Relocate Triangle - An Insider's Guide About Moving To The Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area

Waning Water Supply

The inch of rain the Triangle received recently was not nearly enough to relieve the exceptional drought conditions and steadily dropping water supplies of Durham and Raleigh. (It would take 20 inches of rain to bring us to normal.) Durham’s water supply has dipped below 38 days and Raleigh’s water supply is now down to under 100 days.

Conditions in Durham

Durham has only cut its water consumption by 31 percent since it first put restrictions into effect, missing its goal of 50 percent by a long shot. Durham could implement Stage 5 water restrictions as soon as mid-January if rain doesn’t fall.

The change would mainly affect businesses, forcing them to use disposable silverware, plates and cups.

All car washing is banned, unless the water comes from a well.

To extend its water supply, Durham is tapping into Teer Quarry, which will give the city an additional 30 days. After that, it will begin to use low-level water from Lake Michie and the Little River reservoir.

The Situation in Raleigh

Raleigh is looking to implement Stage 2 restrictions that would ban all outdoor irrigation and washing cars with city water. First violation of the Stage 2 ordinance carries a $1,000 fine. Any recurrence of the violation will result in a disruption of water service.

Other Stage 2 measures include:

• Prohibit filling new swimming or wading pools. Filling of pools drained for repair is prohibited.
• Prohibit washing vehicles at any location, except for the 19 car washes approved by the City.
• Prohibit washing of sidewalks, patios, decks, driveways, streets, parking lots and exterior building surfaces.
• Prohibit the serving of drinking water in restaurants, except by request (this measure is already underway in Chapel Hill).
• Require innkeepers to ask guests to use their towels and bed linens more than once before laundering.

For a list of approved car wash facilities and to read more about current conditions, click here.

The water conversations apply to all City of Raleigh water customers, as well as those towns with merged water and sewer systems, which are Garner, Rolesville, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon.

Falls Lake currently stands at 241.77 feet — 9.73 feet below full. Falls Lake’s supply pool is 26.6 percent, which equates to a 96-day supply. Raleigh’s amended Stage 1 water restrictions, which went into effect Oct. 23, have only resulted in a 23 percent reduction of water use.

Keep conserving as much water as possible (take shorter showers and turn the tap off when brushing your teeth) and pray for rain!

Private Schools – Wake County

Sometimes it can be hard to find the right school to meet the needs of you and your child. Luckily, the Triangle offers plenty of private schools to chose from. The last blog covered private schools in Orange and Durham counties; this blog looks at private schools in Wake County. Here are a few of the largest and most well-known schools:

WAKE COUNTY

Trinity Academy of Raleigh, 10224 Baileywick Road, Raleigh, NC 27613; 919-786-01184; coed; religious; grades K-12; 230 enrollment; 40 staff; $7,595-$9,995/year; financial aid. Trinity Academy of Raleigh equips students to live with wisdom, excellence, and purpose in the modern world by offering an education grounded in the Christian faith and the classical tradition. Trinity Academy describes itself as a community of faith and learning, emphasizing the classical liberal arts and sciences. As a community of parents and educators who have experienced less than satisfying educational options for ourselves and our children, we believe that we have crafted a K-12 college-preparatory educational experience that prepares our students for Life.

Cardinal Gibbons High School, 1401 Edwards Mill Road, Raleigh, NC 27607: 919-834-1625; coed; college prep; Catholic; grades 9-12, 982 enrollment; 76 staff; $7,788/year Catholic; $11,000/year non-affiliated; financial aid. Cardinal Gibbons is a co-educational high school in the Diocese of Raleigh. Under the guidance and leadership of lay and religious faculty, staff and administration, Cardinal Gibbons seeks to prepare young men and women to live out gospel-based values. The school seeks to foster these values with emphasis on Roman Catholic identity and teachings of Jesus Christ. Over the past 15 years, 97 percent of the graduating class has gone on to a four-year college or university.

Cary Academy, 1500 N. Harrsion Ave., Cary, NC 27513; 919-677-3873; coed; grades 6-12, 670 enrollment; 74 staff; 8-10 students per classroom; $13,775/year, financial aid. Since its opening in 1997, Cary Academy has been committed to providing a challenging curriculum that reflects the school's mission of discovery, innovation, collaboration and excellence. As an independent, college-preparatory school, Cary Academy creates a secure and nurturing environment for students in grades 6-12 to discover new talents and interests and to develop academically, physically and emotionally.

Cary Christian School, 1330 Old Apex Road, Cary, NC 27513; 919-303-2560; grades K-12; religious; coed, 237 enrollment; 23 staff; $4,120 to $5,150/year. Cary Christian School’s mission is to provide excellent classical education founded upon a biblical worldview. All subjects are taught as part of an integrated whole, with the Scriptures at the center, serving as the hub of all knowledge. As a result, students learn to interrelate and examine knowledge, allowing them to view their studies as a unified effort. The focus of this effort is to see God's sovereignty over all and to glorify Him.

Montessori School of Raleigh, 7005 Lead Mine Road, Raleigh, NC 27615; 919-848-1545; coed; toddler and preK programs, grades K-9; 445 enrollment; 62 staff; $12,170-$15,564/year; financial aid. Montessori School of Raleigh is a community dedicated to the education of children guided by the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. MSR has provided opportunities for the Triangle's youngest citizens to "learn by doing" since 1974. The MSR Middle School, grades 7-9, has been graduating accomplished learners since 2001.

North Raleigh Christian Academy, 10200 Strickland Road, Raleigh, NC 27615; 919-847-3120; coed; grades K-12, 535 enrollment; 104 staff; $5,196-6,636/year; financial aid. NRCA is a community Christian school assisting families by providing excellence in academics, fine arts, and athletics while instilling biblical principles in students' lives that they might impact their society for Christ. In the elementary, NRCA uses the A Beka curriculum, Shurley Grammar, A Reason for Science, ACSI Bible, ACSI Spelling, and additional supplements. Middle and High School use a combination of A Beka, Bob Jones University Press, Prentice-Hall, Scott Foresman, and other texts. Middle and High School Bible curriculum is currently an assortment of Bob Jones University Press, Abeka, Summit Ministries, ACSI, and current authors such as James Dobson and Henry Blackaby.

The Raleigh School, 1141 Raleigh School Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607; 919-546-0788; coed; toddler and preK programs; grades K-5; 450 enrollment; 62 staff; $8,000/year; financial aid. The Raleigh School is a cooperative community of children, parents, and teachers that fosters a love of learning in an atmosphere of challenge, inquiry and respect.

Ravenscroft School, 7409 Falls of the Neuse Road, Raleigh, NC 27615; 919-847-0900; coed; grades K-12; 1,009 enrollment; 127 staff; $9,830, $13,800 and $15,600/year; financial aid. Founded in 1862 by members of Christ Episcopal Church, Ravenscroft continued under their auspices until 1966 when it became non-sectarian. The Ravenscroft community, guided by its legacy of excellence, nurtures individual potential and prepares students to thrive in a complex and interdependent world. Call for waiting list.

St. David’s School, 3400 White Oak Road, Raleigh, NC 27609; 919-782-3331; coed; Episcopalian; grades K-12; average classroom size is 15; 517 enrollment; 65 staff; $10,705-$13,900/year, financial aid. As an independent K-12 Episcopal school, St. David's mission is to "prepare young men and women for college and life by providing challenging opportunities to excel in the vital areas of faith, virtue and knowledge." St. David’s knows the value of a college preparatory program, and understand that a school must offer a measured balance between academic rigor and character education.

Private Schools – Durham & Orange Counties

All parents want the same thing for their children: that they receive a quality education which will prepare them for the future. Luckily the Triangle, which is well known for its colleges and universities, hosts a number of well-regarded private schools for preschool through grade 12 as well. Although this list is by no means exhaustive, here are a few of the most well-known private schools in Durham and Orange counties:

DURHAM COUNTY

Carolina Friends School, 4809 Friends School Road Durham, NC 27705; 919-383-6602, 929-1800; Ages 3-18; 480 students (total school enrollment); 10:1 ratio; tuition financial aid; all-day K; after care; admission interview required; transportation for additional fee (parent-sponsored bus); apply no later than Feb. 1; Religious Society of Friends (Quaker); state Division of Non-Public Education approved. The Carolina Friends School philosophy is rooted in the principles of Friends and in principles of child development that define each child as a unique, whole person. The teaching staff uses creative and effective strategies for helping students achieve and responsibly use their full potential-intellectual, physical, spiritual, social, creative and emotional. The school has a strong sense of community based on respect for the value of each individual.

Cresset Christian Academy, 3707 Garrett Road, Durham, NC 27707; 919-489-2655; Grades K-12; over 350 students; limited financial aid; all-day K; before/after care; some special needs accommodated; admission interview and testing required; Southern Baptist; Association of Christian Schools International accredited; North Carolina State Division of Non-Public Education approved. Cresset has provided quality Christian education for students in grades K-12 since 1975. The school’s mission is to foster the student's spiritual gifts and talents, developing academic skills necessary for college preparation, and encouraging social and personal growth. The campus is conveniently located on 40 acres, just off 15-501 North, near I-40.

Durham Academy, Lower School: 3116 Academy Road, Durham, NC 27707; 919-489-9118 ;Grades PreK-12; 264 students; 10:1 ratio; financial aid; before care; admission testing required; apply by Feb. 19; SACS accredited. Durham Academy's Lower School seeks to provide students with a challenging environment for learning while offering the care and attention that guide a child to success. The faculty present opportunities that foster the joy of learning and allow for discovery as skills are practiced and refined in supportive surroundings that encourage independence and risk taking. Students are asked to use their imagination, to think and explore.

Lerner Jewish Community Day School; 1935 Cornwallis Road, Durham, NC 27705; 919-419-4432; Grades PreK-5; 60 students; 8:1(preschool), 15:1(elementary) ratio; financial aid, admission testing and interview required; all-day K, after care; Jewish. New facility located on a beautiful wooded site with playing fields, library, activity room and classrooms. Preschool to Grade 5 offers a comprehensive, integrated Jewish and general education. Lerner provides an environment where children develop love of learning, positive Jewish identity and healthy self-image while achieving the highest standards of academic excellence. Low teacher/student ratios allow for rapid individual progress.

Montessori Community School, 4512 Pope Road, Durham, NC 27707; 919-493-8541; Ages 2-12; 214 students; ratio varies (6:1 to 12:1); $3,500 to $5,450/year, depending on age and program; financial aid; all-day K; before/after care; part-time reading specialist; AMS affiliated. Located on nine wooded acres near I-40 and 15-501, Montessori Community School promotes child-centered and child-initiated learning. Their teachers hold AMS and/or AMI credentials. Their experience and support helps to guide students through curricula in ways that promote self-confidence, self-discipline and initiative.

Triangle Day School, 4911 Neal Road, Durham, NC 27705; 919-383-8800; Grades K-8; 100 students; low child/teacher ratio; all-day K; before/after care; admission interview required; rolling admissions; state accredited. Triangle Day School is an independent school providing small classes, extended-day program and a middle school curriculum for grades 6-8. The school ensures that low student/teacher ratios are maintained. Reading and writing are taught through a literature-based curriculum, and math and science are taught through a problem-solving and thinking skills approach. The school also emphasizes foreign language, physical education, computer education, music and art.

Trinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill; 4721 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705; 919-403-0543; Grades 1-6; 96 students; 16:1 ratio; financial aid; admission testing and interview required; apply by March 1 (applications taken until spaces filled); Christian, but not church affiliated. The goal at Trinity School is to create a community in which there is delight in learning and whose members exhibit the intellectual, moral and aesthetic development fitting for Christians. Academic excellence, critical thinking and the cultivation of virtue are all taught through a classical curriculum stressing grammar, logic and rhetoric.

ORANGE COUNTY

Emerson Waldorf School; 6211 New Jericho Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516; 919-967-1858; Grades K-8; 175 students; financial aid; before/after care; wheelchair-accessible classrooms; admission interview required; monthly open houses. In the midst of a crisis of purpose and belief in American schools, the Emerson Waldorf School offers students the variety of a classical education firmly grounded in academics and the arts. One of more than 600 Waldorf Schools worldwide, EWS has been educating children from pre-kindergarten through grade 8 since 1984. The 25-acre wooded campus is located north of Chapel Hill off N.C. 86, near I-40 and I-85.

Montessori Day School, 1165 Weaver Dairy Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514; 919-929-3339; Ages 3-10; 75 students; 12:1 (preschool), 10:1 (elementary) ratio; $3,650 (preschool), $4,150/year (extended day school), $4,250/year (elementary); work scholarships available; all-day K; before school care; some provisions for special needs; admission interview required; Montessori-certified teachers (AMS). The elementary program provides a non-competitive, intellectual, individualized, culturally enriched curriculum. Music, Spanish field trips, physical education, art and Odyssey of the Mind supplement the classic Montessori curriculum. Children learn skills through choices of work, presented compatibly with their learning styles and interests.

St Thomas More School, 920 Carmichael St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514; 919-929-1546; PreK-Grade 8; 450 students; 20:2 ratio (pre-K), 25:2 (K-Grade 2), 25:1 (3-8); tuition varies with parishioner and family discounts; financial aid; all-day K; after care (2:45-5:45 p.m.); admission interview and testing required; Catholic; state and diocese of Raleigh accredited. A Catholic school serving children in preK through grade 8, the academic program stresses the basics. The main focus is the individual child's success; every child's positive self-esteem is their first priority.

Look for the next Relocate Triangle blog, which will cover private schools in Wake County.

A “Green” Holiday

The holidays are upon us and with them come shopping, baking and decorating. However, there is another aspect of the holiday season that you may not have thought of — between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Americans throw away five million tons of trash.

Here are some ideas to make this holiday season a little easier on the environment:

Gift Wrapping

Try using plain recycled paper and then stamping your own designs on it. However, if that requires too much effort, look on the Internet for alternative products.

When shopping for wrapping paper, look for 100 percent post-consumer waste (PCW) content whenever possible. Try to pick processed chlorine-free (PCF) paper products in which no additional chlorine or chlorine derivatives were used to bleach the final recycled-fiber product.

Paporganics’ wrap is printed on recycled paper blended with hemp and flax and uses vegetable-based ink. Large sheets of handmade, tree-free paper makes a great gift wrap and is available in woven grass, lokta, tree bark, banana fiber, spun silk, recycled office paper and recycled rags. Check out Papermojo.com.

To secure packages, use tape that is free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or use clear cellulose tape or recycled gummed paper tape from Green Earth Office Supply.

Decorating

One option is the new LED Christmas tree lights, which use almost 90 percent less energy than traditional lights and can burn up to 20 years. They are cooler to the touch, which makes them safer.

If you have purchased new lights, HolidayLEDs.com will recycle your old lights for you. Check the Web site for more information.

Greeting Cards

Cards are a nice way of keeping in touch with family and friends, but also a source of landfill material. One option is e-cards, which are available from several different companies, including Hallmark.

Other ideas include handmade cards of Daphne Bark paper from Nepal or a fair-trade holiday card set from Global Exchange.

Fireplace Logs

What is winter time without a warm, crackling fire? One alternative to firewood is Java Log, a fire-log alternative made out of recycled coffee grounds. It burns as long as regular wood without producing as many emissions.

Another option is petroleum-free logs made from old milk cartons, sawdust and plant wax that reduce smoke and eliminate sparks and embers. For more information, visit Terracycle.net.

Have a safe and happy holiday season while reducing the impact you have the environment!

Fire Safety

The fragrance of a fresh-cut Christmas tree wafting through your home, a beautifully decorated tree with twinkling lights, presents piled underneath a tree on Christmas morning … What would the holidays be without a Christmas tree in your home?

Unfortunately, Christmas trees account for 200 fires annually, resulting in six deaths, 25 injuries and more than $6 million in property damage, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. A dry tree can become engulfed in flames in a matter of seconds, quickly spreading throughout the room. So, keep your tree watered!

December is also the peak month for home fires caused by candles. That is why the Raleigh Fire Department is urging all residents to exercise caution when decorating for the holiday season. Here are some tips to help you stay safe this holiday season:

• Whenever possible, choose decorations made with flame-resistant, flame-retardant or non-combustible materials.
• Always keep candles away from anything that can burn and never decorate a tree with candles. Never leave candles unattended.
• When choosing a Christmas tree, select one that has been freshly cut and is not dropping needles. Be sure to water the tree daily and keep the tree away from any heat source that can dry it out or cause it to burn. Most tress dry out in two weeks, so don't leave your tree up long past the holidays.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for using holiday lights. Use lights only in their designated areas; never use "indoor only" lights outdoors. Check lights for cracked or broken bulbs, frayed wires and loose plugs. Only use light strands that have been UL approved.
• Install smoke detectors; change the batteries every year. Install carbon monoxide detectors and make sure those batteries are fresh too.
• If you use your fireplace, make sure to use a fireplace screen. Never burn wrapping paper, boxes or other trash in your fireplace. Don't leave a fire unattended; put the fire out before you go to bed.
• If your smoke, fire, or carbon monoxide detectors go off, get everyone outside and call 911. Don't try to solve the problem yourself.

For more information please contact Ronald Campbell, Fire Prevention Coordinator with the City of Raleigh Fire Department, at 919-831-6392.

Have a safe and happy holiday season this year!

Weekend Guide Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Nov. 25-27

Hopefully you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and ate way too much turkey, but now it is time to get off the couch and start burning off all the calories you consumed. There is a lot going on in the Triangle this weekend, especially with Christmas approaching. So rather than battling the insane crowds at the mall, check out one of the following events:

Music

The Christmas season seems to start earlier every year, which is great if you enjoy being inundated with holiday carols everywhere you go. If you are one of those people, rejoice! The North Carolina Symphony along with the North Carolina Master Chorale is presenting a Holiday Pops concert. You can join the festivities and sing-along with your favorite carols on Friday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24 at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25 at 3 p.m. at the Meymandi Concert Hall at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1 E. South St. in downtown Raleigh. Ticket prices range from $39-57 and are available by calling Ticketmaster at 919-834-4000 or clicking here http://www.ticketmaster.com.

Need even more holiday cheer? Bring the family to see Christmas with John Berry . Back by popular demand, the Grammy-nominated country star, who is known for his majestic tenor voice, will perform Sunday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m. the Carolina Theatre , located at 309 W. Morgan St. in downtown Durham. Tickets are $29. For more information, click here (http://www.carolinatheatre.org/onstage/) or call 919-560-3030. The show is a Toys for Tots event, so bring new toys for children in need.

Special Events

Looking for a unique gift for someone on your Christmas list? Then check out the Carolina Designer Craftsmen 38th Annual Fine Craft and Design Show, featuring the finest contemporary crafts in the Southeast. Find anything from decorative textiles and musical instruments to African spears and jewelry. The show is open Friday, Nov. 23 from 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 25 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Exposition Center on the N.C. State Fairgrounds, located at 1025 Blue Ridge Road in Raleigh. Admission is $6, with weekend passes available for $8. For more information, call 919-460-1551.

Dance

If the only version of Cinderella you have ever seen involves talking mice (i.e. the Walt Disney animated classic), then bring the whole family to see the world-class Carolina Ballet perform Cinderella, along with artistic director Robert Weiss’ newly choreographed Peter and the Wolf. Performances are Friday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m., 3 and 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Raleigh Memorial Auditorium at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts , located at 1 E. South St. in downtown Raleigh. Ticket prices range from $17-$59 and are available through Ticketmaster or by calling 919-719-0900.

Whatever you end up doing, have a great weekend!

HMI Plant Column – River Birch and Butterfly Bush/Summer Lilac

This is the weekly column of plant tips for RelocateTriangle.com courtesy exclusively of Horticultural Asset Management, Inc. (HMI), a horticultural content provider. Individual descriptions of trees and shrubs which thrive in this area come from Dr. Michael Dirr, an advisor and consultant to HMI, on what readers should plant in their yards or gardens if they are moving, planning to move or have moved to the Raleigh-Durham area. Dr. Dirr is a University of Georgia Professor of Horticulture and author of seven books, including the best selling Manual of Woody Landscape Plants.

River Birch (Betula nigra)

Species Description: Betula nigra, River Birch, is perhaps the most heat resistant of all North American birch species. The habit is pyramidal to oval in youth, often rounded at maturity. Large, multi-stemmed specimens are inherently more aesthetic than the single-stem specimens because the attractive rich cinnamon-brown exfoliating bark is more visible on the former. In fact, this particular birch is more spectacular without leaves. The medium green, 2- to 3 1/2-inch-long leaves seldom color in fall (at best they turn yellow). In extremely rainy seasons, the leaves may develop significant leaf spot, and under drought conditions, they may drop prematurely, but neither problem is sufficiently serious to discourage use. It is found in moist soils along watercourses throughout its native range. For best growth, soils should be moist and acidic; in high pH soils, chlorosis can be serious. River Birch is not afflicted by the bronze birch borer. In early March I was putting a rope swing over our creek and had to cut a branch from this species; the end of the branch actually produced a steady stream of sap. Moral: do not prune this birch and other birches until summer. They are “bleeders” and should not be cut when the sap is flowing. Grows 40 to 70 feet high, 40 to 60 feet wide. Zones 3 to 9. Massachusetts to Florida, west to Minnesota and Kansas.

Species Information

Native Habitat: Massachusetts to Florida west to Minnesota and Kansas. Cultivated 1736.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Water: Normal to Wet: 30 to 50 inches/year
Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Leaf Color: Medium Green
Fall Leaf Color: Yellow
Flower Color: Green
Flower Season: Spring
Fragrant Flower: No
Fruit Color: Brown
Fruit Season: Winter to Spring
Disease Resistant: No
Drought Tolerant: No
Insect Resistant: Yes
Urban Tolerant: No

Butterfly Bush or Summer Lilac (Buddleia davidii)

Species Description: This beautiful flowering shrub, Buddleja davidii, is culturally adapted to virtually any landscape site. Peering through a bus window in Edinburgh, Scotland, I spied a vacant, rubble-strewn lot alive with seedling butterfly bushes; I have also seen this plant growing out of mortar joints in walls. These are old-fashioned garden plants, and their popularity has ebbed and flowed. With a new wave of imported cultivars, the plant is currently in vogue. The habit is rounded-arching with long, slender branches. The 4- to 10-inch-long leaves vary from gray-green to dark green above and are silver and pubescent beneath. The leaves hold late and do not develop any fall color. Fragrant flowers appear in 4- to 10- (to 14-) inch-long panicles on new growth of the season from June and July to fall. The flowers range in color from white, pink, lavender, and purple to near red. Spent inflorescences must be removed to foster new shoot growth and flower development. Easily transplanted from containers. Prefers well-drained, moist, loamy soils. Once established, the plant tolerates heat and drought. If plants become overgrown, cut back to 12 inches from the ground in late winter and fertilize – a handsome flowering shrub will be evident by midsummer. A great border plant. Attracts butterflies and bees in profusion and imparts a pastoral tranquility to the garden. Also makes a good cut flower. Grows 5 to 10 feet high and wide. Zones 5 to 9. China.

Species Information

Native Habitat: China
Growth Rate: Fast
Water: Normal: 30 to 50 inches/year
Light: Full Sun
Leaf Color: Blue-green, Dark green and Gray
Fall Leaf Color: N/A
Flower Color: Pink, Purple and White
Flower Season: Summer into Fall
Fragrant Flower: Yes
Fruit Color: Brown
Fruit Season: Fall
Disease Resistant: No
Drought Tolerant: No
Insect Resistant: No
Urban Tolerant: Yes

The Presidential Campaign in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

The state primary is nearly a year away (May 6, 2008), by which time most nominees already will be selected based on earlier polls by other states. The election itself is more than a year away. Yet there is still considerable interest on the presidential campaign in the Triangle right now, although most voters remained undecided at this point who they will pick.

One reason is because Raleigh is the state capital, and therefore whoever leads the top of the ticket is believed to affect in some way, even slightly, voters’ preferences for other candidates on the Democratic and Republican tickets. The state offices of both parties are located in Raleigh too, which adds to the attention – and tension – involved in selecting and promoting a presidential candidate.

Another reason for interest is that Democratic candidate John Edwards has his campaign offices based in the Southern Village community of Chapel Hill, even though he actually lives in a larger home in rural Orange County. Now, Edwards has been struggling statewide as well as nationally to go beyond third place – a survey announced July 5 by Pollster.com found him virtually tied with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The Edwards campaign appears to be the favorite candidate among Chapel Hill Democrats at the moment, if you base it on him being the leading fundraiser among presidential candidates in the Triangle (more on that in a little bit). Yet Obama paid a visit to a Chapel Hill resident in June that attracted much attention and netted him $100,000 – see that story here. Also, there have been a couple of bomb threats that have led to evacuating the headquarters as well, which only goes to show that the Edwards campaign has failed so far to proceed as smoothly as it had hoped to do so.

As for the Republican candidates in the Pollster, registered GOP voters in North Carolina favor Fred Thompson at 34 percent, a big lead over Rudy Giuliani at second with 15 percent and Newt Gingrich at third with 13 percent. The fact that neither Thompson nor Gingrich have officially announced their candidacies yet are able to attract nearly half the potential Republican vote in the state speaks volumes about the lack of respect the current field has in North Carolina. It also reflects the geography, as both men come from states bordering North Carolina – Thompson hails from Tennessee and Gingrich from Georgia.

In terms of contributions from the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill metro area, Edwards leads among all candidates with $995,158, according to Federal Election Commission data released this month and analyzed by the Web site Open Secrets. Obama is second at $191,095, followed by – surprise, surprise – Mitt Romney with $48,075. Clinton was close behind him with $47,445. After that came a gap of more than $10,000 between Clinton and Giuliani, and nearly another $10,000 separated Giuliani from struggling John McCain.

A total of 15 presidential candidates received a total of nearly $1.5 million in contributions from the Triangle in the most recent reporting period. Given that all contributions from North Carolina totaled a little over $3.4 million, that means that more than 40 percent of the state’s donations to presidential candidates came from the Triangle alone, a powerful indicator of how much political strength the area has right now, and could have in the selection for president next year.

Putting the “Green” in Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

The national trend toward creating more environmentally friendly products and living and working spaces certainly has had an impact in the Triangle. In fact, the area has been among the forefront of green living options for years, although there remains much to be done to improve the environment, as witness to the considerable number of times there are ozone warnings about the quality of the air outside during the summer. Nevertheless, there are a number of efforts already under to keep the Triangle green and clean, and these are a few of the major ones that are worth investigating for those with an ecological bent.

NC Beautiful has been around nearly 40 years promoting the state’s environmental education and in supporting organizations in their beautification efforts. Based in Raleigh and supported by many state leaders, the nonprofit organization offers several programs available for everyone down to primary school students in which they can participate and preserve the state’s natural resources. If you are interested in learning more or volunteering, visit the Web site or call 919-828-3190.

The North Carolina Green Building Technology Database lists public and private projects by each county that incorporated green strategies in their design, meaning that energy, water and materials are used efficiently during the construction and lifetime of the structure, the health and productivity of occupants is supported, and the impact of the structure on the local and global environment is minimized. It is meant to identify projects and provide information relevant to innovative techniques, not standard, well-established building techniques. The database is searchable by county, and there are 19 listed for Wake, 10 for Orange and nine for Durham, all of which are more than any other individual counties in North Carolina list in their tallies. Although the site carries a disclaimer that “The list of projects is not comprehensive and it is dependent upon users adding more information to the database as they learn about green building projects,” it still is impressive that there are at least 38 structures in the Triangle applying distinctive methods to create sustainable buildings in the region.

Every county in the Triangle has its own recycling program, but you may want to know about more options for businesses and industries, maybe even your local school or organization. For that information, visit Carolina Recycling Association, which says it conserves resources by advancing waste reduction and recycling throughout the Carolinas (yes, that includes South Carolina too!). Based in Pittsboro, its Web site offers a great amount of links for what programs exist for reusing and renewing resources in the state.

How about solar power for your new home and/or workplace in the Triangle? If that interests you, the North Carolina Solar Center at N.C. State University is an excellent guide for telling you what is involved not only with generating power from the sun but also the wind, hydrogen and a few other sources. Especially useful on it is the section offering a PDF document with the N.C. HealthyBuilt Homes checklist for how to create a certified green home – for that direct link, visit here. Also, the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, or NCSEA works often in conjunction with the N.C. Solar Center, and its Web site has much useful information as well on alternative energy programs.

Finally, and most specifically to this area, the Triangle Clean Cities Coalition is made up of local and state government agencies, private companies, nonprofit organizations, and interested individuals who are dedicated to increasing the use of alternative fuel vehicles, hybrids and idle reduction technology. It lobbies the General Assembly on the issues of alternative fuel and advanced transportation technologies, which it admits North Carolina is lagging currently behind some states but may make up progress in the current session. We will find out if that happens when the legislature adjourns as scheduled by the end of the month.

Relocate Triangle Weekly Plant Column – Glossy Abelia and Japanese Maple “Crimson Queen”

This is the first column in a weekly series of plant tips for RelocateTriangle.com courtesy of Horticultural Asset Management, Inc. (HMI), a horticultural content provider. The column will include individual descriptions of trees and shrubs which thrive in this area as well as advice from Dr. Michael Dirr, an advisor and consultant to HMI, on where readers should locate these plants in their yards or gardens to provide the best opportunity for them to grow and mature. Dr. Dirr is a University of Georgia Professor of Horticulture and author of seven books, including the best selling Manual of Woody Landscape Plants.

The Triangle has specific environmental characteristics which make certain plants easier to grow in the area than others, and this column will let readers know which ones thrive here and where to plant them for maximum success. Any questions or comments on the column can be sent by e-mail at relocatetriangle@gmail.com.

Glossy Abelia (Abelia x grandiflora)

Species Description: No other flowering evergreen shrub displays the resiliency of this A. chinensis and A. uniflora hybrid species. Originated in Italy before 1866 and in cultivation for over 100 years, it is still one of the most popular shrubs for southern gardens. White, flushed pink, 3/4 to 1 inch long tubular flowers open on new growth from May to frost. Individual flowers do not overwhelm, but a shrub in full flower is quite effective. The five sepals that subtend the flower age gracefully from green to rose-purple and literally smother the foliage canopy by late summer. Habit is rounded to spreading, densely foliated with 1/2 to 1 1/2 inch long lustrous dark green leaves that color bronze-red-purple in cold weather. Wonderfully serviceable shrub that prospers in sun and shade and in acid, well-drained soil. Three consecutive years of drought and heat, 1998 to 2000, showed A. x grandiflora to be one of the most durable shrubs for southern gardens. Effective as border plant, mass, hedge, and butterfly attractant. One of the author's favorite shrubs. Our program, at the University of Georgia, is breeding abelias for unique flower colors (rose, yellow and purple), increased flower size, improved evergreen foliage, compact habit, and increased cold hardiness. Grows 3 to 6 feet high and 3 to 6 feet wide; plants to 8 feet occur. Zones 6 to 9.

Species Information

Native Habitat: Italy
Growth Rate: Moderate
Water: Normal: 30 to 50 inches/year
Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Leaf Color: Dark Green
Fall Leaf Color: Green, Purple, Red
Flower Color: Pink and White
Flower Season: Spring to Fall
Fragrant Flower: Yes
Fruit Color: Brown
Fruit Season: Fall
Disease Resistant: Yes
Drought Tolerant: Yes
Insect Resistant: Yes
Urban Tolerant: Yes

Japanese Maple “Crimson Queen” (Acer palmatum var. dissectum atropurpureum)

Species Description: True aristocrats are rare among people and trees, but Japanese Maple is in the first order. It is difficult to imagine a garden that could not benefit from one of the many forms of Acer palmatum. The normal habit is round to broad-rounded, with the branches assuming a layered, almost stratified architecture similar to Cornus florida, Flowering Dogwood. The five- to nine-lobed, finely serrated, 2- to 5-inch- long and wide leaves vary from light green to dark green; the variety atropurpureum offers shades of reddish purple. Fall color is sensational, for rich yellows and reds develop consistently from fall to fall. The color persists and may be effective as late as November. The winter silhouette is also attractive and, coupled with the smooth gray bark, provides interest during the “off season.” Landscape uses for the species and its many cultivars are limited only by the imagination of the gardener. Soils should be evenly moist, acid, organic-laden, and well drained. Grows 15 to 25 feet. high and wide; 40-foot specimens are known. Zones 5 to 8. Japan.

Cultivar Description: On the “Crimson Queen” form of Acer palmatum new growth is bright crimson-red, which Vertrees states persists throughout the entire growing season. Leaves on plants I have seen in the South lose their crimson color and become more bronze-green to red. Fall color is in the scarlet range. This is a strong growing 7- to 9- to 11-lobed form of A. palmatum that is popular in commerce. It will eventually grow 8 to 10 ft. tall by 12 ft. wide and develop handsome cascading branches.

Cultivar Information

Native Habitat: Japan
Growth Rate: Slow
Water: Normal: 30 to 50 inches/year
Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Leaf Color: Dark Green and Purple
Fall Leaf Color: Orange and Red
Flower Color: Purple and Red
Flower Season: Spring
Fragrant Flower: No
Fruit Color: Purple and Red
Fruit Season: Fall
Disease Resistant: No
Drought Tolerant: No
Insect Resistant: No
Urban Tolerant: No