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Community Corner

🌱 Wake Leaders Discuss Antisemitism + Students Talk to Astronauts

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Raleigh.

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy National Seed Swap Day Raleigh!

I hope you're better at growing things than I am, and can actually participate in seed swapping. I myself will continue trying to keep my existing mint plant alive. Spoiler alert: it's not looking too good... But one thing I am good at, is keeping you up to date on everything that is going on in Raleigh, including:

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and not as cool. High: 58 Low: 32.

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Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

  1. Wake County leaders joined together on Thursday to discuss the rise in antisemitism. The Anti-Defamation League says that attacks on the Jewish community increased nationally by 61% in 2022. The Triangle has seen its own share of anti-Semitic incidents with fliers, bridge signs and the hate speech incident at Enloe High. Eric Solomon, Rabbi of Beth Meyer Synagogue, was one of the panelists on Thursday along with other leaders in the Jewish community. The panel was sponsored at the University Club at NCSU and sponsored by the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, as part of an ongoing series by the Triangle Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alliance. (abc11, CBS17)
  2. The family of Hailey Brooks has received more than $100,000 in donations after Hailey's death during the Raleigh Christmas Parade. Hailey's father, Trey Brooks posted an update to the GoFundMe page announcing that they are starting a foundation in Hailey's name to help the community. Trey Brooks also used the update to talk about his daughter and said, "Hailey was destined to make a huge impact on this world. As her parents we refuse to let Hailey's name and legacy end on that day." (CBS17)
  3. On Thursday, people gathered at Dix Park to celebrate plans to restore three historic stone houses in the area. Thursday's event was a groundbreaking ceremony that marked a new beginning for the abandoned stone houses. The homes were build 100 years ago on the campus of the former Dix Hospital. The houses will be transformed into a welcome/visitor center, community and classroom space, and additional public facilities with accessible pathways. Dix Park's mission is to share the legacy of Dix Hospital that served as a mental health facility for soldiers after World War 1. (WRAL)
  4. Students at Brentwood Magnet Elementary School of Engineering in Raleigh are getting to use vintage technology to communicate with astronauts. The school was chosen to participate in a program called Amateur Radio on the ISS. They were connected through an amateur radio in Belgium to contact astronauts aboard the International Space Station. Before the students got to talk to astronauts NASA educators told students about the importance of STEM fields and careers. Brentwood Elementary was one of nine in the nation selected to participate in the program this year. (abc11, WNCT9)
  5. Saint Augustine's University announced plans to develop a 320-unit multifamily project on campus land. The university plans to partner with an Atlanta-based real estate development firm for the project. Board of Trustees Vice Chairman Brian Boulware said, "this venture is a great opportunity for the institution to expand its revenue stream while enhancing housing options for the city." SAU President Christine Johnson McPhail believes that the development will allow the university to expand housing options. (WRAL)

Today in Raleigh:

  • TACAS Chinese New Year Festival at Dorton Arena (10:00am-5:00pm)
  • Astronomy Days at The Museum of Natural Sciences (10:00am-5:00pm)
  • 22nd Annual African American Cultural Celebration at the North Carolina Museum of History (10:30am-4:30pm)
  • Lobster Boil Festival at the Raleigh Beer Garden (12:00pm-4:00pm)
  • 8 Ball Scotch Doubles Charity Tournament at High House Billiards Cary (12:00pm-2:00am)
  • Do Portugal International Circus at Villa Latina Plaza (5:00pm & 8:00pm)
  • Funniest Person in the Triangle Free Improv Comedy at Lune Spark Apex (7:30pm-8:30pm)
  • Be Our Guest: Disney DJ Night at The Ritz Raleigh (9:00pm)

Sunday in Raleigh:

From my notebook:

  • It's National Seed Swap Day and if you're looking to plant something lovely to bloom but don't have any seeds to swap, Logan's Garden Shop is a local gardener's paradise.
  • Downtown's vegetarian destination, Fiction Kitchen, as well as Locals Seafood's and Mala Pata & Peyote will be relocating to Gateway Plaza to open in the summer of 2023. (INDY Week, WRAL Foodie News)
  • The Building Up-Fit Grant application window closes on January 29. "The grant assists property owners who want to activate their vacant or underutilized commercial building space to create new business use or new jobs." (City of Raleigh Facebook)
  • The Small Business Expo will be returning in person this year. You can register for free here. (City of Raleigh Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com

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