Tuesday, January 25, 2011

NHL All-Star Wide Open!


The upcoming NHL All-Star Game and related festivities on January 28-30 will be our chance to showcase two of our favorite things - the Carolina Hurricanes and the City of Raleigh. Let the world know what we already know - this is a great place to live, work, and play.

NHL All-Star Wide Open will feature activities for the whole family. Music, street performers, skating, hot food and drink to take the chill off of January. And of course, the NHL Fan Fair.

So, grab your family and friends, enjoy the fun and show the world our true hospitality and spirit. I hope to see you there. Go Raleigh!!!

Remember to visit http://www.nhlallstarwideopen.com/ for a full list of events for the weekend!
Also, six of the parking decks downtown will have special rates this weekend for all of the events! Fore complete information, click here.

Monday, January 24, 2011

Terminal 2 at RDU


This morning, I was on hand for the ribbon cutting ceremony for Concourse D in Terminal 2 at RDU Airport! The ribbon cutting comes just in time for NHL All-Star weekend!

The new terminal will be home to US Airways, Continental Airlines, and United Airlines. It is expected to boost revenue by $3M a year, which is about 3.5 percent of their annual operating budget.

I was happy to be on hand for the ceremony, and have continued to be impressed with RDU's expansion!

Friday, January 21, 2011

A Busy Few Days...

This has been a great week! I started my day Monday celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the Triangle Interfaith Prayer Breakfast. It was a great event, and a wonderful way to start the week. Later that day, I also attended the YWCA's Day On Celebration. This was another great interfaith gathering centered on continuing to promote equity and justice for everyone. The Day On celebration was also a launch of three Study Circles on community race relations. More information about the study circles is available here, anyone can join!

Tuesday, I started the day with the NC Department of Commerce and Governor Purdue as they welcomed Wang Chao, the Vice Minister of Commerce of China. Minister Chao was in the triangle for the North Carolina China Trade and Investment Seminar. From the Trade and Investment Seminar, I went to Council meetings, with a public hearing in the evening. We continued our discussion of banning smoking in city parks, and heard from residents regarding the Crabtree Quarry's expansion proposal. There were over 400 people in attendance Tuesday night! It is great to see so many citizens engaged and active in their communities. I urge everyone to come to Council meetings anytime you are able!

Although it was a busy start to the week, it was an energizing one! Have a great weekend!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Citizen Leadership Academy

Twice a year, the City of Raleigh offers a Citizens' Leadership Academy. It is a free series of educational courses, designed to teach leadership skills. The Academy is offered by our Community Services Department. The series is taught in three separate modules, each containing four sets of classes.

The classes are held on Thursdays, from 6 to 8pm at the Municipal Building.

The first of the three modules is centered on Leadership Development, and will begin February 3rd and conclude on February 24th. This module integrates personal and group leadership dynamics by focusing on leadership style, facilitation, and group dynamics.

The second of the three modules will focus on Communication Dynamics. These four classes will explore techniques for effectively communicating with both individuals and groups. These classes will begin on March 3rd and conclude on March 24th.

The third, and final, module will teach Asset-Based Community Development. These classes will explore a neighborhood-based organizing plan. The Asset-Based Community Development Module engages the talents and skills of neighborhood residents and groups to improve their quality of life through civic programs and partnerships.

Before each class, a complimentary, light dinner will be served. A certificate of completion will be issued upon completion of each module. If all three modules are completed, a plaque will be given. Class size is limited to 25 people, to encourage lively discussion, interaction, and team building.

You may apply for the program online. For more information, please contact Charlene Willard at 996-6100 or by email, charlene.willard@raleighnc.gov. This is a great opportunity to develop some extraordinary skills, with no cost to you!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Temporary Road Closing

Beginning tomorrow, January 10, a short section of Harps Mill Road will be closed to traffic. The section of Harps Mill at Haymarket Lane in North Ridge will be closed for about a month. Work is being done on the first phase of the City's Harps Mill/Haymarket Lane stormwater drainage improvement project.

This will be a major upgrade for the North Ridge stormwater drainage system. New sanitary sewer lines will be put into place, water and gas lines will be relocated, and the area will be repaved.

There will be detour signs posted directed traffic around the construction. For more information, please contact the City's Stormwater Utility Division at 996-3940.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Council Meeting Today!

Council Meetings today! The meeting agenda is available here.