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🧑‍💼On this day in history

🎙️Events - Don’t miss out on the fun.

🏃‍♀️‍➡️Health - Important information on health and wellness

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🧑‍💼Featured Business - Let’s support our local small businesses.

🍳What’s Cooking - Tried and true recipes from my grandmother.

1888-This Day In History: December 23 · Vincent van Gogh chops off his ear!

In Raleigh, The Bar Ber Shop Offers Free Hair Cuts

The Bar Ber Shop is hosting its second annual “Free Haircuts for Christmas” event. This initiative provides complimentary haircuts to community members during the holiday season. Last year, the shop served over 300 individuals and intends to assist 400 individuals this holiday season.

Event Details:

• Date: December 24, 2024

• Location: The Bar Ber Shop, 3415 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610

• Pre-Registration: To secure a spot, pre-registration is encouraged. You can register through their Facebook page.

Open on Christmas Day

Most traditional grocery stores are closed on Christmas Day. However, some pharmacies and convenience-style stores often remain open. Below is a list of likely options on Christmas Day, but hours should be verified directly with the location.

Pharmacies Open on Christmas Day

1. Walgreens

   • Wake Forest Location: 941 Durham Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

   • Hours: Usually 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (call to confirm).

2. CVS Pharmacy

   • Location: 245 E Roosevelt Ave, Wake Forest, NC 27587

   • Hours: Varies by location, some open 24/7 (pharmacy hours may differ).

Convenience Stores and Grocery Alternatives

1. Sheetz (Convenience Store)

   • Wake Forest Location: 1895 S Franklin St, Wake Forest, NC 27587

   • Open 24/7 on Christmas Day.

2. Circle K (Convenience Store)

   • Location: 900 Gateway Commons Cir, Wake Forest, NC 27587

   • Open 24/7 on Christmas Day.

3. 7-Eleven (Convenience Store)

   • Location: 3600 Rogers Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

   • Open 24/7 on Christmas Day.

Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Wake County

Wake County offers a variety of fun New Year's Eve celebrations for 2024, catering to families, partygoers, and everyone in between:

First Night Raleigh: This family-friendly event includes a children's celebration starting at 2 PM, performances, an early countdown at 7 PM, live music, and the iconic Acorn Drop with fireworks at midnight. Tickets are $16 ($13 if purchased early)​

New Year’s Eve Gala at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences: Enjoy an upscale evening with live entertainment, an open bar, dinner, photo booths, and late-night snacks. Tickets are $175​

Night Circus Spectacular: Held in nearby Fayetteville, this free event features live music, circus performances, DJs, and a unique multi-colored star rise at midnight​

New Year’s Eve at The Plant in Pittsboro: A casual and free event with live music, fire pits, and an apple drop at midnight

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Learn How To Purchase At A 30% Savings Click Here For Information

Next Consignment Boutique

Next Consignment Boutique is a go-to destination for upscale consignment choices. They specialize in women’s clothing, footwear, and accessories and offer a smart and stylish way to shop locally. For those of you who want to declutter your closet and earn a few dollars, they offer consigners a competitive rate.

Let Next Consignment Boutique help you refresh your wardrobe and bring joy back to your closet.

Location:
210 S. White Street
Wake Forest, NC

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This week’s recipe is from Grandma’s kitchen.

Stuffed Jalapeno Peppers

Ingredients

• 12 large jalapeño peppers

• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

• Olive oil spray (if using breadcrumbs)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Jalapeños

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise and remove the seeds and membranes (use gloves to protect your hands).

2. Make the Filling

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese, green onions, garlic, bacon (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

3. Stuff the Peppers

   • Spoon the cheese mixture into each jalapeño half, filling them generously.

4. Optional Topping

   • If desired, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the stuffed peppers and lightly spray with olive oil for a crispy topping.

5. Bake the Peppers

   • Arrange the stuffed peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil.

   • Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.

6. Serve and Enjoy

   • Let the peppers cool slightly before serving. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack!

Tips:

• For extra spice, leave some seeds in the peppers or mix chopped jalapeños into the filling.

• Use alternative fillings like cooked sausage, ground turkey, or black beans for variety.

• These can also be cooked on the grill for a smoky flavor!

Enjoy your spicy, cheesy treat! 🌶️🧀

You don't stop laughing when you grow old
You grow old when you stop laughing!