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📘Special, Interactive Town Hall TONIGHT

📘Special, Interactive Town Hall TONIGHT

Plus: Must-Try Laotian Food

Jake
July 22, 2025

Good morning, Cary.

Today’s issue of Cary Digest is full of news, town updates, and more than enough fun and unique opportunities to fill your schedule this week. Cary’s warmer weather has led to a busy season when it comes to things to do, but don’t get hit with FOMO. Cary Digest has you covered!

Here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

WCPSS Funding Gap
A special, interactive town hall
Laotian food
Women, Wealth, and Bubbly
Plenty of events to fill your week

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

🎓 WCPSS Faces Federal Funding Gap Amid Tough Choices at Annual Retreat

The Wake County Public School System is staring down a serious shortfall and school leaders say the belt-tightening has already begun.

At this week’s annual retreat in Cary, WCPSS board members and district officials confronted the sudden reality of a $6.8 billion delay in federal education funding, following a move by the U.S. Department of Education to pause key grants.

Programs in jeopardy? Everything from language services and staff development to before- and after-school programs. WCPSS Board Chair Chris Heagarty summed it up: “We’re really having to do a lot of belt-tightening. Having to figure out how to do more with less.”

The board is still working off last year’s state budget while lawmakers in Raleigh hash out a new one. That means no clear answers yet on what services, or how many employees, will be directly affected.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor emphasized the district’s goal is to minimize the impact on students. “The toughest part of our work is to make sure schools aren’t impacted,” Taylor said. “But unexpected changes put children in a very difficult situation.”

Alongside funding, the board is also reviewing child nutrition, transportation, and infrastructure. All with the same bottom line: stretch every dollar to protect student success.

More updates to come as budget talks unfold.

Restaurant Spotlight: SAAP in Cary, NC

Right across from Cary’s new Downtown Park, SAAP delivers bold Laotian flavors in a stylish, intimate setting. Chef Lon Bounsanga, known for his work at Bida Manda and Brewery Bhavana, brings a fresh and personal touch to every dish. The menu features rich, comforting street food favorites like crispy coconut rice lettuce wraps, BBQ pork skewers, and deeply flavorful curries. There’s also a thoughtful selection of cocktails with Southeast Asian flair and a few indulgent desserts like sticky rice with mango.

The space feels modern but warm, with big windows, soft lighting, and family photos that give it a welcoming vibe. It’s a great spot for a relaxed dinner, a low-key date night, or a foodie adventure with friends. Reservations are a smart move, especially on weekends.

What to try:

Coconut rice lettuce wraps
Seafood green curry
Ube colada cocktail

📍 370 S Walker St, Cary, NC | saapcary.com

Town Updates

🎤 Special Town Hall – Get Involved in Cary’s Future!
Join the Cary Town Council for a Special Town Hall on Tuesday, July 22, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. at Cary Town Hall Council Chambers. This interactive, family-friendly event is all about civic engagement and community updates. And you’re invited!

✨ What to Expect:

Doors open at 6 p.m. with light refreshments
Welcome + Cary trivia to kick off the evening
Updates from Councilmembers and Town Manager Sean Stegall
Learn how local government works (budgeting, funding, etc.)
Live Q&A with submitted and real-time questions
Fun activity packets for kids to keep little ones happy

Want to ask a question? Submit it early at carync.gov/311 or text TXT311 (898-311). Unanswered questions will be followed up after the event.

Before you leave, don’t forget to fill out the short survey to help shape future town halls.

Note: The regularly scheduled Council meeting will still be held on Thursday, July 24.

Community Events

🥂Champagne Goals – Women, Wealth, and Bubbly

📅 Date: Thursday, July 24
🕠 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Location: RBF Champagne Bar, Cary
🎟️ Admission: Free – RSVP required

Looking to take control of your financial future? Join Jassi Dhanjal and the Apex/Cary Moms 35 and Up group for an inspiring evening at RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar.

Whether you're investing, estate planning, dreaming of homeownership, or just figuring out your next money move: this one's for you.

What’s on the Agenda:

5:30 – 6:00 PM: Mingling
6:00 – 6:30 PM: Educational Panel featuring Meridian Financial and Capital City Law
6:30 – 7:00 PM: Q&A + Champagne Tasting 🥂

No jargon. No pressure. Just women empowering women with real-life financial knowledge.

🔗 Space is limited — RSVP today!

Things to Do This Week

Tuesday, July 22

Coastal Seafood Pasta (Cooking Class)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Home for Entertaining, 119 W Park St, Cary, NC
Description: Hands‑on class celebrating summer seafood with a professional chef.
Link: https://homeforentertaining.com/collections/events-classes/products/coastal-seafood-pasta-july-22nd

“A Good Time” Stand-Up Comedy
Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Eastside, 602 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Free local comedy night with craft beer.
Link: https://allevents.in/cary/a-good-time-stand-up-comedy-at-bond-brothers-eastside-cary-nc/100001451205267019

Art Cart in the Park (Kids’ Activity)
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, 327 S Academy St, Cary, NC
Description: Drop‑in creative crafts for families.
Link: https://cary.macaronikid.com/events/686542a7dfae6d89ba6d1b55/art-cart-at-downtown-cary-park

Children’s BINGO at Downtown Cary Park
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park, Cary, NC
Description: Family-friendly bingo with prizes for kids.
Link: https://cary.macaronikid.com/events/6865469e70c01cf1c95b1d13/childrens-bingo-at-downtown-cary-park

Square Dance Open House
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: St. James United Methodist Church, 3808 St James Church Rd, Raleigh, NC
Description: Free intro to square dancing; no experience needed.
Link: https://allevents.in/raleigh/square-dance-open-house-no-experience-needed/100001439569865219

Wednesday, July 23

“Blur: To The End” (Doc Film Screening)
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Documentary following Blur’s studio and live comeback.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/blur-to-the-end-3/the-cary/cary/

Wednesday Walking Club
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Local Time Brewing, 300 S Main St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free evening group walk starting and ending at the brewery.
Link: https://downtownalivehs.com/event/wednesday-walking-club-2/2025-07-23/

Music Bingo at My Way Tavern
Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: My Way Tavern, 301 W Center St, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Free music-themed bingo with DJ-hosted gameplay.
Link: https://mywaytavern.com/holly-springs/events/

Live After 5 – Kooley High & Charly Lowry
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: City Plaza, 400 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC
Description: Free outdoor live-music block party with local acts.
Link: https://downtownraleigh.org/do/live-after-5-kooley-high-and-charly-lowry

$2 Kids Movie: Sing 2
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Paragon Theatres at Fenton, 21 Fenton Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Family-friendly summer flick for just $2 per ticket.
Link: https://cary.macaronikid.com/events/684984da72215270a800df8a/2-kids-summer-movies-at-paragon-fenton-sing-2

Thursday, July 24

Charleston-Inspired Porch Party (Cooking Class)
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Home for Entertaining, Cary, NC
Description: Interactive class featuring Southern porch-style recipes.
Link: https://homeforentertaining.com/collections/events-classes/products/charleston-inspired-porch-party-july-24th

Modern Calligraphy Workshop
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: W.E.L.D. Wine & Beer, 2425 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC
Description: Beginner-friendly calligraphy class with dips and drinks.
Link: https://sipandscript.com/event/modern-calligraphy-for-beginners-at-w-e-l-d-wine-beer/

“Weird Al” Yankovic – Bigger & Weirder Tour
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Red Hat Amphitheater, 500 S McDowell St, Raleigh, NC
Description: Comedy-rock parody star performs with Puddles Pity Party.
Link: https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/events/weird-al-yankovic-bigger-weirder-2025-tour

GalaxyCon Raleigh (Starts Day 1)
Time: 2:00 PM (Jul 24–27)
Location: Raleigh Convention Center, 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh, NC
Description: Four-day pop culture convention with cosplay, panels, guests.
Link: https://galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-raleigh

Primus – Onward & Upward Tour
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Red Hat Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC
Description: Alternative funk-rock at Raleigh’s outdoor amphitheater.
Link: https://www.redhatamphitheater.com/events/primus-onward-upward-summer-tour-2025

Taproom Trivia & Live Music
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Morrisville Tavern, 108 Spruce Pine Way, Morrisville, NC
Description: Free trivia with wings and post-game live music.
Link: https://morrisvilletavern.com

Friday, July 25

Meet the Artist: Natalie Boorman
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center (Principal’s Hall), 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC
Description: Free meet-&-greet with a renowned ceramicist during her exhibit.
Link: https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/24429/1636?curm=7&cury=2025

Mike Armstrong & Brian Herberger (Stand-Up Comedy)
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Nationally touring comedian headlines with opener Herberger.
Link: https://thecarytheater.com/event/comedy-show-mike-armstrong-featured-guest/the-cary/cary/

NC Courage vs. Chivas (Women’s Soccer Friendly)
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: WakeMed Soccer Park (First Horizon Stadium), Cary, NC
Description: NWSL Champions host Chivas Guadalajara Femenil in a friendly.
Link: https://www.nccourage.com/news/nc-courage-to-host-chivas-de-guadalajara-on-july-25

Steve‑O: The Crash & Burn Tour
Time: 7:00 PM (Encore at 9:30 PM)
Location: Raleigh Improv, 1224 Parkside Main St, Cary, NC
Description: Jackass star brings adult‑oriented stand‑up and stunts (18+).
Link: https://improv.com/raleigh/event/steve-o:+the+crash+&+burn+tour/14361293/

Free Stargazing: Night Sky Wonders
Time: 8:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Sugg Farm Park, 2401 Grigsby Ave, Holly Springs, NC
Description: Telescope viewing, constellation crafts, and bingo under the stars.
Link: https://www.hollyspringsnc.gov/Calendar.aspx?EID=10097&month=7&year=2025

Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek, Raleigh, NC
Description: ’80s pop icon performs her classic hits live.
Link: https://www.livenation.com/event/G5eVZb0SfMglh/cyndi-lauper-girls-just-wanna-have-fun-farewell-tour

Durham Bulls vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (AAA Baseball)
Time: 6:35 PM
Location: Durham Bulls Athletic Park, 409 Blackwell St, Durham, NC
Description: Catch AAA baseball with Friday-night fireworks.
Link: https://www.discoverdurham.com/events/durham-bulls-vs-jacksonville-2-2-2/

Carolina Mudcats vs. Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (Single-A Baseball)
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Five County Stadium, 1501 NC-39, Zebulon, NC
Description: Minor-league game with fireworks night included.
Link: https://ticketmaster.evyy.net/mudcats-vs-kannapolis-072525

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