Raleigh

Community-focused posts

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Highlights of 2009: Public service

It makes me laugh when I think of my coworkers seeing me rush to take a call during the day. They have no clue that I’m often talking with city councilors, police officials, company bigwigs, or reporters. That was the case in 2009: another banner year for me for public service. I did things this year that I’d never done before and those challenges paid handsome dividends.

I began to really come into my own as chair of the East Citizens Advisory Council (East CAC). The presentations were interesting, the fedback was glowing, and people began to take notice. Several of my initiatives resulted in the largest attendance ever at the CAC. I created CAC business cards, started a CAC blog, ordered signs for putting out days before our meetings, and even dabbled in streaming video of the meetings on the Internet. I even held a “history night.” I believe these were all firsts for a CAC.

The chairpersons of other CACs began to take notes on what I was doing. It’s becoming a leader of leaders. And it seems now our area earns more respect from city leaders. Plans are being drawn up right now to completely revitalize East Raleigh’s major thoroughfares. It’s an exciting time to be in East Raleigh.
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Highlights of 2009: GPS talks at Conn Elementary

One of the most unexpected joys I had during 2009 was my series of GPS talks for fifth graders at Conn Elementary. It was October 2008 when I stumbled into this unusual speaking gig but January 2009 was when I finally tried it. Soon the accolades poured in and I felt like a star.

It’s hard to stay away from the spotlight once you’ve had a taste of fame, so I signed up for repeat performances again, again, and again. Each time my presentation seems to improve and the kids seem more engaged. I’ve also used my connections to find neighborhood speakers for other topics, too.

The GPS talks have allowed me to see what teaching is like, if only for an hour every other month. I’ve found that it suits me. There is nothing like seeing a kid light up when learning is taking place and he or she discovers the answer. It’s addictive, and just one of the many ways I choose to give back to the community.

NCDOT cleans up

I was concerned last Monday when I drove past a huge pile of garbage scattered near the Davis Drive exit of NC 540. Multiple bags of trash were now all over the road and shoulder. It was a real mess.

Fortunately I have the number for the Wake County division of the North Carolina Department of Transportation and brought it to their attention. By the next afternoon there were a dozen bright orange garbage bags where the scattered trash had been. Not only that, but other parts of NC 540 were cleaned as well.

Kudos to the NCDOT for its prompt response!

Bookstore envy

Yesterday I had the opportunity to pop into Quail Ridge Books and Music in the Ridgewood Shopping Center. I was only there for 10 minutes. It was enough time to browse the magazine rack and enough time to develop a strong desire for such a business to open near our home in East Raleigh. While we have a Borders two miles away at Six Forks and Wake Forest Road, there’s nothing like an independent bookstore.

It’s sad to say that I’ll probably never see it happen.

This makes me sad

Kevin_Lindsey_Jr

Saw that a 21-year old kid got charged with armed robbery today. Kevin Lightsey, Jr. was charged with kidnapping and armed robbery.

I always like to see where suspects live, so I punched up Lightsey’s address in Google Maps: 4828 Forest Highland Drive. He lives not in the ‘hood, but in Hedingham: a fancy golf course community. Nice house, too.

Just for fun I looked up Lightsey’s voting record. He registered last year and voted for the only time in the last presidential election.

So how does a kid living in a good neighborhood and who was a one time enough of a citizen to vote turn into an armed robber? He had no prior record. He had better opportunities available to him. What led him to be accused of a serious crime?

My NBC 17 interview

Due to my role as the chair of the East CAC, I was interviewed today by NBC 17 regarding WakeMed and a nearby club, Black Tie. You can view the interview on NBC 17’s website.

Longtime MT.Net readers know what a huge fan I am of WakeMed. Our daughter spent seven weeks there as a preemie and is thriving in every way thanks to the incredible care she got from WakeMed. Even so, I have to admit I don’t think I’ve heard one complaint from residents about Black Tie over the past year. I’m hoping both parties can agree to work together to help strengthen our community.

Here’s a typical day for me

I thought it’d be fun to document the kind of day I’ve had, so here goes:

5:45 AM wake up (usually 5:15 but “sleep in” because I showered the night before)
6:05 AM take dog for walk around neighborhood
6:15 AM spot car at dog park before park opens. consider dialing 911 but let it go this time.
6:25 AM return home
6:30 AM read and send emails
6:40 AM read N&O
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Former Garner mayor Don Rohrbaugh dies

Former Garner mayor Don Rohrbaugh died yesterday after a long bout with leukemia. He was 80.

Don was our neighbor for the five years we lived in Garner. He was kind enough to welcome us to the town the very day we moved in. He also talked me into serving on a town committee, so in a way he got me started with municipal politics.

More than that, though, he was just a genuinely nice guy. Condolences to his family.

Here’s his obituary from the Bryan-Lee Funeral Home:
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