
Gold Star Teacher of the Month: May 2025 – Kathryn “Camille” Robbins
Our QDR Goldstar Teacher of the Month is Kathryn “Camille” Robbins, second grader teacher at Middle Creek Elementary School in Apex. Kathryn “Camille” Robbins was nominated by all of the following people. Camille received a commemorative plaque from Creative Images in Cary, $100 from Crabtree to shop at Auntie Anne’s, and an additional $100 to shop anywhere at Crabtree, a…… Continue Reading

Fursday: Meet Scotty and Wobbles from Second Chance!
Both dogs are on a medical hold while we work to get medication right. Scotty should go up for adoption soon. So stay tuned to Second Chance’s website! Scotty is a nine year-old purebred Pomeranian. She has cushing’s disease which is treatable, and she is doing excellent!… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: Jay Ward, April 30th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Jay Ward, Firefighter, EMS, and Search and Rescue, Rescue Diver from Spring Lake. Jay was nominated by his daughters, Sydaleigh, Savannah, and Novaleigh, who say, “Our dad is a full-time firefighter with Spout Springs Fire dept, EMT/ firefighter for Medic 13/Benhaven Emergency Services of Olivia, a firefighter for…… Continue Reading

Why the ninebark shrub deserves a spot in your garden
How many of you have ever heard of the Ninebark shrub or Physocarpus opulifolius for those of you who like to get technical? I hadn’t until recently! Since then I have learned that the Ninebark is also referred to in horticulture circles as Common Ninebark, Atlantic Ninebark, or Eastern Ninebark and is native to the eastern United States including North Carolina. Most frequently seen growing in the mountains and foothills of North Carolina, but seen less often in the central part of the state. It seems to like rocky hillsides and slopes near rivers. You won’t find ninebark growing very much in eastern North Carolina.… Continue Reading

Wild Blue Yonder
I’m ready to explore, how about you? I’m a curious, friendly, and affectionate girl with an independent streak. I like to stay busy and have lots of fun activities to do, I also like treats, fetch, and gentle affection! Visit me today! Kids: 6+ Dogs: Little nervous, excited to greet; offers play, may prefer chase games… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: Jacob Byrd, April 23rd, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Jacob Byrd, Firefighter/EMT for Clayton Fire Department and the Four Oaks Fire Department. Jacob has three jobs. He is a Firefighter/EMT for Clayton Fire Department and Four Oaks Fire Department, as well as a local landscaper. He has three children, who he loves more than life itself.…… Continue Reading

Fursday: Meet Hobbes from Saving Grace!
Beagle lovers, have we got the dog for you! Hobbes is a gentleman who enjoys leisurely walks, taking the time to roll in the grass, and sniffing out the perfect stick to carry along. He enjoys meeting other dogs and their people while walking. Hobbes has excellent potty and crate manners when kept on a…… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: Stephen Young, April 16th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Stephen Young, Captain with the Garner Fire Department. Stephen was nominated by his daughter Caitlin, who says, “My father is passionate about his career, he is hardworking, determined, always looking for way to improve, and he loves helping others. He’s the best dad to my 2 sisters and I.…… Continue Reading

Fursday: Meet Banks from Saving Grace!
Life with this handsome stud…you can pretty much Banks on it being fabulous! Banks is a Husky mix, on the smaller side at 42 lbs but not with any less fabulous hair than one would expect. This guy soft and white as the driven snow and a character who loves exercise, interactions with volunteers and…… Continue Reading

Hometown Hero of the Week: Robert Walters, April 9th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Robert Walters, Paramedic for Wake County EMS. Robert was nominated by his girlfriend Kim, who says, “He deserves to be the Hometown Hero of the Week because he is one of the best Paramedics in Wake County. He not only serves as a Paramedic himself, but he…… Continue Reading