🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🍽️ Discover Cary: MOM Wishing Widows Well to Deliver 1,000 Valentine's Bouquets
• 📰 News: Who’s Responsible for Clearing Snow and Ice in NC? It Depends
• 📰 Scrollback: Snow-Ready or Not? Cary Residents Weigh In on Winter Prep
• 📰 Scrollback: Readers Overwhelmingly Support Publishing Local Home Sale Prices
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Some stories are worth revisiting: Thank You For Your Gift
• 📅 Events: Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)
👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.
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Question: Billy Joel gave a lengthy list of 20th Century events in which song?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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MOM Wishing Widows Well Aims to Deliver 1,000 Valentine's Bouquets
This February, the nonprofit MOM Wishing Widows Well will lead a large-scale community effort to brighten Valentine's Day for individuals who may be spending the holiday alone. Over 150 volunteers will meet at the Cary Senior Center across three days to assemble 1,000 bouquets, each including fresh flowers and a handwritten message of kindness.
The deliveries, scheduled for February 13, are designed to remind recipients—widows, singles, caregivers, and others—that they are seen and appreciated. Founded in 2022, the organization partners with local agencies such as Meals on Wheels, Transitions LifeCare, and Total Life Care Center to reach those most in need of a compassionate gesture.
To support the 2026 campaign, MOM Wishing Widows Well has set a goal of raising $15,000, with every $15 donation funding a single bouquet. The group invites community members to volunteer, donate, and suggest individuals who may benefit from a delivery.
All funds go directly toward materials and logistics. Names of potential recipients can be submitted through February 8, ensuring as many neighbors as possible are included in this act of community care.
This initiative is part of MOM WISHING WIDOWS WELL, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Marie Martin and a group of friends. Their mission is simple yet profound: to spread kindness and brighten the day of those who may feel forgotten.
Ready to help? Donate, volunteer, or learn more. Or contact Marie Martin at [email protected].
Location: Cary Senior Center, 120 Maury Odell Pl, Cary, NC 27513 | Get Directions
Just curious…
We love hearing how our community shares love and support, especially during the holidays. Let us know how you plan to brighten someone’s day this Valentine’s!
How Will You Spread Kindness This Valentine’s Day?
Who’s Responsible for Clearing Snow and Ice in NC? It Depends
With more snow on the way, questions about who is responsible for clearing walkways in North Carolina are resurfacing. According to personal injury attorneys, property owners, landlords, and business operators are generally obligated to clear snow and ice in a timely manner, as these are considered known hazards.
However, liability in slip-and-fall incidents can be limited by the state’s contributory negligence law. This strict rule means that even a small share of fault by the injured party—just 1%—can eliminate their right to compensation.
Municipal rules also influence responsibility. For example, Raleigh’s ordinance requires occupants or tenants to clear sidewalks in front of their property, unless the building is vacant, in which case the owner is responsible. Lease agreements may include additional snow removal responsibilities.
Legal experts recommend treating snow and ice removal as a shared community duty to help prevent injuries and avoid potential liability.
We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…
Snow-Ready or Not? Cary Residents Weigh In on Winter Prep
Cary Spotlight readers shared how ready they feel for whatever winter weather may bring from snow to ice. The top response, with 39%, was “I’m prepared but I hate it,” showing a strong sense of readiness mixed with seasonal dread. 31% said they actually enjoy winter weather, while 24% admitted they aren’t really prepared at all.
Just 6% are heading into the season unsure of what to expect. These responses paint a picture of a town generally bracing for the worst, but with a few hoping for snow-filled fun instead of icy chaos.
Top Results Table:
Option | % |
|---|---|
I’m prepared but I hate it | 39% |
I enjoy winter weather | 31% |
I’m not really prepared | 24% |
Not sure | 6% |
Representative Reader Comments:
“I’m fortunate to have gas logs.”
“We both grew up in the snow belt. Hoping & praying for snow, instead of ice, but we can deal with whatever we get.”
Readers Overwhelmingly Support Publishing Local Home Sale Prices
Last January 2025, after Cary Spotlight received feedback suggesting that publishing home sale prices might be unnecessary or tacky, readers weighed in with a clear response.
An overwhelming 88.13% said publishing selling prices is helpful, citing the value of having local real estate data presented in one easy-to-access place. Only a small share felt neutral, while very few agreed that the information is unnecessary.
The results suggest strong reader interest in transparency and local market insights, especially for homeowners and prospective sellers tracking neighborhood trends.
Top Results Table
Response Option | Percentage |
|---|---|
Yes, it’s helpful – it provides valuable insights into the local real estate market | 88.13% |
I’m neutral – I don’t mind either way | ~8% |
No, it’s tacky/unnecessary – people can research this themselves | ~4% |
Representative Reader Comments
“I find it a very useful source of information when reading your daily updates and it saves me going to Zillow or the wake county website. The information is not tacky freely available and I like having easy access by zip code as you present it”
“I really value your providing this info. Helps me to keep track of my neighborhood values.”
“That's what I look at first. I really like to see where the real estate markets are trending especially in and near my neighborhood. Please keep publishing them.”
“As a local homeowner, I feel it is useful to know how our property is appreciating - or not.”
“A valuable resource, albeit quite discouraging!”
“It's public information anyway - why would it be ‘tacky’?!?!?”
Which part of Cary do you now call home?
Click to cast your vote
Meme of the Day.
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🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 9AM-12PM
• Saturday: Yoga 9AM-10AM
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: We Didn't Start the Fire
Billy Joel lists a rapid-fire series of 20th-century events in his 1989 hit song, "We Didn't Start the Fire".
Released on his album Storm Front, the song covers over 100 significant political, cultural, scientific, and sporting events in chronological order, ranging from 1949 (the year of Joel's birth) to 1989. The song was inspired by a conversation where Joel argued that the 1950s were just as tumultuous as later decades, countering the idea that "nothing happened" in the 50s.
Learn more about Billy Joel - We Didn't Start The Fire (Official HD Video)