📘Wake County may END this controversial policy

Happy Friday, Cary.

The rain is finally gone, and we’re looking at a sunny weekend. And that’s a good thing, not just because we get to go outside for the first time in days, but because there is so much going on in the town this weekend!

Oh, and by the way— Cary Digest is looking for one new sponsor! If you run a reliable service, company, or local business, we want to work with you. Simply reply to this email and let me know you’re interested.

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

• No more laptops for kids in Wake County

• Annelore's German Bakery

• Bike to work day

• A Message from Wake County Animal Shelter

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

Wake Schools May Phase Out Laptops for All Students

Wake County Public Schools is reconsidering its policy of providing a Chromebook to every student—a program launched during the pandemic to support remote learning. District leaders say the cost of maintaining the 1:1 device model, including replacements and software updates for 160,000 students, has become unsustainable.

While students will still have access to district-issued laptops for the 2025–26 school year, Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor said it’s time to rethink the district’s digital strategy. School officials are now working on a long-term plan to balance educational goals, budget limits, and the evolving role of technology in the classroom. Any major changes would likely take effect starting with the 2026–27 school year.

A Message From… Cary Digest!

Our Local Readers Want Your Local Services!

You’re reading Cary Digest, so you get it—people around here support local, want real recommendations, and not spammy ads.

That’s exactly why we’re opening up a few spots for trusted local businesses to advertise.

If you offer a service and take pride in doing it right—whether it’s landscaping, massage, cleaning, financial services, or something else entirely—there’s a good chance our readers are looking for you.

And since you're already here, you know we keep things local, useful, and honest. But we’re careful about who we partner with. Our readers trust us, and only want services in Cary that:

• We’d recommend to a family member

• Have a great reputation and are local to Cary

• Actually love and care about the work and services they provide

So if that sounds like you, we’d love to discuss partnering up.

➡️Reach out at [email protected] (or reply to this email!)
Let’s help Cary citizens support exceptional Cary businesses!

Restaurant of the Week: Annelore's German Bakery

Tucked into downtown Cary, Annelore’s German Bakery is the real deal—no gimmicks, just authentic German baked goods made from scratch. This family-run spot has become a local favorite for its cozy atmosphere and seriously delicious food.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Fresh-baked Bavarian pretzels

• Classic Black Forest cake and seasonal fruit tortes

• Buttery croissants, flaky danishes, and strudels

• Hearty German rye, multigrain, and sunflower seed breads

• Savory quiches and meat-stuffed rolls

• European-style coffee and espresso drinks

Perfect for a slow breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or just treating yourself because you can.

Location: 308 W Chatham St, Cary
Hours: Closed Mondays; open Tuesday–Sunday, mornings through early afternoon

Community

🐶 Wake County Animal Center Needs Your Help!

Wake County Animal Center is critically low on dog treats and supplies! With over 150 dogs onsite and 71 more in foster care, they're going through chewy treats, poop bags, leashes, and enrichment items faster than ever.

These items aren’t just for fun—they’re essential for walking, training, exams, and helping pups feel safe and happy. You can help by donating through their Amazon Wish List or dropping items off at:

Wake County Animal Center
820 Beacon Lake Drive
Raleigh, NC 27610

Today Is Bike to Work Day!

Ditch the car and grab your helmet—it’s Bike to Work Day in Cary!
Pedal to the office, ride safe, and check out Cary’s bike safety tips before you roll out. You can still sign up for the workplace challenge with your coworkers—it runs all May. And drivers: heads up for folks on two wheels!

Want more events like this? See all of Cary’s Bike Month activities here.

Things to Do This Weekend

🎉 Free Events

Cary Town Band: “Women Who Create Music” (More info)

Time: Fri, May 16 @ 7:30 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center (101 Dry Ave.)
Description: A tribute concert spotlighting women composers, performed by Cary’s community wind ensemble.

Downtown Cary Farmers Market (More info)

Time: Sat, May 17 @ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 160 E. Park St.
Description: Local produce, artisan goods, live music, and kid-friendly fun in downtown.

Wheels on Academy (More info)

Time: Sat, May 17 @ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: 316 N. Academy St.
Description: Annual car show with vintage vehicles, Touch-a-Truck, and food trucks.

Cary Night Market (More info)

Time: Fri, May 16 @ 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (319 S. Academy St.)
Description: Evening market with local makers, food trucks, live music, and family-friendly vibes.

Ivey-Ellington House Ribbon Cutting & Open House (More info)

Time: Sun, May 18 @ 1:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: 308 S. Academy St.
Description: Tour this restored 1870s Gothic Revival home and learn about its history.

Trivia Night at Fortnight Brewing (More info)

Time: Mon, May 19 @ 7:30 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing (1006 SW Maynard Rd.)
Description: Weekly trivia night with prizes and fresh pours of English-style ales.

Beer & Bellydance at Fortnight (More info)

Time: Tue, May 20 @ 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing (1006 SW Maynard Rd.)
Description: Bellydancers and live Middle Eastern music at the brewery’s taproom.

Open Mic Night at Bond Brothers Eastside (More info)

Time: Wed, May 21 @ 6:30 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside (602 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Local artists perform original songs and covers at this weekly event.

Jazz Jam at Bond Brothers Eastside (More info)

Time: Thu, May 22 @ 8:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside (602 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Open jazz jam session with local musicians—join in or just listen.

Live at Lunch: Jared Place (More info)

Time: Thu, May 22 @ 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Academy St. Plaza)
Description: Acoustic lunchtime performance by local singer-songwriter Jared Place.

Bluegrass Open Jam at Bond Brothers Eastside (More info)

Time: Sun, May 18 @ 4:00 – 7:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside (602 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Informal bluegrass jam for players and fans alike, all skill levels welcome.

🎬 Film

Comedy Show – Tony Deyo with Paul Snyder (More info)

Time: Sat, May 17 @ 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Clean, sharp stand-up comedy from touring comic Tony Deyo and opener Paul Snyder.

🎵 Music

CaryLIVE: Flowmingos Concert (More info)

Time: Sat, May 17 @ 7:30 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Great Lawn Pavilion)
Description: Free outdoor brass band concert with opener Shenette Swann.

Triangle Youth Jazz Concerts (More info)

Time: Sat, May 17 @ 4:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center (101 Dry Ave.)
Description: Talented teen jazz ensembles perform swing and modern classics.

Jared Benjamin Concert (More info)

Time: Thu, May 22 @ 7:30 PM
Location: The Cary Theater (122 E. Chatham St.)
Description: Indie-pop songwriter Jared Benjamin brings his heartfelt set to The Cary.

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