"You is smart. You is kind. You is important."

👋 Good morning, Apex! Today is February 6, 2025 and this is the fifth weekly issue of The Peak Weekly.

The quote at the top of this email is from the Book/Movie, The Help.

Today is National Pay a Compliment Day so I wanted to lead off with paying you that compliment.

The significance of the quote, though, and the story that it comes from goes beyond just the kind words. The Help depicts the discrimination and challenges faced by Black people during the Civil Rights Movement, a major milestone in Black History.

Speaking of major milestones, well before the Civil Rights Movement, and even some 200 years before the Civil War, the Friendship Community of Apex came to life right here in Apex as a Free People of Color Community, something practically unheard of at the time.

And that was just the beginning of the story about Black History here in the Peak of Good Living.

As we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history, I wanted to share a great resource of historical information here in Apex:

@ApexJuneteenth on Instagram

@Juneteenth in the Peak Festival on Facebook

They are sharing some of these incredible stories throughout the month in short-form videos that are full of really interesting information. Give them a follow!

Now let’s get to it. Here is what’s inside today:

📂 Miscellaneous: Some quick, random notes that didn’t fit anywhere else

🗓️ Things to Do This Week: Events and activities this coming week in Apex

🏢 Local Business: Updates on business and developments

🏛️ Civil News: The latest from local government

🐶 Animal of the Week: Featured pet looking for a good home

👀 A Look Ahead: A quick peak at things to know beyond this week

✏️ Quick Survey: Share your thoughts on the Tunstall House

Miscellaneous:

🫵 This Message is for Punxsutawney Phil
If you’re not Punxsutawney Phil, keep scrolling. Hey, Phil - I saw that you went on national TV and predicted six more weeks of winter. But you’re washed up. You’re old news. Sylvia, the Apex Armadillo, has spoken and says bring on early Spring!

🌯 Spirit Night at Chipotle
Dine at Chipotle on Wednesday, Feb 12th at 1081 Pine Plaza from 4-8pm and Apex Middle School PTA will earn 25% of all orders that show this flyer.

👮‍♂️ Welcome, Police Chief Johansen
Get to know our new Chief of Police with these 5 Q&As via this Apex PD Facebook video.

🚶 Flashing Crosswalk at Saunders
It was reported on Monday via the Apex Community Forum that the pedestrian crosswalk light only works on one side. It might be fixed by now (I’m not sure), but this seems like a fun time to remind you that it’s legal to jaywalk in downtown Apex… for the most part.

👗 Donate Your Dress
The Prom Shoppe is a shopping event on Feb 28 & March 1 that provides prom dresses and all accessories to girls who cannot afford to attend prom. Please consider donating your like-new dresses, shoes, jewelry & accessories.

🦸 Town Council Member by Day. Software Engineer… Also by Day.
The state board of elections website doesn't update their election results map with the per precinct results once early votes are "sorted" into their respective precincts which has lead to a lot of confusion over the years. So, Town Council Member and Software Engineer, Terry Mahffey, made wakeresults.org - where you can view maps of the actual precinct by precinct election results, not just election day.

Things to Do This Week in Apex:

Saturday, Feb 8

🧑‍🌾 Apex Farmers Market
9am - 12pm | The Depot

🛍️ Valentine’s Pop-up Market
1pm - 4pm | The Depot

🍦 Chill with a Cop
6:30pm - 8:30pm | Fresh Local Ice Cream

🎨 Paint & Sip Date Night
7pm - 9pm | Wine & Design

🧀 Couples Build Your Own Charcuterie Board
4pm - 6pm | Southern Peak Brewery

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Monday, Feb 10

🎶 Music Bingo
7-9pm | Oaklyn Springs Brewery

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Wednesday, Feb 12

🏰 Disney Trivia Night
6:30pm - 8:30pm | Southern Peak Brewery

Things to Do This Week Nearby:

🚜 Southern Farm Show
Thursday, Feb 6 | 9am - 4pm
Friday, Feb 7 | 9am - 3pm
NC State Fairgrounds (Raleigh)

🎙️ The Music of Motown (NC Symphony)
Friday, Feb 7 | 8pm
Saturday, Feb 8 | 8pm
Meymandi Concert Hall (Raleigh)

🐐 Valentines with Goats
Wed-Sunday thru Feb 16 | 10am - 5pm
Spring Haven Farm (Chapel Hill)

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Interested in arts, crafts, track-out camps, or town-organized sports?

 ➡️ Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Program Guide

Local Business:

💐 Buy Your Husband Some Flowers
After our first date back in 2008, my wife sent me flowers at work. It’s the one and only time I’ve ever received flowers. And look where it got her - luckiest woman in the world. Guys, it’s just 8-days until Valentine’s Day! If you’re looking for a special flower arrangement for that special someone (husband, wife, girl/boyfriend, etc), check out Golden Flora. She makes awesome, unique arrangements. Located downtown inside The Studio at 106th W Chatham and you can order online.

🏥 Peak Rehabilitation Hospital
Located across Zeno Rd from Wake Med, the 62,000 square food, 52-bed, state-of-the-art inpatient rehab facility is opening this month. Peak Rehabilitation Hospital will provide patient-centered rehabilitation services to those who have experienced a decline in function due to an injury or illness. Attend the Open House on February 21 from 2-5pm.

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Supporting Black-Owned Businesses in Apex

Thanks to some help from Apex Economic Development, below is a list of Black-owned businesses here in Apex to support during Black History Month - and all year-round!

Please note that the businesses listed above are those certified by the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) and those that have self-identified as black-owned through the Apex Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) program. This list represents the businesses we are currently aware of. If I missed any, please let me know!

Civil News:

January 28 Town Council Recap
The Town received a $100k Cyber Security Grant, Black History Month was honored with a proclamation and the 2025 Road Rehabilitation contract was signed. More details on these items and additional items covered can be seen here.

🏫 Apex Peak Academy
If you want to learn more about Apex and how Town departments operate and plan for the future, then Apex Peak Academy may be the right course for you! Starts April 16. Details & Application here

👨‍💻 White Oak Creek Greenway Mural
The Apex Public Art Committee is seeking the public's feedback about the design of an incoming "NATURE" mural at White Oak Creek Greenway. Share your feedback on the proposed design here.

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🗓️ Important Upcoming Dates

Friday, February 7
State of the Town
8am - 10am | Halle Cultural Arts Center

Monday, February 10
Planning Board Meeting
4:30pm | Town Hall

Tuesday, February 11
Office Hours with Terry Mahaffey
9am - 11am | Mission Market

Tuesday, February 11
Regular Town Council Meeting
9am - 11am | Town Hall
📄 Agenda will be available here on Friday

Wednesday, February 12
Learning Lunch: Chinese New Year
12pm - 1pm | Apex Senior Center

Wed, February 12 - Thur, Feb 13
Town Council Annual Retreat
8:30am - 5pm | Town Hall

▶️ Note: Planning Board Meeting, Town Council Meeting & the Annual Retreat will also be live streamed on this YouTube link

Animal of the Week:

Sherlock is a 66-pound, 5-year-old male full of energy waiting at the SPCA of Wake County for you to come pick him up and bring him home. Meet Sherlock

😲 Adoption fees for all of the dogs, cats, and small animals have been reduced to just $2.14 until 2/14.

A Look Ahead:

February 15, 2025
Black History Month - Spades Tournament
11:00am - 2:00pm | Apex Senior Center

February 22, 2025
Black History Month - Hip Hop Workshop
12:00pm - 2:00pm | Apex Senior Center

February 22, 2025
The Apex Gala
6:00pm - 10:00pm | MacGregor Downs Country Club

February 26, 2025
S-Line Mobility Hub - Open House
4pm - 6pm | Salem Room at the Senior Center

February 24 - March 2, 2025
Apex Restaurant Week 2025

Quick 1-Question Survey

If you have 2.5 minutes to spare, watch the Mayor’s video on the Tunstall House / Multi-Use Collegiate Level Fields at Pleasant Park, and then answer the question below. I believe this issue will also be heard during Tuesday’s Town Hall.
Video links: Facebook | TikTok | Instagram

A Final Note:

Thank you for reading The Peak Weekly today.

It’s the 5th time I’m hitting send, and I still get nervous at this point every time. I’m 100% sure there’s a typo in here somewhere that my daughter is going to catch and make fun of me for later. Oh well 🤷‍♂️ 

If you have any feedback, ideas, or any other thoughts on how to make this newsletter better, please reply to this email or email me directly at [email protected]

See you next Thursday. 😘