Fighting the Flu
4/17/2017 (Permalink)
The weather has become increasingly warmer, but that does not mean the flu season is over yet. Flu season started October 2016, and it may come as a surprise, but the official season does not end until May.
This season the flu has hit residents of Durham county and the entire state especially hard with the death toll now at 170. This is a stark comparison to the 59 flu related deaths across the state from last year.
Each season the influenza vaccine is changed to accommodate suspected strains. According to the CDC this year Flu B is the most common strain. For those that were vaccinated early the effectiveness of the vaccine is reported to be 73%.
With another two weeks to go until flu season is officially over, health officials still recommend vaccines. Other preventative steps include:
- Washing your hands. Soap and water is still the most effective way to kill germs. In those instances when soap and water is not available, hand sanitizer is a good alternative.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay at home if you have had a fever. Remain home bound until you have been fever free without the aid of any fever reducing medication for 24 hours.
- Cover your sneezes and coughs with a disposable tissue.
The flu season is nearly over. We want our community to stay safe and healthy and be ready for the upcoming summer fun!
Source: www.flu.nc.gov
Earth Day 2017 Events in North Durham and Across North Carolina
4/14/2017 (Permalink)
Earth Day 2017
Earth Day was created on April 22, 1970 to create national environmental awareness. The most common way to celebrate is to plant a tree. If you’d rather celebrate out and about here is a listing of events in Durham, NC and across the state.
Durham Central Park is hosting an Earth Day Festival on Sunday April 23, 2017 from Noon – 5pm. This is a free event and open to the public.
Earth Day Events in NC State Parks
Not all events are on Saturday, April 22, some are the week of. Be sure to double-check before you go.
Crystal Coast Earth Day
Fort Macon State Park
252-726-3775
Celebrate Earth Day with over a dozen local organizations at Fort Macon State Park. Each group will have a booth with displays and/or activities showcasing their conservation efforts.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 15, 2017 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Start Location:
Fort Macon Visitor Center
Earth Day - Salamander Soiree
Lake James State Park
828-584-7728
Earth Day! What better way to celebrate our wonderful planet than by searching for slimy amphibians? The wonderful world of salamanders will be on display as Park Ranger Kevin Bischof leads a hike to different types of salamander habitat in search of these small, elusive amphibians.
Date of Event:
Wednesday, April 19, 2017 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Paddy's Creek Area - Holly Discovery Trailhead
Lake Waccamaw State Park Friends - Earth Day 5K Walk/Run/Corn Hole Tournament/Concert
Lake Waccamaw State Park
910-646-4748
Lake Waccamaw State Park Friends Earth Day 5K Trail Walk/ Run/ Corn Hole Tournament/Concert on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Come out with family and friends and enjoy Lake Waccamaw State Park on Earth Day. Walk or run a 5K course covering the trails and boardwalks of the beautiful and diverse park terrain. The 5K event proceeds go directly to park improvements and new programs for visitors.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 8:00am to 7:00pm
Start Location:
Lake Waccamaw Visitor's Center
Earth Day at the Park
South Mountains State Park
828-433-4772
Bring a friend, or just come and make a friend! Volunteer with Friends of South Mountains State Park and show your love for the park by getting your hands a little dirty helping park staff with a project to make your park more beautiful. Project will be decided by park staff prior to the event, but projects may include trail work or a project in the picnic area or on the Kids TRACK trail.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 9:00am to 1:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Discovery Hike
Jones Lake State Park
910-588-4550
Join a park ranger for a hike through the bay forest at Jones Lake State Park and "discover" why this environment is unique. Discussion on the hike will include the flora and fauna of the forest, and why Carolina Bays are important. Participants should meet at the Visitor Center at 10:00 am for this program.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 10:00am
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Nature Designs Art Festival
Raven Rock State Park
910-893-4888
Nature Designs Art Festival is an official event of the 2017 North Carolina Science Festival presented by the Biogen Foundation.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 10:00am to 2:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Biological Wonderland Hike
Carolina Beach State Park
910-458-8206
Come celebrate Earth Day by joining a Park Ranger at 11:00 a.m. in the Flytrap Trail Parking Area for a hike along the trails. Learn about the different habitats that exist within Carolina Beach State Park and how each habitat affects the plants and animals that call the park home. Wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. For more information, call 910-458-8206.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Flytrap Trail Parking Area
Earth Day at Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock State Park
828-625-1823
Help us celebrate the NC Science Festival! Public and private conservationists have been protecting lands in and around Chimney Rock for well over 100 years. Join state park rangers, regional biologists, and other environmental educators to learn about the great work being done to protect our beautiful landscape.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 11:00am to 3:00pm
Start Location:
Riverwalk behind the Old Rock Cafe
Earth Day – 4/22/17
Gorges State Park
828-966-9099
Earth Day – 4/22/17
Join the Gorges Park Naturist on Earth Day for and informative and fun look at the connection between the Park Visitor Center and Earth Day! The LEED certified center has many Golden Features which work in harmony with the earth. This will be a rain or shine event with,
No Reservations Needed!
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 11:00am to 12:00pm
Start Location:
Park Visitor Center
Earth Day Scavenger Hunt
Goose Creek State Park
252-923-2191
Meet at the visitor center to learn about Leave No Trace ethics on Earth Day and participate in a fun and interactive scavenger hunt. All ages are welcome. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to take a walk through the woods.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 11:00am
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Not all events are on Saturday, April 22, some are the week of. Be sure to double-check before you go.
Stewardship Hike
Jockeys Ridge State Park
252-441-7132
Jockey's Ridge offers a view into preservation projects of the past as well as restoration projects. On Earth Day, join us for this 1.5 mile hike to look at the decisions and science involved in the management of public lands.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 11:30am
Start Location:
Visitor Center
NC SciFest: Natural Pigments
Elk Knob State Park
828-297-7261
Come see the different colors you can find in nature. Learn the process of creating your own natural pigments. Experiment with different colors. All materials provided. Wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty. Meet at the outdoor amphitheater.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 1:00pm
Start Location:
Outdoor Amphitheater
Earth Day Hike
Pettigrew State Park
252-797-4475
Join a Park Ranger for a leisurely stroll down the boardwalk to learn about the plants and animals that call the area home. You will get to see Pettigrew State Park from a different perspective! Call the park office for more information (252)797-4475
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 2:00pm
Start Location:
Park Office
Earth Day Hike
Medoc Mountain State Park
252-586-6588
To celebrate Earth Day, come to the park, join a park ranger, and hike the Stream Loop Trail. As we walk the trail, we will talk about the various sights and sounds around us. The hike will take us alongside Little Fishing Creek and then deep into the woods. Dress for the weather and bring a bottle of water. Call the park office at 252-586-6588 to register for this FREE program!
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 2:00pm
Start Location:
Picnic Shelter parking lot
Earth Day Celebration
Mayo River State Park
336- 427-2530
Come out and celebrate Earth Day at Mayo River State Park! We will have Greensboro Parks and Recreation's Famous Ecobus displaying live birds, snakes, and other live animals on board! Do you want to do a service project to help the environment? We will be hosting a cleanup project on the Mayo River. (registration is required). Do you want to help with a resource management project?
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 3:00pm to 8:00pm
Start Location:
Mayo Mountain Access
Earth Day Night Hike
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
336-246-9653
Meet the park ranger on Earth Day for a one-mile round-trip hike along the ridgeline out to Luther Rock. See amazing views, stars and the lights of town below. We watch for owls, and listen for wildlife. Bring a small flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Parts of this hike are considered strenuous and hiking at night can be physically challenging.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 8:00pm
Start Location:
Park Office
NC Star Party: Celebrate Earth Day
Hammocks Beach State Park
910-326-4881
Join us for the annual North Carolina Statewide Star Party which is part of the North Carolina Science Festival. Come learn the basics of stargazing and be amazed by all to see! We will also be celebrating Earth Day at this event... GO EARTH! You will get a chance to use a telescope to get a closer look at the sky above.
Date of Event:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 - 8:00pm
Start Location:
Visitor Center
Easter Egg Hunts Across the North Durham and Durham County Area
4/5/2017 (Permalink)
Easter Egg Hunts Across the North Durham and Durham County Area
With March 20th marking the official first day of Spring 2017 the Easter Bunny and his colorful eggs are not far behind. If you haven’t made it to an Easter Egg hunt yet, there is still a little time. This year Easter is on April 16th. There’s still plenty of time to take the kids to egg hunts around the North Durham and Durham County community. This year you can find egg hunts at the following locations:
April 8th
Durham – 10am – 12pm West Point on the Eno. Infants – 12 yrs old. Bring your own basket!
Durham – 10am – 11am. Campus Hills Park.
Durham – 10am – 12pm. Oak Church. Infant to 5th grade.
Durham – 12pm – 4pm Hollow Rock Bluffs. Adults only 21+.
April 9th - April 15th
Durham – 10am – 6pm. Tre Bella Boutique
April 14th
Durham – 9:30am – 5pm. Museum of Life and Science. 6 and younger.
April 16th
Durham – 12:30pm -3pm Durham Central Park. Infants – 12 yrs old. One of the largest hunts in Durham!
If you’re looking to travel for an egg hunt here are some iconic locations across the state:
April 14th
Wilmington – 10am – 2pm. Battleship NC
April 15th
Benson – Smith’s Nursery 10 and younger. Non-perishable items to the West Johnston High School is appreciated as admission.
Winston-Salem – 9:30am – 4:30pm. Easter Festival Old Salem’s Historic District.
April 16th
Asheville – Biltmore House Ages 10 – 16.
Durham Celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day
1/16/2017 (Permalink)
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is on Monday, January 16, 2017. It is a special day to honor Dr. King and there are many events going on in Raleigh and the Triangle. Take the family and enjoy the celebrations in honor of the life and dreams of one of the greatest visionaries in American history.
Here are just a sampling of the events and activities in the area to check out.
Monday, Jan. 16
Day of service: The United Way of the Greater Triangle holds volunteer projects at various locations throughout the Triangle. Events include packing meals for area food pantries, community service workdays and more. For more information, go to bit.ly/2iMD2eO.
Prayer breakfast: James White, pastor of Christ Our King Community Church in Raleigh, is the keynote speaker at the 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast at 7:15 a.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel and Convention Center, 4700 Emperor Blvd., Durham. Breakfast will be available from 6-8 a.m. Doors open at 5:45 a.m. Free. Sponsored by the Triangle Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. trianglemlk.com, durhammlkcommittee.org
5K run: The Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service 5K run begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Old Well on Cameron Avenue on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. Fundraiser for the Faith Danielle Hedgepeth Award. Cost: $25. To register: rocts.web.unc.edu.
Fuquay-Varina march: “Unity and Togetherness: All Lives Matter,” a celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. in Fuquay-Varina, begins with a march at 8:15 a.m. from Council Gym, 106 Ennis St., to St. Augusta Missionary Baptist Church, 605 Bridge St.
A breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m. for those not participating in the march and at 9 a.m. for march participants. A program begins at 10 a.m. at Bazzel Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 1228 Wilbon Road. Wake County Commissioner Jessica Holmes is scheduled to speak. Transportation to event sites is available. For information, call Gwen Thornton at 919-291-2764 or Marion Tucker at 919-285-4135. Sponsored by the Cultural Arts Society of Fuquay-Varina Inc.
Hillsborough march: The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative March begins at 9 a.m. at the Historic Orange County Courthouse on East King Street in Hillsborough. Participants will travel north on Churton Street, stopping briefly for prayer at Dickerson Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The march will end at Mount Bright Baptist Church, 211 W. Union St., where a worship service and commemorative program will be held at 10 a.m.
The Hillsborough Police Department will close Churton Street between Margaret Lane and Union Street shortly before 9 a.m., opening each intersection once the march has passed. West Union Street also will be closed during the march. Free parking is available in the Eno River Parking Deck, on King Street and in other lots. A parking map is available at bit.ly/2jbPoQ4. hillsboroughnc.gov
Chapel Hill march: The Martin Luther King Day Celebration begins at 9:15 a.m. with a rally at the Peace and Justice Plaza, 179 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill. A march follows on Franklin Street to the First Baptist Church of Chapel Hill, 106 N. Roberson St. A worship service begins at 11:15 a.m. Guest speaker is Blair L.M. Kelly, associate professor of history and assistant dean for Interdisciplinary Studies and International Programs for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at N.C. State University. Sponsored by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro and UNC-Chapel Hill chapters of the NAACP. unc.live/1GksOLd
Raleigh march: The Martin Luther King Jr. 37th annual Memorial March begins at 11 a.m. from the Edenton Street side of the State Capital Building in downtown Raleigh. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. trianglemlk.com
Day of Service: The Town of Cary’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service features community workday sessions at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Middle Creek Community Center, 123 Middle Creek Park Ave., Apex. Free; registration required. bit.ly/19aRV3i
Idea Generation Next: The Idea Generation Next - College Edition program is noon at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. The keynote speaker is the Rev. Sterling Freeman of Durham. Free and open to the public. trianglemlk.com
Musical celebration: The 37th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Evening Musical Celebration is 5:30 p.m. at the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts, 2 E. South St., Raleigh. The event will feature Ruth LaOntra, the Martin Luther King All Children’s Choir, the Christian Angels and more. Free. trianglemlk.com
Book reading: Jean Dolduc reads from her new book “African Americans of Durham & Orange Counties: An Oral History” at 6 p.m. at the Hillsborough Visitors Center, 150 E. King St., Hillsborough. 919-732-7741, bit.ly/2j7P6t8
King tribute: The program “He was a Poem, He was a Song,” a tribute to the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in verse and song, is 7 p.m. at the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History, 150 South Road, Chapel Hill. Free. RSVP: 919-962-9001, stonecenter.unc.edu, unc.live/1GksOLd
Day of service: North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, partners with the United Way of the Greater Triangle for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service from 9 a.m. to noon at the university’s LeRoy T. Walker Physical Education and Sports Complex. Volunteers will package meals for area food pantries, make blankets, put together diaper kits and more. nccu.edu
Packaging meals: Volunteers will work to package 100,000 meals for the United Way of the Greater Triangle from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Durham Technical Community College, 1637 E. Lawson St., Durham. Soup mixes, rice bags and bean bags will be prepared for food pantries in Durham, Orange, Wake and Johnston counties. bit.ly/2iMD2eO, mlk.duke.edu
Service projects: Volunteers will assist with service projects for Durham-area nonprofits from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event begins on Duke University’s East Campus Quad in Durham. Transportation available. Nonprofits include Habitat for Humanity of Durham, Ronald McDonald House, Kidznotes, TROSA and more. mlk.duke.edu
Durham march: The downtown Unity March and Rally starts at 10:30 a.m. at North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Co., 411 W. Chapel Hill St., and ends at First Presbyterian Church, 305 E. Main St. Participants are asked to donate new or gently used children’s books to the Book Harvest’s Dream Big Book Drive. Donation bins will be available at the beginning and end of the march. durhammlkcommittee.org
Birthday party: Celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. at the seventh annual party for children from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Center Court at Northgate Mall, 1058 W. Club Blvd., Durham. The program, designed for preschool to middle school children, will feature various activities and workshops, fitness workouts, story time, birthday cake, crafts, performances and more. Free.
The event will include a discussion of Durham’s Black Wall Street and J&L Page and Sons Grocery Store, once an anchor in the city’s Hayti neighborhood. A civil rights photo exhibit showcasing moments in local history also will be on display. Donations of non-perishable foods, children’s winter clothing and new underwear and socks will be collected for local families served by Urban Ministries of Durham. durhammlkcommittee.org, northgatemall.com
Book drive: Book Harvest’s annual Dream Big Book Drive is 1-4 p.m. at Durham Central Park, 501 Foster St. Donations of new and gently used children’s books will be collected. A celebration and day of service also will be featured, including volunteer service opportunities, live music, local mascots, the Scrap Exchange, food trucks, a photo booth and more. Free admission. durhamcentralpark.org, bookharvestnc.org
Church service: The Rev. Prince Raney Rivers, senior pastor at United Metropolitan Missionary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, is the keynote speaker at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day religious service at 6 p.m. at Peace Missionary Baptist Church, 2608 N.C. Highway 55, Durham. Free and open to the public. durhammlkcommittee.org, peacemissionary.org
Preventing the flu in Raleigh, Durham, Wake Forest North Carolina
12/13/2016 (Permalink)
According to the CDC, Region 4 which includes North Carolina, is at an elevated risk for the flu this season. Every year hundreds of productivity hours are lost due to the flu. In extreme cases hospitalization and fatalities occur. Below are a few tips from your local SERVPRO on staying healthy during the winter season.
KEEP THE FLU AWAY
-Get an annual flu vaccine
-Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when sneezing and coughing
-Keep your hands clean with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer
-Periodically wipe down door knobs, keyboards, telephones, and other high traffic items with disinfectant
Homes and businesses can depend on SERVPRO of North Raleigh, Wake Forest & North Durham to clean and sanitize building materials, surfaces and contents following restoration industry standards, using professional cleaning products and EPA registered cleaners and disinfectants. Our professionals are also trained and equipped to clean your HVAC and duct systems to help provide better air quality and help reduce the risk of circulating harmful contaminants. If you have any concerns about the cleanliness and sanitization of your home or place of business, call us today at 919-790-1222.
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