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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: Serendipity Gourmet Deli Review
• 📰 News: Crossroad FLEX Faces Zoning Issue, Goes Virtual
• 📰 News: Cary Meeting Jan. 8: New Homes, Service District, Parking Lot Upgrades
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🎁 Your gift fuels local fun: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Scroll or Skip to your favorites.
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Question: How many US states does the Appalachian Trail run through?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Dry January Just Got Way More Delicious and Uplifting 🍸✨
January doesn’t have to feel dull or restrictive. It’s a chance to reset, feel amazing, and still enjoy the ritual of a great drink. Enter Vesper, Pique’s newest release—and my favorite upgrade to Dry January.
Pique is known for blending ancient botanicals with modern science to create elevated wellness essentials, and Vesper is no exception. This non-alcoholic, adaptogenic aperitif delivers the relaxed, social glow of a cocktail—without alcohol or the next-day regret.
It’s what I reach for when I want something special in my glass. Each sip feels celebratory and calming, with a gentle mood lift, relaxed body, and clear, present mind. No haze. No sleep disruption. Just smooth, grounded ease.
Crafted with L-theanine, lemon balm, gentian root, damiana, and elderflower, Vesper is sparkling, tart, and beautifully herbaceous—truly crave-worthy.
Dry January isn’t about giving things up. It’s about discovering something better. And Vesper makes every pour feel like a yes.
Serendipity Gourmet Deli Review
Serendipity Gourmet Deli is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight’s readers for our Discover Cary project. If you had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.
Serendipity Gourmet Deli in downtown Cary is a charming neighborhood deli that has been serving up fresh sandwiches, homemade salads, and classic deli fare since 1975, featuring signature dishes like their Albacore Hot Croissant and famous Reuben sandwich in a cozy setting with friendly service.
Check out their online menu: Serendipity Gourmet Deli
Address: 118 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions
Serendipity Gourmet Deli (35 Votes)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (26)
🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I might give it a try (9)
Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“I eat there regularly and love it! Everything is great and service is also.”
“Love all their sandwiches, my favorite is their tuna salad!!!”
“Garden Pocket’s tahini 💕” “Love their veggie pita! Delicious!”
“My go to sandwich is the Mideastern Mystery - I love it and always add Tahini dressing.”
“Fantastic menu and great desserts.” “Consistently good over many years! ”
“Great place to eat! Food is always fresh. I have eaten here many times. ”
“Always fresh food and a lovely outdoor patio to enjoy the experience!”
“Food is plenty and place super clean with friendly staff. ”
Serendipity Gourmet Deli
Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.
Crossroad FLEX Faces Zoning Issue, Goes Virtual
Crossroad FLEX High School in Cary has transitioned to remote instruction for all students due to a building occupancy limit imposed by local authorities. The school informed families of the change in mid-December, just ahead of the winter break, and implemented the shift as students returned in January.
The capacity limit stems from the building’s zoning designation, which classifies it for business use rather than educational purposes. Officials from the Wake County school district, the Town of Cary, and the Fire Marshal reviewed the situation and concluded that the facility’s current use as a school does not comply with its original permit.
Crossroad FLEX has operated from its Dillard Drive location since 2016. Though regular classes are now virtual, the building will remain open for specific needs, such as testing and student support.
The district emphasized its goal of maintaining continuity in teaching and communication during the transition.
Just curious…
How do you feel about Crossroad FLEX High School's sudden shift to virtual learning due to zoning issues?
Cary Meeting Jan. 8: New Homes, Service District, Parking Lot Upgrades
The Cary Town Council will hold its next Regular Meeting on Tuesday, January 8, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Town Council Chambers, 316 N Academy St, Cary. The meeting is open to the public and will include opportunities for public participation during the Public Speaks Out segment and any scheduled public hearings.
Public Speaks Out (One-Hour Time Limit)
This segment is the public’s opportunity to address the Council on any town-related topic. Council members listen without engaging in discussion. If an issue can be addressed by staff, the town manager may assign a follow-up.
To participate:
Sit in the reserved seats and fill out the contact information card.
When called, approach the clerk, submit your card and any handouts.
State your name clearly at the podium.
Limit comments to three minutes or less; avoid repetition and direct remarks to the full Council.
For group concerns, select a spokesperson.
Audience members are asked to refrain from speaking out, applauding, or other distractions during the meeting.
Agenda highlights include:
Consent Agenda: A call for a public hearing on the annexation request for the Ferrell Road Assemblage (310 Barbee Road and 974 W. Ferrell Road), tied to a rezoning proposal for up to 230 single-family homes. Council is expected to approve the resolution setting the hearing for January 22, 2026.
Discussion Items:
South Hills Municipal Service District Petition: The Council will consider a request to explore forming a Municipal Service District aimed at revitalizing the South Hills area. If approved, staff will prepare a formal report and schedule a public hearing.
Walnut Street Parking Deck Gravel Lot: Council will decide whether to invest up to $125,000 in improvements to a temporary gravel lot used during repairs to the Walnut Street Parking Deck, or to remove the lot by a September 2026 deadline.
There are no public hearings scheduled for this meeting.
Watch Live: The meeting will be streamed on Cary’s YouTube, Facebook, and Cary Live.
Public Participation Details: Additional information is available on the Public Participation Information page.
Which upcoming agenda item matters most to you?
Meme of the Day.
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Jan 6 - Jan 11, 2026
🎟️ 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: Jr. Notemakers 10AM-11AM
• Today: Yoga 6PM-7PM
• Wednesday: Tai Chi: Downtown Cary Park 6:30PM-7:30PM
• Thursday: Zumba 6PM-7PM
• Thursday: Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Friday: Visionary Vibes 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: GLOW Under the Silver Moon Parade: Our Town 6PM-7:30PM
• Sunday: Sunday Sound Bath 4PM-5:30PM
• Sunday: NC Chinese Lantern Festival 6PM
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 👇👇👇
A: 14
The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) runs through 14 U.S. states, stretching from Georgia to Maine and covering over 2,000 miles, passing through all 13 original colonies plus West Virginia. The states are Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.
Learn more about the Appalachian Trail