The feeling of isolation experienced by many over the course of the pandemic is not new to people who use wheelchairs, Laura Weygandt, executive director of the Western Wake Tennis Association, says.
That’s why the nonprofit association’s Wheelchair Tennis Program is about more than just playing tennis, but about forming social connections, too.
Photo courtesy of Western Wake Tennis Association
The program — which is completely free — features clinics held on Saturdays at Cary Tennis Park + the next clinic is this Sat., June 12 from 3-4:30 p.m. Participants of all levels are encouraged to attend, and volunteers help facilitate learning + matches.
The association has 7 sport wheelchairs available for use during the clinics at no charge for the participants — as well as other equipment like body braces, knee straps + an active hand that helps people with quadriplegia grip a tennis racket.
Cary Tennis Park allows the clinic to run across multiple courts allowing for the different levels of players to be grouped together. The clinic is a rain-or-shine event, since the park has covered tennis courts.
Photo courtesy of Western Wake Tennis Association
“It's a great way to get people out of the house and doing something active and with some pretty nice people,” Laura said. “We really want to reach the people who don't get themselves out there, because it can be life changing.”
The program began in 2019 + is regaining momentum post-pandemic. If you’re interested in participating in the program or volunteering, email Laura for more information.
Civic
- City Council Work Session | Tues., June 8 | 4–7 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Watch the livestream to hear an update on the status of the municipal election schedule.
WaterCooler
- Carolina Hurricanes Playoff Game | Tues., June 8 | 6:30 p.m. | PNC Arena, 1400 Edwards Mill Rd. | $74+ | The Canes are playing the Tampa Bay Lightning in round 2, game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Active
- Crank Arm Social RUN | Tues., June 8 | 6:30 p.m. | Crank Arm Brewing Company, 319 W Davie St. | Free | Grab your running shoes and head to Crank Arm Brewing Co. for Tuesday night run club + a beer after. 👟
Community
- Women's Philanthropy Community Rosh Chodesh | Tues., June 8 | 7–8:30 p.m. | David R. Kahn Community Campus, 8210 Creedmoor Rd., Suite 104 | Free | The Jewish Federation of Raleigh-Cary is hosting a conversation on philanthropy + community for women.
Network
- Wake Forest Elite Networking | Tues., June 8 | 5–7 p.m. | Real McCoy’s, 3325 Rogers Rd. #112 | Free | Grab your business card + come out to this networking event with companies from all industries.
- Triangle Biotech Tuesday | Tues., June 8 | 5:15–7:30 p.m. | Virtual | Free | Join science-minded professionals + hear from Financial Advisor Caleb White in this monthly event.
Talk
One of the City of Raleigh’s community exhibition spaces — the Sertoma Arts Center — has its June exhibit on display featuring works by artists Jo Pumphrey, Bill Byers, John Johnson, and Jennifer Lawler-Mecca.
The center is known for showcasing local, regional + internationally acclaimed artists with the hopes of enlightening the community. The center is currently accepting applications for its 2022 Gallery Program, and artists working in 2D and 3D are encouraged to apply.
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Weather
- 84º | Showers | 50% chance of rain 🌧
NowOpen
- Welcome to the Roaring 20s, Raleigh. A new downtown speakeasy, The Merchant, is now open at 126 S. Salisbury St. from 5 p.m.-12 a.m. Tuesday-Wednesday + 5 p.m.-2 a.m. Thursday-Saturday. The secret spot is serving up cocktails with names like “Heart of Darkness.” 🍸
ComingSoon
- Vault Craft Beer — a bar located inside an old bank — finally has an opening date of late fall after over 3 years of planning. The 1,100 sqft brewery is located at 518 W. South St. and will offer 18 taps of beers from across the state. 🏦(Triangle Business Journal)
Civic
- City council approved a $1.07 billion budget for the 2022 fiscal year last night, raising Raleigh’s property tax 5% to aid in paying for affordable housing + maintaining parks. City government will also get 40 new positions, city workers will get merit-pay raises, and the police department’s budget will increase by ~$5 million. (The News & Observer)
- GoTriangle is hosting a free event — GoPerks Golden Modes — on Tues., June 22 at 1 p.m. to celebrate commuters who took safe + smart trips during 2020. Speakers will include councilmember Corey Branch and Dr. Mandy Cohen, and you can register online.
Development
- The planned Nexus project in downtown could be doubling in size as the Acquisition Group looks to file a rezoning request to allow 40 stories of development instead of 20 stories. The site was the former News & Observer office + a neighborhood meeting is being held tonight. 🏢(Triangle Business Journal)
- Raleigh consultant Alliance Group of NC filed plans for a 176-home development in Apex located on 73 acres at 4524 Green Level West Rd. (near Jordan Lake). The developer — Stanley Martin Homes — will contribute ~$284 per lot to the Apex Affordable Housing Fund. 🏠(Triangle Business Journal)
Biz
- Cary-based Cornerstone Building Brands — one of the largest manufacturers of exterior building products in North America — is selling its insulated metal panels business to Charlotte-based Nucor. The all-cash $1 billion deal is expected to close later this year. (TechWire)
- June is Pride Month, and Yelp is featuring a new option on its platform allowing businesses to select that they are “LGBTQ-owned” and/or “Open to All.” Qualia Holder-Cozart — owner of Raleigh’s Vibe Artist Studio — has labeled her business as both, with the hopes of making people feel more comfortable. (ABC 11)
WaterCooler
- NC State is advancing to the super regional round of the NCAA Division 1 Baseball Championship after beating Louisiana Tech in the regional round. The super regional appearance is the team’s first since 2013, and if the Wolfpack wins the round they will advance to the College World Series. ⚾(The News & Observer)
Apply
- Do you or someone you know take pride in their sustainable efforts? If so, apply for the 2021 Raleigh Environmental Awards. Recognition will be given in 4 areas — Climate Action, Business Innovation for Environmental Stewardship, Community Action + Raleigh Environmental Stewardship. 🌎
Edu
- A pair of NC State professors sent plants into space last week with SpaceX and NASA for resupply to the International Space Station. Marcela Rojas-Pierce and Imara Perera’s findings are important to understanding plant life in space + how they could be beneficial to the mental health of astronauts. 🌿(ABC 11)
Number
- IBM acquired Red Hat for $34 billion in 2019 when the Raleigh-based company’s annual revenue was ~$3.5 billion. This year, IBM CEO Arvind Krishna is expecting that number to be over $5 billion. (Triangle Business Journal)
Learn
Correction
- Last week, we said Christopher Prieto will be competing in a new season of BBQ Brawl premiering on Food Network Saturday, June 14th. This was inaccurate — BBQ Brawl will premiere Monday, June 14th at 9 p.m. 🍗 (Triangle Business Journal)
TheBuy
- Medical-grade sunscreen contains high-quality active ingredients + provides better protection. Triangle Facial Plastic Surgery is offering 10% off all sunscreens (including eltaMD, iS CLINICAL + ZO SKIN HEALTH) throughout June. Purchase in-office (Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.) or by phone (919) 706-4900 and pick up when convenient. ☀️Ⓟ
DealoftheDay
- Save time, save money, save dinner. get farm fresh fruits & vegetables delivered right to your door for less than the cost of grocery. Hungry Harvest Boxes start at just $15. Use promo code RAL50 to save 50% off your first Harvest. (Expiration: Wed., June 30) Ⓟ
#RALcurrent: What we're currently doing — Carly is taking a morning hike at Umstead Park + Laura is booking a ride on a Great Raleigh Trolley for this weekend.
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