🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🎨 Discover Cary: Ride Free, Explore More with GoCary
• 📰 News: Triangle Food Assistance Programs Mobilize
• 📰 News: Compete for a Cause in Cary’s Annual Gifting Tree Project
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• 🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary: Show your support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.

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Question: What African American singer was the first to perform at the Metropolitan Opera in 1955?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Ride Free, Explore More with GoCary

🎙️ Cary Spotlight Connect – Episode Title:
"Ride Free, Explore More with GoCary”

🎧 Host: Dr. Chris Coetzer
🎤 Guest: Fabian Rodriguez, Transit Public Outreach, GoCary

Summary

In this episode of Cary Spotlight Connect, host Dr. Chris Coetzer welcomes Fabian Rodriguez from GoCary, the Town of Cary’s public transit system. Fabian shares how GoCary is redefining mobility with fare-free bus service connecting Cary, Apex, Raleigh, and beyond. He explains how funding from the Wake Transit Tax and federal support makes this possible, and highlights GoCary’s app for real-time tracking, route planning, and accessibility features.

Fabian also unveils two new routes launching this fall—Route 2 (Cary–West Raleigh) and Route 9 (Apex–Cary)—expanding service to key destinations like NC State, the State Fairgrounds, and downtown Apex. Whether you’re commuting, cutting carbon, or exploring Cary’s growing downtown, this episode shows how GoCary keeps the community connected and on the move.

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How GoCary provides fare-free transit for Cary and nearby towns

• Ways to track buses live and plan trips with the GoCary app

• How Cary’s transit network connects regionally with GoApex, GoTriangle, and more

• Details on new routes launching this fall and what they’ll connect

• How transit supports seniors, students, and commuters across the region

• Why public transportation is key to Cary’s sustainable growth

Memorable Quotes

• “Our goal is to make getting people around town easier, safer, and more convenient.” — Fabian Rodriguez

• “Right now, we’ve been fare-free since the pandemic—no ID, no payment, just hop on.” — Fabian Rodriguez

• “When you give it a try, it becomes part of your weekly routine.” — Fabian Rodriguez

📣 Call to Action:

Download the GoCary app or visit gocary.org to explore routes, view live bus tracking, and plan your first free ride (Trip Planner). Share the experience with friends and neighbors—your community’s mobility depends on your participation!

Just curious…

And one more thing…

Triangle Food Assistance Programs Mobilize

North Carolinians are facing the loss of SNAP food assistance starting in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The USDA has informed states that it will not deploy emergency funds unless existing allocations are fully spent, as there is no active congressional appropriation for new benefits.

This development could leave millions without federal food assistance unless a resolution is reached soon. In the meantime, various local food aid programs are available to help fill the gap.

FindHelp.org provides a way to locate services by zip code, while Wake County residents can access a local Food Finder tool. The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is also offering regional support.

Officials recommend residents act quickly to connect with these resources as the situation continues to unfold.

More information and resources at: Wake County Food Assistance Locations

Read Full Report

Compete for a Cause in Cary’s Annual Gifting Tree Project

Cary is preparing for the return of the Gifting Tree Project, an annual holiday tradition that turns downtown into a vibrant tree-lined display. The event, running December 6–26, features trees decorated by families, schools, and local groups, each vying for a chance to win a donation to a nonprofit of their choice.

Registration begins November 5 at 7 a.m. via RecTrac, and spots are expected to fill quickly. Entry fees are $50 for Cary residents and $65 for non-residents, with payment due upon registration. All participants must also submit a decorating plan for review.

Tree setup will occur between December 4 and 6, followed by a voting period through December 21. Winners will be announced by January 6, with top prizes ranging from $100 to $500 awarded as donations to selected 501(c)(3) nonprofits.

More information, including FAQs and decorating rules, is available at carync.gov/giftingtree.

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.

🎟️ 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:

• Thursday: Live at Lunch: Chris Overstreet 11:30-1:30PM
• Thursday: Cary Police Department Trunk or Treat 5:30PM-7:30PM
• Thursday: Discover Dance: K-Pop Session 7:30PM-9:30PM
• Friday: Discover Dance: Thriller Choreography 7:30PM-8:30PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Saturday: Taste of China 11AM-5PM
• Saturday: Concert Singers of Cary: Something Wicked This Way Comes 8PM-9:30PM

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