Cary Spotlight | Issue #493

Wake County Schools Celebrate Success, Cary’s Annual Water Disinfection Switchover, Koka Booth Amphitheatre Needs Volunteers for 2025 Concert Season

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ You’re So Sweet: Thank You, Kathy!

📰 Wake County Schools Celebrate Success While Tackling Key Challenges

📰 Cary’s Annual Water Disinfection Switchover Begins March 1

📰 Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre Opens Volunteer Applications for 2025

🧭 Discover Cary (Non-Profits): The Carying Place Review

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Who developed over 300 products from peanuts, including peanut oil and peanut butter?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

😋 Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine | Offering tasty and healthy dishes (see menu)

“We love Pho, so we were so excited to get their Steak Pho, their Signature Banh Mi, Chicken Dumplings, Rocket Shrimp and Pho with Steak and Meatballs! And, what we also loved, is that they are at a great price point and really is the perfect spot for busy moms to grab a meal for the family when they just don’t feel like cooking for a night” - Megan

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. You can read their Business Spotlight | Order Online | Catering Options

Song of the Day - Editor’s Pick

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, Kathy!

Spread The Word

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

Wake County Schools Celebrate Success While Tackling Key Challenges

The Wake County Public School System is experiencing both significant achievements and pressing challenges as it navigates a changing educational landscape. Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor recently highlighted the district’s highest-ever graduation rate, while also acknowledging the need to continue addressing achievement gaps and ensuring equitable opportunities for all students.

One major challenge has been the impact of shifting federal policies. A $12 million grant that funded teacher recruitment was recently revoked, part of a broader move to reduce diversity-related education initiatives. The district, which had used the funding to hire over 130 teachers, is actively appealing the decision.

The debate over cell phones in schools has also gained momentum. With concerns over student focus and screen time, Wake County is gathering feedback to develop a policy tailored to local needs while awaiting possible statewide legislation.

School safety remains a major concern, with at least five firearms discovered on school grounds this academic year. While new security measures, such as the Rave Panic Button app and visitor screening systems, have been implemented, discussions continue around further precautions, including weapons detection technology. Dr. Taylor noted that while such systems could serve as deterrents, they are not a comprehensive solution. He stressed the importance of responsible gun ownership, urging adults to secure firearms at home to prevent student access.

Despite these challenges, the district remains committed to ensuring every student has the resources to succeed, balancing security, academic achievement, and policy changes in an evolving educational environment.

Just curious…

Wake County Schools are celebrating record-high graduation rates but also facing key challenges like funding cuts, school safety, and technology use in the classroom. We want to hear from you!

What do you think is the biggest priority for Wake County Schools right now?

Click to cast your vote and see live results

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Cary’s Annual Water Disinfection Switchover Begins March 1

a glass of fresh water

The Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility will conduct its annual water disinfection switchover from March 1 to April 10, 2025, a process recommended by state and federal guidelines. During this time, the facility will temporarily discontinue the use of ammonia in its water treatment process, relying solely on chlorine to flush the system.

As a result, some residents in Cary, Apex, Morrisville, and surrounding areas may notice a stronger chlorine odor or temporary water discoloration, particularly in areas where hydrants are being flushed. While these changes may seem unusual, officials assure residents that the water remains safe to drink.

For those sensitive to chlorine, several methods can help improve the taste and odor, including using a carbon filter, boiling water for a minute, or adding lemon slices to a pitcher of water. Residents noticing discoloration should run cold water in a bathtub to clear the issue before washing clothes.

Additionally, customers who rely on treated water for kidney dialysis machines, fish tanks, or other chlorine-sensitive applications should take precautions, as the water may contain chlorine, chloramines, or a mix of both during this period.

Residents with concerns or persistent discoloration can contact 311 or visit carync.gov/waterchange for further information.

Each year, Cary temporarily switches to a chlorine-only water disinfection process for system maintenance. Some residents notice changes in taste, odor, or water clarity, while others don’t notice a difference. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

How Do You Feel About Cary’s Annual Water Disinfection Change?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre Opens Volunteer Applications for 2025

Koka Booth Amphitheatre, a centerpiece of Cary’s live entertainment scene, is inviting volunteers to be part of its 2025 event season. Open to individuals 18 and older, the program allows volunteers to engage with the community while supporting concerts, festivals, and special events at the outdoor venue.

Volunteer responsibilities may include greeting guests, providing information, and assisting with event operations. It’s an opportunity for those passionate about live entertainment to contribute to a vibrant cultural space while gaining behind-the-scenes experience.

Applications for the 2025 season are due by March 2, and those interested can apply online at boothamphitheatre.com under the "Volunteer" section of the "Contact" tab. More details are available by calling 919-462-2025.

For anyone looking to get involved in Cary’s thriving arts and entertainment scene, this volunteer opportunity provides a front-row seat to some of the year’s most exciting events.

Credit: The Carying Place

The Carying Place Review

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

The Carying Place is a nonprofit organization that teaches homeless, working families with children life skills to attain independent living, while providing short-term housing and support services to address their individual needs.

Learn more about the essential services they provide on their website: The Carying Place

Reader Poll Results

The Carying Place (10 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this charity (9)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I have never heard of it but I want to learn more (1)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback (Issue #389):

“This is an excellent charity that does much for our community.”

“I read about them on social media. The Carying Place has been chosen by the Cary Newcomers Club as their charity of the year. I am looking forward to volunteering with them as they provide education to empower people/families to succeed with housing financial security.”

“Doing great work helping people when they are in need, who in return give back when they are on THEIR feet. My First Cary UM church is a supporter of The Carying Place.”

The Carying Place

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 27th (Thursday)

February 28st (Friday)

March 1st (Saturday)

March 2nd (Sunday)

March 3rd (Monday)

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

​George Washington Carver (African-American Inventor) was a pioneering agricultural scientist who developed over 300 products derived from peanuts, including cooking oil, axle grease, and printer's ink. His innovative research not only provided alternative crops to cotton for farmers in the southern United States but also promoted sustainable agriculture and economic self-sufficiency.

Although widely credited with inventing peanut butter, Carver did not invent it; however, his extensive work popularized the versatility of peanuts in various industries.​

For more information, visit: Tuskegee University - Carver Peanut Products.