Durham Seeks Public Art Submissions for Lakeview Park Ground Plane Mural

DURHAM, N.C. – Local and regional artists are invited to apply now for an upcoming ground plane public art project at Lakeview Park in Durham.

As part of Bank of America’s Community Resiliency Grant Program, the City of Durham Cultural and Public Art Program is collaborating with Keep Durham Beautiful to invite professional artists or artist teams to submit their qualifications to create ground plane art at Lakeview Park by applying for the Pre-Qualified Artist Registry.

Lakeview Park, located at 3500 Dearborn Dr., is a wooded park in northeast Durham across from Lakeview Secondary School. The park features a baseball/softball field, basketball court, grill, picnic shelter and tables, restroom facility, and a water fountain. A new playground is also currently being installed at Lakeview Park. The site-specific public art installation will be a ground plane, inclusive mural located to the right of the new playground on the existing cement pad to engage people of various abilities in play and exploration. The budget for this project is $7,000 to complete the public art project, including community engagement, artist-design, fabrication, and documentation of the artwork.

This call is open to all artists who have applied to the Pre-Qualified Artist Registry with preference given to those living within Durham County. Candidates must either identify as, or partner with, a professional artist, designer, or fabricator, eligible to work in the United States, and age 18 and older. The City encourages people from diverse backgrounds to apply. Candidates are eligible regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identification, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or physical ability.

All applications must be in digital format and include an artist statement, photos of previous work, a personal resume(s), and references. Full submission guidelines, project details, and the submission portal are now available on the City’s website.

The Community Resiliency Grant Program, led by the Arbor Day Foundation and Bank of America, funds programs that drive green infrastructure projects, expand tree equity, and increase resiliency in urban communities most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Keep Durham Beautiful is also focusing its efforts in Durham’s Braggtown neighborhood by hosting community tree planning events, environmental art and education, and community education to increase urban canopy.

For questions or additional assistance, artists may also contact Cultural and Public Art Program Manager Rebecca Brown with the City’s General Services Department at (912) 398-8075 or by email.

About the City of Durham Public Art Committee

The Public Art Committee serves as an advisory body to the Durham City Council and the City Manager, and its functions include assisting the City's General Services Department on matters relating to public art; implementation of the Public Art Policy; and reviewing proposals for public art projects brought to it by the City administration; and making recommendations to the Durham Cultural Advisory Board regarding project approvals. To further help artists connect with opportunities, the City has also launched a Durham Calls for Artists page on its website, which lists a number of upcoming opportunities for artists in and around Durham. Artists and other stakeholders who would like to be notified of current and future art-related opportunities and news can now sign up for alerts through the Cultural and Public Arts Calls for Art mailing list. For more information about the City’s Cultural and Public Arts Program, visit the City’s cultural and public arts page. Artists and residents interested in more information about the Cultural and Public Arts program may also contact Division Manager Stacey Poston with the City’s General Services Department at (919) 560-4197, ext. 21254 or by email.

About the City of Durham General Services Department

The General Services Department builds and maintains City properties to make Durham a great place for people to live, work, and play. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, the department’s core functions include the acquisition and sale of properties, design and management of new construction and renovation projects, building maintenance, landscaping and urban forestry services, cemeteries management, sustainability and energy management, and supporting the nonprofit Keep Durham Beautiful.

About Keep Durham Beautiful

Keep Durham Beautiful is a nonprofit, volunteer organization working in partnership with the City of Durham General Services Department and Durham County to encourage residents, businesses, and community organizations to protect the environment and enhance the appearance of Durham through cleanup events, beautification projects, waste reduction, and educational activities. To learn more, follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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2020 KDB Bulb Blitz

By: Katie Grace Olinger, APPLES Service-Learning Volunteer

We at Keep Durham Beautiful would like to thank our volunteers and participants who took part in this year’s Bulb Blitz. We successfully distributed 4,150 lily bulbs to community groups who then proceeded to plant them in public spaces in and around Durham. We are so grateful we were able to continue this event with the help of social distancing and masks to ensure the safety of all parties.

The Bulb Blitz felt especially important this year for our community in the face of COVID-19. In a recent survey, 50% of participants said corona virus currently has a significant impact on their mental health. With this spike in mental health concerns, and the need for new activities, many individuals have turned to gardening. Not only does gardening serve as a healthy outlet, but also the growth that comes from it has a positive impact on both physical and mental health.

The act of gardening has been found to have numerous benefits relating to the mind and body. Research has found that it reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, decreases stress, increases a sense of community, and improves cognitive function. For many, gardening becomes therapeutic and provides an escape into nature. While all gardening has benefits, the blooming and beauty of flowers in particular have been found to reduce anxiety, improve mood, boost energy, and relieve stress.

However, gardening can be expensive and often times individuals do not have the financial means to buy and plant flowers. As a result, the goal of Bulb Blitz is to provide community groups with the opportunity to participate in gardening and enjoy the beauty of the blooming flowers. Members of our community are able experience the mental health benefits of both regardless of their financial means.

This year has brought our community new unprecedented challenges, but with the impressive turnout, we were once again shown the importance of community within Durham. We at KDB are so grateful for your participation and hope you enjoy the beauty and peace that blooms within these lily patches.

One Durham Youth Calls us All to Make a Difference

Edited by Abby Gostling, Vasilis GM, Eleftheria M.

People all over our Durham community have been coming together in different ways to celebrate the Earth and help keep it clean during this uncertain time of stay-at-home orders and COVID-19. One Durham middle school student has taken it upon himself to go out and collect trash from his neighborhood every day and is challenging his fellow classmates and members of the Durham community to do the same. Here is the story he shared.

Vasilis is a Greek American middle school teen with a variety of academic interests, involved in sports and diverse hobbies. As part of his school requirements, he engages in volunteer work and since this semester was disrupted by the pandemic, a host of thoughts entered his mind and he came up with the solo cleaning volunteering initiative.

He dedicated this volunteer activity to his grandmother, Eftychia who lives in Greece.  She has been in strict quarantine for the past five weeks to protect her health. Vasilis speaks to her online to keep her spirits up and told her that every day that he is walking outside he remembers her and how she had taught him and his brother Christos to do the same thing.

Five years ago, when grandmother Eftychia visited the family in Durham, she would take both boys walking around the Duke Homestead neighborhood by the Tobacco Museum. She would pick up trash as they went because for her, it was a socio-cultural response. Back home in Greece, they clean and wash the outside, front porch and down to the street areas as an extension of cleanliness, and as symbolism that the outdoor areas are communal, thus, as an extension of our civic duties and we are all responsible to keep them clean and make our communities beautiful.

Vasilis and Christos have been walking about their neighborhood with their parents and alone since schools closed, and while doing this, Vasilis had an idea. He wanted to continue his volunteer work for school, and he decided to do this through what he calls, "Spring Trash Hunting". As a matter of fact, he issued a challenge to his school classmates to go out and walk to get a bit of fresh air and at the same time pick up trash in their respective streets at their neighborhoods.

In his call to action, Vasilis writes, “These are difficult and scary times during the Covid-19 pandemic. The situation around us might make us feel vulnerable, confused and scared. I know that I can help by “staying home" to "flatten the curve".  But at the same time, I would also like to help in my own small way: to complete one task and change one thing around me each day while following the rules of social distancing. For that reason, I decided when I am walking outside to clean my neighborhood's streets from the trash.

My fellow DNS classmates, you can still find ways to volunteer solo during the state-wide coronavirus quarantine and keep our neighborhoods clean! Let us pick up the trash along the sidewalks and street-curbs around our neighborhoods! I call it "Easter - Spring Trash Hunting".  When you are taking your daily walk to catch some fresh air, pick up some trash!”

He is very clear in his message that everyone should continue to respect social distancing guidelines during this activity and that the goal is not to gather in groups but for everyone to do a little part to help on their own.

Vasilis is an inspiring example of how we can still care for our planet and our Durham community during these times and encourage each other to do our part. Hopefully Vasilis’ call to action sparks something in each of us to stop and think, what can I be doing today to make a small impact for my community.

Thank you, Vasilis, for all that you are doing to keep Durham clean and beautiful during this unusual Earth Month! 

The Benefits of Gardening for Mental Health and the Earth

It has been nearly three weeks since Governor Roy Cooper issued a stay at home order in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. For many, this abrupt change in our schedule has been difficult to adjust to. With more free time in the day, many are wondering what to do with their extra hours. One at-home activity to preoccupy you is gardening. Gardening is not only a fun hobby, but it also helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression. 

Many experts recommend surrounding yourself with a green setting such as a garden. Whether you have a window garden, a few plants on the porch, or an in ground garden, the simple act of gardening promotes overall wellbeing. It is also an activity for the entire family, offering a chance for everyone to relax during this stressful time. Though viewing a natural landscape can provide a similar relief, gardening is more likely to keep you consistently going outside. 

Not only is gardening good for your mental health, but it is also an opportunity to give back to the Earth. Gardening allows for CO2 to be taken from the atmosphere by plants and oxygen to be released, a process otherwise known as photosynthesis. This natural process assists in efforts to reduce global warming. Additionally, gardening creates habitats which support the ecosystem around your home. There are just no negative outcomes of gardening! 

While we are continuing to social distance and stay at home, give gardening a try. It will positively affect your mental health and the Earth.

Durham Hosts E-Waste & Textile Recycling, Paper Shredding Event October 19th

DURHAM, N.C. – Durham residents looking for an easy and free way to recycle electronic waste (e-waste) and old textiles and clothing as well as shred confidential documents should attend the City of Durham’s E-Waste, Textile Recycling and Paper Shredding event next month.

The City’s Solid Waste Management Department is hosting this free event on Saturday, October 19 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Durham County Memorial Stadium on the home side parking lot, located at 750 Stadium Dr. Staff will be on hand to assist with unloading old electronics, paper, and textiles.

E-Waste Recycling

  • Nearly all electronic devices with a cord will be accepted including:

  • Computers, laptops, keyboards, mice, printers, monitors, speakers, copiers, scanners, circuit boards, hard drives, computer parts, etc.

  • Televisions, stereo equipment, tape players, receivers, amplifiers, record players, etc.

  • Kitchen electronics, such as microwaves, mixers, blenders, choppers, etc.

  • Telephones, cell phones, and fax machines

  • Hair dryers, curling irons, alarm clocks, and vacuum cleaners

  • Power tools, cordless tools, etc.

  • Electronic toys, such as keyboards and video game systems

  • This event will NOT accept large appliances, refrigerators, air conditioners or any other appliances that contain Freon in non-working condition.

Durham residents who can’t attend this event can still safely and conveniently recycle their old electronics at no charge at the City’s Waste Disposal and Recycling Center (Transfer Station), located at 2115 E. Club Blvd. The facility is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Textile Recycling

Items accepted on site by Green Zone should be dry and clean and can be left in less-than-perfect condition (worn, torn or stained):

  • Bedding (comforter, sheets, pillow cases, blankets)

  • Belts

  • Boots

  • Coats

  • Curtains/Draperies

  • Dresses

  • Flip flops

  • Halloween costumes

  • Hats

  • Jackets

  • Jeans

  • Jerseys (sports)

  • Napkins (cloth)

  • Pajamas

  • Pants

  • Pet beds and clothing

  • Pillows

  • Purses

  • Scarves

  • Shirts

  • Shoes (single or in pairs)

  • Shorts

  • Skirts

  • Slippers

  • Socks (single or in pairs)

  • Stuffed animals

  • Suits

  • Sweaters

  • Sweatpants

  • Sweatshirts

  • Table linens

  • Ties

  • Towels

  • T-shirts

  • Undergarments

Paper Shredding

Confidential paper shredding will also be provided on site during this event. Shredding requirements include:

  • Paper may contain paper clips and staples; however, hanging file folders will not be accepted.

  • Only paper should be brought for shredding. CDs, DVDs, and other non-paper items will not be accepted. 

  • All paper should be loose and not in binders or other binding items made of non-paper.

  • Residents may be present to observe their confidential document shredding if the amount to be shredded can fit into one 96-gallon roll cart (approximately 240 pounds of material or approximately eight small, banker boxes of material).

  • Participants with larger quantities will have items placed in boxes to be shredded off-site at Shimar Recycling’s secure facility. 

For more information about other items accepted for curbside collections as well as how to sign up for collection day alerts and reminders for all holiday service changes, visit the department’s webpage.

About the City of Durham Solid Waste Management Department

The Solid Waste Management Department promotes and supports a high quality of life for the residents of Durham by providing comprehensive, responsive, environmentally-safe, efficient and cost-effective solid waste collection, recycling and disposal programs. Department services include roll-out cart collection, cart delivery and repair service, cardboard collection, yard waste collection, waste reduction and recycling, bulky item pick-up, and disposal services. The Department supports the City’s Strategic Plan by providing professional management that contributes to creating thriving, livable neighborhoods as well as an innovative and high-performing organization.

Waste Reduction Resources in Durham

One of the many things we love about Durham is how many resources our community has to reduce your waste! Check out this list of waste reduction resources that are located here in Durham!

City of Durham Textile Recycling

City of Durham Solid Waste Management- where you can dispose/recycle what

CompostNow weekly doorstep collection service empowers those without the space, time or desire to manage their own composting system to still compost at home!

Don’t Waste Durham is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create solutions that prevent trash at its source.

·         Greentogo Durham's premier reusable + returnable takeout container service

·         Sustainable Food Truck Certification recognizes and promotes food trucks that commit to low-waste, sustainable practices.

Durham Co-op Market  grocery store with local and bulk options

Durham Originals born to inform the community of our unlimited potential to make change + to supply the tools needed to integrate eco-consciousness into your lifestyle.

Fillaree zero waste soap refills

The Scrap Exchange is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote creativity, environmental awareness, and community through reuse. They collect materials from local businesses and residents and distribute these reclaimed resources to educators, artists, makers, and students through a variety of programs.

Sprouts grocery store offering a range of natural and organic grocery items and options to buy in bulk

Triangle Ecycling refurbishes and recycles computers and other electronics to support STEM education with hands-on tech training for high school students

Ungraded Produce rescues ‘at risk’ ugly produce from going to waste, handpacks this produce into boxes, and delivers it to customers’ doors for 30-50% cheaper than supermarket alternatives. They also donate produce to local pantries for each box sold.

Bee City USA - Durham, NC Certification Renewed!

We’re excited to announce that, together with our community partners, we’ve completed all the rigorous requirements for Bee City USA renewal for 2019! We can’t wait to continue to inspire our community and region to take care of the pollinators that play a vital role in sustaining our planet.

Check out our narrative report below to see all the beautiful things we did within our community last year!

Volunteer Event Successes

Since the end of last week, we have had three amazing volunteer events!

On Saturday, Jan 12th, Keep Durham Beautiful, TreesDurham, Durham Rotary, Durham Community Land Trust, Duke Energy, Leaf and Limb, as well as the City of Durham teamed up to host an event in the Southside Neighborhood.. Thanks to volunteers who came out on a cold Saturday we planted 108 trees!  During the three hour event, we had about 90 volunteers come out. At the beginning of the day, we had a presentation on how to properly plant a tree, had opening remarks from Mayor Schewel,  and then let the volunteers go out in small groups led by volunteer tree keepers to plant the trees in marked spaces. A big thank you everyone who came out and helped!

In addition to the tree planting, we held a litter pickup that same Saturday at Mt. Holy Olive Church. Volunteers from the congregation, and from the Durham Police Department, helped to clean up the area around the church, as well as nearby Lee Street. Both groups were super excited to partner with each other on this project. Thanks to their hard work, the 30 volunteers were able to collect 18 bags of trash, 3 bags of recycling, and additional large items. About 490 lbs of trash was removed in an hour and a half! That is amazing! Congratulations to Mt. Holy Olive Church for making an impact on their community!

Yesterday, Jan 15th, we held another litter cleanup this time at Long Meadow Park. Seventeen employees from EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) picked up trash from Goose Creek which runs through the park. With all ‘hands on deck’, they were able to remove 12 bags of trash and 5 bags of recycling in the span of an hour and a half! Wow! Just like Mt. Holy Olive Church, these groups are making amazing and meaningful impact on the planet.

If you want to make a difference in your neighborhood, or an area of importance, through litter pick up, contact us at:  info@keepdurhambeautiful.org  We will be able to give you more information about opportunities and our tool lending library!

Here’s to a ‘Greener’ future!

Board-Members, Straws, Partnerships....Oh My!

Last week was very eventful!

First, Keep Durham Beautiful had our monthly Board Meeting, where we elected two new board members. Welcome Austin Moore and Diane Rupprecht!

Austin is a Durham native who works as a Project Manager and Co-Owner of Gateway Building Company. Austin is particularly interested in the effects of large scale multifamily recycling efforts, litter prevention from the increased commercial development and construction, and Durham neighborhood beautification projects.

Diane has lived in Durham for the past twenty years, and is excited to have the opportunity to connect closer to the community. She currently works as Staff Counsel for The Sunrock Group. Diane says that this opportunity to be involved with Keep Durham Beautiful will compliment her personal interest in the environment, waste reduction, and sustainability.

We are excited to be working with them! If you are interested in becoming a Board Member for KDB, please fill in an application at https://keepdurhambeautiful.org/join-our-board/

In addition to our successful board meeting, KDB also had our second meeting pertaining to a week-long event called Creek Week. Creek Week is a time to discover and clean up local streams. It has been celebrated by Durham since 2009. Since the beginning, there have been 1,937 volunteers who have collected 117,270 pounds of trash! It is a successful event in helping to rid trash from local creeks, as well as getting the community involved in their surrounding environment. This year, Creek Week is from March 16-23rd. Individuals can sign up for multiple events that occur during this week through our page: https://keepdurhambeautiful.org/creek-week/ We hope to see you there!

Did you know that the month of March is “no straw” month? Did you know that over 500,000,000 plastic straws are used each day? That is enough to circle the earth four times! Keep Durham Beautiful is leading a campaign that encourages individuals and restaurants to considerably reduce the use of plastic straws. Plastic straws can’t be recycled, so they wind up in landfills, litter streets, wash into streams, and cause 8.5 million metric tons of plastic debris in the ocean annually. By reducing the number of plastic straws one uses on a regular basis, we can help decrease the amount of litter that ends up in nature. Instead of using plastic straws, we recommend not using a straw or buying a reusable straw made of a material of your choice; metal, silicone, paper, just to name a few. We hope that you will take this pledge during March!

As of a couple of days ago, we started a partnership with Durty Bull Brewing Company. They are planning to Adopt A Street around the building, where there continually is trash. They will have one clean up every month, the “Second Sunday Clean Up.” Sign up to help through their website: http://www.durtybull.com/events/?view=calendar&month=January-2019  or through their account on Everbrite. Their first event is this Sunday from 11am-12pm. We hope you can join us this weekend or at another cleanup in the near future.