📘Cary Has a NEW Multi-Million Dollar Housing Investment

Hi Cary, I hope your week is off to a bright start!

Thank you so much for your continued support these last few months. It makes me so happy to be able to connect with Cary twice a week. As always, I try to build this newsletter around you and your desires.

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• Cary’s massive investment in housing

• How we raised $100,000 by walking

• A spotlight on a wonderful local charity

• Music of the Circle at Cary Regional Library

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Cary Invests $3.6 Million in Housing Initiatives

The Cary Town Council has approved the 2025 to 2030 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 to 2026 Annual Action Plan, recommending more than $3.6 million in funding to support affordable housing across the community.

This year’s investment will:

• Build 62 new affordable housing units

• Rehabilitate four affordable rental homes

• Preserve approximately 30 homes for low-income homeowners

• Provide emergency assistance for residents facing housing instability

Altogether, these projects are expected to benefit over 2,000 Cary residents. The funding supports the goals outlined in the Cary Housing Plan and Imagine Cary Community Plan, including preserving existing housing, creating vibrant neighborhoods, expanding housing choices, and offering services for residents facing homelessness.

“These plans reflect Cary’s commitment to creating more high-quality, sustainable, and affordable housing opportunities,” said Heather Whelehan, Cary’s Director of Housing and Community Partnerships.

The draft plan will now be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for final approval. To learn more about the initiatives and see the full list of funding recipients, visit housing.carync.gov.

Cary Community Walks to Support Families Living with Dementia

Community members came together at Fenton Park on Sunday for the 2025 Triangle Walk to Defeat Dementia, an annual event supporting families impacted by dementia in North Carolina.

Hosted by the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina, the walk raises critical funds to provide local relief, resources, and support. According to the organization, more than 210,000 people in North Carolina are currently living with dementia.

"As government safety nets are in question, families are left to figure this out on their own. But they shouldn't have to," said Heather Hooper, Executive Director of the Dementia Alliance of North Carolina. "That's why this walk is so critical. It is a way for our community to step up and take care of its own. Every dollar raised means another family gets the help they need."

The event raised $98,031.24, far past their goal of $95,000.

Charity of the Week: Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited

Cary is home to many organizations that strengthen the community, and Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited is a standout example. Based right here in Cary, TAP provides critical support for individuals living with aphasia, helping them reconnect, communicate, and thrive after life-changing injuries or illnesses.

Aphasia affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write — but not their intelligence. Triangle Aphasia Project Unlimited (TAP), based in Cary, is dedicated to helping individuals with aphasia reconnect with their communities and live fuller, more confident lives.

TAP uses a life participation model that focuses on real-world engagement, not just clinical recovery. Their programs include in-person and virtual conversation groups, care partner support, and custom communication tools: all designed to reduce isolation and promote independence.

Here’s how you can help:

• Donate to support free programs and outreach

• Volunteer to assist with admin, events, or conversation groups

• Spread awareness about aphasia and the resources TAP provides

To learn more or get involved, visit aphasiaproject.org.

Community Events

Music of the Circle at Cary Regional Library

Join songwriter, storyteller, and vocal explorer Eric Bannan at the Cary Regional Library on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM for Music of the Circle, a unique workshop designed to help participants feel more confident, connected, and creatively open.

Through playful blending of voices, body percussion, and simple movement, attendees will explore new ways to collaborate and build community. The workshop draws inspiration from the work of Bobby McFerrin and Brazil’s Música do Círculo collective and is designed to be welcoming for all experience levels—no musical background required.

This free, judgment-free session is open to the public and recommended for ages 16 and up. Registration is requested to help us prepare a welcoming space for all.

Learn more about Eric Bannan on his website, and register here to reserve your spot.

Things to Do This Weekend

🎉 Free Events

International Dance Day with Graceful Expressions (More info)

• Time: Tue, Apr 29 @ 10:45 AM – 8:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Celebrate the universal language of dance with free workshops for all ages and abilities, culminating in a community performance.

School BreakOUT! (More info)

• Time: Fri, May 2 @ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: A family-friendly day with lawn games, arts & crafts, and open-ended fun to keep kids active while school’s out.

Bands, Bites and Boats – Sarah Kohrs Duo (More info)

• Time: Fri, May 2 @ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

• Location: Bond Park Boathouse

• Description: Enjoy live music by the lake with the Sarah Kohrs Duo, food trucks, and local brews; free boat rentals during the concert.

Cary Downtown Farmers Market (More info)

• Time: Sat, May 3 @ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: East Park Street, Downtown Cary

• Description: Open-air market featuring local farmers and artisans offering fresh produce, meats, handmade goods, and live music.

Cary Dog Daze & Pet Expo (More info)

• Time: Sat, May 3 @ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

• Location: Cary Police Department Headquarters

• Description: Annual pet festival featuring adoptable animals, dog agility demos, vendors, and food trucks.

Star Wars Day in the Park (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 4 @ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

• Location: Downtown Cary Park

• Description: Celebrate “May the Fourth” with Star Wars-themed family fun, cosplay, activities, and photo ops.

🎬 Film

The Penguin Lessons (More info)

• Time: Wed, Apr 30 @ 2:00 PM; Fri, May 2 @ 5:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Heartwarming comedy-drama about an Englishman who rescues a penguin and finds his life transformed.

Death of a Unicorn (More info)

• Time: Wed, Apr 30 @ 7:00 PM; Thu, May 1 @ 2:00 PM; Fri, May 2 @ 8:00 PM

• Location: The Cary Theater

• Description: Dark comedy where a father and daughter’s accidental encounter with a unicorn has unexpected consequences.

🎵 Music

Latin Sensation Night (More info)

• Time: Sat, May 3 @ 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM

• Location: Sophie’s Grill & Bar

• Description: Salsa and bachata night with a free beginner dance lesson and live DJ, free entry before 10:30 PM.

Other

Painting with a Twist – Discount Tuesday (More info)

• Time: Tue, Apr 29 @ 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

• Location: Painting with a Twist, 329 N. Harrison Ave.

• Description: BYOB painting class for adults, discounted rate with a spring-themed painting.

Comedy Show: Brian Plumb (More info)

• Time: Thu, May 1 @ 7:00 PM

• Location: Raleigh Improv

• Description: Up-and-coming comedian Brian Plumb brings relatable, high-energy stand-up to Cary.

Comedy Show: Jeremy Piven (More info)

• Time: Fri, May 2 @ 7:00 PM & 9:15 PM; Sat, May 3 @ 6:30 PM & 9:00 PM

• Location: Raleigh Improv

• Description: Emmy-winning actor Jeremy Piven takes the stage with hilarious, Hollywood-inspired comedy.

Comedy Show: Kevin James Thornton (More info)

• Time: Sun, May 4 @ 6:00 PM

• Location: Raleigh Improv

• Description: Viral TikTok storyteller and musical comedian brings a nostalgic and hilarious set to Cary.

Cary Players Present Sonia Flew (More info)

• Time: Fri, May 2 @ 7:30 PM; Sat, May 3 @ 7:30 PM; Sun, May 4 @ 3:00 PM

• Location: Cary Arts Center

• Description: Powerful stage play exploring family, politics, and personal identity across two generations.

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