RDU To Launch Free Wi-Fi This Weekend

Modern travelers are more connected than ever.  Fewer and fewer find themselves truly detached while on the move, and the need to be connected at all times is something that the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority takes seriously.

This Saturday, the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority will launch its new public Wi-Fi program featuring free service for casual users and a premium paid service for power users. Boingo Wireless will manage and operate the tiered Wi-Fi services.

“One of the most frequent requests we receive from passengers is for free Wi-Fi service,” said Teresa Damiano, RDU’s deputy airport director of marketing and customer service. “Through our partnership with Boingo Wireless, we are able to offer a variety of Wi-Fi services that meet the diverse needs of our passengers.”

The no cost option offers a 45-minute connection. After the session times out, passengers can log back in for additional sessions. The complimentary option is designed for casual users who want to check their email or surf the web.

The paid option is a premium service for 24 hour access that, unlike the free option, will not feature ads and will have a higher download speed. Power users are those who need a higher connection in order to connect to corporate VPNs, email large files or stream video.

The cost for the premium connection is $7.95 for 24 hours or $9.95 for Boingo’s monthly plan. Both programs give users access at any airport at which Boingo provides wireless service.

Boingo’s portfolio of managed airport Wi-Fi locations includes more than 60 leading airports worldwide and at shopping malls and stadiums.

Durham has many free and paid wifi locations throughout; see the list online.

Green Beans and Burgers at Durham Farmers' Market

This week, at the Wednesday Market, all through the Pavilion, you could see lovely piles of green beans. Green beans are making a bit of a resurgence on account of the cooler weather. So, get out your favorite green bean recipe because for the next few weeks, local eating will probably include some of these little gems!  Maybe a 3 Bean Salad for Labor Day that includes green beans, butter beans and October beans?

Green Beans at Durham Farmers' Market

Now onto the burgers... Tomorrow, just in time for a Labor Day cookout, Durham Farmers' Market's local burger flippers, Seth and Cece, from Bull City Burger and Brewery, will be the Chefs in the Market. Seth and Cece will be making and sampling polenta burgers made with Brinkley Farms Corn Meal. They will also me making and sampling some burger toppings including, but not limited to a peach chutney. Stop by the blue Chef Tent on the lawn around 10am for tastes and ideas for any Labor Day cooking and grilling that you might have planned!

Fall Farm Tour Season is Just Beginning!

Two weeks from this weekend, there are a couple of Farm Tours to look forward to. On the weekend of September 15th and 16th look for the:

•    Carolina Farm Stewardship Association's Eastern Triangle Farm Tour.  This tour features 24 farms including DFM's own Meadow Lane Farm, SEEDS Educational Garden, Spain Farm and Vollmer Farm!  For more information about the Eastern Triangle Farm tour, check out CFSA's Website.

•    Person County Farm Tour.  For those of you who are new to the area, Person County is Durham's neighbor to the north.  Person County is the home to a bunch of farms that sell at DFM.  The tour will have 16 stops including the following DFM: Farms Flat River Nursery, Bluebird Meadows Farm, Abanitu Farm and Sunset Ridge Buffalo Farm!  For more info visit: Person County Cooperative Extension


Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES: SWEET POTATOES,  Amaranth Greens, Arugula, Beets, Beans (Green, Yellow, Roma, Filet, Longbeans), Bitter gourd, Butterbeans, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Edamame, Essex Kale, Fresh Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley),  Ginger, Green Onions, Garlic, Gourds, Kale, Lambs Quarter, Lettuce, Peppers (Sweet, Hot, Yummy, and Padron), Potatoes, October Beans, Okra (Red and Green), Onions (Red, Yellow, White), Pea Shoots, Purple Hull Peas, Salad Mix, Sweet Potato Greens, Swiss Chard, Summer Squash, Tomatoes - Field Grown & Heirloom!, Tomatillos, Turnips, Winter Squash - Butternut, Acorn, Delicata, Spaghetti and more, Zucchini
FRUITS:  SCUPPERNONG & MUSCADINE GRAPES, APPLES, Figs, Pears, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Peaches, Blueberries, Raspberries,
MEATS AND EGGS: Beef, Bison, Chicken, Cornish Game Hens, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork, Rabbit
Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: Celosia, Gomphrena, Tuberrose, Lisianthus,  Sunflowers, Zinnias,  Black-Eyed Susan, Strawflower, Mixed Bouquets, Vegetable & Herb Seedlings, Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: NEW ITEM: GRAPE JUICE! No sugar added! Raw Honey, Flour, Pecans, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Pasta, Breads, Cookies, Pastries, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Stained Glass Art, Handmade Baskets,  Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Soaps, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Scotty McCreery to Headline National Championship Game

Along with baseball, folks usually mention apple pie, but country music fits right in there with the list of things, too.  Fortunately, for those who love baseball and country music, there is an upcoming event that is tailor-made. Apple pie fans may have to go to one of Durham's fine restaurants to satisfy their craving, however.

The Durham Bulls today announce Scotty McCreery will headline festivities at the 2012 Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game at the DBAP on Tuesday, September 18. The country music superstar will throw out the game’s ceremonial first pitch and perform “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th Inning Stretch.

McCreery, a native of Garner, NC, was crowned the winner of the tenth season of American Idol in 2011. He has since become one of country music’s brightest young stars, selling over a million copies of his debut album Clear as Day.  Now enrolled at North Carolina State University, McCreery is an avid baseball fan, having played on the Garner High School baseball team.

The 2012 Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game is a one-game, winner-take-all showdown between the champions of the International and Pacific Coast Leagues. Durham is the first International League city to host Minor League Baseball’s premier event, which will be nationally televised on NBC Sports Network. 

Tickets for the 2012 Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on September 18th are available online, by phone at 919.956.BULL, or in person at the DBAP ticket office.

Durham is where great things happen.  Learn more about it online.

Durham Farmers' Market Fall Forecast

August is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean that the Durham Farmers' Market is coming to an end! In case you didn't know, the Market is open YEAR ROUND! Wednesday Market stays open through the end of September. 

At this point, the seasons have reached a transition point. Summer crops continue to come in and are available all the way up to the first frost (usually in mid-to-late October). All the while, fall crops are starting to come in as well. In the last couple of weeks, farmers have been bringing in lots of apples and pears, muscadines, winter squash and the first harvest of the fall sweet potato crop. Fall greens have started to trickle in to the Market as well. As the weeks go on, there will be more and more varieties of greens and a growing number of radishes, turnips, beets and carrots! If you are a gardener looking for fall vegetable seedlings, now is the time to come to the Market. Seedlings of broccoli, cauliflower and greens are available and ready for your home garden.

With the excessive heat of the summer is behind us, there are exciting events to look forward to - both at the Market and around Durham.

September and October is also the time for Durham Central Park's (DCP) annual fundraiser "Meals from the Market". Over the next two months, people will host dinners that feature items from the market and all of the proceeds are a fundraiser for DCP.  Durham Central Park operates the Pavilion which is the home of the Market. Over the past decade, the Market has worked very closely with DCP and DCP works hard to continually upgrade and improve the park with gardens, paths, tables, benches and trashcans. This year, Matt and Renee from Wild Scallions Farm are hosting a dinner!  Tickets are now on sale on DCP's website.



September 1st - Chef in the Market with Seth Gross and Cece Lopez from Bull City Burger and Brewery.
September 8th - Reading Hour at the Market!  Join us under the blue tent from 10-11 for reading hour for kids. 
September 22nd - Farm Foodshare Challenge!
September 29th - Chicken Butchery Workshop with Justin and Katie Meddis of Rose's Meat Market and Sweetshop.  Justin and Katie will teach the process of taking a whole chicken and breaking it down into pieces.


Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES: SWEET POTATOES,  Amaranth Greens, Arugula, Beets, Beans (Green, Yellow, Roma, Filet, Longbeans), Bitter gourd, Butterbeans, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Edamame, Essex Kale, Fresh Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley),  Ginger, Green Onions, Garlic, Gourds, Kale, Lambs Quarter, Lettuce, Peppers (Sweet, Hot, Yummy, and Padron), Potatoes, October Beans, Okra (Red and Green), Onions (Red, Yellow, White), Pea Shoots, Purple Hull Peas, Salad Mix, Sweet Potato Greens, Swiss Chard, Summer Squash, Tomatoes - Field Grown & Heirloom!, Tomatillos, Turnips, Winter Squash - Butternut, Acorn, Delicata, Spaghetti and more, Zucchini
FRUITS:  SCUPPERNONG & MUSCADINE GRAPES, APPLES, Figs, Pears, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Peaches, Blueberries, Raspberries,
MEATS AND EGGS: Beef, Bison, Chicken, Cornish Game Hens, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork, Rabbit
Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: Celosia, Gomphrena, Tuberrose, Lisianthus,  Sunflowers, Zinnias,  Black-Eyed Susan, Strawflower, Mixed Bouquets, Vegetable & Herb Seedlings, Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: NEW ITEM: GRAPE JUICE! No sugar added! Raw Honey, Flour, Pecans, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Pasta, Breads, Cookies, Pastries, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Stained Glass Art, Handmade Baskets,  Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Soaps, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Durham Public Schools Shows Great Progress in 2011-12

Durham Public Schools showed an increase in the graduation rate and great progress in overall student achievement according to official testing data released earlier today by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The results of the 2011-12 End-of-Grade and End-of-Course assessments are aligned with the preliminary results released by DPS on June 28.

Superintendent Eric J. Becoats reported that the district made significant strides in its efforts to become a top performing school district. The district’s 4-year graduation rate is now 77%, an increase of 3.1% from 2010-11 (7.2% gain in two years). The 5-year graduation rate is now 79.8%.

Two schools were recognized as Honor Schools of Excellence: City of Medicine Academy and J.D. Clements Early College. Additionally, seven schools were recognized as Schools of Distinction: Easley Elementary, Little River Elementary, Mangum Elementary, Pearsontown Elementary, R.N. Harris Elementary, Rogers-Herr Middle and Durham School of the Arts. DPS has NO low performing schools.

The district End of Course composite (Algebra I, English I, and Biology) increased 6.7%.  For grades 3-8, district-wide Math proficiency increased 4%; Reading proficiency 2.7%; and Science 7.3%.

“We are definitely pleased with the results and want to thank our students, parents, teachers and volunteers for their hard work. It is clearly paying dividends,” said Superintendent Becoats. “My expectations and my energies will remain focused on continued growth and higher levels of proficiency. Our strategic plan is providing the foundation to increase academic achievement.”

Highlights of the report include:

• 24 schools made gains of 5 or more percentage points in proficiency.
• 4 schools made gains of 10 or more percentage points in proficiency:
•  Holt Elementary
•  Y.E. Smith Elementary
• George Watts Elementary
• Hillside High

• 45 schools made positive gains in their proficiency composites. This is up from 26 the previous year.
• 100% of middle schools met “expected growth” or “high growth”.
• 9 schools achieved a composite of 80% or higher.
• 5 schools achieved graduation rates of 90% or higher:
• City of Medicine Academy:         100%
• J.D. Clement Early College:         98.81%
• Hillside New Tech High:             96.43%
• Durham School of the Arts:        94.08%
• Southern School of Engineering:        93.75%

Visit the ABCs Accountability Model website for more information.

The Cookery to Host A Culinary Spectacle for all Ages

Regardless of whether you are a fan of food in general, certain chefs, or the food truck movement that is directing a lot of attention toward Durham, there is something going on there to satisfy every taste.  In a few weeks, yet another bright spot will emerge on the landscape in the place where great things happen.

Triangle residents can eat sausages made by WUNC’s The State of Things host, Frank Stasio, sample vegan sausages prepared by Rue Cler’s award winning chef, Aaron Benjamin, or consume any variety of fare from The Cookery’s popular food truck members, all in the name of charity on Saturday, September 15th from noon to 3:00 pm. The celebration of culinary talent will take place in the Front Room, a new event space in The Cookery on West Chapel Hill Street, benefiting the Durham Crisis Response Center’s emergency shelter which provides a safe environment for women and children fleeing violent and dangerous situations.

“We are thrilled that the culinary community of the Triangle area has rallied to show their support for this fundraiser,” said Rochelle Johnson, who co-owns The Cookery with her husband, Nick Hawthorne-Johnson. “The funds raised through our food sales during the event will go directly toward the kitchen remodel at the shelter, which will improve the lives of countless families on a daily basis.”

Food truck favorites at the benefit will include Chirba Chirba Dumpling, Monuts Donuts, The Parlour, Pie Pushers, Sympathy for the Deli, and Triangle Raw Foods.  Each of them are members of The Cookery, where they take advantage of the innovative concept of sharing a state-of-the-art kitchen for chefs to prepare and share their creations with the public. In addition, many celebrated chefs in the foodie-centric Triangle have committed to participating in the event, as well as special musical guest Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes. To add to the afternoon, a free wine tasting will be hosted by The Clever Vine, and beer tastings will be led by local brewers Bull City Burger and Brewery, Fullsteam, Lonerider Brewing Company, and Triangle Brewing Company.

“We are so excited to expand upon this building’s food-focused history,” said Johnson.  What once was the Durham Food Co-op building has transformed into an elegant event space featuring exposed brick walls, distinctive metalwork salvaged from historic Durham landmarks, and a ceiling stretching 20 feet high. 

The fundraiser will serve as the unveiling of The Cookery’s Front Room, which will serve as a space for The Cookery to host a series of pop-up restaurants, specialty food events, Culinary Workshops, and wine and beer dinners, as well as private dinners and receptions.  The space accommodates up to 200 people, and includes a mezzanine and outdoor patio, a full bar with local NC beers on tap and audio/visual equipment.  In addition, the Front Room’s access to The Cookery’s kitchen facility will equip chefs and caterers with a commercial kitchen and bakery facility to expand upon their culinary repertoire to design unprecedented events.

Learn more about all of Durham's great food options online.

The City of Champions to Welcome Olympic Medalists at DBAP

As a city renowned for its athletic prowess, Durham has much to celebrate in the wake of the 2012 London Olympics. Two Duke student-athletes, Abby Johnston and Nick McCrory, secured berths on the U.S. Diving Team. Both dominated in synchronized diving and returned to the City of Champions as champions. 

In honor of their achievements, Olympic medalists Abby Johnston and Nick McCrory will throw out ceremonial first pitches prior to Thursday’s Durham Bulls game against the Norfolk Tides. The duo will also sign autographs for fans on the concourse during the game.

Abby Johnston, 22, captured a silver medal in London in the women’s synchronized 3-meter springboard diving competition along with partner Kelci Bryant. Their medal was the United States’ first diving medal since 2000.

Chapel Hill native Nick McCrory, 20, brought home the bronze in the men’s synchronized 10-meter platform diving final along with his partner David Boudia. The junior collected the Duke diving program’s first national title on the platform at the 2010 NCAA Championships.

Meet the newest champions to make Durham great on Thursday, August 23rd. The game begins at  7:05pm and ceremonial first pitches are scheduled for approximately 6:45pm. Tickets for all Bulls regular season home games and the 2012 Gildan Triple-A National Championship Game are available online, by phone at 919.956.BULL, or in person at the DBAP ticket office.

Durham is where great sports happen.  Learn more about it online.

Happy National Farmers' Market Week

Happy National Farmers' Market Week! Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack has once again proclaimed the first full week of August to be National Farmers' Market Week!  This week, the Farmers' Market Coalition, a national organization that supports and advocates for farmers' markets, has given a theme to everyday of Farmers' Market week. Farmers' Markets are good for the community, for the environment and for farmers. Here are a the some highlights...

• Community Education - Through innovative partnerships and programs, farmers' markets act as a hubs of information.
• Public Health - Farmers' markets promote good nutrition and healthy habits.
• Economic Engines - Farmers' markets are small business incubators, create jobs, and encourage local spending.
• Putting the Farmer First - In a world where farmers get 15 cents for every food dollar spent, farmers markets are a place where farmers can make a fair wage for their work.
• Food Equity - Farmers' markets help to improve access to healthy foods to under served populations.
• Civic Engagement and Volunteerism - Farmers' market strengthen the social fabric of a community by fostering relationships, partnerships, and volunteerism.
• Rural Renewal - Farmers' markets support agricultural diversity, farm viability, and inspire a new generation of farmers.

To read more about these topics, go to the Farmers' Market Coalition website!

So during Farmers' Market week, take a minute to thank your farmers and buy some of their products to help them to be able to continue farming. And if you have a second, don't forget to vote for your favorite farmers' market in the American Farmland Trust's annual America's Favorite Farmers' Market contest. At present, the Durham Farmers' Market is #19 in the large market category.  Thanks for all your votes!! 

VOTE HERE

TOMORROW AT MARKET
Bring your kids and join us for the first "Reading Hour at the Market"!   This is a new program where Market volunteers and farmers read farm related children's books to young and school age children. Once a month, there will be a selection of stories that will focus on a specific farm and food related topic, as well as pictures to color and a chance for children to ask questions. It's a great opportunity for your kids to learn more about where food comes from in a fun setting!

Reading Hour at the Market will be held this Saturday, from 10 to 11, on the Market's Central Lawn on the blankets under the blue tent. This week, we'll be reading The Chicken or the Egg. Stop by to learn which came first!
** If it is raining, or the lawn is too muddy, we'll postpone until next week**

If you have any questions about Reading Hour at the Market or are interested in volunteering with the program, please email info@durhamfarmersmarket.com.


Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES: FRESH GINGER, BITTER GOURD, Amaranth Greens, Arugula, Beets, Beans (Green, Yellow, Roma, Filet, Longbeans), Butterbeans, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Edamame, Field Peas, Fresh Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley),  Green Onions, Garlic, Gourds, Kale, Lambs Quarter, Lettuce, Peppers (Sweet, Hot, Yummy, and Padron), Potatoes, Okra (Red and Green), Onions (Red, Yellow, White), Pea Shoots, Purple Hull Peas, Salad Mix, Sweet Potatoes, Sweet Potato Greens, Swiss Chard, Summer Squash, Tomatoes - Field Grown & Heirloom! Tomatillos, Turnips, Winter Squash - Butternut, Acorn, Delicata, Spaghetti and more, Zucchini
FRUITS:  FIGS, Apples, Pears, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Peaches, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Ground Cherries
MEATS AND EGGS: Beef, Bison, Chicken, Cornish Game Hens, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork,
Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: Celosia, Gomphrena, Tuberrose, Lilies, Lisianthus,  Sunflowers, Zinnias,  Black-Eyed Susan, Strawflower, Mixed Bouquets, Vegetable & Herb Seedlings, Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: Raw Honey, Flour, Pecans, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Pasta, Breads, Cookies, Pastries, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Stained Glass Art, Handmade Baskets,  Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Soaps, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

What's New at Durham Farmers' Market?

This week, the Durham Farmers' Market will see the first of the "fall" (late summer) asparagus crop.  Almost every year, there's a small quantity of fall asparagus. This second crop takes some extra work on the part of the farmers. They usually set aside an area of their asparagus field to encourage a second fall harvest. If they encouraged a fall harvest on their entire crop, spring yields could be diminished. During the summer months - after the spring asparagus harvest - farmers must do some extra cutting and pruning, as well as mulching. Fall asparagus also depends on the amount of rainfall over the course of a summer. In extremely dry summers - like last summer - there is no fall asparagus. Quantities of fall asparagus are often small, so if you are looking for it, its probably best to arrive early!

Last week, there was another interesting crop among the lovely mounds of melons and 'maters there was a small leafy pile of sweet potato greens. At this time of the summer, there aren't many green leafy things around the Market and so they really stood out while walking through the Market. Sweet Potato Greens are just that - leaves from the sweet potato plant. Sweet Potato Greens are often used in African and Filipino dishes. They are also very rich in nutrients - Vitamins A, K and C as well as folate or folic acid. Research also shows that they are a good source of polyphenols and anti-oxidants, both of which have cancer fighting qualities.

Fresh this Week....
VEGETABLES: WINTER SQUASH - Butternut, Acorn, Delicata, Curry Squash, and more!, SWEET POTATO GREENS, AMARANTH GREENS, Arugula, Beets, Beans (Green, Yellow, Roma, Filet, Longbeans), Butterbeans, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn, Collards, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Edamame, Field Peas, Fresh Herbs (Basil, Cilantro, Dill, Mint, Rosemary, Oregano, Thyme, Parsley),  Green Onions, Garlic, Gourds, Kale, Lambs Quarter, Lettuce, Peppers (Sweet, Hot, Yummy, and Padron), Potatoes, Okra (Red and Green), Onions (Red, Yellow, White), Pea Shoots, Purple Hull Peas, Salad Mix, Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Summer Squash, Tomatoes - Field Grown & Heirloom! Tomatillos, Turnips, Zucchini
FRUITS:  FIGS, Apples, Pears, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Peaches, Blackberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Ground Cherries
MEATS AND EGGS: Beef, Bison, Chicken, Cornish Game Hens, Duck, Goat/Chevon/Cabrito, Lamb, Pork,
Duck Eggs & Chicken Eggs
CHEESES: Fresh and aged cow and goats milk cheeses.
FLOWERS & PLANTS: Celosia, Gomphrena, Tuberrose, Lilies, Lisianthus, Gladiolus, Sunflowers, Zinnias,  Black-Eyed Susan, Strawflower, Mixed Bouquets, Vegetable & Herb Seedlings, Landscaping Plants, House Plants
SPECIALTY ITEMS: Raw Honey, Flour, Pecans, Cornmeal, Grits, Baked Goods including Pies, Pasta, Breads, Cookies, Pastries, Beer, Wine, Jams, Jellies, Pickles, Preserves, Wool
CRAFTS: Pottery, Jewelry, Stained Glass Art, Handmade Baskets,  Woodwork, Photographs, Hand-dyed Clothing and other items, Handmade Clothing, Soaps, Yarn, Roving, and much more...

Downtown Durham Inc Launches New Ambassador Team for Downtown

Part of Downtown Durham's charm are its old buildings, some winding streets, and most of all, the great people always willing to help. Now, that help is getting a formal boost from some folks charged with providing extra assistance to those moving around Downtown Durham, as well as ensuring that the area always looks its best.

Downtown Durham Inc (DDI), in partnership with the City of Durham, Durham County and downtown stakeholders from the private sector, is excited to launch the new Downtown Improvement District Clean & Safe Ambassador Team. This team will bring a new level of cleanliness, safety and hospitality to the streets of Downtown Durham, thus helping Downtown Durham to continue competing with the 1,000+ other cities around the country that already have enhanced downtown improvement services.

“We are excited about this new phase in Downtown Durham’s revitalization effort,” says Downtown Durham Inc President Bill Kalkhof. “Just like the DBAP, American Tobacco and DPAC were transformational projects for downtown, this new Clean & Safe Ambassador Team will help take our community to the next level of downtown revitalization, allowing us to continue to successfully compete with cities across the country.”

In partnership with Service Group Inc (SGI), a national leader in providing Improvement District Clean and Safe Services, and the City of Durham’s Economic and Workforce Development Department, DDI has put together a knowledgeable and personable team of Clean and Safe Ambassadors. In total, we will have 10 team members to begin the program; the Clean & Safe Program Manager, 6 permanent full/part time Ambassadors and 3 additional temporary ambassadors from City of Durham workforce programs. Nine of the new Ambassadors are Durham residents that were recruited directly from the City of Durham’s Joblink Career Center System, which assists businesses with recruitment efforts and job seekers with employment opportunities. Notably, the full time Ambassadors will be earning Durham’s Living Wage, and are eligible for full benefits after 3 months of employment.

The first hire of the team, Elizabeth “Liz” Wilson, will serve as the Clean & Safe Program Manager. Liz has been with SGI for 3 years, beginning as a pan and broom ambassador, then serving as a Supervisor for Downtown Jacksonville, FL, and most recently helping to launch the Hillsborough Street improvement district in Raleigh. She will bring the experience and knowledge to successfully launch and guide the new team. Liz was a 1999 graduate with Honors, from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, KY, where she obtained a BA in Psychology and Women’s Studies. Her interest includes a wide variety of human and gender rights issues, solutions to Homelessness, and the barriers for mentally ill persons.

Under the management of Ms. Wilson, the Ambassador team will be cleaning and maintaining public
spaces, welcoming and assisting visitors, connecting those in need to social services, promoting
downtown amenities and business, assisting with special events, power washing sidewalks, weed & graffiti removal and much more. Our new Ambassador Team will be on the streets six days a week (Mon-Sat), with rotating shifts & zones and coverage on most days from 7am-10pm. In addition, the Ambassadors will also assist with for specials events and projects. (please see attached handout for a detailed list of services provided by the Ambassador team).

For stakeholders and visitors, we have established a new phone line and web address to report any
issues in downtown that need to be addressed, which are listed below.

Ambassador Hotline: 919-682-BULL (919-682-2855)
Service Request: Website

Calls to the Ambassador Hotline will be forwarded directly to an on-duty ambassador during regular
team hours and service requests will be entered into the system. Users can also go to the website and
enter the service request themselves and track the entire process, from the reporting of the issue
through the time when the issue is resolved.

Learn more about Durham online, and stay updated on all the upcoming events happening here with the Durham Event Calendar.

The Bull Durham Blues Festival Returns to the Place Where it all got started

The Bull Durham Blues Festival is coming up soon, and local blogger Carl Kenney II shares his appreciation of this landmark festival.  For both those who have and have not attended, this piece offers a clear window on what the experience is like for one fan. 

"The Bull Durham Blues Festival returns to the place where it all got started" 

REV-Elution

Carl Kenney II

She’s Putting Something in My Food, is my favorite Bobby Blue Bland song. I used to rush to my car before 5:00 p.m. to hear Cy Young play it every Friday on WQOK.  I love the sound of Bland gurgling like poison has been placed in his food.

News of Bland coming to this year’s Bull Durham Blues Festival was enough to make me shout.  Bland and BB King are, in my opinion, the co-Kings of blues.  If you want to feel like your heart has been pulled out and stomped on by a woman who did you wrong, Bland is the man. Hand me some tissue.

This year’s festival is certain to rekindle memories of the old days before the event lost its home at the Durham Athletic Park.  It was the place to be in September.  Over the years, I have written about how the festival is a showcase of what makes Durham like no other place.  It’s a gathering of a diverse blend of folks.  You’re certain to run into the who’s who of Durham, and the simple Jane and Joe who came out to listen to some good music and dance.

The festival lost its appeal over the past few years due to being unable to find a venue that offered what the old ball park brings.  I loved the ball park because of how it reminded me of the movie that introduced me to Durham – Bull Durham.  There was something special about the old tobacco houses surrounding the park, and the bleachers that made you think about baseball, apple pie and the blues.

Although few sit in those bleachers, it was enough knowing they are there to remind you that we are in the Bull City.  Dang, it felt good walking on the grass, picking up some crawfish and something to soak it down while moving my hips to something that made me laugh and cry all at the same time.

 I’ll never forget listening to Clarence Carter while thinking, “whew, I gotta preach in the morning.”  I couldn’t stop moving when Trombone Shorty went back and forth between his trombone and trumpet. I did the Wang Dang Doodle with Co Co Taylor all night long, and thought of afros, bell bottom pants and platform shoes when Isaac Hayes talked about Shaft being a bad mother, shut your mouth.

Yes, the best of the Bull Durham Blues Festival has been at that ball park where the movie was made.  That site was lost when the city decided to remodel the park and enter into a contract with minor league baseball.  Since then it has been moved to the Durham Bulls Stadium where the new team plays, the Durham Performing Arts Center where people were glued to seats, and last year near central park.

Now it’s back home.  Just in time for the 25th anniversary.  The entire city should pack the place to say welcome home.  It takes place on Friday, September 7th and Saturday, September 8th.

Having the growling Blue Bland is enough for me, but this year’s lineup is way over the top.  On Friday, Marcia Ball will perform.  Ball received her 5th GRAMMY nomination in 2012 as blues artist of the year.  Also on Friday is Luck Peterson, who had an R&B hit at the age of six for his song 1-2-3-4.

On stage with Bland on Saturday is Otis Clay.  There’s Kansas City Blues, Memphis Blues, Mississippi Delta Blues and then there’s Otis Clay, the King of Chicago soul and blues.  What more can Durham ask for as a way to celebrate the return of the festival to the place where it all got started.

Hold my crawfish.  I’ll see you at the park on September 7-8.

Don’t be confused if you see me dance.

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Purchase Tickets
By phone: (919) 683-1709, ext 21

In person: Hayti Heritage Center, 804 Old Fayetteville Street, from 10am – 5pm on Tuesday – Friday and 10am – 3pm on Saturday

Advance tickets, $35

Day of event tickets, $45

For more information go to Hayti Heritage Foundation's website.