According to Weather.com concentration of pollen grains in the air this week are very high and will be increasing even further into the extremely high range.

The predominant pollen out there is tree pollen mainly from pine, oak, birch, cedar, juniper and maple trees.  Based on past pollen counts and expected weather conditions, pollen levels for Monday will be increasing over the pollen levels on Sunday and continue to rise.  Since the weather has a major influence on pollen dispersal, the cause for the rising pollen levels is higher temperatures and the lower dew point.

ALLERGY FACTS

The medical community has traditionally thought that allergy and asthma attacks are typically not caused directly by exposure to pollen alone, since particles needs to be small enough to actually enter the lungs in order to bring on symptoms, and pollen tends to be just over the threshold in size to meet this requirement.

Pine pollen (the thick yellow stuff) is so heavy that it usually falls to the ground rather than being carried in the wind. Because of this, pine pollen is usually not aspirated like the lighter wind-borne pollens that cause allergic reactions.

If you experience sneezes and wheezes when pine pollen covers the cars and sidewalks, it may be that other plant pollens are causing your symptoms.  Oak, hickory, Bermuda grass, fescue grass and ragweed are more likely to cause an allergic reaction or hay-fever than the yellow stuff.

But it’s still ugly.

Information from weather.com & weather.weatherbug.com

Morrisville, NC – This is not history or even fiction. This is fact, as remembered by a participant, Cary’s own Andy Dawson.

The time is 1941. War is rolling across Europe, but the U.S. is still on the sidelines.

Winston Churchill asks Juan Trippe, president of Pan American Airlines, to open a route across Africa to Egypt. British forces are under pressure from Axis Armies.

Ten weeks later, 19 year old Andy Dawson is performing aircraft maintenance in Khartoum as Pan Am ferries warplanes to Cairo.

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More than 50 years later, Andy and co-author Tom Culbert have revealed a little-know chapter in the history of World War II – the secret operation to reinforce the British in Egypt before the U.S. had entered the war.

Tom did the writing while Andy tracked down other veterans of the operation, official documents and historic photographs. The result is PAN AFRICA :Across the Sahara in 1941 with Pan Am.

A documentary drawn from this epic tale is in production for The History Channel. Andy appeared with a roughcut of the film at Cary Senior Center earlier this week.

I had the good fortune of meeting co-author Andy Dawson on a plane a couple of years ago. He is a fascinating man, and got me interested in this very important story of early air logistics in the opening days of World War Two. The book does not disappoint. It is short and concise, but well written, well illustrated, and complete. – Robert H on Amazon. Rated *****

If you’re a history buff, be sure to get your hands on Pan Africa by Morrisville’s own Andy Dawson.

Thanks to Robert Adams for help on this story.

Richard McNeel, President of Lord. CaryCitizen photos by Hal Goodtree.

Cary, NC – This story is the first in what we hope to be a continuing series about large businesses that chose to place their headquarters here in Cary. We call the series “Hidden Giants” because they’re big, and somewhat unknown.

We all know about RTP and SAS, but did you know that there are many other world-wide enterprises located right here in Cary? They employ thousands of people, maybe you or one of your neighbors.

One of these Hidden Giants is LORD Corporation. We sat down with Richard McNeel, the President of Lord, a couple of weeks ago.

What does LORD Do?

LORD was founded in 1924 in Erie, PA by Hugh C. Lord who had grown annoyed by the rattle of trains traveling near his home.

He vowed to come up with a solution to reduce the noise and he patented a vibration reduction system that was the beginning of LORD Corporation’s partnership with many aerospace and transportation companies. In addition to noise, motion and vibration control products and technologies, LORD manufactures coatings and adhesives that eliminate welds as well as alleviate heat in electronics.

These solutions are used in many high-end automotive models (Porche and Lexus, for instance) as well as aeronautics including the tilt-rotor Osprey aircraft.

Why Cary?

Just like many of us chose Cary for the great climate and proximity to transportation. LORD Corporation chose to move their headquarters here in the early 1980s. The educated work force was a big draw as well.

Most of the 300+ employees here in Cary are corporate management, global marketing, sales managers and engineers. One of the buildings, located in the Mac Gregor Office Park off of Rt 64, houses the research facility where chemical process work is performed.

Where Do They Do Business?

LORD is primarily a global business to business operation. Their innovations are actually all around us, but LORD does not market products directly to the consumer.

Customers include the aerospace, defense, electronics and transportation industries. Local clients include John Deere and Caterpillar. LORD also has global operations, with significant regional presence through its strategically-located hubs in Brazil, Shanghai, Tokyo and the United Kingdom.

More than 2500 people are employed worldwide by this $700 million privately held company. Approximately half of their business is outside of the US.

Giving Back

We at Cary Citizen are always interested in Community Service and we asked Mr. McNeel, what folks here at LORD do to give back to their community. He gave a powerful example that he supports through Habitat for Humanity.

Through Habitat, Rick contributes money as well as back breaking labor to help to build homes in downtown Cary. He has participated in Habitat for Humanity’s efforts for the past 2 years.

Rick is also involved with local schools where he donates his time and expertise. As a volunteer for the Junior Achievement program, he will be teaching five classes at Davis Drive Elementary School.

He added that each officer supports their own charities and community service programs; these activities are encouraged by the company.

So there you are – a Hidden Giant revealed.

Story by Tim Candon of the Carolina Railhawks. Photos for CaryCitizen by Karl Fisher.

CARY, N.C. (March 20, 2010) – For the second straight year, Mark Schulte scored the Carolina RailHawks’ only goal against the New England Revolution.

This time, however, it wasn’t enough.

Two minutes after Schulte’s 85th-minute equalizer, New England forward Zack Schilawski answered with a goal of his own, ultimately dealing the RailHawks a 2-1 defeat at WakeMed Soccer Park in Saturday’s preseason friendly.

It’s Better to Lose?

Though the loss wasn’t the desired result, Carolina coach Martin Rennie expects it will pay off when the team returns to training next week.

“Sometimes I think in the preseason it’s actually better to lose,” Rennie said. “It sounds silly. A lot of times you learn more when you lose and you can point things out more easily when you lose because people are a bit more open to receive the feedback. I think when you don’t play that well, which we didn’t, and you lose that gives you a chance to really build on something and to really show people this isn’t quite good enough and this is where you need to improve. From that perspective, coaching-wise, I’m really positive. I feel like we’re on track.”

While Rennie and several players agreed the team showed glimpses of strong play, they were unable to sustain that level over a prolonged period.

Perhaps then, it should be considered a strong sign that the RailHawks were able to overcome that and draw the match even in the closing moments.

Schulte Scores for Carolina

Mark Schulte appeared to have salvaged at least a tie for the RailHawks as full time approached. Josh Gardner started the sequence by serving a perfect ball into the box from 40 yards away. Schulte separated himself from his defender and hit a searing header toward the upper corner of the goal. New England goalkeeper Preston Burpo (seven saves) tipped the ball over the frame for a Carolina corner.

On the ensuing kick, after a brief scrum for the ball, Schulte found an opening and hammered it in.

“The ball bounced to Amir [Lowery] and he did really well just to give me half a yard to shoot,” Schulte said. “I just closed my eyes and hit it hard.”

Zack’s Back

Zack poses with a fan.

Remember Zack Schilawski? Local kid, he achieved fame with the winning goal in the 2007 NCAA Soccer championship for Wake Forest against Ohio State.  He also played for the Cary Clarets USL Development League team at Middle Creek Park.

New England’s Mike Mansally ripped a shot from the top of the area in the 87th minute. Carolina goalkeeper Nic Platter made the initial save, but the rebound went right to Zack, and he easily tapped in the chance.

Mansally also factored in the Revolution’s first goal. Pat Phelan headed in a 41st-minute Mansally corner kick that gave the Revolution a 1-0 lead.

Revolution’s D Tough to Crack

The RailHawks didn’t have a ton of chances, finding the well organized New England defense a tough unit to solve. The Revolution out-shot Carolina 18-11, but the RailHawks had two other strong scoring chances that just missed the mark.

In the 30th minute, Andriy Budnyy ran down a ball as it drifted toward the endline, beating the onrushing Burpo to the spot. With the goal open, Budnyy tried to bend a shot in from an impossible angle, but the ball wound up sailing over the frame.

In the 77th minute – with no shots on the ledger in the second half – Matt Watson led a promising counterattack into the Revolution end. He laid a soft ball off to Caleb Norkus, whose footing failed him as he prepared to fling a shot on a goal.

“We were OK,” said midfielder Amir Lowery. “Things weren’t clicking like they would be mid-season. At the same time, it’s our first preseason game against a professional team. It took us a while to settle in. Some passages of play were good, but overall we’ve got a lot to improve on and work on.”

And that was the general sentiment of the night.

“I felt like it was fairly typical for preseason,” Rennie said. “We’re about three weeks away from the start of the season and I think it kind of showed tonight. But credit to New England. New England are obviously a very good team.”

More Futbol Next Week

The RailHawks will continue working toward becoming a similarly good team with games on back-to-back nights next weekend.

First, they will meet the North Carolina men’s soccer team on Friday in Southern Pines. They will return to the Triangle on Saturday evening for a  square-off against the Montreal Impact at WakeMed Soccer Park.

(L-->R) Retired Detective George Almond and Corporal Jeff Huser. Photo by Tim Reichert.

Text for this series from Randy Byrd, Cary PBA Chapter President.

Cary, NC – Continuing our series of Cary Police stories, we profile Corporal Jeff Huser. Jeff was nominated this year for the George Almond “Officer of the Year” award. Here is his story.

The Expert Cop

Jeff was nominated by his supervisor, Sgt. Brian Smith for his incredible work ethic and the actions that he took to save a fellow officer’s life.  In his nomination, Sgt. Smith highlighted some specific examples that demonstrate Corporal Huser’s dedication to the department and the citizens he serves.

First, Jeff is a member of Cary’s Emergency Response Team. He has served in that position since 1996. On that team Jeff serves as one of the two snipers for the entire department. Being a member of that team requires that Jeff be on call every two weeks. Usually they train about 4 times a month. During 2009 it is estimated that he has spent around 350 hours doing this assignment for the town.

Second, Jeff is one of the founding members of the Cary Police Department honor guard. Jeff is the catalyst behind the program. He researched and submitted the program to the command staff back in 1997 and has served as a member ever since. During the year Jeff spends about 30 hours as an honor guard. There he marches in parades, ceremonies in the police department and North Carolina, and represents the police department in funerals for officers who have lost their lives in North Carolina.

Third, Jeff is one of twelve firearm instructors. Being one of these instructors is a lot of pressure. They have to maintain safety and security for each officer while they are at the range. They have to teach and demonstrate new techniques to officers. Each year they are required to work at the firing range to make sure each officer qualifies with their assigned weapons. During 2009 it is estimated that Jeff has spent around 50 hours doing his assigned task of firearm’s instructor.

Fourth, Jeff is one of seven driver instructors for the department. Like firearms, they have to make sure of everyone’s safety while at the track. They also have to demonstrate and teach new skills to the officers. During 2009 it is estimated that Jeff spent around 50 hours doing this task as well.

Saving Officer Knick

On Tuesday, September 29, 2009, Jeff started his day just like any other training day at the driving track in Sanford, NC. He, along with others, went out before the students arrived and made sure the driving course was safe and set up correctly.

During the training day a fellow officer in Jeff’s group, Travis Knick, started to complain of shortness of breath. Jeff immediately guided the student to safe area and started to assess his condition. Jeff had another officer in the group call for EMS to respond to the scene.

Jeff stayed with the officer until EMS arrived on the scene and took over care of the officer. Later that day, Jeff responded to the hospital to check on his fellow officer and to comfort the family. One officer noted that Jeff’s quick response to care for his fellow officer may have saved that officer’s life. Corporal Huser said that he just relied on his training and tried to remain calm so his fellow officer could stay focused and not worry about his condition.

“He should be used as a model to other officers on how to remain calm in an adverse situation,” said Sgt. Smith.

A Modest Hero

When Corporal Huser was asked to describe what this award and George Almond’s legacy means to him he offered these thoughts.

“This award, though created by a tragedy, really is a positive for others.  George Almond was shot in the line of duty and left awaiting his fate on the side of US 1.  The award to me is not what transpired that night, but how a great person became even greater.  Though he may not have thought about giving up, his love of live and family overpowered everything.  For George Almond to conquer something that seemed nearly impossible, I find it an honor to have my name mentioned with his.”

Bio

Jeff Huser was born in Indianapolis, Indiana and later lived in Galveston, Texas before his family moved to the Triangle area.

Jeff graduated from Apex High School and attended Wake Technical Community College.  He started his career with the Roanoke Rapids police department in 1992, before coming to work with the Cary police department in 1995.

Jeff has worked in many assignments throughout his time with the Cary police department including the bike team and the traffic safety team.  Jeff is currently a Corporal assigned to the Field Operations division.

Story edited by Hal Goodtree.

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This week’s CaryCitizen is sponsored by FrantzForHouse.org.

Here’s a story in pictures of the final game with photos by Suzie Wolf and Hal Goodtree. You can also see the slideshow on Flickr.

BTW – Suzie posted over 250 shots of the game on SmugMug. Check them out for a more detailed look at the game.

GAME SUMMARY

You could tell Green Hope had an uphill battle from the moment the teams gathered for the opening tip off. The Bulldogs had a serious height advantage over the Lady Falcons.

Butler ran off 11 unanswered points to start the game.

Green Hope played with heart for all 32 minutes, but they never seemed to get into the offense. While the Bulldogs scored inside and dominated the boards, GHHS took jumpers and seemed to rush their offense. Missed shots led to fast breaks and easy scores.

The first half ended with Butler on top 42-19.

Green Hope made a push in the second half, slashing to the hole and getting more physical. But Butler never really lost control of the game.

Bulldog standout Cierra Burdik showed why she was the Gatorade NC Player of the Year. Tall enough to play center, she handles the ball like a guard. Burdik’s a terrific passer, especially down low and in traffic, drawing the defense and threading the needle with a wrap-around. She has good footwork around the basket bringing to mind a certain Wake Forest Player dubbed The Big Fundamental. Burdik was named tournament MVP.

As the fourth quarter passed the midway point, the faces in the Green Hope bench began to reflect the reality of the situation. But the girls on the floor played with composure and heart until the very last tick. It was inspiring to watch the girls gut it out and spoke of their maturity and the quality of the coaching staff.

Junior Caitlyn Ranson had 21 points on 5-for-8 shooting from 3-point land. Kristen Gaffney finished with 25 points to set a new state record for most points in a sophomore season with 831. Camille Forbes scored seven points and Senior Alyssa Paul added six. Gaffney was honored as the team’s Most Outstanding Player.

Final Score: Butler 87, Green Hope 61.

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This week’s CaryCitizen is sponsored by FrantzForHouse.org.

CARY, N.C. – Gayla Bonke, owner and chef at Chatham Street Café, located at 140 E. Chatham St., has announced that the restaurant will host a fundraiser and wine tasting event on Monday, March 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. to benefit the Triangle Walk to Defeat ALS.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Chatham Street Café and the cost is $25 per person, which includes tapas, one beverage (wine, beer, soda) and a wine tasting.  Attendees will have the opportunity to bid in a silent auction on items from Total Wine; Tammy Clements Style Studios; Charlotte Duke, LMBT Massage Therapy; Cooper’s Furniture; and Carafe.

Walk for the Cause

The event will be held in memory of John Bohnel.  All proceeds will go to the JohnnyB’s LUNAtics team in support of the Triangle Walk to Defeat ALS. The event is April 10 at 10 a.m. at the Credit Suisse campus.  The 3K walk will help fund the vital patient services program and ALS research.

ALS

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s disease,” is a progressive motor neuron disease that attacks nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord, damaging upper and lower motor neurons.  There is no known cause or cure, and it affects everyone differently.  Nearly 5,600 people each year in the United States alone are diagnosed with ALS.

Cary, NC – Please join Lee Calhoun as he demonstrates grafting, planting and maintenance techniques for fruiting trees and vines that can be grown in our region.

You will learn by doing, so come prepared with gloves and boots and help install apple and pear trees and grape vines in the gardens of the Cary Senior Center in Bond Park, this Saturday, March 20th from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Lee Calhoun Jr., author of “Old Southern Apples”, will conduct an informational session and workday at the Cary Senior Center Garden. Mr. Calhoun has spent years tracking down heirloom apple trees all over the South.  He has been finding and propagating heirloom varieties of apples that were common throughout the rural South and endanger of disappearing altogether. He now grows them in his own orchard in Pittsboro.

Listen to Mr. Calhoun as he tells his stories about finding old Southern apples on farms all over Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Years ago, apples were the staple of the Southern diet and every farm had apple trees.  The large variety provided fruit from June to November. Learn more about how apple trees feed us, preserve our heritage and tell us stories of a bygone era.

Registration is required; please contact the Spruce Coordinator to sign up at (919) 469-4301 or heather.morell@townofcary.org

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This issue of CaryCitizen is sponsored by FrantzForHouse.org.

Sallieu Bundu (left) is starting his second season with the Cary club

Cary, NC – The Carolina RailHawks are offering a two games for the price of one Community Shield Exhibition Package.  Included in this package are both the Community Shield exhibition match against the New England Revolution and exhibition against the Montreal Impact.

THIS SATURDAY AND NEXT

The New England Revolution, of Major League Soccer (MLS), will take on the RailHawks this Saturday, March 20, 2010 (7PM) at WakeMed Soccer Park. And on Saturday March 27, the Montreal Impact, 2009 USL-1 Champion, will visit the RailHawks at home.

$12 gets you tickets for both games, normally a $24 value.

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This issue of CaryCitizen is sponsored by FrantzForHouse.org.

Cary, NC – Safe Kids North Carolina is partnering with local enforcement agencies, the State Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration to sponsor a statewide prescription medication take-back program called Operation Medicine Drop to prevent accidental poisonings and abuse. During National Drug Prevention Week, March 14 – 20, Operation Medicine Drop will hold take-back medicine events.

FACTS ABOUT PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE

1. Prescription drugs are the second most abused drug among young people ages 12-17.
2. Two-thirds of teenagers who use prescription drugs without proper authorization get the drugs from their home or a friend’s home.
3. Fatal drug overdoses are now the second leading cause of death due to unintentional injury in the U.S., exceeded only by motor vehicle deaths.

CARY LOCATIONS FOR OPERATION MEDICINE DROP

• March 17th, SAS Campus, 100 SAS Campus Dr., Cary.  9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

• March 17th, Walgreens, 3441 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

• March 18th, Ashworth’s Pharmacy, 105 W. Chatham St., Cary. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• March 20th, Walgreens, 1210 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

You can drop off your old, unused, or unwanted prescription drugs at these locations for proper disposal.

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This issue of CaryCitizen is sponsored by FrantzForHouse.org.