The projects will resurface about 13 miles of road in all parts of the county. The repaving project will be:

1.9 miles of U.S. 601 from N.C. 24/27 to Carriker Road (State Road 1106)

1.5 miles of N.C. 73 from Odell School Road (S.R. 1451) to Cabarrus Crossing

1.1 miles of N.C. 24/27 East from Flowe Store Road (S.R. 1132) to end of divided section

0.9 miles of N.C. 24/27 from bridge approach east of Rocky River to curb and gutter section

0.7 miles of Jackson Park Road (S.R. 2000) from U.S. 29 North to North Main Street

0.8 miles of Lane Street (S.R. 2180) from I-85 to Old Salisbury-Concord Road (S.R. 1002).

1.6 miles of Davidson Road (S.R. 1608) from N.C. 3 to the Mecklenburg County line

1.9 miles of Barrier Store Road (S.R. 2622) from Mount Pleasant Road (S.R. 1006) to Hahn Scott Road (S.R. 2617).

2.5 miles of Lane Street from I-85 to U.S. 29, and 150 feet of on and off ramps at I-85.

DOT awarded the $2.5 million contract to Blythe Construction in Charlotte. Completion date for these project is expected to be in August.

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser

CONCORD - Cabarrus Literacy Council will host a pancake breakfast fundraiser Saturday, March 13.

The breakfast will be at Applebee's on Concord Parkway. Volunteers and staff for the Council will be serving a breakfast of pancakes, sausage and juice in an effort to raise funds for the non-profit.

Programs offered include Adult Basic Literacy skills, the Student Ambassador Society for high school students, and a program that helps those about to re- enter the community from a prison environment called One Foot in Another Door. Efforts are also underway at the Stonewall Jackson Youth Development Center.

Tickets for the breakfast, which are $7 for adults and $5 for children, are available by contacting Karen Whichard at 704-262- 1109 or kwhichard@walker- marketing.

The Antiques Appraisal Fair & Bake Sale

When: Sat, March 13, 11am – 6pm
Where: Old Courthouse Theatre
Old Courthouse Theatre will be hosting an Antiques Roadshow like appraisal fair on Saturday March 13th, 2010 from 11am to 6pm. Two items per person, please. No fine art, fine jewelry, or large pieces. The item must be able to be carried by you as OCT staff will not be able to help carry items. Antiques appraisals expert, Michael Hansen is volunteering his time but a donation to OCT, of $5 per an item is requested. No offers will be tendered for the items.

Mt. Olivet UMC Country Breakfast

Saturday, Mar 13 7:00am to 10:00am at Mount Olivet United Methodist Church, Concord, NC
All-you-can-eat breakfast to include eggs, bacon, sausage, gravy, hot cakes and biscuits. 7-10 a.m.

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church
301 Mount Olivet Rd.
Concord, NC 28025
(704) 782-8846

More tobacco cessation services now available for state employees, teachers

RALEIGH – North Carolinians covered by the State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees now have additional help quitting tobacco, thanks to a cooperative effort by the N.C. Division of Public Health, the N.C. Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission, the State Health Plan and QuitlineNC, the state’s free telephone tobacco-use cessation service.

Tobacco use is a leading cause of a number of chronic diseases – such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease – that are life- threatening and costly to residents and to the state. Helping tobacco users quit is not only essential for employees’ health, it is also one way to reduce costs by preventing some of the adverse health consequences that result from tobacco use.

“State Health Plan members can now receive at least eight weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy patches by calling QuitlineNC at 1- 800-QUIT-NOW,” said State Health Director Jeff Engel, M.D. “This combination of telephone coaching and medication can more than triple a tobacco user’s chance of quitting successfully, compared to trying to quit on his or her own.” The Plan provides health care coverage for more than 661,000 state employees, teachers, state university and community college personnel, retirees and their dependents.

The new services reflect the recommendations of the U.S. Task Force on Community Preventive Services, which recommends that employers provide support to help employees quit, including cessation services and reducing the out-of-pocket cost for cessation medications such as nicotine replacement therapy. The Task Force is an independent, non-federal body of public health and research experts convened by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to review research and make recommendations based on scientific evidence.

“As outlined in the Plan’s Comprehensive Wellness Initiative, we are committed to supporting our members in meeting their wellness goals,” said Jack W. Walker, executive administrator of the State Health Plan. “Coaching and medication combined represent a best practice in the support of tobacco cessation. For Plan members, these cessation services will make quitting both easier and less expensive. The savings will ultimately also extend to the State Health Plan and taxpayers.”

“Working with QuitlineNC to reach adult smokers who want to quit is both effective and cost-efficient,” said Charles Willson, MD, chair of the North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund Commission, which provides funding support to QuitlineNC. “We applaud the State Health Plan for providing this valuable service to their members – it is both essential for employee health and good for the bottom line”.

Any North Carolina resident can call QuitlineNC toll- free at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1- 800-784-8669) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Services are free and available in Spanish and English, with other translation services provided as needed. Quit Coaches are trained to help people of all ages who are ready to quit cigarettes or other tobacco products. Learn more at www.quitlinenc.com.

Protect Yourself Against Norovirus Infection

RALEIGH – Recent outbreaks of norovirus – a common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness – have sickened teenagers at a conference in Raleigh and many other people across the state in long-term care facilities, schools and child care centers, restaurants, and other settings.

Noroviruses are very contagious. The virus is present in the stools and vomit of sick people during illness and for a few days after they recover. People can get sick through direct contact with a person who has the virus, by touching contaminated surfaces, or by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus. Noroviruses cannot be seen, smelled or tasted in food.

“Noroviruses are tough to kill”, said Dr. Megan Davies, State Epidemiologist. “The most important way to prevent spread is thorough hand- washing using soap and water. Hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus.”

The symptoms of norovirus illness include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Some people may also have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The illness begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people, the illness lasts for about 1 or 2 days. However, some – especially young children and the elderly – can quickly get dehydrated and might require medical care or even hospitalization. There are no specific medications to treat norovirus.

What can you do to protect yourself and your family? Follow these simple measures:

· Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially after toilet visits and before preparing, serving or eating food or drink. Hand sanitizer gels are not effective against norovirus.

· Clean up vomit and diarrhea immediately.

· Stay home when sick.

· Do not prepare food when sick and for at least 48 hours afterward.

Many commonly used disinfectants are not effective against norovirus. Cleaning with a dilute bleach solution is recommended to disinfect surfaces after an episode of illness.

For more information about norovirus, see the Division of Public Health Web site at www.ncpublichealth.com. More detailed information about cleanup in private homes and in other settings can be found on the Division of Environmental Health Web site at www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/d fp_fooddefense- epidemiology.htm.
Contacts: Carol Schriber, N.C. DHHS Public Affairs Office, 919-733-9190

Daylight Savings Time

Daylight Savings Time Begins When: Sunday, Mar 14, 2010

Spring Planting With David Goforth

Wednesday, Mar 17 7:00pm at Concord main library, Concord, NC
David Goforth, Cabarrus County Extension agent, will present a free program on spring planting. He will show you how to get your garden started and what plants and vegetables work best in this area.

Concord Main Library
27 Union St. North
Concord, NC 28025
(704) 920-2050

New lead-based paint regulations protect residents, workers

RALEIGH – North Carolina now has stronger rules requiring the use of lead-safe work practices and other actions to prevent lead poisoning when lead-based paint is disturbed during renovation and remodeling work. Exposure to lead can be harmful to both children and adults.

Lead-contaminated dust, particularly from old paint, is the most significant source of lead exposure for children. Common renovation activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create hazardous lead dust and chips by disturbing lead- based paint. Lead-based paint was used in more than 38 million U.S. homes until it was banned for residential use in 1978.

Lead exposure can cause reduced IQ, learning disabilities, developmental delays and behavioral problems in young children.

In late January, the State of North Carolina was authorized to administer and enforce a Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Program. The North Carolina program, to be administered by the state Division of Public Health, has been certified to be at least as protective as the Environmental Protection Agency’s RRP program and to provide adequate enforcement.

The N.C. RRP program, like the EPA’s, mandates that contractors, property managers and other paid workers doing renovations, construction or repairs in homes and child-occupied facilities built before 1978, must be trained and certified, and must use lead- safe work practices. They are also required to provide the lead pamphlet “Renovate Right; Important Lead Hazard Information for Families, Child Care Providers and Schools” to owners and occupants before starting renovation work in those buildings. This EPA publication is also available on-line at www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovat erightbrochure.pdf.

“We are very appreciative of North Carolina’s leadership role in preventing lead poisoning by ensuring that work that disturbs paint is done in a lead-safe manner”, said Stan Meiburg, acting administrator for EPA Region 4. “Renovators and rental property owners play a big part in protecting children from lead-based paint hazards in their homes.”

If you are doing your own renovation work in your own home, you can learn more about protecting your family from lead-based paint and EPA’s lead program at www.epa.gov/lead or by contacting the National Lead Information Center at 800- 424-LEAD (5323).

For more information about North Carolina’s new certification and training program, including applying for certification or locating training, visit the state Web site at www.epi.state.nc.us/epi/lead. html or contact the North Carolina Lead Program at (919) 707-5950. The Web site also has a list of certified contractors, painters and renovators.

MDA Stride N Ride 2010 A Walk of Hope

Saturday, Mar 20 7:00am to 10:30am at Concord Mills, Concord, NC
We invite you to join us for the 7th annual MDA Stride-n- Ride! This is an exciting 3- mile indoor walk or wheelchair ride to raise money to help fight neuromuscular diseases. This is guaranteed to be a FUN event and a great way to meet members of the local MDA Family!! Contact Amy Nicotera for registration information 704-663-1181.

Concord Mills
8111 Concord Mills Blvd.
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 979-3000

The Cabarrus County Public Library Kannapolis Branch will host a free Daddy/Daughter day and Mother/Son

The City of Kannapolis has partnered with the library to sponsor the events.

Those interested need to pre- register with the library. Space is limited to 25.

- Daddy/Daughter Day
10 a.m. to noon, Feb. 20
Registration runs from Feb. 1 to Feb. 18.
Girls will make bead bracelets, hear a story courtesy of the library and receive a door prize.
For ages 4-10

- Mother/Son Day

10 a.m. to noon, March 20
Registration runs from March 1 to March 18.
Boys will hear stories about pirates told by Terrance Zepke, make a craft and receive a door prize.

For questions or to sign up, contact the children's room at the Kannapolis branch of the Cabarrus County Public Library at 704-920-1180.

Free Diabetes Screenings

Monday, Mar 22 10:00am to 3:00pm at Kmart, Concord, NC
Free Diabetes Screenings offered from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm March 22 at Kmart, 545 Concord Parkway North, Concord, NC., For more information call Cholestcheck: 800-713-3301 (No appointment necessary)

Kmart
545 Concord Pkwy. North
Concord, NC 28027

Blood Drive @ Glorieta Baptist Church

When: Sun, March 28, 12:30pm – 5:00pm
4912 Highway 73 East,
Concord NC 28025
Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall

Blood Drive @ Glorieta Baptist Church

Sun, March 28, 12:30pm – 5:00pm
Where: 4912 Highway 73 East, Concord NC 28025
Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall

Blood Drives in the Cabarrus County

March 14, 2010
Concord Christian Church
3101 Davidson Hwy
Concord, NC 28027
11:00 am - 1:30 pm

March 15, 2010
West Cabarrus Branch YMCA
5325 Langford Ave.
Concord, NC 28027
4:30 pm - 7:30 pm

March 17, 2010
Roush Fenway Racing
4600 Roush Fenway Racing
Concord, NC 28027
9:30 am - 1:00 pm

March 17, 2010
Carolina International School
8810 Hickory Ridge Rd
Harrisburg, NC 28075
12:30 pm - 5:00 pm

March 18, 2010
Rowan Cabarrus Community
College - South Campus
1531 Trinity Church Road
Concord, NC 28027
11:30 am - 4:00 pm

March 19, 2010
All American Roofing
5555 Harrisburg Industrial
Park Drive
Harrisburg, NC 28075
10:00 am - 2:30 pm

March 21, 2010
Saint James Lutheran Church
104 Union Street South
Concord, NC 28025
9:00 am - 1:00 pm

March 28, 2010
Charity Baptist Church
2420 Brantley Rd
Kannapolis, NC 28083
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm

March 31, 2010
J.M. Robinson High School
300 Pitts School Rd
Concord, NC 28027
8:00 am - 2:30 pm

*Please note the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas has implemented a new weight requirement for blood donors - it has changed from 110 pounds to 120 pounds

14th Season for Cabarrus County Ringers Horseshoe Club (League)

The Cabarrus County Ringers Horseshoe League will begin its 2010 season on April 1st (Thursday).

Matches are played behind the YMCA on West “C” St. They are played on Mondays and Thursdays. Times will be 5:45PM thru April, and starting in May, the times will be 5:45PM and 6:45PM for the rest of the league.

Contact info to play In the league, call Gene Argabright at 704 938-0456 or 704 794-8153.

Public review and comment period announced on state’s Infant-Toddler Federal Grant application, policy proposals

RALEIGH – The North Carolina Division of Public Health, Early Intervention Branch announces public review of and comment on three items:

The state’s federal Part C grant application under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA); proposed policy on fees, billing and reimbursement; and proposed policy on Infant- Toddler Program (ITP) records.
The application and the proposed policies are available for public review, as required by law, at www.ncei.org, March 3 – April 1, 2010. The public may comment on the items April 2 – May 1, 2010.

The grants are non- competitive awards available only to U.S. states and territories and not to individuals, families or local agencies. The U.S. Office of Special Education Programs offers the grants to help states and territories provide coordinated statewide systems of comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, interagency programs of early intervention service for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. The application describes how funding will be used to provide supports and services to children and their families.

Proposed changes for the fees, billing and reimbursement policy are in the following areas:

the criteria used to apply the Sliding Fee Scale; the formula for calculating payments made to contracted community providers after insurance plans have paid benefits; and non-payment and collection of debt owed to the ITP.

The ITP records proposed policy primarily has three changes:

reduction of time for maintaining children’s ITP records from 21 years to 5 years after a child’s third birthday; a definition for “personally identifiable information”; and removal of a listing of ITP required forms.

From April 2 to May 1, comments on the grant application and the two proposed policies may be made by:
Email to: ei.publiccomment@dhhs.nc.gov;

Fax to: Part C coordinator at 919-870-4834; or Letter: c/o Part C Coordinator, Early Intervention Branch, 1916 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1916.

Spring Herb and Plant Festival

Saturday, Apr 17 8:00am to 5:00pm at Piedmont Farmers Market, Concord, NC
Now in its fifth year, The Cabarrus County Herb and Plant Festival is an ongoing project of the Cabarrus County Master Gardener Volunteer Association. There will be over 75 vendor in attendance offering: common and unusual herbs; annuals; perennials; daylilies; roses; garden art; pottery and planters; vegetable plants; teas; soaps; lotions; essential oils; food vendors and much much more

Piedmont Farmers Market
518 Winecoff School Rd.
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 920-3310

Weekly Farmers Market

Saturday, Apr 24 8:00a to 12:00p at Piedmont Farmers Market, Concord, NC Join us for the best fresh local produce, beef, chicken, pork, free range eggs and delicious homemade cakes, breads and pastries. Stop by and visit our artisans and crafters. Piedmont Farmers Market, since 1984.

Piedmont Farmers Market
518 Winecoff School Rd.
Concord, NC 28027
(704) 920-3310

VIP Blood Drive @ First Prebyterian Church

Mon, May 17, 2:30pm – 7:00pm
Will Young Building 39 Church Street Concord NC

Antique tractors wanted for 2010 Got to Be NC Festival

RALEIGH — Registration is now open for the antique tractor and farm equipment display at the 2010 Got to Be NC Festival. The annual event will be held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds May 21-23.

Antique tractor clubs, collectors and restorers can register their antique farm equipment for free at www.ncagfest.com. Participants are encouraged to complete an application early, and registration is required. Last year, more than 500 antique tractors were on display from owners in North Carolina and surrounding states. In all, the three-day festival showcased more than 1,000 pieces of farm equipment.

The Got to Be NC Festival, presented by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, will feature a carnival, live music, food and wine expo, tractor pulls, draft horse pulls, classic cars, Harley- Davidson motorcycles, lawnmower racing and a barbecue cook-off.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to midnight May 21 and 22, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. May 23. Admission and parking for the festival are free. There is a fee for grandstand events.

Other free events at the fairgrounds that weekend include the Raleigh Health and Fitness Expo, the Choplin Marine Boat Show, Wake County 4-H Horse Show, Fiber Fest and the State Fairgrounds Flea Market.

For more information about the Got to Be NC Festival, including a full schedule of events.
NCDA&CS Public Affairs
Division, Brian Long,
Director
Mailing Address:1001 Mail Service Center, Raleigh NC 27699-1001
Physical Address: 2 West Edenton Street, Raleigh NC 27601 Phone: (919) 733-4216; FAX: (919) 733-5047

Blood Drive
Open Mobiles in Cabarrus County:

March 14, 2010 12:00 PM- 4:30 PM Boger's Chapel UMC 1775 Flowes Store Rd East, Concord, NC

March 15, 2010 1:00 PM- 5:30 PM Carolina Mall Food Court 1480 Concord Parkway North, Concord, NC

March 15, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM FIRST PRESBY CH CABARRUS VIP CONCORD 39 Church Street, Concord, NC

March 19, 2010 8:00 AM- 1:30 PM Mt. Pleasant High School 700 Walker Rd, Mount Pleasant, NC

March 24, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM First Presbyterian Church 201 Vance St, Kannapolis, NC

April 11, 2010 12:00 PM- 4:30 PM Bethel United Methodist Church 12700 Idlebrook Rd, Midland, NC

April 11, 2010 12:30 PM- 5:00 PM Cross of Christ Lutheran Church 4500 Rimer Rd, Concord, NC

April 11, 2010 10:00 AM- 2:30 PM Mt. Mitchell UMC 6001 Old Salisbury-Concord, Kannapolis, NC

April 12, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM Gilwood Presbyterian Church-Fellowship Hall 2993 Odell School Rd, Concord, NC

April 12, 2010 3:00 PM- 7:30 PM Kannapolis Fire Department 300 Firehouse Drive, Kannapolis, NC

April 15, 2010 3:00 PM- 7:30 PM Harrisburg Fire Department 6450 Morehead Rd, Harrisburg, NC

April 16, 2010 3:00 PM- 7:30 PM Kannapolis Church of Christ 2315 Concord Lake Rd, Kannapolis, NC

April 23, 2010 1:00 PM- 5:30 PM Best Buy-Afton Ridge Shopping Center 6310 Bayfield Pkwy, Concord, NC

May 02, 2010 12:00 PM- 4:30 PM St. Stephens Wesleyan 7601 Bushharbor Rd, Concord, NC

May 03, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM Broadus Memorial Baptist Church 59 Green Street, Concord, NC

May 03, 2010 3:00 PM- 7:30 PM New Hope Lutheran Church 1615 Brantley Rd, Kannapolis, NC

May 17, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM FIRST PRESBY CH CABARRUS VIP CONCORD 39 Church Street, Concord, NC

May 19, 2010 3:00 PM- 7:30 PM Midway United Methodist Church 708 South Main Street, Kannapolis, NC

May 20, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM Blackwelder Park Baptist Kannapolis 2204 Summit Ave., Kannapolis, NC

May 25, 2010 2:30 PM- 7:00 PM Rocky River Presbyterian Church 7940 Rocky River Rd, Concord, NC