Cary Spotlight | Issue #561

Former NC State Student Dies of Cancer, Wake County Invites Public to Help, Cary Soccer Sides Blank Opponents

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

📰 Former NC State Student Behind Poe Hall Testing Push Dies of Cancer

📰 Wake County Invites Public to Help Plan the Future of Parks

📰 Cary Soccer Sides Blank Opponents in Weekend Sweep

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

😀 Meme of the Day

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

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

Question: Is a coconut a fruit, a nut or a seed?

(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

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Address: 1393 Maynard Rd SE , Cary, NC 27511

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Former NC State Student Behind Poe Hall Testing Push Dies of Cancer

Darren Masier, a former NC State graduate student who became a central figure in the campaign to investigate toxic contamination in Poe Hall, has died after battling leukemia. Masier, along with fellow student Jeremy Tuchmayer, was diagnosed in 2023 — a pivotal year in which NC State closed the building due to the discovery of PCBs, hazardous chemicals linked to cancer.

The university hired a consulting firm to conduct follow-up testing, but skepticism quickly spread among former students and faculty. Masier led efforts to secure independent testing access, eventually gaining approval after significant advocacy. The case became emblematic of growing distrust in how institutions handle environmental safety concerns.

NC State later announced it would end its investigation, citing federal budget cuts. Masier’s passing adds another layer of gravity to the unresolved questions surrounding Poe Hall, as former occupants continue to seek accountability and clarity on long-term health risks. Read Full Report

Just curious…

Poe Hall was shut down in 2023 after toxic PCBs — known carcinogens — were discovered. A former student who studied there and pushed for independent testing recently passed away from cancer.

Did You Know About the Poe Hall Controversy at NC State?

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Wake County Invites Public to Help Plan the Future of Parks

In response to rapid growth, Wake County officials are building a Comprehensive Master Plan to guide future decisions about parks, trails, and recreational spaces. The plan will not result in immediate construction but will serve as a framework to prioritize community needs in the coming years.

Public input is central to the process, with a series of community engagement meetings — the first of which will take place May 14 at the New Hill Community Center — designed to capture what residents value most. Ideas shared so far include more trails, shaded reading spaces for kids, and new amphitheaters for cultural programming.

Alongside in-person sessions, the county is encouraging residents to fill out an online survey. The feedback will help shape a shared vision that keeps nature and recreation accessible as the region grows.

Just curious…

Wake County is asking for your input on its long-term parks plan. What’s at the top of your wishlist?

🌳 How Would You Reimagine Wake County Parks?

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The Aztec Soccer Ball by Chaos Soccer Gear

Cary Soccer Sides Blank Opponents in Weekend Sweep

It was a winning weekend for Cary’s professional soccer clubs, with both the North Carolina Courage and North Carolina FC delivering impressive road shutouts. The Courage earned their first away victory of the season with a 2-0 result over the Utah Royals. Ashley Sanchez opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a low volley from outside the box, and a Utah own goal—redirecting a dangerous cross from Ryan Williams—extended the lead before halftime. The performance marked a continuation of the team’s tactical momentum, following last week’s comeback against Kansas City.

The win was also a milestone for goalkeeper Casey Murphy, who became just the sixth player in NWSL history to record 40 regular-season clean sheets. With the victory, the Courage move to 10th in the league standings and now return home for a marquee matchup against the Orlando Pride on Saturday. For a team still adjusting to lineup changes and a new formation, back-to-back wins suggest that a corner may have been turned.

North Carolina FC mirrored the Courage’s success with a 2-0 win of their own in Pittsburgh. After a quiet first half, NCFC dominated possession in the second and capitalized with goals from Louis Perez and Pedro Dolabella. Their defense remained airtight, allowing no shots on target in the final 45 minutes. Now 3-2-3 in league play, NCFC enters a three-match home stretch, starting with Tuesday’s U.S. Open Cup showdown against MLS club Charlotte FC.

⚽ How closely are you following Cary’s pro soccer teams this season?

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Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (5 May 2025)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

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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.

May 6th, 2025 (Tuesday)

May 7th (Wednesday)

May 8th (Thursday)

May 9th (Friday)

May 10th (Saturday)

May 11th (Sunday)

May 12th(Monday)

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

Despite its name, the coconut is neither a true nut nor just a fruit—it’s technically a seed. Botanically, a coconut is a drupe, a type of fruit with a hard shell enclosing the seed inside. When young, it behaves like a fruit with its refreshing water and jelly-like flesh. As it matures, it develops a hard outer shell, making it seem more like a nut. But in scientific terms, what you’re holding is a giant seed ready to sprout under the right conditions.