Cary Spotlight | Issue #635

Cary Celebrates Disability Pride Month, Cary Readers Prioritize Housing, Mental Health, Residents Invited to July 22 Town Hall


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Question: Which U.S. national park is home to the Grand Prismatic Spring?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Cary Celebrates Disability Pride Month with Focus on Inclusion

This July, the Town of Cary is recognizing Disability Pride Month, marking the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The observance reflects Cary’s ongoing efforts to acknowledge and celebrate the diverse experiences of residents with disabilities.

This year’s theme, “We Belong Here, and We're Here to Stay,” underscores the vital role people with disabilities play in building a strong, inclusive community. Cary emphasizes the importance of visibility, representation, and the pride felt by those in the disability community.

The town continues its commitment to fostering inclusivity and accessibility in public life, aiming to create a space where all individuals feel they belong and can thrive. Initiatives throughout the month support this goal by elevating awareness and encouraging community engagement around disability rights and inclusion.

Cary's celebration of Disability Pride Month is part of its broader mission to ensure equity and respect for every resident, reflecting the town’s values of diversity and community unity.

Which of the following do you believe would most improve inclusion and accessibility in our community?

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Residents Invited to Connect with Council at July 22 Town Hall

The Town of Cary will host a Special Town Hall on Tuesday, July 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cary Town Hall Council Chambers. Designed as an interactive, family-friendly event, the evening offers residents the chance to hear directly from Councilmembers, gain insight into how local government operates, and ask questions about town initiatives.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with light refreshments available. Activity packets with coloring sheets and snacks will be provided for children. The event will begin with a welcome from the Town Council and a Cary-themed trivia session. Councilmembers will then offer updates on current priorities, followed by a presentation from Town Manager Sean Stegall explaining the structure of local government, including how Cary's budget is developed and funded.

A live question-and-answer session will close the event. Residents are encouraged to submit questions in advance through Cary’s 311 portal at carync.gov/311 or by texting TXT311 (898311). Any questions not addressed during the event will receive responses afterward.

A brief survey will be available to attendees to gather input on future town hall events. The Town’s regular Council meeting remains scheduled for Thursday, July 24. Learn more

We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…

Cary Readers Prioritize Housing, Mental Health

In a reader poll conducted by Cary Spotlight, respondents weighed in on the most pressing health issue facing Wake County. Affordable housing and homelessness received the most votes (30.2%), followed closely by mental health (27.9%). Elder care, wellness programs, and healthcare access were also mentioned.

Reader Sentiment:

  • Many readers emphasized housing as a foundational issue, noting that without a stable address, residents face barriers to employment, healthcare, and other services:
    “Lack of affordable housing/homelessness has the domino effect leading to the rest of the issues.”

  • Others highlighted the growing crisis in mental health, citing long-term consequences of underfunded care systems.

  • A number of readers voiced concern for elder care, noting that seniors on fixed incomes are increasingly vulnerable and often overlooked.

  • A few called for holistic solutions, arguing that all these areas are interconnected and equally important:
    “All!” was a popular refrain.

These community perspectives are closely aligned with Wake County’s 2025–2028 CHNA, which identified housing, mental health, and healthcare access as top priorities. The report, based on community input and data analysis, aims to support coordinated local efforts to address health inequities and improve outcomes.

The feedback underscores a shared belief that these issues are interrelated and that progress requires a holistic, collaborative approach.

The CHNA aims to unify local efforts and guide resource allocation, policymaking, and program development through a collaborative, countywide approach.

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🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:

• Today: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Today: Cornhole Tournament in the Park 6PM-10PM
• Sunday: The Tempest (Cary Arts Center) 3PM-4:30PM
• Monday: Stretch and Refresh 10AM-11AM

To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
The Grand Prismatic Spring is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Yellowstone National Park, located primarily in Wyoming, USA. Known for its vibrant bands of color — ranging from deep blue at the center to fiery reds and oranges at the edges — the spring is the largest in the United States and the third-largest in the world. Its brilliant hues come from microbial mats living in the hot water. A visit to the Midway Geyser Basin, where the spring is located, offers an unforgettable glimpse into Yellowstone’s geothermal magic.

For more info, visit: Grand Prismatic Spring