Summertime in Raleighwood

Raleigh, Ruff Raleigh, Rallywood, Raleighwood, R-Town - whatever you want to call it - is pretty much one of the main reasons I grew up to love living in the south. In my 22 years, I've watched it grow into one of the best places in the nation to live.

The edge of town is far enough out to offer suburban comforts and enough "country" to remind you that you are in fact living in the south and the city itself is a haven of cool things happening almost every day. (I'm going to do my best to feature some of these here when I can, especially since the closing of Raleighing.com.)

I saw both of these featured on the Raleigh Chronicle (which, oddly enough I was introduced to by my ECU cousin Lindsey who hails from Wilmington, NC) and am really excited to be able to share them here. Although they're a bit similar to Buckhead Raleigh (yes, I'll be posting about Buckhead soon!), I think they are unique enough to give them a Lil Lisa plug anyways.

Sidetrack Brewpub: This place BY FAR has the the BEST view of Raleigh in town. According to Raleigh Chronicle, their opening has been pushed back but I'm excited to give them a try when they do finally open their doors. I pass this place everyday coming into Buckhead and it's exciting to know something will be taking shape there soon. Check out their website to stay updated on what's coming up for them.

Big Boss Brewing Company: I've never been here before but I also found it mentioned in the same Raleigh Chronicle article as above. Their website seems to be down at the moment, but I'm going to put this on my list of places to check out over the next few weeks and see if I can't get an udpate in here.

Energy Neighbor Fund Addresses Year-Round Need

Another tid-bit from the City of Raleigh May/June 2007 Newsletter:

"The Energy Neighbor Fund is Progress Energy's program for providing assistance to customers in need. The fund helps cover home energy bils, whether the homes are all-electric or use gas, coal, oil, wood or kerosene for home heating. In NC, the fund also helps support Operation Fan Relief, which provides fans during summer months to the elderly and other individuals with special needs.

Donations are collected from employees and customers and, through its foundation, Progress Energy contributes up to $500,000 per year in grants to support the program. The funding is allocated by state social service agencies to community organizations for distribution locally. Recipients must be living at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level and be experiencing a household crisis such as unexpected medical bills, loss of job, etc. The administrative costs of the program are absorbed completely by Progress Energy, so all donations go to help those in need."

I'd gladly include an extra few dollars with my energy bill each month... they should make that an option when paying your bill online :-D

Note: I spoke too soon... "Sign up online to give a monthly contribution. Complete the information on the form to add a set amount to your monthly bill for the Energy Neighbor Fund." I'm signed up now, you should too!

Recycle Your Old License Plates

I'm what Marshal Cohen calls a "light-green" kind of girl. I'm very adamant about recycling what I can but I still like to drive a SUV or gas-guzzling truck. Hey - you can't tow a boat with a Prius.... at least I don't suggest it.

In light of NC's new license plates... I'm passing along this recycling opportunity from my City of Raleigh May/June 2007 Newsletter:

"NC's vehicle license plates are getting a makeover by the NC DMV. DMV is replacing existing plates with an updated version. The oldest plates are being replaced first.

Owners receiving new plates are encouraged to take their old plates to license plate agencies for recycling. Raleigh DMV offices are at the following addresses:

DMV HQ's: 1100 New Bern Ave., 715-7000
West Raleigh: 3231 Avert Ferry Road, 816-9197
Holly Park Shopping Center: 3070 Wake Forest Road, 872-2815
N. Raleigh River Place Commerce Center: 9701 Capital Blvd - Suite 100, 570-1016"

Now, I'm not criticizing... but wouldn't it have made more sense to include an envelope that people could have sent their old ones back in postage free (think: Netflix) ... which I believe would increase the amount that actually get recycled? (Not to mention, now people without insurance are just going to be able to get these extras in their hands and drive around with invalid plates...)

Oh well, recycle those plates anyways y'all!