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Alamance Parks Announces Champion Tree 2019 Winners

 Alamance Parks is pleased to recognize four new Champion Trees in Alamance County. The winners are: 

  • New Species:
    • Winged Elm, Ulmus alata, 249 points 
    • Black Oak, Quercus velutina, 206.75 points 
    • Shagbark Hickory, Carya ovata, 253.75 points 
  • New Update:
    • Yellow Poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera, 352.75 points 

Champion Tree of Alamance County began in 2012 and celebrates the many wonderful, significant trees in our county. The program seeks to find, measure and crown trees in the following categories: Champion Tree, Historic Tree, and Landmark Tree. The Champion Tree category recognizes the largest tree in the county of any eligible species. Tree size is measured using a formula that takes into account circumference, height, and crown spread. Trees that meet the criteria for the North Carolina Champion Big Tree Program will be submitted for state level recognition. 

The Historic Trees category recognizes trees that are at least 50 years old and have a verifiable story of historical significance. Landmark Trees include trees that hold special value for a community or group. 

Champion Tree of Alamance County accepts nominations biennially. For more information about the program, and to view the list of reigning champions, visit www.championtreeac.com

Seventh Rabies Case of 2019 Confirmed in Alamance County

BURLINGTON – On October 22, the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health in Raleigh confirmed Alamance County’s seventh case of rabies for the year.

On October 18, Burlington Animal Services was notified that a raccoon and two dogs were in an altercation on Fairview Street in Burlington. Alamance County Animal Control sent the raccoon to the State Laboratory for Public Health for testing and the raccoon was positive for rabies. The two dogs were up-to-date on vaccinations and received a post-exposure booster. One adult was exposed to the raccoon and is receiving post-exposure treatment.

If you live in this area and have outside pets, the Health Department encourages you to examine them for any wounds that may have come from contact with this cat and notify Animal Control or the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367 if you have questions or concerns.

If you are bitten by any animal:

  • Wash the wound with soap and running water for ten (10) minutes and seek medical attention immediately.
  • Write down the location of the animal and a description of the animal to provide to animal control. If the animal is someone’s pet, also get the owner’s name and address. Give this information to animal control or the health department.
  • Do not try to catch any wild or stray animal

Alamance County Environmental Health Office, located at 209 N. Graham-Hopedale Road, is offering a rabies vaccination clinic on November 9, 9am-12pm. The cost is $5. Please have all cats in carriers and dogs on leashes.

Last year, Alamance County had five confirmed animal cases of rabies.

For more information or questions about rabies control and vaccinations requirements, contact the Health Department’s Environmental Health office at (336) 570-6367.

Health Department Begins Offering Vaccinations for 2019 Flu Season – Flu Shots Now Available to the Public

BURLINGTON – Flu season is upon us and the Alamance County Health Department wants you to protect yourself and your family. Monday, October 7, the health department began offering seasonal flu shots to the public.

This year, the health department will be providing the following vaccine options to the public:

  • Quadrivalent flu vaccine injection which covers four strains of influenza
  • Flublok flu vaccine injection which is recommended for people with egg allergies that are ages 18 years and older
  • High Dose Trivalent vaccine which covers three strains and is recommended for people over 65 years

The vaccine is available while supplies last. One shot is all most people will need. Children under age 9, who have not previously been vaccinated against the flu, may need two doses.

The cost of the Quadrivalent vaccine is $35.00. The cost of the Flublok and High Dose Trivalent is $65.00. Uninsured children less than 19 years old are eligible for free vaccine. Insured children less than 19 years old whose insurance does not cover the cost of a flu shot may be eligible for free flu vaccine, pending certain qualifications.

The health department can bill Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurances. The flu vaccine will be available by appointment only at the following times:

Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)

  • 8:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
  • 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Increase your chances of keeping the flu away by getting the vaccine. Also, remember to wash your hands often, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you are sick to help stop the spread of illness. For an appointment or more information, call the health department at 336-570-6459.

REGISTRATION EXTENDED FOR VETERANS PARADE

The deadline for registration in the Veterans Parade is now Thursday, October 17, 2019.

The parade honors our county’s veterans who gave so much in service to their country. The deadline is now extended to give as many people and groups as possible the chance to take part. All Alamance County veterans are invited to march or ride in the parade. Anyone who wishes to march in the parade in support of veterans i also invited to take part.

Anyone who wishes to join in the parade can register by contacting the Veterans Services Office. Visit the Veterans Services website at https://www.alamance-nc.com/veterans to register. You can also call (336) 570-2361 or (336) 570-6764, or visit the office at 201 West Elm Street in Graham.

“We invite all our residents to attend the parade. We want to show our support for our wonderful veterans,” says Tammy Crawford, Veterans Services Director.

The 6th Annual Veterans Day Parade will take place in Downtown Graham beginning at 10 A.M. on Saturday, November 9. Following the parade, there will be an event with food, crafts, and live entertainment.

For further information, please contact Tammy Crawford, Alamance County Veterans Services Director, at Tammy.Crawford@alamance-nc.com.

Mebane Public Library Closed October 11-13

Alamance County Public Libraries announces the temporary closure of the Mebane Public Library due to building maintenance. The Library will close on Thursday, October 10 at 6pm and reopen on Monday, October 14 at 9am.

Patrons are encouraged to check out the library’s electronic resources found at Alamancelibraries.org or visit another library location.

  • May Memorial Library: 342 S Spring St, Burlington
  • Graham Library: 211 S Main St, Graham

For further questions, please contact Susana Goldman, director of Alamance County Public Libraries at sgoldman@alamancelibraries.org.

6th Annual Trailathlon – October 26, 2019 – 9am

Join the Haw River Trail and the community of Saxapahaw for our Annual Trailathlon, a Haw River Trail fundraiser. This multi-sport adventure brings together families and athletes of all abilities and skill levels to enjoy the natural recreation opportunities of the Haw River corridor. The race starts with a two-mile round trip paddle on Saxapahaw Lake, followed by a six-mile rolling countryside bike ride, and finishes with a 5K trail run on a new section of trail.

The race is untimed and is intended to draw appreciation for the Haw River Trail, the Haw River, and surrounding communities. But don’t let that deter you from racing your friends and family to the finish line!
All proceeds support the Haw River Trail’s new Saxapahaw Island Park.

For more information and to register, visit alamanceparks.com or call 336-229-2410.

Six Confirmed Cases of Mumps on Local University Campus

BURLINGTON- Three additional cases have tested positive for mumps, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to six.

“We continue to implement our local public health response which has included up to this point offering vaccinations to the university population, identifying individuals with possible symptoms and supporting the university in increasing awareness”, says Alamance County Health Director Stacie Saunders. “We are grateful for Elon’s quick communication with our health department and their continued proactive participation in the response.”

Throughout the month of October the health department will work with the university to offer MMR vaccinations to Elon students, faculty, and staff at Student Health Services by appointment. Vaccination appointments can be made by calling 336-278-7230 during operational hours. Between the open clinics held on campus and vaccinations given at Student Health Services, nearly 800 individuals have received an additional dose of MMR vaccine, which further reduces the risk of contracting mumps and is recommended by health officials in a situation like the one we are experiencing.

Students exhibiting symptoms or those with medical concerns should contact the Student Health Center at 336-278-7230. Faculty and staff with medical questions should contact their primary care provider or the Faculty & Staff Wellness Clinic at 336-278-5569. Community members may call their primary care provider or the Alamance County Health Department at 336-516-7715 to speak with a public health nurse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. The recommended two doses of the vaccine provides approximately 88 percent protection against infection. According to the CDC, mumps outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings like college campuses. High vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. Elon enforces the State of North Carolina requirement that all incoming students provide evidence of two vaccinations against mumps or proof of immunity against mumps. Nearly all students at Elon have had both of their mumps vaccines, which are administered as a combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as part of the childhood recommended vaccines.

Alamance County 2020 Census Executive Committee Convenes – UPDATED

Edit: Corrected Meeting Date

With the upcoming spring launch of the 2020 Census, Chair Amy Scott Galey of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners has convened a 2020 Census Executive Committee. This committee made up of community leaders will help lead the charge in ensuring that all Alamance County residents are counted in order to maximize both federal representation and federal dollars. The first meeting will take place at Impact Alamance (133 E. Davis St., Burlington) on Thursday, October 10, 2019, at 9am. Special guest Cara Townsend, regional coordinator for the North Carolina 2020 Census, will present how census information is used and its benefits to the
local community.

“Billions of dollars in federal funding as well as congressional seats are tied to census numbers, and it is vital that North Carolina is accurately represented.” said Chair Galey. “Community participation is crucial in the effort to count each resident living in the county. Our goal is to proactively develop solutions to increase our 2010 census participation rate of 78% as each person counted brings in $1,623 dollars of federal funding per year for ten years.”

Members of the County’s 2020 Census Executive Committee are:

  • Ian Baltutis, Mayor for City of Burlington
  • Dr. Bruce Benson, Superintendent of Alamance-Burlington School System
  • Buddy Boggs, Mayor for Town of Haw River
  • Dr. Connie Book, President of Elon University
  • Phil Bowers, Executive Director of Sustainable Alamance
  • Tony Foriest, Former State Senator and Community Leader
  • Amy Scott Galey, Chair of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners
  • Allen Gant, Jr., Chair of Glen Raven Inc.
  • Dr. Algie Gatewood, President of Alamance Community College
  • Tracey Grayzer, President of Impact Alamance
  • Ed Hooks, Mayor Pro-Tem for City of Mebane
  • F.D. Hornaday, President of Knit-Wear Fabrics, Inc.
  • Jane Iseley, Iseley Farms
  • Martha Krall, Alamance Alliance for Families and Children in North Carolina
  • Heidi Norwick, President of United Way
  • Carrie Theall, Executive Director of Alamance Partnership for Children
  • Michael Trollinger, Council Member for the Town of Green Level
  • Mac Williams, President of Alamance Chamber

For further information, please contact Marlena Isley, Alamance County GIS Director, at Marlena.Isley@alamance-nc.com.

Cedarock Fall Festival

Cedarock Historical Farm Saturday, October 5th, 10am-2pm

Join us for family fun at the Cedarock Fall Festival! The event will be held at the Cedarock Historical Farm on October 5th from 10am-2pm. The festival offers activities for all ages, including:

  • Hayrides
  • Kids’ Games (With Candy and Prizes)
  • Face Painting
  • Horse Rides
  • Live music from Sassafras
  • Historical Garrett Farm Open House
  • Delicious food for purchase

The festival is free and open to the public. Cedarock Park is located at 4242 R. Dean Coleman Rd., Burlington, NC 27215. For questions or more information please call (336) 229 2410, visit the Alamance Parks website at www.alamanceparks.com, or visit the Cedarock Park Facebook page at facebook.com/alamanceparks.

Confirmed Case of Mumps on Local University Campus

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 24, 2019

Health Department and Elon University partnering to address illness

BURLINGTON- Alamance County Health Department received notification on September 23 of a single confirmed case of mumps in a student who attends of Elon University. At this time, the cause of the infection is unknown and no other cases have been identified. The individual had previously received age-appropriate MMR vaccinations.

Health Director Stacie Saunders stated, “We are working with our university and state public health partners to identify those who may have had contact with the confirmed case and will provide assessment and additional vaccine, as needed.”

Mumps is a viral illness best known for causing parotitis, a swelling of the salivary glands below the ears and above the jaw. Other common symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. The virus is spread through close contact, like kissing, drinking after someone else, coughing or sneezing.

Students who are exhibiting symptoms consistent with mumps should make an appointment with Elon Student Health Services. Appointments can be made by calling 336-278-7230. Members of the community who are concerned about symptoms are encouraged to contact their primary health care providers or urgent care. Community members may also call the Alamance County Health Department at 336-516-7715 to speak with a public health nurse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend two doses of the mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. MMR vaccine prevents most, but not all, cases of mumps and complications caused by the disease. The recommended two doses of the vaccine provides approximately 88 percent protection against infection. According to the CDC, mumps outbreaks can still occur in highly vaccinated U.S. communities, particularly in close-contact settings like college campuses. High vaccination coverage helps limit the size, duration, and spread of mumps outbreaks. Elon enforces the State of North Carolina requirement that all incoming students provide evidence of two vaccinations against mumps or proof of immunity against mumps. Nearly all students at Elon have had both of their mumps vaccines, which are administered as a combination vaccine against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) as part of the childhood recommended vaccines.

Alamance County has not had a confirmed case of mumps in the last 10 years.