at February workshop

Gardeners interested in learning how to create productive garden beds while protecting Durham’s water quality at the same time will get their chance at a workshop focusing on sustainable garden management techniques.

On Monday, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can learn a wide variety of techniques to help protect Durham’s water sources, such as how to manage soil for best results; composting; how to install rain gardens; and how to choose and maintain landscape plantings that minimize fertilizer and water inputs.

The workshop will be held at the Durham County Cooperative Extension, at 721 Foster St. The cost to attend is $25 per person, which includes lunch. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 22.

“Once you understand how to manage your soil and choose the right plants, gardening success will follow,” said Michelle Wallace, an agent with the Durham County Cooperative Extension. “Whether you want to grow vegetables or simply create an attractive yard, this workshop will provide key tools.”

According to John Cox, water quality manager with the City of Durham’s Stormwater and GIS Services Division in the Public Works Department, sustainable gardening also protects local water resources. “What we do in our backyards affects regional drinking supply lakes like Falls and Jordan,” Cox said. “This seminar offers residents simple steps they can take at home to do their part for clean water.”

To register for this workshop, contact Pana Jones, program assistant for the Durham County Cooperative Extension, at 919-560-0525 or by email at prjones@dconc.gov.

Art Guild fundraiser

Feb. 15 at Golden Belt

The Durham Art Guild’s 19th Annual Sweet Arts Art Auction and Fundraiser will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15. This year’s event features heavy hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats from Durham restaurants Loaf, Watts Grocery and Hummingbird Bakery as well as a cash bar and coffee service provided by the Washington Inn.

Sweet Arts features a live and silent auction of artwork by some of the region’s leading artists and also some wonderful experiences, including:

• A night at the Washington Inn and Golf Resort with breakfast at the Fairview Restaurant

• A week at a private home in Sedona Arizona with pool, Jacuzzi and golf on property, sleeping up to 8 people, and a $200 gift certificate for Southwest Airlines

• Weekend in New York City at private apartment and $200 gift certificate for American Airlines

• A spa package from The Retreat Spa of Durham

• Family Membership for one year at the Nasher Museum of Art

• Two-night stay at the new Aloft Asheville, a W Hotel, $100.00 gift certificate for Mela Indian Restaurant, and $50.00 BP gas card.

Sweet Arts will be held in Golden Belt’s Building 6, 807 E. Main St. at the corner of Fayetteville (Elizabeth) and Main streets in downtown Durham. Tickets are $30 in advance at dag19thannualsweetarts.eventbrite.com or durhamartguild.org. The price is $35 at the door. Each ticket holder also receives a voucher for one free drink during the night of the event.

This year art will be available for preview leading up to the gala:

Saturday, Feb. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 11 to Friday, Feb. 15 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Artwork donations, up to two works per artist, will be accepted until Jan. 31. More details about submitting donations are available at durhamartguild.org.

All event proceeds support exhibitions, programs, productions and operations of the Durham Art Guild.

Nominees sought for

human relations awards

The City of Durham Human Relations Commission is now seeking nominations of city and county residents who have distinguished themselves by contributing their time and talents to promoting good human relations in Durham.

In honor of February as Human Relations Month, the City’s Human Relations Commission and the Human Relations Division of the City’s Neighborhood Improvement Department are hosting the 2013 Human Relations Award Ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Hayti Heritage Center, at 804 Old Fayetteville St..

At this ceremony, at least four Durham residents will be honored for improving human relations. New for this year is the Human Rights Youth Award, designed to recognize youth recipients who exhibit dedication to human relations at a young age, thereby leading the way for Durham’s future leaders. The four award categories are as follows:

• Carlie B. Sessoms Award – the highest and most coveted award to an individual or organization that has made a major impact on improving human relations. This award commemorates contributions of the late Carlie B. Sessoms, a Durham native who served as chair of the Human Relations Commission and played a major role in improving human relations locally and nationally.

• Housing Award – recognizes an individual or organization for outstanding efforts in promoting fair housing with emphasis on the economic, social and/or political impact in the community that has encouraged diversity and housing opportunities for all.

• Human Rights Award – presented to a local, state, or federal lawmaker who has successful supported or promoted human rights causes and issues.

• Human Rights Youth Award – presented to an individual or group of individuals under the age of 18 for demonstrating an understanding of, and commitment to, human relations in Durham.

The event is free and open to the public with refreshments immediately following the conclusion of the program. To download the nomination guidelines and nomination form, visit durhamnc.gov/ich/cb/nis/Documents/hr_award_form13.pdf.

For more information contact Delilah Donaldson, human relations manager for the City’s Neighborhood Improvement Services Department, at 919 560-4107, ext. 34277 or by email at Delilah.Donaldson@DurhamNC.gov.