Fursday: Meet Jesse from APS of Durham!
Hello! My name’s Jesse and I’m just a kid! I’m young, that is! I’m a friendly, playful, enthusiastic, and active guy who loves to keep busy! I love toys and playtime, gentle affection, and of course people! I’m an active guy and would love lots of exercise–especially chasing a ball! I can even bring back the ball pretty well. Adopt me today before someone else scoops me up!
Kids: 6+, Worried by novel objects
Dogs: Friendly sniffing, ok with smaller dogs
Jesse’s online profile: https://www.apsofdurham.org/dogs/jesse-3/
Photo credits go to Ashley Sherrow of Assorted Poppies Photo and our wonderful volunteers
Hometown Hero of the Week: Julie Smith, July 9th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Julie Smith, serving the community as an RN for over 40 years in Mount Olive!
Julie was nominated by her daughter Brittany, who says, “My mom has been a dedicated RN of a nursing home for many years. She is not only a dedicated nurse, but she loves to be one! It doesn’t matter if there is a hurricane, tornado, or snow on the ground. She always shows up for her patients no matter what. She has worked through it all whether it be short staffed, filling in for someone on her day off, Covid regulations, etc. She always makes sure her patients know how important they are to her. She’s gives them presents on special occasions and celebrates them. She makes their home a fun place to be. She has even given gifts to a co-worker that she knew was having a bad day before. That is just the woman she is. She is kindhearted and so giving. She is the true definition of what a nurse should be. She always gives back to her community too. She has fed the hungry and clothed the homeless. When she isn’t working, she is a dedicated mother and grandmother. It doesn’t matter how tired she is after work. She still shows up for her grandkid’s games, recitals, and plays. If any of us ever need her for anything she is always there with a smile on her face. We love her so much so thank you QDR for celebrating her!”
Thank you, Julie for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?
Christmas in July at Waverly Place
Christmas comes early at QDR with Christmas in July on Saturday, July 19th, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Waverly Place in Cary. Bring the kids to see Tropical Santa, live music from the Island Time Band, a snow machine, and spin the QDR prize wheel. You can unwrap a gift like chrome books, smart speakers, and concert tickets, including VIP tickets to meet Brothers Osborne at our Acoustic Christmas for the Kids on Wednesday, December 10th at The Clayton Center. You can also get a jump start on your Christmas shopping with a pop-up market, featuring local artisans, crafters, and makers, offering everything from handmade jewelry, unique home goods, art, clothing, and more!
Gold Star Teacher of the Month: July 2025 – Elizabeth Brush
Our QDR Gold Star Teacher of the Month for July is Elizabeth Brush, 1st grade teacher at
Lafayette Year Round Elementary.
Elizabeth was nominated by Shannon Grice, who says, “When my son finished kindergarten, I requested a 1st grade teacher that could help him achieve his reading goals, as he was not completely on grade-level at the time. Mrs. Brush was recommended, and the principal obliged. She has been a game changer for my son. Week to week, I notice improvement, and when he struggles, she gives me specific instructions and ideas on how to help him practice. She offered tutoring on her own time, an hour before the school day starts, which is just one example of her going above and beyond to help her students succeed!”
Elizabeth 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 community staple for more than 50 years!
Fursday: Meet Kentucky from APS of Durham!
Ball! Ball! Ball is life! I’m a super fun, playful, active young guy who is all about the chase! I loooove me a tennis ball; I’ll prance around to show it off and wriggle around on my back with joy. I won’t say no to a soft toy to take to bed, either. I’m sweet and curious- a great guy to bring on a nature walk with the fam. I’m all about having fun with my people, exploring, snuggling, and prancing through life. Visit me today!
Kids: 6+, can be jumpy
Dogs: Nervous and vocal on leash, some sniffing, quick to bound away.
Kentucky’s Online Profile: https://www.apsofdurham.org/dogs/kentucky/
Photo credits go to Assorted Poppies Photos and our wonderful volunteers.
Hometown Hero of the Week: Joel Wharton, July 2nd, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Joel Wharton, Lieutenant for the Smithfield Fire Department.
Joel was nominated by Caren, who says, “He truly puts his everything in to the department and community. He is kind, hardworking, and always goes above and beyond. Along with that, he helped me raise four boys, now men who have all proven to be great humans! (One also is in law enforcement.) He is a hands-on and involved Papa to our three grandchildren as well. He is deserving of this recognition and in knowing that he is loved and appreciated by his wife and family.”
Thank you, Joel for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?
Serviceberry: A little-known native tree that birds (and gardeners) love
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
RALEIGH, N.C. (WPTF) – Many years ago, my family and I were visiting relatives in Ohio in early April. On the way back home it snowed, although it did not stick to the roads. It stopped snowing as we were coming down Fancy Gap mountain on the Virginia-North Carolina border, just north of Mount Airy. I have vivid memories of a tree with white blooms that caught my eye. It was a Serviceberry (Amelanchier) which is in the rose family. It is also called Shadbush, Shadblow, Juneberry, and Sugarplum. Native to all three regions of North Carolina and I had never seen one, so I read up on it and asked Anne Clapp about this interesting tree.
The Serviceberry in North Carolina prefers full sun to partial shade to deal with our growing conditions. We have acid soil in North Carolina so this tree is happy here. The Serviceberry is fairly drought tolerant. You are wise, however, to water well during the first year until the root system matures.
The standard Serviceberry will grow to a height of 15 to 25 feet tall.
When planting your serviceberry in the spring or fall, be sure to dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough for the top of the root ball to just peek over the top of the ground surface. You may choose to place something like Permatill or other type of aggregate material at the bottom of the hole, add some water and fill in dirt, compost, or organic matter of some kind. Add two to three inches of hardwood mulch. Keep in mind the evaporation rates are much higher in the spring.
Fertilize your serviceberry lightly with a slow-release fertilizer. The extension service often recommends something in the realm of a 12-6-6. Root protection can be achieved with the use of hardwood mulch or pine straw. This will also provide nutrients.
All birders will like the Serviceberry since it produces berries that birds love and can be used by humans in the form of jelly. I must say I have never eaten a serviceberry or jelly made from the berries. The white flowers will service all kinds of pollinators well.
The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has a recipe to share:
- 3.5 cups of serviceberry juice.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice.
- 6 tbsp pectin (Ball RealFruit Classic Pectin is a suggested brand).
- 5 cups granulated sugar
Prepare the serviceberry juice: You can extract juice by crushing the berries, adding a cup of water, bringing it to a boil, simmering for 10 minutes, and straining through a jelly bag or several layers of cheesecloth.
Combine and dissolve: Pour the serviceberry juice and lemon juice into a large stainless steel pan. Add the pectin and stir until dissolved.
Boil and add sugar: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the sugar and return to a rolling boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from heat and skim: Remove the pan from the heat and skim off any foam from the top.
Fill jars and process: Pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of headspace. Heat-process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 15 minutes.
There are a few varieties and cultivars that will work well in North Carolina. “Allegheny Serviceberry” is a native species found in western North Carolina. The Downy Serviceberry is also native and the folks at NC State say that you normally find the “Amelanchier aborea” in woodland areas of the states. “Robin Hill” has pink buds that eventually fade. “Autumn Brilliance” is known for its really good fall color. “Princess Diana” is also a popular variety and is much like “Autumn Brilliance.” “Cumulus” is an upright variety. “Dwarf Serviceberry” is smaller than the standard varieties and will save you some space.
The scientists at NC State University say Serviceberry insect pests include leafminers, spider mites, aphids, peach borer and scale. Diseases can include powdery mildew, cedar apple rust, fire blight and a few others. I’m not sure if I have enticed you to search for serviceberry. But it is after all a native tree with an interesting history which saw European settlers waiting for the blooms to appear as a sign of thawing ground and a time for burial services. I rarely see them in local nurseries, so you will have to ask if they can order one.
Fursday: Meet Mitzi from Second Chance!
Meet Mitzi, a loving and lively one-year-old female tuxedo cat with a flair for affection and a whole lot of personality! This sweet, talkative girl lives for pets — she’s always on the move, nudging her head or butt toward your hand to make sure she gets all the love she can. A true lap cat at heart, Mitzi adores being close to her humans and will happily chat with you throughout the day.
When she’s not soaking up attention, Mitzi enjoys lounging in her cat tree, batting around her toy mice, and giving her scratching post a good workout. She’s playful, affectionate, and happiest in a home where she isn’t left alone too long. And she thrives on human companionship.
She would prefer to be the only pet in your household, but if there is another cat, she’ll probably just keep to herself.
If you’re looking for a best friend who will keep you company, make you laugh, and always be there for a snuggle, Mitzi is the purrfect match!
Learn more at: secondchancenc.org/adopt-a-pet
Hometown Hero of the Week: David Warrick, June 25th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is David Warrick.
David was nominated by Ashtyn Johnson, who says, “David is a caring, loyal and loyal husband, father of 6, grandfather of 1, and friend. David is one of the most kindhearted and helpful people I have ever met. David is always working hard to service community and is always very willing to teach new people. David’s passion and drive to teach new people in the first responder industry is unmatched. With 13 years at Erwin Fire & Rescue, David’s loyalty to his community and his people is not spoke for like it should be. When David is not riding a fire truck, he is using his love for hazardous materials and working at his part time job or finding a new hobby which includes leather making, woodworking, fishing, and hunting. David never fails to always put his personal problems to the side and focus in on the task at hand to help his family, friends, coworkers, and community. David hates to be recognized for anything but he deserves it more than anything.”
Thank you, David, for your service! As a token of our appreciation, we’re sending you a $50 gift card to Smithfield’s Chicken ‘N Bar-B-Q to thank you for all you do.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?
Fursday: Meet Demetrius from Saving Grace!
GSD lovers, you’re in luck! We have a truly special boy looking for his forever family. Meet Demetrius, a young adult currently weighing around 59 pounds-we’re working hard to help him regain a few more. Demetrius is active, curious, and walks well on a leash. He loves being outdoors, especially exploring the farm and meeting new friends. This smart and cautious guy just needs a little time to adjust to new surroundings and experiences. Demetrius will thrive in a family that can provide regular exercise and include him in lots of quality family time. He gets along well with other dogs and might enjoy having a companion-but he’s just as happy being your one and only. This guy is a true gem, so don’t wait-submit your adoption request today and give Demetrius the loving home he’s been dreaming of!
*Weekend Host Feedback: “Demetrius was awesome with my 8 year old daughter. We also brought him to an Easter egg hunt with kids and was so gentle with all. He was very good walking. He was good at going to the bathroom no accidents. He was good in the crate. He is such a mush. He loves to cuddle you. He will jump up but just tell him no. Knows sit sometimes and would do great with training. He is such a good dog!”
