Great Things Happening This Weekend | A Little History Right Here At Home | Several Free Events | Black History Month | Great Savings In This Issue🎈

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🤣Chuckle - Laughter is good for the soul.

☁️Weather - Whether we like it or not!

🧑‍💼On this day in history

🆕Wake County, 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.

➡️New Community Survey◀️

NEW!

♦️Wednesday - Events Update Special Edition♦️

♦️Thursday - Real Estate Special Edition♦️

♦️Friday - Where To Find Savings In Wake!♦️

1964 – The Beatles Arrive in the U.S.: The Beatles arrived in New York City to begin their first U.S. tour, marking the start of "Beatlemania" in America.

Wilmington, NC

A Beautiful History

Wilmington is a historic port city located on the southeastern coast of North Carolina. It was founded in 1739 as a trading port and quickly became a prominent hub for shipping and commerce. The city played a key role during the American Revolution, supporting the patriot cause by providing resources to the Continental Army. It also served as a major Confederate port during the Civil War due to its access to the Atlantic Ocean.

The Historic District is one of the largest in the nation, with over 230 blocks of well-preserved 19th-century architecture. The area includes a variety of stunning buildings, from Federal-style homes to Victorian mansions.

The town was the site of significant battles during the Civil War, particularly the Battle of Fort Fisher. The city's port was vital to the Confederacy, and Fort Fisher was one of the last major Confederate strongholds before Union forces captured it in 1865.

Wilmington is often referred to as "Hollywood East" due to its thriving film industry. The city has been the backdrop for several popular films and television series, including Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and Iron Man 3.

It is located along the Cape Fear River, which played a critical role in the city's early economy. The river is named after the Latin term "caput frioris" (head of the river), and it continues to be an important waterway for trade and transportation.

Wilmington has a rich cultural scene, including several museums, art galleries, and theaters. The Wilmington Railroad Museum and the Cameron Art Museum are popular attractions. The city also hosts the North Carolina Film Festival and other cultural events throughout the year.

The city has invested in green spaces and sustainability. The Wilmington Greenway is a series of trails that connect neighborhoods and parks. In recent years, the city has emphasized sustainability efforts, including reducing carbon emissions and increasing recycling.

Wilmington’s Riverwalk is a beautiful 1.75-mile promenade along the Cape Fear River, lined with shops, restaurants, and scenic views. It’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a mix of history, shopping, and dining.

These aspects of Wilmington, NC, reflect its rich history, evolving culture, and unique charm as a coastal city. Visit soon!

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Two People Arrested for Child Abuse

Two parents from Apex are facing felony child abuse charges after allegedly causing fractures to their infant son's legs through intentional and negligent actions. They recently appeared in court, and the case remains under investigation as legal proceedings move forward.

Local Art Exhibit

Join us for the opening of "Natural Canvas: The Art of Miguel Milló" on Thursday, February 7, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at State of Beer Bottle + Sandwich Shop. This event, part of Raleigh’s First Friday celebrations, offers a chance to enjoy distinctive art in a vibrant and welcoming environment.

This Week’s Featured Meal Deal!

Johnny’s Pizza in Wake Forest

A Local Favorite for Great Deals and Delicious Food

Located in the heart of Wake Forest, Johnny’s Pizza has become a popular spot for pizza lovers. Known for its generous portions, tasty pies, and friendly atmosphere, it’s a go-to for a casual meal with friends and family. Whether you're stopping by for a quick lunch or enjoying dinner with loved ones, Johnny's offers something for everyone.

Lunch Specials You Can’t Miss

Johnny’s Pizza has several enticing lunch specials that keep locals coming back. If you're craving a quick and satisfying meal, check out the Giant Slices Lunch Combo: two slices of cheese or pepperoni pizza with a can of soda or bottled water for just $7.99, available until 3 PM.

For those who prefer a classic pizza, the Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday Special offers a large 18" cheese pizza for just $15.99—perfect for sharing or satisfying a big appetite. If you’re in the mood for variety, the 14" Pizza Lovers Deal offers two 14" one-topping pizzas for $32.95.

And for pizza fans who like to watch the game, Johnny’s has the 18" Sports Fanatic Bundle, which includes a large one-topping pizza, 8 wings, and a 2-liter soda for $35.99—ideal for sports nights or get-togethers.

Johnny’s Pizza is a must-try spot for anyone in Wake Forest. With these affordable specials, delicious pizza, and a welcoming vibe, it's no wonder it's a favorite among the locals. Be sure to stop by and enjoy one of their great deals the next time you're in the area!

City Barbecue
Location: 2008 Jones Franklin Rd, Raleigh, NC
When: Every Tuesday
Deal: $1.50 per pork rib all day (Rib Bone Tuesday)

Bottle Dog Bites & Brews
Location: 4905 Neal St Suite 103, Raleigh, NC
When: Every Wednesday
Deal: 50% off wings for dine-in customers all day

IHOP
When: Ongoing promotion
Location: Multiple locations in Raleigh, NC (check local IHOP for nearest address)
Deal: 20% discount on your first order for pickup, delivery, or curbside with the code IHOP20

Red Robin
Location: 13500 Capital Blvd, Wake Forest, NC
When: Ongoing promotion
Deal: Family Burger Bundles, feeding a family of 4, 5, or 6 for just $11.00 per person. Each family member can build their favorite burger with various toppings.

My Way Tavern

Location: 301 W. Center St., Holly Springs, NC 27540

When: Daily specials from 11 am to 3 pm (after 3 pm and on weekends, add $2)

Deal: $10 lunch specials, including options like 1/2 Fish & Chip Platter, 2 Chicken Tenders & Fries, Cheese Quesadilla, and more.

Unwined

A Great Place To Relax With Friends!

Amy and Brian Burkhardt, along with their oldest daughter, Jana are the heart and soul behind Unwined on White where wellness and community are blended most enjoyably. Unwined is a unique space, including the town’s only rooftop bar, where you can find your zen in yoga or pilates classes, relish fine wines and craft beer, and connect with like-minded folks.

Amy is an attorney turned small business owner and her husband Brian has had a career in Finance and Supply Chain Management roles. Amy selects the wine they offer while her husband enjoys getting to know the local beer in this area. To keep her wine selection fresh, Amy buys from small, organic family-owned vineyards from all over the world. Visiting the lounge, you will find an excellent selection of moderately priced wines and a variety of local craft beer, ciders & seltzers. Crossing into the studio space, Jana along with several other instructors have a diverse and welcoming array of yoga and pilates classes seven days a week with various membership and class package options.

Unwined is also well known for a plethora of events that can be found on our website: unwinednc.com, either Instagram, Facebook, subscribing to our twice-monthly newsletter. We have a Wine Club and Book Club that meet monthly as well as regular wine tastings on the first Friday of the month and beer tastings on the 3rd Friday. Friday Fun Flows are on the 4th Friday, vary in theme and typically include a beverage and/or snack option allowing the yoga participants a chance to enjoy time together afterward.

We are very excited for our Valentine’s Sip & Shop event featuring many local artisans on February 8th from 1-5 pm, Tango and Tempranillo - a fun dance lesson session that includes a bottle of wine.

Tango and Tempranillo - a fun dance lesson session that includes a bottle of wine - on February 14th at 7 pm,

Sommelier Secrets - an elevated wine-tasting experience paired with charcuterie - on February 15th at either 4 pm or 5:30 pm

Partners (yoga) and Prosecco on February 28th at 6:30 pm.

March 14th you’ll definitely want to grab the limited tickets for a Paella Demonstration and Wine Pairing Dinner on before they sell out!

With almost seven years in the heart of historic downtown Wake Forest, we can’t wait for the opportunity to share Amy’s love of wine, Brian’s passion for craft beer, and Jana’s zest for yoga and wellness.

Let’s unwind together at Unwined!

If your restaurant is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected] 

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A Partial List of Local Events

What’s Happening Feb. 7th-8th-9th In Raleigh

What’s Happening Feb. 7th-8th-9th In Cary

What’s Happening Feb. 7th-8th-9th In Cary

What’s Happening Feb. 7th-8th-9th In Apex, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, & Zebulon

Explore our complete guide to events happening in Wake County!

If your event is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected] 

Follow us on Facebook for additional events and news!

If your event is not on our Facebook page or listed in our newsletter events section and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected] 

Health Benefits of a High-Protein Diet

✔️ Muscle Growth & Maintenance – Helps build and preserve muscle mass, especially when combined with strength training.
✔️ Weight Management – Increases satiety (feeling full longer), which can help with weight loss or maintenance.
✔️ Boosts Metabolism – The body burns more calories digesting protein compared to fats and carbs (higher thermic effect).
✔️ Supports Bone Health – Contrary to myths, high-protein diets from balanced sources (like dairy, fish, and lean meats) can strengthen bones.
✔️ Regulates Blood Sugar – Protein can help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing spikes and crashes.

Potential Risks of a High-Protein Diet

⚠️ Kidney Strain (for those with kidney disease) – High protein intake may worsen kidney function in people with pre-existing kidney conditions.
⚠️ Digestive Issues – Some high-protein diets are low in fiber, leading to constipation or bloating.
⚠️ Heart Health Risks – Eating excessive red and processed meats may increase the risk of heart disease.
⚠️ Nutrient Imbalance – Relying too much on protein might mean missing out on essential nutrients from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Healthy Sources of Protein

✔️ Lean meats (chicken, turkey, lean beef)
✔️ Fish & seafood
✔️ Eggs
✔️ Dairy (Greek yogurt, cottage cheese)
✔️ Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
✔️ Nuts & seeds (almonds, chia seeds, hemp seeds)
✔️ Plant-based sources (tofu, tempeh, quinoa)

Conclusion

A balanced high-protein diet that includes a variety of protein sources, fiber, and healthy fats is generally safe and beneficial. However, excessive protein from unhealthy sources (like processed meats) or very low-carb/high-fat diets may pose risks. If you have any health conditions (especially kidney disease), it's best to consult a doctor or nutritionist before making major dietary changes.