Cary Spotlight | Issue #659

Town of Cary Shares Q4 Update, Chef’s Palette Hosts Block Party, Cary Soccer Sees Both Ends of Drama


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Question: Which disease was declared eradicated in 1980 thanks to a global vaccination campaign?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Cary Spotlight: Extra

Your long-form companion to the Cary Spotlight newsletter, is coming soon! This blog will align with our mission — to amplify local voices, inform residents, and showcase what makes Cary unique. Thank you for your input on the name of our blog.

Sassool Reviews

Sassool is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight's readers for our Discover Cary project. If you've had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Sassool is a family-owned Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant in Cary that serves authentic recipes using fresh ingredients in a fast-casual setting, offering everything from warm pita bread and flavorful hummus to hearty kabobs and healthy salad options.

Check out their menu on their website: Sassool

Address: 1347 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

Reader Poll Results

Sassool (28 Votes)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (25)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 Never been there but I might give it a try (3)

Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“Good veggie food but I don't go often.” “Go to for good food. Excellent selection of sides and goodies. ”

“Fantastic food! I go often and have brought several others there and we've never walked away disappointed. Definitely my go to. ”

“Great food all the time” “I love the Friday night specials. The spanakopita and salmon with yellow curried rice are both delicious.”

Sassool

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Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.

Cary Shares Q4 Update on Growth and Safety Initiatives

Cary’s fourth-quarter report for fiscal year 2025 provides an overview of events, projects, and policy actions from April through June. The document serves as part of the Town’s rolling budget process, which allows for continuous financial and operational planning throughout the year.

Notable policy updates include the adoption of a Land Development Ordinance change to allow accessory dwelling units and the Council’s approval of a Vision Zero resolution aimed at reducing traffic-related fatalities and injuries. Project milestones included the completion of Higgins Greenway Phase III and the reopening of the historic Ivey-Ellington House following restoration.

The quarter was also marked by several large public events, including The Soccer Tournament and the Pimento Cheese Festival. Cary hosted North Carolina’s first dementia-friendly film screening, reinforcing the community’s commitment to inclusivity. These updates and events reflect the Town’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, support residents, and promote community engagement. Read Full Report

Chef’s Palette Hosts Block Party and School Supply Drive Aug. 17

Chef’s Palette is organizing a community block party and school supply drive on Sunday, August 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. in Cary. The goal is to gather enough donations to fill 80 backpacks for local students, supporting four area elementary schools: Oak Grove, Penny Road, Apex, and Apex Friendship.

The event will offer live DJ entertainment, complimentary food and drinks, games, giveaways, and booths from local vendors. Families can also visit with members of the Cary Fire Department, see a fire truck up close, and learn more about fire safety.

Donations can be dropped off at Chef’s Palette before or during the event. The celebration is a collaboration with nearby businesses such as Marsh Orthodontics, Dunkin’ Donuts, Truist Bank, Jet’s Pizza, and Mama Birds Ice Cream.

Guests are welcome to enjoy the bar and patio, though all beverages must remain on the premises. The block party is open to all and designed to bring the community together in support of local students as the new school year begins.

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Cary Soccer Sees Both Ends of Drama

It was a weekend of emotional swings for Cary soccer fans — the Courage suffered a gut-punch in stoppage time, while NCFC battled back for a gritty home win in front of their faithful at WakeMed Soccer Park.

Weekend Highlights:

  • NC Courage fell 2-1 to the Houston Dash after a weather delay, with Riley Jackson’s first-half penalty undone by a stunning equalizer and Sophie Schmidt’s stoppage-time tap-in. The loss leaves the Courage ninth in the standings at 5W-6L-4D.

  • Jaedyn Shaw’s high-press hustle and Manaka Matsukubo’s slick back heel helped create the Courage’s opener, but Houston’s late push stole the points.

  • North Carolina FC roared back to beat the Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-1, moving to third in the Eastern Conference. Evan Conway netted his sixth of the season before Louis Perez buried a penalty just before halftime.

  • NCFC’s back line locked down in the second half, withstanding a late Tampa Bay surge to secure all three points in a physical, high-intensity match.

From last-gasp heartbreak to spirited comebacks, Cary’s soccer stage delivered another weekend of drama worthy of the town’s passionate fans.

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Aug 12 - 18

🎟️ Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Today: Toddler Tuesday: Mad Science Sea, Sand & Surf Class 10AM-11AM
• Today: Yoga 7PM-8PM
• Wednesday: Abstract Color Harmony Workshop 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Thursday: Carnivorous Plants – Plants that Bite Back 9AM-10AM
• Thursday: Trivia Night 6PM-8PM
• Friday: Cary Night Market 5PM-9PM
• Friday: North Carolina FC vs Detroit City FC (Home Game) 7:30PM
• Saturday: The Soul Picnic: A Celebration of Food, Fun & Culture 5PM
• Saturday: NC Courage vs Portland Thorns (Home Game) 7:30PM
• Sunday: Chef’s Palette Block Party Extravaganza 1PM-5PM
• Monday: Athletic Committee 6PM-8PM

But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980 by the World Health Organization, marking one of the greatest achievements in public health. This deadly disease, caused by the variola virus, killed millions over centuries and left many survivors with severe scars or blindness. A coordinated global vaccination campaign successfully halted its spread, making smallpox the first human disease to be completely eliminated.