DCo Life Magazine - Vol. 1 No. 2

TRAVEL

Favorite destinations shared by employees

A flash to the past with former UNC sharp shooter

Ranzino Smith

LETTER FROM THE MANAGER

Summer is a time for making memories, relaxing, and recharging

As the summer season unfolds, let me take a moment to thank all of our employees for your great work that led to a very impactful year for our Durham County residents. As we begin the new fiscal year, I am hopeful that we can build on our achievements and make an even greater impact in FY 2024-25.

However, before we delve into the new fiscal year, I want to encourage you to look for ways to enjoy your summer and take advantage of all that summertime offers us—opportunities to unwind, recharge, and reconnect with what truly matters to us. I encourage you to take time to focus on yourself whether you spend time soaking up the sun, exploring new places, or simply relaxing at home— taking time for you helps to reduce stress and prevent burnout.

I’m excited to see that this issue of DCo Life highlights great memories that some of our employees have made while on vacation. Hopefully we can all find time to take a vacation this summer. Taking vacations allows us to spend quality time with family and friends and it allows us to create beautiful and lasting memories.

Whether it’s a beach getaway, a hiking adventure, or just spending time in your backyard, these moments can provide a sense of joy in our lives and help improve our

physical and mental well-being.

Whatever you do, I hope it gives you fulfillment and recharges and inspires you to be the best version of yourself.

Here’s to us all having a relaxing and enjoyable summer!

Dr. Kimberly J. Sowell County Manager

Contributing staff: Deborah Craig-Ray, Dawn Dudley, Randy Jones, Alesha Watson, Tobin

Megan Pendell, Patrice Carr, Melinda Heigel, Steve Whitsitt, and

habit VOLUNTEERING IS A

The Durham United Habitat for Humanity initiative was launched in 2013. The partnership program offers Durham City and County employees an opportunity to work together to build Habitat for Humanity homes for Durham residents – supporting affordable housing in the Durham community, while helping families to fulfill their dreams of home ownership.

According to Durham United, family housing is the heartbeat of the community.

Substance Use Disorder Counselor George O’Briant has volunteered with Durham United since the early days of the program. Joining with fellow employees to complete build projects throughout the community became something he looked forward to. When Build Days became available, he would be one of the first employees to sign up!

“I know what it means to have inadequate and unaffordable housing,” says George. “This understanding will always inspire my heart and hands to be resourceful in helping to provide this pertinent essential of life – which overall builds a stronger community.”

After volunteering for several Build Days, George realized how energized he was by his volunteer experiences. Since that time, volunteering with Durham United has become his most invested community service activity.

George now leads the organization of County volunteers for the joint initiative.

Making a difference and the joy of giving back are the driving forces behind his continued interest in Durham United. “I primarily volunteer because the desire to help meet the needs of others,” says George “When there is a

chance to express love and sacrifice, it’s a no-brainer for me.”

Before George picks up a hammer or heads out to a build site, he does a lot of behind-the-scenes work as a project lead.

He works to recruit volunteers and then organizes their participation. Both individuals and groups from Durham City and County are encouraged to volunteer.

“I have really enjoyed spearheading our effort to break the monotony of our daily County duties to engage in a hands-on opportunity to invest in the overall housing infrastructure of Durham.”

Daniel Merwin, Substance Abuse Counselor for the Durham County Justice Services Department, is a “regular” volunteer too! He is among the 20-25 Durham County employees who sign up to volunteer each year. He said he volunteers every chance he gets.

“I enjoy being able to contribute my time and energy into making a difference for someone else while clearly seeing what we accomplished/ built that day.”

Both Daniel and George use their allotment of four volunteer hours provided as a monthly benefit option for all employees. The benefit offers much needed flexibility to volunteers who are dedicated to ongoing projects like Durham United.

Like George, Daniel has a long history with Habitat for Humanity. His first time connecting with the national program occurred in 1994 as an undergraduate student at the University of North Alabama. Since that time, almost 30 years ago, he has remained active learning new building skills along the way.

Daniel says he has also learned a lot about himself and his abilities through his volunteer experiences. During a recent build, he was faced with a considerable challenge while installing windows. He found himself in tight spaces and needed to work collaboratively with fellow volunteers to get the job done. One by one the windows were strategically installed and done! Daniel felt extremely proud of himself and his volunteer team –many of whom he never worked with before.

Relationship-building is another benefit afforded to Durham United volunteers. “Meeting new fellow colleagues and working together as a team has been great!”

Learn more about the excitement around Durham United on the Durham United web page found on MyDCo.

“Throughout my life, I’ve seen the difference that volunteering efforts can make in people’s lives. I know the personal value of service as a local volunteer. “

- Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States of America.

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the United States and more than 70 countries worldwide. Habitat’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Habitat works toward our vision by building strength, stability and selfreliance in partnership with people and families needing a decent and affordable home.

EQUITABLE WELL-BEING

Cultural & Heritage Month Calendar and Programs

Durham County Government’s vision is to be a “thriving, vibrant and diverse community with abundant opportunity for all to live, work, learn, play and grow.” In honor of this vision, the Office of Equitable Well-Being is hosting a yearly Heritage & Cultural Calendar to invite all Durham County residents and employees to learn more about our community. We humbly recognize that our community reflects the entire globe, and we are not able to highlight every event or holiday represented within our borders. Nonetheless, we invite you on a journey of greater empathy, joy, and understanding as each month we highlight different identities within our community. We will provide programs, educational awareness, and learning opportunities throughout the county.

For the most updated Calendar of Events or for learning opportunities, visit the Office of Equitable Well-Being’s website

Additionally, we recognize that our community and Durham County Government employees hold a variety of diverse religious and faith-based traditions and customs. Each person is critical in ensuring that all are supported and respected. We encourage you to review this Interfaith Calendar 2024: Major Religious Holidays, Holy Days (diversityresources.com) to be aware you may have colleagues celebrating various holidays or observances, even if they are not formally recognized on the local government calendar.

Here are three ways that you can support a diverse and respectful work environment:

Be Open to Learning: You can support your colleagues and community members by being open and appreciating cultural, historical, or religious aspects of holidays and celebrations, and how they are crucial to foster appreciation and inclusion for a diverse workforce and community.

Avoid Assumptions: Don’t assume that a holiday means the same things to everyone or that everyone understands it the same. Let each person choose how they celebrate.

Be Flexible & Aware: Some teammates may make special requests for time off or flexibility around certain holidays that are not otherwise observed by Durham County Government. Please be open and accommodating, and be understanding if a teammate is fasting, changing their diet, needing space for prayers or reflection, or observing a holiday in another way. Consider how events or meetings you are planning might interfere with holidays, celebrations, or observances of your teammates.

We look forward to partnering with our colleagues and residents across the county to continue building an equitable and thriving Durham County Government. If you have any questions or are looking for ways to engage with us, please email equitablewell-being@dconc.gov or visit here

Best Vacation EVER

Andre Cornette

CAPE COD

Cape Cod is a special place to my family. During Summer 2022, my wife and I were able to take our new son, Teddy, there. We introduced him to lobster rolls, swimming in the ocean, biking, and homemade ice cream. We are looking forward to going there again as a family this upcoming summer with our newest addition, Henry.

Matthew Filter Economic Development Economic Development Manager

best vacation ever

Our best vacations were simple and fun. Packed tight in the car with everyone. Whether to the mountains or to the sea, “away” was a wonderful place to be. A highlight of our time as a family, such treasured and beautiful memories.

Linda Auwn Human Resources Human Resources Analyst

NAIROBI

The picture below is me in 2018 in Nairobi, Kenya, on safari at Masai Mara. There was NOTHING like seeing the animals in their natural environment. The best trip I’ve ever taken!

George Obriant Justice Services Department Substance Use Disorder Counselor

My husband and I are a part of a travel group of 100 plus people! We just got our passports and have had a time for the past 2 years traveling! Both Cancun and Jamaica were an absolute blast and an unforgettable experience! Where will the plane take us next?

Ammita Williams Social Services Senior Processing Assistant

CANCUN

My most memorable summer vacation was last year in Jamaica. Jamaica has very beautiful beaches and scenery. The food is amazing. I enjoy staying at all-inclusive resorts when I travel to Jamaica. This trip was one of the best trips ever because I traveled with a group of wonderful friends. We celebrated life, birthdays, and friendship. I actually went to Jamaica during Christmas last year as well and it was just as beautiful during the holiday season. The resort was decorated with multiple Christmas trees, decorations, and lights. I have visited Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios. I would say that Montego Bay is my favorite.

Roshanna Parker Justice Services Department Justice Services Director

JAMAICA

best vacation

Our family trip to Greece, Israel, Egypt, and Turkey was a long-awaited dream come true. Exploring these ancient lands and experiencing their rich history and culture was always on our bucket list. From the moment we set foot in Athens, Greece, and embarked on a 10-day cruise aboard the Celebrity Apex, each day was filled with wonder and excitement. Each destination on our itinerary felt like stepping back in time, offering us a glimpse into the lives of ancient civilizations and biblical history. Beginning our journey in Athens, Greece, we were captivated by the iconic Parthenon, symbolizing ancient Greek civilization and architectural genius.

Israel was an unforgettable part of our journey, filled with remarkable experiences. Seeing my daughter effortlessly float in the Dead Sea was surreal and exploring the historic ruins of Masada provided breathtaking views and insights into the region’s history. In Haifa, we shopped and embraced the city’s vibrant culture, which was incredibly vibrant at night. Jerusalem was a profoundly moving experience, where biblical history came alive as we walked the ancient streets, following in the footsteps of Jesus. Bethlehem’s spiritual energy was palpable, and in Galilee and Nazareth, we deepened our understanding of Christian history by walking where Jesus and other biblical figures once stood.

Each moment in Israel was a testament to the enduring power

of history and spirituality in this remarkable land.

Egypt was a captivating destination and one of the highlights of our trip, where we marveled at the pyramids of Giza and the majestic Sphinx. A cruise along the Nile River provided a different perspective of Egypt, culminating in a visit to the Egyptian museum, where we came face-to-face with the mummies of the pharaoh’s past and other artifacts of ancient Egypt. In Alexandria, we explored the vibrant port city and its famed library, a testament to its rich intellectual history.

Our journey concluded in Kusadasi, Turkey, where we stepped back in time and were left in awe by the ancient city of Ephesus. The well-preserved ruins and grand amphitheater where Paul once preached transported us to a bygone era, highlighting the region’s historical significance.

Overall, our trip was nothing short of extraordinary. Each destination’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty was truly a sight to behold. Our adventure was not just the best vacation ever but a transformative spiritual journey that we would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking an unparalleled blend of history, culture, and adventure.

Andre Cornette Senior IT Project Manager Information Services & Technology

BEAT THE HEAT

As temperatures soar, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help you and your loved ones stay cool and healthy during the hot summer months:

STAY COOL

Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose lightweight, loosefitting clothing to help your body breathe and regulate temperature effectively.

Seek Air-Conditioned Spaces: Stay in an airconditioned place as much as possible. If your home does not have air conditioning, visit a shopping mall, a public library, or consider visiting a designated heatrelief shelter in your area.

Schedule Outdoor Activities Wisely: Plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings. Take regular breaks in shaded areas to allow your body to recover.

Pace Yourself: Avoid overexertion in hot weather, especially if you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in high temperatures. Start slowly and gradually increase activity levels. If you experience symptoms like lightheadedness or confusion, seek shade and rest immediately.

Apply Sunscreen: Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. Shield your skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Reapply sunscreen according to package directions, and choose products labeled as “broad spectrum” or offering “UVA/UVB protection” for optimal coverage. Invest in wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to provide additional protection from the sun’s rays.

STAY HYDRATED

Drink Plenty of Fluids: Stay hydrated by consuming fluids regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid extremely cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.

Replace Salt and Minerals: Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks: Sugary drinks and alcohol can cause you to lose more body fluid.

STAY INFORMED

Stay Updated: Keep abreast on the local weather forecasts and heat advisories.

Recognize Heat-Related Illnesses: Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Promptly seek medical attention if you or someone else exhibits these symptoms.

Use a Buddy System: Look out for your colleagues and loved ones during hot weather, especially those at higher risk of heat-related illnesses. Establish a buddy system to monitor each other’s well-being and intervene if necessary.

By following these simple yet crucial tips, you can enjoy the summer weather while staying safe and healthy. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to heat-related illnesses, so stay cool, hydrated, and informed.

GHANA Ciji Goes to

After an enriching three-week journey to Accra, the capital of Ghana, Strategic Analyst Ciji Garner is eager to share the valuable experience gained from the international internship facilitated by North Carolina Central University’s Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) Program.

Being her first visit to Ghana, Ciji was thrilled to immerse herself in the country’s rich culture, exploring its lively traditions, bustling markets, and meeting extraordinary individuals. A notable highlight of her internship was working in the Mayor’s Office with Accra’s first female mayor, who generously shared her insights into strategic planning and leadership.

The internship provided an exceptional opportunity to learn from executive leadership teams, apply strategic planning and urban development concepts, and contribute meaningfully to public administration initiatives. Witnessing different governance systems in action and participating in impactful projects was both rewarding and enlightening.

Ciji remarks, “This experience has been profoundly significant for me, offering new perspectives, fostering valuable connections, and shaping my future endeavors. For anyone considering furthering a career or education in Public Administration, I highly recommend the EMPA Program at NCCU, which offers unparalleled opportunities like this internship, providing hands-on experience and global exposure”.

For more information about Ciji Garner’s experience, feel free to contact her at cgarner@dconc.gov

Recipes

Savor the flavors of summer with these refreshing summer salads! From a zesty lemon potato salad to a vibrant kale salad and a juicy watermelon salad, these dishes offer a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that capture the essence of summer in every bite.

Try sourcing these ingredients from a local farmers’ market to ensure peak freshness and to support local agriculture.

Durham Farmers’ Market

501 Foster Street, Durham NC 27701 Saturdays from 8am to 12pm

South Durham Farmers’ Market

500 Park Offices Drive, Durham, NC 27709 Saturdays from 8am to 12pm

Black Farmers’ Market

1637 E Lawson Street, Durham, NC 27703 1st & 3rd Sundays from 1pm to 4pm

North Durham Farmers’ Market

1016 Old Oxford Road, Durham, NC 27704 1st & 3rd Saturdays from 12pm to 4pm

Kale Salad

INGREDIENTS

6 large kale leaves

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1/8 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp finely chopped shallot

1/2 cup grated feta cheese

1/2 apple

DIRECTIONS

1. Wash kale and shake dry. Remove stems, break into small bite-sized pieces, and place in large bowl.

2. Measure lemon juice, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Add to a mason jar.

3. Chop shallot and add to mason jar. Replace lid and shake until well mixed. Pour dressing over kale and toss.

4. Sprinkle feta cheese over kale.

5. Chop apple into pieces and sprinkle on top of kale.

6. Pour salad dressing over salad, mix and enjoy!

Lemon Potato Salad

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 10 minutes | Total: 20 minutes | Servings: 5-6 people

INGREDIENTS

1 kg / 2 lb. baby potatoes (Note 1)

2 tbsp salt (for water)

1 cup green onions, sliced

1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped

Dressing:

5 tbsp / 75 ml extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup / 65 ml lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest (1 large lemon)

1 garlic clove, large, minced

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1.5 tsp sugar

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Dressing: Shake in a jar.

2. Halve potatoes so they are about 2.5cm / 1” pieces (cut large ones into 3).

3. Bring 4 quarts water to the boil, add salt. Add potatoes, bring back up to the boil then reduce to simmer. Cook for 5 minutes or until just cooked - don’t let them overcook or become too soft, they will keep cooking from residual heat.

4. Drain and immediately transfer to a bowl.

5. While potatoes are hot, pour over half the Dressing. Use rubber spatula to gently stir.

6. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes, even overnight.

7. Add green onions and parsley, pour over remaining Dressing. Carefully toss with rubber spatula, then serve. Great warm or at room temperature, and it’s also great the next day.

NOTES

This recipe will work fine with any type of potato. Starchy and all-purpose potatoes suck up the flavor better than waxy ones, but even waxy potatoes are fine. Just make sure you cut them to the prescribed size and don’t overcook otherwise they will crumble when tossed.

Add Ins / variations: other fresh herbs like chives, basil, thyme, or rosemary (go easy on these, they are strong), dried herbs, bacon (!!), parmesan, rocket/ arugula, sun dried tomatoes. Give it a Mediterranean spin by adding oregano and/or feta!!

Watermelon Salad

with feta and cucumber

Prep: 10 minutes | Cook: 1 minute | Total: 11 minutes | Servings: 4 people

This watermelon salad is full of sliced cucumbers, crumbled feta cheese and mint, all tossed in an easy lime dressing. A simple yet unusual summer salad that’s sure to get rave reviews.

INGREDIENTS

3 cups watermelon cubed or balled

1 1/2 cups sliced cucumber peeled and seeds removed

2 tablespoons mint thinly sliced or small mint leaves

1/3 cup feta cheese crumbled

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Place the watermelon, cucumber, and mint in a large bowl.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice and salt and pepper.

3. Drizzle the dressing over the melon mixture and toss to coat. Sprinkle with feta and serve.

NOTES

I recommend using a block of feta cheese versus the crumbled kind that comes in tubs, as I find the block of cheese has more flavor.

If you use a standard waxy cucumber, you’ll want to peel it and remove the seeds. Varieties such as English and Persian cucumbers do not need to be peeled or seeded.

VARIATIONS

While this salad is delicious as-is, you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.

• Fruit: You can substitute the watermelon for other types of fruit such as cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberries, tomatoes or mango. Or you can use a combination of watermelon with a second type of fruit. You can also stir in a little avocado for a creamier flavor.

• Vegetables: Feel free to add more veggies to the mix! Some great options include red onion and jicama.

• Cheese: No feta on hand? You can use a different type of crumbly aged cheese such as cotija or ricotta salata.

• Greens: Feel free to add some greens to your watermelon salad; my favorite options are arugula or baby spinach.

• Dressing: Lemon juice can be used instead of lime juice in the dressing. Another great option is to add a small drizzle of balsamic glaze over the finished salad.

• Herbs: Try using fresh basil instead of mint leaves.

Grilling Safely

As the weather warms up and grilling season kicks into high gear, it’s essential to prioritize food safety to ensure a delicious and healthy outdoor dining experience. Here are some essential tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to grill safely and enjoy delicious meals without the worry of foodborne illnesses:

SEPARATE: When shopping, be mindful to pick up meat, poultry, seafood, and other perishables last, just before heading to the checkout. Keep these items separate from other groceries in your cart and bags. To prevent crosscontamination, place raw meat and poultry in individual plastic bags.

CHILL: Refrigerate meat, poultry, and seafood until you’re ready to grill. During transportation, maintain a temperature of 40°F or below in an insulated cooler to keep these items fresh and safe.

THAW & MARINATE: Avoid leaving food at room temperature where harmful germs can multiply rapidly. Thaw food safely in the refrigerator, cold water, or microwave. Always marinate food in the refrigerator, regardless of the type of marinade used. Never thaw or marinate meat, poultry, or seafood on the counter.

CLEAN: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after handling raw meat, poultry, and seafood. Additionally, clean work surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water before and after cooking to prevent cross-contamination.

CHECK YOUR GRILL AND TOOLS: Before cooking, clean the grill surface using a moist cloth or paper towel. If you use a wire bristle brush, inspect the grill’s surface carefully to ensure

no bristles are dislodged and might stick into food. This precaution prevents accidental ingestion of wire bristles.

DON’T CROSS-CONTAMINATE: Discard marinades and sauces that have come into contact with raw meat juices to avoid spreading germs to cooked foods. Use separate utensils and plates for raw and cooked meat to prevent cross-contamination.

COOK: Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat reaches a safe internal temperature to kill harmful germs. Follow these temperature guidelines for various types of meat:

• 145°F for whole cuts of beef, pork, lamb, and veal (allow meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or consuming)

• 145°F for fish (or cook until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork)

• 160°F for hamburgers and ground beef

• 165°F for all poultry and pre-cooked meats like hot dogs

REFRIGERATE: After grilling, keep cooked food hot at a temperature of 140°F or warmer until it’s served. For leftovers, divide them into small portions and refrigerate them in covered, shallow containers within 2 hours of cooking (within 1 hour if the temperature is above 90°F outside). It’s safe to place small portions of hot food directly into the refrigerator to cool faster.

By following these simple yet essential tips, you can grill safely and enjoy flavorful meals with friends and family all season long. Let’s make food safety a priority and savor every moment of outdoor cooking!

WORK OUT PROFILES

There are many benefits to leading a healthy lifestyle including protection from serious health conditions and disease. Durham County employees, Bettyna Abney and Shawn Swiatocha are dedicated to living stronger and longer. They share how and why being healthy is an essential function in their lives.

Senior Assistant County Attorney Bettyna B. Abney began getting serious about health and wellness while she was an undergraduate student at Florida Intentional University. Like most college students, her body was going through changes in a new environment.

She was always fitness aware, but she wanted to do more to achieve a healthier weight.

BETTYNA’S WORKOUT

Time commitment: 30 minutes to 1.5 hours per day. Personal rule of thumb: Don’t let two days go by without working out.

Split body weightlifting routine 4-5 times per week.

• Day 1 – Legs;

• Day 2 - Cardio (45 minutes);

• Day 3 – Chest, Triceps, Abs,

• Day 4 – Rest;

• Day 5 – Legs;

• Day 6 – Back and Cardio (20 minutes);

• Day 7 – Shoulders and Biceps (20 minutes)

I believe that in every person’s life, there’s that one moment, a spark, a catalyst that awakens the pursuit of health and wellness. For me, it was a realization, a deep yearning for a better version of myself.

She started hitting the gym and became more mindful of what she ate and drank. Once she started exercising, the benefits of a more disciplined lifestyle were noticeable right away. She liked the way her workouts made her look and feel. Years later, her attraction to health and wellness remains very much the same, however, now she lifts fewer heavy weights, gives greater attention to how she eats, and reduces her sugar intake.

“I was drawn to the power of nourishing my body with wholesome foods - a desire to treat it as a temple, fueling it with goodness. My fascination with fitness grew as I discovered the immense potential of my body to adapt, strengthen, and thrive.”

Changes, even the smallest, in a daily routine can make a big difference over time. Bettyna has prioritized her well-being and is careful to avoid extracurricular activities that may interfere with her health and wellness goals. She recommends that anyone looking to adopt a wellness routine ensure that it includes a personal coach, a pathway to building health habits, a connection to a health community, and guidance on how to fuel your body properly.

Bettyna has had ups and downs throughout her quest for a healthy lifestyle. Very early in life, she developed a sweet tooth. Her father worked at a bakery and her home was always stocked with delights. At that point in life, “the sheer bliss of youth made extra calories seem inconsequential.” Fast forward to adulthood, despite adopting a disciplined routine of wellness, the urge to go back to a place of comfort was stronger than ever at challenging times in her life. During the pandemic she found herself on an intense hunt for sweets – Oreos to be specific. The sweet temptations were leading her in a

direction she did not like. This became a turning point for her. She knew she had to reclaim her healthy habits and rekindle her determination for a balanced lifestyle.

Health and wellness are crucial to me because they enable me to live life to the fullest, cherish meaningful moments, and try to be the best version of myself. The reality is that we live in an obesogenic world, surrounded by so many things that can have damaging effects on our health. I am on a journey seeking optimal health.

Bettyna says a healthy lifestyle is all about nutrition. She recommends reading, Your Life Book: Your Path to Optimal Health and Wellbeing, Becoming the Dominant Force in Your Life by Dr. Wayne Scott Anderson (Dr. A), and Habits of Health also by Dr. Anderson. She also invites anyone interested in her journey to reach out to her to learn more.

workout profiles

SHAWN’S

WORKOUT

Shawn Swiatocha, Assistant Director for the Durham County General Services Department, has been an athlete his whole life. As a young person, he primarily played baseball and football. During the winter months, he kept himself busy with basketball and indoor track. Playing competitive sports has not always been a priority for Shawn, however, being physically active has.

Growing up in New York, sports was a big thing in his hometown of Scotia, New York. New Yorkers are either Yankees or Mets fans. For Shawn, it was Yankees or nothing. When it came to football, the decision was easy, he was a Raiders fan, and his favorite player was Howie Long.

As his grade school years were coming to a close, he loved sports, but his sights were set on academics. Academics took precedence, however, health and wellness remained important to him. Shawn always had a workout regimen to some degree as he moved into his adult life.

Regular exercise and eating well are the best things Shawn believes he can do for his health. He shares that he is not always operating at his optimum health, but he is active and mindful. Having an overall disciplined lifestyle has helped keep him on track. Shawn has served more than 30 years in

Parkouring is a sport of traversing environmental obstacles by running, climbing, or leaping rapidly and efficiently.

the United States Air Force – Air National Guard, where discipline is a necessity to achieve standards of excellence. It is also used as a performance measurement to track continued progress. Shawn applies this disciplinary approach as he strives to stay on top of his health goals.

His motivation to stay fit goes beyond his duty to serve. The commitment is also tied to his desire to avoid chronic health issues that are prevalent in his family. Being overweight, having high blood pressure, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues runs in his family. He has been intentional about doing his part to break the harmful cycle.

What Shawn did to stay on a healthy track as a youth athlete looks a little different now. His love for baseball continued, so he plays in a North Carolina Baseball League for men ages 30 and up.

The season has ended, and now he is starting to think of what he will do next to stay active during the coming months. He has already found some non-traditional ways to exercise that keep him fit.

Health and wellness are important to me so I can live an active lifestyle without being tied to medications. Also, I’m able to have an active life with my family. If I don’t prioritize health, I may not be able to provide like I need to for the people I love. I don’t like to take medications if I do not have to. I believe that staying active and eating fairly healthy has kept me from having to deal with the effects of those issues and take those types of daily medications.

According to Fitness Republic, there are other ways to get your blood pumping including jumping, climbing, swimming, dancing, hiking, riding, kayaking, cleaning, exergaming, and parkouring.

Like any fitness activity, these alternatives to traditional exercises should be approached with caution. Shawn says at this stage in his life, he listens closely to his body and adjusts accordingly.

Understanding the status of his physical condition is important to Shawn as well. He sees his primary physician annually to discuss any changes to his body. He also sees a chiropractor to address a lingering back issue that occasionally flares based on activity level. His massage therapist helps with muscle tightness. He also utilizes Durham County’s Wellness Clinic, housed in the Administration Building I, when he has immediate concerns while at work. When his schedule permits, he gets in a workout at one of the County’s Fitness Centers.

In his 40s, Shawn had a flashback to his youth. He considered trying out for a semi -rofessional football league. “My mindset was never a question. It was really about making sure my muscles and joints could keep up. After an honest assessment, I knew I would not be able to. Plus, my wife said it was a hard, No!”

Shawn’s wife has introduced pickleball as an exercise activity for the family. It’s not football, but he looks forward to the possibilities.

One area he has a little more control over is his diet. In addition to working out, Shawn is conscious about how his food intake impacts his overall picture of health.

“I still like my pizzas and dark chocolates. I don’t do “diets,” so I try to be mindful of my caloric intake and make sure I get a good mix of carbs, fats, and proteins. A good starting point for most people’s daily diets would be 40% carbs, 30% proteins, and 30% fats for food intake.”

His wife is his accountability partner for workouts and healthy eating. She keeps him motivated and honest. Shawn recommends that anyone interested in a new health and wellness routine consider identifying a friend or family member who can be an accountability partner. He believes you are more likely to stick to your plan with someone keeping you company as you work towards your goal. This person provides support and encouragement, and they are less likely to let you off the hook if you are ready to give up.

As the summer months of vacationing, rest, and relaxation is upon us - ome may find it challenging to maintain healthy habits. When you are out of your usual routine, you may get thrown off, and find it difficult to get back to your healthy routine. Click here to gain some advice on how to stay on track during a season of overindulgence. Advice given says to put your focus on friends, family, and fun.

I

just spent the last couple of months building an outdoor cook station, patio, and firepit area at my home. I like to build things, so I did all that myself. Between the building, digging, and carrying materials, it gave me quite the workout.

INFORMED AND READY TO WIN Shannon Wright

Four years ago, Shannon was training for a marathon. She wasn’t a novice runner, but the discomfort she began to experience was completely familiar. First, it started with her ankles hurting and then her wrists. She thought she had been training a little too fast and hard when she noticed these new aches. Even with rest, the pain continued. She knew something wasn’t right. Like many athletes, she wanted to get to the root of the issue so she could get back out on the pavement as her best self. She went to her doctor for answers.

After an examination and bloodwork revealed possible signs of autoimmune disease, the 26-year-old found herself meeting with a Rheumatologist who later confirmed she had Lupus.

On average, it takes individuals about 5-7 years in our healthcare system to be diagnosed. It took about a year for Shannon to find out which was considerably fast. She shares her personal story and fight here.

May was Lupus Awareness Month! Shannon Wright tell us about her Lupus journey through her lens...

It is clear that you are very informed. What advice do you offer to others recently diagnosed?

“Lupus made me slow down.”

Shannon, Lupus is an autoimmune disease. What are some other common autoimmune diseases and how are they similar to Lupus?

There are hundreds of autoimmune diseases, but what they all have in common is that the individual’s immune system malfunctions and begins attacking healthy organs, cells, and tissues.

Some common autoimmune diseases that people have heard about other than Lupus is rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 Diabetes, celiac disease, etc. What separates the diseases are what cells, tissues, and organs the immune system attacks.

In what ways has Lupus changed your life?

Lupus has made me slow down, take care of myself, and really appreciate and be thankful for all that I have in my life. It’s also made me more focused on living life to the fullest, taking chances that maybe I wouldn’t have when I was healthier.

What are the greatest challenges of living with a chronic disease like Lupus?

For me, dealing with the healthcare industry, the reason it takes so long for many people with autoimmune diseases especially women to be diagnosed is due to many physicians and specialists in the healthcare industry not believing patients symptoms.

If you ask almost any person with an autoimmune disease if they have had to deal with pushback or doctors doubting their symptoms, they’ll have a story. It’s really difficult for people to be going through a life-changing disease to be told by the professionals who are supposed to help them that they have anxiety or are making symptoms up, which has happened to me several times!

That being said, I’ve also had some amazing, caring professionals who have been with me every step of the way.

Be kind to yourself. It’s going to take some time to get back to feeling like you again and you just have to give yourself the grace to get there. Lean on your inner circle if you can, going through an autoimmune disease is scary, and having support with you at home and in the healthcare setting is crucial.

“Autoimmune diseases are an invisible disability. When someone tells you they’re sick, even if they “look healthy” physically, believe them!”

What would you like people to know about autoimmune diseases?

A few things, autoimmune diseases in the Western world are on the rise, especially in younger generations like Millennials and Generation Z. I always encourage people of these generations to check in regularly with bloodwork (especially if you have any sort of familial history), so you can catch the disease early.

Most people with autoimmune diseases have comorbidities (or multiple illnesses) due to the diseases attacking healthy organs. For example, my lupus eventually began to attack the healthy cells in my pancreas, which led to me having a pancreas disorder. So, when someone says they are fighting an autoimmune disease, they’re also probably fighting other comorbidities as well.

family ties RELATIVES IN THE WORKPLACE

Diamali Corbett, Tiffaney Grady, and Latisha Martin

The reality show, Claim to Fame, introduces 12 individuals and their relationship to a well-known celebrity. The series, just wrapping up its second season, brings together individuals who compete to find out who each is related to. If Durham County Government created a similar show, you may be surprised to discover who is related to who too!

I DON’T THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE AT WORK EVEN KNOW WE ARE RELATED.

- LATISHA MARTIN

Durham County Department of Social Services managers

Diamali Corbett, Tiffaney Grady, and Latisha Martin are sisters from Hanover County. The sisters have very different backgrounds, yet they all share a passion for helping others.

Diamali, an Income Maintenance Caseworker Supervisor, the oldest of the three sisters, always wanted to assist the elderly and special needs populations. Tiffaney, the baby of the bunch, thought that she would go into accounting after

graduation from college. She now uses her background to help others in their time of need and to achieve economic independence. Latisha, the middle sister and middle child of their family, thought strongly about law enforcement, but after being exposed to child welfare social work during a job fair she decided to pursue a different career path.

At the Durham County Department of Social Services, the three have very different work responsibilities which limit their interactions with one another. The sisters work in different divisions and seldomly cross paths. It is rare to see the three together. “I don’t think a lot of people know we are related,” says Latisha.

In their years working for the County, Tiffaney and Diamali are the only two who have had the opportunity to collaborate on a project when they both served on a committee together. When the three do connect at work, it is usually related to technology issues. The sisters often joke about troubleshooting software challenges. They agree that they were tech support for one another during the lockdown period of the pandemic.

family ties

Outside of work, the three spend a lot of time together. Throughout the day they regularly connect on a family text thread which includes their mother and brothers when they are apart. They connect after work with their families –helping with afterschool pickups and childcare. “We contact each other for resources to assist in our specialized units/ divisions, when necessary,” says Tiffaney. “I am hopeful that we will have a chance to collaborate on something that will bring the three of us together for the purposes of work sometime in the future.”

The trio have always been close. While they never made plans to work together, sharing the same workspace has worked out perfectly.

Diamali joined Durham County five years ago, Tiffaney 8 years, and Latisha 10 years. They all entered supervisory roles in 2022 within months of one another. Working in the human service field has rewards and challenges. “We understand that our jobs and positions can be difficult at times, so we are there to uplift each other up when needed,” says Diamali. “Working the same hours is great as we are able to easily plan outside events with our extended family.”

The sisters are big on setting work-life boundaries. They are hard workers in their respective areas, and often remind one another to enjoy life outside of DCo. “We touch base daily to ask if all computers are off and if we have officially stepped away for the day. We want each to prioritize our mental and physical health for us individually and for our families.”

Jonathan and Sonya Hawley, Husband & Wife Johnathan and Sonya Hawley’s connection began at Durham County Government in 2001. The two did not start dating until Jonathan left DCo for another job opportunity. In 2007, they ran into each other at a store and the rest is history.

Married in 2009, the coworkers, turned friends, turned lovebirds, share their workspace at DCo once again. Jonathan, who returned to the County in 2021, works in Finance as Interim Procurement Manager and Sonya in Social Services as a Senior Child Support Agent-Review and Adjustments.

The two rarely see one another at work due to differing work schedules. Jonathan leaving the house last sometimes works in Sonya’s favor when she forgets something or when he surprises her with lunch. Their favorite time outside of work is spent making memories with their sons and extended family.

When asked about their work history with the County, they highlight their shared appreciation for the benefits and DCo work culture. “The benefits continue to improve. The personal leave and family leave benefits really speak to us as we both have older parents, kids, and have experienced health challenges,” said Sonya. Sonya is a 10-year Breast Cancer Survivor.

AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Each year, April is Autism Awareness Month, also referred to as Autism Acceptance Month. It offers an opportunity for individuals and communities to learn more about autism spectrum disorder and its impact on the abilities and needs of people living with the neurological condition.

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental disability resulting from differences in the brain. The spectrum refers to the myriad of conditions associated with the behavior, communication, interaction, social, and learning differences experienced by people living with autism.

Approximately 1 in 35 children in the US have Autism and an increasing number of adults are receiving diagnoses. According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 45 adults. People of all genders, races, ages, and socio-economic backgrounds are living with autism across the globe.

While officially called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), individuals with Autism might choose to describe themselves as Autistic, neurodiverse, Autists, “aspies,” or even “neuro-spicy”.

During Autism Awareness Month 2024, Durham County Equitable Well-being’s activities included the creation of a podcast shedding light on autism and people in the autism community at Durham County Government. Cassandra, a neuro-spicy member of the Equitable Well-Being team, is joined by Dawn Dudley, Senior Public Information Specialist of DCo who has two children with Autism, and by Gavin Shelton, an Autistic Librarian in our Main Library. Additionally, Cassandra spoke with staff from All Neurotypes to learn more about resources and support for our local neurodiverse community.

Here are some snippets from the podcast released in early April.

Gavin

“I want to communicate that it’s not something to be afraid of; and, if you think you haven’t met an Autistic person, yes you have. Exploring how Autism has affected my life has made it a lot easier to be friends with my brain, and, I now know, “oh, these things aren’t hard because I’m a freak, they are hard because of how my brain works, and that’s just how my brain works.”

Listen to the full podcast here

Autism Awareness Month, and all year round, you are invited to learn how you can contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming work environment and community for our neurodiverse teammates and residents. Visit the Durham County Equitable Well-being webpage to learn more!

Dawn

“Being a parent and loving someone on the Autism spectrum has given me a different appreciation for life and the way that I see the world. My children offer a different perspective from things I don’t always see. They also push me to be a parent and a person that is held accountable to my responsibility to community and speaking up in spaces where I have the ability to do so. It is easy to not say anything at all, for some people. My children, in loving them and being the kind of parent I want to be, requires that I speak up and advocate and get to know more about spaces in which the world has left gaps for those who maybe don’t experience the world in the same way that is neurotypical.”

SUPPORT ASD IN THE DURHAM COMMUNITY

Cassandra

“It has been a joy and an honor to be gifted with the stories of five different people this month, who all experience the world of Autism differently, through the limited edition Autism at DCo podcast series . It has been a beautiful reminder that I can find joy and beauty in my own neuro-spicy brain and life and reminds me to never stop my journey of learning and listening to others.”

Consider grabbing your next cup at 321 Coffee or Coffee Shop – B3 Coffee, purchasing flowers or food at Blawesome and Part & Parcel, or expanding your culinary skills through Food Vibez Way, all of which support Autistic individuals.

ASD RESOURCES

Fellow Autists can check out the Autism Support and Advocacy Center, special programs through Durham Parks & Rec, summer camps, playgroups, and training at All Neurotypes, and filter Durham County Library events by sensory stimulation level and those with sensory-friendly options. The Main Library even has a special Multi-Sensory Environment on the 4th floor.

FEATURE summer reading

SHANNON JOHNSON

Library Assistant Shannon Johnson, featured on the cover of this issue of DCo Life, loves reading.

As the temperatures are warming up outside, you may catch Shannon at one of her favorite reading spots in downtown Durham. She is currently reading Generations, Lucille Clifton’s memoir. Clifton a poet known for her artful expressions, traces her family history and shares her connections to West Africa in prose.

Summer reading is not just for kids, it holds a special place for adults as well. Some embrace the warmth of summer reading as they prepare for vacation and others consider reading a vacation for the mind.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing or thrilling read this summer, the many genres of reading will offer you something that fits your fancy.

I LOVE HOW ENGROSSING A GOOD BOOK CAN BE WHEN YOU CANNOT STOP READING UNTIL YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS AT THE END. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE ROMANCE NOVELS THAT END HAPPILY EVER AFTER, AND I ALSO LOVE USING THE MOST RANDOM PIECE OF PAPER I CAN FIND AS A BOOKMARK WHEN I DON’T HAVE ONE.

Shannon says her favorite genres are historical fiction, romance, and memoirs. Her favorite reads are Sula by Toni Morrison, Night Song by Beverly Jenkins, and I Want to Be Mad for A While by Barney Saltzberg.

Shannon was motivated to pursue a career in libraries, particularly on the acquisitions side of the library, profession because she enjoys making sure new books get to their readers.

Being around books her whole life she has often met literature she loves and authors she adores, including her favorite, the Novel and Pulitzer Prizer-winner novelist Tony Morrison. Shannon did not get to meet Morrison before she passed in 2019, however, she is hopeful that she will get to meet authors Beverly Jenkins, Bernice McFadden, Lisa Jewell, and Samantha Irby one day.

READING RECOMMENDATIONS

Check out this curated list of summer reading recommendations from our DCo Library staff. From thrilling fantasies to insightful non-fiction, our dedicated library experts have handpicked a selection of must-read titles guaranteed to captivate readers of all ages.

ADULTS

The Fourth Turning is Here by Neil Howe: This work demonstrates the connection between the turbulent times of the American Revolution, the Civil War, the Depression/WWII, and now. It shows how the next ten years could be decisive in forming a new social contract.

Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo: Written by a long-form journalist who immersed herself for over three years in the day-to-day lives of people living in a modernday Mumbai slum, Behind the Beautiful Forevers skillfully humanizes a deeply marginalized segment of society. The people who are introduced in this book slowly and steadily take on a relatable dimension, and at a certain moment, readers find themselves mourning their losses, dreaming their dreams, and cheering them on in their victories.

Evil Geniuses: The Unmaking of America by Kurt Andersen: This book discusses how America made sharp political and macroeconomic changes after the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Immigration Act of 1965. The author of this informative book demonstrates how the cuts made during the Reagan Administration contribute to our current state of affairs.

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi is a family saga about two Ghanaian halfsisters: one who stays in Ghana, and the other who is sold into slavery and sent to America. This novel tells their stories and the stories of the seven generations of descendants who come after them. Homegoing demonstrates the long-

term impacts of the colonization of Africa and the importance of counter-storytelling.

TEENS

Hell Followed With Us by Andrew Joseph White: Andrew Joseph White’s first YA novel, Hell Followed With Us, follows a 16-year-old trans boy, Benji, as he searches for refuge on the run from the religious cult that raised him to be the human bioweapon in their Armageddon. What Benji finds is a resistance group of queer teens and their gorgeous, autistic leader Nicholas, all with their own strengths, flaws, agendas, and secrets. This is one for anyone who’s been afraid they’re too much or not enough, a determined celebration of community at the end of the world, and a reminder that sometimes your anger is your strength.

On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden: This is a gorgeously written and illustrated graphic novel that follows a ragtag crew that travels throughout space to rebuild what has been broken, and a story of love and loss between two girls, Mia and Grace. Walden simultaneously creates a feeling of expansive, endless openness, and intimate coziness, making this book one of my forever favorite reads. I cannot recommend it enough.

Delicious in Dungeon by Ryoko Kui: This delightful fantasy series features a group of adventurers trying to save one of their companions who got left behind in a perilous dungeon full of every kind of monster, from red dragons to walking mushrooms. They need to perform this rescue mission on a budget, however. Thus, instead of purchasing supplies, the team has to keep themselves fed only by cooking the bizarre plant life and creatures they find along their journey. This is a hilarious, and sometimes mouthwatering, graphic novel that is often more than the sum of its already enticing parts.

CHILDREN

Whose Moon is That? by Kim Krans: In this cosmic picture book, a curious cat questions who the moon belongs to. Other forms of nature, such as the mountains and the stars, claim the moon belongs to them, and each element is contested by the next. The intricate and magical illustrations will appeal to young readers, while the text is thoughtful and rhythmic.

Anne of West Philly by Ivy Noell Weir: This re-telling of Anne of Green Gables is stunningly illustrated and refreshingly contemporary. In this version, Anne is a black tween that is fostered into the West Philly home of Marilla and Matthew. While Anne struggles with the transitions in her life, she eventually finds her way by joining a robotics team at school while at home, she begins to develop a bond with her foster parents.

The Truth About Dragons by Julie Leung: In a mix of Eastern and Western mythologies, a mother tells her child about two forests inhabited by different but equally enchanting dragons who coexist within the child’s heart. The biracial main character learns to connect to and embrace his two cultures through these dragon stories.

Embark on a literary journey this summer with these mustread books recommended by DCo employees. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, relaxing in the park, or simply unwinding at home, these captivating reads are sure to transport you to new worlds, evoke deep emotions, and ignite your imagination.

Atomic Habits by James Clear Nikia Johnson, Social Services

“When McKinsey Comes to Town: The Hidden Influence of the World’s Most Powerful Consulting Firm” is a great expose on the history of wrongdoing in Mckinsey and company, and management consulting at large. Reading the book made me deeply cynical about corruption at every level of business and government. Overall, great read!

Solomon Rosenbluth

reading recommendations

How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self by Dr. Nicole LePera

Ellery Harris, Social Services

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Patience Mukelabai

Cooperative Extension

For the 2nd time I’m reading Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s masterpiece “One Hundred Years of Solitude” (Cien Años de Soledad) the book is so rich in language and one of those family long stories, a very captivating story.

Jeannete Thompson, Register of Deeds

Pray First by Chris Hodges. As a faith believer do you currently find it hard to make prayer life lively and engaging? Prayer is essential to being a faith believer, but many people are afraid or don’t know how to talk to God. Some people consider prayer cute and oldfashioned, while others think it holy and awkward. It’s not a lack of ideas—there are lots of them. We know prayer is essential, not that we don’t think it is. What’s the matter then? The author of Pray First, Chris Hodges has spent years studying the Bible’s prayers and how Christians should pray based on what they say. Now, he shares the lessons and techniques that have helped hundreds of thousands genuinely understand how to talk with God and enjoy every moment. You can use the tools in Pray First to: Bring joy back to your time with God. Read through the Bible’s prayers to learn how to make your prayers more robust and more personal. Find out about fasting, a strong practice that goes hand-in-hand with prayer but needs to be addressed. Make prayer a goal, not an aside, using tried-and-true ways based on the Bible. Pray First is a revolutionary how-to book for anyone who wants a more active, personal prayer life with God. It is written in the friendly, familiar, and consistently biblical style that has become Hodges’ trademark.

Hellen Juarez-Ruiz, Veteran Services

Mean Streak by Sandra Brown - I am on a Sandra Brown reading kick right now and this happens to be the book I am reading at the present time. It, like many of her others is a real thriller. As a commuter, I am listening to the audio book version.

Joel White, Library

Left Behind Series - This book is great for me told me about the ending of Earth over a period of seven years, 16 books. The people been rapture and leaving non-believers and believers behind. Action, horror and suspense you experimented all at one. When you star reding it you will love it right away.

Maria Santiago Cruz, Social Services, Processing Assistant

I really enjoyed The Eyes and the Impossible by Dave Eggers - it was an engaging read from a different perspective (a dog!) about our relationship with nature and wildlife.

Jeannete Thompson, Register of Deeds

reading

recommendations

The Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand; I just finished this book! I have read about 4 of her novels and I am hooked! This book would be great on vacation or curled up in your favorite chair. I recently began reading I Did a New Thing: 30 Days to Living Free by Tabitha Brown. This book is part of her (A Feeding the Soul) collection of books and cookbooks. A great selection if one is focused on self-care and self-improvement.

Stephanie R. Robeson, Register of Deeds

I am currently reading and enjoying Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States. I feel that large non-fiction works like this could be intimidating to the casual reader, but I’ve been very impressed with how Zinn’s prose eschews academic jargon in favor of clear, well-resourced and compelling narratives that make personal stories and social movements across centuries deeply relatable and clearly relevant to the issues of today.

Colin Moore, Public Health

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich. I have gifted this book at least five times since reading it. Erdrich’s characters are wonderful — each one an individual that defies stereotype; each one full of complexities that never descend into entertaining “quirks.” In contrast, we do see the usual stereotypes through the perspective of others — in Barne’s memory of the “luscious” Indian girls depicted in ads and earnest lectures given by the missionaries, for example. I think about her descriptions often, I miss the characters as if they were my friends.

Sarah Martin, Engineering and Enviromental Services

Three Magic Words by Uell Stanley Anderson. Essays describing how the to control power of all things. Blocking negative thoughts from your conscience, that hinders you from going forward.

Carlos Mclendon, Community Intervention and Support Services

The Purpose Driven Life is a spiritual guidebook, this book gives you the answer why we exist. Really you connect with your own purpose in life and see life different once you read the book. I give this book to my coworker as a gift because I grow with it, and I will love them to grow too.

Maria Santiago Cruz, Veteran Services

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt; a charming story about a widow’s unlikely connection with a giant Pacific octopus. Be prepared to fall in love with Marcellus, the titular remarkably bright creature.

Leah Tietje-Davis, Library

Clear Thinking, by Shane Parrish. The early chapters include rather obvious observations about human behavior as it relates to decisionmaking, but the second half of the book is full of outstanding strategies and principles for engaging in the kind of super-charged thinking and decision-making that can have a powerful impact and lead to real improvement. Skim the first few chapters, then bear down and lock in during the second half to come away with some great thinking tools for work and life.

Nathan McKinney County Attorney’s Office

FEATURE summer reading

CHRISSIE KOROIUVI

Chrissie Koroivui’s, DCo’s Solid Waste Program Manager, passion for reading romance novels inspired her to embark on a literary journey to an unexpected path – from reader to author.

Chrissie, under the pen name Cora Day, is the mind behind the Grimm County Lawmen series a collection of contemporary romantic suspense books. The series centers around a small-town sheriff’s office and each book in the series puts a contemporary spin on classic fairytales. Chrissie’s journey to becoming an author started after the realization that she needed to carve out time for herself amidst the demands and responsibilities of motherhood.

“On my birthday in 2023, I looked back at the previous year and felt like I’d been swallowed up in “mom life”, she reflects. “I could not think of anything I’d done over the previous twelve months that had been just for me. For the next twelve months, I vowed to change that”. Her love for reading and the realization that many of the books she enjoyed were penned by independent self-published authors, inspired her to pursue authorship. Chrissie set a goal to write and publish a book within a year—and ultimately surpassed her expectations by publishing three!

She is currently working on Grimm County Wishes, the last book in the Grimm County Lawmen series, and has plans for more books beyond her current series. “I have a notebook full of ideas”, says Chrissie “so I have no plans of slowing down.”

For Chrissie, the joy of writing lies in the creative process. “Creating the story is my favorite part. I enjoy dreaming up different scenes and then weaving them together to bring my characters from A to Z,” she explains. Yet, it’s the connection with her readers that truly ignites her enthusiasm.

“Interacting with fans has been really exciting,” Chrissie adds. “It’s great to have the support of family and friends, but when a complete stranger reaches out to tell you how much they enjoyed your book—there’s nothing like it.”

When she’s not writing, she’s probably immersed in the works of her current favorite authors Julie Johnstone, Amelia Elliot, and S.J. Tilly.

And her advice for aspiring authors? “If you’re struggling to start, just set a timer for twenty minutes and write. Don’t worry about spelling or grammar, just focus on telling the story. And if you’re struggling to finish, remember to bless and release. Your book is destined to become someone’s favorite, so don’t leave them hanging!”

North Carolina head coach Dean Smith put then-freshman guard Ranzino Smith on the floor of the 1985 NCAA Men’s Basketball Regional Semifinal game against Auburn with 15 seconds left on the clock. The Tar Heels were clinging to a 5856 lead over the Tigers and everyone in the arena knew that senior guard Kenny Smith was who they wanted to get the ball to.

The freshman had been on the bench, but his coach needed clutch free throw shooters on the floor as the Tigers were going to foul.

“Coach Smith looked at me, pointed, and put me in,” Ranzino said. “And I really had a strong feeling that they were going to foul me. It was the first time I was in the game, and as crazy as this may sound at that moment it really helped to have the scoring mentality. Why? Because I had just come in the game. That meant I had zero points. My thing was I hope they foul me so I go to the free throw line so I can get in the scorer’s box.”

The Tigers double-teamed Kenny Smith and Ranzino streaked open near the baseline and was immediately fouled. He strutted down to the other end of the court and took the ball from the referee for his first free throw attempt.

The crowd was cheering madly for the underdog Tigers as the game was played in Alabama at the University of Alabama Birmingham’s arena.

“I didn’t hear it,” Ranzino said with a smile. “You can watch the video. I look down and then I’m smiling. Because I’m thinking these 20,000 people think they can affect me. But I know I’m not going to miss. It’s going to be nothing but net. That’s what I do!”

What he did hear was a couple of “swishes” as both free throws went right in. The television announcers simply said “ice water” as he showed no stress.

“And I knew I was going to make them. Heck, I was a freshman. I didn’t know any better. The pressure. The

A Tar Heel in DCo

Former UNC sharp-shooter Ranzino Smith works security in Admin I

magnitude of the moment didn’t register. When they fouled me, I was happy as hell!”

Auburn missed a shot and Kenny Smith dunked to provide the final basket in the Tar Heels 62-56 victory and a trip to the Elite Eight in the season after Michael Jordan’s exit to the NBA.

WATCH THE NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS

VICTORY OVER AUBURN IN THE 1985 NCAA REGIONAL SEMIFINALS HERE .

That was one of many amazing moments for Smith during his four-year career wearing Carolina Blue. He came to UNC as the first recruit in hall-of-fame coach Dean Smith’s career who played high school ball in Chapel Hill. He left the school

as one of the top 3-point shooters and free-throw shooters in school history. According to UNC Media Relations, he’d still be the No. 1 3-point shooter in school history, but because there was no 3-pointer in his first two years of college, he now doesn’t have enough attempts.

Today, things are a little quieter for Ranzino, who works security for Nighthawk Enterprises, and can usually be found in the Administration I Building on the first floor. Always with a smile!

He was almost destined to be a basketball player from birth. When he was born, a nurse came into the hospital with a list of boys’ names and handed it to his mother. “My dad told the nurse she could keep that list,” Ranzino said on it.”

The name Ranzino comes from North Carolina State University great Sam Ranzino who led the Wolfpack to four consecutive Southern Conference basketball titles and the

school’s first Final Four appearance in 1950. The All-American scored 1,967 points in his career, a mark that stood until 1975 when it was broken by David Thompson. He just so happened to be Ranzino Smith’s father’s favorite player – despite playing for the Wolfpack.

Ranzino has a very vivid memory of seeing the Tar Heels play for the first time. He was around 8 or 9 years old and just hanging around outside of Carmichael Auditorium.

“It was 1974 and I found myself at the front door of Carmichael,” he said. “I was just wandering. I was so excited. I was standing at the door with one of the security men with a Carolina Blue jacket on and we were standing there listening to the game on the radio with Woody Durham (longtime UNC radio voice).

“At halftime, said ‘You want to go in the game?’ And I just said ‘Yes! Yes sir!’ He opened the door and said ‘Go ahead. But don’t tell anybody!’”

Smith goes inside and just is in awe of the surroundings. Staring at the rafters, the stands full of fans, and of course, the players on the court.

The date was March 2, 1974. Duke was up 8 points with 17 seconds left. A true fan of the Battle of the Blues knows the rest of the story as UNC rallied and won on Walter Davis’ buzzer-beating 25-foot running shot.

“Everything just erupted,” Smith remembered. “And that was the first game I ever saw at North Carolina.”

After graduation, Smith had dreams of playing in the NBA. He signed with the Charlotte Hornets but was released.

Smith would play basketball in various spots over the next couple of years. He coached in various camps. Eventually, he signed with a team in Australia. Upon coming back to the U.S., he got a tryout with the Chicago Bulls, but veteran guards stood in his way. Next, he went to Portugal. He also suited up for the short-lived Raleigh Bullfrogs of the Global Basketball Association with N.C. State greats Lorenzo Charles, Chris Corchiani, and Chuck Nevitt.

Ranzino’s dad became terminally ill while he was in Portugal, and he came home to be with his family.

The after-basketball life, as it is with many athletes, was initially a struggle.

“Honestly, from a psychological standpoint, it really plays with you,” Smith said. “There were times, I don’t feel that way now, but as crazy as it sounds, I would feel like I let people

down. I felt ashamed in a way. I didn’t make the league. That was the ultimate.”

This is an issue for many former athletes. The what-todo-next question? And Smith said he’d love to start an organization to help former athletes with that transition from intense competition to the so-called “real world.”

“A lot of former athletes struggle big time,” he said. “Some turn to alcohol. Some turn to drugs. Some gain a lot of weight. They don’t take care of their health. Even guys who play in the league, when they finish, they don’t know what to do.”

One thing that helped him in the tough times was advice from his father that came right after he was cut by the Hornets back in 1988.

“That was one of the worst days of my life up to that point,” Smith said. “That’s when it all came crashing down a bit for me. I got really emotional. But my dad put it in perspective for me. He said “son, I’m going to let you have your moment.’

“Then, after about 10, 15 minutes he looked at me and said ‘son, you know me and your mom hurt for you, because you are our son. But we know what you’ve worked so hard for. And we know that this is something you really wanted. I know you wanted to play in the NBA, it’s your dream. We don’t care if you don’t make it. I want you to understand that. Of course, we care, but that’s not the most important thing to us. You have already overachieved and been the son you have been your whole life. You’ve achieved so much. We couldn’t ask for more. We love you. What more could a parent ask for? That was our lottery right there.’”

When his career in hoops finally ended, he pursued a job in his field of study at UNC – history and criminal justice. He wanted to work for the State Bureau of Investigations but found out he needed more experience and got a job with the Department of Corrections as a parole officer before finally getting his chance to work at the SBI.

Being in Durham for the past 25-plus years. years, he has worked here in Durham County for Nighthawk.

“I started right before the pandemic,” Smith said. “I really love it here now. There’s nothing better than meeting new people every day and assisting and helping people. Plus, I get to know so many of the other Durham County employees.”

He got that positive attitude and eagerness to meet people, have a great conversation, and learn more about them from his parents, with a little bit of influence from Coach Smith.

“It’s great meeting different people every day from so many different backgrounds and places, different races, and different religions and just learning about each other and each other’s cultures,” he said. “It’s all about coming together and just enjoying being around everyone. Just learning from each other and seeing how all these differences don’t matter. We should appreciate each other and our differences and come together as people. We know what history says, but we aren’t that way.”

If you happen to stop by the security desk inside the old courthouse at 200 East Main Street and see a big smile, you might end up having one of those great conversations, too!

of DCo PETS

Durham County employees love their pets. Check out these images of employees with their best friends!

Bert | Owner: Kathryn Conyers, Justice Services Department

Chomingo | Owner: Cassandra Kiger, Equitable Well-Being

Duke |

Giuseppe Pepperoni | Owner: Shannon Knox, Engineering and Environmental Services

Paul Ephesus Walnuts III, Archduke of Walnutsia | Owner: Matthew Filter, Economic Development

Watson | Owner: Jessica Bousquette, Public Health

Luna | Owner: Meredith Stull, Engineering and Environmental Services

Cosmo | Owner: Natalie Thompson, Public Health

Owner: Jacqueline Hiraldo, Social Services

Beatrice and Woolworth | Owner: Elizabeth Schroeder, Office of Emergency Services

Debo | Owner: Teresa Cotton, Public Health Fern | Owner: Nicholas Carlson, Public Health

Gus Gus | Owner: Teresa Petro, Library

Puffy | Owner: Norma Toloza Mendez, Public Health

Ryder | Owner: Lashonda Bacote, Social Services

Fynnie, Captain Brodie, Coco, Callee, and Frankie Owner: Kathleen Roberston, Public Health

Princess and Freckles | Owner: Maria Santiago Cruz, Social Services

Charlie, Luke, and Izzy | Owner: Joan Ferguson, Library

Fynn, Dudley, and Shiloh | Owner: Carmen Reeves, Cooperative Extension

Buddy, Nick, and Tito | Owner: Cheryl Parsons, Public Health

Buddy | Owner: Barbara Ilie, Library

Kato and Ms. Rose Gold | Amitta Williams, Social Services

Hobbes | Owner: Suzanne Scott, Public Health

WHO’S WHO AT DCO: EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTS

Durham County Government has 2,000 plus employees across 28 departments.

Get to know who’s who at DCo!

RANDY JONES Public Information Specialist

How did you get started in your career, and what path led you to your current position?

My path began in Tennessee in a Comfort Inn. It was there that I had a long talk with the roommate of one of the University of Virginia women’s basketball players. I was majoring in Economics at UVa, but didn’t have a clue why. During my conversation, my love of writing, traveling, talking to people, and watching sports dominated. In the end, she

asked me point blank - “Why don’t you become a journalist?” And that’s where I started moving at that moment. Twentyfive years later, I left newspapers and starting working for Durham County after another former journalistCommunications Chief Deborah Craig-Ray - saw something in me and I became a communicator for DCo!

What aspect of your role brings you the most satisfaction or joy?

I love capturing great photos places most people think of as boring - Government meetings! You’d be surprised at some of the awesome photos you get.

If you could have a theme song play every time you entered a room, what would it be, and why?

Lucero’s “Wandering Star.” This song has meant so much to me over the years, and it speaks to me. Or maybe the Clash’s “Know Your Rights” because of the message...

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

Listening to one of my favorite vinyl records while trying to get my son, Izzy to listen to something that isn’t the background music of a videogame!

KEARRA BROWNLEE

Social Services, Social Worker II

How did you get started in your career, and what path led you to your current position?

I got started in my career shortly after receiving my undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I knew I wanted to work in an environment in which I served the community in a meaningful way so seeking a position at Social Services was the best option. I was initially hired as an Income Maintenance Caseworker II in the FEI

Division which granted me the opportunity to learn about Family and children’s Medicaid as well as Food and Nutrition Services. The experience I gained from being a caseworker ultimately led me to my current position as a Social Worker II in Aging and Adult Services. I am part of the Crisis Unit and work daily with individuals who are experiencing financial hardships. I use the knowledge I’ve gained over the years in eligibility determination to counsel clients and determine the best course of action to alleviate their crisis.

What is the most valuable career advice you’ve received?

The most valuable career advice I’ve received is “Don’t take yourself too seriously”. I believe having humility is what keeps you open to receiving new knowledge and opportunities. Being receptive to new things has afforded me the opportunities I’ve received thus far in my career.

If you could have a theme song play every time you entered a room, what would it be, and why?

‘I Ain’t Stressin Today’ by Dear Silas because life is too short to be bogged down by frivolous things. Health is wealth and being mindful of your reactions is beneficial especially when working with the public.

JARREL CLARK

Public Health, ITTS Public Health Education Specialist

How did you get started in your career, and what path led you to your current position?

I started my career as a Patient Access Specialist for Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC. This position included cross training in different departments that included data entry and patient transportation. Over the next few years, my focus was on research and program management. Overall, I enjoyed this field, but I wanted to incorporate community engagement within my career path as well which led me to my current job as a Public Health Education Specialist for the ITTS team in Health Education.

What is a book or resource (i.e. training, seminar, etc.) that has greatly influenced your professional growth?

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a book that has greatly influenced both my professional and personal growth. “Be impeccable with your word”, “Do not take anything personally”, “Do not make assumptions”, and “Always do your best” are all valuable phrases that I take with me into the workplace and beyond.

If you could have a theme song play every time you entered a room, what would it be, and why?

‘I Did It My Way’ by Jay-Z is the one song I would have play every time I entered a room. I have always lived my life unapologetically and want that for others as well. We have one life so it’s important to live it to the fullest.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work that you are passionate about?

I am passionate about writing and reading. I enjoy creating new things through my writing but also enjoy learning through books to expand my knowledge on a variety of subjects.

What is your favorite TV show, or a TV show you never get tired of rewatching?

My favorite TV show would have to be a tie between Martin and My Wife and Kids. Both are my comfort shows and I could watch them at any time of the day.

TONYA BAILEY

Social Services, Income Maintenance Caseworker Supervisor

How did you get started in your career, and what path led you to your current position?

On May 31, 2011, I started my illustrious career with Durham County Social Services as a Food and Nutrition Services Income Maintenance Caseworker II. Prior to that I worked for the North Carolina Division of Employment Security as a Food and Nutrition Services Employment Consultant, and I later became an Unemployment Claims Investigator Adjudicator. How did I become a supervisor? To be honest, I was at a point where it was either do something else or… I started applying for other positions in 2016 and had a few interviews however I didn’t make the cut. I had avoided applying for supervisory positions but after being encouraged by my coworkers I decided to apply for my current position. Despite the challenges I have faced I’m happy that I did apply.

What aspect of your role brings you the most satisfaction or joy?

In my current position what truly brings me the most satisfaction is seeing the growth in the co-workers I get to supervise. Several have been promoted within the agency to higher positions while those who have decided to stay are continuing to grow and become stronger in their current position each day. The downside to the promotions means vacancies but I also enjoy the recruiting aspect of the position. Though it is time consuming I enjoy reviewing resumes and applications, interviewing, and figuring out who’s the best for the position and so on.

If you could have a theme song play every time you entered a room, what would it be, and why?

This year’s theme song is “Look What You’ve Done” by Tasha Layton because despite my short comings God continues to show up for me.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work that you are passionate about?

I love to bake, and I love to work out! I’m into weight training now so if I’m working onsite, you will find me in the gym in the lifting.

Some of my interests outside of work that I am passionate about include working out/running, swimming, reading, and binging my favorite tv shows.

What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends? Bake, workout, and play with my fur babies.

INTO HISTORYHacking

Durham’s history is one of many layers and one of the largest ones that can be peeled away to reveal multiple layers is race.

Racial covenants are one of those layers. These legal agreements restrict ownership access to people of a certain race or ethnicity (they can apply to more than just housing, to things like cemetery plots as well – learned that from this project). In Durham’s past, these covenants were used by white residents to exclude other races and ethnic groups – mostly African American – from buying or occupying land or houses in certain neighborhoods.

These covenants were inserted into property deeds and served as legally enforceable contracts.

Durham County Assistant Register of Deeds J.T. Tabron was contacted by Alexandra Chassanoff, an assistant professor at North Carolina Central University School Library and Information Services, back in 2019 – before COVID-19, but after the Confederate statue out front of the Durham County Administration I Building (also known as the old Durham County Courthouse) to discuss a potential project related to the covenants.

This was after Chassanoff went to the Register of Deeds Office one day and opened up a deed book – in the office’s massive archive that dates back to 1881.

“I pulled open a deed book, and pretty much right away found a deed with a racial covenant clause on it,” Chassanoff told Indy Week earlier this year.

And thus, was born the “Hacking into History: Discovering Racial Covenants in Durham Property Deeds” project. Initial funding for the project came from a grant from a civically oriented data organization called the Civic Switchboard. The project has also benefited significantly from a great deal of support from Durham County Government, its Board of County Commissioners, and organizational leadership.

The project’s goal according to Tabron, “is to tell the story and impact of racially restrictive covenants contained in property deeds in Durham using public records information. We aim to collectively identify and map these covenants which are ‘hidden’ in plain sight within archival documentation. In doing so, a broader community of practice is developed for shared learning on topics like displacement, ownership, working, race, and power.”

The words contained in these covenants are striking. Terms such as Negro servants, or Negro blood, or African American, or African descent appear frequently as people not allowed to live and/or own certain property.

“No one with Negro blood may reside here unless they are a servant is one that stood out to me,” said Tabron. “These are powerful reminders that discrimination was and remains a powerful, negative force in our society. Something else jarring is that even though no longer legally enforceable, this language can still be found in Durham County Government public records and speaks to a level of complicity in this discrimination. This is why governments, at all levels, must continually examine themselves and strive to serve all residents, even when doing so is difficult.”

“It’s shocking to see this language. It’s shocking to see something that’s publicly available; that is accessible, but that people don’t really exist,” Chassanoff told ABC 11.

Mapping thus far shows these covenants existed in neighborhoods around Duke University to north Durham and the edges of east Durham.

As a result, these neighborhoods have historically had higher percentages of white residents, higher median incomes, and higher property values. According to 2018 data from the Brookings Institute, a nonprofit public policy organization, housing in Durham’s majority-Black neighborhoods were devalued by $26,000.

The story here in Durham is similar to those around the country. Minority residents were forced into less valuable areas, which tended to be closer to pollution and farther away from parks, medical care, and other components of healthy communities. Today, the long-term impact can be seen across a number of health-related disparities.

Dr. Arline Geronimus, a public health professor at the University of Michigan has introduced the term “weathering,” to describe these harmful impacts around physical wellbeing. Weathering is defined as “the process of chronic social and psychological stress that activates harmful biological processes among people in marginalized communities, which ages their bodies prematurely, and often leads to debilitating illness and early death.”

Then of course, there are the financial implications of these racially restrictive covenants. According to a National Equity Atlas data set which examined household net worth, after removing values for home equity (which is the difference between what a home is worth and how much is owed on it),

the median net worth of Black households was just $3,802, compared to white households whose median net worth was $54,210. When home equity was included, net worth rose to $12,920 for black households, but jumped to $143,600 for white ones. More research from the Brookings Institute, which looked at metropolitan areas across the U.S., found that homes in neighborhoods where the population is 50 percent or more Black, are valued at roughly half the price of homes in neighborhoods with no Black residents.

“This translates into a $156 billion cumulative loss from the devaluation of homes in Black neighborhoods — money that would otherwise be circulating in these local economies,” Tabron explained. “Almost universally, this devaluation of Black neighborhoods leads to more segregated communities and produces less upward mobility for not only Black children, but all children, regardless of race, who grow up in these spaces.

“All of this also plays a significant role in the highly visible gentrification taking place in previously minority majority neighborhoods across the nation.”

The project was selected as a Civic Switchboard 2020 Field Project in February 2020. And in June of 2020 as COVID-19’s spread was rampant, work began. The collaboration was led by Chassanoff, Tabron, DataWorks executive director John Killeen – who happens to be a neighbor of Tabron – Research Action Design, Yinsome Group, and the Robinson Bradshaw Law Office.

The Hacking Into History Project took on a mission statement:

“As instruments of discrimination, racially restrictive covenants codified segregation into law, but also allowed segregation to persist once the federal government had begun making it illegal. The resulting widespread economic and social disenfranchisement has resonated across generations. These restrictions are still part of the property deeds in communities across the country today and we believe the practice of interrogating them as a community can inform our efforts to dismantle racism in Durham County.”

Because of COVID’s impacts, the original ideas of in-person community workshops in Durham had to be modified. In their place, Hacking into History shifted to a more virtual model to identify and map the properties that are linked to racial covenants here in Durham.

“From the outset, one of the main project goals was always to have a community component,” Tabron said. “At present this engagement is done through public trainings and discussion in which the historical framework of the covenants is presented and then participants are able to look at source material to see real examples of the discriminatory language. During these events people are able to share their feelings in a safe space. The project team also holds regular, less formal get-togethers in which prior participants are able to continue discussing issues of race and place.”

With thousands upon thousands of documents to probe, the group turned to Zooniverse – a citizen science platform – to help dig. As of October, over 200,000 deeds, written between the 1880s and 1973 have been analyzed by over 300 volunteers from across the country! They have reviewed deeds and transcribed racial covenants, completing over 10,000 classifications!

In all, the group found 2,789 deeds with racial covenants. During the time period that most racial covenants were being filed (1962 and prior), 1.6 percent of all deeds contained them. These included deeds for individual homes, cemetery plots (in Woodlawn Cemetery), businesses, and even entire subdivisions. The peak decades for covenants were the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s. This corresponds with our constitutional history. In the 1920s, the Supreme Court, in the case Buchanan v. Warley, deemed municipal racial zoning ordinances to be illegal, which precipitated a national rise in covenants as an alternative means to enforce segregation. In 1948, the Supreme Court ruled in Shelley v. Kramer that covenants were unenforceable.

However, the Hacking into History team found racial covenants in deeds as early as 1887, and (for cemetery plots) through the end of 1972 (when we stopped analyzing). It is likely that there were deeds missed that contained some covenants prior to 1910 because of how difficult it is to decipher the handwriting on many of those deeds.

The project has won plenty of acclaim. The latest was a 2023 National Association of Counties Achievement Award in the Arts, Culture, and Historic Preservation category. It was also a winner of an iGO (International Association of Government Officials) Innovator Award in the Recorder’s Division in 2022.

“The wealth of knowledge that has been extracted from the restrictive covenant with the Hacking into History project has added insight into the development of Durham,” said Register of Deeds Sharon Davis. “James and his cohorts have done an exceptional job in examining the makeup of communities and how these covenants controlled the development in Durham into racially segregated areas. I am proud of the leadership James has provided in this effort and proud of his ability to inform our citizens of the impact of these restrictive measures.”

Now, you may want to know if you can still help?

“Yes!” exclaimed Tabron eagerly.

Anyone can visit the project site and its sister site to learn more about the legacy of discrimination here and across the country. People can also reach out to me at jtabron@dconc.gov and request a presentation if they are part of a group, organization, education network, or community.

The group plans to continue presenting what it has uncovered in Durham both locally and nationally. It will also continue to develop curriculum resources for learning institutions to use with students of all ages. An additional project goal is to begin developing a physical installation which will allow users to interact with this history in an even more personal way.

What can Durham’s local governments and its residents learn from this past practice?

“James Baldwin once said, ‘Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced,’” Tabron said. “Adopting that, we can all work to accept then understand this history. From there we can come together as a community and confront our shortcomings as a bridge to growth. No one group or entity is going to right these wrongs, but collectively we can do so much to address the systemic racism manifested in the legacy of these covenants.”

SHARE YOUR NEWS

EMPLOYEES SHARE THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS.

On December 14, 2023, Durham County employees congregated at the Durham Convention Center for the annual DCo Honors program, a night of celebration and recognition. The event aimed to applaud employees who reached significant service milestones and those who retired in 2023. It was a moment to acknowledge the unwavering dedication and commitment of individuals who have served the County and its residents with diligence and passion.

A total of 293 employees were honored for their years of public service. Durham County recognized 109 employees who have been with DCo for 5 years, 64 for 10 years, 51 for 15 years, 36 for 20 years, 20 for 25 years, 6 for 30 years, 5 for 35 years, and 1 each at 40 and 45 years. Among them were 56 retirees, whose collective tenure amounted to an impressive 1,174 years of public service.

The evening showcased the inaugural DCo Recognition Awards, designed to allow employees to commend each other for their exceptional contributions. These awards included:

The County Manager’s Award for Excellence in Public Service: Recognizing individuals or groups who demonstrated exceptional accomplishment, creativity, innovation, and significant improvements in productivity or cost savings in operations.

The Durham County Award for Heroism: Honoring employees who displayed outstanding judgment, courage, decisiveness, and swiftness of action to save or protect human life and/or property, going above and beyond the call of duty.

The DCo Team Excellence Award: Acknowledging employee teams whose work processes, use of quality improvement tools, communication, and results showcased a commitment to continuous quality improvement and enhanced customer service.

Additionally, the County Manager’s Office recognized an emerging leader in our organization who has exhibited

leadership in the administration of their work and in service to Durham County, with the inaugural County Manager’s Leadership Award

The winners of these awards stood out for their remarkable achievements and contributions:

The Excellence in Public Service Award winner was Adreanna Johnson, a Strategic Initiatives Analyst in the Office of Strategy and Performance, for her solution-based approaches to problem-solving that provided innovative solutions to issues that departments were facing. Adreanna led two process improvement projects within the Office of Emergency Services that led to improvements in efficiency within their Fire Marshal Division and Business Services Unit. Adreanna led project development for a new software system that has increased productivity for permit processing for the Fire Marshal Division by 50%.

The Heroism Award was given to Brittany Scarlett, an Advance Emergency Medical Technician in the Office of Emergency Services, Cherrelle Thornton, a Paramedic in the Office of Emergency Services, and Rodrick Walton, a Manager in Human Resources. While transporting a patient, Cherrelle and Brittany’s quick thinking and actions prevented further injury and saved lives during a critical incident involving an overturned vehicle on fire. Rodrick’s timely intervention saved a citizen’s life who had fallen over a bridge into the road below.

The Team Excellence Award was presented to the Department of Social Services Job Fair Committee (James Hart, Teffoney James, Tiffany Grady, Crystal Anderson, Rachel Laliveres, Ebony Mitchell, Emma Perry, Nancy Santos, Tonia Gay, and Diamali Corbett) for their innovative approach to filling vacancies and meeting critical staffing needs within the Department of Social Services. With Medicaid Expansion going into effect thousands of Durham County residents would now be eligible for Medicaid. This meant that adequate staffing of Income Maintenance Caseworker II, the staff who process Medicaid cases, was needed to address the increased demand for this public assistance program. To meet this need DSS created the Job Fair Committee. The committee planned and hosted multiple job fairs aimed at meeting and interviewing qualified candidates on the spot for Income Maintenance Caseworker II vacancies. Their concerted efforts resulted in the successful recruitment of qualified candidates and created a pipeline to fill future vacancies.

James “J.T.” Tabron, Assistant Register of Deeds, was honored with the County Manager’s Leadership Award, for his contribution to Durham County’s goal of a thriving and equitable community for all. J.T. provides critical leadership to the Hacking Into History project, a public/private initiative aimed at addressing racially restrictive covenants in property deeds in Durham, North Carolina using public records information. JT’s advocacy and leadership in the project led to Durham County formally appropriating funding to support this critical work.

The Durham County Soil and Water Conservation District (Durham SWCD) was named the Conservation Technical District of the Year by the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (NCASWCD) at its 80th annual conference held at the Sheraton Imperial inside Research Triangle Park in Durham, January 7-9, 2024.

The NCASWCD awards the Conservation Technical District of the Year Award to promote conservation and to allow one of the 96 Soil and Water Conservation Districts across the state to be recognized. The annual award recognizes a Soil and Water Conservation District for its outstanding achievements in delivering a technical program that exceeded others.

On January 23, Robert Hilliard received the Utilities Division’s inaugural Quarterly Employee Award at the division’s quarterly appreciation event. The employee selected demonstrates the County’s core values of ACE IT – Accountability, Commitment, Exceptional Customer Service, Integrity, and Teamwork & Collaboration.

According to Stephanie Brixey, the Deputy Director of Engineering/ Utility Division, Robert is very respectful to his peers and management and never speaks a harsh word about anyone. He is honest and holds himself accountable for the actions he takes. He is committed to his job and accepts all tasks with enthusiasm. Robert is reliable and always lends a hand to help others, covers shifts as needed, and is always willing to collaborate with the team on how to make things better.

In February, twenty-five members of the Durham County Government’s 2024 Leadership Academy cohort kicked off their journey: Ashley Bueno, Public Health; Brandie Carter, Public Health; Patrick Draughn, Human Resources; Tyler Fitts, Office of Emergency Services; Regina Giddings, Social Services; Kelsey Howard, Social Services; Rebecca Posada, Public Health; Jasmone Robinson, Social Services; Tiffani Wilson, Social Services; Makeda Black, Public Health; Laura Cabrera, Register of Deeds; Nicholas

Emergency Medical Services’ Community Paramedics Program received the CPI Security Community Impact Award. This accolade recognizes first responders in the Triangle area for their contributions to the community.

CPI Security awarded the Community Paramedics Program with this award because of its Bridge to MAT (Medication Assisted Therapy) Program, which helps to reduce opioid overdoses and supports individuals grappling with addiction in the Durham community. Through the Bridge to MAT program, community paramedics are actively supporting patients as they begin their recovery journey by addressing opioid-related emergencies and connecting them to

Carlson, Public Health; Ashleigh Crawley Scoggins, Social Services; Jonathan Crooms, Veterans Services; James Gatabaki, Information Services and Technology; Chris Howard, Sheriff’s Office; Jason Howard, Library; Jinizha Johnson, Office of Emergency Services; Adolfo Rodriguez Nava, Social Services; Yahira Santana, Social Services; Randall Shepherd, Engineering and Environmental Services; Jaeson Smith, Public Health; Maria Thorpe, Social Services; Brittany Walker, Social Services; and Kashondra Buckner Young, Social Services.

Leadership Academy is a highly selective nine-month program that offers emerging leaders from across the organization the opportunity to participate in a unique professional development initiative. The training includes a focus on leadership and management styles and behaviors to implement strategy.

The Welcome Baby program received the April Triangle NC Cares Award. This accolade spotlights non-profit organizations in the Triangle area that are dedicated to giving back and making a profound impact on the lives of individuals and families.

Established in 2019, the Triangle NC Cares Award, sponsored by Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, celebrates the remarkable contributions of deserving organizations in both the Eastern and Triangle regions of North Carolina. Each month, a deserving organization is awarded $1,000 in recognition of their outstanding efforts and commitment to serving the community.

a provider/clinic to continue their recovery from opioid addiction.

In addition to the recognition, CPI Security made a generous $1,000 donation to the Vic Pearson Memorial Fund. This fund honors EMS employees who consistently demonstrate the highest levels of competency and compassion in their patient care throughout the year.

STAY HYDRATED

How to Keep Your Plants Well Watered this Summer

Summer is approaching swiftly, bringing with it the challenge of maintaining adequate moisture for plants amidst high temperatures and dry weather in Durham County. Despite the challenges, our region’s USDA hardiness Zone 8a offers opportunities for a diverse range of ornamental plants and vegetables, aided by our nutrient-rich clay soils that retain moisture when conditions get dry.

Proper Irrigation

Newly installed plants require consistent watering, often daily, during their first year to establish strong root systems. Once established, deep and infrequent watering encourages deeper root growth, particularly beneficial in our clay soils. Monitoring plants for signs of needing water, such as drooping leaves, and using tools like rain gauges can help ensure efficient and sustainable watering practices. Water when needed.

Watering at the right time of day, preferably in the early morning to minimize evaporation, is crucial for effective absorption and plant health. Avoid overhead watering, like running a sprinkler, which can lead to fungal diseases. Instead, opt for direct methods like soaker hoses or drip irrigation which ensure water reaches the roots efficiently.

Innovative Irrigation Methods

Supplemental irrigation methods like collapsible bags or ollas (unglazed clay pots buried in the soil that gardeners fill with water for slow-release watering) offer low-tech yet effective solutions for delivering water directly to plants. Bag methods can be especially useful for newly-installed trees and shrubs. Ollas can work well in containers or placed by a high-value plant in your landscape.

Image credit: Pixabay

Soil Coverage

Applying organic mulch around plants helps retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation. It’s essential to keep mulch away from plant stems to avoid decay and disease. Another approach is using living mulch, where low-growing plants cover the soil surface, providing additional nutrients and improving water retention.

Recommended Ground Covers for Living Mulch

For sunny areas, options include creeping thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and creeping phlox (Phlox subulata). In shadier spots, bugleweed (Ajuga reptans), wild ginger (Asarum spp.), and many sedges (Carex spp.) are suitable choices. Selecting non-invasive species for use as living mulch ensures healthy soil coverage without overwhelming other plants.

Conclusion

Watering plants correctly in summer is crucial for their wellbeing, though it can be challenging. Employing sustainable watering practices, choosing appropriate irrigation methods, and utilizing mulch or living ground covers can help maintain soil moisture and promote healthy plant growth. By following these simple tips, you can ensure your plants thrive throughout the summer months.

Additional Resources

In addition to these watering tips, consider selecting waterwise plants suited to central NC. NC Botanical Garden’s “Gardening for a Drought” and the Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers’ blog provide plant recommendations for thriving gardens in hot and dry conditions.

https://ncbg.unc.edu/2018/06/04/gardening-for-a-droughtnorth-carolina-native-plants-to-the-rescue

Extension Master GardenerSM volunteers of Durham County blog post “Ten Plants that Can Take the Heat”

ATHLETES EMPLOYEE

LATOYA W. CHAMBERS

Durham County Department of Social Services Nutrition & Work First Family Services Program Manager

12+ years with DCo

Latoya played small forward/power forward on the Women’s Basketball Team at North Carolina A&T State University from 1993-1997.

She played for the Lady Aggies all four years of her collegiate career at NCA&T on a full athletic scholarship.

GENO MCCREE

Durham County Tax Administration Real Property Appraiser

18 years with DCo

Geno was a multi-sport athlete for Elon College in the early 1990s. His greatest accomplishments were in Rhodes Stadium as a defensive back. He played football and ran track the four years and played basketball one year for the Fightin’ Christians.

going green with Gardens

Spring is a great time to “go green” and make your yard more sustainable and biodiverse. Biodiversity is the range of plant, animal, and fungal species essential to maintaining healthy ecosystems, something we care about in Durham. Some things you can do at home to increase biodiversity are reducing lawn area, replacing it with native landscaping, reducing pesticide and fertilizer use, and removing invasive species like Japanese stiltgrass, wisteria, and English ivy, and privet. Utilize the NC Cooperative Extension’s soil program and get your soil tested for optimal fertilizer use. Additionally, Durham County Master Gardeners can help you increase biodiversity and keep your yard healthy. Happy growing!

Tobin Freid

Megan Pendell

DC o 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.