Flick The Tree for Free on Saturday

Your daily dose of good news from Wake County with Steve Rhode. Today: Teen entrepreneurs showcase their work at Dix Park, Raleigh restaurants earn Michelin Guide recognition, Dr. Alice J. Garrett receives lifetime achievement award for 45 years transforming education, and North Hills lights up for the holidays.

Links: Teen Vendor Market at Dix Park: https://triangleonthecheap.com/teenspace-events-dix-park/

Raleigh Restaurants in Michelin Guide: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-food-drink/article312518027.html

Dr. Alice J. Garrett Lifetime Achievement Award: https://www.wakeed.org/2025/07/15/stars-of-education-2025-honorees/

North Hills Tree Lighting: https://triangleonthecheap.com/north-hills-tree-lighting-raleigh/

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Episode Transcript

(00:00):
I'm Steve Roden. You're not.
But this is good morning, Wake County.
There are over two dozen teenagers setting up shop at
Dick's Park this Friday, ready to sell what they've made with
their own hands. Also, Raleigh restaurants just
got a Michelin stamp of approval.
A retired educator who spent 45 years making sure every kid got

(00:22):
a shot at a good education is being honored.
And North Hills is about to flipthe switch on holiday season.
Hey, I'm glad you're back with me today, but stick around.
I got a dad joke for you at the end.
It's safe for all the kiddos andthe cars.
So if you've got a soft spot forteen creativity, November 15th
is your day. Triangle on the cheap says over

(00:44):
two dozen young local makers andmini entrepreneurs.
Little tiny entrepreneurs are setting up a teen vendor market
at Dick's Park, right outside atGibson Play Plaza.
From noon to 4, these kids are bringing in handmade jewelry,
art, baked goods, whatever they've been working on.
There might be a 3D printer involved in there somewhere and

(01:07):
they're selling it themselves. You get to meet the genius right
there. No middle man, no online
storefront, no click click, click.
Just face to face hustle. So bring some cash and let the
next generation show you what they got.
And honestly, watching teenagersrun their own business, I mean,
that is inspiring. Raleigh's food scene just got a

(01:29):
Michelin sized nod. A few local spots made the cut
in the new Michelin Guide for the American South.
The Charlotte Observer laid out the list.
And yeah, some of our restaurants are on there
alongside places in Charleston and Atlanta.
But for those of you debating where to celebrate that
anniversary or birthday dinner, this is your sign.

(01:50):
Michelin doesn't just hand thesethings out Willy nilly, no.
So when local chefs get that recognition, it's a big blank
deal for the whole city. Wake County's got some serious
culinary game going on. All right, this next one's the
kind of story that makes you think about what a life of

(02:10):
service actually looks like. There's a woman named Doctor
Alice Garrett who spent 45 years, 40, five years working in
North Carolina public education.Not in one role, not in one
school. She did it all.
Classroom teacher, principal, chief consultant, section chief

(02:30):
at the North Carolina Departmentof Public Instruction at NCDPI.
She led the efforts to turn around low performing schools
and thought to make sure every student, no matter what their
background, no matter their zip code, had access to quality
education. And the US Congress recognized
her work. The N Double ACP recognized her

(02:53):
work. And now Wake Ed Partnership is
honoring her with the Robert Bridges Lifetime Achievement
Award, which they don't give outevery year, only when someone's
career reflects extraordinary, lasting contributions to
education. And here's the thing, Doctor
Garrett could have retired and called it a day, but she didn't.

(03:15):
She's still leading president ofthe flood group, still showing
up in civic and faith-based roles. 45 years of making sure
kids get a fair shot and she's still going.
That's not just a career, that'sa calling.
And Doctor Alice Garrett, she's proving that commitment to A
cause doesn't retire just because you do.

(03:38):
But one more thing before we wrap up.
Mark your calendar for some early holiday sparkle, because
the North Hills Tree Lighting ishappening Saturday, November
22nd, and it's running from 4:00to 7:00 PM.
It's a very slow switch, but thebig lighting's at six, I guess,
before they just flick it on andoff or something, I don't know.

(04:01):
Triangle on the Cheap says it's free, which means you can kick
off the season without spending a dime.
It's a good excuse to grab some hot chocolate, see some
neighbors, and officially decidewhen is here whether you're
ready or not. November 22nd.
Put it on your calendar. All right, that dad joke I
promised you. I'm going to skip past all the
other stuff, but aren't you gladyou're listening to this rather

(04:23):
than just doom scrolling on yourphone?
I mean, there's some gratitude here.
OK, here's your dad joke. What's the difference between a
well dressed man on a unicycle and a poorly dressed man on a
bicycle attire? I do like that one.

(04:51):
All right. I found something out about
chickens playing tic tac toe at a farm and it sounds absolutely
ridiculous and I am not going totell you about it tomorrow, but
until then, remember I love you.Take care.
Give a chicken a hug. Bye.