- Cary Spotlight
- Posts
- Cary Spotlight | Issue #739
Cary Spotlight | Issue #739
Happy Halloween! 97-Year-Old Stays Young on the Job, Taste of China Festival Returns
Chris Coetzer
31 Oct
🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🎤 Featured: Dr. Rita Renee - Keynote Speaking
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: Doc B's Restaurant
• 📰 News: 97-Year-Old Stays Young on the Job
• 📰 News: Taste of China Festival Returns
• 😄 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.
Did someone forward you our Cary newsletter? Then subscribe here
Keynote Speaking: UNMUTE!
From Shadows to Stage
Dr. Rita Renee delivers a powerful, transformative keynote experience designed to help audiences “come off mute” and step boldly into their authentic voices. Through her UNMUTE framework, she empowers professionals, leaders, and women of faith to silence fear, embrace purpose, and speak with confidence and conviction. Book As Keynote Speaker | ultimatepowerhousecoach.com
Doc B's Restaurant
Doc B's Restaurant 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.
Doc B's Restaurant in Cary, NC, serves scratch-made American cuisine daily, featuring burgers, sandwiches, signature Wok Out Bowls, fresh salads, and indulgent desserts, complemented by a locally curated craft beer selection and outdoor patio with Southern hospitality in a relaxed setting.
Check out their menu on their website: Doc B's Restaurant
Address: 25 Fenton Main Street, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions
Doc B’s Restaurant (Cary)Click to share 3 things you love about this place or recommend an item people should try on their menu. |
Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.
one-of-kind cat boutique | Shop Online or VIsit Cary Location
97-Year-Old Stays Young on the Job
Hal Houdek began working at Homewood Nursery and Garden Center in Raleigh after retiring from the military and oil industry, turning a late-life interest in gardening into a long-standing job. More than 20 years later, he still clocks in at age 97, describing the role as key to his health and happiness.
Despite a wide generational gap, Houdek finds satisfaction in mentoring younger employees and contributing to a positive workplace culture. His coworkers view him as both a colleague and an inspiration, recently celebrating his 97th birthday.
Houdek attributes his longevity and continued work ethic to his faith and a desire to stay mentally and physically active. He remains committed to the job and says he plans to continue as long as he is able and welcome.
His presence has become a fixture at the nursery, where his experience and attitude enrich both the work environment and the lives of those around him.
Just curious…
Hal Houdek says staying active and working keeps him feeling young at 97. What’s your secret to staying young in spirit?
What’s your secret to staying young in spirit?Click to cast your vote... |
Taste of China Festival Returns
Downtown Cary will once again welcome the Taste of China – Chinese Food and Culture Festival, scheduled for November 1 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual event, now in its fifth year, is organized by the Chinese-American Friendship Association of North Carolina in partnership with the Town of Cary.
Visitors can enjoy a full day of authentic Chinese cuisine, traditional performances, and interactive cultural exhibits. The festival is designed for all ages and welcomes families, food enthusiasts, and community members alike. Entry is free, and food vendors will accept a variety of payment methods, including cash.
To accommodate the event, S. Academy Street between Dry Avenue and E Park Street will be closed to vehicles between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Festival organizers encourage attendees to plan accordingly.
CAFA plays a leading role in promoting cultural diversity and civic participation throughout the state. Its programming includes educational workshops, environmental projects, and cultural celebrations like the Taste of China Festival.
Learn more: nccafa.org
Are you planning on going to this local event?Click to cast your vote |
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.
🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary.
Every contribution helps us highlight more local restaurants, small businesses, and nonprofits making a difference. Join readers who’ve already donated.
🎟️ 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:
• 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
• Sunday: NC Courage vs Gotham FC 3PM
• Sunday: Legacy of Jazz: Here Comes the Sun 3:30PM-5PM
• 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 👇👇👇
Gimcrack [jim-krak] is a noun. The exact origin of gimcrack is uncertain, but it dates back to the 15th century and has always carried a sense of flashiness over substance. It likely arose as a rhyming compound—gim meaning trick or gadget, and crack implying a loud noise or boast. The word is typically used to criticize objects (or sometimes ideas) that look impressive but are ultimately useless or cheaply made. In extended use, it can describe anything that prioritizes appearance over integrity. It's a word that pairs style with skepticism—especially in consumer culture.
Examples of gimcrack in a sentence:
The market stall was full of gimcracks and novelty trinkets.
Don’t be fooled by the gimcrack packaging—the product is low quality.
How Did We Do With This Issue?Click to cast your vote |