Hometown Hero of the Week: Austin Gregory, July 24th, 2024
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Austin Gregory, Firefighter for the Clinton Fire Department and Meadow Volunteer Fire Department.
Austin was nominated by Dale Gregory, who says, “On the evening of 7/10/2024, Austin was on his 24-hour shift, preparing for a shower when he heard his Lieutenant yelling for his help. Austin immediately came to assist his lieutenant and noticed him in major distress from cardiac arrest. After alerting others and making sure more help was on the way, Austin began immediate defibrillator and CPR. They were able to transport the lieutenant to the medical center via life flight to the heart center. Austin’s quick response, calmness, and implementation of his many hours of training saved the life of his brother/lieutenant. We are so proud of Austin and all the firefighters/first responders for all their sacrifices to save lives. Austin represents our true hometown heroes.”
Thank you, Austin, 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.
Hometown Hero is brought to you by First Horizon Bank.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?
Fursday: Meet Filo from Saving Grace!
Meet Rumor, the 57lb brindle beauty who’s ready to steal your heart! Rumor is… she’s about one of the nicest dogs at the farm and OH SO deserving of a cushy comfy furever hone! This fabulous Terrier-Pittie mix lady is an adult who has put in her time being a top-notch mom to plenty of pups. Now she’s ready to be the star of her own show! Her personality is blossoming with all the love and adoration of the volunteers at the farm, so she’s eager to make one lucky furever family her full-time gig! Rumor is great on a leash and in her crate! Not afraid to jump in the pool on a hot day, she is not only silly but knows how to act like an adult at the same time making her such a fabulous mix of wonderful! With a heart of gold and a gentle nature, Rumor is the perfect companion for cozy nights at home or leisurely strolls around the neighborhood. Give this sweet girl the loving home she deserves, and she’ll fill your life with endless joy and cuddles!
**Volunteer Dog Walk feedback: “Rumor got along well with the other dogs and walked well on the leash. She set a relaxed pace and was not a puller. She was definitely ready for a break near the end and found a nice puddle too cool off”!
Check her out!
Hometown Hero of the Week: Steven Montague, July 17th, 2024
Our QDR Hometown Hero Of The Week is Steven Montague, Lieutenant at Wendell Fire Department and Four Oaks Fire Department.
“Steven is the most selfless person I’ve ever met. We were best friends in high school, and now we are married. He is raising my three children as his own, and nobody can ever tell the difference, because he treats them so well. He retired from the Army in 2015, and he is devoted to serving his community and helps wherever he can. He works at two different fire departments and still manages to cook, clean, and even do laundry. We love him so very much.”
Thank you, Stephen, 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.
Hometown Hero is brought to you by First Horizon Bank and the Carolina Mudcats.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?
Acoustic Christmas for the Kids
The date has been set for QDR’s Acoustic Christmas for the Kids Concert supporting UNC Children’s Hospital. Join QDR at The Clayton Center on December 11th to see Larry Fleet, Zach Top, Drew Baldridge, and Anne Wilson!
Fursday: Meet Veronica from APS of Durham!
Meet #girlboss Veronica.
This big chonk loves a good meal and is enthusiastic about new things, life can just be so exciting through the eyes of a pup! Her social nature may be just what you’re looking for and we’re here to help make that match.
Veronica came to us in February and has spent the majority of her time in foster care, gaining some weight and becoming comfortable with safe spaces. At 8 years old, Veronica is the type of dog that loves to have all the information before becoming comfortable in any situation. Let her sniffer get to work and then she’ll settle right down once she feels safe.
Veronica loves stuffed toys and a variety of tasty snacks. But with that in mind, she’ll need basic training, including 4-on-the-floor, so that she doesn’t crash your dinner party.
Have an empty seat at your next social event? Veronica’s address is 2117 East Club Blvd. Come visit her today!
Kids: 8+, jumpy
Dogs: Intense approach, lots of sniffing, then moves away. Slow and careful intros
Hometown Hero of the Week: Trent Austin, July 10th, 2024
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Trent Austin, firefighter with the 50/210 Fire Department.
Trent was nominated by his wife Maegan who says, “I nominate my husband Trent Austin as a hometown hero, because he has 10 years of firefighter service, and he never ever complains about his job. He enjoys getting up every day and going to the firehouse to work. He comes home and tells me and my son all about his past work day. I am so beyond proud to be able to stand beside this man and watch him be a dad and kick butt firefighter. He’s a wonderful person and his friends at the fire station are extremely grateful for him and his service to serve others.”
Thank you, Trent, 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.
Hometown Hero is brought to you by First Horizon Bank and the Carolina Mudcats.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?
Fursday: Meet Ben from Second Chance!
Meet Ben: The Three-Legged Wonder! Ben is full of loving puppy energy! He adores cuddles, hugs, and belly rubs. Always ready for the next adventure. Ben came to us with a severely broken leg, and the best treatment option was to amputate. Within days of his surgery, Ben showed us just how resilient and spirited he is. He gained an extra boost of energy and was up and moving almost immediately, as if reminding us he had places to be! Ben loves everyone he meets and wants to greet everyone with his big smile and wagging tail. He enjoys going on walks and exploring new places. Ben is selective with dogs and seems to prefer female dogs over males. He needs a slow and proper introduction to new doggy friends. Once he takes a couple of walks with them, he quickly accepts them as friends.Ben loves people with all his heart and would thrive in a home where he can get plenty of attention and affection. Despite losing a leg, Ben is one of the happiest and most resilient dogs you’ll ever meet. His big ears and constant smile will melt your heart! Experience the joy and love Ben has to offer and see if he’s the perfect addition to your family.
Hometown Hero of the Week: Daniel Karlinski, July 3rd, 2024
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Daniel Karlinski, Captain on the Raleigh Police Department.
Daniel was nominated by his wife Adriane, who says, “My husband, Dan, is known for his kindness, hard work, and selflessness as a dedicated officer with 27 years of experience in the field. Despite his long career, he has always made time for his family, providing unwavering support whenever we needed him. He came to Raleigh with a mission to make a positive difference and has fulfilled his role as an officer for all the right reasons, serving his community with integrity and commitment.”
Thank you, Daniel, 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.
Hometown Hero is brought to you by First Horizon Bank and the Carolina Mudcats.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?
Gold Star Teacher of the Month: July 2024 – Carrie Andrews
Our QDR Gold Star Teacher of the Month is Carrie Andrews, Orchestra Teacher at C.E. Jordan High School in Durham.
Carrie was nominated by Annie Harrison who says, “Carrie has been the orchestra teacher at Jordan for two years, and in that time has turned a tiny, struggling program into a thriving community of young musicians. She gives everything she has to our kids, and works harder than any teacher I’ve ever seen (and I AM a teacher!) to ensure that they learn to love music and that they feel safe, supported, and loved for who they are. She is a gift to every family she encounters, and our school is stronger and better because she’s in it.”
Carrie Andrews received a commemorative plaque from Creative Images in Cary, Carolina Mudcats tickets for the whole class, $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! Her picture will also be featured on the jumbo screen at Crabtree, just below the food court for the month of July.
Want to nominate a teacher who has gone above and beyond for their students? Click the button below to fill out a short form.
Hometown Hero of the Week: Walt Miller, June 26th, 2024
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the Week is Walt Miller, firefighter for the Selma Fire Department.
Walt was nominated by his fellow co-workers at the Selma Fire Department on B Shift. “Walt day in and day out exemplifies what it means to be a citizens first firefighter. Walt works full-time for the Town of Selma Fire department, part-time for the Cleveland Fire Department, and volunteers for the Four Oaks Fire Department. I wish that every firefighter young and old could have the same level of passion and commitment for this job as Walt does. No matter the need Walt is the first to make someone’s bad day better. Walt also is an outstanding father and husband to his wife and 2 kids.”
Thank you, Walt, 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.
Hometown Hero is brought to you by First Horizon Bank and the Carolina Mudcats.
Want to nominate a Hometown Hero?