Story and photos courtesy of the Inhulsen Family.

Cary, NC – A seventh grader in Cary decided to see how much food he could collect for charity by clipping coupons. Over the course of three months, he spent less than $20 and collected over 1,400 pounds of food.

The Seventh Grader Who Could

Lori Towner, a CaryCitizen reader, sent us this note and pictures of her son Chris Inhulsen’s coupon quest to fight hunger:

Cary seventh grader Chris Inhulsen has been involved in food donation drives in the past but nothing like this one!

Last fall armed with coupons and food drive supplies from ConAgra’s “Schools Fighting Hunger Project,” he and his family approached a number of groups at his middle school but none wanted to take on this food drive. “We can’t just recycle all those coupons,” Chris told his mom. That’s when Chris and his dad started clipping coupons and his mom started scouring grocery store ads.

The family decided to see how much they could donate and how little money they could spend just by using coupons and following sales to make their donation purchases.

On February 4th, the family donated 1,474.5 pounds of food to the Western Wake Crisis Ministry  in Apex, NC. The total money spent by the family was $19.80 for this donation.

On the way home from dropping off the donation, Chris asked, “When are we starting to collect for the next food drive, Mom?”  The family plans on starting another food drive in the fall.

CaryCitizen emailed Lori Towner to double-check those facts and figures. How was it possible to collect 1,474 pounds of food for an expenditure of less than $20?

“Don’t you watch those coupon shows?,” Lori wrote back.  ”It’s all about COUPONS!  Double coupons and sales where we were able to purchase the products and not pay a thing was what made it happen,” she said. “It would have been free but for those 20 boxes of popcorn at .99 each that we purchased.”

We love this kind of story, illustrating one of our community’s signature virtues – giving back. Congratulations to Chris and the entire Inhulsen family on a job well done!

If Chris cranks it up again in the autumn, we’ll be sure to let Cary citizens know how they can help.

Cary, NC – Caroline Lucas of Cary, N.C., a Peace Corps volunteer, helped launch a women-owned small business in Armenia that produces and sells handmade stuffed bears. Since the Berd Bear project started in March 2011, the women of Berd have earned thousands of dollars to support their families.

Over the Mountain at the End of the Road

Seven years ago, a German nun named Sister Hanna visited Berd (pronounced Baird), a small community in a remote area of Armenia.

Armenia has a long tradition of fine handicrafts. Sister Hanna taught the women of Berd how to make traditional German-style teddy bears.

Years passed. Unemployment runs in double-digits in rural areas of Armenia, biting especially hard on women.

Fast-forward to April of 2011. Homeland Handicrafts, based in Yerevan, visited the women of Berd. Karapet of Homeland Handicrafts picks up the story:

“A few months ago, a Peace Corps Volunteer encouraged Homeland Handicrafts to make a visit to Berd, the city on the other side of the mountain at the end of the road in outer Tavush Province, some nine kilometers from the Azerbaijani border.  Little did I know that we were about to embark on one of the biggest handicraft adventures in our history.

At the first meeting, the ladies in Berd showed me a teddy bear- a gorgeous teddy bear of very high quality.  This was the start of what is fast becoming a project that we can ‘bearly’ keep up with.  The orders are steadily trickling in!

For us, the joy is not only the fact that these are fabulous bears, but that we are providing work to several women in Berd who have not earned a penny of their own in ten years.  They lived off of pensions, sons and husbands working in Russia, and their vegetables gardens.  They are so proud that they are earning their own money now.   – HomelandHandicrafts.org

Volunteer from Cary Helps Berd Women Create a Business

Caroline Lucas of Cary, NC is listed on the Berd Women website as “Co-worker, Peace Corps Volunteer, Business Development Specialist.” As the crow flies, Berd is more than 6,000 miles from Cary, NC.

“The women of Berd are incredibly talented and hardworking. They put a lot of pride into their craft, which is evident in each carefully and lovingly handmade bear,” said Lucas, a graduate of Chapman University. “As sales of the Berd Bear increase, more local Armenian women are able to work in full-time positions.”

Additional income generated by sales of the Berd Bear is used to provide members of the foundation with training classes in basic computer skills, business development and other topics.

“Aside from the financial benefits generated by bear sales, the women are also gaining business and leadership skills,” continued Lucas. “Now, these women can help support their families.”

More on the Berd Bears

Each stuffed bear is handmade from start to finish by members of the group.

The bear’s head, body, legs and arms are created using Armenian knitting techniques and assembled by a group of women who stuff and sew it together. Button eyes, a nose, and a mouth are then added, and the bear is dressed in either standard or traditional Armenian clothing. Male bears wear knitted sweaters and hand-sewn slacks, and females wear hand-sewn dresses.

In total each Berd Bear requires about 18 hours of labor.

How much has changed? There’s now an animated television series based on the Bears and other characters created by the women of Berd.

Story by Lindsey Chester and Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC- The Miracle League of the Triangle is about to begin their Spring 2012 season and they are looking for a few good sponsors to support the teams.

The Miracle of Baseball

Don’t know the Miracle League? It’s a baseball league for special needs kids.

The miracle is the joy of sports for kids and families who never expected it or experienced it.

It’s an everyday miracle – you can see it in the pictures or at a game. It never gets old.

Sponsors Make it Possible for Everybody

Each year the organization fields about 22 teams for both a spring and fall season.  Sponsorship ensures that the families of these athletes can participate without undue financial burden. They pay $35 to join and receive all the instruction and uniforms.

In January, director Traci Brown looks to sign up groups as annual sponsors for the league which covers the two seasons. As the league has grown in participants, so has their need for increased sponsorship. See story.

What Does Sponsorship Mean?

Sponsorship is visible in many ways: company names are displayed on field signage, T-shirts and announced at all games and each season they hold a sponsor appreciation day.

But there is a bigger impact. For $1500/year, a group sponsors the joy of community, baseball and sportsmanship for these kids and their families. Many groups come out and help volunteer on game days to experience the games themselves.

Currently the league knows they need at least 8 additional sponsors.

If you think you would like to get involved, contact Traci Brown directly through email, or call her at (919) 238-0333. Or you can download the sponsor form right here.

2012 Miracle League Team Sponsorship

Story by Lindsey Chester, photos by Brooke Meyer.

Cary, NC- The Umstead Hotel and Spa hosted the 9th annual Gingerbread House benefit to raise funds for Triangle Family Services last Thursday.

Triangle Family Servies has been helping needy families in the area for more than 75 years. The Gingerbread Benefit is the organization’s premier fundraising event.

Top local chefs created exquisite, themed gingerbread houses that were displayed in the ball room of the Umstead Hotel. The gingerbread houses, along with other items, were auctioned off during the evening’s festivities. In addition, a silent auction showcased a variety of items from local businesses, including jewelry, vacation packages and sports memorabilia.

Guests enjoyed holiday music, wine and beer, desserts and savory delicacies prepared by the Umstead’s top chefs. All proceeds benefit the program services of Triangle Family Services, which deal with issues of financial stability, family safety and mental health services in the community.

The event raised $90,039 and over 300 people were in attendance. In conjunction with the auction, the Umstead held a special Children’s Tea with Santa. Kids met with the bearded guy and  created confections of their own design.

The chefs create these works of food art, in a friendly competition, but there are no losers. Everything helps to raise the needed funds. This year there were 23 entries from chefs and restaurants all over the Triangle.

Participating chefs/restaurants:

• Chef Todd Richter, Prestonwood Country Club
• Amanda Burgess, Sweet Escape Bakery
• Sera Cuni, Foster’s Market (Chapel Hill)
• Richard Smith, Twisted Fork
• Jill Leckey, The Fearrington House Restaurant
• Angela Salmanca, Dos Taquitos
• Jason Smith, 18 Seaboard
• Ilya Koltusky, Sweet Loralee Pastries
• Kim Reynolds, Second Empire
• Lorie Murray, Simply Cakes
• Coleen Speaks, Posh Nosh Catering
• Daniel Benjamin, The Umstead Hotel & Spa
• Troy Knight, Wii Little Chefs
• Sherry Stolfo and Eddie Wilson, The Chef’s Academy
• Patrick Colley, Carolina Country Club
• Mariea Gregory, Meghan Gregory, Kelly Snyder and Davita Norris, Upper Crust Bakery
• Karen Gray, Wake Tech
• Rachel Smith, JoAnn Rey and Sue Chaploney, Wake Tech
• Bonnie Lau, Miel Bon Bons Patisserie
• Stephen James, Stick Boy Bread Company
• Donna Ford, Sweet Memories

For 75 years, Triangle Family Services has been battling critical issues in our community for the most vulnerable families. Its mission, “Building a stronger community by strengthening the family,” is fulfilled by providing programs in three key areas: financial stability, family safety and mental health services. Last year alone, Triangle Family Services served more than 75,000 Triangle area residents with 93 percent living below the poverty level.

Cary, NC –  Some time ago, we ran a story about a local band called Mind the Gap. The name of the band is derived from a British saying used as a public announcement when people are stepping from a train or subway.  It is a warning to watch your step. MTG considers “the gap” a metaphor for life. They play solely for charity.

Band member Jerry Cuomo told me, “we are all different in unique and special ways.  These ‘gaps’ between us should be respected and celebrated.  The gaps are what make us interesting as individuals, hence we should pay attention or ‘mind the gap.’  Further, some gaps simply cannot be ignored.  Folks are in need in this world and MTG is proud that we can contribute to these wonderful causes.”

Rockin’ for Tots

Today, Mind the Gap continues to rock on. If you are around Thanksgiving weekend, MTG is continuing their 2011 fund drive playing at the Southland Ballroom in downtown Raleigh for  “Toys for Tots”.   The event is on Saturday, November 26th and doors open at 8 pm. Bring a (new) toy and get in free!

MTG will be joined by Laughing Through Your Fingers for a double-dose of rock and roll music. Both bands are often seen in Cary.

Mind the Gap, the US Marine Corps and Laughing Through Your Fingers are encouraging the community to come out and fill the ballroom with toys, while the room is filled with music.

MTG 2011

In 2011, they helped raise over $125,000 for causes like “Stop Hunger Now”, “Mariposa School for Autism”, “World Wildlife Fund”, and the “Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center”.

Jerry Cuomo, bass player and IBM Vice President says “2011 has been a record year of giving and rocking.   There is little sign of recession in the Triangle when it comes to music and charity.”

The band  members of MTG include Stan Cox on guitar, Jerry Cuomo on bass, Marc Haberkorn on vocals, Barry Mosakowski on drums, Adolfo Rodriguez on harmonica, rhythm guitar and Latin percussion.

For Facebook Event info click here.

Story by Matt Young. Photo by Timothy Faust.

Cary, NC – A  friend of mine, Jeri Wade, contacted me.

She is a “survivor” of family suicide and an active volunteer with The Triangle Survivors of Suicide (SOS).

Every Fourteen Minutes…

Annual Pre-Holiday Survivors’ Meeting

“On September 16, 2003, I lost my father to suicide. On December 11, 2007, I lost my mother to suicide. On November 21, 2009, I became a part of a family that helped me learn how to live my life again,” says survivor, Matt Sammis.  “The conference I attended that day began a journey of healing. I no longer had to face the constant rollercoaster of emotions alone. I had finally found a group of people who understood the sadness, the emptiness, the anger, and the despair that had for so long haunted me. ”

Jim Heugerich, Director of Crisis and Human Services for the city of Chapel Hill, was this year’s keynote speaker.  Jim manages a 24-hour mobile crisis unit and a human services component for special needs populations of the town.  Jim heads a unique program geared toward helping survivors immediately after a suicide has occurred.

Story and photos by Lindsey Chester.

Durham, NC – I first came across the Kramden Institute when they were awarded a grant from the Cary Community Foundation last month. They refurbish used computers and donate them to deserving school-aged kids around the state, using thousands of volunteers in the process.

In a non-descript office park off of NC 55, Kramden Institute takes in used monitors, hard drives, key boards and more and with volunteer help, gives them new life. These volunteers are trained to do tasks from cleaning up the outside of the machine, to wiping clean the memory and installing new hard drives to the insides.

I spoke with founder Mark Dibner about how the Institute got its start. He described their humble beginnings. Back in 2003 Mark had seen a hard drive for sale on eBay, and intrigued purchased it for the $7 listed. With no computer background, he engaged his 13 year old son to help, stating that it would be his when finished.

The Start of Something Big

After a lot of online research and the purchase of more components, they were successful in refurbishing the machine. His son expressed how much fun he’d had and asked “if (they) could build more over the summer because he knew a lot of kids at school can’t afford computers”.

Armed with his son’s enthusiasm (and how could you say “No” to that request?) he began asking his friends if they had any old computers to give him. Many friends did have machines collecting dust and were eager to put them to new use. His basement became the work area, which they quickly outgrew as people began donating an overwhelming amount of machines.

Whats in a Name

A sidebar here is that the company takes its name from Mark and his son, Ned’s names spelled backwards.  Being a professor in entreprenership associated with the Fuqua School of Business, he knew to use his son’s enthusiasm to propel him onward.

Next they tried to figure out to whom they could donate these machines. What Mark found initially was that by asking the kids that were already in National Honor Society about a need, 100% of these high achievers had computers at home.

Deserving Youth

So how to find deserving youth? They asked the teachers to recommend kids, and that is the model they use to this day. They look for kids who are hard working, and who would benefit from this additional tool to increase their achievement. Families are chosen who do not already have any computer in the home.

Upon being awarded, the student is given an orientation at Kramden (and on occasion Kramden goes out to far-reaching communities). They are taught how to hook up the machine, a bit about the Open Source software that is pre-loaded and some other basics. The machines are guaranteed for life, and should the new owners have a problem, they are free to come back for some Geek help provided free of charge.

The non-profit organizes thousand of volunteers. Mark said over 3,000 people are in their database. Most have no previous experience in putting together technology. Some area tech companies have team building days at Kramdem, notably Lenovo and Cisco who are big supporters. Volunteers must be at least 12 old. Work days are every Wednesday from 5-9pm (dinner provided) and every third Saturday from 9-5pm.

Over 9,000 Computers

Since 2003 over 9,000 computers have been awarded. The goal for 2011 alone is 2,200.

What machines do they accept? No Macs, in fact they have a standard, so that all the volunteers are doing the same work on all the machines.

Their biggest source of used computers is Lab Corp. Another company partner is Synergy, who arranges for machines to be trucked from Lab Corp, or also to award days outside of the immediate area. Any parts that cannot be used, are given to Synergy for scrap. Twenty pallets of equipment are delivered monthly.

Here’s some basic guidelines of what they accept. For the most complete list, visit the website.

Desktops:

• Computers must have 800 MHz or higher processor. (All computers less than 5 years old should meet this requirement).
• Computers should not be stripped of parts.

Monitors:

• LCD flat panel monitors can be any size, please remember to include the power supplies
• Not accepting CRT monitors at this time – go to your local county recycling website for CRT disposal.
• PC Speakers with connecting cables

Laptops:

• Laptops must have 800 MHz or higher processor.
• Laptops should include an AC adapter or power cord.

To Donate

If you have equipment that meets these guidelines and wish to donate, first make a scheduled appointment by calling  919-293-1133.

To Volunteer

Volunteers are always welcome, and they are screened by ability. There is some level of work for every ability. Would you like to be a part of this exciting endeavor? Call Cari Delmariani at  919-293-1133 or email cdelmariani@kramden.org.

Photo by Hal Goodtree.

Cary NC – Friday November 4 is one of Cary’s big dress-up events of the season, the CVA Art Ball. It’s a black-tie affair with dinner, dancing and a silent art auction, all to benefit Cary Visual Art.

Cary Visual Art

You may not know what Cary Visual Art does, but you see its work everyday.

CVA is perhaps best known for placing large pieces of public art around town. From Regency Park to Maynard Ave and from downtown to Stonecreek, it’s hard to drive around Cary without seeing something from CVA.

“[CVA] places art and fosters community engagement through public art in Cary, North Carolina, bringing both beauty and a unique character to our town. Our founders were a group of individuals and business professionals passionate about the ability of public art to enhance and transform a community.” – CVA website

The 15th Annual Art Ball

This Friday, November 4, 2011 is the 15th Annual CVA Art Ball.

It’s a black-tie and formal gown evening of dinner and dancing at the MacGregor Country Club, with a silent auction for 70 works of art. See a preview of the art.

Individual tickets and sponsorships for this gala event of the Cary social season are still available as of this writing.

15th Annual CVA Art Ball
Friday November 4, 2011
MacGregor Country Club
Cary, NC
Get Tickets

 Above, Eboni Christmas-Nathan applies “silent” makeup Carolyn Calder.

Cary, NC – The Cary Academy chapter of Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) participated in the organization’s Shhhhh….it’s a secret event on Oct. 20.

Shhhhh…

In Shhhhh….it’s a secret, also known as the SADD Grimm Reaper Event, CA members of SADD left class quietly at a synchronized time, had white make-up applied to them to resemble a “ghost” and a black X put on their mouths. They spent the rest of the day not speaking .

Powerful Stuff

The event showed students what it might be like if they were to lose their peers, perhaps in a car or other accident due to another student’s/friend’s destructive decision.

The day ended with the “silents” and the other SADD members holding an assembly and informing the Upper School of the purpose of the event.

Cary, NC – For a long time, we’ve wanted to have a few pages on CaryCitizen to collect all the information on a few particular subjects. Our first was the Cary Non-Profits page. Now, we’ve added two more Community Pages.

Community Pages

The Non-Profits Page has now been joined by the Downtown Dining Page and the Cary Parks Page. You will find them all under the Community Pages tab on the CaryCitizen website.

The Downtown Dining Page lists all the restaurants in downtown Cary and is sponsored by the Heart of Cary Association and the Town of Cary.

Many people don’t know that within a few blocks of the corner of Chatham and Academy, there’s a whole world of international food – Czech, Chinese, Italian and Turkish to name just four places. We’ve included a handy map for your convenience.

The Cary Parks Page is a special Google Map we created that shows every Cary Park.

Finally, a note about the Non-Profits Page. We launched the page on September 12 with 39 non-profits. Thanks to our readers, we’ve now grown that list to 49 service non-profits in Cary.

And if you like CaryCitizen Pages, check out the Calendar, our first effort at aggregating all kinds of community information. It is by far the most complete calendar about Cary on the web with over 100 events every week.

More Pages to Come

In the future, we’ll continue to launch Pages that address community needs. Under consideration: a Real Estate Page and an Autos Page.

What would you like to see? Feel free to drop me a note.