Public Invited to Offer Suggestions on the TANF State Plan

The public is invited to comment on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) State Plan for the Work First program. The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Social Services submits this plan to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) every three years. The plan outlines how North Carolina intends to administer the Work First program.

From December 22, 2011  February 5, 2012, the written plan is available on the web at:

http://www.ncdhhs.gov/dss/pub notice/ and a hard copy is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at:

NC Division of Social Services Central Office
Albemarle Building
325 North Salisbury Street
Raleigh, NC 27699-2420

The plan is also available at all county department of social services in North Carolina during normal business hours.

Citizens interested in commenting on the plan must submit written comments no later than February 5, 2012. Comments may be emailed to www.work.first@dhhs.nc.gov, faxed to (919) 334-1266, or mailed to:

Sherry Bradsher, Director
Division of Social Services
2420 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2420

The North Carolina Temporary Assistance for Needy Families State Plan is submitted in accordance with Section 402 of the Social Security Act as revised by the Personal Responsibility and Work Responsibility Act of 1996 and the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.

The TANF block grant funds must be used for families on public assistance and working families whose income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level. Services may include child care, transportation, housing assistance, teen pregnancy prevention and services for non-custodial parents.

Lori Walston
Public Information Officer
Office of Public Affairs
NC DHHS
(919) 855-4841
919/733-7447

Street Closure: POWDER HORN ROAD

POWDER HORN ROAD - The 5900 block of Powder Horn Road between Hillbourn Drive and Riding Trail Road will close Tuesday, January 31 at 7 a.m. and will reopen Monday, February 6 at 5 p.m. The contractor will be performing storm water work. Motorists should detour using Middlebury Place, Farm Pond Lane and Riding Trail Road. The road will be closed to all through traffic for the period above. Local access to residences will be maintained. CATS will not be affected. Questions: Contact Bill Greentaner, CDOT, at 704-336-7308 or Scott Houser, Engineering and Property Management, at 704- 336-6811.

For your Computer needs
IT Professional

Doug Hathcock
Certified
dhathcock@carolina.rr.com
704-438-5602
Hardware/Software Upgrades
Consulying/PC Repair/Virus Removal/Security
Network Infrastructure/wireless networking/ custon websites.

Gov. Perdue Urges More Sponsors to Help Provide Summer Meals for Kids

RALEIGH  More than one in four children in North Carolina are not getting enough food to eat to lead healthy, active lives, according to the study, Food Hardship in America 2010. With the leadership of Governor Bev Perdue, a public- private partnership is working to connect more eligible low-income children to federally funded food and nutrition programs like the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), administered by the N.C. Division of Public Health.

In summer 2011, the summer food program provided free meals to an average of 74,554 children each day. Another 16,561 were fed on average each day by a similar program administered by the N.C. Department of Public Instruction. However, the combined numbers only represent 12 percent of the children in our state who are eligible for meals. According to public school data, more than 770,000 children received free or reduced price school meals during the last school year. Gov. Perdue is encouraging more community organizations to to join the fight against childhood hunger by joining No Kid Hungry North Carolina.

More than 30 counties either serve less than 5 percent of their needy children during the summer or do not offer a summer food program, said Alice Lenihan, head of the N.C. Division of Public Healths Nutrition Services Branch. The program provides sponsors with full federal reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for each meal they serve, so there is no reason that children should go hungry during the summer.

Schools, local government agencies, private nonprofits, and locations where children congregate during the summer, such as parks, swimming pools, and low-income housing complexes can participate as either sponsors or feeding sites. To qualify, a site must either be located in a low-income area where 50 percent or more of the children in the area are eligible for free or reduced- price school meals, or it must serve primarily low- income children, at least half of whom are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Most sites can provide up two meals a day through the program.

Participating sponsors will receive free training during March. Summer food service applications should be submitted by May 15. More information is available at www.nutritionnc.com/snp/sfsp.h tm. For the training schedule or to find out how to apply to be a sponsor, contact the N.C. Division of Public Healths Special Nutrition Programs office at (919) 707- 5799.

Intersection Closure: PATTON AVENUE and CLIFTON STREET

Intersection Closure: PATTON AVENUE and CLIFTON STREET The intersection of Patton Avenue and Clifton Street will close Thursday, January 26 at 7 a.m. and will reopen Thursday, February 9 at 5 p.m. The contractor will be performing storm water work for a neighborhood improvement project. Motorists should detour using Creek Street, Madison Avenue, Fairfield Street and Washington Avenue. The road will be closed to all through traffic for the period above.

LOCAL access to residences will be maintained. CATS WILL NOT be affected. Questions
Contact Bill Greentaner at 704-336-7308.

New Web-Based Wellness Resource Offers North Carolina Small
Businesses Tools to Improve Employee Health and Increase
Productivity

RALEIGH  Gov. Bev Perdue announces the launch of a free, web-based tool to help small businesses develop worksite wellness programs. WorkWell NC, coordinated through the N.C. Division of Public Health, offers free resources to help small business owners and their employees who want to lose weight, quit smoking and manage stress. The WorkWell NC toolkit may be found at www.EatSmartMoveMoreNC.com.

A healthy, educated workforce is essential to keeping North Carolinas economic engine well tuned, said Gov Perdue. I am committed to providing the tools that businesses need to grow, thrive and keep employees healthy and on the job. Programs like WorkWell NC are an integral part of this effort.

According to the Small Business Administration, nearly 50 percent of people employed in North Carolina are employed by a small business (500 or less employees). Nearly one-third of uninsured people are employed by small businesses with less than 100 workers, according to the 2008 Current Population Survey. The WorkwellNC resources provide small businesses the opportunity to offer their employees a benefit that will help keep them healthier and ultimately reduce health care costs.

There is strong evidence that participating in a worksite wellness program pays off for employers, said Dr. Ruth Petersen of the N.C. Division of Public Health. The American Institute for Preventive Medicine estimates that worksite wellness programs deliver an average of $3 return on investment for every $1 spent, through increased productivity and reduced health care costs.

The toolkit is complete  with information ranging from implementing a worksite wellness program to measuring results. Business owners can download posters, newsletters, sign-up sheets, certificates, surveys and evaluation tools. The kit also includes links to videos featuring fellow business owners from a variety of North Carolina companies promoting healthy lifestyles and seeing results. One example that businesses can easily implement is the Ten Minute Challenge­ - a pre- programmed set of activities that employees can do in10 minutes to improve their health.

A healthy and productive workforce means a better bottom line for businesses, said N.C. Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco. However, addressing tomorrows health conditions today is not only good for business, its important for the employee so they can lead a healthier and more active life.

I would encourage any business owner to try it  making small changes in your working environment can lead to really big results, said Tara Olsen, Owner of All Points Research in Winston- Salem, speaking about her experience with worksite wellness in one of the featured videos. Other video success stories feature A-10 Clinical Solutions, Acme McCrary Corporation, The Biltmore Company, The Body Shop, Carolina Pad, RE Mason and Salina Naturally.

Eat Smart, Move More North Carolina is a statewide movement that promotes increased opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity wherever people live, learn, earn, play and pray. For more information on healthful eating and active lifestyles, visit www.MyEatSmartMoveMore.com.

Julie Henry
Public Information Officer
N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
919-855-4840
julie.henry@dhhs.nc.gov

Writing workshops in Charlotte

The Writers Workshop is offering new writing classes. They are for any level writer, and meet at Providence Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. Registration is in advance only, by mail or at the website (www.twwoa.org). Financial aid in exchange for volunteering is available. For more information, please contact writersw@gmail.com, or call 828-254-8111.

" Jan. 28: How to Edit and Revise Your Own Work with Karen Ackerson  Writers of fiction or non-fiction will learn how to edit and revise their own works before submitting to an agent or publisher. Techniques will be taught on how to grab the readers interest by eliminating unnecessary details, building tensionand fine-tuning dialogue and descriptions. Students may bring five pages (double- spaced) to the class for discussion. Meets Saturday, 12-5 p.m. $75/$70 members.

" Feb. 4: Fiction Writing Workshop with Dale Neal  Writers of short fiction and novels will learn tips and engage in writing exercises to create attention-getting stories. Students may bring up to five pages, double- spaced, for review. Dale Neals first novel won the 2009 Novello Literary Award. Meets Saturday, 12-5 p.m. $75/$70 members.

Feb. 18: Writing Your Life with Richard Krawiec

In this supportive writing- intensive class, participants will learn how to draw on the material of your life to write and revise memoirs, stories, or plays. Elements covered include time compression and expansion, how to focus on theme, recognizing your purpose, and developing your piece professionally. Krawiec is the author of numerous books and poems such as Breakdown: A Fathers Story, and She Hands Me the Razor. His work is published in Shenandoah, Florida Review, and North Carolina Literary Review, among others. Saturday, 12-5 pm. $75/$70 members.

CBCC Holds Blood Drives During Love Week

Elevation Church, in conjunction with over 25 other area churches, is holding the Third Annual Love Week February 11-19. The goal of Love Week is to come together as a community and contribute over 50,000 hours of community service. Last year volunteers served over 30,000 hours and helped beautify parks, cleaned schools, fed the hungry, supported families experiencing difficult times and much more. With the help of countless donors, CBCC collected 343 units of blood last year, touching over 1000 lives. Visit www.loveweekcharlotte.com for the full list of volunteer opportunities.

One of the ways you can participate in Love Week 2012 is by donating blood at one of these blood drives:

Sunday, February 12
Elevation Church - Matthews
9:00 am  6:00 pm

Thursday, February 16
Elevation Church - Matthews
2:00 pm  8:00 pm

Sunday, February 19
Elevation Church - Blakeney
9:00 am  6:00 pm

Sunday, February 19
Elevation Church - Rock Hill
9:00 am  2:00 pm

Sunday, February 19
Elevation Church - University
10:00 am  3:00 pm

Street Closure:HOVIS ROAD

Hovis Road at Rozzelles Ferry Road will close on Monday, January 23 at 8:00 a.m. and will re-open on Tuesday, February 21 at 4:00 p.m. This closure is necessary for CSX track improvements. Motorists should use Hoskins Road, Hovis Road and Rozzelles Ferry Road as a detour. To turn around at closure, motorists should use Northern Drive, Terminal Street and Bealer Road back to detour route. Construction zones will be limited to local traffic only. Access to driveways will be maintained. CATS will not be affected. Questions: Contact Jimmy Thackston at 704-336-2272

2012 COOPERATIVE EXTENSION PLANT SALE UNDERWAY!

The Spring 2012 Plant Sale is now underway. Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension is selling a variety of berry plants, flowering trees, fruit trees, shade trees, and flowering shrubs. The deadline to order is FRIDAY, Feb. 24 at noon. Plants will be available for pick up on Thursday, March 1 and Friday, March 2 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at our office (1418 Armory Drive, Charlotte). The plant sale is a fundraiser for Mecklenburg County Cooperative Extension. All plants are grown in nurseries in Georgia or Alabama. All orders are non- refundable. Plants do not have a warranty. All proceeds from the Plant Sale support local Cooperative Extension programs as well as partial and full scholarships to Mecklenburg County youth attending 4-H summer camps and teen leadership opportunities.

Norovirus Infections Spreading Widely Across North Carolina:
State Public Health Officials urge precautions to prevent possible exposure

RALEIGH  Throughout January, several local health departments across North Carolina have reported multiple outbreaks of norovirus, prompting state public health officials to issue advice on steps everyone can take to avoid this common and unpleasant gastrointestinal illness.

The most important message we have right now is that people who are ill with vomiting or diarrhea should not work, go to school or attend daycare while they are having symptoms, said State Epidemiologist Dr. Megan Davies. Everyone needs to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. This is the most effective way to protect yourself and others against norovirus since hand sanitizers alone are not as effective against this hardy virus.

Noroviruses are easily transmitted by touching a contaminated surface as well as by direct contact or by eating food or drinking liquids that have been contaminated with the virus. Noroviruses are notoriously difficult to kill with normal cleaning and disinfecting procedures. Surfaces that have been contaminated with stool or vomit should be cleaned immediately and disinfected with a freshly prepared diluted bleach solution or a bleach-based household cleaner.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Some may have fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness. The symptoms can begin suddenly and an infected person may go from feeling well to very sick in a very short period of time. In most people, the illness lasts for about one or two days. People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least three days after they recover. Some people may be contagious for even longer, she added. Infection can be more severe in young children and elderly people. Dehydration can occur rapidly and may require medical treatment or hospitalization.

Unfortunately, there is no specific medications to treat norovirus, but infected people should drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea, Davies said. The best course of action is prevention.

Davies offered several simple steps to take if you suspect the presence of a norovirus:

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

Clean and disinfect surfaces contaminated with vomit or diarrhea immediately using a bleach-based household cleaner, or dilute household bleach 1:10 in water (must be mixed fresh daily; never use undiluted bleach).

Stay home when sick.

Do not prepare food for other people when sick and for at least three days afterward.

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 at www.deh.enr.state.nc.us/ehs/df p_fooddefense- epidemiology.htm.

Street Closure: KENDRICK DRIVE
The 1700 block of Kendrick Drive between Princeton Avenue and Westfield Road will close Wednesday, February 8 at 7 a.m. and will reopen Friday, March 23 at 5 p.m.
This closure will also affect through traffic on Westerwood Drive.
The contractor will be performing storm water work. Motorists should detour using Park Lane, Tuckaseegee Road and Westerwood Drive. The road will be closed to all through traffic for the period above.
Local access to residences will be maintained.
CATS will NOT be affected.
Questions:
Contact Bill Greentaner, CDOT, at 704-336-7308 or Brian Robinson, Engineering and Property Management, at 704-432-5533.

Fourth Annual Pint for Pounds Underway

Join us for our Fourth Annual Pint for Pounds campaign to support Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina. Through this partnership, we will donate six pounds of food for every blood donation now through Feb. 29. Since 2009 and thanks to our generous donors, we have contributed 130,398 pounds of food to help feed the hungry in our community. To host a blood drive, call Kim Jones at 704- 972-4727.

BEAT THE HEAT ... Spay Your Female Cat for $20

Have you been planning on having your cat spayed?

Don't miss this great opportunity, thanks to PetSmart Charities. For the month of FEBRUARY 2012, you can "BEAT THE HEAT" and have your female cat fixed for just $20!! If your cat needs a rabies shot, that will be in addition to the $20.

Reserve your space now ... limited appointments are available.

Call 704-426-1053 and tell them you want to "BEAT THE HEAT" for $20!

Cost: $20 per female cat

Dates: 2/4/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/5/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/6/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/7/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/8/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/9/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/10/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/11/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/12/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/13/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/14/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/15/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/16/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/17/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/18/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/19/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/20/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/21/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/22/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/23/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/24/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/25/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/26/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/27/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/28/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM
2/29/2012 from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Humane Society of Charlotte Spay/Neuter Clinic
2646 Toomey Avenue
704-426-1053
Charlotte, NC

Choosing the Right Moisturizer for Your Skin

Skin Moisturizers: Cream, Lotion, or Ointment?

No matter what your skin type, you should use a moisturizer. The thickness of the moisturizer you choose depends on your skin type.

If you've got itchy or dry skin, you'll probably want to lock in moisture with a thick ointment. Creams are thinner, help hydrate, and are good for normal skin. Lotions are the lightest (water is their main ingredient) and are a good match for oily skin.

You should also base the thickness of the moisturizer on when and where you use it on your body. "Choose a light moisturizer for day and a heavier one for nighttime," says Florida dermatologist Andrea Cambio, MD. Or choose a thicker cream for your body and a lightweight moisturizing lotion for your face. You'll also want to stick with lighter, hydrating moisturizers in the summer months.

Choosing a Moisturizer: What to Look For

Use these guidelines to pick the right type of moisturizer for your skin. Sun protection.No matter what skin type you have, just about every dermatologist recommends getting a moisturizer with a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. If youre getting it for your face, Cambio suggests looking for one that is oil- and fragrance-free and has an SPF of 30.
Antioxidants.Moisturizers with antioxidants such as green tea, chamomile, pomegranate, or licorice root extract may help keep any skin type looking fresh and healthy. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals -- molecules that break down skin cells. For oily or acne-prone skin."I like alpha-hydroxy acids, which are also antiaging," says Chicago dermatologist Carolyn Jacob, MD. If you're prone to acne, you'll also want to look for a non-comedogenic facial moisturizer, which won't clog pores.
For dry skin. Aim for a heavier moisturizer and look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid and dimethicone, which help keep skin hydrated. Glycerin, propylene glycol, proteins, and urea also help attract water to your skin, while lanolin, mineral oil, and petrolatum lock in moisture. For sensitive skin.Use a hypoallergenic and fragrance- free moisturizer. In general, choose one that contains less than 10 ingredients," suggests California dermatologist Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD. Fewer ingredients mean fewer potential interactions with fragile skin.
For itchy skin.If a hypoallergenic moisturizing cream doesnt relieve itching, try a 1% hydrocortisone steroid skin cream for one week, but no longer. If this doesnt resolve the itch, talk to your doctor. You may have a more serious skin problem. If you have eczema. Use a thick moisturizing ointment containing petrolatum, or simply use petroleum jelly. Either of these will help sooth cracks and keep skin supple.

Choosing a Moisturizer: What to Avoid

More ingredients does not make a better moisturizer. Here are some to avoid. Colorings and perfumes.Whether you want to moisturize dry skin, sensitive skin, or something in between, most experts suggest avoiding unnecessary and potentially irritating ingredients, like added colors and perfumes. Antibacterial agents can also be unnecessarily harsh, stripping skin of essential oils.
To prevent facial acne. Cambio suggests avoiding facial moisturizers with lanolin, mineral oil, waxes, or shea butter. These can clog pores and cause acne on the face, and are more appropriate for the body, she tells WebMD.
For dry or sensitive skin. Avoid alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid, retinoic acid, and salicylic acid. These ingredients may penetrate the skin too deeply and trouble delicate skin. Stay away from products with alcohols as well.
For itchy skin. Limit your use of steroid creams or ointment to one or two weeks only, unless recommended by your doctor. Overusing steroid creams can make skin very thin and lead to other skin problems.
If you have eczema or cracked skin.Stay away from moisturizers that contain urea or lactic acids. Though these ingredients are good for very dry skin, they can aggravate skin irritation.

3 Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Skin Moisturizer

To get the best results from whichever body or facial moisturizer you choose, try these tips:
Use more than one moisturizer if you need to. Nobody needs a cabinet full of moisturizing products, but a thin lotion for your face and a thick cream for your body may be just right for your all-over skin care.
Apply your moisturizer while your skin is damp. Smooth on your favorite moisturizer a few minutes after a bath or shower.
Pat your skin dry. Make your moisturizer do double-duty. Be sure your moisturizer contains a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
Want an antiaging boost? The pros recommend vitamin A or alpha- hydroxy acid. Want to even out your skin tone, too? Look for a tinted moisturizer suitable for your complexion.

Charlotte United Christian School Yard Sale

Charlotte United Christian School is holding its 2nd annual yard sale. Rain or Shine! The sale is inside. Located at 7640 Wallace Road, Charlotte, 28212 - on the Campus of Garr Memorial Church.

Cost: Free

Dates: " 3/10/2012 from 07:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Charlotte United Christian Acadmey
7640 Wallace Road
704-537-0331
Charlotte, NC

Street Closure: MOUNTAINBROOK ROAD

MOUNTAINBROOK ROAD The 3500 block of Mountainbrook Road between Mill Pond Road and Shaker Drive will close Monday, January 16 at 7 a.m. and will reopen Friday, March 16 at 5 p.m. The contractor will be performing storm water work. Motorists should detour using Mill Pond Road, Carmel Road, Sharon View Road and Mountainbrook Road. The road will be closed to all through traffic for the period above. LOCAL access to residences will be maintained. CATS WILL NOT be affected. Questions:
Contact Bill Greentaner, CDOT, at 704-336-7308.

S*M*A*R*T Teen Girls Mentoring Group

S*M*A*R*T (Supporting and Mentoring for higher Achievements in Reaching Teen girls) is a non-profit organization with a mission to help teen girls develop life and wellness skills, both which are essential to building inner confidence, self-esteem, and character. S*M*A*R*T plans to accomplish its mission by offering sessions and activities to teen girls that will educate them on various issues experienced among their peer group. At S*M*A*R*T we desire to provide a safe haven for the girls through showing love, care, and concern. SMART staff and volunteers believe girls need an outlet and a place where they can be themselves. We provide positive images of women and teach girls that beauty comes from within. Only through self-acceptance can a person begin to have faith in themselves to be successful. SMARTs 2011- 2012 Thomasboro Program will only be accepting 10 teen girls ages 11-14 for this years program. The first session will meet on Saturday November 5, 12pm at the Thomasboro Recreation Site (inside Thomasboro Academy) this session will allow you and your teen girl to meet all our staff and volunteers. We will also share the program guidelines and expectations. This is a free program. We look forward to meeting you and sharing the I Am Who I Am journey with your teen girl. For information contact Ms. Sequeria Lawler at 704-302- 7993.

Cost: Free

Dates:
1/7/2012 from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM
2/4/2012 from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM
3/3/2012 from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM
4/7/2012 from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Thomasboro Recreation Site
538 Bradford Drive
704-369-9826
Charlotte, NC