DCo Life Magazine - Vol. 1 No. 1

LIFE

LEARN ABOUT BRIGGS AVENUE COMMUNITY GARDEN - DURHAM’S URBAN OASIS

GET ALL THE INSIDE INFORMATION IN YOUR NEW DURHAM COUNTY EMPLOYEE MAGAZINE!

CHECK OUT “WHO’S WHO AT DCo” WITH EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS

LETTER FROM THE MANAGER Welcome to DCo Life: The New Employee Magazine I am excited to introduce this new publication, DCo Life, which is dedicated to showcasing the amazing employees who make Durham County the crown jewel of County governments.

As you may have noticed, I am intentional about engaging with employees and one reason for that is to learn more about “the person” who works in a DCo position versus only knowing about “the work” that an employee does.

As someone who leads with compassion, it is extremely important for me to express care and support for employees. I believe that learning about people grants me insight into how I can best demonstrate that care and support – beyond their work responsibilities. Additionally, knowing more about employees helps me to gain insights into the things that are important to employees outside of their work duties; consequently, I am able to interact with employees more holistically. In my opinion, this helps to create a sense of belonging and creates a work culture that people can be proud of.

The creation of this publication was not a quick venture. It is a result of much discussion, visioning, and planning. I want to thank the Public Information staff for your hard work in bringing this publication to fruition. This has truly been a labor of collaboration and dedication and I am extremely grateful for your commitment to making this happen. I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the employees who granted us access into your personal lives. The value of this publication is attributed to you, and I thank you for your contributions to this inaugural edition.

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I encourage all of us in Durham County to take time to read the stories shared by our exceptional employees. This is an expanded opportunity for us to get to know each other a little better and I believe this will bolster the collaborative spirit necessary for a thriving work culture.

It is my hope that this DCo Life employee magazine will inspire us to view our colleagues through a lens of compassion and inspire a sense of pride for the organization we work for and those we work alongside of.

Here’s to a thriving work culture!

County Manager

TABLE OF CONTENTS 02 04 08 09 10 14 18 19 20 23 24 27 LETTER FROM DR. SOWELL BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR STORIES

FAMILY FRIENDLY WORKPLACE POLICIES

STAYING ACTIVE AND ENERGIZED THIS FALL AND WINTER A PATH LESS TRAVELED

MY BEST HOMECOMING INTRODUCING EQUITABLE WELL-BEING DCo LIFE GUN SAFETY WHO’S WHO AT DCo SHARE YOUR NEWS

DURHAM COUNTY’S GARDEN OASIS BLACK-EYED PEA SALSA

DCo Life Vol. 1. No. 1 Durham County Public Information Office public_information@dconc.gov Winter 2024 Contributing staff: Deborah Craig-Ray, Dawn Dudley, Randy Jones, Alesha Watson, Tobin Freid, Dr. Brent Lewis, Megan Pendell, Willa Robinson Allen, Patrice Carr, Donna Rosser and submitted photos from County staff all over!

Homecoming cover and centerfold photos: Steve Whitsitt Public Information Office 200 E. Main Street, 2nd Floor Durham, NC 27701 Share your thoughts on DCo Life magazine by emailing us at public_information@dconc.gov. Submit your news, story ideas, photos, and employee happenings at that email as well!

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR STORIES: TWO STORIES OF STRENGTH AND PERSEVERANCE.

P

ink is the color of the cherry blossoms in the spring. It’s the color of sweet cotton candy at the State Fair. It’s also the color pop singer, Pink, used to catch everyone’s attention when she dyed her hair. The color pink can show up with a punch or be subtle in nature.

However, the color is worn or used, the color pink is hard to miss when it is utilized as the international symbol of courage, hope, and solidarity during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Pink October, as some call it, is the time of year people around the globe dedicate to breast cancer awareness campaigns, programs, and spotlighting fierce advocacy. Individuals, organizations, and institutions of all kinds join in promoting the visibility of the disease, increasing the likeliness to see the color any and everywhere throughout the month.

Last year at this time, Shawantha Perry found herself in a sea of pink. Pink balloons, boas, and little pieces of pompom string dancing in the wind all about her. She blended right in with the crowd cheering along the parade’s winding pathway. She was wearing pink from head to toe. This wasn’t her first walk for the cure, so she knew what to wear and how things would go. She was there to raise awareness and funds, celebrate survivors, and honor those who have gracefully passed on. What made things different this time was that she was the guest of honor.

Her name was on the shirt designed by her high school classmate and worn by supporters that day. She was at the center of attention. Her name was included in the chants.

Everyone wanted a picture with her. These were uncharted waters for Shawantha. If there is one thing she learned after diagnosis, it was to “live in the moment and enjoy this thing called life.” So, she smiled, laughed, and even cried a little. She was determined to keep moving forward. She was determined to continue the fight.

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Shawantha Perry

Lisa Marochak

In that surreal moment, Shawantha, a Senior Accounting Clerk for the Durham County Finance Department, was happy and thankful to be surrounded by so much love, but she was still processing the fact that this moment was for her, about her, and how cancer had become her reality – somehow part of her identity.

Less than one year before to that unseasonably warm day in October, she received the call. She stood, paralyzed by shock as the voice read the report from her routine mammogram.

She was told that she needed to be seen by an oncologist right away. The stinging words rang in her ears and began to match the stinging of her eyes. They were just starting to dry from the tears she cried moments before her vibrating mobile phone caught her attention. When her phone buzzed, she quickly grabbed it and rose from the pew where she was sitting beside her daughter. She exited the doors of the church where her uncle was being funeralized. She answered the phone and things quickly became a blur. As she began to loosen from the grips of disbelief, she couldn’t help but think about her sister who died less than six months before.

When her sister received a diagnosis of stage 4 breast cancer, the cancer had metastasized to her brain. “It was too late.

There was nothing more that could be done to save her life,” Shawantha said as she grabbed a tissue from her desk decorated with sticky notes, motivational messages, and trinkets collected during the 20-plus years she has worked for Durham County Government. “What still baffles me is why she waited so long [to seek medical help],” Shawantha said.

“She had so many signs.” Shawantha’s sister, Natarsha Perry, died on December 31, 2021, at 52 years young. “It was a devastating loss for our family; especially for her children.”

Cancer has hit close to home too many times for Lisa Marochak, Senior Administrative Officer for the Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District. Lisa’s greatgrandmother, grandmother, grandfather, dad, and numerous family members had cancer or were diagnosed in past years.

“Cancer runs in my family,” she shared and explained as the motivating factor for taking preventative care so seriously.

Lisa’s father was diagnosed with stage 4 renal cancer in October 2014. Being a daddy’s girl, his only girl, she drew near to his side to return the loving support he had given her since her earliest memories in life. While helping her mom care for her dad, she was able to see firsthand how the cancer was so ravishing. As the disease progressed for her dad, she was often reminded of the importance of early detection. When her annual mammogram appointment came that December, she went without hesitation.

Her examination seemed routine. She arrived on time and patiently prepared to be called on to begin the screening process. When the technician explained that she needed to reimage Lisa’s left side, she thought it was odd, but proceeded.

She began having mammograms in her 30s due to family history. So, when it was time for reimaging, she didn’t worry.

According to the American Cancer Society website “getting called back after a screening mammogram is fairly common, and it doesn’t mean you have breast cancer. In fact, fewer than 1 in 10 women called back for more tests are found to have cancer. Often, it just means more mammograms or other tests (such as an ultrasound) need to be done to get a closer look at an area of concern.”

It wasn’t until Lisa was asked to get dressed and move into a small waiting room that she felt an unease never felt before.

Someone from the Duke medical team joined her in the cramped room and sat on the opposite side of the wooden desk. The conversation went straight to the point revealing that something was found. Lisa was stunned with disbelief and responded, “This can’t be happening.”

Lisa immediately dialed her husband, Mark. As she shared what she learned, he maintained a calm demeanor and listened. His response and encouragement turned out to be just what she needed to mentally prepare for the journey ahead.

A week later she had a biopsy and on January 2, 2015, she received the call confirming what was seen during the 3D imaging. It was cancer.

When speaking with her doctors, she was advised to be honest with her loved ones. Though it was difficult, she informed her daughter and son about the diagnosis. She answered all their questions, even the tough ones. When Lisa told her dad, he did what dads do – he gave her his shoulder and offered his loving support. He was strong for his daughter.

She later learned that he was really scared for her.

Flu season was still in effect when Lisa’s treatment began.

Her dad was in the hospital, so, she was advised not to visit because it was critical to protect her compromised immune system. While she talked to her dad regularly, not seeing him was incredibly hard for her. Shortly after starting her treatment, her father passed away. This left the family heartbroken. Lisa thinks of her dad all the time and misses him terribly. One thing that helps her with the grief is knowing he is no longer in pain and she now has an angel watching over her.

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.

KEEPING A ROUTINE Undeniably, 2022 was a difficult year for Shawantha. Some days she felt like it was a dream that her sister was no longer nearby. Her nephews were desperately missing their mother and she was missing her best friend. That summer, another loss was experienced in her immediate family. The loss was taxing.

Despite the back-to-back devastation, she felt strong and encouraged as she began her treatment regimen. “I will admit, I had a moment where I felt like ‘Why me?’, but it did not stay with me long,” she said with a sense of self-inspiration. Her diagnosis of stage 1 triple-negative invasive carcinoma in her left breast was complex, but detecting it early was critical to her health outlook. She was optimistic and credits the endless

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love and support shown by friends, family, and strangers during the six months of treatment.

Shawantha’s close friends, cousin, and uncle became her plus ones each week, never leaving her alone on days she went for chemotherapy or radiation. “I called them my village; they made sure that I never wanted for anything,” she said.

Her treatments were scheduled, and her village arrived like clockwork to escort her. The same was true when she had surgery. When she was strong enough to return to work the following week, her village would check on her. Her doorbell rang nonstop, and her mailbox overflowed with care packages from people she didn’t know were aware of her health condition. Her neighbors cut her grass without request, and her coworkers at her part-time job celebrated her milestones.

“The love I felt was indescribable. It made me begin to look at people differently. Through this journey, I have certainly become a more emotional person.”

Lisa realized that she could maintain her work schedule with the County throughout her treatment as well. During treatment, Thursdays through Sundays were the toughest, but each day would get better following chemotherapy. When her hair began to fall out after the second chemo treatment, she was not bothered as much as she thought she would. She just wanted to feel normal, so she would muster up enough strength daily to stay connected to what was familiar. In addition to the support from her family and friends, her work family was committed to keeping her work environment a

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healthy space. Her coworkers were intentional about being well and staying away from the office if they were not. Lisa was able to avoid getting sick the entire time she went through treatment.

Shawantha’s hair fell out from chemotherapy too. It doesn’t take her long to scroll through her phone to photos capturing her shedding hair. In one photo, both of her palms are full of short black hair. The photo was taken following her first buzz cut. Even after the close cut, her hair continued to come out.

So, the next step was shaving her hair completely off. She had never worn short hair, definitely not a bald head. Another photo in her phone captures the moments after each strand on her head was gone. Shawantha’s joy is palpable in the photo. Her mega-watt smile tells it all. She felt bald and beautiful.

Wigs can be helpful during cancer treatment. They offer some patients a sense of normalcy until their natural hair returns.

Shawantha tried to wear wigs, but she never felt comfortable.

They would be either too small, too big, or not give the look she’d hope for. She was starting to feel like Goldilocks trying to find the right fit.

The more she looked in the mirror, she liked what she saw.

She embraced her new look. She was happy with her bald head. Now, eight months following her last treatment, Shawantha’s hair has grown back in. She is patiently waiting for more growth that will allow her to wear a style of choice this winter.

HER2

STANDS FOR HUMAN EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR 2 (HER2).

According to the American Cancer Society, HER2 is a protein that helps breast cancer cells grow quickly. Breast cancer cells with higher-than-normal levels of HER2 are called HER2-positive. These cancers tend to grow and spread faster than breast cancers that are HER2-negative, but are much more likely to respond to treatment with drugs that target the HER2 protein.

When cancer was found in Lisa’s left breast, she was diagnosed with stage 2 malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites HER2+. Her treatment was intense for one full year. She is currently taking a medication regimen she will continue until 2026. Daily medication for ten years may seem daunting to some, but worth a lifetime to others. Lisa is willing to do what is necessary to fight. “I believe God gave me a second chance,” she says.

WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON The breast cancer journey brought enlightenment for Shawantha. She learned a lot about herself and the disease.

She was especially surprised to learn about statistics related to African American women and breast cancer. Around the time she began her journey, four women who grew up within her neighborhood were also diagnosed. She learned from testing that the cause of her diagnosis was not related to genetics. She began to question environmental exposures when she heard about her childhood friends.

Shawantha has a lot of questions but doesn’t let them consume her. She often reminds herself to count her blessings. On February 14, 2023, Shawantha rang the bell indicating her successful end to chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It was a moment she will never forget. Her village was there smiling, cheering, and chanting again, but for a different reason this time. She was cancer free!

“I never want to deal with this (CANCER) again, it takes a lot out of you!” -Shawantha Perry

A lump in the breast tissue, change in size, shape, or appearance of the breasts, or changes to the skin are often indicators associated with breast cancer. For Lisa, there were no signs. She had stage 2 breast cancer, and she didn’t feel the lump in her breast. She did the recommended selfexaminations and went to her annual mammograms. Had she delayed or skipped her screening in 2015, her outcome may have been very different.

“Somebody will always have it worse than you,” is what Lisa says she reminds herself and what often helped get her through the roughest part of her breast cancer journey. This humbling reality is what kept her grounded even on her worst days.

Lisa believes her faith is stronger than ever now. She always considered herself a person of faith, however, her breast cancer journey tested her in ways she could have never imagined. She was confident that she was going to beat the cancer, and she did. Seven years later, she is living life to the fullest. She continues to enjoy time with her family. After her diagnosis, health charts for both her children were flagged.

There was no connection to family history made when Lisa completed genetic testing following her diagnosis. However, medical professionals will watch her children closely and cancer screenings will begin early for the pair.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States. While women are most commonly diagnosed, men can be diagnosed too. About 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man.

Breast cancer screenings continue to be key to early detection and saving lives.

Survivor stories are reminders of the gift of life. Shawantha Perry and Lisa Marochak’s survivor stories are unique but not uncommon. Their strength and perseverance are admired.

Expanding

FAMILY-FRIENDLY WORKPLACE POLICIES for Durham County Employees

In October 2016, Durham County Government became the second local government employer in the state to offer paid parental leave, offering an impressive 12 weeks of paid leave to eligible employees. This groundbreaking initiative set the gold standard for local government employers in the state, setting an example that others would soon follow. Since the implementation of the Paid Parental Leave Policy, the County has continued to evaluate and improve its familyfriendly workplace policies. Recognizing the evolving needs of its employees, last August Durham County Government expanded its family-friendly workplace policies with the enactment of the Family First Paid Leave Policy. Under the newly enacted Family First Paid Leave Policy, Durham County employees now have access to two new leave programs to support both their personal and familial needs.

Paid Family Leave (PFL) is leave available for employees who need to care for a family member facing a serious health condition. PFL will provide 100% of an employee’s salary for up to six weeks on a continuous basis per fiscal year.

The second new leave program is Personal Leave, which is designed for self-care and for situations where an employee or their family member is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Eligible employees will be allotted five personal leave days per fiscal year. With the enactment of the Family First Paid Leave Policy also came updates to Paid Parental Leave (PPL). No longer a standalone policy, PPL is now a leave program under the Family First Paid Leave Policy.

PPL will also now provide 100% of an employee’s salary for the first six weeks after a child age five or older is placed in the employee’s home in connection with adoption, foster care, or in loco parentis.

On September 14, 2023, the Human Resources Department (HR) hosted its first HR Connect Session. HR Connect 8

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Sessions allow employees the opportunity to connect with HR for important updates, policy highlights, and training opportunities. The inaugural session led by Deidre Gonzales, Human Resources Manager, highlighted the Family First Paid Leave Policy. During the session, employees got to ask questions they had about the policy and gave praise to Durham County Government for taking a step towards prioritizing the well-being of its workforce. Adreanna Johnson, Strategic Initiatives Analyst in the Office of Strategy and Performance said of the policy “These policies are a step in the right direction for the culture shift we need and want to see throughout the organization. We are all working together to be humans who are supportive and understanding of other humans. This works well if all parties are communicating and accountable for themselves. Teamwork makes the dream work! “ The Family First Paid Leave Policy was not the only benefit introduced last year that can help employees better balance their personal and professional lives during times of crisis or need; employees now have a convenient and cost-saving option for their family’s medical care. Last July, it was announced that an employee’s dependents, including spouse and children, enrolled under their County Cigna Medical Plan can now access the healthcare services available at the Durham County Employee Wellness Clinic. Everside Health providers at the Durham County Employee Wellness Clinic offer routine check-ups, chronic condition management, onsite labs and prescriptions, and many more services.

More information on the Family First Paid Leave Policy and the Durham County Employee Wellness Clinic can be found on the Human Resources page on MyDCo.

STAYING ACTIVE & ENERGIZED THIS WINTER

ONGOING & SPECIALTY CLASS SERIES

Winter can be a challenging time to stay active. Fewer daylight hours and colder temperatures can deter us from the outdoor activities we enjoy doing in the Summer and Fall. It can be tempting to hibernate indoors, but staying physically active is essential for maintaining your overall well-being.

According to the National Institutes of Health, positive physical health habits can help decrease your stress, lower your risk of certain diseases, help you sleep better, and increase your energy.

Fortunately for Durham County Government employees, the Employee Wellness Program offers innovative ways to stay active, even when outdoor options are limited. These activities not only get your heart pumping but have many other benefits as well. “I enjoy the convenience of having healthy alternatives for work/life balance activities and that the County supports its employees through employee wellness programming – and that it is free!” said Charlene Nelson, Administrative Officer in the Office of Emergency Services, who regularly takes advantage of these offerings, “These programs allow employees to meet and interact with other County employees you may not have met otherwise.” Discover the fantastic opportunities the Employee Wellness Program offers DCo employees that can help you stay active while embracing seasonal change.

For those looking to squeeze in a quick and convenient workout during the workday, try Luch Time Aerobics.

These group fitness classes take place every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at noon in the fitness center in the Human Services Building.

Most of these classes are around 30 minutes long, except for the Pilates class on Wednesdays. No registration is required, simply show up and get moving!

Throughout the year, the Employee Wellness Team offers specialty fitness class series. These classes can provide a refreshing change of pace from your regular fitness routine and a chance to learn new exercise techniques. To sign up for a specialty fitness class series, click the link or scan the QR code on posted flyers or use the monthly fitness calendars—both can be found on the Employee Wellness page on MyDCo. So, mark your calendars and get ready to stay active and healthy this Winter by taking advantage of these exciting classes!

SUSTAINABILITY SNAPSHOT

with Greener Durham, your DCo Sustainability Team The cheapest, cleanest energy is the energy we don’t use.

That’s why at Durham County, we focus on energy efficiency first.

So, What Does It Have to Do with You? m At the Office: You have the “power” to help Durham County

reduce its energy consumption. Take these actions and encourage your colleagues to follow your lead: Unplug electronics during long weekends & vacations. ✓ Turn off lights when not in use.

Lower window shades in the Summer to keep out the heat.

Tobin Freid

Megan Pendell

m At Home: Save money & energy by:

Upgrading to Energy Star appliances. ✓ Using a programmable thermostat. Sealing leaks. Switching to LED light bulbs. Sharing tips with your friends and neighbors!

Hanif Huggins

A PATH LESS TRAVELED: A Veteran’s Highlights from Military Life

F

or two decades, Durham County Veteran Services Officer gain exposure to advanced technology training. So, becoming Hanif Huggins, traveled the world meeting new people and an airman was right on track with the vision he had for experiencing different cultures while serving in the United his future.

States Air Force. He specialized in information technology as he moved from place to place, across the United States and Growing up, it was understood that after internationally. Among the locations he called home while abroad, his favorite was Okinawa, Japan. high school graduation his options were to In 2000, Hanif was a first-year student in college, living in either go to college, indulge in street life, New York City. Though he was in the heart of the “City that or the military.

Never Sleeps,” he felt stagnant. The youngest of six boys raised in South Jamaica Queens, he wanted to do something different than his brothers who never moved too far from Growing up, it was understood that after high school their birthplace of Bedford-Stuyvesant Brooklyn. “I had to get graduation, his options were to either go to college, indulge out of my comfort zone and see something outside the bubble in street life, or the military. He chose college and quickly I was living in,” Hanif said. realized it wasn’t what he wanted at that point in his life.

The pursuit of education while navigating his career in the He longed for a different scene, and the military was his Air Force was a totally different experience. In the military, ticket out. education no longer felt like a rush. “Completing my career in The day he walked into the United States Armed Forces’ the Air Force while receiving my education learning became recruitment office, his mind was already made up. He knew fun, and most importantly it was free.” he could complete his education in the military, and he When listening to Hanif talk about military life, the veteran is was ready to explore the world. On February 2, 2000, Hanif quick to highlight the joys and downplay the sacrifice made to entered basic training for the United States Air Force. serve and protect our country.

During the year Hanif attended college, he realized his interest Just one year after Hanif took the initial oath to serve, and in computers. He was fascinated by how technology was able became an Airman Basic, the September 11 attacks on the to bring people together in ways previously unthinkable.

United States, killed nearly 3,000 people and destroyed the Things he saw as a kid on the animated television show heart of his beloved New York City, changing the United The Jetsons were coming true in his world. He learned from States forever. He was stationed at Warner Robins Air Force recruiters that the Air Force was one of the best branches to 10

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Base in Georgia, at the time. He was far from home physically, but his heart was there.

“I was working in a secure facility when I saw the planes crash on television,” he said. “It really troubled me; it was my hometown.

I would frequent the area [World Trade Center] for work before joining the Air Force.”

Two weeks after the terrorist attacks challenged everything about our country’s National Security, Hanif was on a flight to support war efforts. From this experience he learned that preparation is vital, to train the way you intend to perform, and to cherish every moment.

The commitment to serve and protect exposed Hanif to people and situations he never expected. His experiences taught him to put prudence before justice. Understanding the challenges of serving, he was inclined to ask ‘why’ before using premature judgment. Elaborating on what prudence before justice means to him, he briefly shared a story about an Airman who arrived late to work several times with lackluster performance. Behavior that would usually result in a reprimand. While the military is big on discipline, in this case Hanif decided to observe and understand why the Airman was exhibiting an unfavorable work ethic. “It was determined the pressure of living in a foreign country, financial challenges, and marital issues led to drinking and suicidal thoughts for the Airman,” he said. “So instead of justice, we provided professional support, help, and comradery.”

The military reinforced the values Hanif gained as a child, including treating everyone with respect. While serving he also gained priceless leadership skills; many of which he puts to use today.

During his 20-year career, Huggins received many medals for his service. The one he is most proud of is the Joint Service Medal given for collaborative efforts while working with other branches of the Armed Forces in high-tempo operations.

Those who have worn our nation’s cloth and pledged to safeguard America’s freedom deserve a great deal of respect. On November 11, our nation paused to recognize Veterans Day and the millions of veterans in the United States. Each year, Durham County Veteran Services hosts a ceremony recognizing the valor, courage, and sacrifice of military veterans of all branches who willingly put their lives on the line to protect our country. Hanif was among more than 200 DCo employee veterans invited to attend the ceremony scheduled in 2023.

Senior Master Sargeant Hanif Huggins retired with full honors from the United States Air Force in 2020. He accomplished a great deal during the time he served.

Senior Master Sargeant Hanif Huggins retired with full honors from the United States Air Force in 2020. He accomplished a great deal during the time he served. He completed his educational

DCo Veteran Services’ Jonathan Crooms helps to hand out green light bulbs in preparation for Operation Green Light 2023.

Residents learn about Operation Green Light at community event.

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goals including earning degrees in the areas of Behavioral Science, Information Systems, Human Resource Management, and Electronic Principles. He grew as an individual and started a family. These were all great achievements, but none would truly prepare him for the civilian world.

Hanif admits that it has been personally challenging to adjust to the cultural differences between military and civilian life. Some differences being viewpoints, humor, and conversations. He shared that a strong support system has been key to his successful transition between lifestyles.

Last year, the National Association of Counties initiated Operation Green Light. The program was created to increase awareness of the challenge veterans in counties across the country have with connecting with benefits after they serve.

More than 700,000 veterans reside in North Carolina. The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners has joined NACo and the National Association of County Veteran Service Officers in participating in Operation Green Light and has encouraged counties across North Carolina to do the same.

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Durham County turned our buildings green in 2022 to show support and appreciation for our local veterans. The same was done November 6-12, 2023.

Uplifting veterans and serving their needs is a priority for Durham County Government. Durham County Veteran Services, located on the second floor of the County’s Human Services Building, 414 E. Main Street, actively provides effective counsel to veterans and/or their family members on veterans’ benefits offered by the federal, state, and local government. Lois Harvin-Ravin is the director of the department offering assistance with the preparation of forms and the support of documents necessary to file claims.

This coming March will mark Hanif’s one year anniversary with DCo Veteran Services. He enjoys his position because it allows him to stay involved with his community, the veteran community. “I am grateful for the opportunity to assist and educate veterans about the benefits they’re entitled to. Our office allows me to bring that knowledge and procedural guidance to the forefront.” Reach DCo Veteran Services at 919-560-8387.

In 2023, Durham earned a wealth of accolades that emphasized its reputation as an exceptional place to live, grow, and thrive. Check out some of the recent recognitions that Durham has received.

DURHAM ACCOLADES

RALEIGH & DURHAM ACCOLADES

#7 Best Real-Estate Markets in the U.S. by WalletHub

#3 Best Place to Live in the U.S by U.S. News & World Report

#7 Biggest “Boomtown” in the Country by LendingTree

#1 Best Place to Live in N.C. by U.S. News & World Report

#5 Best Large U.S. City for Starting a New Business

by WalletHub

#13 Best Place to Live for Quality of Life by U.S. News & World Report

#2 Most Diverse Counties to Live in North Carolina

by Niche

#21 Fastest Growing Place by U.S. News & World Report

#14 Best Run City in America by WalletHub

#25 Best Place to Retire in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report

DURHAM-CHAPEL HILL ACCOLADES

NORTH CAROLINA ACCOLADES

#6 Most Educated City in America by WalletHub

#1 America’s Top State for Business by CNBC

MY BEST HOMECOMING As we exit the season of homecoming festivities at colleges across the country, we invited employees to take a trip down memory lane and share their memorable collegiate moments as a student or alumnus with us!

Homecoming Royalty The best homecoming for me was the homecoming of 2018! I got to serve as the first ever elected Mister Sophomore at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I thoroughly enjoy all homecomings, and my favorite part is meeting all my new “cousins” and making my way around to taste everyone’s food at the tailgates!

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Nicodemus Monts Office of the County Manager Durham County Management Fellow The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Alma Mater Pride I had the pleasure of attending the illustrious Winston-Salem State University. As an alumna of WSSU, I have worked with a small group of friends to facilitate nostalgic events that capture the unique experience that attendance at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) provides. In 2019, the Alumni Collective (formerly Young Alumni Gym Jam and 4Th Quarter) donated $20,000 of our personal funds back to the university in the form of scholarships, funding for student-led initiatives, and providing equipment to underfunded athletic programs. WSSU’s motto is Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve. Homecomings are a special time of year. It has truly been an amazing experience to have entered that space for learning and life skill development and have departed to serve more than who I set out to. To date, The Alumni Collective has donated upwards of $50,000 to HBCUs across the state of North Carolina. Go Rams!

Adreanna Johnson Office of Strategy and Performance Strategic Initiatives Analyst Winston-Salem State University

Game Day Glory My school (Winthrop University) didn’t have a football team, so we never had an official “Homecoming”; the closest memory to it was in 2007 when our basketball team almost went to the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament! Winthrop was the 15th seed that year and we came thiiiiiis close to upsetting the 2nd-seeded Tennessee Vols. It was definitely an exciting time! The teams were tied in the final seconds of the game when the Vols hit a jumper with 2.09 seconds left on the clock! Winthrop inbounded the ball and missed a shot right before the buzzer that would’ve sent the game to overtime. The final score was 61-63! I can literally still hear the collective sigh of the crowd. I believe the entire city of Rock Hill, SC cried together that day! Lol. We were disappointed, but so proud of the team for their hard work. It’s a memory that will stick with me!

Isaiah Kingwood Social Services Social Worker II Winthrop University

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL PRIDE (continued from page 15)

Stephanie Smith Public Health Outreach Coordinator North Carolina Central University Homecoming – 2021

Shannon Wright Budget and Management Services Budget and Management Analyst II Appalachian State University Homecoming – 2014

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DCo Life Magazine | Winter 2024

Kayla Dickson Social Services Social Work Supervisor III Western Carolina University 2017

Patrice Carr Public Health Nutrition Program Manager University of North Carlina at Greensboro Homecoming – 2021

Alesha Watson Public Information Office Public Information Specialist Wake Forest University Homecoming – 2010

Martricia Degree Register of Deeds Assistant Register of Deeds North Carolina Central University Homecoming – 2022

Gloria Bates Youth Home Youth Home Counselor I Elizabeth City State University Homecoming – 2021

Randy Jones Public Information Office Public Information Specialist University of Virginia 1993

Haley Williamson Engineering and Environmental Services Renewable Energy Project Manager North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University Homecoming – 2019

Stephanie Robeson Register of Deeds Administrative Officer

North Carolina Central University 2022

INTRODUCING EQUITABLE WELL-BEING The Office of Equitable Well-Being is a new department within the Durham County Manager’s office. The office is led by Dr. Brent Lewis, Director of Equitable Well-Being, who joined Durham County Government on May 30, 2023. Dr. Lewis brings an extensive background in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging leadership from a 12-year career in higher education.

In addition to the role of Dr. Lewis, the Office of Equitable Well-Being has recently hired Cassandra Kiger, Equitable Well-Being Manager; Robert Espinosa, Racial Equity Analyst; and JoAnna Gallmon-Young, Equity & Inclusion Analyst. The team will work collaboratively to create and support equity initiatives both internally and externally.

Equitable Well-Being works to provide equitable access to County resources, services, and equitable experiences that allow for inclusion and access for all community members.

In addition, Equitable Well-Being strives to invest in County employees through educational and training opportunities.

Projects in the works from the Office of Equitable Well-Being include enhanced training opportunities related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging and the emergence of Employee Resource Groups.

The Equitable Well-Being office is also engaged in community partnerships to support equity initiatives in the City of Durham. External engagement includes serving as the county liaison for the joint City and County Durham Racial Equity Commission. In addition, Equitable Well-Being is part of community conversations related to affordable housing, safety, access to equitable health and wellness opportunities, education, and the acknowledgment and support of diverse communities and businesses.

Equitable Well-Being works to provide equitable access to County resources, services, and equitable experiences that allow for inclusion and access for all community members.

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DCo Life Magazine | Winter 2024

Moreover, the office works to collaborate with community organizations and non-profits such as the LGBTQ Center of Durham on Pride: Durham, NC, and community organizations planning events such as Juneteenth and other cultural and heritage celebrations in the Durham community. Dr. Lewis shares “I am very excited to join Durham County Government, an organization providing access and opportunity to the community, it is critical that we examine our culture, build equity into all of our practices, and listen to the stories of our employees and residents as we strive to strengthen sense of belonging and affirmation for all.”

Got a question for the Office of Equitable Well-Being?

Email Dr. Lewis at brentlewis@dconc.gov.

DCo LIFE GUN SAFETY THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE AND SECURE FIREARM STORAGE Safe and secure are two complementary components: Safe means unloaded, and secure means locked up. Putting these two together, the most quintessential safe and secure storage is a gun being unloaded, locked in a gun safe or lockbox, and the ammunition is stored separately.

Each step closer to the gun being ready to fire introduces opportunities for unintentional injury. So ideally, ammunition is stored in a different lockbox, but for some people who own guns for home- or self-defense, the idea of storing ammunition separately is not appealing. If that’s the case, guns should be locked in a quick-access safe, preferably unloaded.

The ammunition can be in the magazine in the same lockbox, but not loaded. If it does have to be loaded, it shouldn’t have a round chambered.

John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

COUNTY FIREARM INJURY PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP The Firearm Injury Prevention Partnership meets on the 4th Thursday each month, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m., virtually via the Teams platform.

Interested in joining, contact Donna Rosser: drosser@dconc.gov | 919-560-7765 To request a presentation on Firearm Safe Storage, or to take part in a training on how to start a gun safety team in your area, contact Donna Rosser at: drosser@dconc.gov | 919-560-7765 Public Health Approach to Gun Violence Prevention The Educational Fund to Stop Gun Violence (efsgv.org)

WE FOUND DADDY’S GUN For 14 and a half years, I was the school health educator for Public Health. About 3 years ago, I transitioned into injury prevention and now have the pleasure of coordinating the Durham County Firearm Injury Prevention Partnership, formerly the Gun Safety Team (GST).

The partnership is an interdisciplinary community group led by the Durham County Department of Public Health since 1999. The partnership provides education and outreach to the community on the importance of firearm safe storage, and the prevention of gun violence including homicide, suicide, and unintentional shooting.

During my introductory meeting with the GST, and then coordinator, Joanie Ross, another longtime member, Marcia Owen, shared her reason for becoming involved in this work. Her young son came home after playing at a neighbor’s house.

“We found Steven’s daddy’s gun today!” he said with excitement. When she went to the neighbor’s home to inform them of her son’s account, the parents replied, “Steven doesn’t know where we keep it.” “Oh yeah?” she countered. “It’s in the hall closet, on the top shelf.” Needless to say, the parents were shocked, and like our team members, I’m sure that they could not help thinking of how this story could have had a much different and more tragic ending.

What was especially alarming to our team member is, Steven’s parents were doctors and did not know the prevention protocols. She expressed being so grateful that the medical and public health community is now the leading voice for gun safety practices.

PUBLIC HEALTH APPROACH TO GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION Public health is the science of reducing and preventing injury, disease, and death and promoting the health and well-being of populations through the use of data, research, and effective policies and practices.

A public health approach to prevent gun violence is a populationlevel approach that addresses both firearm access and the factors that contribute to and protect from gun violence. This approach brings together institutions and experts across disciplines in a common effort to: 1) define and monitor the problem, 2) identify risk and protective factors, 3) develop and test prevention strategies, and 4) ensure widespread adoption of effective strategies. By using a public health approach we can prevent gun violence in all its forms and strive towards health equity, where everyone can live free from gun violence.

John Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions

Donna Rosser

WHO’S WHO AT DCo:

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS

Maria Silvia Ramirez-Heuser Library Spanish Speaking Services Coordinator Can you describe your journey and career progression that led you to this role?

I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States with my family when I was 9 years old. From an early age, I developed a passion for books and learning new languages. I earned my B.A in German Studies from the University of Florida and then my M.S in Library Science from UNC at Chapel Hill. During my graduate studies, I worked as the Bilingual Archival Assistant for the New Roots/ Nuevas Raíces Latino Oral History Initiative, a digital repository of first-hand narratives detailing the immigrant experience across North Carolina. After graduating, I became a school librarian for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district and helped students develop their digital skills and cultivate their love for reading. My current role at the Durham County Library as the Spanish Speaking Services Coordinator allows me to connect our Spanish speaking patrons with resources that enhance literacy and promote life-

additional tutoring opportunities. Our goal is to create a safe space

long learning.

for students and their families to find resources at the Library and complete their weekly school assignments in a fun environment.

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?

What’s your favorite place to grab lunch in Durham?

I believe that to stay motivated and grow professionally we must maintain

One of my favorite things about Durham is the diversity of the foods

a sense of curiosity and willingness to learn from others. I have the

you can find around town. I usually eat homecooked meals for lunch,

honor of working with an amazing team at the Durham County Library

but when I need a cup of coffee and a snack I like to visit Cocoa

that provides outstanding customer service and equitable access to our

Cinnamon and try their delicious pastries.

resources for the community. Learning from them has allowed me to grow professionally and strive to improve my skills every day.

Is there a particular project or initiative you’re working on that you’re excited about?

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

Whenever I have free time, I like to read or do some gardening. I also enjoy going to the gym and staying active whenever possible. My

I’m excited that our Homework con Amigos program has restarted.

husband and I take long walks with our two dogs in the evenings and

The program is offered every Monday from 5:15 to 7:15 p.m. at the Main

it’s the highlight of my day.

Library. This bilingual homework assistance initiative brings volunteers from Duke University to the Library to support students in grades K-5.

We are also partnering with the DPS Foundation and LEAP to provide

20 DCo Life Magazine | Winter 2024

Jinizha Johnson Office of Emergency Services – Emergency Management Division Emergency Management Planner Can you describe your journey and career progression that led you to this role?

Like many of my Emergency Management colleagues, working in this field was not my plan, but I am glad things turned out the way they did! I started working as an assistant at the police department in Montgomery, Alabama while attending Alabama State University.

After graduation, I was then promoted to a higher assistant position in Emergency Management. I thought I was comfortable with being an assistant but working closely with my co-workers and helping them with preparedness presentations and Emergency Operation Center (EOC) activations, I decided that I wanted to expand my career options. After taking many trainings and assisting with planning efforts during the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I applied for the Planner position and started working as a Planner in 2019. My first plan was a Point of Dispensing plan for vaccinations that helped thousands of Alabama citizens receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In August of 2022, I decided that it was time to come back home, and I started working with Durham County Emergency Management.

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?

Writing and updating plans can be a very taxing job and may not seem like the most exciting thing to do; however, I stay motivated by remembering that my job helps Durham County residents,

officials so that they can expand their career options. Professionals from Durham, Wake, and Orange County, as well as North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM), helped to plan this fun and educational event last July, and it was a success! We started planning for this year’s event last November. I will make sure to share more information about the event as we get closer to the date.

What’s your favorite place to grab lunch in Durham?

Oh wow, I have too many! I cannot just pick one! I will give my top 3! If I am trying to stay consistent with my diet, I will go to Alpaca or Happy+Hale.

However, on my cheat days, I must get the Ultimate ACP from Mezcalito!

emergency or disaster. Furthermore, I take some time to step away

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

from my office and do presentations in the community to talk about

Outside of work, I enjoy going to the gym at least 3-4 times a week. I also

emergency preparedness. Having that face-to-face interaction and

enjoy journaling and listening to music to decompress. After running

passing out promotional items that can help people with their

errands and cleaning during the weekends, I’ll sit and watch a good show on

emergency kits, gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Netflix. And last but certainly not least, I love to spend time with my family;

employees, and stakeholders stay prepared during any type of

Is there a particular project or initiative you’re working on that you’re excited about?

One project that I am very excited about is the HERricane Experience! This project was started by the Institute for Diversity and Inclusion in Emergency Management (I-DIEM). There are not many women within the profession of Emergency Management and this program allows female high school students to spend a week with emergency management professionals and other public safety

they are the main reason why I decided to come back home!

(continued from page 21)

Kokou Nayo Cooperative Extension City-County Immigrant and Refugee Affairs Coordinator Can you describe your journey and career progression that led you to this role?

Enjoying my work as Durham Immigrant & Refugee Affairs Coordinator is just a testament to who I am as a person, my education, and my experience. As a child in Togo, I was lucky to grow up in a neighborhood with neighbors from different West African countries including Ghana, Niger, Mali, Benin, Burkina, and Nigeria. Lucky because having been around different cultures and languages serves me well today, I can easily work with people from different cultures and backgrounds. In Togo, I also taught at the middle school for some time before coming to the United States. I studied social work at UNCG and got my master’s in social work with a focus on community management and policy practice. Before going back to school, I worked in several industries including food and retail. I worked at Church World Service (CWS) as a case manager which helped me understand issues refugees and immigrants face daily. Then, I moved into the refugee organizer position which was a trailblazer position at a difficult time with a focus on advocacy and community engagement. As an organizer, I got the opportunity to work with the Durham community, and elected officials at the local, state, and federal level. The common thread that I see in this line of work is how much people care about newcomers, their new

The interagency and intra-agency collaboration is a force multiplier for the immigrant and refugee integration in Durham’s civic, economic, and cultural life. I am also part of some networks of people around the country that do similar work. At the government level, I continue to learn and grow professionally, and I am grateful to the County leadership for the opportunity to participate in the Professional Development Academy where I can learn to be a better and efficient leader.

about my new position because it gives me the opportunity to

Is there a particular project or initiative you’re working on that you’re excited about?

combine my personality, educational background, and experience to

There are quite a few projects =I am excited about. I am particularly excited

serve Durham City-County governments, the Durham community,

about the refugee and immigrant need assessment to collect data that will

and the Durham immigrant and refugee communities.

support a common strategy for servicing immigrants and refugees. It is

neighbors and how much they want to be involved. I am excited

How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?

important to harmonize our strategies at the City and County levels.

What’s your favorite place to grab lunch in Durham?

I am one of the more than 13.2% of Durham residents who are

For lunch I usually go to Gojo Café or Goorsha. Goorsha is a great place to

foreign-born and as an immigrant, this is already a huge motivator

meet people and talk about my work.

to do well in my position not only because of the high bar I set for myself but also because of my goal to make this position a blueprint for other counties in North Carolina. I am also motivated by the local immigrant and refugee organizations I collaborate with. These are wonderful and passionate people working with immigrants and refugees for quite a long time. This interagency collaboration is very helpful because I count a lot on their expertise and guidance.

22 DCo Life Magazine | Winter 2024

What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I like a good laugh even though I look serious all the time. I play a lot of soccer/football as well as running which I usually do on the American Tobacco Trail. I love hanging out with my family.

SHARE YOUR NEWS

EMPLOYEES SHARE THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS.

KLUNITA THOMPSON, Senior Child Support Agent in Child Support Services, received the Outstanding Achievement in All Child Support Establishment Incentive Measures for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Award.

PAM PURIFOY, Senior Public Information Officer for the Department of Social Services, was selected to be an inaugural member of North Carolina Central University’s (NCCU) Public Relations Advisory Council for a five-year tenure.

The advisory council established by NCCU’s Department of Mass Communication aims to ensure that the university’s undergraduate public relations program has adequate resources and a well-designed curriculum to prepare students as competitive candidates for public relations and other related specialties. Pam was also recently selected as a North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership (NCIOPL) Fall 2023 Fellow. The NCIOPL Fellows Program is a comprehensive leadership development program designed to equip passionate individuals with the tools, knowledge, and network necessary to drive meaningful change.

JOANNE PIERCE, Assistant County Manager for Community WellBeing, was selected as one of Triangle Business Journal’s Leaders in Diversity Award winners for 2023. The Triangle Business Journal’s Leaders in Diversity Award honors individuals and companies who have shown an exceptional commitment to promoting practices that advance diversity in the workplace and in business leadership.

The INFORMATION SERVICES AND TECHNOLOGY (IS&T) DEPARTMENT was selected as the #4 digital county in the nation for its population category, 250,000 - 499,000 by the Center of Digital Government (CDG) in its Digital Counties 2023 Survey. The survey, conducted

by CDG in partnership with the National Association of Counties (NACo), identifies the best technology practices among counties in the United States, including initiatives that streamline the delivery of government services; provide data analytics to allow decisions based on performance and outcomes; enhance cybersecurity; and apply innovative and emerging technologies to county priorities. Durham County has been ranked in the Top 10 every year since 2017 for its innovative work in the field.

The SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT was awarded the 2023 Civic Excellence in Innovation Award along with a cash award of $1,000 by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and Civic Federal Credit Union for their Agriculture Economic Development Grant Program.

NCACC selects 10 innovation winners each year to recognize successful county programs that demonstrate innovative solutions and cost/resource savings for counties. The purpose of the Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program is to offer cost-share grants to assist farmers and nonprofits in their agricultural endeavors and to promote Agriculture Development and Outdoor Environmental Learning Centers in schools.

The REGISTER OF DEEDS OFFICE represented DCo at last year’s annual NCARD (North Carolina Association of Registers of Deeds) Conference in Winston Salem. It was a special year at the conference for Durham because REGISTER OF DEEDS SHARON DAVIS served as president of the statewide leadership delegation. Her yearlong service in the role did not go unnoticed by her peers. During the awards banquet, Sharon was presented with both The Eunice Ayers Distinguished Service Award and the Outstanding Register of Deeds Award for the exceptional leadership demonstrated over her term. Sharon was joined in Winston Salem by her assistants, Martricia Degree, Karen Perry, and J.T. Tabron.

PARAMEDIC/FTO JACOB BOOTHE AND EMT SHELBY DAVIS were awarded a certificate of appreciation

by St. Joseph’s Place officials. The EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DIVISION also received a donation to the Vic Pearson Fund as a token of appreciation.

During an unexpected days-long power outage across Durham last September, St. Joseph’s Place was without power for several days. With the elevator not working, Durham County Emergency Medical Services staff were among the first responders who showed up several times to carry Ms. Judy Green down flights of stairs to get her to a required medical appointment.

Good news is meant to be shared! Do you have good news to share about yourself? Did you, a co-worker, your unit, or your department accomplish something special? Tell Us! Submit your news to public_information@dconc.gov.

DURHAM COUNTY’S URBAN GARDEN OASIS Nestled across 45 acres in East Durham – close to Durham Technical Community College – the Briggs Avenue Community Garden is a haven of calm, green, and get-yourhands-dirty fun for everyone!

When you stop by the entrance to the garden, located at 1312 South Briggs Avenue, especially in the spring and summer, but all year – you’ll notice the wonderful smells of fresh produce, spices, flowers, and so much more growing and thriving under the watchful eyes of Durham County Extension Agent Cheralyn Berry and Program Assistant Gaebryl Vives – along with hundreds of local volunteers.

“It really is an oasis,” Berry said. “We are so lucky to have this land in the middle of Durham that will always be here for

We are so lucky to have this land in the middle of Durham that will always be here for everyone to enjoy.

24 DCo Life Magazine | Winter 2024

everyone to enjoy. It will never be high-rise buildings. It will be trees and flowers and gardens of fruits and vegetables. And it will be filled with residents enjoying these things!”

The land, then valued at $1.35 million, was provided by the Briggs Land Corp., to North Carolina State University. It was then donated by the NC Agricultural Foundation for the use of the Cooperative Extension in 2003. The requirement of the land was that it would be accessible to everyone! It was officially dedicated in 2010 as an agricultural education space.

“Any time you can place 40 acres of green space in an area as urban as this, that’s probably a good thing. It’s a real asset to Durham County,” then-N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Foundation Executive Director David Hays told the Durham Herald-Sun in 2003.

Cheryl L. Lloyd, the Extension’s Director at the time gave a glimpse into the area’s future in 2003 – “What we often do is help (residents) see what types of things can be done in an urban community that will conserve and support the natural landscape.” It will give our youth a chance to do hands-on science projects and get a physical workout, she added.

Currently, volunteers are working on an installation that will become a space for people to walk through fruit trees of many varieties.

If you wander to the back, you come upon bee hives. Another corner has a washing station for cleaning the garden’s bounty – which 25 to 30 percent goes to the Durham Technical Community College Harvest Pantry for free distribution to students. Community members who grow their own crops on-site in one of the dozens of plots use it as well. When the college is closed, Bell Yeager Baptist Church gives away food from the pantry.

There are a few rules about what can and can’t be grown by plot owners, as well as your commitment to the garden – and they are posted for everyone to see near the entrance.

And she was exactly right, Berry said. “What a wonderful, wonderful thing that was for Durham!”

Today, Briggs Community Garden’s mission is to provide an urban garden for Durham families to affordably grow healthy food, learn about sustainable agriculture, conserve pollinators, build community, and increase food security. The Garden engages citizens of all ages providing free hands-on agriculture education, recreation, and fellowship in a lowstress, supportive environment. We seek to empower citizens with access to agriculture information and production. It is open to the public but seeks to attract resource-limited groups.

The food grown helps those who are growing it, as well as supplying the Durham Tech Pantry.

A quick stroll through the grounds of the main Community Garden and you’ll find just about anything your heart – and stomach – desires. There are cucumbers, okra, peppers from all over the world, collards, tomatoes, beans, and so much more! Flowers line many of the outside fences – flowers that anyone can come and pick for special occasions or to simply liven up their space.

The food grown helps those who are growing it, as well as supplying the Durham Tech Pantry. Neither the pantry nor the garden sells any food. It is only grown for the pantry for donation, or we teach people to grow it for themselves as plot owners.

“We pick the best and we pack it up, so it looks just like what you’d get at a high-end grocery store,” Berry says. “And it’s great seeing just how fast it all goes each week at the pantry.”

Berry, who joined the Cooperative Extension back in 2015 from Arizona and plans on being here until retirement, has a vision for the future of the space. Already, the garden “pretty much runs itself with the leadership of many, many Master Gardeners and community volunteers from all walks of life in DCo. “I am the main steward of this land, along with Gaebryl Vives, but everybody, all of us agents use this space for the community,” Berry said. “Adrienne Mauney, 4-H agent, uses it for clubs and youth projects. We have Master Gardeners who are managed by Dr. Ashley Troth and they teach hands-on classes on gardening and orchardry here. That is all done here.

John Lyttle is our Ag Agent and he collaborates with NCSU to teach farmers to ready their GAP certification inspections and such here. It gets used by everybody within the Extension!”

Right after Berry points that out, a couple of Durham Tech students wander in. Vives takes them on a tour of the facility.

Soon, both are hard at work.

(continued from page 25)

Later, a group of 15 Triangle Homeschoolers of Color have a 4H club that meets once a month at the pavilion, comes in.

Berry ushers them around the Garden. They ask questions.

They take samples – “But no eating the peppers here!” she warns. Some of the hottest peppers out there – including the Carolina Reaper – fill a big section of the garden. The group makes plans to come back in the winter to learn more about propagation of fruit trees.

home, you have your work and you need your third place.

There you can develop a community, to serve, to enjoy your life. I want to make this the most beautiful third place that Durham has to offer. It’s a real jewel.”

“It’s a place to learn,” Berry said. “And, one great thing is, we’ve had years to try things out. You come here, you learn what not to do and not repeat our mistakes, as much as you learn what to do! Our motto is we get better every year!”

How can employees get involved?

Berry then points behind the garden, and to the left and right sides. Where untamed land surrounds the well-maintained and active garden area.

“I see paths where people can come and escape,” she says with a smile. “Whatever it is for that specific person’s needs. That is what is so great about this place. There are just so many different things you can do. My main thing is I want you to have your best time!”

Berry’s eyes light up at the prospect of what is going to happen to the 40 or so acres that have not been used yet and envisions a place for people to take a “forest bath.”

“That’s a hippie term for a forest walk,” she laughs.

“I have another 15 years or so,” she says enthusiastically. “I really want Briggs to be a third place. You know, you have your

This spot is also a wonderful resource for Durham County employees to learn about gardening at home. Or get some advice on nutrition. Or maybe you don’t know how to get pollinators attracted to your garden.

“Call me if you want to start a garden or come for a tour, if it is for a workday, you can just show up!” Berry said. “I love that. I love being able to help someone learn how to do it.”

“Any employee, they can volunteer,” she said. “But employees can also take advantage of this wonderful place in so many other ways. They can come for a tour and see what’s here.

Ask questions. Get insight from our knowledge base. They can also get in touch with me and come out to have a staff retreat or a team build – away from PowerPoints and Teams meetings! And they may not have thought about it, but employees, they can connect their clients with us!”

Employees can volunteer at the Garden. Every Friday and Saturday morning it is open for anyone to come out and pitch in from the first weekend of March until Thanksgiving.

There’s no telling what you might do – dig a ditch, weed, water plants, move dirt, help build a structure, paint, clean, mow the grass – you name it, a task is waiting.

Sound like fun? Contact Cheralyn (she prefers texts!) at (919) 406-4606 or cberry@dconc.gov. Visit the Garden’s webpage here.

BEST BITES IN DURHAM Whether it’s a swift lunch break, a relaxing dinner after a long day at the office, or a weekend culinary adventure, if you are looking for a place to grab a bite to eat consider checking out some of the restaurants that were winners of Durham Magazine’s recent “Best in Durham” reader poll.

PARKER & OTIS

LOCALS SEAFOOD

VICEROY

NUVOTACO

KRILL

QUEENBURGER

TOAST

MEZCALITO

BULL CITY BURGER AND BREWERY

COSMIC CANTINA

SUCCOTASH SOUTHERN & CREOLE KITCHEN

LUNA ROTISSERIE & EMPANADAS

HUTCHINS GARAGE

HAPPY + HALE

PURE SOUL

HEAVENLY BUFFALOES

THE REFECTORY CAFÉ

COPA

SALTBOX SEAFOOD JOINT

ALLEY TWENTY SIX

BORICUA SOUL

26 DCo Life Magazine | Winter 2024

Black-eyed pea salsa

Start with clean hands! Wash your hands with soap and water.

Super Bowl LVIII is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to gather with friends to cheer on your favorite team.

If you’re hosting a watch party – delicious food is a must. Try this easy-to-make recipe. This nutritious black-eyed pea salsa will make you the MVP of your next gathering!

Prep time: 10 min

Makes 6 cups

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

2 15-oz cans black eyed peas, drained

1. Mix all ingredients together.

1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes

2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days before serving.

2 fresh jalapenos, seeds removed and diced (optional)

3. Enjoy with tortilla chips!

1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, top and seeds removed and diced 1 small onion, diced 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 6 tablespoons red wine vinegar or white vinegar 6 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin Optional: 1-15oz can corn, drained

BLACK EYED PEAS are a bean originally from West Africa. They are also widely eaten in India and China. They were brought to North and South America by enslaved Africans. They are frequently used in African American and Southern cooking.

DCo AT WORK Check out some photos of Durham County employees at work! Let us know at public_information@dconc.gov if you’ve got something going on and we’ll try to get some snapshots of DCo at Work for our next issue! Check out more photos on the Durham County Government Flickr page.