**This post is regularly updated. Do you have updates, suggestions or photos you want to share? Send us an email at editorial@durhammag.com.**
COVID-19’s presence in our city and state and, indeed, throughout the country and the nation, brings uncertainty and unease. Governor Roy Cooper officially banned dining in at bars and restaurants on Tuesday, March 17. Limiting gatherings and many more measures are being taken to prevent the spread of the virus. Mayor Steve Schewel issued a stay-at-home order for Durham, effective March 26 at 6pm until April 30, but it will be regularly reviewed and evaluated and can be revised, amended or extended.
Small business owners, as well as their employees, need our help. And help we must. That’s what Durham is great at. Closures and all, there are still ways for us to support our community.
FIRST
The fine folks at Discover Durham have put together a succinct overview of ways to support local businesses as they face the pressures and challenges that COVID-19 is putting on its companies and organizations. Find that list of ideas here.
Also, the City of Durham’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development, in collaboration with the members of its Small Business Advisory Committee (SBAC), launched DurhamBusiness360.com, a new small business development website designed to connect small business owners and entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to grow and thrive. The front page of the website features a number of COVID-19-related topics for small business owners including: a summary of loan and grant programs available through the U.S. Congress’ CARES Act; an events calendar with upcoming webinars from partner organizations; and a running list of what other companies, business support organizations and government entities are doing to assist.
AN INCREASED NEED FOR DONATIONS AND NONPROFITS AS COVID-19 IMPACTS JOBS, WAYS OF LIFE
The Durham Literacy Center moved its 2020 e-Leaders in Literacy Breakfast online this year. The program, which takes place June 4, will focus on poverty and vulnerable populations in the Triangle. There event features updates on the Center’s programming, a keynote discussion by Gene Nichol on the socio-economic implications of the current COVID-19 crisis, and stories from students on their educational journeys.
While Caring House had to temporarily close to protect the health of its guests, the nonprofit announced on April 16 that it will continue to serve guests from afar with the implementation of its new scholarship fund. During closure, Caring House is subsidizing hotel bills at a rate of $40 per night for Duke Cancer Institute patients who are currently unable to stay at the nonprofit. If you would like to make a contribution to the Caring House Scholarship Fund, click here. Your donation ensures that their team can continue taking care of guests.
TROSA suspended its TROSA Moving and TROSA Thrift Store operations on March 18. However, TROSA continues to provide free housing, meals, health services, vocational training and more, to men and women with substance use disorders. Now that TROSA has closed those enterprises, the nonprofit is losing $150,000 each week its closed – money which is used to fund its cost-free services. To help TROSA stay afloat and provide for its residential community, donate to its cause.
In response to the pandemic, the United Way of the Greater Triangle announced on March 16 that it launched a Rapid Response Fund to help supply funding for nonprofit organizations providing local residents with necessary resources such as food, hygiene supplies, childcare and housing support. To support these efforts, donate here or mail checks made out to United Way of the Greater Triangle to Rapid Response Fund, P.O. Box 110583, Durham, NC 27709-0962.
Rebekah Miel of Miel Design Studio organized a GoFundMe in partnership with the Day One Disaster Relief, a disaster relief organization founded in September 2018 in the wake of Hurricane Florence. Supported by community leaders – Mayor Steve Schewel; City Council members Vernetta Alston, Javiera Caballero, DeDreana Freeman, Jillian Johnson, Mark-Anthony Middleton and Charlie Reece; and members of the Durham County Board of Commissioners – the fund gives relief to individuals impacted by the outbreak and helps purchase medical and cleaning supplies. It’s reached more than $6,000 out of its $1 million goal.
Book Harvest’s office at Rockwood Shopping Center is closed until further notice. The nonprofit originally offered bookshelves outside its doors that were filled with free books, but had to remove the shelves and donation bins to Mayor Steve Schewel‘s stay-at-home order on March 25. For regular updates, check out their Instagram or website, where they also have a “Learning at Home” resources page for the kids while they’re out of school.
The Durham Arts Council is working with private and public partners – such as Duke University, the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, Triangle Community Foundation, among others – to provide immediate resources and long-term strategies for local nonprofit arts organizations, artists, artist collectives, arts presenters, arts venues and arts businesses. As a result, the DAC launched the Arts Recovery Fund in partnership with the Durham Artist Relief Fund established by Northstar Church of the Arts. The two funds will support, cross-promote and coordinate with each other to maximize resources available to the arts community.
In response to Durham Public Schools (DPS) closing from March 16 until May 15, the DPS Foundation is currently accepting donations for meals (and is partnering with restaurants to feed children and families) and remote learning resources, so “no student goes hungry or falls behind.”
The Animal Protection Society of Durham moved its animals to foster care on March 15. The animal shelter said in a statement, “We have determined that the best course of action is to limit shelter traffic to appointment-only visits for animal adoptions, surrenders and lost pet searches.” Adoption processes are being adapted, using available technology such as online video “meetings” and other creative ways to make a connection between prospective adopters and available animals. APS of Durham staff continue to work regular hours every day to provide care for the animals housed in the shelter. For more information, visit its website.
- If you would like to donate food and supplies to the shelter, view the APS wish list. Pints for Paws has been rescheduled to Sept. 5, 2020. Walk for the Animals fundraising efforts will move forward as an online event, culminating in supporters walking in their own neighborhoods in solidarity on May 23, posting their experiences on social media. Registration is currently open and online donations are being accepted.
The Scrap Exchange relaunched curbside pickup on April 27. To learn more about how its curbside pickup process works, check out its blog post. The store also has a new online store, where customers can find Boredom Buster Kids Craft boxes, book bundles, yarn bags, boxes of puzzles, knitting and crocheting kits, and more!
Best Love Family Foundation, a nonprofit that offers community support and assistance to children in the foster care system and the families who care for them, services service Durham, Wake, Alamance and Orange counties and operates 100% off of donations and contributions, which are very much needed at this time.
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) suspended public operations at all locations, except some state parks and trails. The suspension of operations includes:
- The North Carolina museums of art, history and natural sciences, plus regional museums
- Eno River State Park might be closed, but the Brumley Nature Preserve is a great hiking alternative – 613 acres and more than 15 miles of biking and hiking trails. Hikers can also still access the entirety of the Falls Lake section of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail by parking at any of the trailheads, where the trail crosses the road. For more information, check out the North Carolina State Parks website.
- State historic sites, including our own Duke Homestead, Bennett Place and Historic Stagville
- State aquariums and Jennette’s Pier
- The North Carolina Zoo
- The State Library of North Carolina and the Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
- The State Archives, including regional archive offices
- North Carolina Symphony
But you can view the spaces through DNCR’s virtual 360 experiences at nc.gov/nc360.
The Museum of Durham History may be closed, but you can still engage with its history by taking a walk through the museum’s History Groves to get some fresh air while you learn about individuals who had an impact on the community. You can also view its current rotating exhibit: “A Creative Protest: MLK Comes to Durham,” available online.
Over the next few weeks, MoDH will also post a scavenger hunt on its blog and social media that will help guide participants through Open Durham, an online inventory of information about people, places, and history that MoDH uses to explore Durham’s history. The scavenger hunt will show you how to utilize the website and what types of information you can learn. CLICK HERE TO START THE SCAVENGER HUNT!
Here’s a map to all of the History Groves:
The Exchange Family Center closed its office and in-person services. Its team will work remotely to continue providing as many services as possible to the families, children and caregivers throughout the area. Staff are still available for questions or inquiries via email or phone as they adapt to remote-based approaches. If you need to contact your therapist or a member of management, please visit their staff page for a listing. That said, the nonprofit canceled Pinwheels Family Fun Day on April 26. If you have questions about your sponsorship, donation and/or have purchased a ticket and are seeking a refund, please contact Calvin at 919-321-0657 or by email.
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is still open and as of March 27, the nonprofit has distributed nearly 3,000 family-sized boxes, containing 20 meals per box. “Packed by small groups of volunteers, these boxes are what we’re hearing are most helpful to the community right now, providing more meals to sustain people during these uncertain times,” its website says. While the food bank is primarily look for donations (donate here), they are still accepting volunteers and keep the volunteer groups to under 10 people (sign up to volunteer here).
CATCH UP ON YOUR READING
Durham County Library locations are closed until further notice (but be sure to check out their online resources, including e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines, TV shows and more). And, you can still purchase books from our local bookstores:
- The Regulator Bookshop offers online book orders with reduced shipping rates nationwide.
- Letters Bookshop offers free shipping on online book orders.
- Golden Fig Books offers curbside pickup and $1 shipping on online book orders.
FOR THE KIDS
The Museum of Life and Science is closed, but you can visit Life and Science at Home where you’ll find daily digital content to provide you and your family with engaging ways to learn, ask questions, and discover life and science.
The Durham Bulls launched its Wool E.’s Reading Club, in partnership with Amica Insurance, in March. The program aims to get approximately 5,000 students from Durham Public Schools to read at least 40,000 hours in 2020. And they’ve now made it easier for students to participate in Wool E.’s Reading Club at home: Download bookmark; read 500 minutes to complete bookmark; get a free ticket to a Bulls game when they play again.
Durham Arts Council music classes are going virtual so they can continue art engagement during self isolation. DAC will be using Zoom as a platform for its virtual classroom which will allow for teaching, students questions and group conversations.
- Beginner Ukulele Creative Movement, Ages 3-6
- Native American Flute and Meditation Intro Workshop
- Native American Flute and Meditation Workshop: Expand Your Creative Expression
- Koru Mindfulness
- Koru 2.0
- Beginning Flamenco: Tangos
- Beginning: Bulerias
- Lightroom
- Beginning Group Voice Workshop
- Individual Music Lessons – Voice and Guitar: Email Lauren Tannenbaum for inquiries.
VIRTUAL SHOPPING TRIPS
Turning to the online community is a big theme throughout this post, especially for retailers. While shopping online is nothing new, now more than ever is a perfect time to stock up on local spring and summer fashion.
- Vert & Vogue put its spring collection up on its website – florals, neutrals and plenty of dresses. If you email or DM the store, they’ll provide personalized suggestions and/or styling assistance. They also encourage customers to buy gift cards, and are offering 20% off those gift cards.
- Vert & Vogue added care packages filled with some of the boutique’s favorite feel-good items – snuggly blankets, silly socks, vibrant books, local goodies and more – to its online shop on April 21.
- Smitten Boutique is closed, but owner Nancy McKaig hosts live “Sip and Shops” on Facebook. Browse their website and Instagram to find something you like! Shipping is free. If you buy a gift card, “they don’t expire – ever,” the boutique says.
- Bungalow offers online shopping at its website, or DM them if you like something on their Instagram. Owner Celia Irvine has stopped shipping her items in order to limit items being handled by postal workers, but says in this post that she’s happy to deliver items herself.
- Bull City Records – last day for delivery is March 26. Will still be shipping (one or two day turnaround, locally) with a lot more stock in the web store.
- Gibson Girl Vintage is available for online shopping. If you order something, and it doesn’t fit, you can return it! “For my neighbors in Durham, I am happy to come to you for a fitting or a purchase,” says owner Sara Spissu. “I will ring you up curbside. I am also available for private [in-store] appointments.”
- Hamilton Hill is closed indefinitely, but offers designer jewelry at its online store. Call or text 919-683-1474 for any inquires.
- Vintage Home South is available for private shopping trips or private design consultations by appointment only. Call 919-599-4209, send a DM on Instagram or fill out the contact form on its website.
- In mid-April, the home design store launches an online shop with free shipping!
- Dolly’s Vintage does not sell its products online, but they sure would love your support. They’ll soon be selling gift cards, so check them out on Instagram and online.
- Fifi’s Fine Resale Apparel, now closed, sells high-end consignment items on its website. Check out their Instagram for updates!
- Ninth Street Flowers continues to deliver flower bouquets throughout the Triangle and allows pick up at the shop. Place your orders by phone at 919-286-5640 or on the website. P.S. They’ve waived all local delivery fees – use “freedel” at checkout for free shipping.
- Jewelsmith is closed. Check out its online store and dress up your sweats with accessories – use the promo code “STAYWELL” for an additional 19% off your online purchase (excludes bridal). All items are cleaned and sanitized prior to shipping and will be shipped (insurance included) at no charge.
- Bull City Fair Trade is offering ordering from their online store to have items shipped or delivered.
- Zola Craft Gallery is closed to walk-in traffic through Sunday, March 29, but is open for curbside pickup or Durham deliveries on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Call 919-286-5112 or email to find out what’s in stock.
- Sew Fine II – design studio closed, but designers are still doing phone and virtual appointments, and making deliveries.
- Support the United Way of the Greater Triangle and rep your favorite hometown baseball team with the release of the Durham Bulls‘ “Wash Your Horns” T-shirt. All proceeds from the shirt will be donated to United Way of the Greater Triangle to assist with their response to COVID-19.
- Bright Black candle company is shipping once per week and also delivering to Durham residents (shipping is refunded after people place their order). All spring markets were canceled, so the company is relying on direct-to-consumer sales to stay afloat. “We’re hoping our candles provide a bit of joy and hope and calm during this time of uncertainty.”
- Nolia Family + Coffee partnered with Bright Black Candle to produce the new Nolia candle – perfumed with magnolia blossoms, coffee and vanilla. There is a limited quantity of candles, which are available for local delivery. Purchase yours here.
- Pine State Flowers is offering flower subscriptions, where subscribers receive no-contact deliveries of locally grown flowers (supporting our area farmers!) every Thursday through the end of May. You can choose between a weekly pre-made bouquet for four weeks or a small bucket of loose flowers for your own personal arrangements for three weeks.
- If you’re not interested in a subscription, you can also do a one-time delivery and send flowers to a loved one. These deliveries are completed from Tuesday-Saturday. Order online or call 919-401-8200 between 9am-noon to place an order.
- Morgan Imports offers curbside pickup. Call the office at 919-688-1057 or the store if no one picks up at 919-688-1150.
STAY LOOKING FRESH
In a statement on Monday, March 23, Gov. Roy Cooper signed an executive order to close all hair and nail salons, barbershops and spas as of 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 25.
- H2O Hair Salon and Spa is closed but is encouraging the purchase of a gift card. Also offering 35% off gift certificates.
- Rock’s Bar and Hair Shop is closed. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates. “If you feel so inclined and are financially able to do so, calling and pre-paying for your next appointment is welcomed. Or if you love your stylist, call and tip them over the phone,” the shop said in a statement.
- Spruce Hair Salon is now closed. They encourage buying gift cards (use promo code “goodvibes” for 10% off”), leaving a review on Google or Yelp, referring your friends and inviting them to follow their Instagram. Stay tuned for its online store with T-shirts and reusable totes. All purchases will help the salon pay their bills in this time of crisis.
- Salty Waters Float Spa is temporarily closed.
- Bella Trio Studio is offering 20% extra value on online gift card purchases now to the end of March.
- Vent Salon is closed.
- Wavelengths will be closed starting Sunday, March 22.
- Posh The Salon will be closed starting Saturday, March 21.
- Lo & Behold is offering free shipping on all domestic orders through April. Check out their website, which offers facial care products, body moisturizers, lip balms and salves, and more.
- Elevate Salon Institute is closed.
- New Orchard Wellness – Although the holistic skin care side of the business is closed, they are offering healthy skin consults online starting April 1 – simple ways to maintain good skin in the teen years and as you age. Receive a comprehensive analysis and plan via email, live consult and product specials.
- White Star Cleaners at Ninth and Green streets offers curbside laundry service for those who would rather not venture inside. If you can’t make it there during their hours (8am-5pm), you can observe the stay-at-home orders with their contactless pickup and delivery. White Star can text/email when your order is ready (often before it’s promised) and has a Rewards Club with loyalty earnings, monthly email coupon specials and mailed coupons.
TOO FIT TO QUIT
Don’t cancel your memberships to gyms and fitness studios – some places, like Threehouse Studios, are exploring the idea of virtual class options, too! Keep an eye on their Instagram and Facebook for regular updates.
- The 360 Approach is offering personal training and group classes online. Each online class is donation-based. These classes are always free to sign up, and you can make your donation here.
- With the cancellation and postponement of many races, Bull City Running Co. launched the Durham Social Distance Project to encourage Durhamites to keep running. Each Tuesday for the next eight weeks, they’ll highlight a different segment to run on the app, Strava. At the end of each week, participants who completed the segment will be entered into a weekly prize drawing.
- The store also offers free shipping and same-day delivery to local addresses. Customers can place orders at its online store, by phone (919-265-3904) or email. If you have questions about running gear, the store rolled out a virtual fit process to help people select the proper shoes.
- Empower Personalized Fitness is currently closed, but is offering both online training and concierge training (in-home or meet-up).
- Growga is offering free online classes twice a week for families and kids.
- On Friday, April 23, Growga and the North Carolina Museum of Art host a guided meditation for kids based around an iconic piece of art at the museum. Kids (and parents) can use the time to find some calm through art.
- Pure Barre is streaming live class in an exclusive Facebook group for members. Check out their latest posts to see how you can join.
- Durham’s nationally renowned yogi Jessamyn Stanley offers a free, two-week trial to new subscribers. Sign up on her website.
- Bouncing Bulldogs hopes to resume program activities April 6.
- Arrichion Durham tentatively reopens April 1. Until then the studio is still offering a full class schedule – virtually – for members. Not a member? They’re offering a one month unlimited option for $115 with access to the virtual studio as well as access to its regular studio once it reopens. For more information, email infodurham@arrichion.com. To sign up, use promo code “STAYHOME” at arrichion.com/stayhome.
- Fitness @ The Cube is taking their classes online with live streaming. The studio is currently offering 10 classes for $100!
- Jessica Collette of La Vita Yoga is offering free live online yoga classes for the next few weeks. Sign up on her website.
- Bikram Yoga Durham starts live streaming classes on the Zoom app Saturday, March 20. Sign up for the class via Mindbody.
- InsideOut Body Therapies launched virtual yoga and Pilates classes on Monday, March 16. You can sign up here.
- ActivEdge offers to loan equipment for at-home workouts. Trainers will work one-on-one with clients using platforms like FaceTime, direct phone and videos, YouTube and Zoom (for live appointment times). The gym is also offering a modified class schedule, which can be booked through MindBody.
- Bespoke Body canceled in-person classes, but offer live classes via Zoom. If you need small equipment packs, email cid@bespokebodyfit.com.
- CycleBar in Brier Creek offers bike rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve one today for $179/month, and they’ll deliver the stationary bike for $50. Email briercreek@cyclebar.com.
- Unite with riders across the country during the Bikes & Beers virtual cycling event, which benefits local breweries and supports COVID-19 relief efforts. Sign up, start riding on April 1, log miles for one month and get your Rider Appreciation Package, which includes tokens for two beers from Bull City Burger and Brewery. It can be done out in the fresh air or on your indoor trainer. On May 1, riders will submit their total mileage to Bikes & Beers, and they will award prizes for age/gender groups based on total mileage. Remember to ride in small groups (fewer than 6) and maintain a 6-foot distance from one another for safe social distancing practices.
- Pedego Triangle remains open 10am-5pm daily except Monday for renting, selling and servicing Pedego Triangle electric bikes. All social distancing requirements are strongly abided by sanitizing all bikes and helmets between users, remaining six feet apart and washing hands frequently. Clorox wipes and hand sanitizer are also provided to customers.
- TotalBodyLab is offering a free week of fun bodyweight workouts for the entire family by champion bodybuilder Katya Gorbacheva. Email DURHAMMAG to katya@totalbodylab.com to access the workouts.
WE ❤️ OUR ARTISTS
- Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater launched Ailey All Access, a free online initiative featuring a series of weekly performance broadcasts, original short films created by company dancers, Ailey Extension dance and fitness classes, and more. In an effort to keep Ailey alive in the hearts of our community, consider donating to its Still, We Dance campaign.
- Kidznotes kicks off the first of its weekly virtual concert series on Thursday, April 23 at 7pm with New Tech High School senior and Kidznotes student Marcus Gee and Bonnie Thron, principal cellist for the North Carolina Symphony. Kidznotes will broadcast concerts live every Thursday at 7pm on its Facebook.
- Duke Performances partners with Duke Arts and WXDU on a livestream series taking place on Facebook Live and Instagram Live via DP. Starting Wednesday, April 8 at 7pm, DP kicks off the series with guitarist and composer William Tyler. William is a part of the Merge Records family, and DP commissioned William’s “Corduroy Roads”in 2014.
- All participating artists will be paid for their contributions to the series. Additionally, DP encourages viewers to give to two important fundraising efforts organized by local arts organizations – the Durham Arts Council’s Arts Recovery Fund and NorthStar Church of the Arts’ Durham Artist Relief Fund – to support the Durham arts community.
- NorthStar Church of the Arts launched a GoFundMe to help “artists and arts presenters in Durham who have been financially impacted by cancellations due to COVID-19, with priority given to BIPOC [Black and Indigenous People/Person(s) of Color] artists, transgender and nonbinary artists, and disabled artists,” the statement says on its website. If you’re an artist, the website also has an option to apply for relief funds. And if you’re a freelance artist, there’s a growing resource list with a directory of everything you need to have or know to stay afloat.
- NorthStar and The Pinhook joined forces to create a What-the-Hell-a-Thon. “From the live-to-you-in-your-living-room / people-need-our-help-right-now traditions of telethons, we want to present something to Durham that keeps everyone safe, lifts people’s spirits, raises money for the Durham Artist Relief Fund and supports our venues.” The first What-the-Hell-a-Thon on April 4 included: Madison McFerrin, Tashi Dorji, Sadie Dupuis (Speedy Ortiz), Shirlette Ammons, Skylar Gudasz, Tift Merritt and others. Learn more and become a Patreon to sign up for the event.
- SAVE THE DATE for the next What-the-Hell-a-Thon on May 16!
- The Mothership is closed but they encourage customers to buy gift cards. And stay tuned, they might have an online shop up and running soon. Check out their official statement on Instagram, and keep your eyes peeled for the online shop.
- Artisan Market at 305 is closed. E-gift cards are available on its website. Its online store goes live mid-April. Let them know if there are items from the store you want to see listed.
- Plenty of local artisan vendors to shop from on Etsy, too!
- Practice social distancing with The Pinhook every Tuesday at 8pm with virtual trivia until the regular event moves back to its “normal Tuesday spot at the bar. We will post a Google form with the questions. All you need to do is answer, and turn them in by 9:30pm! We will track cumulative scores and figure out a prize of some sort at the end of the quarantine,” the music venue said in a post on Instagram. For more information, check out the “Pinhook Trivia” group on Facebook.
- Tess Mangum Ocaña and Sam Reynolds launched a GoFundMe for Sonic Pie Productions as many of its spring and summer event contracts across the state have been canceled, with more surely to come. Donations will be divided 50% to the companies five local engineer contractors and 50% to Sonic Pie Productions LLC. “Your support means we can keep business bills paid, food on the table, come out of this and get back to work.”
- Horse & Buggy Press and Friends are intent on “sparking joy and conversation through remote transmission lines for the time being,” and will host a group exhibition, “Get Off My Cloud,” with silent auction bidding starting March 25. “There will be some sparkling gems priced to delight.” Exhibit and auction ends Saturday, April 25. Ten percent of sales from the gallery cut benefit the Triangle Restaurant Workers Relief Fund. Learn more about its Sustainer Fund Program as well.
- Art of Cool Festival canceled its 2020 event, scheduled for Sept. 26-28. “Stay connected to the vibe and sounds of Art of Cool [by] download[ing] the new AOC Radio app to stream music, great content and festival updates.”
- Mattox Knives is offering a 19% discount on online store purchases as well as free knife sharpening for food service workers – just shoot a message through website or Instagram.
- The American Dance Festival (ADF) announced March 31 that, due to the current situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19), ADF will cancel the 2020 season. “In caring for the well-being of our community, it feels like the only option, and we need to do it now because of all of the implications of waiting longer,” said Jodee Nimerichter, ADF executive director. “We are heartbroken for the lost opportunities for all of the artists, teachers, musicians, students, audiences, staff, interns and ADF fans. … I need art in my life and I’m guessing you do, too. Rest assured that we will bring you world-class performances and educational programs as soon as it is safe to do so!” ADF is currently accepting donations.
- Beginning May 4, for one month only, American Dance Festival (ADF) will stream the 2019 Footprints performance of Merce Cunningham Trust’s “How to Pass, Kick, Fall and Run.” Additionally, watch a recently recorded conversation with Merce Cunningham Trust’s Patricia Lent and teacher and stager Andrea Weber, and learn three phrases from “How to Pass, Kick, Fall and Run” as taught by Andrea. Check out all online offerings from ADF here!
- Duke Performances canceled the rest of its spring season. The Duke University Box Office will issue refunds to patrons holding tickets for presentations through May 16. Here’s the official statement.
- DPAC canceled some shows, including Evening of Entertainment and American Ballet Theatre. Other events have been postponed, like “The Color Purple,” Mandy Moore and Riverdance. Refunds will be issued automatically to canceled events. No action is needed to initiate your refund. For updates on DPAC, and a full rundown of the status of shows visit its website.
- The Carolina Theatre is closed. Check out the full list of canceled or postponed shows here. “The Carolina Theatre of Durham Inc., the nonprofit organization which operates the city-owned venue, is constructing a project-based plan to keep its part-time concessions and technical staff working in a safe environment during this difficult time for non-salaried workers,” the theater said. You can help sustain the theater by: upgrading your membership or renewing early; holding on to your existing tickets live events and films are rescheduled; buying a gift card to use in the future; support the local artists, service industry workers, local businesses and others who rely heavily on the theater’s economic impact to sustain themselves; making a donation to Carolina Theatre of Durham Inc.
- The Fruit stated that, “this virus could not come at a worse time for The Fruit financially. Spring for us is essentially what Christmas is to a retailer – over $60,000 in lost revenue due to local university closures alone. Our staff will suffer. We ask for your renewed support. The Fruit is a social enterprise that already offers over $200,000 in subsidy to the art community each year, and we ask you to be generous with your support for us and your regional artists, many of whom live close to the poverty line.”
ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO SUPPORT VENDORS WITHOUT THE EVENT
Gather Green, a full-service waste management company that helps businesses and events reduce the waste they produce, has had many of their events canceled. Owner Bryce Northington is currently offering virtual waste audit and consultation specials for a fraction of the normal cost: $50 per half-hour virtual consult and $80 per hour. “Have you been collecting some interesting hard-to-recycle material? Always wondered what to do with those grocery store rubber bands? We will be available to give advice, guidance and even provide pickups for your home and business,” the company posted on Facebook. Email info@wegathergreen.com to schedule an audit.
Bowerbird Flowers wants to spread joy through its newly created “Love & Hope Bouquet,” which they hope will promote a feeling of togetherness while supporting local flower farmers. “Every week through this uncertainty, we’ll source blooms from local farmers like Sassafras Fork Farm, Spring Forth Farm, Happy as a Coneflower Farm and Color Fields. In turn, we ask you to support us (and these farmers!) by ordering a Love & Hope Bouquet.” Order one for yourself or a friend at this link.
*Note: You can either pick up (they’ll place the bouquet in a holder with a name tag in front of the shop at 1322 Fordham Blvd., Chapel Hill) or they’ll deliver it for free on Tuesdays and Thursdays to Chapel Hill and Durham zip codes.
Starting March 27, Flowers by Gary offers “social distanced” deliveries through phone or website orders. Call 919-471-1566 or email flowersbygary@gmail.com.
THE SOCIAL NETWORK
LaunchBio suspended all in-person events and is going virtual. You can now join LaunchBio from anywhere in the world to experience programming for biotech entrepreneurs. It will host the first in its series of online “Larger Than Life Science” events on March 26. Register for ’Thinking Ahead’ or April 1’s “Leading Through Uncertain Times” to receive a link to participate in the webinar. If you can’t make the live webcast, RSVP anyway to get a link of the recording of the event afterward. For more details on upcoming webinars and recorded programs, check out their website.
PAWSIBLE SERVICES
Southpoint Animal Hospital adjusted its hours to Monday-Friday, 7am-6pm, and Saturday 8am-3pm (closed on the first Saturday of the month). To keep pets healthy during this time, the hospital offers a short-term drop-off appointment or day drop-off appointment. Learn more about its changes here.
TAKIN’ CARE OF BUSINESS
Chapel Hill Tire started offering two new services on March 19 to protect its customers and employees. The first, curbside service, will allow customers to drop their cars off without having to come into the lobby. The second, pickup and delivery service, will provide a no-contact solution for those who must or would prefer to stay in their homes or offices. Both services employ a text-to-pay feature to further minimize face-to-face transactions. Make an appointment here.
State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) branches statewide will transition to drive-thru only for the majority of its services to reduce the possibilities of transmission of the coronavirus to members, their families and SECU employees. Members who need to access safe deposit boxes, drop off tax return information, or inquire about a loan should call the branch to schedule an appointment. To find a branch near you, click here.
Hendrick Southpoint Auto Mall now offers ways to help customers limit their health risk while supporting their needs for purchasing or servicing vehicles. Online chat is available 24/7 at all of its dealership websites. You can also get an appraisal for your current vehicle with the Value Your Trade tool or receive options for financial assistance by filling out an online finance applications. If you want to test drive a car, they will bring a highly sanitized vehicle to your home or work for an on-demand test drive and leave you with the keys. And if your vehicle is in need of servicing, they offer concierge services and will pick your vehicle up from your home or office, bring it to the dealership to have services completed and bring it back when it’s finished.
Not Just Paper, a home/school/business supply store, is still open during its regular hours, but offers curbside service for those who do not want face-to-face contact. Email or call for details: notjustpaper@bramespecialty.com or 919-688-6886. The store is currently offering 10% off all educational supplies for homeschooling.
Art and events company Ghost Flowers has shifted all its resources to helping local businesses impacted by the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. CEO Ivana Vazquez says her company has partnered with businesses, professionals and other service providers across the region to create the Crisis Co-Op, an online platform dedicated to connecting those impacted by coronavirus directly to community members looking to help.
Starting Monday, March 23, Barnes Supply Co. will only offer curbside delivery. To place your order, call 919-286-7331 or 919-286-2750 or email at info@barnessupplydurham.com.
The Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Downtown Durham Inc., Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) and Durham Tech, host several COVID-19 Business Information Sessions. These sessions are designed to help businesses navigate the various complexities of running a business during this crisis, and to give business owners a place to share their concerns. You can register HERE for them. Most of these webinars will be available afterward to replay and will be posted on the Durham Chamber COVID-19 Resource Page.
The folks at Spoonflower made 100 fabric masks and are starting to send them out. “We are sending some to [a] rural health center here in North Carolina, Knox Wellness in Tennessee and are working on some that will be going to Massachusetts,” CEO Michael Jones said in an email. “We will continue production (likely around 200 daily) and will prioritize North Carolina and then other requests based on when they come in. We also have many employees that have asked if they can sew some of these masks at home, so they will be helping to augment our supply.” The company is also working to get its more than 4.5 million customers and makers involved. Find daily updates here.
In an effort to provide essential resources to local hospitals in need and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, Bedlam Vodka, the craft vodka distilled and bottled by Graybeard Distillery; MedPharm, a United Kingdom-based pharmaceutical company whose only U.S. site is based in Durham; and Avazyme, a customized testing solution provider, have combined forces to create, test and distribute quality-assured hand sanitizer. The sanitizer was supplied to WakeMed, a local health care provider, for use in its hospitals and numerous outpatient units in the local area.
Reborn Clothing Co., Counter Culture Coffee, Fullsteam Brewery, Videri Chocolate Factory and Murphy’s Naturals are partnering amid the COVID-19 pandemic for the Triangle Bundle Project. The project offers community members mail that will brighten their day and the opportunity to support small businesses during a time when they need it most. These local businesses are each contributing a unique product to a bundle that can be purchased for $50.00. Pre-order your bundle here.
Get Spiffy, an on-demand car care service, transitioned from car washes to car decontamination, and from there, to office decontamination. Spiffy offers multiple 99.999% effective disinfectant service options as well as bulk chemicals that you can bottle and place in your delivery vehicles. To inquire about a quote to disinfect your facility, click here. To learn more about their service offerings, click here.
Durham Prosthodontics reopens and resumes dental care starting May 18. If you were scheduled during the time that the practice was shut down, their team will contact you to reschedule your missed appointment. If you currently have a scheduled appointment, they will contact you to confirm it. Dr. Cunningham and Dr. Gazdeck now also take virtual appointments. If you would be more comfortable with a video consultation, rather than an in-person appointment, click here to schedule your teledentistry appointment.
HOTELS
21c Museum Hotel is closed. Founder Steve Wilson said in an email: “We look forward to reopening as soon as it is safe to do so, and we can’t wait for the day when we are able to welcome you back into our spaces.”
Morehead Manor Bed & Breakfast – Currently not accepting guests. You can purchase gift certificates online. Through April 30, receive a $50 gift certificate for every $200 in gift certificate purchases. Follow on Twitter and call 919-687-4366 with questions.
Unscripted Hotel – all restaurants and bars at Unscripted Durham are closed until further notice. The hotel is open and accepting reservations.
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
Durham Technical Community College has closed all campuses and locations effective immediately, due to Coronavirus (COVID-19). All classes, including online classes, are canceled through March 29. Beginning March 30, the majority of in-person classes will shift to remote instruction.
In-person classes are being moved to a virtual format until further notice at Duke University. The Duke Chapel, Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Nasher Museum of Art, Duke Lemur Center, Rubenstein Arts Center, Athletics Hall of Fame and Karsh Alumni and Visitors Center are all closed to visitors until further notice. All on-campus events – including admissions tours, chapel services, events at the museum and Duke Gardens, and all athletic events – have been canceled. Duke Health is sharing resources to help patients and community members help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
North Carolina Central University transitioned all classes (undergraduate, graduate, certificate and professional) to online delivery effective Monday, March 23, until further notice.
FURTHER RESOURCES
- Duke Office of Durham and Community Affairs has set up this site as a way to quickly share support activities by partners in our community.
- Bull City Responds is a list of ideas and resources for what we can do to help our Durham neighbors.
- Durham Cares
- End Hunger Durham food pantry list
- Family Connects Durham, a no-cost, community-wide nurse home visiting program for Durham County families of newborns is now offering tele-health “home” visits by registered nurses to all new parents who would like a virtual visit.
- Duke’s Family Connects International has information for parents in Durham on how to talk to kids, health in the postpartum period, parenting groups, breastfeeding support, etc.
- Bold Companies created a Small Business Blog to share updates and resources to help other small businesses navigate “trying to survive during these trying times.”
