It’s that time of the year again! The first Tuesday of August is upon us, and that means its National Night Out. You can expect to see community building events all across the country, with a focus on strengthening and fostering better relationships between law enforcement their communities. So, what does that look like here in Mecklenburg County?
Continue ReadingSummer is here and you know what that means – outdoor cooking! Ain’t nothing like the smell of grilled chicken, smoked brisket and pulled pork! Disagree? You’re weird. That’s right. I said it. I’m a southern boy and the only thing better than good barbecue is good barbecue served with a cold glass of sweet tea. Whether you like barbecue or not, we can all agree that the only thing worse than burnt meat is a burnt chef (or the chef’s house).
Grilling is fun, but it can also be very dangerous if you’re not safe. According to the National Fire Protection Association, July is the peak month for grill fires. So before you grab your apron, spatula, tongs, charcoal, wood and propane tanks, check out these safety tips.
Get it? Latta, a lotta?
The real story is not about my bad pun but how many fun activities there are available at Latta Nature Preserve in Huntersville. It’s actually one of my favorite nature preserves in the County. Warning: Siri or Google Maps may try to trick you. When you get there, you want to go through the big gate, not the private drive.
Continue ReadingIt’s that time of the year again… Independence Day, July 4th… and who doesn’t love a good fireworks show?
But if you can’t make it to one of the many professional shows in the area or don’t feel safe in crowds just yet, there are still some options.
Continue ReadingWildlife. We all play a role in its preservation and protection. And sometimes that means protecting things we may not be really crazy about. Can you think of an animal or insect you’d rather not come across on one of our trails? For me, there are a few. But, there’s one answer we hear a lot: SNAKES!
Snakes, birds, bugs, and plants are just some of the wildlife you’ll come across in one of our nature preserves. Sometimes, that even means you’ll see them on the trails. And it’s all by design! Unlike parks, which focus primarily on recreation, nature preserves help promote natural areas within city limits. This is great for us humans. It means we don’t have to travel outside of our city and towns to have access to nature. But, it also helps to protect our wildlife and the natural biodiversity in the area. And that’s important for a rich, functional ecosystem.
So how do we respect snakes AND stay safe on the trails?
Continue ReadingWhen I wrote this, in the middle of a global pandemic, I said, “2021 just won’t quit!” But changes in gas prices aren’t tied to just one year. Back then, a gas shortage in our area really got us thinking about other ways to save gas. A gas shortage certainly isn’t the only reason to think about ways to use less fuel. The environment is a great one, too. And of course, saving money!
I know what you avid readers of this blog are thinking, “Wait, we just talked about sustainability like two weeks ago.” True! AND, believe it or not, we have even more tips, JUST about saving gas.
Continue ReadingWe know it seems like all the magic of a sprayground is happening here…
But it’s happening HERE… in the pump room!
Really!
Continue ReadingWhen you think about sustainability and going green at work, your first thought might be, “Aha! It is time to build a brand new energy-efficient building.” To that, I say, slow down. That might be the right move for some companies but maybe your company can’t do anything that big and expensive. That doesn’t mean you’re locked out of taking action. Smaller steps are important, too!
And according to N.C. State’s sustainability program, “Sustainability isn’t just about the health and well-being of the planet; it’s about the health and well-being of people. From the air we breathe to the food and water we consume, the environment impacts human health.” So let’s tackle this idea of sustainability from a few angles to give you some new ideas.
Continue ReadingThe eyes of the world are on police interactions with communities across the United States. So what’s Mecklenburg County doing about it? Since 2008, the County has been a part of the Crisis Intervention Team program, or CIT. The program better prepares officers to respond to people in crisis with a serious mental illness.
Continue ReadingPublic Health professionals have been in the spotlight for their work around the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ve heard all about the testing sites, call centers, and vaccination clinics. They’re also the ones on the other end of the phone (or screen) answering your questions about the virus – how can I protect myself? What should I do if I think I have COVID-19? Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? (Yes, it’s safe and effective! Learn more here.) They are real life HEROS, and our community owes them all a huge THANK YOU!
The reality is, Public Health professionals track epidemics every day, and while the job isn’t always as glamorous as Hollywood would suggest (have you seen Contagion!?), it is an essential public health service. It’s one of 10 essential services, in fact.
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