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Here’s what’s in today’s issue:
• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 😋🍴 Discover Cary (Eat & Drink): Sassool Review
• ❤️ Discover Cary (Charity): How One Volunteer Shift Can Help Feed 160 Local Families
• ✈️ Airline Travel: Hello, Aruba!
• 😄 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: Which 1990's NBA great was nicknamed "the Admiral"?
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)
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Sassool Review
Sassool 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.
Sassool in Cary is a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant serving authentic Lebanese cuisine in a fast-casual setting, featuring fresh-made dishes like hummus, falafel, shawarma, and pizzettes made from recipes passed down from the owner's mother, Cecilia.
Check out their menu on their website: Sassool
Address: 1347 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions
Reader Poll Results
Sassool (78 Votes)
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Love this place! (68)
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 😊😊😊 I might give it a try (10)
Cary Spotlight Reader’s Feedback:
“They are wonderful with my gluten allergy. The food is always fresh, ready-to-go and so good!” “Feel it’s a healthy option for eating out!”
“Never had anything other than the most delicious food there, everything I've tried!”
“Constantly good, wholesome food, priced well and good for us. ”
“I always get a four side sampler to go. All the options that I've tried are always fresh and so delicious. Even if you eat there, it's best to go ahead and get it in the to go container, because you'll definitely have enough to take home!!”
“I love the Falafel Pita with a side of one of their fresh salads -love them all. Never disappoints!” “Great food!!!!”
“Excellent food & so many choices! I eat there often & like to try something different in a 3/4 platter when I can. Also enjoy their pizzettas & falafel sandwich - yum!”
“Love this place! Lentil soup is my favorite. ”
“We have them cater meals at our office. I probably would never have gone there if I hadn’t been introduced to them at work. Very good food!”
Sassool
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?
How One Volunteer Shift Can Help Feed 160 Local Families
Credit: Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina has been addressing hunger in the region since 1980 and now supports 34 counties through a network of more than 900 partner agencies. These partners include food pantries, shelters and programs serving children, adults and seniors.
Last year, the organization distributed 109 million pounds of food, providing 91 million meals to families across central and eastern North Carolina. Its operations are supported by six facilities, more than 120 staff members and thousands of volunteers.
Volunteers contribute nearly a quarter million hours annually, performing tasks that range from sorting food in warehouses to assisting with local distributions. Even a single volunteer shift can result in more than 160 meals packed for families in need.
Residents interested in giving back can sign up for opportunities that match their availability, helping ensure that neighbors across the region have access to food and essential resources.
Ways to Get Involved:
Volunteer Your Time: Sign up for shifts at the Raleigh headquarters or at one of five other locations in Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Southern Pines, and Wilmington. You can sort and pack food, help at community distributions, or support special events.
Host a Food Drive: Gather donations from your neighborhood, workplace, school, or faith community. The Food Bank provides everything you need to organize a successful drive.
Donate: Financial contributions help purchase food, especially fresh produce and protein. Every dollar makes a real difference.
Become an Advocate: Use your voice to support public policies that help end hunger in North Carolina.
Good to Know:
Main Location: 1924 Capital Boulevard, Raleigh, NC 27604 | Directions
Phone: (919) 875-0707
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Volunteer Registration: Available online through their volunteer portal at volunteer.foodbankcenc.org
Locations: Raleigh (headquarters), Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Southern Pines, and Wilmington
Who They Serve: More than 607,000 individuals facing hunger across the region Foodbankcenc
Tip: Individual volunteers and groups are both welcome. Court-ordered community service is accepted only for minor traffic violations (excluding DUIs/DWIs) and must be approved in advance.
Official Website: https://foodbankcenc.org/
Volunteer Portal: https://volunteer.foodbankcenc.org/
The Food Bank's vision is simple but powerful: "No one goes hungry." Right now, they're working harder than ever to meet increased need in our community. Your time, donations, or voice can help make that vision a reality for families right here in central and eastern North Carolina.
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Hello, Aruba!
Gateway to White Sand and Desert Wonders
Welcome to Aruba, a place where endless white-sand beaches meet rugged desert landscapes, where Dutch colonial charm blends with Caribbean warmth, and where year-round sunshine creates the perfect island escape.
While there are no direct flights from RDU to Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA), convenient connections through major hubs make getting to this "One Happy Island" easier than ever.
Whether you're drawn by world-class beaches, nature adventures, or cultural experiences, Aruba delivers an unforgettable Caribbean getaway just a short trip away.
Why Visit Aruba?
Eagle Beach:
Consistently ranked among the world's best beaches, Eagle Beach is where soft white sand stretches for miles and turquoise waters invite you to swim, snorkel, and relax. With fewer crowds than neighboring beaches and plenty of space to spread out, it's the perfect spot to soak up the sun or watch the famous Aruban sunset paint the sky.Arikok National Park:
Covering nearly 20% of the island, this rugged national park showcases Aruba's wild side with desert trails, ancient limestone caves, and the stunning Natural Pool (Conchi). You can hike through cactus-filled landscapes, discover indigenous rock carvings, or take a refreshing dip in this natural swimming hole carved into volcanic rock where ocean waves crash just beyond the protective barrier.California Lighthouse:
Standing tall on Aruba's northwestern tip, this historic stone lighthouse offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the island. Climb the 117 stairs to the top and you'll see why this spot is one of Aruba's most photographed landmarks—you can even catch a glimpse of Venezuela on clear days while learning about the island's maritime history.
Travel Guides – Here are two comprehensive travel guides to help you plan your trip.
Lonely Planet Aruba Guide: This trusted resource offers expert insights on beaches, hidden local spots, and practical planning tips to help you make the most of your Caribbean escape.
Full Life, Full Passport Aruba Travel Tips: This detailed guide shares firsthand experiences with practical do's and don'ts, money-saving tips, and insider advice for first-time visitors.
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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The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
A: David Robinson
David Robinson is the 1990s NBA great nicknamed "the Admiral". A Hall of Fame center for the San Antonio Spurs (1989–2003), he received the nickname due to his service in the U.S. Navy after graduating from the Naval Academy. He was a 10-time All-Star, the 1995 MVP, and led the league in scoring in 1994.
🔗 Learn more about David Robinson