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🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: Congratulations to the 14th Annual Gifting Tree Project Winners!
• 📰 News: Measles Cases Rise in NC Children
• 📰 News: Cary to Launch 2026 Citizen Satisfaction Survey January 12
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for Laughs
• 🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary: Make your gift
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.
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Question: What country borders both of the world's only two nations with square flags?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
Quote of the Day
“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.”
~Albert Einstein
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Congratulations to the 14th Annual Gifting Tree Project Winners!
More than 3,000 community members cast their votes to select the top three decorated trees, each earning a donation to a nonprofit organization of their choice.
🏆 First Place: ALS United North Carolina
✨ Second Place: Cary Homeschoolers – Tree of Knowledge
✨ Third Place: Athens Drive High School Bands
Thank you to everyone who participated, decorated, and voted. Your support helped make this year’s Gifting Tree Project a festive success!
Which part of the Gifting Tree Project do you enjoy most?
Measles Cases Rise in NC Children
A cluster of pediatric measles cases has sparked a renewed vaccination push in North Carolina. Health officials reported four new infections in Polk and Buncombe counties, all linked to an ongoing outbreak in South Carolina. The cases include unvaccinated and partially vaccinated children.
The state is emphasizing the need for full immunization, with two MMR doses providing nearly complete protection. Officials warn that most counties fall short of the 95% vaccination rate needed to maintain herd immunity, with Polk County having the highest nonmedical exemption rate statewide.
Despite legal requirements for school and daycare attendance, North Carolina continues to allow religious and medical exemptions, which health professionals say are often used for philosophical reasons rather than faith-based objections. Declining compliance is contributing to increased vulnerability, prompting calls for better education and more rigorous enforcement of vaccination policies.
The NCDHHS provides public access to vaccination data by county and school through its online dashboard, as part of efforts to improve transparency and encourage immunization.
How confident do you feel about understanding recommended childhood vaccinations?
Cary to Launch 2026 Citizen Satisfaction Survey January 12
Cary’s 2026 Biennial Citizen Satisfaction Survey begins January 12, with consultants reaching out to about 400 randomly selected residents by phone. The survey aims to measure public sentiment on various aspects of local government including safety, transportation, and communication.
Conducted by BKL Research, the survey includes around 30 questions and takes about 20 minutes to complete. Participation is anonymous, and responses help the Town identify trends, understand current needs, and shape policy decisions.
This is the 15th time Cary has conducted the survey, which includes a mix of trend-tracking, issue-specific, and demographic questions. While participation is confidential, residents can opt to share their contact information if interested in future focus groups.
The survey results are expected to be released in summer 2026 and will be made publicly available on Cary’s official website.
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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: 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: Italy
The country that borders both nations with square flags, Switzerland and Vatican City, is Italy, as Vatican City is an enclave within Rome, Italy, and Switzerland shares borders with Italy and Switzerland.
Switzerland: A European country known for its neutrality and square red flag with a white cross.
Vatican City: The smallest independent state, located within Rome, Italy, also has a square flag.
Italy: Borders Switzerland to the north and surrounds Vatican City, making it the country that connects them geographically.