DURHAM -- Safe Kids Durham County will hold a free, public child safety seat check up event from 10-2 p.m. today at Sam's Club on Chapel Hill Boulevard.
Families will receive information on how to keep their children safe while they travel this holiday season and car seats will be checked for proper installation. Car seats will be available for families in who need them for their children.
Experts from Duke University Children's Hospital, Duke and Durham emergency services, and local police will be on hand providing their services to assure that children in Durham are riding safely during this holiday season.
"It's a proven fact that child safety seats and seat belts save lives and prevent injuries, but misuse is about 90 percent in our community," said nurse Theresa Cromling, Safe Kids Durham County Coordinator. "Ensuring you have the right car seat and that it is installed correctly is extremely important for the safety of children."
For additional information call Cromling at (919) 323-5073.
Rec centers to close soon
DURHAM -- Three Durham Parks and Recreation Centers will close to undergo renovations this winter.
The Weaver Street Recreation Center will close beginning Friday, W.D. Hill Dec. 19 and the Edison Johnson Recreation Center & Aquatics Center on Dec. 20.
Renovations will be funded by a November 2005 bond issue and will include making the facilities ADA compliant. The centers are scheduled to reopen in June.
The programs, activities and events held at the centers will be relocated to the following facilities:
- I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills, 2000 S. Alston Ave.
- Center for Senior Life, 406 Rigsbee St.
- Holton Career and Resource Center, 401 N. Driver St.
- Priess-Steele Place, a low-income public housing facility for seniors, 500 Pickwick Trail.
For more information, visit www.DPRPlayMore.org or call (919) 560-4355.
Santa breakfast set for today
DURHAM -- Playhouse Toy Store on Ninth Street will hold its annual Breakfast with Santa today, with all donations to go to Urban Ministries of Durham.
The event will be 9 to 10 a.m. in Francesca's Dessert Caffe next door. Parents are encouraged to bring a toy or a canned good.
"It's a way to welcome the holiday with Santa and also help the unfortunate," said Playhouse owner Donna Frederick. "There's a big lull this year with the donations at the food bank."
Playhouse will provide a small toy for children to take home, and Francesca's will provide food and refreshments at the event.
The Playhouse has been holding Breakfast for Santa for more than 10 years. The store has been open for 23 years at 702 Ninth St.
For information, call (919) 286-1317.
Mission founder featured guest
DURHAM -- The Rev. Ernie Mills, founder of the Durham Rescue Mission will be the featured speaker at the monthly A.I.R. (All Interested Republicans and Like Minded Conservatives) meeting Wednesday at Hope Valley Country Club, 3803 Dover Road.
The meeting's buffet luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. -- cost is $17 per person and the public is invited -- and will be followed by Mills' presentation.
Guests are also asked to donate the following items -- or cash:
- Canned goods, particularly meat, milk, vegetables and fruits.
- Paper goods, including disposable baby diapers, paper towels, facial tissue and baby wipes.
Reservations are required and may be made no later than noon Tuesday at (919) 384-2868.
Contact Mark Donovan at mdonovan@heraldsun.com or (919) 419-6655. E-mail news of interest to our readers to news@heraldsun.com.
