Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• ❤️ Discover Cary (Charity): One Bouquet Can Change Someone’s Day
• 😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): Dampf Good BBQ
• ✈️ Airline Travel: Hello, Cape Town, South Africa!
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• 🎁 Adventure starts close to home: Thank You For Your Gift
• 📅 Events: Planning your week in Cary?
👉 Browse the highlights. Skip to your favorites.
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Question: What is “Skimo”?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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One Bouquet Can Change Someone’s Day
MOM’s Valentine for You is the new name of a familiar nonprofit that has long served widows and those experiencing loneliness. While its legal name remains MOM Wishing Widows Well, the rebranding reflects a more inclusive and focused effort to reach individuals who may feel isolated during Valentine’s Day.
Based in Cary and founded by Marie Martin and a group of friends, the organization spreads kindness through thoughtful outreach and volunteer-led gestures. The goal is to ensure that no one feels forgotten during a time when many people are celebrating with loved ones.
The group operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and continues to invite community support. Volunteers and donors are encouraged to get involved ahead of Valentine’s Day 2026. The organization is also seeking names of people who might benefit from a simple reminder that they are loved and not alone.
Do you know someone that might be alone on Valentine's Day?
It doesn't have to be a widow/widower . It can be a single person or a caregiver or just a friend that you want to make their Valentine's Day special. Suggest a name
Each Bouquet Includes:
Fresh flowers artfully arranged with care
A handwritten message of love
Delivered by a caring volunteer
A heartfelt reminder that our community sees and values them
Your Gift Makes an Immediate Impact
$15 — 1 bouquet for a neighbor
$45 — 3 bouquets
Every dollar goes directly toward flowers, supplies, and delivery.
Ready to help? Donate, volunteer, or learn more.
Editor's Note: We’ve republished this story with the organization’s updated name to reflect a broader mission. By rebranding as MOM’s Valentine for You, the nonprofit expands its outreach beyond widows to include anyone experiencing loneliness on Valentine’s Day.
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?
Dampf Good BBQ
Dampf Good BBQ 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.
Dampf Good BBQ is a Texas-style barbecue trailer on Phillips Farms in Cary, where brothers Nick and Bryce Dampf serve central Texas craft barbecue with wood-smoked brisket, ribs, and homemade sausages available by the pound Thursday through Saturday.
Check out their menu on their website: Dampf Good BBQ
Address: 6800 Good Hope Church Rd, Cary, NC 27519 | Get Directions
Dampf Good BBQ
Do you have a favorite place to eat in Cary, NC? Click to share your pick.
Best Dessert Spot in Cary — Bakery, Ice Cream, or Donut?
Hello, Cape Town, South Africa!
Gateway to Beaches and the Opera House
Welcome to Cape Town, South Africa, a place where Table Mountain rises above the city, where the Atlantic Ocean meets golden beaches, and where penguins waddle alongside world-class vineyards. With connecting flights from Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Cape Town International Airport (CPT), this stunning coastal city is waiting to be explored. Whether you're drawn by natural wonders, powerful history, or unforgettable wildlife encounters, Cape Town delivers an experience you'll never forget.
Why Visit Cape Town?
Table Mountain: This flat-topped giant is Cape Town's most famous landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the rotating cable car to the summit in just five minutes for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city, ocean, and surrounding peaks—or challenge yourself with one of the scenic hiking trails that wind up the mountainside.
Cape Town's Stunning Beaches: When winter grips the Northern Hemisphere, Cape Town basks in warm summer sunshine thanks to opposite seasons. Escape the cold at gorgeous beaches like Camps Bay with its white sand and mountain backdrop, Clifton's four sheltered coves with crystal-clear water, or Muizenberg Beach with its colorful beach huts and beginner-friendly surf breaks perfect for catching waves.
Boulders Beach Penguin Colony: Just 30 minutes from the city center near Simon's Town, this protected beach is home to thousands of adorable African penguins. Walk along wooden boardwalks to observe these charming birds up close as they waddle, swim, and nest in their natural coastal habitat—one of the few places in the world where you can see penguins on a beach.
Travel Guides – Here are two comprehensive travel guides to help you plan your trip.
Lonely Planet Cape Town: Packed with insider tips on Table Mountain hikes, Robben Island tours, wine country day trips, and hidden neighborhood gems across the Mother City.
The Blonde Abroad - Ultimate Cape Town Travel Guide: A detailed firsthand guide covering neighborhoods, safety tips, transportation options, and favorite local restaurants from someone who lived in Cape Town for three years.
Learn about more family trips built for adventurers of all ages.
G Adventures is the leader in small group and solo travel for 30 years, they know how to do it right. Check out the Online Deals: Shop Travel Deals
Meme of the Day.
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🎁 Adventure starts close to home.
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📅 Planning your week in Cary?
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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: Ski mountaineering
Ski mountaineering, commonly known as skimo, is a winter sport combining uphill and downhill skiing with mountaineering, where competitors race to climb and descend mountains. It involves using specialized skis with climbing skins, transitioning to booting (hiking) up steep sections with skis on their back, and racing down. Skimo is set to make its official Olympic debut at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.
🔗 Learn more about Ski mountaineering