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Community Corner

Heroes Among Us + School Employees Rally + A Need For Mechanics

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Christina Fullford, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Happy Grandparents Day,

Today I have some incredible stories we can reflect on of heroes in Raleigh NC, a young author giving back, and an opportunity for those interested in auto mechanics. Check out all that, events and more below.

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Today's weather, 9/12: Clear throughout the day. High: 87 Low: 67.

Here are the top stories in Raleigh today:

  1. A local Raleigh hero reflects on his role during 9/11 and how it shaped his life. John Cerqueira saw national attention after helping carry a woman in a wheelchair down 68 flights of stairs in the north tower of the World Trade Center. Cerqueira says "When you stop focusing on what you get, your problems, your wins, it's actually an opportunity to be a little more free and more fulfilled." (abc11) Another Raleigh resident founded the Never Forget 9/11 Foundation in 2016. Christine Livingson, originally from New York, was inspired to raise money for first responders, veterans, military, and K9 officers after a conversation with FDNY officers visiting Raleigh. (Spectrum News 1)
  2. Advance Auto Parts has made a $250,000 donation to Wake Tech's automotive program for a first-of-its-kind recruitment initiative. The goal is to increase student diversity amidst the employee shortage across the industry. Tom Greco of Advance Auto Parts says if the current trend continues, there will be over 600,000 openings by 2024. The donation will help 25 students enrolling in the program over the next 5 years, funding $5,000 in scholarships, and a one time $600 stipend. (WRAL)
  3. A Raleigh mother is working to change regulations in Raleigh regarding construction near property lines. The existing regulation says that any one-story building, including doghouses, sheds, dethatched garages, and large playsets must be minimum 10ft from the property line. Two story structures must be at least 20ft away. Esther Hernandez created a large playset to accommodate her daughter's needs and was told she must move it, or take it down. With her property unable to accommodate the rule without taking down her playset, Hernandez decided to reach out to her Raleigh City Council representative, Patrick Buffkin. On Tuesday, the city council agreed to review it's rules for accessory buildings later this year. (HeraldSun)
  4. Educators and bus drivers rallied in Raleigh on Friday to address the driver shortage. The North Carolina Association of Educators gathered outside of the General Assembly to share their experiences of extra duties and responsibilities they took on during the pandemic. The group is advocating for better pay, citing that the work they are being asked to do is not worth what they are being paid. Some districts are offering bonuses and pay raises but drivers say the need is urgent and the problem will only get worse if not addressed soon. (WITN) School nurses are also struggling to juggle multiple schools they have to bounce between. (abc11)
  5. Ryan Markley is a senior at Athens Drive High School, and has sold 260 copies of her children's book "Life on Pandemic Avenue." 100% of the earnings are being donated to mental health groups and struggling educators. The book started as an honors project in Markley's 11th grade design class, and is now for sale on Amazon. The book tells stories of four homes, and how the children are adapting to the pandemic. Ryan's younger sister, Charlotte, was her inspiration for the book and is featured in the story. The book has been on sale for one month and has raised $600 for charities so far. (WRAL)

Today in Raleigh:

Raleigh Patch Notebook

  • This Grandparents Day, Bumble Brews is hosting Cookie Decorating to celebrate. (2:00 pm-4:00 pm) and Raleigh Bloomworks will be selling custom arrangements.
  • A year after the death of Andy Banks, his family is giving tens of thousands for an endowment that will provide scholarships to NC State students. (abc11)
  • The North Carolina Museum of Art is hosting two exhibitions, NC Artist Connections and Break the Mold. (Robesonian)
  • The Garner dogs responsible for the death of a child back in April will be euthanized on Monday. (WRAL)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Sunday! See you tomorrow for your next update. If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— CJ Fullford

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Raleigh Daily? Contact me at raleigh@patch.com.

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