FURS-Day: Meet Edmonton from Saving Grace NC!
Despite his name, Edmonton is not a big hockey guy but is willing to become one if that’s important to his furever peeps because this guy is simply…go with the flow. This lab mix adult weighs about 64 lbs and is a little lean, so will likely need to gain just a few more pounds to full out. This black and white handsome devil (not from New Jersey, though) has been nothing but laid back since arriving on the farm. He isn’t sure about the routine yet, but is settling in nicely and is learning about doggo friends, human pets, attention, and the promise of a happy ever after. Edmonton is totally willing to engage in the power play to get to that. Edmonton has some early issues with his hips, but nothing at all that impacts his activity in the current day, and it is a condition that might need some management as he gets older. If you meet him, you will easily see there is little to stop this guy from loving everyone around him and fully engaging in his best life. This gentle guy would likely settle into most homes easily. He is quiet and well-behaved in his crate, always patient and not pushy, and so appreciative for everything. Edmonton is ready to SCORE! his furever family (and will wear a hockey jersey during the winter months if desired)!
Learn More at savinggracenc.org!
Enter To Win Tickets to the Villain Arts Tattoo Festival!
The Villain Arts Festival is headed back to the Raleigh Convention Center September 26th-28th and we’ve got your FREE tickets! Enter to win a 4-pack of tickets below! Tickets are on sale now at villainarts.com but win them right now with QDR and Only QDR!
Hometown Hero of the Week: Brandy Hall, September 17th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Brandy Hall, Paramedic with Johnson County emergency services.
Brandy always is going outside of her way to be the best advocate for her patients and does anything she can to make sure she does her best and provides everything she can to anyone in need. Brandy is a full-time paramedic with Johnston County Emergency Services! Brandy is an amazing friend, and she’s always in a great mood, even with her sassy little attitude, she always does what’s right for her friends, family, and patients!
Thank you, Brandy, 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.
Red and black chokeberries thrive in North Carolina landscapes
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
Red Chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia) and Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) are versatile shrubs native to North Carolina. I have seen many of the red varieties, while black varieties have never shown up in my path. They are similar however, with obviously, the main difference, the color of the berries. In addition, the red has a more upright and slender shape preferring moist soil, while the black are more tolerant of various soil conditions. The berries of the black varieties usually drop in summer while the berries of the red varieties last until winter. Otherwise the two types are much alike. The flowers, of course, come in the spring and with the help of pollinators, make these small berries.
In the wildlife world, all kinds of birds just dig these plant’s berries, and so do some mammals. Yes, deer will eat Chokeberry shrubs, especially in the winter when their food supply is a little scarce. The berries of this shrub are very astringent so not all berry-loving animals can deal with the taste. If you pick any Chokeberries off the shrubs in your yard and eat them, they will make you pucker. They also could make you feel like you are choking because of their sour, dry qualities. Which brings me to the history of the Chokeberry.
Native American tribes used the berry in a number of ways as a food source and a food preservative. As Europeans encountered new plants, they took them home to various countries where they used them as ornamental plants. Over time they developed cultivars that were easier on the tastebuds and digestive system. In the 20th century, the Russians even used them to make wine. This was likely the “Aronia melencarpa” varieties which can be processed for all kinds of foodie type things.
The Chokeberry is high in antioxidants and flavanoides, so a lot of research is being done on these plants which usually aren’t the first choice for planting by homeowners. I’m told you can make jams out of Chokeberries. Check for varieties that will aid in making jams and jellies if you are so inclined. Black Chokeberries varieties “Viking,” “Nero,” “Autumn Magic” will work. When it comes to red Chokeberries, “Brilliantissima” is the one to look for. You have to cook them with a sweetener- boil and mash and then mix with other fruits to get around the bitterness. You can find them in bulk from Amazon under the name of Aronia berries. They are also sold at some specialty retailers. I must say, I have never had Chokeberry jam, nor do I ever remember anyone mentioning it on the show.
Plant your Chokeberry by using a sharp shovel. Anne Clapp and Rufus always recommend that. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place your shrub in the hole, gently spreading out the roots, and then backfill to ground level and water well. To get your plant off to a good start, incorporate some organic matter in the soil, and cover the root zone with a layer of mulch to help keep the soil cool and moist.
The Chokeberry can be an attractive plant. I have noticed however, that a single specimen doesn’t work well. Since it often looks a little leggy over time, plant in mass for a better effect. Just don’t plant a bunch of them thinking you are going to make jam every year. That seems like a lot of trouble unless you can’t figure out any other way to pucker!
Fursday: Meet Lucille from Second Chance Pet Adoptions!
Meet Lucille, the epitome of charm. This laid-back lady is your ideal companion, always ready to share life’s moments by your side. Lucille’s journey began as a devoted mother, nurturing seven chubby pups while in the care of a local shelter. Since joining the Second Chance family, Lucille has captured the hearts of everyone she meets. Between you and me, she’s become a favorite among our volunteers—shh, don’t tell anyone else!
Currently, Lucille isn’t too keen on the company of other dogs or cats, and who can blame her? After coming into our program with 7 puppies she has done her time! Now it’s her turn to be pampered and cherished. Could your family be the one to provide her with the love and care she deserves? If so, don’t hesitate to reach out! We would be thrilled to introduce you.
Ms. Lucille is a breeze to walk on a leash, though she may show some confusion around bikes and might pull slightly to investigate. She has a particular fondness for one slightly obnoxious toy with peculiar sound effects but settles down beautifully in her crate. Don’t be fooled by her perpetually pouty expression, it’s all an act—Lucille is a happy-go-lucky gal with a face that resembles Eeyore’s but a heart full of joy, ready to bring warmth and love into your home.
Kids: Loves children of all ages!
Other Pets: Probably not the best. Lucille does not like other animals very much!
Ready to meet me? Come see me at the shelter!
Over The Edge
Be one of the brave individuals to take their support of Special Olympics to new heights this Fall! Join Special Olympics North Carolina on Saturday, September 27, at their annual Over The Edge fundraiser. Join us at 301 Hillsborough Street at the Raleigh Crossing building in downtown Raleigh! Amanda will be going Over the Edge at 11am. Don’t miss this opportunity to support nearly 53,000 Special Olympics of North Carolina athletes and Unified partners. Click HERE to donate to Amanda’s team!
Hometown Hero of the Week: Shorty Jones, September 10th, 2025
Our QDR Hometown Hero of the week is Shorty Jones, Paramedic with Duplin County EMS!
Shorty was nominated by his wife Jennifer, who says, “My husband is the definition of selfless service and community dedication. He wears many hats, not for recognition, but because he believes in showing up for others — every single day. In addition to his community involvement, he is an amazing husband to me and father to our two sons.
As a volunteer firefighter, he answers the call, no matter the hour or circumstance, to protect our community. When others run away from danger, he runs toward it, often leaving behind his own family’s dinner table to help someone else’s. He has made our 15 year old son love fire as much as he does. Our son currently serves as a junior firefighter on the Seven Springs Volunteer Fire Department, alongside his dad.
Professionally, he serves as a paid paramedic with Duplin County EMS and has since 2007, providing life-saving care in the most critical moments. His calm presence, expert skill, and compassion have been a comfort to countless families during emergencies.
On top of that, he serves with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Department Special Response Team, where he puts his training and courage to work protecting public safety in high-risk situations.
But his heart for youth goes even deeper. He is the head baseball coach at Spring Creek High School, where he not only teaches the game but shapes young men into leaders, teammates, and future community members. He also coaches a travel baseball team, spending weekends mentoring and guiding kids through competitive play, teaching them the values of discipline, respect, and hard work.
He juggles all of these roles with humility, never seeking applause — only impact. Our community is stronger, safer, and more connected because of his service. He’s not just a hometown hero — he’s the kind of person every hometown hopes to have. Please help me recognize this amazing human I get to call mine.”
Thank you, Shorty, 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?
Request an Invite to Abby Leigh’s Taylor Swift Listening Party!
Enter to win a spot at Abby Leigh’s exclusive, invitation-only Taylor Swift Listening Party! At the stroke of midnight on Friday, October 3rd, Abby Leigh will begin streaming Taylor’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” at Fenton’s AVA Rooftop Bar. Guests will listen to Taylor’s new album in its entirety, as well as win prizes throughout the evening – including gourmet cookies, gift cards from Country Connection, Eras tour t-shirts, and the Grand Prize of a Taylor Swift autographed guitar!
The fun will begin at 10:30 p.m. on Thursday October 2nd, with food, drinks, a Taylor selfie station, and – of course – a soundtrack of Taylor’s greatest hits. Oh, and don’t forget to dress in your favorite ERA!
Request an invite to this VIP Taylor Swift listening party, hosted by Abby Leigh, by submitting your song requests for Taylor Time. It’s gonna be epic!
Bottlebrush blooms, fall color make Clethra a versatile shrub
By MIKE RALEY WPTF Weekend Gardener
I have many different species of plants in my landscape. However, I do not own a “Clethra alnifolia” or “sweet pepper bush” or “summersweet”. I bet if I were to ask brother Rufus if he planted one in his historic yard, he would say yes. Clethra is a native plant to Eastern North America including North Carolina of course. My expert friends on the Weekend Gardener tell us that Clethra is a choice shrub for the Tar Heel state’s growing conditions.
It is said that Clethra prefers well-drained, acid soil. You will however, find Clethra growing in the wild in wet areas, so it seems to be fairly adaptable. I’m told watering it regularly and deeply will help.. It will grow in sun or shade. In North Carolina, morning sun and afternoon shade might work better in most regions of the state. It normally grows 5 to 6 feet tall and equally as wide. It doesn’t tolerate a hot dry location. It seems to respond well, however, to cold temperatures.
One of the great things about Clethra is that it has sweet-smelling white or pink bottle brush-like blooms that attract all kinds of pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds and butterflies. The blooms last for more than six weeks. We’ve talked a lot on the “Weekend Gardener” about having year-round blooms in the landscape. The Sweet Pepper Bush blooms in the shade in mid to late summer. There are also tiny berries that form after the it blooms. Sweet pepper bush deals well with pruning. You should handle this chore in late winter or spring. It sends out roots, so it can provide some moderate erosion control in a shadier area of your landscape. Clethra has striking gold foliage in the fall. The bark is peeling and rather interesting.
The most common varieties you are likely to find in North Carolina are “Ruby Spice” which has pink flowers, “Sixteen Candles with its white flowers, “ Pink Spires” “Vanilla Spice”, and a more compact specimen named “Hummingbird”.
Plant your summersweet bottlebrush shrub by using a sharp shovel and digging a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place your shrub in the hole, gently spreading out the roots, and then backfill to ground level and water Well. To get your plant off to a good start, work some organic matter into the soil and cover the root zone with a layer of mulch to help keep the soil cool and moist.
The Clethra has few insect pests to concern yourself with. Spider mites are about it and drought conditions are the only condition that will bring them on. Speaking of pests, Clethra is said to be deer resistant. Good luck with that.
I have seen Clethra used in mass plantings and as hedges. It is also good to mass plant around areas like a deck or patio where you might enjoy the sweet fragrance.
So, don’t be shy about planting a shrub you may never have heard of. It could give you years of beauty and sweet smells for your landscape.
Fursday: Meet Wilhelminia from APS of Durham!
I’m just tickled that I am Pet of the Week this week! To celebrate, my adoption fee is waived from Wed., 9/3, until Tue., 9/9!
Wheeee! I’m a whirlwind of feelings in an adorable dog body! I’m a busy, active girl who is always playing chicken with myself. I’m so curious about the world and new people, but sometimes skittishness gets in the way. I try so hard to be brave! I’m an all-star tennis ball dog and a professional taste-tester of treats. I just need some confidence and positive experiences to guide me. If you’re a gentle person who will build my trust and explore the world at my side, we could make something beautiful! Meet me today!
Kids: 8+, gentle kids; timid and skittish, go slow
Dogs: Nervous but some friendly sniffing, slow intros with gentle dogs. Prefers a gentle sniffing partner.
Ready to meet me? Come see me at the shelter!
Photo Credit: Ashley Sherrow of Assorted Poppies Photography
