Cary Spotlight | Issue #752

Health Insurance Enrollment Scams, Cary Hosts Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair, NC State Professor Dies After Pedestrian Crash

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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• ⚠️ Consumer Alert: Avoid These Health Insurance Enrollment Scams
• 📰 News: NC State Professor Dies After Pedestrian Crash
• 📰 News: Cary Hosts Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair
• 😄 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: The word “guru,” used in English to mean an expert or teacher, originally comes from which language?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Stethoscope and Laptop Computer. Laptop computers and other kinds of mobile devices and communications technologies are of increasing importance in the delivery of health care. Photographer Daniel Sone

Avoid These Health Insurance Enrollment Scams

As open enrollment periods continue for Medicare and Healthcare.gov, the Better Business Bureau is urging the public to stay alert to an increase in scams targeting those seeking health coverage.

These scams often begin with unsolicited calls, texts, or emails offering to help individuals find the “best deal” on coverage. However, legitimate assistance from Medicare and Healthcare.gov must be initiated by the consumer and is always free of charge. Navigators or Assisters are available to help, but they do not contact individuals directly, and they are not allowed to charge for their services.

The BBB warns that some scammers entice people with promises of free gifts or health screenings. These offers may be attempts to collect personal information or exclude less healthy individuals, a practice known as “cherry picking,” which violates Medicare regulations.

To protect yourself during open enrollment, keep the following precautions in mind:

  • Be cautious of unsolicited contacts offering help with health coverage.

  • Never pay for assistance from Healthcare.gov or Medicare Navigators/Assisters.

  • Avoid brokers offering free gifts or health screenings in exchange for personal information.

  • Protect your Medicare ID, Social Security number, banking details, and health plan information.

  • Visit official websites like Medicare.gov or Healthcare.gov directly to make changes.

  • Confirm benefit updates with your employer before responding to unexpected messages.

If you suspect a scam or mistakenly share personal information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit HealthCare.gov for support. Staying informed and cautious can help ensure your coverage decisions are secure and legitimate. Read Full Report

How Confident Are You in Spotting Health Insurance Scams?

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NC State Professor Dies After Pedestrian Crash 

A pedestrian crash near North Carolina State University claimed the life of Natalia Duque-Wilckens, an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. The collision happened Tuesday evening at the intersection of Pogue Street and Clark Avenue, just a short distance from the campus.

Police arrived to find Duque-Wilckens seriously injured. She was transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The university has acknowledged her death and is offering support to those affected in the campus community.

The driver, 19-year-old Jack Etheridge, was not injured and remained at the scene. He has been cited with misdemeanor death by vehicle. His first court appearance is scheduled for March 2026.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Cary Hosts Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair

The Cary Senior Center will once again host the Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair on November 15, welcoming the public to explore a variety of handmade items created by local artists aged 50 and up. The fair will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free to attend.

This seasonal event offers an opportunity to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts and festive decorations in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Visitors can enjoy refreshments and connect with the artists behind the work.

To make parking easier, a shuttle service will be available from designated overflow areas, taking guests directly to the front entrance of the center.

The fair encourages support for local artisans and highlights the value of small-scale, handmade work during the holiday season. More information is available on the Town of Cary’s official site

Address: 120 Maury O'Dell Place Cary, NC 27513 (Cary Senior Center)
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Just curious…

Let us know how you plan to spend your Saturday!

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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.

Buy Cary Spotlight coffee. Every contribution helps us highlight more local restaurants, small businesses, and nonprofits making a difference. Help us keep this resource free.

🎟️ 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: Town Council Meeting (Quarterly Meeting) 1PM-7PM
• Thursday: A Knight's Delight: Medieval Feast and Fun 5PM-8PM
• Thursday: Music BINGO 7PM-8:30PM
• Friday: PONDER Alzheimer’s Program in the Park 10:30AM-12PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-Noon
• Saturday: Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair 9AM-2PM
• Saturday: Harvest Fest 12PM-4PM

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: Sanskrit 🕉️

In Sanskrit, guru literally means “teacher” or “spiritual guide,” derived from roots meaning “weighty” or “venerable.” It entered English through Hindi and other Indian languages during the colonial period, and today it’s used broadly for any expert or mentor.