Be Aware Of Telephone Scam | A New Year Resolution | 2025 Is Packed With Fun Events

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🤣Chuckle - Laughter is good for the soul.

☁️Weather - Whether we like it or not!

🧑‍💼On this day in history

🆕News - Stay in the know.

🎙️Events - Don’t miss out on the fun.

🏃‍♀️‍➡️Health - Important information on health and wellness

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

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

1959: Alaska was admitted as the 49th state of the United States, expanding the nation's territory significantly.

Beware of Telephone Scams in Wake County, NC

Wake County, has seen a surge in telephone scams targeting residents. Scammers often prey on individuals’ fears and trust, using deceptive tactics to steal money or personal information. Understanding these schemes and protecting yourself is crucial to staying safe.

Common Telephone Scams

IRS or Tax Agency Impersonation Scammers pose as representatives from the IRS or other tax agencies, claiming you owe back taxes and threatening arrest if payment isn’t made immediately. The IRS will never demand immediate payment over the phone or request payment via gift cards or wire transfers.

Law Enforcement Impersonation Victims receive calls from individuals claiming to be law enforcement officers. They may say there is a warrant for your arrest or fines for missed jury duty and demand payment to resolve the issue. Real law enforcement will never ask for money over the phone.

Utility Company Scams Scammers impersonate utility companies, claiming your service will be disconnected unless payment is made immediately. These threats often target homeowners and businesses during peak seasons when losing utilities could be particularly disruptive.

Family Emergency Scams Fraudsters pretend to be a distressed family member or a friend in need of immediate financial help due to an accident, arrest, or other emergency. Always verify such claims before taking action.

Lottery and Prize Scams You receive a call saying you’ve won a lottery or prize, but you must pay fees or taxes upfront to claim your winnings. Legitimate lotteries and prizes do not require upfront payments.

How to Protect Yourself

• Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid giving out Social Security numbers, bank details, or credit card information over the phone unless you initiated the call and trust the recipient.

• Verify the Caller: If someone claims to represent a company or agency, hang up and call the organization directly using a verified phone number.

• Register for the Do Not Call List: Sign up at donotcall.gov to reduce telemarketing calls.

• Be Skeptical: If it sounds too good to be true or feels suspicious, trust your instincts.

• Report Suspicious Calls: Contact the Wake County Sheriff’s Office or file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What to Do If You’re a Victim

If you’ve fallen victim to a telephone scam, act quickly to minimize damage:

1. Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company: Notify them immediately to stop unauthorized transactions.

2. Report the Scam: File a report with the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and the FTC.

3. Monitor Your Credit: Check your credit report for suspicious activity. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze.

4. Educate Others: Share your experience to help friends and family avoid similar scams.

Staying vigilant and informed is the best defense against telephone scams. By recognizing red flags and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself and your community from becoming victims of fraud.

Achieving Your New Year’s Resolutions

A Guide to Success

The start of a new year is the perfect time for fresh beginnings and setting goals. Yet, statistics show that many people abandon their resolutions by mid-February. Why does this happen, and how can you beat the odds to make your goals a reality? Here’s a practical guide to help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions with intention and success.

One of the biggest reasons people fail at resolutions is setting goals that are either too vague or overly ambitious. Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” try, “I will lose 10 pounds by June through healthy eating and regular exercise.” Being specific gives your goal a clear direction and makes it more achievable.

Large goals can feel overwhelming. Break them into smaller, manageable tasks. For instance, if your goal is to save $5,000 this year, aim to save around $417 per month or about $14 per day. Small milestones build momentum and keep you motivated.

A resolution without a plan is just a wish. Write down your goals and the steps you’ll take to achieve them. Consider using a planner, app, or vision board to track your progress. Seeing your goals regularly can reinforce your commitment and keep you focused.

Your daily habits play a significant role in achieving long-term goals. If your resolution is to read more, set aside 20 minutes each day for reading. Consistent, small actions compound over time to yield big results.

Share your resolutions with a friend, family member, or mentor who can keep you accountable. Joining a group or community with similar goals can also provide encouragement and support. Regular check-ins help you stay on track and celebrate progress.

Life is unpredictable, and challenges are inevitable. Instead of seeing obstacles as failures, view them as opportunities to adapt. If you miss a workout or overspend one month, don’t give up. Reassess your plan and keep moving forward.

Every step forward is a victory. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they seem. Recognizing progress boosts morale and motivates you to keep going.

Perfection is unattainable and can lead to burnout. Remember, the goal is to improve, not to be perfect. Celebrate progress and keep refining your approach as needed.

Imagine yourself achieving your resolution. How will it feel? What will it look like? Visualization can boost your confidence and keep you inspired, especially during moments of doubt.

Take time to review your progress regularly. Are you moving closer to your goal? If not, what adjustments can you make? Reflection ensures your efforts are aligned with your intentions.

Achieving your New Year’s resolutions isn’t about luck—it’s about commitment, planning, and persistence. By setting realistic goals, staying flexible, and celebrating your wins, you can turn your resolutions into lasting accomplishments.

Paul & Jack Bakery & Cafe

Located at 2010 S Main St., in Wake Forest, NC, Paul & Jack Bakery is a European-style bakery and coffee shop renowned for its artisan-crafted desserts and specialty coffees.

Founded by Jacques, a master pastry chef, Paul & Jack Bakery & Cafe offers a diverse selection of pastries, cakes, and breads, all made with traditional European techniques. The establishment has garnered praise for its creative baked goods and high-quality coffee, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Patrons frequently commend the bakery for its wide variety of baked goods and the quality of its coffee. One customer noted, "The coffee is so good too. They always seem to be creative with their baked goods and have a wide variety too."

Paul & Jack Bakery & Cafe is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, providing a welcoming atmosphere for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon treat.

The bakery maintains an active online presence, sharing updates and photos of their latest creations on social media platforms such as Instagram.

For added convenience, customers can place orders for pickup or delivery through services like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Whether you're seeking a handcrafted pastry, a freshly brewed cup of coffee, or a cozy spot to relax, Paul & Jack Bakery & Cafe offers a delightful experience that captures the essence of European baking traditions in the heart of Wake Forest.

Visit our all-new online calendar of events. Check it often for updates and new events in the area. January 2025 is packed with things to do in the area!

New Features include:

🎈🎈Family Friendly Activities

🎈🎈Free and Almost Free

🎈🎈Historical Sites

🎈🎈Musicals and Theater

🎈🎈Comedy Clubs, Local Music, and more!

Follow us on Facebook for additional events and news!

The Importance of Omega Fatty Acids in Your Diet

Omega fatty acids, particularly omega-3 and omega-6, are essential fats that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. While your body cannot produce these fats on its own, they are vital for numerous bodily functions, making it important to obtain them through your diet.

Heart Health: Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammation. They can help prevent arrhythmias and reduce triglyceride levels.

Brain Function: These fats are essential for brain health, contributing to cognitive function, memory, and mood regulation. Omega-3s, in particular, are associated with a reduced risk of mental decline and conditions like depression and anxiety.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation in the body, which is linked to many chronic diseases, including arthritis and autoimmune disorders.

Improved Vision: Omega-3s support eye health by preventing conditions like dry eye and age-related macular degeneration.

Omega-3s are found in fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. Omega-6s are abundant in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds. While both omega-3 and omega-6 fats are necessary, maintaining a balanced ratio of the two is essential for optimal health.

Incorporating omega fatty acids into your daily diet is an easy way to boost your health and well-being. Whether through fish, seeds, or oils, these essential fats support heart health, brain function, and inflammation control, offering a range of benefits that can improve your quality of life.

Grape Jelly Meatballs

 Ingredients:

• 1 pound frozen meatballs (or homemade if preferred)

• 1 cup grape jelly

• 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite type)

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional for extra depth of flavor)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the meatballs:

   • If using frozen meatballs, no need to thaw them. Simply place them in a slow cooker or large skillet.

2. Make the sauce:

   • In a mixing bowl, combine the grape jelly, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and garlic powder (optional). Stir until well combined.

3. Cook the meatballs:

   • Slow Cooker: Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, or until heated through and the meatballs have absorbed the flavors.

   • Stovetop: Heat the meatballs and sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

4. Serve:

   • Once the meatballs are ready, serve them as appetizers with toothpicks or over rice for a main dish.

Enjoy your sweet and savory grape jelly meatballs!

We would love to feature you and your favorite recipe in the next issue of Wake Forest News and Events newsletter. Please fill out the attached form and submit your recipe. We look forward to hearing from you