Grand Re-Opening Celebration

Celebrate African and African American History, Culture, Arts, and Traditions

DURHAM, N.C. –  The national award winning Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) in partnership with Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) will celebrate its 52nd Anniversary on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the newly improved Rock Quarry Park (701 Stadium Drive).

This family oriented, free event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, arts, and traditions, and will feature live musical performances by Mario and Sunshine Anderson, hosted by K97.5’s Brian Dawson. Festival highlights include celebration of Hometown Heroes, book giveaways, local talent, live music, ethnic food, and a Family Fun Zone celebrating the spirit of African community and cultural traditions.

The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival will kick-off with the Grand Re-opening Celebration of Rock Quarry Park on May 21 at 1:00 p.m. to celebrate completion of park upgrades which will better support events, festivals, and daily use.  Join DPR for a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the Salute to Elders Parade and Dance Presentation by the African American Dance Ensemble.

New park amenities include a stage platform with electrical service upgrades, an accessible walking path, a planted stormwater basin, water service, and renovated year-round restrooms near the tennis courts. A new park entrance over Ellerbee Creek near the National Guard Armory features a 12’ wide pedestrian entrance bridge adorned with metal sculptures by Durham artist Vandorn Hinnant. The Ellerbee Creek Trail was also recently repaved from Stadium Drive to Club Blvd, greatly improving non-vehicular access to the park. 

Free parking will be available in the Durham County Stadium parking lots, located at 750 Stadium Drive across from Rock Quarry Park. New this year – the parking lot will only be accessible via Wisteria Avenue and Stadium Drive will be closed to thru traffic. Please carpool and arrive early! Taking public transportation is encouraged, please visit DPRPlaymore.org for more information about taking Go Durham to the Festival. Handicap parking will be available in the Durham National Guard Armory Parking Lot, located at 801 Stadium Drive, as space permits. First come, first serve.

Weekday Events

There will be several weekday events leading up to the Festival from May 18 –20. Click here for a complete list of events.

Click here for more information about the Festival, event history, and trip planning assistance.  

About Durham Parks and Recreation
Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to Play More by connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit us online, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or call (919) 560-4355.

Released: May 11, 2022

Sadly, it’s incredibly difficult to pause in our modern world. To actively choose disconnection and let the mind feel at ease. Most often, vacations take the role of a dynamic party and pleasure in an overload of activity. Waking up to watch the sunrise across the ocean waves, after a night’s rest of nearly four hours. Or anxiously waiting for the correct metro stop after a spilled cappuccino and misread work email crafted dizzying confusion. Amid bustling tour schedules, abnormal closing times for art museums, and the evening rush of restaurant crowds, there is little time for anything other than stress. We have allowed the fear of missing out on every possible source of entertainment, food, and Instagram post to consume our initial reason for traveling to begin with. Our minds desperately crave a true vacation.

Scandinavia has discovered the secret to being truly happy on vacation. Along with the joys of IKEA furniture and the painted Dala horse, Sweden promises a more relaxed, sustaining tradition for your next getaway. The practice of Fika has completely changed the world of coffee culture and consumption through a dedicated mindfulness technique. Fika began as a response to 17th century prohibition on coffee beans and has now transformed the idea of a “coffee date” into a ritual centered on peace and quality conversation among friends, family, and the mind. 

Traditionally around 1:30 in the afternoon, Fika involves a sweet pastry or dessert bread (fikabröd) paired with delicious espresso and restful company. The practice can take place in a physical cafe or patisserie, or in the comfort of one’s home or hotel. Wherever is most comfortable and provides the greatest ease of mind, is the perfect spot. Likewise, there is no set time restraint for Fika. The break could range anywhere from fifteen minutes to two hours, depending on the needs for the day. Although some Swedish businesses highly encourage employees to participate in Fika, some managers require it, recognizing the immeasurable importance and value of rest on creativity and job performance. 

The most important part of Fika is the conscious setting aside of due dates and draining responsibilities to simply slow down and focus on the beauty of the present moment. This Fika state of mind allows you to mentally recharge without a phone screen or technology to distract. To purposefully pause and celebrate the renewed spirit of the mind and body when surrounded by loved ones who inspire true rest.

Once you return to “the real world”, the practice of Fika and mindfulness doesn’t have to end. Whether on vacation or at home, setting aside fifteen minutes a day to prioritize your mind’s well-being is vital to decreasing burnout and making conscious steps towards a healthier, joyful lifestyle.

Article Source: What Is Fika Coffee – Exploring a Swedish Coffee Tradition -… (eraofwe.com)

March 6, 2020 Amanda Bittner, Marketing Director, Artsplosure

919-832-8699 ext. 803

amanda@artsplosure.org

To mark its 41^th anniversary, the annual Artsplosure – Raleigh Arts Festival will showcase a diverse mix of music, performance art, children’s activities, interactive art, and fine artists and crafters in downtown Raleigh.  As it has been for 41 years, Artsplosure is free to the public!  

RALEIGH, N.C. – Artsplosure, the presenter of Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival, today announces its lineup of performing artists for its 41st namesake festival to take place on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 in downtown Raleigh. Festival organizers have curated an eclectic mix of emerging performers ranging from neo-blues, to psychedelic rock, to soul, to alt-folk, and more. 

Artsplosure – The Raleigh Arts Festival 2020 Performing Artists

Son Little • Liz Cooper & The Stampede • Aaron Lee Tasjan • Low Cut Connie • Ida Mae • Bassel & The Supernaturals • C.W. Stoneking • Christopher Paul Stelling • The Company Stores • Nth Power • Heather Gillis • Blue Cactus • La Fiesta • Coconut Cake • Chessa Rich • Chris Frisina • Sunsp.t

Saturday performances highlight an array of talent and genres, featuring sets from first generation Syrian-American Bassel & the Supernaturals, Nth Power including Raleigh’s own Beyonce’s former world-touring drummer Nikkie Glaspie, acoustic alt-folk duo Ida Mae, and Americana singer-songwriter, ace guitarist, and fiery live performer Aaron Lee Tasjan. Saturday’s headliner is Son Little, hailed by NPR as “honest and unpretentious,” while The Independent proclaimed him “a formidable talent,” and Vice declared that he was “dissolving the barrier between R&B and rock ‘n’ roll one tearjerker at a time.”

Live music performances will continue on Sunday, May 17, with Sleepy Cat Records artists Chris Frisina, Chessa Rich, Blue Cactus, and Sunsp.t, Appalachian Post-Rock Fusion band The Company Stores, the high-energy rock of Low Cut Connie, and Australian blues guitarist C.W. Stoneking. Sunday’s headliner is dream-folk psychedelic rock group Liz Cooper & The Stampede, coming off their busiest year to date including playing Austin City Limits Festival and touring with Lord Huron, Deer Tick, Rayland Baxter, Ron Gallo and Blitzen Trapper.

A complete list of the full line-up of visual artists, special activities and music will soon be available at RaleighArtsFestival.com.  

• Connect with Artsplosure!
• www.RaleighArtsFestival.com
• Use hashtag #Artsplosure #ArtForAll
• Facebook: Facebook.com/Artsplosure
• Twitter: @Artsplosure
• Instagram: @Artsplosure
• Click here for hi-res images.

About Artsplosure

Artsplosure is an independent nonprofit organization that presents arts festivals in Raleigh, including its namesake spring festival since 1980 and First Night Raleigh since 1991.  Its mission is to produce quality events that make the works of the most imaginative and celebrated artists accessible to the public, all in an effort to enrich our community and inspire greater love for the visual and performing arts.  

Artsplosure is funded in part by the City of Raleigh based on the recommendations of the Raleigh Arts Commission and is also supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

For more information visit www.artsplosure.org. 

###
— 
Marketing Director
Artsplosure/First Night® Raleigh 313 South Blount Street Suite 200-B Raleigh, NC 27601
http://www.artsplosure.org

As a Mater’s Athlete (older athlete), I see the transitions of how my own body has used food going from a child to young adult; after having children, being a figure competitor and now back to competing in sprints. When I was not being active, starchy carbs were not my friend, because I gained weight. As a figure competitor starchy carbs were my friend until it was time for me to go into my cutting phase (lose fat).

I needed the carbs for lifting weights and doing cardio, but I had to know how my body would respond. Now that I’m sprinting again, carbs are my best friend, because sprinting burns a lot of calories and I don’t want to lose too much weight. I cannot eat anything I want like I did when I was a child and have a healthy weight for me.

Then I asked myself, “was it the carbs that I was having a feud with or that I was not moving?” Working with Baby Boomers, I see how their eating has changed from a reduction in eating to not eating at all. After observations over time, I saw a lot of sweets, chips, and processed foods. Food that is brought in by family members is just what their parents liked, not realizing that a lack of nutrition was contributing to the decline of their loved one.

The family members are caught in a hard position because they want to make them happy during the time they are here and not argue over food choices. The next thing I saw were the family members that were very strict about parents’ food and salt intake, and their parents were miserable from those choices. It is very challenging to balance for ourselves, nevertheless for our aging family members.

I also found out why some of my clients were not eating some of their favorite foods or not eating at all. They told me that the food did not taste the same anymore. I was shocked!! WOW!! That is really a good reason. I understand! Who wants to eat something that does not taste good! The world has flooded the market with all kinds of gooey, great tasting foods and we get to this stage in our life where this food tastes like nothing now!! After some research, I found out that the sense of smell, sense of taste and even their medications have an effect on the taste of their food.

The suggestions that I made to others were to see if they could try something all together new. Sit down and pick out some new recipes together to try out. Make eating a big deal – setting the table or maybe some special dishes you use with just them. Make it a very social event. Try adding herbs and spices to make food more flavorful and aromatic. Try some smoothies, shakes or juicing whole fruits and vegetables. Ask their doctor for vitamins or supplements to fill in gaps of their nutrition.

I also saw that texture seemed to be an issue with some with dentures and issues with teeth. Chewing meat or hard veggies can be painful. Try steaming veggies, so you keep the intake of nutrients, and not boiled away. Grind meat or tenderizing it into a softer texture can help chewing tremendously!

My time working with baby boomers has given me some very important insight on their needs and opinions. I am very thankful for their company and the so needed knowledge they bring to our world.

If you are ready to “Embrace, Excel, Defy” and are interested in working with Stephanie to give Life your ALL, you can contact her at 919-757-8245, by e-mail at stephaniewhittenfitness@gmail.com, or through Facebook at www.facebook.com/stephaniewhittenfitness.

When I think of science, I think of medicine, space, beakers, and the biology class in school I hardly passed. But it’s so much more than that – science is such a profound instrument we need today. Obviously, there are so many varies types of science, that it’s hard to keep track of what new breakthrough has recently come to pass. What we need to remember with science breakthroughs is that it doesn’t happen overnight. It could take years to experiment and perfect something, but even then, there could be kinks that need to be banged out.

My favorite discovery happened last year, and I think it’s something that will really make a difference in our oceans in 2019. A company called Ocean Cleanup created a device that is supposed to remove fifty tons of plastic from the Great Pacific Ocean. How do we have that much plastic?

All the marine life we love so much is dying every day because of it, and if we keep going the way we are going, you are not going to see the beautiful sight of dolphins swimming close to shore when you’re on vacation, sipping your coffee on the balcony. That’s my favorite part of going to the beach!

This device is revolutionary. It could really change the health of our massive oceans. As human beings, it’s important that we go to the doctor and remain healthy, but our oceans don’t have that option. We are their doctors; the people that it counts on to make it better. The device, like the volleyball in Cast Away, is nicknamed Wilson. Pretty ironic, considering the Wilson drifted off to sea too. Uh, spoiler alert.

Wilson is around 2,000 feet long with a 10-foot skirt hanging below it. In September, 2018, it was sent off to sea in the Pacific, since that part of the ocean has the biggest waste patch, to help clean up garbage for the next five years. How did it come to be? A brilliant teenager named Boyan Slat devoted his mind and life to figure out how to help the ocean and came up with this system! He received millions of dollars in non-profit funding, and scientists helped him create Wilson. It works with the natural currents and waves of the ocean, gathering the plastic, but it also pushes the water against the net, allowing fish or any other marine life to be pushed under the ten-foot net, allowing them to just keep swimming.

Sounds great, right? But like all science experiments, sometimes it fails. They found that Wilson wasn’t holding as much plastic as it was supposed to. Apparently, the U-shape device is designed to be pushed with the wind and waves, so it can move faster than the plastic floating; therefore, trapping the plastic effectively so trash boats can come and remove the waste. But the system is moving too slowly, allowing plastic to escape and drift back out in the beautiful abyss. Scientists are working hard to figure out why it isn’t working and have towed it back.

They knew that the first go around that there would be some hiccups. This is something that has never been done before, so the only way to know if it works is to test it.

It is still in the beginning stages while the scientists work out the kinks. A big part of 2019 will be concentrated on making the ocean healthy again. Either with Wilson, or another company called 4Ocean. They do something a little different. With every bracelet that’s purchased (which is made from the plastic they collect from the sea), a pound of trash is removed by hand.

Here’s to Wilson, 40cean, and any other amazing company making the ocean healthy again for 2019! Cheers! Let’s keep swimming.

Are there any guys having last minute troubles searching for the perfect “date night” outfit? Are you looking to stray away from the basic black and white dress suits for date nights? Feel free to grab on to any ideas that are shown within the sets that were created below.

Fashion Geek Couture has pieced together two different sets with distinct, unique styles to save the night.

If you are looking for something dressy with a pop of color, this could be your “go-to” outfit. Multi-colored pin stripes will make you stand out from the rest of the crowd along with your choice of colored dress pants.

The key to making this particular outfit pop would be to choose one of the colors within the shirt that stands out to you, then try to find dress pants of that same color. When choosing your color, try to stay away from ostentatious colors; you wouldn’t want to ruin your whole outfit.

Brown shoes and a brown belt (if needed) compliments the colors within this outfit, but black still looks good as well. Don’t be afraid to be BOLD by adding an accessory to your “fit.”

Last but not least, there is always the casual date-night outfit. If you plan to put a smile on your date’s face, then wear a cute graphic tee that correlates with the holiday. This specific tee displays an eye-catching heart, known to be a symbol for “a day of love.”

Search for bottoms that are either a dark blue or dark gray color, so that your shirt will pop. Also add daring shoes to match. Feel free to add a short jean jacket to add “cool points” to your outfit.

Although these are quick last minute ideas, you can still step out of the box and be bold!

EDITOR’S NOTE: I love having conversations with my son, and I thought I would share our latest conversation because I love the way he thinks. However that conversation turned into something else that was simply impressive. He wanted me to write his words down into an article for “Daddy’s magazine.” These are his own words about Christmas, and this is his first article titled “Christmas Through Innocent Eyes.” Harvey is autistic, has sensory processing disorder, and is only four-years-old. It also makes this honor so very special to be named the youngest journalist at The City Insight Magazine. I hope this warms your heart as much as it did mine. Seeing Christmas through such young and truly innocent eyes makes the holiday season even more magical. It taught me one important lesson – you are never too old to believe.

Welcome to my home, and come inside. You can play with anything you want but don’t touch the breakable stuff.

I want to tell a story about what Christmas means to me, and to children, and puppies and grown-ups and everyone in the world.

The first thing I think of is of Santa Claus. Santa looks like he has big whiskers and if you’re naughty, then he will give you a card to tell you to try to be good. He has a belt to hold his trousers up and he has a coat and a hat so he can look like Santa and he can stay warm.

I think Santa has a Christmas rocket or a Christmas plane so he can fly all around the world to give present. The sled is not fast enough. I also think Santa has a puppy and he is taking him out right now for a walk. He has the puppy because he got him from the North Pole General Store. He likes puppies and dogs and he can take care of them and keep them safe. The puppy’s name is Henry because I dream of Santa and I heard Santa say that to me in the dream.

Mrs. Claus is cooking some breakfast for Santa and her. I think she is making Christmas Tree Soup. It’s called Christmas Tree Soup because it’s like Spaghetti Christmas Tree soup which is super, super hot. So we need to cool it a little bit and you need spaghetti, meatballs, bananas, oranges, apples, and pumpkins to make it.

I think of the elves too. They help Santa make toys and fix toys. They have jingly bells on their hats. They check the list of naughty and nice children twice. I think they do this for Santa because the paper is too long with all the children’s’ names on it and it’s rolled up and it goes down to the floor when it’s not rolled. That’s too much for Santa to read.

Snow on Christmas is so cold and chilly and fun to play with. I like sledding and snowball fights. I think the snow comes from the clouds or the rain. Snow is important for children on Christmas to play with.

The reindeer are good and they are super, super special. They have antlers and they can guide Santa’s sleigh. They are nice to look at and Rudolph was not the favorite but he came to be the favorite.

I think the kids in the world like Christmas and other Christmas stuff like trees, decorations, pots to hold the trees, turkey, soup, chocolate, cookies, and milk, which Santa loves! You bake some cookies like sugar or chocolate chip and we get some milk. We put the milk and cookies on my learning desk and I do it to say thank you to Santa for the presents. I think he enjoys the cookies and milk because they are always gone in the morning.

I wish I can work with Santa in the Workshop so I can make toys for all the children in the world like trains, planes, snakes, globes that have snow in them with Santa and the Christmas tree… snow globes. I think I need to help sick children and go with them to the Doctor’s so that I can help them feel less sick and ask the Doctor what’s happening inside of them. Then I can get the supplies with the tools to help them so they can have a happy Christmas.

I want everyone to enjoy Christmas and be happy, safe, and sound.

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.

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.