Cary Spotlight | Issue #558

Discover Lapels Cleaners (Cary), Cary Grandmother Wins $1 Million, Beekeepers Find ‘Gold’

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

🧭 Discover Cary: Lapels Cleaners

📰 Cary Grandmother Wins $1 Million Lottery Prize

📰 Beekeepers Find ‘Gold’ in the Form of Rare Purple Honey

📰 Hurricanes Goalie Andersen Back on Ice After Injury Scare

😀 Meme of the Day

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Did someone forward you our daily, local Cary newsletter? Then click the button below to subscribe and discover the talk of the town.

Question: Which fruit floats in water?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Meet the Mama Edna Project, a cause we’re proud to spotlight in today’s edition of Cary Spotlight. We’re donating this space to help spread the word about their mission: turning donated goods into meals for neighbors in need.

Their Cary-based thrift shop supports local food security programs across the Triangle. Want to learn more? 🎧 Check out our latest podcast episode for the full story—and consider donating or shopping to support their cause!

“I’m so glad I found this gem of a place! Drew is so kind and his store is full of amazing goodies with fantastic organization. I’ve always been a fan of thrift shops, but this one in particular is wonderful as it feels extra inclusive and also supports local causes.” -Tara Ott-Donahue

 Podcast Episode | Follow Them on FB | Text/Call: (919) 649-0678
Address: 1393 Maynard Rd SE , Cary, NC 27511

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

Lapels Cleaners

Summary

In this episode of Cary Spotlight Connect, host Dr. Chris Coetzer sits down with Jay Singh, U.S. Army veteran and owner of Lapels Cleaners in Cary, NC.

Jay shares how his military background inspired his transition into entrepreneurship and why he’s committed to delivering high-quality, eco-friendly dry cleaning and laundry services to the local community.

From same-day wash-and-fold options to free pickup and delivery, Jay is redefining what it means to be your neighborhood cleaner—with GreenEarth solvent, a non-toxic, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional dry cleaning solvents, and a veteran's work ethic.

Keywords: Cary Spotlight, Jay Singh, Lapels Cleaners, dry cleaning, eco-friendly, customer service, veteran-owned business, laundry services, community support, local business

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

  • How Jay’s military service shaped his approach to customer service

  • Why Lapels uses GreenEarth® solvent—and what makes it safer for your skin

  • Pricing and turnaround times for wash & fold laundry (including flat-rate bag options)

  • Details on FREE pickup & delivery within a 10–15 mile radius of Cary

  • How Lapels partners with local professionals, first responders, and small businesses

  • The story behind Lapels’ drive-thru service and convenient location

  • Why veteran-owned matters—and how supporting Jay supports the community

Credit: Lapels Cleaners

Need help keeping up with laundry or dry cleaning? They’re happy to handle it—pickup and delivery included, at no extra charge. Whether you're a busy professional, parent, or someone who just wants more free time—Jay and his team are ready to help. Mention Cary Spotlight when you visit or schedule pickup to show your support for this veteran-owned local gem in Cary, NC.

Lapels Cleaners Business Info:

📍 1226 NW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27513 | ☎ 919- 380-1713 | Directions
Website: Lapels Cleaners

We’d love your input! Let us know how familiar you are with this veteran-owned local business offering eco-friendly dry cleaning, wash-and-fold laundry, and free pickup and delivery:

How Familiar Are You with Lapels Cleaners in Cary?

Click to cast your vote

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Cary Grandmother Wins $1 Million Lottery Prize

Stephanie Marquez, a grandmother from Cary, is the latest North Carolina Education Lottery winner to strike it big. While purchasing a ticket at a convenience store in Charlotte, she opted for a $30 MAX-A-MILLION scratch-off — a move that netted her the game’s $1 million top prize. Rather than receiving annual payments, Marquez chose a lump sum of $600,000, walking away with just over $430,000 after taxes.

Marquez plans to use part of her winnings to support her grandchildren’s college education. Her win is one of only three $1 million prizes claimed in the MAX-A-MILLION game so far, leaving 22 additional $1 million prizes and all ten $100,000 prizes still unclaimed. The game debuted in March and continues to draw attention from hopeful players statewide.

Beekeepers Find ‘Gold’ in the Form of Rare Purple Honey

Credit: NC State Apiculture Program

In the Sandhills of North Carolina, bees have occasionally produced a strikingly violet honey—an enigmatic and highly localized occurrence that has eluded scientific explanation. Beekeepers across the region say the purple honey is sporadic, appearing in some hives and seasons but not others. Despite extensive extraction work over the years, most local apiarists have encountered it only once or twice.

Theories abound. Some researchers suggest environmental factors like sourwood nectar, aluminum-rich soils, and drought may be at play. Others propose plants like the Titi shrub, invasive kudzu, or even fruit sugars and human food waste may contribute to the phenomenon. However, none of these hypotheses fully account for the purple honey’s unique presence in this part of the state—or its elusive appearance.

For now, purple honey remains one of nature’s most delightful mysteries, rare enough to thrill local beekeepers and perplex scientists, and sweet enough to keep everyone coming back for more.

Read Full Report

Just curious…

North Carolina’s Sandhills are the only place in the world where bees sometimes make naturally purple honey—and scientists still don’t know why!

Have You Heard of Purple Honey?

Click to cast your vote and see live results

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Hurricanes Goalie Andersen Back on Ice After Injury Scare

Frederik Andersen rejoined his Carolina Hurricanes teammates at practice on Friday, marking his first appearance since exiting Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the New Jersey Devils with an undisclosed injury. With no firm start date yet announced for the second-round matchup against the Washington Capitals, the additional time off has provided a recovery window for the veteran goaltender.

Andersen appeared to move comfortably and took part in the full session without the backup presence of a third netminder. Though team officials have not formally confirmed his availability for Game 1, his participation signals a strong likelihood of return. Before his injury, Andersen had been a cornerstone of Carolina’s success, posting league-leading numbers in both goals-against average and save percentage through the first round.

The Hurricanes will face a formidable Washington squad in the next round, but Andersen’s return could provide a critical edge for Carolina’s playoff hopes.

🏒 Hurricanes Fans: How Confident Are You Heading Into Round 2?

Click to cast your vore

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Meme/Thought 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.

☕Cary Spotlight Fueled by Coffee and…

  • We help local businesses grow their visibility and help people fall in love with their community by publishing a daily newsletter in Cary, NC. If you like to support our work, please consider buying us a cup of coffee.

Featured Event

You can drop off your donation anytime, or bring it in person during their Cat Adoption Event happening this Saturday, May 3rd from 12–4 PM.

For more information: Meow City (meow-city.com)
Address: 659 Cary Towne Blvd., Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions 

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.

May 3rd (Saturday)

May 4th (Sunday)

May 5th (Monday)

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

Apples float in water because they’re made up of about 25% air, which makes them less dense than water. This fun fact is why apple bobbing works so well as a fall festival game! The tiny air pockets inside the fruit’s flesh help it stay buoyant, allowing apples to drift on the surface rather than sink—unlike many other fruits.

Learn more here: Why Do Apples Float?