Housing Plans: Deadline Feb. 15

😋🍴 Savor Cary: Lugano Ristorante Review

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Who was the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature?

(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?

Correction: "Things people told me when I was younger that I didnt understand or care about until now"

Meme-o-meter

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You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Libby!

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Editor’s Note: Happy Valentine’s Day.

Ready to Shop for a Cause?
Turner Creek Elementary’s Yard Sale Fundraiser isn’t just about decluttering—it’s about making a difference! This special event helps fund the 5th-grade class trip to Kure Beach, ensuring that all students, teachers, and chaperones can attend without financial barriers.

📅 February 15-16, 2025
⏰ 10 AM - 2 PM
📍 306 Capistrane Dr, Cary, NC 27519

Email Kelley to donate items: [email protected]

Every purchase and donation helps! Want to take part? Stop by, spread the word, or bring items to contribute. Let’s make this a success for our students!

New EMS Program Aims to Stop Overdose Cycle with On-the-Spot Treatment

Wake County EMS is rolling out a program aimed at treating opioid addiction at the moment of crisis. The Medication for Opioid Use Disorder initiative allows paramedics to administer buprenorphine, a medication that relieves withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings.

Traditionally, paramedics use naloxone to reverse overdoses, but this can leave patients in immediate withdrawal, increasing the likelihood of returning to drug use. With buprenorphine, paramedics can now offer a more sustainable solution, providing relief while also opening a window for further treatment.

Because the medication takes time to work, paramedics are spending more time with patients, using that opportunity to discuss available resources. Many overdose survivors refuse hospital visits, cutting themselves off from long-term treatment options. By bringing care directly to them, this program ensures more people have access to recovery services.

To strengthen these efforts, Wake County EMS has partnered with SouthLight, a nonprofit that provides opioid treatment. Paramedics are able to connect patients directly to SouthLight, streamlining the transition to ongoing care. Since launching the initiative, EMS teams have successfully linked several individuals to treatment, including those who had been searching for help but had not yet found a program.

By integrating addiction treatment into emergency response, Wake County is offering a new model of care—one that prioritizes both immediate survival and long-term recovery.

Cary Families Invited to School BreakOUT! for a Day of Creativity and Fun

Credit: Downtown Cary Park

Families looking for a fun way to spend the school break can head to Downtown Cary Park for School BreakOUT!, a free community event running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on February 17. The event features a range of engaging activities, from lawn games and hands-on art projects to an interactive Shadow Lab led by renowned Durham puppeteer Matt Sandbank.

Throughout the day, children and their families can experiment with shadow-making and even create their own puppets at the Academy Pavilion. At 1 p.m., Sandbank will take the stage for a performance of "A Wild Goose Chase," blending poetry and shadow puppetry in a lively storytelling experience. Those interested in learning more can explore Sandbank’s Shadow School YouTube channel.

In addition to the arts and games, Ty’s All Natural Food Truck will be available from 12 to 3 p.m. for those looking to grab a meal.

While the event is designed to be accessible to all ages, children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Downtown Cary Park also offers accessibility services and encourages guests with special needs to request accommodations in advance.

With a mix of creativity, education, and entertainment, School BreakOUT! promises a day of discovery and fun for families looking to make the most of their school holiday.
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Cary Seeks Public Input on Future Housing Plans: Deadline Feb. 15

Cary, along with Wake County Government, the City of Raleigh, the Wake County Housing Authority, and the Raleigh Housing Authority, is inviting residents to help shape the region’s housing strategy for the next five years. The goal is to identify challenges, explore opportunities, and establish priorities that will guide future housing policies and programs.

With rapid population growth in the Triangle, housing affordability, availability, and accessibility have become major concerns. This collaborative initiative aims to create a more inclusive and sustainable housing strategy by incorporating public perspectives into long-term planning.

Community feedback will influence key decisions, including affordable housing development, rental assistance programs, and neighborhood planning initiatives. Residents have until Saturday, February 15, to share their thoughts and help shape the future of housing in the region.

By participating, the community can ensure that regional housing policies reflect local needs, making Cary and surrounding areas more livable for all. Give Your Input Here

Just curious…

How long have you lived in Cary, NC? (More Options)

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Credit: Lugano Ristorante

Lugano Ristorante Review

Lugano Ristorante is one of the eateries that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary series. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Lugano Ristorante in Cary, NC, offers comfortable, casual Italian dining, striving to provide each guest with a memorable experience.

Here are the results from our reader poll and readers feedback (see below). Check out their menu on their website: Lugano Ristorante

Address: 1060 Darrington Dr, Cary, NC 27513 | Directions | Reserve a Table

Reader Poll Results

Lugano Ristorante (28 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (24)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never been there but I might give it a try (4)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback (Issue #375):

“I’ve been there many times since moving to Cary 9 years ago. Good service, great food. I, too, miss the tilapia! And bombolini is the best dessert ever!”

“Been going here for years. It keeps getting better. Rented a private room for me and 17 of my coworkers this week. The staff were excellent and provided great service. Food was excellent”

“This is my favorite restaurant. The food is terrific, the service is top notch and the atmosphere relaxed. We’ve never been disappointed! ”

“Lugano is our first stop when I pick my long distance BF up from the airport. A fun tradition that started in 2018. He's picky so the fact that he loves it is amazing. I'm gluten free and they make a real effort to have a nice selection and are very careful. Great wine list. Very good food. Service has always been excellent. Adventurous bartenders invariably come through with our latest unknown adult beverage request. Highly recommended.”

Lugano Ristorante

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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.

February 14th (Friday)

February 15th (Saturday)

February 16th (Sunday)

February 17th (Monday)

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

Toni Morrison was the first African American woman to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, receiving the honor in 1993 for her powerful and poetic storytelling that explored the Black American experience. Her novels, including Beloved, Song of Solomon, and The Bluest Eye, delved into themes of identity, history, and racial injustice. Morrison's work has had a profound impact on literature and culture, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest writers of the 20th century.

For more information, visit: Nobel Prize - Toni Morrison.