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Community Corner

Valuing Hospital Staff + Celebrating Diversity + Remembering 9/11

Here's a five-minute guide to everything worth knowing in town today.

Christina Fullford's profile picture
Christina Fullford, Neighbor
|
(Patch Media)

Good morning Raleigh,

I'm sure I don't need to highlight some obscure holiday today. It's September 11, and this marks the 20th year since the attacks on our nation. Patriot Day, as it is now known, is one of those 'where were you' moments. I was rushed into my schools auditorium and the students were simply told "Something is happening and your parents will probably come get you." Later that day, in my grandmothers house, we saw what happened. The Notebook today has a few different ways you can commemorate the day, and below you'll also find all the news and events you expect.

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Today's weather: Clear throughout the day. High: 83 Low: 63.

Here are the top stories today in Raleigh:

  1. President Joe Biden has issued a vaccine mandate for federal workers, and Governor Cooper intends to watch how it plays out. When Cooper was asked if he would be following the President's lead, Cooper said "We'll look at what the feds do over the next couple months... and we'll see how effective our vaccination requirement is for state employees." While Cooper did issue a mandate for government officials serving below him, there is the option to submit to regular testing instead. The system to track government employees vaccination statistics went live a few days ago, and Cooper anticipates being able to share that information in "a week or so." (WNCT9)
  2. The Downtown Raleigh Alliance has released its annual report that shows economic rebound. The report highlights 37 new storefront businesses opening this year and a 215% increase in food and beverage sales. While the increase in traffic downtown is an exciting upturn, Bill King, president and CEO of DRA emphasizes that it's still up to the community to keep investing in downtown. Although sales are beginning to soar over 2020, they are still not where they were in 2019. With all of the real estate development, King is optimistic that the recovery will continue with forward momentum. (abc11)
  3. WakeMed doctors, nurses, and staff at the New Bern location were treated to a lunch from Ruckus Pizza on Thursday. Frontline workers in hospitals have experienced 18 months of "survival mode" because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and ABC11 Together has started a new initiative to give back and boost morale. The staff also received care packages and notes of thanks, as well as handwritten cards from Oak Grove Elementary School. This is the first of many thank you lunches and encouragement for frontline workers this month and you can still contribute and send a thank you message here. (abc11)
  4. The Raleigh Convention Center has designed its menu to highlight diversity in North Carolina farming. A short distance from Jones Franklin Road and Interstate 440, Sweat Peas Urban Gardens grows fruits, veggies, and microgreens. Tami Pardue turned the area from a traditional farm to a community garden in 2014, and says "we don't need to be getting our food from other states." Chef Phil Evans, the executive chef at Centerplate, is responsible for the new menu. Not only did they want more farm to table, but they wanted to include individuals who saw less exposure. (WNCT9)
  5. A 'Bill of Rights' for foster parents in North Carolina was officially signed into law by Governor Cooper on Friday. The bill lays out rights of foster parents in one place in order to clarify the notices they are due and their role in making decisions for children in their care. While the bill lays out the rights, it is not meant to override any existing rules or laws. Foster parents applauded the signing, and Gaile Osborne, a veteran foster parent says the measure "strengthens and honors our role." (WRAL)

Today in Raleigh:

Raleigh Patch Notebook

  • Governor Cooper has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in North Carolina for Patriot Day. (WECT6)
  • ABC11 has compiled a list of events to mark the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001. (abc11)
  • Vanessa Minter, a former agent at RDU's American Airlines Reservation Center reflects on the mid-air call she received from Betty Ong, a flight attendant on board American Airlines Flight 11. (abc11)
  • The Cary Firefighters will also be hosting a 9/11 Day of Service to pay tribute to first responders. (MyCary)

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Alright friends, that's everything you need to know going into today. I hope you have a good day that is filled with reflection and hope for the future. If you feel like sharing, I'd love to know where you were 20 years ago. You can share below with the "How did you like today's email?" or you can head to Patch and post in the comments of this newsletter so everyone can see.

— CJ Fullford

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

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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