Celebrate Wake County Parks in July

Wake County residents are invited to join the celebration during July’s National Parks and Recreation Month.

Wake County boasts seven parks for citizens to enjoy a picnic, sports, educational opportunities and the great outdoors. With free admission to all parks, it is an economical way for families to enjoy a variety of activities on a budget.  

A sampling of activities includes:

• The Triangle Triathlon (July 12) and disc golf tournament (July 18-19) at Harris Lake County Park
• Children’s summer camps at Blue Jay Point, Harris Lake and Crowder District Parks
• Educational opportunities at Historic Yates Mill Park
• Sailing, mountain biking and picnicking at Lake Crabtree Park
• Evening bicycle rides along the American Tobacco Trail
• The 19th-century farmstead at Historic Oak View County Park

For more information on getting out to experience Wake County Parks, visit www.wakegov.com/parks.

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Save the Date: Wake County 5K Walk/Run and Health Fair

Wake County employees and their families are invited to participate in the first annual Wake County 5K Walk/Run and Health Fair on Saturday, September 12, 2009, at Lake Crabtree Park. The event is open to all ages and will feature a 5K for participants to run, power walk or casual walk.

There will also be a health fair showcasing a variety of vendors, including fitness and health experts, health-related resources in Wake County and fun activities for kids.  Attendees are not required to participate in the 5K in order to enjoy the health fair.

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Household Hazardous Waste Collection Expands

Beginning July 1, 2009, Wake County’s Household Hazardous Waste collection will expand their collection days to receive items six days per week.   

Because of their potential for environmental contamination, household hazardous materials cannot be disposed of in the landfill. The County has established a collection program where residents can drop-off materials, such as paint and antifreeze, to then be properly disposed of by a certified Household Hazardous Waste contractor.

The sites and hours for drop off are as follows:

• North Wake Solid Waste Management Facility
  9037 Deponie Drive [driving directions]
  Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• South Wake Solid Waste Management Facility
  6130 Old Smithfield Road [driving directions]
  Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Adoptive and Foster Families Participate in Sports Clinic

Over 150 children and parents enjoyed a day of fun and sports activities at the annual Adoptive and Foster Family Sports Clinic held at N.C. State on June 6, 2009. The event was sponsored by Dick Capp, a former NFL football player, and community volunteers, including Wake’s Adoption Resource Team and Therapeutic Homes Program, Wake 4-H, Lutheran Family Services and many others.

The goal of the clinic was to teach children team-building and sports skills. Children and teens participated in sports activities, including football, soccer, cheerleading and martial arts. All who participated were able to have one-on-one attention from athletes and coaches.

Children and parents were also able to tour the Murphy Center’s 7,000 square foot locker room, high tech meeting rooms and weight rooms used by N.C. State players.

For more information on Wake County’s Foster and Adoption programs, visit www.wakegov.com/humanservices.

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GoPass Renewal

Employees who are interested in commuting using public transit can submit a request to receive a GoPass. This unique pass allows employees the opportunity to ride the Capital Area Transit (CAT) and Triangle Transit buses for free.

In fall 2009, Triangle Transit will introduce routes from Zebulon and Knightdale, as well as “real time” technology at certain stops throughout the area.

New GoPasses will be good July 1, 2009 through July 15, 2010. To receive a pass, send your name, work phone number, department and mailing address to Andre Pierce at andre.pierce@wakegov.com. Passes will be distributed through interoffice mail.

For more information on the benefits of alternative commuting, visit www.smartcommutechallenge.org.

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Summer Health and Safety Series: Heat-Related Illness

The onset of heat-related illness can easily be overlooked while enjoying activities throughout the summer months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest the following heat-related illness prevention tips:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of activity level. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much to drink while the weather is hot. 
• Avoid alcoholic or sugary beverages –these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. 
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public area for a few hours that does. Air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. 
• Take a cool shower or bath.  
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. 
• NEVER leave people or pets in a closed, parked vehicle. 
• Check frequently on high-risk populations:
  • Infants and young children
  • People aged 65 or older
  • People who have a mental illness
  • Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

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Wake Announces Customer Service Award Winners

Two Wake County employees were honored at the June 15 Board of Commissioners meeting as recipients of the Caring, Serving, Respecting Customers Award.

Angelica Rose is a Nursing Assistant at the Eastern Regional Center (ERC). Angelica was nominated by her colleagues for her exceptional work in the day-to-day operations of the ERC clinic. Ms. Rose was praised for her energy, integrity, humility and joy on a daily basis.

Veronica Becerra is a Peer Counselor in WIC. She was nominated by her Supervisor for her work helping women who have breastfeeding difficulties. Veronica demonstrates a continued dedication to each client, going above and beyond her assigned tasks to make home visits or tend to client emergencies when necessary.

The Caring, Serving, Respecting Customers Award is given out each quarter to highlight employees who demonstrate exceptional customer service in their field.

Congratulations to Angelica and Veronica for a job well done!

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Keep Up with County News

WakeGOV TV has expanded to reach more citizens in Wake County. Keep up with the latest Wake County News by watching WakeGOV TV in your area! The schedule is as follows:

Raleigh TV Network Channel 11:

• Mondays at 9 p.m.
• Wednesdays at 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.
• Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
• Saturdays at 7 p.m.
• Every third Monday at 1:30 p.m., prior to the broadcast of the 2 p.m. Commissioners’ meeting

Cary TV Channel 11:

• Mondays and Saturdays at 1 p.m.
• Mondays and Wednesdays at 3 a.m.
• Sundays at 8:30 a.m.

East Wake EWTV Channel 22:

• Seven days per week at 9:25 p.m.

Cooperating Raleigh Colleges CRC Channel 18:

• Mondays at 12:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m.
• Wednesdays at 11:30 p.m.
• Saturdays at 5:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
• Sundays at 5 p.m.

WakeGov TV can also be viewed online at www.wakegov.com/tv

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