Cary Spotlight | Issue #486

Cary Closes Facilities, Snow and Ice Cause Dozens of Accidents Across Triangle, From Blood Moons to a Cosmic Smiley Face

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

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

📰 Snow and Ice Cause Dozens of Accidents Across Triangle

📰 Cary Closes Facilities, Suspends Transit as Snow Accumulates

📰 From Blood Moons to a Cosmic Smiley Face—Cary’s Sky watching Guide

🧭 Discover Cary (Non-Profits): Dorcas Ministries Review

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Who was the African American woman whose cancer cells were used to create the first immortal human cell line (HeLa cells)?

(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

📚 TWO FREE AUDIOBOOKS! 📚
To get two free audiobooks from Audible, just follow this link: Learn more

Partner with us to reach our local audience in Cary, NC.
Advertising Opportunities

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

Click to cast your vote (see live results)

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Cheryl!

Spread The Word

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

Snow and Ice Cause Dozens of Accidents Across Triangle

Winter weather on Wednesday created hazardous driving conditions across central North Carolina, leading to dozens of crashes on highways and local roads. Authorities spent the day responding to overturned tractor-trailers, stranded vehicles, and collisions, as snow and ice made travel treacherous.

By Wednesday afternoon, the Raleigh Police Department had already responded to 45 crashes, including one involving a police cruiser. Emergency responders worked throughout the day to assist drivers and clear accident scenes.

As road conditions deteriorated throughout the day, Governor Josh Stein and NCDOT officials urged residents to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Snow and ice are expected to continue creating dangerous conditions in the coming days.

Just curious…

With snow and ice making roads hazardous across North Carolina, we want to hear from you!

How do you feel about driving in winter weather?

Click to cast your vote and see live results

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Cary Closes Facilities, Suspends Transit as Snow Accumulates

One inch and counting! Credit: Tow of Cary NC

Cary is experiencing continued snowfall, with over an inch of accumulation as road crews work to manage conditions. The A-Team is prioritizing major thoroughfares, followed by primary and secondary residential streets. Private parking lots, including those at businesses and apartment complexes, are not treated by the town. Residents can check real-time conditions through Cary’s live traffic cameras and maps.

As a result of the inclement weather, Cary Town Hall, recreation centers, and cultural arts facilities will remain closed through Wednesday. GoCary transit services will not operate, and residents are encouraged to check carync.gov for updates on programming cancellations.

Despite slick roads, only one weather-related crash was reported in Cary, and no injuries occurred. Residents are advised to call 911 only for immediate threats while directing non-emergency concerns, such as downed trees or slick roads, to Cary 311. Cary 311 will stay open until 10 p.m. Wednesday and resume at 7 a.m. Thursday.

Curbside collection remains on schedule, with any updates available through the Cary Collects app. The town’s next update on weather-related operations is expected by 4 a.m. Thursday, unless conditions change significantly. Residents can stay informed through Cary’s social media channels and website. Read Full Report 

From Blood Moons to a Cosmic Smiley Face—Cary’s Sky Watching Guide

Credit: The Secrets Of The Universe

The night sky over Cary is about to put on a show, and whether you're an experienced stargazer or just love a good excuse to step outside and look up, these upcoming celestial events promise to be unforgettable. From rare planetary alignments to dramatic eclipses, dazzling meteor showers, and even a smiley face in the sky, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of cosmic wonders.

The action starts in February with a breathtaking planetary alignment, a rare spectacle where all seven classical planets—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will be visible in the same night sky. While Venus, Jupiter, and Mars will shine brightly, Saturn and Mercury will be closer to the horizon and require a clear view to spot. This week-long event offers a perfect opportunity to test your sky watching skills and marvel at the solar system's grandeur.

On March 14, a total lunar eclipse, or "Blood Moon," will cast the Moon in a deep red hue as Earth moves between the Sun and Moon. Just over a week later, on March 23, Saturn's rings will seem to vanish in a rare ring-plane crossing, an event that won’t occur again until the 2030s. Then, on March 29, early risers can catch a partial solar eclipse, with the Moon blocking up to 93% of the Sun at peak—just be sure to use eclipse glasses for safe viewing.

The Lyrid meteor shower on April 22 will light up the sky with 10-15 meteors per hour, best viewed before midnight. To wrap up the season, April 25 brings a "smiley face" alignment, as the waning crescent Moon, Venus, and Saturn create a celestial expression. Whether it’s a Blood Moon, disappearing rings, or shooting stars, 2025 promises a stellar year for Cary’s night sky.

For the best viewing experience, Cary residents can head to dark-sky locations like Jordan Lake, William B. Umstead State Park, or even the more open spaces around Bond Park.

Just curious…

Cary’s skies are set to dazzle in 2025 with planetary alignments, eclipses, meteor showers, and even a smiley face in the sky! We’d love to know—which of these upcoming celestial events are you most excited to see?

What Cosmic Event Are You Most Excited For?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Credit: Dorcas Ministries

Dorcas Ministries Review

Dorcas Ministries is one of the charities that was nominated by the Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary series. If you’ve experienced the impact of Dorcas’ work firsthand or know someone who has, we’d love to hear your story.

Dorcas Ministries is a nonprofit organization in Cary, North Carolina, dedicated to helping neighbors thrive by providing essential services such as food and financial assistance, training, client advocacy, and operating a thrift shop.

Learn more about the essential services they provide on their website: Dorcas Ministries.

Address: 187 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27511 | Directions 

Reader Poll Results

Dorcas Ministries (27 Votes)

Dorcas Ministries

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this charity (27)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never heard of it but I want to learn more (0)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback (Issue #387):

“Love this nonprofit charity!”

“Dorcas Ministries supports so many people. They have a wonderful thrift store and a thriving food pantry.”

“I heard about Dorcas when I moved here 3 years ago through my First Cary UM church. I am now a Dorcas volunteer for 2 committees. Great staff—awesome mission which they accomplish most days! ”

“They have consistently expanded their services and serve so many need with the help, particularly of local churches.”

“Dorcus does amazing work in our area.”

“Dorcas helped a friend of mine when she needed it. This is where I take all of my stuff when I do a closet clean.”

Dorcas Ministries

Click to share 3 things you love about this charity or recommend a way people can support their mission!

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Let’s Tell Your Brand’s Story.
Increase Your Local Visibility and
Connect with Our Community!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Cary area residents in an upcoming issue of Cary Spotlight? Click the link below.

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 20th (Thursday)

February 21st (Friday)

February 22nd (Saturday)

February 23rd (Sunday)

February 24th (Monday)

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

Henrietta Lacks was an African American woman whose cancer cells, taken without her knowledge in 1951, led to the creation of the first immortal human cell line, known as HeLa cells. These cells have been crucial in medical research, contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in cancer treatment, vaccines, and gene mapping.

Despite her immense contribution to science, Lacks’ story remained largely unknown for decades. Her legacy has since been recognized, raising important ethical discussions about patient rights and consent in medical research.