New CDC Director Among Six Winners Of The 2023 North Carolina Award

The recipients have been announced for this year's North Carolina Award presentation. This prestigious award is the highest civilian honor in the Tarheel state, only given to North Carolinians who have made substantial contributions in various fields. These include fine arts, literature, public service, and science.

So who are the honorees this year? Let's find out!

The three people receiving the North Carolina Award in the field of public service are G.K. Butterfield (Wilson), David Price (Chapel Hill), and Fred A. Whitfield (Greensboro).

All three men are worthy recipients, as each of them have made unmatched positive contributions to the state. Butterfield dutifully represented North Carolina's 1st Congressional District for 18 tireless years. Price has previously earned countless awards and recognitions due to his charitable advocacy efforts. And Whitfield has made tremendous strides as president and Chief Operating Officer of the Charlotte Hornets, and is also the only African-American COO in the NBA.

Marsha White Warren (Chapel Hill) is the lone recipient of the North Carolina Award in the field of literature. Warren is an accomplished poet and author whose literary works have touched the hearts of many across the Carolinas and beyond. Warren currently serves as a charter member and executive director of the North Carolina Writers Network.

In the field of fine arts, Patrick Dougherty (Southern Pines) is being honored for his achievements as a renowned sculptor. Dougherty's breathtaking exhibits are prominently featured in museums across the entire state.

And finally, the North Carolina Award in the field of science goes to Mandy K. Cohen (Raleigh). Serving as a lead physician for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Cohen was instrumental in helping North Carolinians stay safe and informed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this summer she was also appointed as director of the CDC.

In this news release, secretary of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Reid Wilson commends all six of this years North Carolina Award recipients. "These individuals have contributed so much to our state and nation thanks to their remarkable careers and achievements. Each of them has enhanced the lives of North Carolinians through their impressive accomplishments in public service, literature, science, and the arts."

Governor Roy Cooper will present the awards November 9, in a special ceremony at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Congratulations to the six honorees who strive to make North Carolina amazing in so many ways!

It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.

I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

https://visitsavannah.com/

The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

https://www.traversecity.com/

If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

https://keywest.com/