News About Town: Tonight, January 31, the board will participate in the fifth (and final) Board Orientation meeting. Staff will present the following information:

• Budget forecasting Budget Forecasting Model Departmental Needs

• Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) CIP

• American Rescue Plan Act-Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (ARPA-CLFRF)

• Bond referendums Bond Primer Bond Options

The meeting will be held remotely. Watch via Zoom (meeting ID 883 8312 4172) or watch on YouTube. Call-in instructions are posted online with the agenda.  

News Around Town:  At-home rapid COVID tests are now available for free. Limited to one set of four per household, sign up online here. If you’re looking for a free drive-thru test, COVID there are a couple options:

• On Call Mobile Medical and Wellness at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 381 Crestdale Rd, 10am - 2pm on Tuesday, Feb 1 and Monday, Feb 7.

• Starmed at the old Cinemark 10 theater, 9508 Northeast Ct, Monday through Friday, 9am to 3pm.

United Providers of Health also has a walk-up tent in the parking lot of Matthews United Methodist Church, 801 South Trade St, on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from noon to 5pm.
In an age where information seems readily available, the Public Health Hotline: 980-314-9400 is a reliable resource. Choose option 3 (English) or opción 8 (Español). The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm and is for general questions regarding COVID-19 and vaccines. As always, if you have a medical emergency, call 911.

One Fun Thing:  Brakeman’s (225 N Trade St.) is once again hosting their popular Daddy/Daughter Valentine's Date Night. This year the café is adding a Mother/Son event, too. Enjoy a fun activity with your little one while you snack on cookies and cocoa. Tickets are available at the shop, but space is limited so get yours ASAP.