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May 21
Wake Encourages Caution Around Wildlife

Following an increase in reports of possible rabies exposure and confirmed cases of rabies in the community, Wake County health officials want to remind residents to use caution around wildlife.

On Friday, May 17, 2013, Wake County received an animal bite report from WakeMed Health and Hospitals regarding a fox on the Cary Greenway, close to the entrance of the Carousel Park subdivision. The fox was not captured.

"While we cannot confirm rabies in this case, we want residents to exercise caution when they are outside," said Wake County Community Health Director Sue Lynn Ledford. "Do not approach an animal that you do not know."

Anyone who sees an animal acting in an unusual manner is urged to call the appropriate animal control center for their jurisdiction, as follows:

  • In Wake County (except Cary, Garner, Holly Springs and Raleigh), call 919-212-PETS (7387).
  • In Cary, call 919-319-4517.
  • In Garner, call 919-772-8896.
  • In Holly Springs, call 919-557-9111.
  • In Raleigh, call 919-831-6311.

Rabies is a preventable viral disease that can affect both animals and humans. Wake County will hold its next rabies vaccination and microchip clinics on Saturday, June 1, 2013, at Bond Park, 801 High House Road, Cary, and at Southern Regional Center, 130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina. Details can be found on the Wake County Animal Center website. During these clinics rabies vaccines will be available for $5 and microchips will be available for $10.

View more information about rabies here

May 20
County Manager Presents 2014 Recommended Budget

​Wake County Manager David Cooke presented the County’s fiscal year (FY) 2014 recommended budget to the Board of Commissioners during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, May 20, 2013.

The $982,800,000 budget holds the property tax rate at 53.4 cents for the fifth year in a row, and focuses on priorities and addressing the greatest needs. The resources continue to be allocated to the highest priority areas: public safety, education, and human services and public health. The recommended budget also funds development related services, which have shown recent growth, such as the Register of Deeds, building inspections and the Revenue Department where seven positions are added to accommodate demand for services.
 
"Real estate development is showing signs of recovery in new residential building permits with an increase of 60 percent over the same time period from a year ago," said Cooke. "The tax base is also projected to grow at a steady and modest rate of 2.67 percent, more than twice last year's growth rate."
 
With these improved trends and resulting revenue growth, the County used the same principles to allocate resources that have been used for the last several years:
  • Focus on core services and priorities;
  • Realign existing resources to meet priority needs, without raising the property tax rate; and
  • Maintain the long-term focus.
"As the economic recovery occurs, we find ourselves also in the position of identifying priority service areas that need attention," said Cooke. "We've identified areas where we recommend adding resources to respond to service demands, while not expanding the role of county government."
 
The total Wake County budget will increase by $44.3 million, or about 4.7 percent, in FY 2014 compared to the previous fiscal year, recommended to be allocated as follows:
  • Education: $9.2 million
  • Public Safety: $9.1 million
  • Human Services and Public Health: $4.8 million
  • Debt and Capital: $17.4 million
  • Other County Activities: $8.1 million
The Board of Commissioners took no formal action on the budget Monday, other than to accept it for review. View a copy of the budget here.
 
The budget process will include public hearings and a Board of Commissioners work session prior to the Board's adoption of the budget. The schedule is as follows:
Public Hearings
Work Session
Board Consideration and Formal Action
 
 
The public is also invited to give feedback regarding Wake County’s budget by calling 919-856-5433, emailing budget@wakegov.com or attending and speaking at one of the aforementioned public hearings.
May 16
Wake to Recognize National EMS Week

​Wake County’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System will celebrate the 94 survivors of cardiac arrest in 2012 with two special events during National EMS Week, Sunday, May 19, 2013, through Saturday, May 25, 2013. No other community in the U.S. benefits from a higher cardiac arrest survival rate.

Wednesday, May 22, 7 p.m.
Code: Celebrate! 2013 Cardiac Arrest Save Ceremony
The annual celebration, held at the Meymandi Concert Hall, 2 E. South St., Raleigh, will recognize cardiac arrest survivors and responders. Wake EMS Paramedic Brian Woodard and local music group the Hall Sisters will perform. Rex Wellness Center will perform their heart healthy exercise demonstration using exercise balls as drums.
May 09
Wake Invites Participation in Health Assessment Forums
Wake County residents are invited to participate in one of the five Community Health Assessment (CHA) Forums. The forums will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, 2013, at locations throughout the county. Participants will have the opportunity to help identify priority health issues affecting the county-wide community. Registration is required.
 
The five locations are:
WakeMed Health and Hospital Systems Andrews Center*
3000 New Bern Ave., Raleigh
*Spanish language and American Sign Language interpretation services are available at this location only.
 
Wake County Eastern Regional Center
1002 Dogwood, Drive, Zebulon
 
 
New Bethel Baptist Church
605 E. Young St., Rolesville
 
Wake County Southern Regional Center
130 N. Judd Parkway NE, Fuquay-Varina
Register here or call 919-250-4558.
 
"Our goal is to remain the healthiest county in North Carolina," said Wake Human Services Director Ramon Rojano. "This forum is vital to understanding the health needs in our community and reaching this goal."
 
Every three to four years, Wake County, hospitals and community not-for-profit organizations come together to complete the federally required CHA through surveys, focus groups and existing statistics. The findings for the most recent data will be discussed at the CHA forums. The partners will use the results of the forum to determine how to use available resources to address the health needs.
 
Partners for the Wake County CHA include WakeMed Health and Hospitals, United Way of the Greater Triangle, Rex/UNC Health Care, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Wake Health Services and a steering committee of more than 50 other partners.​
May 08
Scholarships Available to Conservation Camp

​Rising sophomores, juniors and seniors at Wake County high schools are invited to apply for a full scholarship to attend the 2013 Resource Conservation Workshop, Sunday, June 23, 2013, to Friday, June 28, 2013, at North Carolina State University. Scholarships are provided by the Wake Soil and Water Conservation District (WSWCD) Board of Supervisors. Space is limited and highly competitive.

The intensive week-long conservation camp introduces young adults to natural resources management with conservation professionals in various fields such as:
  • Soil and Water Conservation
  • Forestry
  • Water Quality
  • Wildlife
"Students tell us that the Resource Conservation Workshop was the highlight of their summer," said Dale Threatt-Taylor, WSWCD Director, "and many go on to pursue careers in an environmental field. That's why we want to provide this wonderful learning opportunity to as many young people as we possibly can every year."
 
The application is available on the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services website. Completed applications are due on Friday, May 24, 2013, at the WSWCD, 4001 Carya Drive, Suite D, Raleigh.
 
May 07
Grow Business and Network with the Chambers of Commerce

​Wake County Libraries invites the public to learn how to partner with the local Chambers of Commerce with regard to events, resources, and Chamber services. Representatives from area Chambers will lead a discussion to educate and offer advice about how to grow business using Chamber support. Sessions are free, but registration is required.

Thursday, May 23, 7 p.m.
Cameron Village Regional Library, 919-856-6710
Featuring the Greater Raleigh Chamber

Wednesday, May 29, 7 p.m.
Eva Perry Regional Library, 919-387-2100
Featuring the Apex Chamber

Thursday, May 30, 6:30 p.m.
Southeast Regional Library, 919-662-2250
Featuring the Garner Chamber 

May 06
Nearly Half a Million Books at Annual Book Sale
More than 400,000 books will be for sale at reasonable prices at Wake’s Annual Book Sale and Festival of Reading on Thursday, May 9, 2013, through Sunday, May 12, 2013, in the Jim Graham Building at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh.
 
Saturday, May 11, 2013, will feature activities with entertainment, crafts and community partners on hand to make the day festive and exciting for children. Children are invited to make a Mother’s Day card at the craft table as a part of the festival.
 
"Many children attend the sale every year, so we are excited to provide activities on Saturday," said Wake County Library Director Mike Wasilick. "Also, we hope the book sale and festival will encourage families to participate in our summer programs."
 
The sale will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Prices for the books are:
Day of the Sale*​ Price for Hardbound Books ​
Prices for Paperback Books
and Children’s Books​
Thursday, May 9​ $5 each ​ $1 each ​
Friday, May 10​ $4 each ​ $1 each
Saturday, May 11​ $2 each  ​ $1 each ​
 
*On Sunday, May 12, people can purchase boxes of books for $5 and bags of books for $2.
 
Proceeds from the book sale are used to buy new books for County libraries. The books remaining at the end of the sale are purchased by a vendor. No books will return to storage or be discarded.
 
Boxes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted. The Graham Building is west of Dorton Arena, near the Hillsborough Street entrance. Parking is free.
 

May 01
Wake EMS System to Demonstrate First Aid

Wake County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) System, in collaboration with Wake County Public Libraries, will offer information and demonstrations for first aid when dealing with minor medical emergencies in the home. EMS staff will also offer suggestions about what to expect when calling 911 for more serious emergencies.

Friday, May 24, 3:30 p.m.
This free program is a part of the ongoing parenting series being offered by Wake Libraries. Registration is required. View more information.
May 01
Improve Workplace and Communications Skills at Wake Libraries

Wake County Libraries encourages people to update skills used in the workplace in a series of workshops being held at the regional libraries. Practice typing techniques, write resumes using templates and apply for jobs online. Led by experienced librarians, the sessions are free, but registration is required.

Tuesday, May 21, 3 p.m.
West Regional Library, 919-463-8500

Wednesday, May 22, 11 a.m.
Southeast Regional Library, 919-662-2250

Tuesday, May 28, 11 a.m.
North Regional Library  919-870-4000

Additionally, Wake County Libraries will host workplace communications workshops with Wake Technical Community College. The workshop will help participants analyze and improve communication styles. The programs are free, but registration is required.
Monday, May 20, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21, 7 p.m.
 
Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m.
East Regional Library, 919-217-5300
May 01
Choosing a Retirement Plan, Gardening Solutions and Mystery Authors Tour at Wake Libraries in May

May is a busy month at Wake County Regional Libraries. The following events will occur in multiple locations, dates and times. Find event details using the library calendar search. All programs are free, but registration is required.

Money Smart: Choosing a Retirement Plan
Representatives with New York Life Insurance Company will demonstrate how life insurance, wills and estates, annuities, 401Ks, IRAs and CDs lead to a healthy retirement. An attorney will also be present to answer your legal questions. Multiple locations and dates.
 
Craft it: Fun Felt Pins
People ages 16 and up are invited to create felt flower pins. All materials will be provided. Multiple locations and dates.
 
Gardening Solutions
Drop-in for a five minute session to learn one-on-one from a librarian how to use the library's new Hobbies and Crafts database to find gardening information. Multiple locations and dates.
 
Unusual Suspects Mystery Author Tour
Mystery maven and local blogger Molly Weston will facilitate the panel discussion and audience Q & A. with mystery authors from The Unusual Suspects tour including Lucy Burdette, Hallie Ephron and Jennifer McMahon.
 
Planning for College from A to Z
Join these regional libraries for a series of workshops to get assistance with planning for college. Design and follow a personal roadmap through the process which includes self-assessment, applications and admissions and college financial aid.
 
Raleigh Little Theatre Open Rehearsal: Once On This Island
Raleigh Little Theatre will hold open rehearsals of the upcoming production Once on This Island at three regional libraries. Staff members from RLT will show a documentary and lead a discussion about Katherine Dunham, who inspired the choreography for the play.  View details.
 
Caribbean Instrument Petting Zoo
Member of the Raleigh/Durham Afro-Caribbean Association will demonstrate and display musical instruments from the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad, Tobago, Haiti and Nigeria as a complementary program to the Once on this Island collaboration with Raleigh Little Theatre. View details.
 
 
 
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