Updated 5/18/2022
By now you’ve probably heard the news: we’re in the middle of a global pandemic. That means physical health is taking the spotlight, but it’s important to pay attention to our mental health too. As routines and lives shift, it’s natural to experience stress and anxiety.
How you manage that stress depends on many personal and situational factors. But there are common signs that stress and anxiety may be getting the best of you.
Continue ReadingEaster is normally buzzing with fun, family events over the long weekend. Sadly, this is no ordinary holiday. All the joy and eggcitement we would normally look for by gathering with friends and neighbors is now left for us to create.
Luckily, the online world is full of great ideas, and the Easter bunny knows where you live, so you can look like an eggspert and deliver a little magic at home.
Here are some ways you can keep the spirit of the holiday alive in while staying at home. Better hop to it!
Continue ReadingWritten with Mecklenburg County Public Information colleagues.
Now that COVID-19 has travelled to the U.S., we’re all taking great care to exercise our very best hand washing habits. And while it shouldn’t take a worldwide outbreak to get us there, the important thing is that it’s happening! By now you’ve probably seen the Atlanta Magazine article citing 9 Atlanta songs to help you wash your hands for 20 full seconds just like the CDC recommends (because who really wants to sing Happy Birthday twice?). We thought it would be fun to take a similar approach–but with a North Carolina twist! Okay, they aren’t North Carolina songs per-se, but the artists can proudly be claimed by our state.
So when you’re perfecting your hand washing technique, here are a few options to help you keep time.
Continue ReadingMECK Pre-K is a free, quality pre-kindergarten program funded by Mecklenburg County and run by Smart Start of Mecklenburg County. Research shows that pre-kindergarten students reap the benefits from their early start long after the year is over. The key takeaway: It sets all children up for success in the long-run. But, there may be parents with eligible four-year-olds who don’t know they can benefit from this program!
Let’s break down some of the common misconceptions about FREE pre-kindergarten in Mecklenburg County.
Continue ReadingWhat’s summer fun if you have to leave your dog at home? Well, you don’t. There are a number of places throughout Mecklenburg County that would love to have you both for a visit. All you have to do is leash-up and BYOB – that’s Bring Your Own (Poop) Bag, of course! Let’s countdown the best of them so you can soak up the sun and get some steps in with your furry BFF this season.
Continue ReadingWritten with assistance from Kristen Haas, Environmental Educator at Park and Recreation
If the word “snake” is enough to make you shudder, you’re not alone. Snakes are feared by many and no matter how often we try to convince you that they’re not that bad, chances are you’ll still want to keep your distance. But that’s not such a bad thing – respecting wildlife often means keeping it at arm’s length (or further, depending on the creature). It also means being educated about the types of wildlife you are likely to encounter whether you’re out and about or just working in the yard.
Continue ReadingHaving a baby is an exciting time – and then the excitement starts to hit your bank account. Those diapers, wipes, and baby food really add up! But, did you know that if you’re on a limited income, there are resources available that can provide some support? The WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Program is a part of our Public Health Department and provides nutritious foods to supplement a healthy diet. Unfortunately, there are some Mecklenburg County residents who could take advantage of these benefits but don’t know it! So, let’s debunk some of the misinformation out there.
Continue ReadingA message from Mecklenburg County Manager Dena Diorio
My job, as Mecklenburg County Manager, gives me purpose. I began my career in local government 31 years ago and developed a passion for the work. Here’s why:
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