An Evening at Our North Carolina Museum of Art

The North Carolina Museum of Art is now hosting Art in the Evenings on Friday nights. Last night as I was looking at the installation in the entryway, I was struck by how differently the same sculpture can appear when you learn more about it. Butterflies are hung in a cluster forming a jet plane, and flowers form the jet's contrail. The structure has been in the foyer since the museum celebrated the Wright brothers' successful flight, and I visit the museum several times a year. I had always seen the butterflies moving slightly, clicking quietly against one another. But, upon learning that the butterflies were framed in memory wire, that they open and close because of the effect of heat on the wire, and that the heat is generated by small electrodes in the ceiling where the wires by which the butterflies hang are attached, I began to understand the sculpture in a new way. No longer was the movement random. The flapping was no longer just the effect of the soft flow of air in a large room. It became intentional. As always, new facts informed my views. And as always, I remain open to changing my views again if the information provided warrants. I truly believe that all matters, from art to zoning should be approached with an open mind and the willingness to learn.

Last Day to Register to Vote One Month from Today

One month from today may be the last day to register to vote, but if you have not updated your registration by April 11th, there is still hope. Until April 11th, you can register for the first time, change your party affiliation, or simply update your address. The voter registration form must be either post-marked by the 11th, or it may be hand delivered. However, if you miss the registration deadline, you may register during One-Stop Voting (which begins on April 17th) by going to a One-Stop site in your home county, filling out the registration form, and providing proof of residency to the elections official by presenting appropriate identification listing your current name and address. You will only be allowed to vote at the One-Stop site if you register in this manner. You will not be allowed to vote at your polling place on Primary Day, but your vote will be counted if you vote at the One-Stop site. One-Stop voting ends May 3rd. Register and VOTE in the MAY 6th primary.

Donna Shalala Spoke to a Packed Auditorium

At NC State's Stewart Theater, Former Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala discussed legislation that would assist returning servicemen and women. Not only were our responsibilities to the wounded emphasized, but also our ability to provide for the on-going education of our service members. Dr. Shalala addressed an audience of students, guests including First Lady Mary Easley, reporters, and members of the armed forces. Questions were accepted from the audience and ranged from inquiries into how soldiers could learn of the benefits already available, to how what we learn through caring for our wounded might affect the development of universal health care. Following the formal address, I was pleased to be able to talk with service members about the conundrums presented by the deployment of parents who leave children behind with friends and family members. While the children remain enrolled in local schools, our family courts must find ways for their temporary guardians and custodians to act in their best interests, without interfering with the family structure upon the return of the soldier-parents.

Adoptive Parents Meet at Kiwanis Park

Yesterday morning I was privileged to attend a baby shower honoring the adoptive parents and hopeful parents of A Child's Hope adoption agency. As an adopted child myself, I was moved to see the joy and hope that the adoptions brought to the families. Not only have I been told by my parents about my own adoption, but I remember the anticipation that I felt when we were going through the process to adopt my little brother. The process was long, and not easy, but my brother and I are both so glad that our parents found us and made us such a happy family. I truly look forward to being part of the adoption process from the bench, having the authority to sign an adoption decree and help to create a new family.