• Alicia Belle | Founder, Mega | “Mega is a really cool concept gym and it’s really well-run and managed. Alicia creates lots of charity and donation events to benefit local organizations through Mega.” – Corey B.
• Angela Weir and Teresa Sawyer | Co-founders, Dementia Capable CARES | “They are working to increase the understanding of dementia by educating and engaging businesses and community groups to build a more dementia-friendly community.” – Julie K.
• Emily Grey | Owner, The Flourish Market | “She’s awesome. Terrific business of women empowerment.” – Elease B.

Provided by @theflourishmarket

• Emma Macadam | Owner, Redhead Hemp | “Emma is a natural hemp advocate and takes pride in her products. She doesn’t just make her own high-quality candies — she also educates her customers and has such a welcoming demeanor. Plus, her dog Odie is always there to greet you when you walk into the shop.” - City Editor Cat
• Erica Heilmann | Owner, Gathering Gallery | “Erica has created a for-profit business with nonprofit community benefits. Her retail store sources most of its merchandise locally, promotes diversity, and hires adults with disabilities.” – Robert C.
• Gabi Angelini | Co-founder, Gabi’s Grounds | “She is amazing. Nobody would hire her because she has a disability so she started two nonprofit companies and employs over 40 people with special abilities.” – Mary A.
• Georgia Tardy | Artist and founder, The Artist Lounge | “Georgia has taken her involvement in the Raleigh arts community to the next level by launching The Artist Lounge, an arts-centered event space designed to foster creativity. Georgia is innovative, genuine, and honestly so cool.” – City Editor Anne

• Memories to Share: A Class to Begin Your Memoirs | Wednesday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Joel Lane Museum House, 160 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh | $50-$60 | Capture personal memories and family stories in your own words and build confidence in your writing.

• 7th Anniversary Party | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 11-12 a.m. | My Way Tavern, 522 Saint Mary’s St., Raleigh | Free | Celebrate this milestone with throwback well liquor prices, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, a chance to win gift cards and prizes, and a live DJ.
• Raleigh Fashion Fest: Holiday Shop & Show at Crabtree | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 5-9 p.m. | Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh | $0-$75 | This show, benefiting the American Cancer Society, will feature a large-format collaborative fashion show directed by Models for Charity.
• Carolina Hurricanes vs. Seattle Kraken | Thursday, Dec. 15 | 7 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd., Raleigh | $33-$350 | May the force be with the Canes as they take on the Kraken during Star Wars Night.

• So This Is Christmas Ballroom Showcase | Friday, Dec. 16 | 6:30-9 p.m. | A Step To Gold International Ballroom, 6278 Glenwood Ave. Ste. 200, Raleigh | $40 | Watch or dance along to this Christmas showcase and enjoy performances, heavy hors d’oevres, and dancing.

• Gingerbread Jamboree | Saturday, Dec. 17 + Sunday, Dec. 18 | Times vary | Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh | $15-$18 | Enjoy creating a sweet treat masterpiece with friends and family.

• George Birge, Scotty McCreery & Kylie Morgan | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 5:30 p.m. | Lincoln Theatre, 126 E. Cabarrus St., Raleigh | $40 | Enjoy this Christmas show featuring Garner’s own Scotty McCreery.

• The average first-time home buyer toured 24 homes in person or virtually (up from 15 in 2021).
• Half of first-time buyers said they made offers on five or more homes before winning one (respondents averaged 12 offers apiece).
• 69% say they are confident they found the best home for them in the market.
• 58% said the home search was “much more time-consuming than expected."*

• 49º | Cloudy | 20% chance of rain ☁️

• Cheers to Edit Beer Co. eyeing next week for its grand opening. Located at 1911 Sego Ct., the new craft beer hub will feature 20 taps with rotating beers, ciders, and seltzers, and a limited food menu. An opening date has not yet been confirmed. 🍻 (Triangle Business Journal)

• The Waiting Room, a cocktail and small plates concept, is slated to open in January. Tucked into the oldest commercial building in downtown Durham at 300 Blackwell St., the bar will feature 100+ selections of liquor and will have a speakeasy vibe.

• Every week now until March 11, 2023, the City of Raleigh Museum will host a free yoga class. Bring a mat and water to learn from a different instructor each session. Registration is recommended.

• Learn about “Spill,” an interpretive mural by Artie Barksdale and Jay Coachman inspired by Maya Freelon’s original artwork, with this YouTube video by Kane Realty. The large-scale piece can be viewed on the side of the Peace Raleigh Apartments parking deck at 417 W. Peace St. 🎨

• Did you know that the City of Raleigh has lowered the speed limit on 213 streets in 2022? That’s approx. 88.28-miles of safer roads. According to ITE, the likelihood of fatality increases as speed increases. View the report. 🚗

• Holiday cheer isn’t the only thing spreading this season. The CDC reported “very high” flu activity in our state. Find a flu vaccine near you — there may even be a needleless option. (Verywell Health)

• Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree. Once the holidays are over, drop off your undecorated tree to a designated convenience center. The pines will be recycled into mulch for trails at Wake County Parks.

• How does Scott’s Cheap Flights work? Sign up for free, follow up to five airports, and Scott’s will notify you when flights are 40-90% off. Bonus: You can browse deals immediately after signing up (like a $300+ round trip to Bermuda). 🌴*

• Cash is king when buying a home. Learn how you can make your real estate dreams a reality when you remove the contingencies sellers dislike and make an all-cash offer. 🏡 *

• What gifts are on the radar this season? City Editor Anne is ready to rock this City of Sunflowers tote bag, and City Editor Cat is ready to sport this RALtoday embroidered sweatshirt. Shop these unique gifts + more at our online shop Six & Main. 🛍️
• (Gift) wrapping up your last-minute shopping? Have a box of cheer delivered by Christmas morning when you order a specialty Carolina Box from Lowes Foods by Thursday, Dec. 15.* 📦

FedEx deadlines:

• Wednesday, Dec. 14 | FedEx Ground
• Tuesday, Dec. 20 | Express Saver
• Wednesday, Dec. 21 | FedEx 2Day
• Friday, Dec. 23 | FedEx SameDay

UPS deadlines:

• Tuesday, Dec. 20 | UPS 3 Day Select
• Wednesday, Dec. 21 | UPS 2nd Day Air
• Thursday, Dec. 22 | UPS Next Day Air

United States Postal Service deadlines:

• Friday, Dec. 16 | USPS Priority Mail Express Military service
• Saturday, Dec. 17 | USPS Retail Ground service, First-Class Mail service, First-Class packages
• Monday, Dec. 19 | Priority Mail service
• Friday, Dec. 23 | Priority Mail Express service