CONCORD, North Carolina — Not many children crave connection more than 4-year-old Roman Butzlaff. If you pass by his house in Concord, North Carolina, he will surely greet you with a wave and a “hey.” 

“He wakes up every day excited to say ‘hi’ to somebody, like, that’s the first thing he wants to do,” his mother, Anna Butzlaff, told CBS News.

And yet, she said that for the longest time, Roman’s cheeriness belied an inner loneliness. About a year ago, his parents broke up. His father moved to Florida, and his grandparents lived out of state as well.

But fortunately, all those seeds of kindness he had planted began to bloom. It started with Wade Fulgum, who lives across the street from Roman. 

Fulgum went over to meet the boy who was always waving. They started doing things together. Eventually, other neighbors followed suit. They would stop and chat or even take part in activities such as drag racing down the street.

Anna Butzlaff said it was initially a bit strange because she barely knew any of these people.

“I didn’t really know how to take it,” she said. “I just saw that my son was happy.”

Which is why she went along with it when Roman then began inviting many different neighbors to his soccer games, basketball games and baseball games. Other neighbors came to his swimming lessons and even his preschool open house.

And when it came time for his birthday party, Anna Butzlaff knew the only people she needed to invite were his senior citizen neighbor friends. 

“He loves having us there, and he’ll run up and hug us,” one neighbor said.

“They’ve made such an impact on him,” Anna Butzlaff said. “They are really special people to him.”

Today, the refrigerator is blanketed with pictures of all those people Roman holds so dear. His mother says his inner loneliness is gone.

And his “love thy neighbor” attitude is spreading. Roman has now brought together about a dozen neighbors who say they would have barely known each other if not for that little boy, who lived in a neighborhood but needed a village.

Said one neighbor: “Look at what this little kid has built.”

Added another: “If the world was like this child, what an awesome, awesome place it would be.”

The past couple of years have seen a boom in North Carolina tourism.

Raleigh, in particular, is renowned for its vibrant urban culture. It also boasts many natural wonders.

Kayaking in Raleigh is a great way to immerse oneself in the city’s water-based beauty. With serene lakes, winding rivers and lush preserves, Raleigh offers a diverse landscape.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned paddler or a novice eager to dip your paddle. Either way, the waters await you. Read on to learn about the best spots, essential tips, and launch points for your aquatic adventure.

Exploring Raleigh’s waterways

There’s no shortage of wonderful lakes and more in Raleigh. You can challenge yourself and try to visit them all or stick with one or two favorite spots. Are you wondering which ones are most popular?

Lake Raleigh

Nestled within North Carolina State University’s campus, Lake Raleigh offers a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. This picturesque lake provides an ideal setting for leisurely paddles and wildlife observation.

Kayakers can glide along its serene waters, taking in the surrounding scenery of lush greenery and diverse birdlife. With convenient access points and calm waters, Lake Raleigh welcomes paddlers of all skill levels.

Lake Johnson Park

Located just over two miles away from NC State’s campus, the park is a popular spot for students and pros to get exercise. The park has a three-mile, paved greenway loop and two additional miles of unpaved trails.

The lake itself is more than 150 acres and offers a wide variety of boats and kayaks to rent. The boats can be renteed seven days per week.

Lake Wheeler Park

Built in 1956 with help from the Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Wheeler was once Raleigh’s secondary axuiliary water-supply lake. Since 2010, it’s been hte city’s primary water supply for Raleigh and surrounding communities in Wake County.

Water sports activities, such as skiing and tubing are allowed on the lake, but swimming is not. City residents can pay $5 per day to launch their boats, while non-Raleigh residentspay $7 a day, with adults over 55 years old paying $3 per day.

The park also offers kayaks and stand up paddleboards near the Waterfront Center in lockers. You can reserve the equipment in the lockers online here.

Lake Crabtree County Park

For those seeking a more extensive kayaking experience, Lake Crabtree County Park is a must-visit destination. Located just minutes from downtown Raleigh, this expansive lake attracts outdoor enthusiasts with its ample paddling opportunities.

Kayakers have the option to explore the lake’s winding channels, hidden coves and secluded islands, all while soaking in the beauty of the surrounding parkland. With designated launch areas and amenities such as boat rentals and picnic areas, Lake Crabtree County Park offers everything you need for a memorable kayaking adventure.

Robertson Millpond Preserve

Veer off the main path and discover the serene beauty of Robertson Millpond Preserve. Tucked away in eastern Wake County, this hidden gem boasts a pristine millpond surrounded by lush forests and tranquil wetlands.

You can paddle through narrow waterways, marveling at the reflections of towering cypress trees and abundant wildlife. With its peaceful ambiance and unspoiled scenery, Robertson Millpond Preserve provides an idyllic escape for nature lovers and paddling enthusiasts alike.

Neuse River Canoe Trail

Embark on a scenic journey along the Neuse River Canoe Trail, a designated waterway stretching over 250 miles through North Carolina’s heartland. While the entire trail offers a myriad of paddling opportunities, the section near Raleigh stands out for its accessibility and diverse landscapes.

Feel free to meander through lush forests, navigate gentle rapids and spot wildlife along the riverbanks. With multiple access points and convenient shuttle services, the Neuse River Canoe Trail provides endless possibilities for exploration and adventure.

Harris Lake County Park

Experience the beauty of nature at Harris Lake County Park, home to a pristine reservoir surrounded by rolling hills and wooded shores. Kayakers can paddle along the lake’s tranquil waters, admiring the scenic vistas and abundant wildlife.

Whether you’re fishing, bird watching, or simply enjoying a leisurely paddle, Harris Lake offers something for everyone. With its well-maintained launch areas and amenities, including hiking trails and picnic spots, the park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts year-round.

Kayaking tips and essentials

Before embarking on your kayaking adventure in Raleigh, it’s important to ensure you’re well-prepared for a safe and enjoyable experience on the water.

Plan for safety before hitting the water

Safety should always be your top priority when engaging in any water-based activity. One of the major aspects of kayaking safety involves wearing a properly fitted life jacket. This is something that you should have on at all times.

Even if you’re a strong swimmer, unexpected circumstances can crop up. That’s when a life jacket can be a lifesaver during emergencies.

Do you want more kayaking essentials?

It’s crucial to plan ahead before heading out on the water. Always double-check the weather forecast and water conditions. That way, you can ensure they’re suitable for kayaking.

Keep in mind that weather patterns can change on a dime. It’s a good idea to be prepared for any unexpected changes in weather or water conditions.

Before setting out, make sure you have all the essentials packed. Your checklist should include sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks and a first-aid kit. Don’t forget about any navigation tools or communication devices you may need.

Remember to respect the wildlife and environment while kayaking. Feel free to admire wildlife from a distance, but avoid disturbing their natural habitats. Practice leave-no-trace principles by picking up all trash.

Dressing for kayaking

Are you stumped about what to wear during your water adventures? Choose lightweight, quick-drying clothing that’s suitable for water activities. Avoid cotton-based clothing, as it can become heavy and uncomfortable when wet.

Instead, go with dependable synthetic materials that wick away moisture. This tends to provide insulation even when wet.

Remember to bring a trusty hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. This will be especially helpful on sunny days when the glare of the water can be quite intense.

Better paddling for a successful adventure

Do you have little to no experience with kayaking? Proper paddling technique is a great way to boost your enjoyment and efficiency on the water.

Before setting out, take the time to familiarize yourself with basic paddling strokes and techniques. Practice your strokes on calm, flat water. That way, you can build your confidence and proficiency.

Doing this will prepare you to tackle more challenging conditions. Remember to use your entire body when paddling, not just your arms. This is what the pros do to conserve energy and reduce fatigue.

MADISON COUNTY, N.C. (WLOS) — A major investment is moving one of Madison County’s largest construction projects a step closer to reality.

State leaders approved $27 million in the budget for the county’s new public service complex—bringing the project to more than two-thirds of the funding needed.

Grading has already begun on the property near the health department and sheriff’s office.

MADISON COUNTY MULLS FUTURE OF HISTORIC COURTHOUSE AS PLANS MOVE FORWARD FOR NEW BUILDING

The $88 million project is set to combine governmental, social and judicial facilities in Madison County.

Madison County Manager Rod Honeycutt spoke about the impacts he believes the new complex will have.

“A place that’s easy to get into, easy to get out of, and something that says we’re Madison County strong,” said Honeycutt. “We’re looking very much forward to moving into the facility and consolidating five locations into one.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE BUDGET INCLUDES $7M TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK FROM HELENE DEBRIS

Madison County officials are encouraging community input on the plans for the new complex before the groundbreaking ceremony at the end of July.

The complex is expected to open in March 2029.