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These are Triangle events for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.

Friday

• Wake Tech Community College Stop Hunger Now Challenge, 9 a.m., followed by MLK Celebration Program, noon at the Student Services Building, 9101 Fayetteville Road, Raleigh. Students, faculty and staff will pack 10,000 meals to be distributed to schools and orphanages around the world.
• Durham Technical Community College's 27th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration and Luncheon, 11 a.m. in the Phail Wynn Jr. Student Services Center multipurpose room at Durham Tech.
• Bell-Ringing and State Employees' Martin Luther King Observance Program. 11:55 a.m. on the Bicentennial Plaza near the N.C. Museum of History in downtown Raleigh. Members of the N.C. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission will initiate the bell-ringing tribute before the State Employees' Observance Program, which will get under way at noon at First Baptist Church, 99 N. Salisbury St., Raleigh.
• Wreath-Laying, 6 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Memorial Gardens, 1300 Martin Luther King Blvd., Raleigh. Keynote speaker will be Norman Camp, chairman of the Southeast Raleigh Parks Advocacy Council and the South Raleigh Citizens Advisory Council.

Saturday

• Durham Parks and Recreation program, 2 p.m. at W.D. Hill Recreation Center, 1308 Fayetteville St., Durham. The theme is "MLK Day: Remembering the Legacy Through Art."
• MLK Concert Celebration, 7 p.m. at the Durham Armory, 220 Foster St., Durham. The University Choir of N.C. Central University will perform with the Durham Symphony.

Sunday

• Duke University's Martin Luther King Jr. commemoration, 3 p.m. in Duke Chapel, 401 Chapel Drive, Durham. Veteran political strategist and commentator Donna Brazile will give the keynote address.
• Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., 4 p.m. at the Garner Performing Arts Center, 742 W. Garner Road, Garner. Keynote speaker will be Reuben Young, secretary of the N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.

Monday

• 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, 7 a.m. at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel, Research Triangle Park. Keynote speaker will be Cynthia Marshall, president of AT&T of North Carolina. For the first time, the breakfast will be televised live on WRAL-TV. Doors will open at 6 a.m.
• Triangle Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties will host nearly 30 community service projects to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King. Durham's Signature Project is 9 a.m. to noon at American Tobacco Campus, Bay 7, where volunteers will help with a variety of projects, including assembly of homeless hygiene kits, computer drop-off and cleaning, and writing letters and creating valentines for veterans and active military. Johnston's Signature Project is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pizazz Thrift Store, where volunteers will collect diapers, new underwear, clothing and nonperishable food. Orange's Signature Project is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, where volunteers will work on projects such as assembly of health kits. Wake's Signature Project is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at White Plains Children's Center, where volunteers will assemble hygiene kits, sort books, and write letters for veterans and active military. See www. unitedwaytriangle .org /mlk/ .
• Stop Hunger Now project. 9:30 a.m. at Duke University's Freeman Center, 1415 Faber St., Durham. Members from Duke, N.C. Central University and the Durham Rotary Club are coordinating the Million Meals Project, which is expected to package 80,000 meals.
• 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Memorial March. Assemble at 10 a.m. on the grounds of the State Capitol, and depart at 11 a.m. The theme for this year's celebration is "From The Dream to Reality ... Economic & Social Equality ... More Work to Be Done."
• Birthday party held in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. for area children at Northgate Mall, 1058 West Club Blvd., Durham. A reading at 10 a.m. of "Child of the Civil Rights Movement" by Paula Young Shelton, daughter of civil rights activist Andrew Young, will be held for preschool children. A reading at noon will be held for school-age children. Between the readings, Young Shelton will sign the book.
• 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Ecumenical Observance, noon at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. The Rev. Nelson Johnson, executive director of The Beloved Community Development Center in Greensboro, will be the keynote speaker.
• 32nd Annual Martin Luther King Evening Musical Celebration, 5:30 p.m. at the Progress Energy Center in downtown Raleigh. Headlining will be national recording artist Ernest Pugh from Maryland.

Source: Newsobserver.com

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Raleigh's landmark Pullen Park, the fifth-oldest operating amusement park in the nation, has been closed to visitors for almost two years. But on Nov. 19, the sounds of concrete trucks will be replaced by carousel music once again.

The $6.3 million project included updates to old attractions and modern additions.

There are new boats on the lake, the updated version of a childhood memory special to Raleigh City Councilman Russ Stephenson.

"The boats would just go round and round and round," he said. "You got to steer, and there was a string to a big bell on the front of the boat, so you got to make a big racket," he remembered.

The horses that ring the 100-year-old antique carousel were each sent away for a new paint job and new tails. Next week, they will be installed in a new, climate-controlled carousel house.

"if a grandparent brings their grandchild out to Pullen Park to say, 'This is my favorite animal. This is what I rode and it looks just like it did when I was a kid,' that's important," said Richard Costello, amusements director at the park.

"I think we all had those great memories, and we wanted to make sure those memories were preserved," Stephenson said.

The children's train will get new cars, and they will run on a new track. It will travel through a new tunnel and pull in to a revamped station.

At the playground, a climbing wall, spider webs and water and sand areas are new, as are misters to keep children cool on hot days.

Sarig Agasi, owner and chef at Raleigh restaurant Zely & Ritz, will run concessions in a new cafe featuring local, organic fare.

The project was funded by a bond approved by voters in 2003. On the day of the grand reopening, amusements will open at 10 a.m., the park will be dedicated at 2 p.m. and entertainment will follow at 3 p.m.

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Participate at the White Deer Monster Dash 5K & Trick-or-Trot Family Fun Run

Date: October 29th

White Deer Monster Dash: 4PM
Trick-or-Trot Family Fun Run: 5PM

Entry Fees:

$35 for White Deer Monster Dash
$10 for Trick-or-Trot Family Fun Run

Runners can dress up in their best Halloween costume for a chance to win a ghoulish prize. The race begins on Baffaloe Road and ends in Lake Benson Park. Awards will be given after the last runner has finished.

Register online: www.GarnerNC.gov

For more information call: 773-4442

Best Costume Contest

T-shirts provided to all “White Deer Monster Dash” participants

Top 1 Age Groups:

19 & Under
20–29
30–39
40–49
50 & Over

Top 1 Male and Female

Stick around for Goblins In the Park at 6 pm. FREE hay rides, carnival games, crafts, Trail of Terror, Hallow's Eve Family Trail, costume contest and more!

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

The triangle has garnered more than its share of national accolades in the quality-of-life and business-climate categories over the years.

Now Businessweek.com has dubbed Raleigh simply "the best American city."

Businessweek.com based its ranking on 16 criteria, including the number of recreational amenities, strength of the local economy and the education level of the population.

Raleigh edged out Arlington, VA and Scottsdale, Ariz., for the top ranking.

New York ranked 14th, Chicago finished near the rear, in 75th place out of 100.

In lavishing praise on Raleigh, the magazine mentioned the usual highlights, like Research Triangle Park (not in Raleigh, but close enough). Then there are three world-class universities - N.C. State University, UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke University - only one of which is physically in Raleigh.

Raleigh got bonus points for a great State Farmers Market and its good air quality.

The city has also "been home to an array of celebs including Olympic champion Kristi Yamaguchi, Dexter star Michael C. Hall, and singer Clay Aiken (whose dog was even named Raleigh)."

Businessweek.com counted 867 restaurants, 110 bars, 51 museums and 12,512 park acres.

That's right; 51 museums. That's one museum a week for an entire year with a weekend to spare.

View original Article

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Brain Tumor 5k

Saturday, October 22, 2011
Registration 8am - 5k & 1m Fun Run - 9am

Fred G. Bond Metro Park
Kiwanis Shelter,
801 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27512

5K Run/Walk
1 Mile Family Fun Run

Register or Donate online:
www.BrainTumorEvents.org/Raleigh

*Registration Fee: $20 per person; $25 per person after 10/07/11 through day of event
(Fee includes: Entry fee, Bib Number, Event T-Shirt, Breakfast & Finish Medal)

Miles for Hope
501(c)(3) non-profit organization
1684 N Belcher Road, Clearwater FL 33765
727-781-HOPE (4673)
Info@MilesForHope.org

Download the Flyer - click here

Eye-Opener Breakfast with U.S. Senator Richard Burr

Thursday, August 11, 2011
7:30am - 9:00am
Held at Knightdale Seafood & BBQ
706 Money Court, Knightdale, NC 27545

Hear Senator Richard Burr speak on the latest happenings, issues, and legislation in Washington, DC and the effect on North Carolina and our local economy.

The program will include a question and answer session at program end. So, bring those all important questions you want answered.

Come early and enjoy a delicious country breakfast and stay after for great networking.

Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to share with others!

Register online or call the Knightdale Chamber at (919) 266-4603. Limited seats available. Limited seating! Register early!

Come TAKE advandage of this exclusive opportunity!

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Get in on the savings!

The N&O announces Deal Saver beginning TODAY, July 11th. If you've used Groupon or LivingSocial online, then you're already familiar with the great deals offered.

The N&O will offer the same type of deals through their new DealSaver site. This will be their own site with daily deals featuring discounts up to 90% off at local businesses. These are fantastic offers but limited in number of time of purchase.

The N&O will mail each "Deal of the Day" directly to you (and will not use your address for any other purpose.) They just want to have as many users as possible to maximize the exposure for their participating merchants. Click here to sign up for your free daily email and start taking advantage of these bargains! Like to have your own ad on DealSaver? Call June at 836-5711 or Helen, 829-4833.

Weekly Update from the Chamber, events this week and next:

TODAY, July 11, 8:55 am to noon (continues through Friday)

• Summer Camp at Zebulon United Methodist Preschool
  Theme is "The Great Outdoors"; call 269-6554 for info.

Thursday, July 14, 9 am

• Ribbon Cutting at State Farm Insurance, 1300 N. Arendell Ave
  Co-sponsored by the Wendell Chamber. Refreshments provided!

Friday, July 15, 10 am

• Ribbon Cutting (by Town of Zebulon) at new Tot Lot inside Zebulon Community Park, 301 S. Arendell Ave (for info call 823-0432)

Saturday, July 16, 10 am to 4 pm

• Zebulon Shrinettes Christmas in July fundraiser
  Zebulon Shrine Club, 1201 W. Gannon Avenue
  For more info, call Kristen at 404-5114 or Jo at 284-2888

Saturday, July 16, 7 pm

• Thomas & Hatchett in concert at A Garden Event. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music - Native American style! For info, call 747-1180.

Monday, July 18, 7 to 7:30 pm

• Mompackages Zeb/Wendell chapter meets at Wendell McDonald's

Tuesday, July 19, gates open at 3 pm

• Hotter than July Cruise'N Car Show at North Raleigh Hilton
  Call 804-382-3644 for more info

Wednesday, July 20, 11:45 am to 1 pm

• East Wake WIN luncheon at Eastern Regional Center
  RSVP required! Call the Chamber at 269-6320; note new location!

Thursday, July 21, noon

• Ambassador meeting at Chamber building

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Whether you’re telecommuting on a regular basis or just occasionally getting some work done at home, you’ll want to set up your home office to maximize efficiency. This means not only having the basics for work, like a comfortable desk space, but also making sure you have all the technological tools you need to work from home. Here are some suggestions for equipment that can help you work remotely.

A computer and monitor.
This goes without saying, right?  Depending on how and where you work, the best setup might be a small laptop or “netbook” and a separate monitor, giving you portability without subjecting you to constant eyestrain.

A fast Internet connection.
If you can’t get online quickly and consistently, your productivity will suffer. Your apartment community manager or a neighbor may have advice on which Internet provider in your area is the fastest and most hassle-free.

A wireless router.
Plug your modem into a router and you’ll be able to set up your computer anywhere in your apartment and still connect to the Internet. This can be especially useful if you share your desk or office space.

A printer and scanner.
You can find an “all-in-one” printer/scanner/fax machine combination, or buy only the components you need separately. Choose a multifunction machine if you need to save space; look for plenty of internal memory, and test it before you buy, if possible. (If your work requires attractive graphics, however, spend the money on the printer and scanner; you’ll be able to scan and e-mail documents you might otherwise fax.)

Anti-virus software.
You’ll need anti-virus software even if you’re not working from home, but it’s even more vital if clients’ data is at stake. Talk to your office’s IT department; they might be able to provide you with software and regular updates.

A Webcam.
If your office has video conference calls, your colleagues will be able to see you (dressed and ready for work, no less!), making you seem a lot more “present” even when you’re not in the office. Many computers now come with built-in Webcams; if you use video conferencing frequently, you might want to upgrade to a higher-quality stand-alone camera.

Conference calling.
Your employer may already have an account with an online conferencing provider, such as WebEx. You may also want a headset to make phone calls easier. If you make a lot of international calls, consider using a service like Skype to connect abroad.

Tech support.
Your company may provide technical support to telecommuters, but if it does not, you’ll need someone to speak to if your computer crashes. Support.com is a relatively new company in this field. Best Buy’s famous Geek Squad is another option for assistance.

Apartments in Raleigh, NC

Can cats and dogs live together in peace? Could your cat get along with another cat?

Whether you’re blending households with a roommate or partner who’s bringing a pet or adopting another animal for your current menagerie, you will have to figure out how all these creatures will share space. You may need to play guidance counselor for your furry friends, and we’ve got some tips to help you get started.

When You Can Choose Your New Pet
If your current pet is an older one, consider how it will feel about having a young puppy or kitten underfoot. Youngsters can often make an older pet feel young again. On the other hand, if your current pet is a real curmudgeon, you might want to avoid a young animal that may make it crankier. In either case, don’t leave old and young pets alone together until you see how they get along together.

Consider how different breeds might get along. If you are looking to adopt a new pet, you might be successful in choosing its characteristics and temperament based on the new pet’s breed. Also, if possible, make a point to spend some time observing the new animal before you adopt. It’s a good idea to try to match energy levels and easygoing natures to difficult ones, though the truth is that chemistry between animals, like people, is fairly unpredictable.

If you bring together two or more dogs or cats of different sexes, make sure they are all spayed or neutered so you don’t end up with a litter on your hands!

Making Introductions
Whether you are inheriting pets from a new roommate or a significant other or bringing a newly-adopted pet into your household, the way the animals meet could have a lot to do with how they end up getting along. For dogs, meeting in a neutral location, such as a park that neither one has been to before, is a great way for them to get to know each other without territorial disputes. Be sure the dogs are each on a leash and handled by a different person, in case they have to be separated.

Watch the animals’ body postures. If there is teeth-baring, deep growls, or stiff-legged stances, separate them, encourage them, and then reintroduce them. Once the dogs are in the same space, use plenty of positive reinforcement with each one to encourage them to get along.

With a Cat in the Equation
Cats, typically temperamental, can become even more so around dogs or other cats. Before introductions happen, keep the animals in different, but nearby, rooms so they can get used to the smells and sounds of the other. After a few days, let them share space in small bursts to see how they get along.

You may discover that a cat ends up claiming a certain part of the apartment for its own, at least initially. Keeping the dog’s bowls and the cat’s bowls, litter box and scratching post in separate places should help give your persnickety kitty the space it needs.

No matter what combination of pets you try to unite under a single roof, make patience and gentle support your priorities. Your new animals will need to adjust to new humans and a strange apartment, as well to their peer critters, so give them a chance to be scared and uncomfortable while they settle into their new home. In most cases, with time, animals that initially can’t stand to be in the same room together end up becoming good friends – or they at least learn how to tolerate each other.

Apartments in Raleigh, NC