News briefs, 10-29-20
Chatham County Libraries to offer computer access at local branches
PITTSBORO — Beginning this week, Chatham County Libraries will offer limited access to its computer stations located in each of the three branches — Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro, Goldston Library and Wren Memorial Library in Siler City.
Public computer use will be by appointment only and will be for the duration of one hour per day, per patron, Monday through Friday, from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Individuals must use their allotted time in one session. Computer users are not permitted to leave and return to a computer workstation mid-session.
Computer lab capacity has been reduced at all branches to ensure proper distancing. Online registration and the completion of a COVID-19 screening form is required. Individuals may register here: https://tinyurl.com/ComputerUseCCPL. Individuals unable to register online may do so on site by completing a print registration form.
To ensure the safety of library patrons and staff, the following restrictions apply:
• Face coverings are required while inside the library.
• Library staff will be wearing facial coverings and gloves and practicing social distancing. Staff will provide a face covering for those who arrive without one.
• Library stacks will be closed. Browsing collections is unavailable at this time. Curbside appointments for print materials are still available. More information about curbside pick-up services may be found on the library website.
• Library staff are unavailable for one-on-one computer assistance. Patrons should be comfortable with using a computer and be able to work independently.
• In-person Reference Services are not currently available. Individuals may make an appointment for a virtual consultation by calling 919-545-8086 or by emailing reference@chathamlibraries.org.
• Self-serve printing and copying is available at the Pittsboro branch and is limited to the Computer Lab. Printing and copying at the Siler City and Goldston branches will be handled by library staff. Wireless printing is not available at this time.
• Patrons are asked not to bring children with them to computer use appointments.
• Computer use is limited to patrons 16 years or older.
• Food and drink are not allowed inside the library or while using public computers. The use of cell phones is also not permitted indoors.
Patrons are asked NOT to visit the library if exhibiting any symptoms of cold, cough or flu, including fever.
After completing the online registration form, patrons are asked to call their local branch to make an appointment. For appointments at the Chatham Community Library in Pittsboro, call 919-545-8084. For the Goldston Library, call 919-898-4522, and for Wren Memorial Library in Siler City, call 919-742-2016. Patrons are asked to discuss any needed clarification about current computer use protocols with a staff member at the time of making their appointment.
— CN + R staff reports
Realty World’s Allen gets national recognition
SILER CITY — Sherry Johnson Allen of Realty World Carolina Properties has been awarded the Accredited Buyer’s Representation (ABR) designation by the Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council of the National Association of Realtors.
Allen joins more than 27,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the ABR® designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in buyer representation and an elective course focusing on a buyer representation specialty, both in addition to submitting documentation verifying professional experience.
REBAC, founded in 1988, is the world’s largest association of real estate professionals focused specifically on representing the real estate buyer. There are more than 40,000 active members of the organization world-wide. National Association of Realtors, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is the world’s largest professional association, representing more than 1.4 million members involved in all aspects of the real estate industry.
Insurance commissioner reminds Medicare beneficiaries to compare plans during open enrollment
RALEIGH — N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey reminds Medicare beneficiaries to compare and evaluate their current plans and make necessary changes during the annual Open Enrollment Period.
Medicare plans and prices change. It is important for Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the Open Enrollment Period by contacting local Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors to save money, improve your coverage or both.
The Open Enrollment Period began on Oct. 15 and runs for eight weeks to give you enough time to review and make changes to your Medicare coverage. Changes must be made by Dec. 7, 2020, to guarantee your coverage will begin without interruption on Jan. 1, 2021.
It’s important to contact your local SHIIP counselor before making a decision about coverage because you may be able to receive more affordable and better Medicare health and/or drug plan options in your area. For example, even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, there may be another plan in your area that covers your health care and/or drugs at a better price.
SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance and offers free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and other health insurance issues. In addition to helping Medicare beneficiaries compare and enroll in plans during the Open Enrollment Period, SHIIP counselors can help people find out if they are eligible for Medicare cost savings programs.
Get one-on-one help from SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, by calling 1-855-408-1212, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also request in-person assistance in your home county.
Visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare your current coverage with all of the options that are available in your area, and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change.
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
For more information about SHIIP and the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, call 1-855-408-1212 or visit www.ncshiip.com.
— CN + R staff reports
CARSTAR hosts Trunks and Treats
PITTSBORO — CARSTAR of Pittsboro will host a community-wide “Trunks and Treats” drive-through and car show at its location from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30.
The business is located at 1022 Sanford Rd. in downtown Pittsboro.
For more information, contact Mark Wasmuth at 919-537-0770.
DOT: Survive the frightful trip on Halloween by traveling sober
RALEIGH — To help spread the message that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving, the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program is teaming up with law enforcement, traffic safety officials and crash survivors to remind everyone of the dangers of drunk driving.
In a video release, NCGHSP alerted the public that officers will be out conducting increased patrols sthrough Nov. 1 to identify and remove impaired drivers from our roads during the annual Halloween “Booze It & Lose It” campaign.
“We want North Carolinians to have a fun night on Halloween, but to also stay safe and make responsible choices,” said state Transportation Secretary Eric Boyette. “In today’s world, there are many options available to drivers to help them get home safely if they have been drinking. If you have ingested any impairing substance: alcohol, pills, marijuana or something else, do not drive. If you know someone who is impaired, don’t let them get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver, call 911. And always wear your seat belt, it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.”
The video also included the account of teenagers who survived a crash last year, but tragically lost their friend and grandmother due to the actions of an impaired driver.
Sadly, their story is an all too familiar one. Consider these frightening facts:
• In 2018 around the U.S., 231 children ages 14 and younger were killed in drunk-driving crashes.
• Almost half of fatal vehicle crashes over the Halloween weekend involve an impaired driver.
• About one quarter of pedestrian deaths on Halloween night involve an impaired driver.
“Despite COVID-19 we’re certain people will be gathering and drinking all Halloween weekend, and we need every single partygoer to plan their sober ride home in advance,” said NCGHSP Director, Mark Ezzell. “Last year, 35 people lost their lives on North Carolina roadways during the week of Halloween, and nine of those deaths were caused by impaired drivers. We don’t want that to happen this year!”
Of the 1,442 fatalities on North Carolina roadways in 2018, 411 of those involved an impaired driver. Impaired driving isn’t just an issue here, explained Sarah Searcy, Bicycle & Pedestrian manager at the Institute for Transportation Research and Education at N.C. State University.
That’s more than one in every five children who died in traffic crashes that year.
“Nationwide, 36,560 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2018, and 29 percent of those fatalities occurred in crashes during which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration over the legal limit of .08,” Searcy said.
Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians, whether they are children or adults who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly, as pedestrians not paying attention to their surroundings are at greater risk of getting hit by a vehicle.
Safe driving is a lifelong commitment. Follow our social media accounts: @NCGHSP on Facebook and @NC_GHSP on Twitter and Instagram for frequent safe driving tips!