Durham Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration Festivities Begin

Why go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras when Durham Carnival celebrations are so spectacular?

Photo by Jessie Gladin-Kramer
www.jgkphotography.com

The 2013 Bull City Mardi Gras festivities will kick off Friday with a masquerade ball that will honor old traditions, create new ones and raise money to nourish future revelers.

The event is one example of how Bull City residents are embracing old Mardi Gras traditions and shaping the celebration into their own.

The 2013 Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration will start at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 12, aka Fat Tuesday, at the CCB Plaza, 201 N. Corcoran St.  Parade participants are encouraged to gather at the plaza by 6:30 p.m.   The parade will end — but the party will continue — on Rigsbee Street near Motorco Music Hall and Fullsteam Brewery.

Durham Mardi Gras Group, a loose coalition of Mardi Gras participants and krewes, selected Mel Melton to serve as the 2013 king of the celebration and Rhonda Robichaux as queen.

Melton, a North Carolina native, owns Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse, and is a member of Mel Melton and the Wicked Mojos, a blues band with a zydeco twist. Melton sings lead vocal and plays the harmonica and rub board.

Melton said he is ready to help Durham build a Mardi Gras tradition centered on community.
“I am really excited,” Melton said.

Rhonda Robichaux, a New Orleans native and Triangle resident, leads the Rhonda Robichaux Band.   Robichaux, who describes her music as swampy, sultry and spicy with a taste of New Orleans, has shared the stage with New Orleans artists George Porter, Jr., Charmaine Neville, along with Will McFarlane, who frequently plays in Durham, and many others.

“I have to come all the way to Durham to become the queen of Mardi Gras,” Robichaux said.
On Friday, Feb.1, the Krewe of Ariadne “in its guise as a social aid and pleasure club,” is collaborating with The Scrap Exchange to host the The Ariadne Charity Masked Ball from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  The family-friendly event will be held at The Scrap Exchange and will Benefit PORCH Durham, which supports the Backpack Buddies program that supplies backpacks stocked with food to needy children.  The event will include live music from the Bulltown Strutters and the Blue Tailed Skinks, along with an opportunity to embellish a mask or create festive attire in the Scrap’s Make & Take room and to whack at the Mardi Gras “Piñata.”  A food or money donation required for admission, and people who use the Make & Take room will be asked to pay The Scrap Exchange’s open studio rate of $5 per person.

New Orleans social aid and pleasure clubs grew out of benevolent societies, which would help residents in its community pay rent, buy food and clothes and assist in other areas, according to neworleansonline.com.  Social aid and pleasure clubs are the organizers, originators, and sponsors of New Orleans’ second line parades, according to the website.

On Feb. 9, Durham revelers will have another opportunity to make or embellish their costumes and listen to live music at Motorco. There will be kid-friendly live music and costume making from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Costume making will resume from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m. and live music will extend to midnight.
Materials will be provided by The Scrap Exchange with generous help from Music Exploratorium.

For more information on events and things to do in Durham, visit the Durham events calendar.

Durham Museum Powers Up Electric Car Charging Stations

It's easy to be green in Durham! Drivers of electric vehicles will soon see the addition of a sixth public electric vehicle charging station in Durham.

Starting in January, electric car drivers are able to charge their vehicles for no cost at the Museum of Life and Science. DPR Construction and Starr Electric Company are donating their services and support for the installation of two GE electric vehicle charging stations in the Museum’s main parking lot.  According to Tobin Freid, sustainability manager for Durham City and County, the Museum is an ideal location for charging stations due to its proximity to major thoroughfares including Interstate 85. Funding for this project is courtesy of a generous grant from Duke Energy Foundation.

“The Duke Energy Foundation has been a long-time Museum partner in educational and environmental initiatives, and we are pleased that this latest project will help Museum visitors,” said Indira Everett, District Manager. “Duke Energy is committed to providing public education and access to sustainable technologies, and this project with the Museum helps us reach a broad audience in a practical way.”

Need a charge? Click here to find public charging stations.

The Museum of Life and Science in Durham is considered a leader in sustainability efforts and in 2012, received the Green Plus Certification from the Institute of Sustainable Development.  It is the first museum in North Carolina to be recognized as a Green Business by the NC Green Travel Initiative program.  To learn more about the Museum, visit www.lifeandscience.org.

For more information about getting around Durham, see Durham's official visitor website.

Montoyo, Entire Staff To Return For Bulls In 2013

Durham Bulls fans now have another reason to celebrate this baseball season.  Team favorites will be staying put for at lest a little while.

The Durham Bulls, in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Rays, today announce Charlie Montoyo will return for his seventh season in Durham and 16th managing in the Rays organization. Pitching Coach Neil Allen, Hitting Coach Dave Myers and Athletic Trainer Mike Sandoval will all return to the Bulls bench in 2013.

Montoyo, 48, boasts a 471-392 (.546) record in six seasons with the Bulls, including five division titles, a Governors' Cup Championship and Triple-A National Title (2009). Just 29 victories short of 500 in his tenure as Durham’s skipper, the native Puerto Rican trails only International League Hall of Famer Bill Evers (613) in career wins as Bulls manager.

A veteran of 11 Major League seasons during his own pitching career, Allen returns to the Bulls for his third campaign. The 54-year old Kansas native has guided an impressive crop of Durham hurlers, including Matt Moore, Alex Cobb and Chris Archer, to their Tampa Bay Rays debuts.

Myers, 52, begins his fifth season presiding over the Bulls offense.  Prior to becoming a part of the Rays organization, the Temple University alum spent 26 seasons in the Mariners system including four years (2001-04) as third base and infield coach at the Major League level.

Sandoval rejoins the Bulls for his second campaign after spending 25 years in the Pittsburgh Pirates system, including 10 seasons as assistant athletic trainer with the major league club.

The Durham Bulls begin the 2013 International League season on the road before returning to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on April 8th for their home opener against the Gwinnett Braves. The “Wil He, Won’t He?” 3 Game Ticket Pack, 9-Game Mini Plans, season tickets, and group outings are on sale now at durhambulls.com, the DBAP ticket office, or by phone at 919.956.BULL.

For more information about recreation and sports in Durham, click here.

This Week at the Durham Farmers' Market

In early January, the federal government announced that 2012 was the hottest year on record for the contiguous United States. Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported that the average temperature in 2012 was 55.3 degrees, which is 3.2 degrees higher that the 20th century average and one degree above the previous record set in 1998. NOAA researchers said that the higher temperatures could be attributed to both cyclical weather patterns and human activity.
 
The changing climate has serious implications for farming. Farmers in North Carolina are facing challenges such as increased drought, declining pollinator populations and extreme heat. North Carolina farmers have been forced to change their operations and methods as they learn to adapt to today's conditions. With an increasing demand for locally produced food, learning new strategies is a growing concern for local farmers.
 
In response to farmer requests, The Abundance Foundation, Center for Environmental Farming Systems (CEFS), Central Carolina Community College (CCCC), Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA), Chatham County Extension, NC Strawberry Association, The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy and Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI) are holding a one-day conference, Friday February 8, 2013 on the Pittsboro campus of CCCC. Dr. Laura Lengnick, Director of the Sustainable Agriculture Program at Warren Wilson College will be keynote speaker along with State Climatologist, Dr. Ryan Boyles. Laura recently completed work as a visiting scientist on the USDA National Program Staff, where she researched best practices for adapting US agriculture to climate change.

Farmers will be paired with agricultural scientists to discuss adaptation strategies for farming in our changing climate. Conference findings and research questions will be published as a guide to identify research needs to address climate change on the farm. "Climate change is not something that is going to happen," said Nancy Creamer, director of the Center for Environmental Farm Systems, "it's something that is affecting farmers right now."
 
After the conference happens, I'll be sure to tell you about some of the outcomes. For more information about the Farming Strategies in Today's Changing Climate Conference, visit TheAbundanceFoundation.org

THIS WEEK AT MARKET!
Last week, there were a few new arrivals, including PARSNIPS, TULIPS, POPPIES and ANEMONES!  Look for those again this week as well as a limited amount of fresh shiitake mushrooms and the return of mache.  As always, there will surely be a surprise or two and if I find something I'll try to send something out on our twitter account: @durhamfarmermkt  

See you at the Market!
Erin Kauffman
Market Manager


Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES:   PARSNIPS, FRESH SHIITAKE MUSHROOMS, MACHE, Asian Greens, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Creasy Greens, Daikon Radish, Escarole, Fennel, Frisee, Fresh & Dried Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley), Green Onions, Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Leeks, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, Peppers - sweet and hot, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radiccio, Rutabega, Radishes, Rapini, Salad Mix, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Turnip Greens,  Greenhouse Tomatoes,  Winter Squash and more
MEATS AND EGGS:  Beef, Bison, Chicken, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork, Veal
Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: TULIPS, ORIENTAL LILIES, Icelandic Poppies, Anemones, Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: PECANS, Raw Honey, Flour, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Breads, Cookies & Pastries, Fermented Foods, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Pastas, Perogies, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Handmade Baskets, Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Goats Milk Soaps, Body Butters, Lotions, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Produce availability depends on weather conditions 

This Week at the South Durham Farmers' Market

Let it Snow... 
2013 Applications to be a vendor at SDFM are now available. If you or someone you know would be interested in applying as a vendor, please read through and apply. Feel free to forward to any interested folks.

Click here to apply!

Events
Our Spring Harvest Dinner is slowly in the works, details to come as we progress...Should be an amazing time.


Mikey, our market intern, has put together an awesome market events calendar for 2013, we will distribute this via Google or some other means to everyone in the coming weeks...

There is a great conference happening in Pittsboro, on February 8th. In collaboration with the agricultural community, the Abundance Foundation is bringing NC farmers, NC researchers and technical advisors together along with sustainable agriculture advocates to begin answering questions about how we can modify our production practices in response to climate change.

You can also find information here! -- Registration is only $25 per person until Feb 1st.

Market Hours/Information
Winter hours:  Our hours are now 10AM-1PM (December-March)! Greenwood Commons at 5410 NC Hwy 55, Durham, NC 27713

Market Swag
We have t-shirts! Our t-shirts were made by TS Designs in Burlington, NC, and are made of organic cotton grown right here in NC, and sewn here as well. Keep your money in the local economy by buying a market shirt, and show off your favorite farmers' market, wherever you go in the world! All sizes S-XXL are available at market on Saturday for $20! We also have bumper magnets! Be one of the first two people to find me and tell me the last three mayors of Durham! Otherwise, they will be on sale for $3.

Volunteering & Spreading the Word
 Farmer Foodshare is rolling! The Durham Crisis Response Center was incredibly thankful for your donations and support, cheers to a great community! We still need volunteers for our FF donation station to be sustainable, as well as general market volunteers! Love food? Love people? Perfect. By being a volunteer, you can get to know our farmers and vendors even better, and get to understand all the goings-on in food and agriculture in the area. We need help with event planning, the donation station, market breakdown, marketing, community engagement, or you could probably even pitch me a great idea for what you could do to help the market and community grow together.  You can email me at: manager@southdurhamfarmersmarket.org

Be sure to check out our seasonal recipe of the week at the bottom of the newsletter, and here on our Pinterest provided by our super, fantastic, equestrian, amazing community member and new volunteer coordinator, Rhiannon. We will be adding more photos and seasonal inspiration to our Pinterest!

You are the community, and you know better than anyone else, where to find more people like YOU. Please consider posting this flyer in your work, favorite cafe, gathering space, or wave it in the streets, to spread the word about our market! Click here! (inverted the poster so there is not a ton of black ink!)

As a reminder, please bring a reusable bag if you can. Big thank you from vendors and the environment! Thank you for being a part of the market, and for letting us be a part of your community. Remember to spread the word, and tell your friends to buy local.

Sincerely,
Ben
Your Market Manager

The New York Times Spent 36 Hours in Durham

The New York Times regularly runs a piece in their travel section where they write about what a traveler can do with, well, 36 hours in a place.  On Sunday, January 20th, the world will see what they think can happen in Durham in 36 hours.  Heads up, it's a lot!

Like Durham, the article focuses a great deal on great food, music, the arts, and the open and welcoming culture of intellect.  In other words, the article captures Durham right down to the last nuance and lets it shine as the funky, authentic place that it is.

The story is on the paper's website, and will hit the stands on Sunday. There is an accompanying slideshow, as well.

Coverage like this is always appreciated.  Durham is also up for a major accolade from Southern Living Magazine.  Read more about that online and be sure to vote daily for Durham!

Food Truck Rodeo Jan 27 at Durham Central Park

That Durham is a great food destination is no surprise. And in Durham, good food does not necessarily mean fancy food. In other words, folks in Durham know that good food can come from a truck.

Really. Good. Food.

Durham foodie folk are so fond of food trucks that there are even food truck parties here called rodeos, and they are quite the scene.

"Food trucks are part one of the great things about Durham's food scene. There is no pretension, no frills, just genuine and authentic quality food for a fair price," said Sam Poley who works to market Durham. "Rodeos are crazy fun and always a memorable scene, for sure."

A Food Truck Rodeo will be held Sunday. Jan. 27, 2013 from 12:30 – 4:30 PM at Durham's Central Park. The event will feature 42 vendors, which is one of the largest assemblages in the area. This event will feature improvements such as reduced generator noise, more space, and more entertainment. The trucks have all contributed to the rental of a large “quiet” diesel generator powered by Hertz, which eliminates a lot of the single use generators.

Two entertainment venues will offer a “Jam Session” on the lawn at the Sister Cites Tree Grove and DJ PiddiPat will spin records at the leaf. The Durham Craft Market and the Art Market at Vega Metals will have a special showing.

This timing is especially important given that Durham is currently vying for the top spot in Southern Living's Tastiest Town in the South promotion in which Durham was named a top ten contender alongside powerhouse destinations like Charleston, Miami, and New Orleans. Durham food fans are encouraged to vote daily from each email address they have and to use the Twitter hashtag #VoteDurhamTastiest.

Food Trucks planning to participate and a link to their info:
American Meltdown
BAGUETTABOUTIT
Bandidos
Big City Sandwiches
Big Mikes BBQ
bikeCOFFEE
Blue Ribbon Delights
Boxcarr Farms, Local in Motion
Bulkogi BBQ
Cafe’ Prost
Captain Ponchos
Chick-N-Que
ChirbaChirba Dumpling
CJ’s Street Food
Crossroads-Kettle-Corn
Daisy Cakes
Deli.icious
Greek Gussys
Hibachi Xpress
Humble Pig
Klausies
Kona Chameleon
Lo Yo On The Go
Mama Dukes
Monuts Donuts
Only Burger
Old North State BBQ
Parlez Vous Crepe
Philly’s Cheesesteaks
Pie Pushers
Porchetta
Refectory, Slow Food Fast
Roll Dogs Express
Sarges Chef
Stoke & Smoke BBQ
Sweet N Savory
Sweet Stacey Cakes
Sweet Traditions by Leane
Sympathy for the Deli
Tooties Mobile Kitchen
Triangle Raw Foods
Valentino’s Food Truck & Catering

Future Food Truck Rodeo events are planned for March 10, June 16, and September 1. All rodeos will be from 12:30 – 4:30.

Durham does have many traditional restaurants. Learn more about them online.  Also, use the Durham Event Calendar to stay on top of all events in Durham, food-related, and not.

Krupnikas! A Durham-Made Spiced Honey Liqueur comes to Durham ABC Stores on Thursday

The Brothers Vilgalys Krupnikas, a widely-anticipated spiced honey liqueur made by Durham's first legal distilled spirits plant, will debut on Durham County ABC shelves this Thursday, the 17th of January. This timing is especially important given that Durham is currently vying for the top spot in Southern Living's Tastiest Town in the South promotion in which Durham was named a top ten contender alongside powerhouse destinations like Charleston, Miami, and New Orleans.

The Brothers Vilgalys Spirits Company was started by Rimas Vilgalys, a Lithuanian-American and Durham native. Vilgalys started with a homemade recipe that he and his father had been making for friends and family for years. Inspired by the popularity of the liqueur at parties, as well as the strong support for locally owned businesses in Durham, Vilgalys began researching and writing a business plan in 2011. In April 2012, he leased a commercial space on Ramseur St and began the process of applying for permits, buying equipment, and setting up a space to blend the drink.

To fund the project, Vilgalys used money he'd inherited, and also started the Brothers Vilgalys Founder's Club, selling lifetime club memberships to friends, family, and community members who wanted to support the project. At the time of this writing, the Founder's Club has sold 125 memberships.

"The Founder's Club really embodies my reasons for starting this company," says Vilgalys. "When I started making Krupnikas, I just wanted to make something delicious and share it with my friends. And after the first batch, it seems like people just kept asking where they could get more."

Brothers Vilgalys Krupnikas, which is already on shelves in some Wake and Orange County ABC stores, is made from a recipe using whole spices, North Carolina wildflower honey, and a neutral spirit base distilled from corn. Vilgalys has started out purchasing the alcohol from a supplier, but hopes to transition to distilling his own spirits in the future.

"The truth is the equipment for a full distillery is just too expensive right now," says Vilgalys. "But sourcing everything locally is an important priority to me. As we expand, I'm hoping to start distilling our own alcohol and also run everything on sustainable energy. I'm particularly interested in a technology called wood-gasification, which would let us turn timber residues like sawdust or wood chips into clean-burning, locally sourced, and fossil-fuel free energy."

The drink itself is described by Vilgalys as a smooth sipping liqueur that is very tasty on its own, or can be mixed in many different cocktails. It starts out with a sweet honey taste, and finishes with a pleasantly spicy warmth along with a lasting flavor. Some of the stronger spices include cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and star anise, but with 16 different botanicals used, the drink has a very layered taste without any single spice dominating the pallette.

"Compared to other honey spirits, our drink has more complexity and depth to its flavor," notes Vilgalys. "Other honey spirits use clover or agave honey, which is cheaper, but not as flavorful. We don't compromise on any part of this spirit. I use only whole spices and raw wildflower honey. Even the commercial brands of Krupnikas in Lithuania and Poland don't do that."

The Brothers Vilgalys Krupnikas retails at $29.95 for a 750 ml bottle. The product is 40% alcohol by volume, and should always be enjoyed responsibly. More information, including a directory of liquor stores, bars, and restaurants carrying the product are available on their website. News and updates related to the product are published on their Facebook and Twitter (@BrosVilgalys).

"I really think this is a great drink that almost any adult can enjoy," concludes Vilgalys. "Whether you usually drink spirits, beer, wine, or cocktails, this is something accessible and pleasing to almost anyone. It's great to bring to parties or give as a gift. I wouldn't say it's only for special occasions, but it would make any occasion a special one."

Learn more about Durham-made goods online.

This Week at the Farmers' Market

As we get into January, the variety of vegetables that are available at the Market is starting to get a little bit thinner. January and February can be a difficult time to grow vegetables because the days are shorter and the temperatures fluctuate between cold and very mild (like tomorrow's forecast).   That's not to say that there aren't any vegetables. Throughout the rest of the winter, we can expect to have lush greens, beautiful root crops, plenty of sweet potatoes and winter squashes and a few special greenhouse grown tomatoes and flowers.

If you are looking for a little break from kale, winter time can be a great time to explore other things at the Market that you might not have thought about before.  For example, the Market has a great selection of locally and humanely raised meats.  Just last week, I was talking to someone who is new to Durham about the Farmers' Market.  He asked me what kinds of meats are available at the Market.  I listed them off: beef, pork, chicken, goat, lamb, bison, duck, veal, turkey, and in the spring there will be rabbit, cornish game hens, and quail. As I was finishing the list, his eyes widened and he said, "Whoa, I think I'm going to have to check this out!".

The farmers who raise animals work so hard to raise their animals in good conditions so, they want to make sure that the whole animal gets used and sold. The selection of cuts ranges from the usual to the uncommon. On a weekly basis there are roasts, chops, ground, steaks, bacon, chicken cuts such as breast, wings, thigh, etc.  The more uncommon items include organs, tongue, pig, chicken and duck feet, skins, oysters (and I don't mean the kind you find in the ocean), fatback and lard. The farmers and their crew are always happy to share cooking tips and recipes for cuts of meat that you may be unfamiliar with.

Because of USDA and safety regulations, meats at the farmers' market has to be held in coolers or freezers to make sure that it maintains a safe temperature.  Since the meats are a little bit hidden in the coolers, people often don't know that they are available.  Our meat producers do their best to list their meats on signs and lists at their tables.  In the hustle and bustle of the market, the signs can be easy to miss. So, if you are ever looking for a specific item or vendor, please feel free to stop by the Market's info/t-shirt table at the center of the Pavilion and we'll point you in the right direction.

See you at the Market!
Erin Kauffman
Market Manager

Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES:   Asian Greens, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Creasy Greens, Daikon Radish, Escarole, Fennel, Frisee, Fresh & Dried Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley), Green Onions, Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Leeks, Mizuna, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, Peppers - sweet and hot, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Radiccio, Rutabega, Radishes, Rapini, Salad Mix, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Turnip Greens,  Greenhouse Tomatoes,  Winter Squash and more
MEATS AND EGGS:  Beef, Bison, Chicken, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork, Veal
Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: ORIENTAL LILYS, Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: PECANS, Raw Honey, Flour, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Breads, Cookies & Pastries, Fermented Foods, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Pastas, Perogies, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Handmade Baskets, Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Goats Milk Soaps, Body Butters, Lotions, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Produce availability depends on weather conditions 

This Week at the South Durham Farmers' Market

What a warm January we are having... 
2013 Applications to be a vendor at SDFM are now available. If you or someone you know would be interested in applying as a vendor, please read through and apply. Feel free to forward to any interested folks.

Click here to apply!

Events
Our Spring Harvest Dinner is slowly in the works, details to come as we progress...Should be an amazing time.

Market Hours/Information
Winter hours:  Our hours are now 10AM-1PM (December-March)! Greenwood Commons at 5410 NC Hwy 55, Durham, NC 27713

Market Swag
We have t-shirts! Our t-shirts were made by TS Designs in Burlington, NC, and are made of organic cotton grown right here in NC, and sewn here as well. Keep your money in the local economy by buying a market shirt, and show off your favorite farmers' market, wherever you go in the world! All sizes S-XXL are available at market on Saturday for $20! We also have bumper magnets! Be one of the first two people to find me and tell me the last three mayors of Durham! Otherwise, they will be on sale for $3.

Volunteering & Spreading the Word
 Farmer Foodshare is rolling! The Durham Crisis Response Center was incredibly thankful for your donations and support, cheers to a great community! We still need volunteers for our FF donation station to be sustainable, as well as general market volunteers! Love food? Love people? Perfect. By being a volunteer, you can get to know our farmers and vendors even better, and get to understand all the goings-on in food and agriculture in the area. We need help with event planning, the donation station, market breakdown, marketing, community engagement, or you could probably even pitch me a great idea for what you could do to help the market and community grow together.  You can email me at: manager@southdurhamfarmersmarket.org  

Be sure to check out our seasonal recipe of the week at the bottom of the newsletter, and here on our Pinterest provided by our super, fantastic, equestrian, amazing community member and new volunteer coordinator, Rhiannon. We will be adding more photos and seasonal inspiration to our Pinterest!

You are the community, and you know better than anyone else, where to find more people like YOU. Please consider posting this flyer in your work, favorite cafe, gathering space, or wave it in the streets, to spread the word about our market! Click here! (inverted the poster so there is not a ton of black ink!)

As a reminder, please bring a reusable bag if you can. Big thank you from vendors and the environment! Thank you for being a part of the market, and for letting us be a part of your community. Remember to spread the word, and tell your friends to buy local.

Sincerely,
Ben
Your Market Manager

Honoring Dr. King and Commemorating Durham’s Royal Ice Cream Sit-In

Durham's role in the Civil Rights Movement makes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 21 that much more important to remember Dr. King's contribution to the society we have today.

NC Moms Rising, Northgate Mall and a number of area mothers’ associations and nonprofit organizations will come together to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. King. with a focus on Durham’s historic Royal Ice Cream Sit-In with a special children’s program event featuring civil rights era music, educational readings, related crafts, freedom songs and, of course, ice cream on Monday, January 21 at 10:30am and again at 12:00pm.

The event is free and open to the public and takes place at Northgate Mall’s Center Court.

Designed for school-age children, the event will feature discussions and learning about the civil rights sit-in movement and specifically how, in one of the earliest sit-ins, a group of three women and four men from Durham sat in at the Royal Ice Cream Company on June 23, 1957 to protest segregation.

Organizers and participants will honor their efforts by sharing stories, readings of Andrea Davis Pickney’s children’s book Sit-In: How Four Friends Stood Up by Sitting Down, singing of freedom songs, related crafts that convey the meaning of justice and freedom and an ice cream social and sock hop featuring civil rights era music from Durham’s DJ PiddiPat.

Continuing Dr. King’s commitment to service, participants are asked to donate nonperishable food or toiletries (soap, toothbrushes, diapers, etc.) to support Durham Urban Ministries that serves local families in need. Voter registration and information will also be available.

This event is free and open to the public at Northgate Center Court. Sponsored by NC MomsRising, Lango Kids, Durham Mothers Club, Carrboro/Chapel Hill Mothers Club, Kid Cycle, Kids Voting and Northgate Mall.

Northgate Mall is located at 1058 West Club Boulevard, Durham.

Background About Durham’s Royal Ice Cream Sit-In
The 1960 Greensboro Sit Ins sparked a national movement but were not the first such action. Individual and group protest actions prior to 1960, generally isolated and often without wider impact, took place across the state and region. A protest in 1957 in Durham had wider consequence, as it led to a court case testing the legality of segregated facilities. The Royal Ice Cream Company had a doorway on the Dowd Street side with a “White Only” sign and, on Roxboro Street, a sign marked “Colored Only.” A partition separated the two sections inside the building.

On June 23, 1957, Rev. Douglas Moore, pastor of Asbury Temple Methodist Church, and six others assembled at the church to plan the protest. The young African-Americans moved over to Royal Ice Cream and took up booths. When they refused to budge, the manager called the police who charged them with trespassing. Newspaper coverage in the Durham-Raleigh area was mixed. The Durham papers printed the story on the front-page the next day but it was buried inside the Raleigh News and Observer; The Carolinian, an African American newspaper, placed it on the front page.

On June 24 the protestors were found guilty of trespassing and each fined $10 plus court costs. On appeal the case went to Superior Court and a jury trial. An all-white jury rendered a guilty verdict of trespass on each defendant. The case was appealed to the North Carolina Supreme Court that upheld the law regarding segregated facilities. On July 15, 1958, the seven protesters paid fines totaling $433.25. Attorneys appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court but the High Court refused to hear the case.
‒ from the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources

Learn more about Durham's role in history here.

Old North Durham Park Construction Set to Begin

There are lots of ways to get out and enjoy some fresh air in Durham.  The local parks here are award winning, and now one of those parks is getting even better.

Old North Durham Park is set to get a face lift beginning next month, which will close the park until August and impact vehicle traffic around the park.

Located at 310 W. Geer St., the park will receive infrastructure improvements to the athletic field, the installation of sod on the 310’ x 170’ athletic/multi-use field, among other things.

New site amenities will include a paved sidewalk into the park from Foster Street, a new drinking fountain, new trash receptacles, and new trees at the periphery of the field to replace existing trees that will be removed during construction.

Construction is set to begin in early February, which will close the park until August, and result in partial lane closures on portions of Foster Street and West Geer Street until early March as the new storm drainage pipes are installed. By mid-summer the improvements within the park should be completed, but the park will need to remain closed until August to allow for the grow-in period for the new sod on the athletic field.

Durham Hosts 4th Strange Beauty Film Festival

Durham is home to several film festivals each year. The biggest and most well-known is the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, but there are others like the 10-day long NC Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and even on about LEGOs.

There is also the Strange Beauty Film Festival.

IT celebrates something imaginative and odd. In its fourth year, the festival is held at Durham's Manbites Dog Theater Jan 24-26, 2013.

The festival shows dazzling and arresting short films from all over the place--this year's crop includes work from Estonia, Portugal, Argentina, Israel, England, and a heaping helping of local folks, including Jim Kellough, Bill Brown, Shambhavi Kaul, and Josh Gibson.

Special events this year include a brand new show from Tom Whiteside's Durham Cinematheque called CIRCLE SPIRAL SLOW. Whiteside describes it as archival explorations by him, with live music by Durham instrumental band Arrows Out.

There will also be another edition of the popular Strange Beauty Aural Fixation, an audio-only listening block curated by Jennifer Deer.

Tickets are $40 for the whole festival, or $12 for an individual screening block. Tickets are available from Manbites Dog. Watch the festival website for the complete schedule and teaser videos.

Learn more about all the film festivals held in Durham online.

Southern Living Names Durham One of the "Tastiest Towns in the South" in 2013

Southern Living has named Durham, NC one of the “Tastiest Towns in the South” in its February issue, on newsstands January 18th.  Which town is the tastiest?  That's up to readers and fans.

Scan or click to Vote
Durham Tastiest!

To celebrate the many flavors and rich, diverse stories behind today’s Southern cuisine, Southern Living editors convened in its Birmingham-based Test Kitchen to identify the most compelling food destinations across the region. Durham made the cut, and now it's up to restaurants to rally their fans and customers to get out the vote.

"Durham's food scene is on par with the best in the nation. Chefs here have integrity, appreciation for the ingredients, the sourcing, the producers, the preparations, and the customers.  In Durham, food is a culture that rises above most barriers, and all of Durham's diverse inhabitants come together over great food all the time," said Sam Poley with the Durham Convention & Visitors Bureau, Durham's official marketing agency.  "Things like this are fun.  Folks in Durham are really proud of this place and the things that make it great.  We're hoping they, and the places they love, will work together so that everyone knows Durham is where great food happens."

Vote Here

“North Carolina’s Triangle has long been fertile ground for enjoying the region’s rich bounty,” writes Southern Living Senior Editor Paula Disbrowe. “From Scratch Bakery to Watts Grocery, where much of the menu is raised, caught, smoked, pickled or cured within a two-hour radius, Durham is brimming with spots that passionately support local businesses,” adds Disbrowe.

Readers will decide the winner by casting votes for the “Tastiest Town in the South” from January 10 to February 28 on southernliving.com/tasty or via smartphone by downloading the complimentary Digimarc Discover app and scanning the corresponding image in the magazine. Each daily vote allows a consumer to be entered for a chance to win $1,500 toward a trip to the Tasty Town of his or her choice.

“Southern cooking has become one of the country's hottest culinary obsessions,” says Southern Living Editor-in-Chief Lindsay Bierman. “But there's a lot more to it than pork belly and grits. Every day, we're discovering hyperlocal microcosms of food culture across our region."  Durham has exemplified that description for decades.

Southern Living will profile each of the towns and reveal the “Tastiest Town in the South” in the May issue, on newsstands April 19th and online.

Southern Living editors identified the top 10 “Tastiest Towns in the South” based on the following criteria:

• Food as a cultural identity: The unique food or ethnicity that defines a particular Southern region
• Growth of a culinary-minded community: The influence that the culinary industry has on the local community and tourism
• Diverse cuisine at a variety of price points: Accessibility to hearty, flavorful meals at any budget
• Local, sustainable food practices: The focus on sourcing products from local purveyors to geographically define where each meal comes from
• Hot chefs on the rise: The influence of the area’s culinary talent in the media and pop culture
• Abundance of buzz-worthy food events: The number of festivals in the area that celebrate all things food and drink

For the full list of towns, visit: southernliving.com/tasty. Rally around your favorite tasty destination and vote online from January 10-February 28.

One vote per day is counted toward the finally tally.  Learn more about Durham online.

DPAC Finishes 2012 with #5 National Ranking

For the third consecutive year, DPAC, Durham Performing Arts Center announced it has placed among the most attended theaters in the U.S. as tracked by an industry leading trade magazine.

Pollstar, the only trade publication covering the worldwide concert and live event industry with tour schedules and sales results, named DPAC #5 in the U.S. in their recent 2012 report- Worldwide Ticket Sales - Top 100 Theater Venues,” based on attendance at DPAC.  DPAC was also recognized by Billboard Magazine as the #4 theater in the U.S. with a capacity under 5,000 for gross ticket sales.  DPAC’s 2012 calendar year featured 204 performances which drew over 425,000 guests and saw 75 sellouts.  Heading the list of the highest attended shows were Wicked and Jersey Boys.

Pollstar - 2012 - Top 5 Ranked US Theaters and their seating capacity:

• Radio City Music Hall - New York, NY -  6,015 Capacity
• The Coliseum at Caesars Palace - Las Vegas, NV - 4,300 Capacity
• Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE - Los Angeles, Ca - 7,100 Capacity
• Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA  - 6,015 Capacity
• DPAC - Durham, NC - 2,712 Capacity

"Even before we opened our doors, we wanted to be known for one-of-a-kind entertainment experiences and to be our guests’ favorite place for live events,” says Bob Klaus, General Manager at DPAC. “From the outset, one of the keys was DPAC's operating partnership of Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management, and their ability to land the biggest Broadway, concert and comedy shows in America. Triangle audiences quickly caught on that not only did the really big shows play at DPAC, but there was also an attention to customer service that was both authentic and special. It's this combination of great shows and our commitment to the guest experience which has really set us apart in the region and helped make DPAC such a hit with so many passionate fans."

In addition to Broadway blockbusters, DPAC again delivered a season with great variety and something for everyone. Concert sellouts featured classic acts Jackson Brown and Crosby, Stills and Nash, Folk concerts including the legendary Bonnie Raitt, diva superstars like Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle, renown Jazz artists like Diana Krall, and special guests David Sedaris and Theresa Caputo.  Plus Comedy also played a decisive role in DPAC's season with Daniel Tosh, Brian Regan, and Kevin James posting record setting sellouts.

“DPAC continues to strive towards the goal of offering something for everyone throughout the entire year, stated Rachel Gragg, Senior Director of Marketing at DPAC.  “It has been a year of celebrated great entertainment and we look forward to making 2013 another unforgettable year to remember.”

Learn more information about DPAC, and all the great things happening in Durham, online.

Prepare for Durham Mardi Gras celebration 2013

The Durham Mardi Gras Group is once again asking people to prepare for some serious revelry.

A loose coalition of mystic societies is planning the 2013 Durham Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration on Feb. 12, aka Fat Tuesday.  We are asking new and current krewes to recruit and strategize in an effort to make 2013 a banner Bull City Mardi Gras.

Parade participants should plan on meeting around 6:30 p.m. at the CCB Plaza, 201 N. Corcoran St. The parade is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. The parade, which will be on the sidewalk, will follow the same route as last year, ending on Rigsbee Street near Motorco Music Hall and Fullsteam Brewery.

Details and schedule are still under development, but those interested in participating should have a representative of their krewe send an email.

For updates join the Durham Mardi Gras Facebook Group, and confirm your attendance on the event page.

Most City of Durham Offices Closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Most City of Durham administrative offices will be closed Monday, January 21, 2013, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Police, fire, and rescue services for life-threatening or in-progress emergencies may be reached by calling 911. Non-emergency problems or concerns may be directed to (919) 560-4600. Durham residents are also asked to take note of the following changes in City services and programs.

Solid Waste, Recycling, Yard Waste, and Bulky Item Curbside Collections

The Solid Waste Management Department will be closed on Monday, January 21. Collection for all services, which includes solid waste, recycling, yard waste, and bulky items, will be delayed by one business day for the entire week. Collections for yard waste and bulky items on Friday, January 25 will instead occur on Monday, January 28. For more information, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/ich/op/swmd/Pages/HolidaySchedule.aspx.

Waste Disposal and Recycling Center

The Waste Disposal and Recycling Center (Transfer Station) will be closed on Monday, January 21. It will reopen under its normal schedule on Tuesday, January 22. For more information, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/ich/op/swmd/Pages/wr_transfer.aspx.  

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Center is normally closed on Mondays. It will open under its normal schedule on Tuesday, January 22. For more information, visit http://DurhamNC.gov/ich/op/swmd/Pages/Hazardous-Waste.aspx.  

Durham Parks and Recreation

Durham Parks and Recreation will close its administrative office, all recreation centers, and all indoor rental sites on Monday, January 21. All facilities will reopen under their normal schedules on Tuesday, January 22. For more information, visit http://www.DPRPlayMore.org, “like” at http://www.Facebook.com/DurhamParksandRecreation, or call (919) 560-4355.

Durham Area Transit Authority

Durham Area Transit Authority (DATA) and DATA ACCESS will operate on its Sunday/Holiday schedule on Monday, January 21 in which hourly service is provided from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The Bull City Connector will operate on its Holiday schedule in which service is provided every 20 minutes from 7:20 a.m. to 10 p.m. However, DATA and DATA ACCESS administrative offices will be closed. For more information on DATA and DATA ACCESS, visit http://DATA.DurhamNC.gov, “like” at http://www.facebook.com/DurhamAreaTransitAuthority or call (919) 485-RIDE. For more information on the Bull City Connector, visit http://www.BullCityConnector.org, “like” at http://www.Facebook.com/BullCityConnector, or “follow” at http://www.Twitter.com/BullCityConnect.

Durham One Call

Durham One Call will be closed on Monday, January 21. However, residents may complete an online service request by visiting the City’s website at http://DurhamNC.gov/Pages/DOC.aspx, or by leaving a message at (919) 560-1200. Durham One Call will forward all requests for City services to the appropriate department on the next business day. For information about the City’s holiday schedule and any other services that may be affected, residents should contact Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit http://www.DurhamNC.gov.

This Week at the Durham Farmers' Market

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! 

The start of a new year is often a time many people set new goals and resolutions. Maybe you are thinking about supporting local businesses, eating healthier meals, or just getting out into the community more often. If any of those are on your list, coming to the Durham Farmers' Market is a good fit!

While I'm sure you have plenty of reasons that you shop at the market, here are a few more to think about.

1. It's Good for the Environment.
On average food travels 1500 miles to get to your plate. On it's journey, large amounts of fossil fuels are burned for travel and lots of garbage is produced from extra packing materials that are needed for shipping. Food at the Durham Farmers' Markets travels a short distance with minimal packaging. All of our farmers and vendors are located within 70 miles of Durham! As an added bonus, food at the Market is often grown using more sustainable methods than what can be found at a grocery store.

2. Flavor and Freshness
Because of the short trip from the farm to the market, our farmers are able to choose varieties of vegetables for their flavors and texture and not for uniformity and durability in shipping. Our farmer's generally harvest their crops within 24 hours of the market, at the peak of ripeness and flavor. Food that is freshly picked is at its peak of freshness and is also at its peak of nutrition. So, fresh, locally grown food is both delicious and nutritious!

3. Supports Local Farmers and Local Economy
Farming is hard work and it is not easy to make a lot of money farming. Shopping directly from farmers eliminates the middleman and distributors, which can cut into the narrow profit margin that can be made by farming. Supporting local farmers also supports the local economy. Studies show that on average for every $100 spent at local, independent business, $68 stays in the local economy. When the same money is spent in a national chain only about $43 stays in the local economy.

4. Be Part of the Community
Every week in Durham, in North Carolina, and throughout the country, people come together at farmers' markets to buy food for the week. While they are picking up fresh greens, warm bread, a jar of locally made pickles, or a lovely handcrafted gift, they can also bump into their neighbors and friends; talk to their farmers and learn about local agriculture; take pictures; learn how to cook fresh food from local chefs; tap their toes to lively music; get a good dose of fresh air and sunshine; and have a picnic!

Here's to a wonderful, healthy 2013! Thank you for your continued support from year to year!!

See you at the Market!
Erin Kauffman
Market Manager

Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES:   Asian Greens, Arugula, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Collards, Creasy Greens, Daikon Radish, Escarole, Fennel, Fresh & Dried Herbs (Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley), Green Onions, Gourds, Jerusalem Artichokes, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce, Leeks, Mustard Greens, Napa Cabbage, Peppers - sweet and hot, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Rutabega, Radishes, Rapini, Salad Mix, Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Spinach, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Turnips, Turnip Greens,  Greenhouse Tomatoes,  Winter Squash and more
MEATS AND EGGS: VEAL, HAM, Beef, Bison, Chicken, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork, Turkey, Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: PECANS, Raw Honey, Flour, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Breads, Cookies & Pastries, Fermented Foods, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Pastas, Perogies, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Handmade Baskets, Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Goats Milk Soaps, Body Butters, Lotions, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Produce availability depends on weather conditions 

Third Annual MLK Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament

Martin Luther King, Jr. was very involved with the Civil Rights Movement here in Durham, delivering his famous Fill Up The Jails speech at White Rock Baptist Church on Fayetteville Street. To celebrate Dr. King, there will be an event to honor both law enforcement officers and raise college scholarship funds for underprivileged youth.

For the third consecutive year, Battle of the Badges will host its annual Law Enforcement Basketball Tournament in North Carolina. This year’s games will be January 11-12, 2013, at the Emily Krzyzewski Center in Durham, N.C.

Battle of the Badges was created in 2000 by Wake County Detention Officer Jerome Hall to raise scholarship money for college-bound youth in underprivileged areas nationwide, and to honor law enforcement officers who have died. The two-day “battle” also serves as an opportunity for officers from all aspects of law enforcement, and their supporters, to gather for friendly competition and networking fellowship.

This year’s Battle of the Badges honors Durham Police officer Elbert Mitchell III, who died in a motorcycle accident in May 2011 in Myrtle Beach, SC. The inaugural Battle of the Badges, a decade ago was held in Baltimore, Md., in honor of Maryland State Trooper Corporal Edward M. Toatley, killed in the line of duty. For the last two years, the event was held in Raleigh.

The teams scheduled to compete in this year’s “battle” are from New York, Durham, Mecklenburg County (NC), Atlanta, Prince George’s County (MD) and Connecticut. Since it began, Battle of the Badge has raised close to $10,000 in scholarship money for students at a Maryland high school.

“This event is about more than just playing basketball to me,” said Hall, the event founder and organizer. “It also provides scholarships for worthy students to continue their education, and brings professional men and women together to play a sport they love.”

The Emily Krzyzewski Center, named in honor of the mother of Duke University basketball coach, Mike Krzyzewski, opened in 2006. The Center serves academically-focused, low-income students with out-of-school programs designed to help them achieve in school, attend college, and break cycles of family poverty.

“We are very excited about our partnership with the Emily K Center,” Hall said. “We invite the community out to support our family-oriented event that impacts all of us, far and wide.”

Durham is a city where basketball is well-loved, and as a place where the community takes an active role.  Learn more about Durham here.

This Week at the South Durham Farmers' Market

Happy New Year! 
2013 Applications to be a vendor at SDFM are now available. If you or someone you know would be interested in applying as a vendor, please read through and apply. Feel free to forward to any interested folks. Click here to apply!

Market Hours/Information
Winter hours:  Our hours are now 10AM-1PM (December-March)! Greenwood Commons at 5410 NC Hwy 55, Durham, NC 27713

Market Swag
We have t-shirts! Our t-shirts were made by TS Designs in Burlington, NC, and are made of organic cotton grown right here in NC, and sewn here as well. Keep your money in the local economy by buying a market shirt, and show off your favorite farmers' market, wherever you go in the world! All sizes S-XXL are available at market on Saturday for $20! We also have bumper magnets! Be one of the first two people to find me and tell me the last three mayors of Durham! Otherwise, they will be on sale for $3.

Volunteering & Spreading the Word
 Farmer Foodshare is rolling! The Durham Crisis Response Center was incredibly thankful for your donations and support, cheers to a great community! We still need volunteers for our FF donation station to be sustainable, as well as general market volunteers! Love food? Love people? Perfect. By being a volunteer, you can get to know our farmers and vendors even better, and get to understand all the goings-on in food and agriculture in the area. We need help with event planning, the donation station, market breakdown, marketing, community engagement, or you could probably even pitch me a great idea for what you could do to help the market and community grow together.  You can email me at: manager@southdurhamfarmersmarket.org  

Be sure to check out our seasonal recipe of the week at the bottom of the newsletter, and here on our Pinterest provided by our super, fantastic, equestrian, amazing community member and new volunteer coordinator, Rhiannon. We will be adding more photos and seasonal inspiration to our Pinterest!

You are the community, and you know better than anyone else, where to find more people like YOU. Please consider posting this flyer in your work, favorite cafe, gathering space, or wave it in the streets, to spread the word about our market! Click here! (inverted the poster so there is not a ton of black ink!)

As a reminder, please bring a reusable bag if you can. Big thank you from vendors and the environment! Thank you for being a part of the market, and for letting us be a part of your community. Remember to spread the word, and tell your friends to buy local.

Sincerely,
Ben
Your Market Manager

RDU International Airport Adds Nonstop Flight to LAX

Travelers from Los Angeles will soon have an easier time getting to Durham.  LAX is the 6th busiest airport in the world and will allow both business and leisure travelers much easier access to Durham.  Also, given NC's booming film industry, and the increase in interest in Durham and other parts of the region as a backdrop and location for film makers, this is pretty great news.  

American Airlines will begin offering two new daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Raleigh-Durham International Airport beginning in April. The planned flights will operate year-round, seven-days-a-week from RDU to LAX.  This flight schedule will complement the thrice-weekly nonstop flights that Delta offers from Los Angeles during warm months.

Airport officials say about 400 people make the trip each day between LAX and RDU. They have lobbied for an LAX nonstop over the past few years, but they weren't expecting news that they would finally get their wish. “It was a little bit of a surprise to us,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU marketing director. “We hadn't spoken with American recently.” LAX was American’s only U.S. hub airport without a nonstop link to RDU, she said.

Travelers will now have more choices in travel times.  The American flights leave LAX earlier in the day landing at RDU at 4:20 p.m.  The Delta flights depart LAX at night, arriving at RDU the next morning.

Learn more about what to do, where to eat, and the sites to see in Durham online.

The Original Q Shack Donates Thousands

“I feel like I did something today – something meaningful,” an exhausted Dan Ferguson said last night after his last customers were served.  Ferguson gave 100% of the sales from his Durham restaurant, The Original Q Shack, on January 2, 2013 to the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).

“I realized that the tragedy in Newtown, CT could happen anywhere, and that part of the problem is access,” he said referring to mental health resources.  Ferguson wanted to do his part by giving a community known for its willingness to step up and contribute a way to do so. “The day of the shooting I just started looking for ways to help.  I found NAMI and realized that they were doing good work that I wanted to support,” Ferguson added.

Durham has a long history of community action, and that spirit mobilized on Wednesday with customers lined up, and other Durham restaurateurs coming in to help and show their support, too. Tommy Bullock, of famed Durham landmark Bullock’s BBQ showed up with his son Ty to offer to help Ferguson and his crew serve customers.  “I think what Dan is doing is terrific, and I wanted to come tell him in person,” Bullock said.  Other restaurants came out to help, too. Employees from Durham Catering Company, Only Burger, and Rise Biscuits and Donuts were on site to help throughout the day, all giving their time to lend a hand.  

Ferguson estimates 750 to 800 people came through the door.  The guests, and the money they spent, stand as a testament to Durham’s character.  The effort resulted in a significant donation to NAMI - $9,528.72 from restaurant sales and direct donations made at the restaurant during the day.  Ferguson made up the difference to bring the number up to $10,000 even, but that number does not reflect the thousands more that Ferguson spent to make the event possible.  Those additional dollars reflect the cost of food, staff, sales tax, and more.  Ferguson is simply covering those expenses himself.  “This was the right thing to do, and I’m so glad I could do it,” he added.

 “As an all-volunteer organization of Durham citizens, we of NAMI Durham are excited by the success of the largest single fundraising and outreach event in our history. We thank Dan Ferguson, owner of The Original Q Shack, for his generosity, which will expand our ability to offer programs of education, support, and advocacy addressing issues of mental illness. This event also raised awareness in our community of the importance of early intervention and treatment in preventing mental health crises," said Dorothy Smith of NAMI's Durham office. NAMI had an information table setup in the restaurant and shared information with patrons throughout the day. For many it was their first exposure to the organization.

In preparation for the event on Wednesday morning, as he was arranging tables and chairs in his restaurant’s dining room, Ferguson said he had prepared enough food for 1,000, “But how much do you make when you are essentially giving it all away? I've never had to try and figure that out before,” he said, smiling and looking forward to a busy day.

***

The Original Q Shack (not to be confused with other similarly named businesses with which Ferguson used to be associated) is located at 2510 University Drive in Durham’s Rockwood District.  Opened in 2003, the restaurant is now a landmark for BBQ in North Carolina.  Ferguson, a Texas native, is the sole proprietor, attended the Culinary Institute of America in NY, and is a veteran of some of Durham’s best known restaurants.

With a local office in Durham, NAMI is the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. NAMI advocates for access to services, treatment, supports and research and is steadfast in its commitment to raise awareness and build a community for hope for all of those in need.