MRM Design Group is affectionately known as “backyard architects”, and the owner, Jonathan Melvin, is known for having an eye for what looks good for picking out colors, textures, and unique geometric shapes. MRM Design Group is your one-stop shop providing comprehensive services from everything from the design of your project to the implementation, including administrative management. What does this mean for the customer? It means that MRM Design Group can offer you comprehensive services and is a one-stop shop for everything that you need to make your project a success.  In addition to MRM Design Group’s repeat customers, they are ready to take on new customers, from residential projects to large-scale commercial projects.

For the new homeowner who just purchased a new property and desires to make it feel like their own; the existing homeowner who wants to update or make changes to their property, or the homeowner who wants to update their home, MRM Design Group is your go-to choice for design renovations. “We have customers who want landscaping design to include a terrace, fire pit and seating area, and even a dining area with an outdoor kitchen”, said Mr. Melvin, “this is the type of hardscape services you can expect from MRM Design Group.”

One example of what a homeowner can expect from MRM Design Group is as Mr. Melvin explains, “we had a homeowner completely gut their home and we did a master plan design to include a circular driveway with lighting and landscaping. We also designed and placed an outdoor building which served as a structure with an outdoor kitchen.”

Mr. Melvin also stated, “Our creative practical approach, with the courage to be different. We don’t follow fashion; we create it. I always say, a good design saves money, so you are not chasing rabbits with marginal ideas. Any successful attempt has a plan. As people go through lifestyle changes, we are there to help them make the transition as they update and upgrade their grounds. One area of specialty for MRM Design is custom design pools which can also include spas, pool decking, fencing, storm drainage, lighting outdoor structures, and pool and bathhouses.” 

Jonathan L. Melvin

Are you looking to add a water feature such as a Koi Pond? MRM has you covered! For your complete outdoor vision, MRM Design can create and implement it! For the property owner who is getting ready for a new build, MRM Design Group can advise on the placement of the building on the lot, taking advantage of topography. MRM Design Group offers options that will be more functional to a homeowner’s lifestyle. For coastal builds, MRM Design can design your ground, considering the environmental easements for the property. “We place the house so that it fits and stays within the setbacks and easements, and in compliance with local regulations.” MRM Design Group has done many waterfront properties. MRM Design Group also offers construction administrative services that consist of checking on the general contractor and providing their client with feedback. This includes handling administrative actions such as getting bids and applicable paperwork associated with the project.

MRM Design is strong on communication and educating its customers on the services they are providing. MRM Design services address code, zoning requirements, and applicable regulations. MRM Design Group’s founder states, “We like to do things uniquely and stay within the budget.” 

For the commercial developer or property owner, MRM Design Group offers services that will benefit your plans. MRM has an impressive portfolio of projects they have worked on, such as providing services to Beaufort Community College, of which they created a master plan design to layout new roadways and parking, “our work at BCC improved campus circulation”, explained Mr. Melvin. East Carolina University has also been a former client. MRM Design Group provided many different services to ECU, one being the design plan for the Geometry Building on campus. MRM Design Group has also provided services for one of North Carolina’s community colleges by designing a parking lot. When designing parking, they also can handle the engineering that goes with it.

Residential developers can find MRM Design Group as a great choice for providing design services for subdivision entrances, in addition to working with designing signage and logos for signage, and working with the naming of properties. MRM Design Group can assist with many different aspects of your commercial project.

More than just providing plantings, MRM Design Group is your one-stop shop for all things related to retaining walls, plazas, courtyards, pools, and water features such as drives, arbors, lighting, draining, and more. “I have done work from Murphy to Manteo”. MRM Design Group is your choice for an experienced landscape architect. MRM Design offers a holistic design covering anything exterior, including site planning and parking layouts. For some commercial design work, MRM Design Group has provided its services to include Nortel when it was Northern Telecom. MRM Design Group’s expertise in designing walkways and plaza areas is one area that really makes a building aesthetically pleasing. Additional services MRM provides are grading engineering.

“I have done work from Murphy to Manteo”

Jonathan L. Melvin

For both residential and commercial projects, MRM Design Group can provide you with options that require less maintenance. MRM Design Group prides itself on making wise choices for its clients and not wasting money on non-beneficial items. Their administrative management is a plus for those who want to add quality control to the project.

MRM Design Group, one of a few landscape architectural firms in North Carolina, is your one-stop shop for your exterior design plans, providing a holistic approach. “We look at the big picture and put all of the components together as a good design saves the client money”, stated Mr. Melvin. MRM Design Group has been in the business for many years, they are sensitive to what will save their client money and have a variety of resources that only time, and experience can bring. Make sure to get in touch with them immediately if you or someone you know is in need of a landscape architectural firm that truly cares about the finished product!

Visit us at www.mrmdesigngroup.com or Call 252-972-4400!

Speaking of personal style or one’s sense of fashion. What is yours? Does your style reflect that of a costume from the past or an up-to-date trendy attire?  If you need help with developing your style or just polishing it up a tad, Raleigh is full of fashion designers and personal stylist to help you look your best.

For brides to be, Raleigh has a growing list of top bridal designers here at your fingertips. You can say yes to dress with designers here from Raleigh or get a dress that looks like it just came off the runway. Designers who have national acclaim are right here in Raleigh. Designers like Marie Cordella, who has headlined Charleston Fashion Week and featured on Lifetime television.

Local designer, Ricky Moore, the creator of Nyla Elise has everyone from locals to Hollywood a-listers wearing his creations. His Film is my Ammo, can be seen by such celebrities as George Lopez, and Leon. You may even see Kevin Hart wearing a Nyla Elise jacket.

Saltwater Seafood is a family-owned business. David, Mike and Debbie Earp have always been involved in the seafood industry. Their family history with seafood spans more than 40 years. “My grandfather always wanted a seafood market on this side of town. It has always been my dream to own my own business”, states Mike. “Me, my wife and my uncle brought the property at Fenton Street and then we put a fry shack in it”. Unfortunately, his uncle and his uncle’s wife passed away in recent years leaving the business to Mike and his wife Debbie.

North Carolina is a great State for seafood both fresh and saltwater. The Atlantic Ocean is just hours away. Seafood is a good choice for your diet because it provides the best sources of good fats, vitamins, and minerals to promote good health. One person who recognizes the benefits of seafood is Carolina Panther’s quarterback Cam Newton who recently began a pescatarian diet right before the start of this NFL season.

Saltwater Seafood offers both great quality service and quality seafood. The fish you see today is gone tomorrow. “It’s the only fresh seafood market in town with a fry shack in it”. The fry shack offers bone-in specials and fresh water catches such as croakers for $5.50.

The fish at Saltwater Seafood is the closest thing you can find on land. Some tips when shopping for fish according to Saltwater Seafood, is to look at the color of the eyes, and the gills firmness of the body. A fresh fish will smell like fish and it will not smell bad.  In order to maintain a quality product for you, “We keep fish iced down. We offer ice to go in each bag before it leaves the store, just in case you want to make a stop or it takes a little while for you to get home”.

Saltwater Seafood is your one stop shop. They carry seasonings and meals for your seafood. In addition to family packs of freshly cooked family-sized meals, one may purchase 8 pieces of fish such as whiting, trout or flounder, along with French fries or coleslaw and one dozen hushpuppies all for under $20.00. Where can you find fresh oysters? If you want them prepared for you, step to the fry shack and get oysters and shrimp for under $15.00, oh and did I say you can get scallops with that too.

Saltwater Seafood carries a large variety of both fresh and fresh frozen such as alligator, conch meat, clam strips, frog legs and crawfish (tail meat). It’s everything you need to create your favorite southern recipes such as shrimp and grits, and those favorite calabash style meals. You will also find seafood for your favorite regional meals such as those cajun dishes as shrimp creole, gumbo, where “Slap Your Mama” seasonings are on site for purchase.

www.saltwaterseafoodnc.com

Now that we have various modes of transportation covered how about some great places to see. The great thing about Raleigh, specifically downtown Raleigh is that you can step back in time as you visit some of Raleigh’s many historic sites. The Historic Mordecai Park offers guided tours and a historic trolley tour that you can take. But this is just the tip of the iceberg! Downtown Raleigh is filled with historical homes such as the Joel Lane House and Museum, the Pope House, and Haywood Hall and Gardens in downtown Raleigh, which you will also find several museums from history to natural science to the City Museum and Marbles Kids Museum to catch a movie at its IMAX theatre.

But this is just the beginning. You cannot be on a staycation and not experience some great food. Downtown Raleigh has cuisine that represents the world. Café Luna offers you Italian cuisine with a Tuscan fare, Sono for Asian cuisine, the Big Easy for Cajun and creole, the Oakwood Café for Cuban, Tir na nOg Irish pub, Sitti for Lebanese, Babylon for Mediterranean, Centro Mexican restaurant, for that Southern fare, and you will also find Big Ed’s and the Pit for Barbecue. “Big Ed’s offers traditional southern food with farm based recipes that have been used in Big Ed’s family for more than a hundred years and is based in the Raleigh historic market, and that helps us to succeed”, according to Sam Hobgood, Owner. However you do not want to go home without getting a hot dog or two with great places to choose from like the Roast Grill and Chargrill.

Oh and dessert, whether it is to eat in or take out, Krispy Kreme on Person Street has been serving up hot doughnuts for decades! Drinks of every kind can be found in Downtown Raleigh from its numerous coffee shops, breweries and pubs. If you get tuckered out or just want to stay a night or two away from home, the Oakwood Inn is a great choice. So are you ready to make a day or a weekend of your Raleigh staycation?

North Carolina is also known for its barbecue such as Lexington style and Eastern style. But you cannot have barbecue without sauces. You can indulge in sauces not only for pulled pork barbecue but different types of meats as well. Cackalacky offers sauces made with sweet potatoes and for a different twist try their cheerwine sauce for pulled pork. Bone Suckin offers a Western North Carolina tomato based sauce sweetened with honey and molasses.

Miss Debbie’s Specialty Apples o ers tasty decorated apples such as Bittersweet Pecan Super Gi’Norma Gantic, Cashew Turtle Super Monster, and Peanut Butter Bomb, just to name a few. Moon Dance Soaps and More offers handcrafted all-vegetable based soaps along with moisturizers and other products, including those for your dog.

North Carolina’s wine industry is a rapidly growing industry providing consumers with a wide variety of choices; however, the native grape to North Carolina is the muscadine. For those in the Triangle, Enoch Winery and Vineyards in Benson offers fruit wines made from muscadine grapes, bramble, apple and peach, and seasonal blackberries and blueberries.

With so much variety right here in the Triangle, it is always an easy choice to buy local and Send NC.

In modern times, technology offers a wide variety of artificial choices for trees, which in some cases if just from appearance only, will require a double tack. Artificial trees can come either pre-lit or not. Some maybe frosted or in different color and different materials. They come in varying heights and shapes, and they can be stored and maintained for years to come. They can also be passed down to future generations as a memento or heirloom.

Storing Your Artificial Tree

By purchasing tree wraps or tree containers for your tree, it will protect and maintain it from the elements such as bugs, dust, etc. If you do not have a wrap or storage box, place the tree as it comes in different

sections, in heavy duty black trash bags to protect from dust and damage. Avoid storing tree in attic spaces where there is exposed insulation. Also avoid storing your tree near open flames or water. You may also want to gently brush your tree to remove dust, etc., before you begin to decorate it.

The “Real” Christmas Tree

Live trees, on the other hand, can come potted or as we know it to be most frequently, cut. Live trees come in a variety of species and produce the smell of “Christmas” in your home. One of the best parts of a potted tree is that with proper care, you can recycle those trees for future use. Live trees are usually grown and transported locally from Christmas tree farms, therefore supporting your local economy and local farmers. Cut real trees require care and attention, most importantly, remembering to water them. There are more variety of live trees in terms of shape and size for you to choose from and to customize the fit in your room(s). Trees varieties that make great Christmas trees are Balsam fir, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, Frazier fir, Scotch pine and White fir.

Maintaining Your Fresh Tree

When you are looking for a tree to choose, one usually looks for one that has little to no brown needles or dried out bark. Be sure to gently shake your live tree and look for pests. When looking for pests, you are searching out for spiders and eggs sacs in particular. Inspect the tree trunk for small holes and lines of sawdust as well. Finally, be sure to remove bird nests which may contain mites and more. Remember, you are bringing this into your home so whatever is on your tree will also be inside with your family.

Another important tip is to be sure to trim the trunk of the tree. Bounce or shake the tree once again before carrying it inside of your home. Fill the stand with water immediately after it is cut but no later than 24 hours after being trimmed. There should be quart of water for every inch of the tree’s diameter.

Place your tree away from heat sources like the fireplace, radiators, direct sunlight, space heaters, heat vents, etc. Keep water in the base it should be above the base of the tree trunk.

Just before you decorate your tree, and this pertains to both live and artificial trees, consider the size of your ornaments and the size of the branches when decorating.

For live trees, be sure to take your tree down before it dries out.

Whether you choose the real or artificial tree, proper care will ensure a magical and safe holiday season for all.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L to R) Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint with Queen’s Metro Eagles Track Club coach Rhanda Hopkins, Colgate Games’ founder Fred Thompson and Bronx Zodiacs Track Club coach Thomas Francis.

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Jan. 29, 2017 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — Pratt Institute — From an initial field of thousands of girls and young women from all over the East Coast, some 230 top point-scorers in divisions from elementary school through college and beyond, have earned their way to the finals of the 44th annual Colgate Women’s Games. Persevering through four preliminary meets and a semi finals at Pratt, these young Olympic hopefuls have emerged as some of the country’s finest athletic talent, with many scoring their personal best this season at the nation’s largest track and field series for women.

Meet Director Cheryl Toussaint thanked all of this year’s participants, coaches and parents while reminding them of the goals of the long-running, much celebrated series.

“The Colgate Women’s Games encourages young people to strive to challenge themselves in an atmosphere of friendly competition as a means to empower them with self-esteem that will last a lifetime,” she said.

“To all coaches, parents and friends, thank you for your incredible selfless efforts to get to Pratt through all types of weather, some from great distances throughout the series. Each of you make a tremendous contribution toward a more positive future for those you encourage and support. We hope you have enjoyed every minute of your experience,” she said.

Toussaint, along with Colgate Women’s Games’ founder Fred Thompson, honored two “Coaches of the Year” during Saturday’s meet. Rhanda Hopkins, of the Queens Metro Eagles Track Club and Thomas Francis of the Zodiacs Track Club in the Bronx, were recognized for their long time support of women’s track and field and the Colgate Women’s Games.”

Toussaint said, “Ms. Hopkins and Mr. Francis represent two of many dozens of truly caring and committed coaches. While their skills help produce some of today’s leaders, their commitment and encouragement shape many who will be tomorrow’s most successful citizens in all walks of life.”

In the High School Division, Iantha Wright of Queens won the 55M in 7.31; and Sophia Myers also of Queens had a perfect series in the 55M hurdles with her win in 8.21. In the 200M, Maya Cheatham of Queens won the 200M in 25.69, just ahead of Brianna White of Manhattan who finished second in 25.86. In the 400M, Jasmine Douglas-Grant of Stroudsburg, PA crossed the tape first in 58.11, with Brooklyn’s Daniella Griffith second in 58.85; both ladies’ best races of the series. Athing Mu of Trenton, NJ won the 800M in 2:16.78; and London Claxton of Peekskill, NY won the 1500M in 4:51.28.

Colgate Women’s Games’ Mid School High Jump record holder (5’61/2”), My’Khiyah Williams of Brooklyn, wowed the crowd by clearing the bar at 5’7”, tying her personal best jump; and Daniella Hull of West Orange, NJ won the Shot Put with a toss of 11.71M for the win over leader Mariam Chase of Manhattan who finished with a toss of 10.89M.

In the Mid School division, Hannah Gadpaille of the Bronx crossed the tape first in the 55M in 7.65. Throughout the series, Hannah was chasing four-time Colgate Women’s Games’ record holder Avery Lewis of Philadelphia, who won the 200M in 25.7. Philadelphia’s Taleea Buxton won the hurdles in 8.49 in an upset victory over leader Peyton Rollins of Medford, MA, who finished in 8.54; Tai Sheppard finished third in 8.56. Simone Kelly of Ambler, PA made it a perfect season in the 400M with her semi-finals win in 59.65. Alina LaForest of Chester, PA won the 800M in 217.46, her best time of the series; and Brooklyn’s Rainn Sheppard remained undefeated in the 1500M with her win in 4:47.92. The High Jump ended in a three-way tie after Rowan Houston of Rye, NY,  Selah Dungey of River Edge, NJ and Bianca Staples of Manhattan all cleared the bar at 5 feet. Melissa Aymil of Brookside, NJ had a perfect season in the Shot Put, with a toss of 11.20M

In highlights of the Elementary A division, Alyssa Durant who travels all the way from Boston, dominated the series in the high jump, and finished strong clearing the bar at 3’10” her best jump of the series. Paige Sheppard of Scotch Plains, NJ, also had a perfect season in the 800M finishing in 2:45.78. Paige has also won first place in several major northeastern meets in sprints, middle and distance races throughout 2017.

In highlights of the Elementary B division, two young champions who battled each other in sprints throughout the series, both won first place on Saturday. Philadelphia’s Amirah Nesmith, last year’s A division 200M finals champion, won the 55M in 8.11; and Brooklyn’s Kaela Swift won the 200M in 28.7, her fastest time of the year, and a new personal record.

Complete results for all six divisions; Elementary A & B, Mid School, High School, College/Open and 30’s plus are available at colgategames.com; as well as a list of finalists who will compete at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC on Saturday February 10, 2018, where trophies and educational grants-in-aid from Colgate-Palmolive Company are awarded to top place finishers in each grade division.

The Games’ goal is also about the importance of continued education. All finalists in grade divisions must submit their attendance records, and an essay to the meet director to be eligible to compete. The essay topic will appear online by Friday, February 4, 2018.

The Colgate Women’s Games boast more than 26 Olympians, hundreds of age/grade division national champions, and countless changed lives. Each year, high school participants are among the most heavily recruited athletes by colleges and universities across the nation. Coaches, recruiters, athletes and fans can follow scores each week at Colgategames.com.

Tickets to the Armory finals are free by request at http://www.colgategames.com/ticket-information

The finals of the 44th annual Colgate Women’s Games will take place on Saturday, February, 10, 2018 at the New Balance Track and Field Center at the Armory, NYC.

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Universally regarded as one of the top vocalists in the world, with a legion of ardent fans including Patti LaBelle, President Obama, Fantasia, etc., “The Essential Beverly Crawford – VOL. 2” features Grammy & Stellar winner Beverly Crawford in her element along with a bevy of legendary guest vocalists including soul icon Shirley Murdock, Shawn McLemore and more!

In WALMART stores everywhere, “THE ESSENTIAL BEVERLY CRAWFORD – VOL. 2” is the follow-up to Beverly’s #1 chart-toppers “He’s Done Enough”, which dominated the Billboard Charts for over 70+ weeks & garnered 7 Stellar Award nods (including Album of the Year, Artist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, etc), “It’s About Time For A Miracle”, and “Sweeping Through The City” which debuted #1 on Billboard Sales Chart!

JDI Records/Sony – Available Now:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Essential-Beverly-Crawford-Vol-2/410024959

The plates are available for pre-order now, for both automobiles and motorcycles, at http://CaliforniaImagine.com/.

The John Lennon self-portrait image provides a powerful symbol of his humanitarian legacy, raising awareness to the need to address hunger in our state and providing an image that will promote significant funding to help end hunger in California.

The Imagine license plate launch brings together CDSS with its longtime hunger-fighting ally, CAFB, a membership organization representing 41 food banks throughout the state that collectively provide food to 6,000 community-based organizations and to 2 million Californians in need.

“Each license plate is another reminder that food insecurity is an everyday challenge for children and families across our state,” says Todd Bland, Deputy Director of the Family Engagement and Empowerment Division with the California Department of Social Services (www.cdss.ca.gov). “This new license plate option allows people to financially support a supply of healthy food for hungry Californians.”

“We are thrilled with this opportunity,” said Sue Sigler, Executive Director of California Association of Food Banks (www.cafoodbanks.org). “The Imagine license plate offers an opportunity for Californians to say ‘hit the road’ to hunger in our state.”

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will begin the process of creating the program to issue the “Imagine No Hunger” license plates upon receipt of 7,500 pre-paid applications.

“Every person driving behind someone with an Imagine license plate will know that person is leading the way to a California absent from hunger,” states Mark Lowry, Director, CAPOC’s Orange County Food Bank (www.capoc.org).

“These Imagine license plates will bring vital awareness to a critical problem in our state and will raise funds to provide nutritious food for those in our community facing food insecurity,” says Michael Flood, President and CEO of the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (www.lafoodbank.org). “Everyone who purchases one of these plates will have committed to the fight against hunger in California.”

Yoko Ono Lennon has kindly authorized the use of the iconic self-portrait image to help the CAFB in their ongoing fight to end hunger in California. “Imagine is a great word to spread around and I was happy to do this because it is helping a very important charity.”

Visit CaliforniaImagine.com to pre-order the Imagine No Hunger license plate and help end hunger in California.

About California Department of Social Services:
CDSS supports programs which serve more than eight million people across our state. This work, accomplished every day, provides stability, opportunity and promotes wellness in communities throughout California. Learn more at: http://www.cdss.ca.gov/.

About California Association of Food Banks:
CAFB partners with 41 food banks and over 6,000 local agencies. Our mission is to end hunger in California, and our vision is a well-nourished and hunger-free California, where all people have enough food to lead a healthy life. Learn more at: http://www.cafoodbanks.org/.

More information, and reserve a license plate now at: http://californiaimagine.com/reserve-license-plate/.

Follow on Twitter: @HungerCA @CaliforniaDSS @CAFoodBanks
Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imaginenohungercalifornia

Attendees this year had the opportunity to experience over 100 performances as diverse as the attendees. Artsplosure made sure there was something for everyone at First Night Raleigh. Whether you are one or one hundred and one, there was something here for you.

First Night Raleigh was the place to be starting off early in the day with fun-filled activities for those young attendees. What better way to start the day than with the toddler play area and story time? Other young attendees attended the DIY Party Crown or participated in the Art Put Miniature golf or even played the Art Piano, just to name a few. Young attendees did not miss out on the celebration as they too enjoyed an early countdown at 7:00 pm on the main stage at City Plaza.

Others both young and old enjoyed First Night Raleigh by just sitting back and enjoying the Ferris Wheel or a ride on the Gold Leaf Sleigh or maybe singing on the Jolly Raleigh Singing Trolley.  While others also wanted to enjoy the music of the sounds of Acappella Venue featuring the High Seas, Cane Mill Road, Holly Ghost Tent Revival, Marurice Launcher Praise Band, Peter Ingram, BeeBop Blues, Shana Tucker ChamberSoul with Beverly Botsford and Gregg Gelb and the Triangle youth Jazz Orchestra, to name a few. Additionally others were able to attend open Mic Night Brian Jones at the new Imurj space to listen to 12 of Raleigh’s finest emerging artists.

Did all of the great musical performances inspire you to do a little ballroom dancing or did you go to on demand poetry or were you inspired by the African American Dance Ensemble? What better way to have fun than to laugh. ComedyWorx made us laugh again this year.

First Night Raleigh was magical with all of the music, food, rides, performances and lights from Lite Bright. First Night Raleigh was a great way for attendees to also express their creative side with the Black Light Message Room, to make lanterns or chalkboard pens to participate in the scrap exchange.

Never the less, First Night Raleigh had something for everyone to experience as a first. Who would have known that at the end of 2017, you got to experience your first of something, just like the First Robotics Competition Team 435.

First Night Raleigh had something for everyone whether it’s attending one of the more than three dozen indoor venues to marching in the people procession. First Night Raleigh had it covered with more than the 100 performances within the 21 blocks of downtown Raleigh.

Who could leave without expressing how much fun was had or what 2018 would bring without expressing it by utilizing the New Year Will Chalkboard or the Wish Tree, in addition to many others deciding to take a photo at the photo booth to put it away in the time capsule.

It was with the drop of the acorn symbolizing the end of an event filled with a diverse range of activities that presented something for everyone in the diverse city of Raleigh. 2018 came in with the 27^th annual First Night Raleigh, once more being a big success with a day filled with activities for everyone regardless of age. Be sure to be at the 28^th Annual First Night Raleigh celebration.