News briefs
Donaldson Funeral home limiting viewings
With the COVID-19, or coronavirus, continuing to spread, the staff of Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation is taking measures to help protect the families its serves.
Donaldsons’ staff said a N.C. Board of Funeral Service released a statement saying it “encourages families to consider the risks associated with potential exposure to the coronavirus in larger gatherings.”
Donaldson is limiting public viewings and gathering for services, saying the “safety and well-being of the families we serve, our staff, and the general public must be paramount.”
2020 Eggstravaganza canceled
SILER CITY — Out of an abundance of caution, the Town of Siler City Department of Parks and Recreation has cancelled the 2020 Siler City Easter Eggstravaganza scheduled for April 4 at the Bray Park Sports Complex. This decision is in response to directives from the N.C. Gov. Roy Cooper mandating cancellation of mass gatherings to minimize the spread of the growing coronavirus (COVID-19).
While the annual Easter Eggstravanza brings lots of joy to the community, the decision is to encourage social distancing and prioritize the health and well-being of the citizens of Siler City, park patrons and participants, according to a release from the Town of Siler City.
For more information, links & resources related to COVID-19 please visit www.chathamnc.org/coronavirus.
— CN+R staff reports
CCCC SBC offers free webinars regarding COVID-19
The Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center is offering the following free webinars regarding COVID-19.
To register or for more information, visit www.cccc.edu/sbc/.
• Thursday, March 26th - A Game Plan to Survive a Cash Flow Crisis Amid the COVID-19 Disruption - 3-4 p.m.
• Thursday, April 2nd - Strategic Planning and Actions to Take Now During the Coronavirus Crisis - 1-2:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 14th - Marketing and Promoting Your Professional Service Business During the COVID-19 Pandemic - 1-2:30 p.m.
Johnson named Pittsboro PD’s interim chief
PITTSBORO — Interim Town Manager Robert Morgan said Tuesday that Lt. Shorty Johnson would be the Interim Police Chief for the Town of Pittsboro until a new police chief is hired.
Johnson will take over from retiring Police Chief Percy Crutchfield on Saturday.
Johnson has nearly 26 years of law enforcement experience in Chatham County. He has served as a Patrol Deputy and Detective for the Chatham County Sheriff’s Department, several positions with the Siler City Police Department and has been with the Pittsboro Police Department since 2015. Johnson has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Appalachian State University and a Master’s Degree in Justice Administration at Methodist University.
Siler City P&R cancels events; parks remain open
SILER CITY — The Siler City Parks and Recreation Department is taking appropriate action to limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Following Gov. Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 120, the Siler City Parks and Recreation Department is cancelling or postponing multiple programs, events, and reservations. All indoor and outdoor facility reservations are cancelled until further notice.
To encourage social distancing and prioritize the well-being of community member, park patrons, and staff all playgrounds, park shelters, and park restroom facilities are closed until further notice. Areas surrounding playgrounds — including green ways, walking trails, and other open space amenities — are still available for use.
The Department of Parks and Recreation encourages everyone to recreate in a variety of alternative ways and to follow us on social media and find us on the web at www.silercity.org for up-to-date information and daily recreational activity ideas.
If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Parks and Recreation at (919) 742-2699 or email recreation@silercity.org.
— CN+R staff reports
NC 2-1-1 to Provide Assistance for COVID-19
Governor Roy Cooper has announced that 2-1-1 is the number to call for assistance and resources related to the COVID-19 coronavirus, according to the United Way of Chatham County.
NC 2-1-1 is an information and referral service, operated by United Way of North Carolina, where families and individuals can obtain free and confidential information on health and human service resources within their community 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Resources are available in most languages.
Locally, United Way of Chatham County and the Chatham County Health Department are proud to provide funding and support to bring 2-1-1 to all residents.
“NC 2-1-1 is an important resource every day for families in our community who may experience a crisis such as food insecurity or unemployment,” said Executive Director Dina Reynolds. “During times like this with the COVID 19 crisis, the needs of all North Carolinians will increase and I am proud 2-1-1 will be here to help.”
“Services like NC 2-1-1 are critical during times of emergency,” said Governor Cooper. “We need to make sure North Carolinians have access to the resources they need while we continue to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
North Carolinians can text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19. Sign up now to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response. Individuals who have specific needs related to food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, parenting resources, health care, substance abuse treatment, as well as specific resources for older adults and for persons with disabilities should dial 2-1-1 or TTY 888-892-1162 for assistance. Due to expected high call volume, those wanting to stay updated on general developments with North Carolina’s response to the coronavirus crisis should sign up for 211’s text alerts by texting COVIDNC to 898211.
NC 2-1-1 cannot provide direct medical services, and COVID-19 can only be diagnosed by a health care professional. If you suspect you or someone you care for may have symptoms or have been exposed to the virus, you should contact your health care provider. If you do not have a provider, you can call your local health department or a Federally Qualified Health Clinic for guidance.
To learn more about NC 2-1-1, visit nc211.org. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in North Carolina, go to ncdhhs.gov/coronavirus.
— CN+R staff reports