Good morning neighbors,

High temperatures gave my family an excuse to mostly stay cool indoors this past weekend, but the heat’s impact was definitely felt in our area.

Between Friday, July 3 and Sunday, July 5, Alamance County EMS responded to nine calls related to heat exposure, according to EMS director Josh Kylander. Five of those folks were transported to a local hospital.

The National Weather Service’s heat risk forecasts showed that the northern part of Alamance County experienced extreme heat risk Saturday and Sunday. It is the highest category of risk where “extreme long-duration heat with little to no overnight relief affects anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration,” according to the NWS.

Lower Alamance remained in the major heat risk category with impacts that could “affect anyone without effective cooling or adequate hydration.”

Alamance County Emergency Management and organizations like United Way Alamance County used social media to share information about ways to stay safe. Considering July’s long range forecasts show temperatures between 50 to 60% above normal, keep these tips handy:

Cooling stations and resources to help prevent heat-related illnesses in our county include Allied Churches of Alamance County, Mercy & Grace Outreach Ministries, and Freedoms Hope. Our public libraries also serve as official cooling stations for anyone needing some respite from extreme heat.

Overall, extreme weather conditions and natural disasters can bring more awareness of when our neighbors’ lack basic needs like safe housing, shelter, clean water and air.

Food access is another such need.

For many families, schools are a vital source for food. In many places during the summer, food insecurity moves beyond closed school cafeteria walls that are replaced by public spaces – local parks, churches, and community centers – that serve as daily meal sites for children aged 18 or younger.

This week’s feature story explores how Alamance County families with children on free or reduced school meals lose their main food source and how community members partner with the school system to fill that gap. Inspired by UWAC’s Alamance County Resource Map and NC Local’s own food resource map, we built an interactive map for families facing food insecurity that lists food resources available now through August 24 – the first day of school. Check that out below.

Thanks for reading,

THIS WEEK

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WHAT'S SHAPING ALAMANCE

A round up of key local headlines (from our partners and other news organizations) that are defining life in Alamance right now.

• Alamance County confirms fourth rabies case after fox tests positive (WTVD)
• ABSS likely to freeze county supplement for teachers if governor signs state budget with 8 percent teacher raises (The Alamance News) *
• Alamance County Public Libraries Content Notice Submissions & Results (Alamance County Public Libraries)
  • At the June 30 special meeting, the Library committee voted to put “Parental Guidance” labels on seven more of the 25 children’s and young adults books appealed for review back in June. In total, 16 books were labeled from the appeal.
• AARP Commits $237,000 to Strengthen 21 Communities Across North Carolina(AARP North Carolina)
• SCOTUS decisions to have big impacts on NC ballots, sports(WFMY News 2)

• Elon University is now in control of Queens in Charlotte, accreditor says (The Charlotte Observer) *

LATEST FROM NC LOCAL

Here is the latest statewide reporting from the NC Local team on the big-picture issues that impact us all.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

In this segment, we spotlight one of the neighbors shaping our community's future. This summer, we are highlighting recipients of the Alamance Community Foundation's 2026 Spring Community Grant.

From left to right: Carol Dixon, Anna Green, Barbara Clayton, Sharon Talbert, and Heather Doolin wear Alamance ElderCare's "I Love Seniors" t-shirt, one of the organization's current fundraisers. (Credit: Alamance ElderCare)

Alamance ElderCare

• In a few words, describe your organization and its mission.
  Alamance ElderCare is a resource and information center for older adults and their families in Alamance County.  Our mission is to maximize the health, well-being and independence of older adults, and to provide leadership within the aging services community.

• What do you wish more people knew about your organization?
  Many people don't realize that Alamance ElderCare does much more than provide information and referrals. We help older adults and their caregivers navigate complex challenges by connecting them with resources, providing case assistance and options counseling, supporting family caregivers, and helping seniors remain safe, healthy, and independent in their own homes. We also provide essential incontinence supplies through our Diaper Assistance Program, helping seniors maintain their health, dignity, and quality of life. Our goal is to ensure that no senior has to face the challenges of aging alone.

• How can the community stay in touch and get involved?
  The community can stay connected with Alamance ElderCare by following us on social media, visiting our website, and attending our community events. There are many ways to get involved, including volunteering, making a financial contribution, hosting an incontinence supply drive, sponsoring an event, or helping raise awareness of the needs of older adults and family caregivers in our community. Every act of support helps us empower seniors to age with dignity, independence, and hope.

• Any big accomplishments or goals this year?
  This year, Alamance ElderCare has significantly expanded our impact by nearly tripling the number of families served through our Respite Program and doubling the number of individuals served through our Diaper Assistance Program. These milestones reflect the growing need for our services and our ongoing commitment to helping older adults and family caregivers remain safe, healthy, and independent at home.

THINGS TO DO

Whether you’re searching for family-friendly fun, a way to support local creators, or to get civically involved, here are a few ideas plus some from the Visit Alamance events calendar.

• Sesquicentennial Park Community Meeting
  Stafford Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church
  303 N. Main St., Graham, NC 27253
  Tuesday, July 7 at 6 p.m.
  RSVP to benes.nc@att.net

• Burlington City Council Meeting
  Tuesday, July 7 at 7 p.m.
  Municipal Building
  425 S. Lexington Ave., Burlington, NC 27215

• County Planning Board Meeting
  Thursday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m.
  Alamance County Development Center Conference Room
  1946 Martin St., Burlington, NC 27215
  On the agenda: "Land Use Map / Rural Preservation Ordinance"

• Green Level Town Council Meeting
  Thursday, July 9 at 7 p.m.
  City Hall
  201 S. Main St., Graham, NC 27253

• The Glass Menagerie: Opening Night
  Thursday, July 9 at 7:30 p.m.
  309 Huffman Mill Rd., Unit 540 (inside Holly Hill Mall), Burlington, NC 27215
  Tickets $18

• Concerts in the Park Series
  Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot Band
  Friday, July 10 at 7 p.m.
  Burlington City Park
  1419 Overbrook Rd., Burlington, NC 27215
  Free, open to the public

• Downtown Graham Freedom Fest
  Saturday, July 11 at 11 a.m.
  Graham Amphitheater
  104 E. Elm St., Graham, NC 27253
  Free, open to the public

• Live on the Green featuring The Magnificents
  Saturday, July 11 at 7 p.m.
  Downtown Gibsonville
  101 E. Main St., Gibsonville, NC 27249
  Free, open to the public

• Chill & Thrill Park Pop Up: Summer Jam Sesh
  Monday, July 13 at 10 a.m.
  Graham Regional Park
  1441 N. Jim Minor Rd., Graham, NC 27253
  Free, open to the public

GET INVOLVED

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