I am a Christian conservative, husband, father and grandfather. "Dick Sears was one of our town's greatest champions and influential leaders shaping Holly Springs into the amazing community we have today," said Randy . They are active members of their church in Matthews, NC. My name is Ives Maria Sholar and I am running for NC House, District 66. we need our infrastructure to keep pace," said Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie. Utility Payments. Sean Mayefskie a primary care provider in 101 Manning Dr Chapel Hill, Nc 27514. (919) 278-7262 info@seanforhs.com. A small farmer herself, she understands the importance of these programs. Tenemos contructores de casas nuevas en Butner, NC. The town manager also is to provide the council with objective, rational advice and recommendations and to carry out the decisions made by the council in a manner based on sound business practices. A week after Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie rejected Pride Month proclamation, residents rally to urge the support and for the town to adopt more protections for LGBTQ community. Day had been appointed to the seat earlier this year after James Roberson was appointed to fill a seat in the N.C. House of Representatives seat. Member Compass (Member Profile) Member Directory. They are honored to employ over 50 people and strive to offer a great work environment for their team. Holly Springs mayor rejects gay Pride month proclamation. Pre-election campaign finance reports filed Thursday show that Luddy donated $5,000 each to threecandidates for Apex Town Council: Christine Hale and Tim Powell, both Republicans, and Gordon Williford, who is unaffiliated. Liked by Sean Mayefskie. Box 8 Holly Springs, NC 27540 Phone: 919-552-6221 With 11 precincts reporting, Sean Mayefskie defeated council member Christine Kelly in the mayor's race. Among these were charter memberships in the Kiwanis, Civitan, Lions, and Rotary clubs, and board membership in the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce. Quick Links. Sears served as Holly Springs mayor from 2001 through 2021. Brians values are simple: Impartiality, Fairness and Consistency. He has been married for over 20 years to his wife Patricia, and has 3 amazing kids, Sean, Monica, and . INDY WEEK P.O. We need leaders with integrity at all levels of government. A first-generation immigrant from Russia, a professional businesswoman of nearly 20 years, and a political outsider, Irina is running for Commission to restore freedom to Wake County residents, to protect our children from bureaucratic overreach, to reaffirm limited government, and to reduce taxes on working families. This includes rotation programs, on-the-job training, etc. He focuses his practice mainly on criminal defense, family law and law enforcement liability. Im running for Congress because I want to bring bold ideas, common sense, and my public service experience and leadership to serve North Carolina families, businesses, and communities. Powell added that having school choices is important for a town like Apex.. is a successful servant-leader with fresh ideas who will guide improvements to state government through a conservative business lens. Holly Springs, NC 27540 Phone: 919-552-6221; Connect With Us. Equality NC sponsored a Drag Queen Story Hour for children Saturday in Apex, despite residents' objections to the event. Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce ENTITY: $139.00: Anedot Inc ENTITY: View All Payees Through all his successful campaigns, Sears' motto remained, "If it's good for the kids, it's good for Holly Springs. and the top 10% in North Carolina - for return on student investment 10 years after graduation. He's a graduate of the North Carolina public school system, all the way from elementary school to the University of North Carolina. With all 13 precincts reporting, Mayor Vivian Jones will retain her seat against Wake Forest Commissioner Bridget Wall-Lennon. From a mask perspective I feel that you should follow the rules per the location that you are in, he wrote in an email to the INDY. North Carolina Public Radio | By Bradley George. Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Dozier did not run for re-election. HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WNCN) - A former Holly Springs mayor who served the town for 20 years has died. . YouTube. With all four precincts reporting, its a mix of incumbents and newcomers who lead for the three open seats. Steve Bergstrom is a father of four, veteran of the U.S. Air Force and Captain for a major U.S. airline. The plan is to build a 350,000-square-foot manufacturing facility valued at $550 million. At the center is a private high school education . With all 13 precincts reporting, newcomer Ed Gray, and incumbents Brett Gannt and Audra Killingsworth have secured three spots. It sets out the current structure of government in Holly Springs. And Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie [] He graduated from Purdue University in 1961 with bachelor of science degrees in psychology and economics and a minor in English. Holly Springs and Cary, the time is right for a permanent campus to prepare the talent pool these companies are counting on." . "His commitment to building a hospital for his town was instrumental in the 10-year effort that led to the opening of UNC Health Rexs Holly Springs hospital last November.". The worlds leading companies keep choosing Holly Springs to grow their businesses, Mayefskie said in a news release. "He was a model for mayors to come. With one announcement, you get recognition from your peers that then think if Amgen can do it in North Carolina, we should think about North Carolina as well, Rowley said. Carys election will be held during the 2022 primary and Raleighs will be held in fall 2022. They have three children, all of whom grew up in Holly Springs and graduated from Holly Springs High School. John Byrne, who has served on the board since 2001, announced he will not seek another term, paving the way for a new leader of the fast-growing southern Wake County town. Thales Academy has two school locations in Apex, an elementary school and a junior high/high school, as well as locations in other parts ofthe Triangle, including in Cary, Holly Springs, Knightdale, Raleigh, Rolesville, and Wake Forest (and in Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina). 03 Mar 2023 23:47:05 At its North Carolina locations, the private school chain has been in the news during the pandemic. Michele is running for Wake County School Board in District 9 to bring academic excellence, fiscal responsibility, and community connection to the board while removing sexual and political agendas from our classrooms. Sears served as Holly Springs mayor from 2001 through 2021. Click here for meeting information, including agendas, minutes, and videos. Cities: Holly Springs NC, Shenandoah PA Possible Relatives: Andrew David Mayefskie, . Heres how it will be filled. NOT AUTHORIZED BY ANY CANDIDATE OR CANDIDATES COMMITTEE. . We are grateful for Congresswoman Ross championing the needs of Holly Springs at the Federal level., Growth in Wake County is booming, and we need to make sure our aging infrastructure can sustain that rapid growth, said Congresswoman Deborah Ross. | Privacy Policy. The Holly Springs Town Council consists of five elected officials under the leadership of Mayor Sean Mayefskie. Sean and Patricia Mayefskie have called Holly Springs home for over 20 years. Heres a look at the unofficial results from Tuesdays nights election. The event took place on March 7, and it was attended by Amgen CEO Bob Bradway and Amgen North Carolina site head Bob Kenyon, along with N.C. state governor Roy Cooper, U.S. senator from N.C. Thom Tillis, N.C. secretary of commerce Machelle Baker Sanders, and Holly Springs mayor Sean Mayefskie. Return to Staff Directory Mayor & Town Council . Staff. Christine Hale, one of the candidates for the Apex Town Council, has been vocal on social media about her opposition to masks. Amgen says the facility will employ 355 people from 2025 through 2029 at an average salary of $119,510. Join the INDY Press Club to help us keep fearless watchdog reporting and essential arts and culture coverage viable in the Triangle. Whitney is married, a father of three, a grandfather and has been a long-time resident of North Raleigh. It's a win-win. Three candidates competed for two seats on the Garner Town Council. The Town operates under the council-manager form of government, in which an elected Town Council (consisting of a mayor and five council members) establishes policy, ordains law, decides how land is developed, and hires a professional, politically neutral town manager to run day-to-day operations. ROLESVILLE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (Three seats). He hasnt made any donations to candidates running for office in his hometown, and he also hasnt responded to requests for comment regarding these donations. He has heard thousands of appeals in his time as a judge. He joined the Court of Appeals in 2014 and is now the third-most senior judge on the 15-member court. The three main areas of concern that I want to work to improve are curriculum, finances, and safety and security. Anna Johnson covers Raleigh and Wake County for the News & Observer. The Charlotte Democrat and daughter of former Gov. For the past eight years, Sean has been on the board of the local charity, Megs Smile. Residents are thankful for the addition of the 50-bed UNC Health Rex Holly Springs Hospital that Mayor Sears spent years attracting to town. This area had an incredible ecosystem for our industry between other companies that are here, the universities, the community colleges., said Amgen senior vice president manufacturing Arleen Paulino. E.C. Rashad is a uniquely qualified candidate with a background in prosecution, criminal defense, civil representation, and immigration law. When the time came to expand the business and build a showroom, Sean decided to purchase property in the Holly Springs Business Park. He operates and owns a web marketing business, which he founded and has been operating for over 25 years. With your help, lets send Marilyn back to the NC House and make Roy Cooper a lame duck governor! Last year, Congresswoman Ross toured the Holly Springs Facility along with Mayor Sean Mayefskie, Mayor Pro Tem Dan Berry and town staff, to see firsthand why funding is needed. HOLLY . As my wife and I embark on our journey to start a family, I want to do my part to preserve our values, our heritage, and ensure North Carolina reaches the heights of its potential. Jacob Arthur is a husband, father of four, Navy Veteran and small business owner. The vote was in favor of $38.5 million bond package for parks and transportation projects. The vote was in favor of a $69 million bond package for parks, streets and sidewalks, public safety and stormwater projects. We need to stop teaching kids to hate each other. As the father of three young children, he's focused on the future, and is running to serve you, to bring conservative competence to our state government, and to help restore a political system that prioritizes the public good over personal interest. "We chose Holly Springs over more than a dozen . Quick Links. It was a pleasure working. I am a first-generation American that's lived in Morrisville for 23 years. The former mayor of Holly Springs Dick Sears has died after a 2-year battle with cancer. The Spark is a 100-acre campus comping to Morrisville, and Jaguar Gene Therapy plans to expand in the Triangle. bottom of page . Chapel Hill mayor Hemminger wins a 4th term. Sean Mayefskie, Currently Elected Holly Springs Mayor, Holly Springs, Wake County, N.C.: Picture, bio, position statements and social media links | Vote-USA John's commitments to excellence, service, and the public good have infused all aspects of his life--as a husband, father, lawyer, and former federal prosecutor. Mayor Jessica Day leads former council member Charles Bullock for the seat. The vote was 72.22% in favor $42 million bond package for street and sidewalk projects. Stephen brings more than 30 years of business leadership experience with him from a local, national and global level. Bold denotes winners. Taxonomy code 363A00000X and 2 years of experience. In this episode, you'll hear from Mayoral candidate Sean Mayefskie. PAID FOR BY THE WAKE COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY Luddyalso gave $5,000 to Sean Mayefskie, a Republican who is running for mayor of Holly Springs. What to know about daylight saving time in NC, Goofy dog had no adoption inquiries for months. A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Chanel N. Harris is a graduate of North Carolina HBCU College & University Systems. Cheryl is a mother of two teen boys in WCPSS for the last 11years, and counting. Sean helped start and served as President of the Triangle Y Soccer Club. Williford also said that he felt he didnt need to wear a mask to the meeting. Cary and Raleigh would both normally have elections in the fall of odd years but were pushed back due to a delay in redistricting data from the U.S. Census Bureau. I currently own and run a small business. "His deep and genuine care for Holly Springs will be felt for years to come," said current Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie. Therefore, I have seen first-hand the strengths and weaknesses of the academic programs in Wake County Public Schools from elementary through high school. He is survived by three children, 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. NC Biotechs Laura Rowley works to attract companies to the state. Whitney is a member in good standing at Triangle Christian Center and in his spare time he enjoys long bike rides on the Raleigh Greenway. Holly Springs: Mayor: Dick Sears - 52.47% Sean F. Mayefskie - 47.21%. Support my work with a digital subscription, Q&A: Rachel Hunt says NC can do better than divisiveness in lieutenant governor, Get ready to change your clocks. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 41,239, a 67% increase from 2010. . HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. A new development coming to Holly Springs may lift sports, like ice hockey and figure skating, in the area to a new level. She has previously covered city government, crime and business for newspapers across North Carolina and received many North Carolina Press Association awards, including first place for investigative reporting. The Federal funding bill also provides $3.3 million to assist in the expansion of the City of Sanfords Water Treatment Plant to provide for future drinking water needs for Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Pittsboro, and Sanford municipalities. One of Julees greatest joys is teaching. Application to Serve on Tree Advisory Committee, Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee Application, Environmental Requirements and Information, Engineering Design and Construction Standards, Secondary & Cumulative Impacts Management, Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Information, Storm & Emergency Preparation Information, Report a Concern about Speeding or Vehicle Safety, Request for Police Recording (Body-Worn Camera), Submit a Neighborhood Traffic Calming Request, Major NCDOT Projects In & Near Holly Springs. Yearly Taxes: $3 . He also served as a law clerk at a prominent law firm. His children, he wrote, have attended Wake public schools for a combined 15 years. Instagram. Box 1772, Durham, NC 27702 919-695-4848, A Millionaire Private School Operator is Maxing Out Campaign Donations to Wake Municipal Candidates, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), reopened its eight North Carolina campuses, instituted a policy requiring face coverings in all government buildings, State Education Board Rejects Proposed Wake Charter for Second Time in Two Months, Selina Mack, Longtime Director of Durham Community Land Trust, Retires, The End of an Era for Durhams Diner Around the Corner, Durham DAs Office Releases Results of One-Year Plea Tracker Project, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. Julee is in-house counsel and advisor for a multi-state veterinary services business she co-founded with her husband. Amgen, one of the world's leading biotechnology companies, broke ground today on a new $550 million manufacturing facility, which is expected to open in 2025 in Holly Springs, North Carolina. Sean Mayefskie joined the MSF Board in 2014, and has brought so much to our Foundation. The expansion of the Holly Springs Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility incorporates innovative and sustainable techniques, including diverting treated wastewater for reuse in the community for uses such as irrigation and some industrial applications. Helping bring a hospital to Holly Springs was one of his biggest goals as mayor.Sears moved to Holly Springs in 1995 after a long career with Sears, Roebuck & Co. in New York and Chicago. Judge Tyson has been teaching as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Campbell Universitys Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law since 1987 and last year at Elon University School of Law. As your representative, she will lead with smart policies and fight for the people in her area. Sean Mayefskie (10) Midfield - 2014: Played in all 13 games and served as a team captain in team's inagural season . Julee has amassed extensive court experience, having analyzed and drafted hundreds of judicial opinions for nine appellate judges and justices in federal and state courts. Five people ran to join the Rolesville Board of Commissioners. Our leaders spend more time bickering than they do solving problems. WRAL.com TechWire Partners He defends the constitution and protects the rule of law. Methodist University. In August 2021, Amgen announced the decision to build its Holly Springs facility. Danielle Hewetson. When elected, he will bring a plethora of knowledge and experience to that Board. What kind of impact might they have. Bass Lake Park. Donnie Harrison was first elected Sheriff of Wake County in 2002, was reelected to a second term in 2006, third term in 2010 and fourth term in 2014. Before moving to Sean's current city of Holly Springs, NC, Sean lived in Crofton MD, Jackson NJ and Winter Park FL. "Former Mayor Sears had such a tremendous influence on our community," said Mayor Sean Mayefskie. After defending the safety of North Carolina families as a prosecutor in Mecklenburg County, Michael J. Stading swore another oath as a District Court Judge. Ashley participates in Wake County and North Carolina Republican Party as a delegate to respective Conventions as well as gives to the work of the Party through personal and volunteer contributions. Inside, Amgen will produce medicines in six therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular disease, oncology, bone health, neuroscience, nephrology and inflammation. This kind of seismic shift in the economic development of a town comes from a commitment at every level of government. Congratulations Barry Depew on your successfull career with #tollbrothers enjoy your well deserved upcoming retirement. PAID FOR BY SEAN MAYEFSKIE COMMITTEE . Not only does Sean live and work in Holly Springs, but he has also invested in our community. Quick Links. Not only did he shape Holly Springs when it came to big issues, including transportation, healthcare, and economic development. The meeting came a week after Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie refused to issue a proclamation recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month. Longtime Former Mayor Richard G . Elaine ONeal makes Durham history to become citys 1st Black woman mayor. where his family has volunteered over the years. Apex, NC 27539. Holly Springs Mayor Sean Mayefskie was on hand alongside engineers from NCDOT and town staff. In 2016, Judge Stading swore an oath to defend the Constitution as a JAG officer in the US Air Force, where he continues to serve as a Captain today. There were law enforcement personnel present at that meeting as they are at all of them to enforce the rules and I was never asked to put on a mask., Hale, Powell, and Williford have been campaigning as a bloc. We must cancel the "cancel culture. We need more speech, not less. The bill includes $3 million to upgrade and expand the Holly Springs Utley Creek Water Reclamation Facility. Judge Tyson has been married to his wife, Kirby, for 46 years. We will leverage programs we have across Amgen for developing and retaining staff, Paulino said. I am Christian Constitutional Conservative who supports Parental Rights, Law Enforcement, Pro Life, Freedom of Speech, Right to Bear Arms, Freedom of Religion, and have 31 years experience serving as a registered Professional Engineer NC9315 for the City of Raleigh and NCDOT. Dick Sears has passed away following an almost two - year battle with cancer . On August 24, five days after the town of Apex instituted a policy requiring face coverings in all government buildings, all three town council membersHale, Powell, and Willifordattended a town council meeting in person without wearing masks. I am asking you to support me with your vote to bring a teachers voice for families to WCPSS. At the same time, he prioritized the retention of Holly Springs' small-town charm.Under his leadership, Holly Springs solidified its reputation as a preferred location for life sciences companies. sean mayefskie holly springs, nc mayor. We talked on Wednesday, October 6. I am married to my dream come true, Anita. Heres what we know so far. "He advocated fiercely for kids, strong healthcare options, public safety, parks and greenways, new infrastructure, and economic development that created new jobs and grew the town's tax base. By Rose Carlson Christian Action League June 15, 2022 Promoters of Pride Month continue to push the LGBTQ agenda and try to demonize anyone who doesn't celebrate their chosen lifestyle. HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WRAL) - The former mayor of Holly Springs Dick Sears has died after a 2-year battle with cancer. As a judge, I work to ensure that justice is fairly rendered to everyone who comes into my courtroom, without regard to race, gender, or socioeconomic status, by being fair, impartial, and upholding the rule of law. SEAN MAYEFSKIE. He is NOT a career politician. We have a talent development program in our operations organization that allows for talent development at different levels. Sears served as mayor of Holly Springs for 20 years , from 2001 until 2021 . That was a GOP flyer stating high level GOP platform statements, Williford wrote. The Wake County Republican party is in the process of vetting and endorsing the Wake County Republican candidates that will be on the ballot in November. He had risen to National Group Marketing Manager for the Women's Store, which had one of the most successful divisions in the company. Former Mayor Sears developed countless genuine connections with so many people in our community. Town officials said Dick Sears had cancer. I would like to serve the people of my District to also lower taxes and try to reduce government spending thus reducing their tax burden. 4). Holly Springs, NC. Mayor Sean Mayefskie Term: December 2021-Present Last year, Congresswoman Ross toured the Holly Springs Facility along with Mayor Sean Mayefskie, Mayor Pro Tem Dan Berry and town staff, to see firsthand why funding is needed. Instagram. "Funeral arrangements are being arranged by the family.Throughout his tenure, Sears pursued a vision of Holly Springs as a place where residents could live, work, and play without needing to go out of town for most services. Click here for meeting information, including agendas, minutes, and videos. He always had time to sit with anyone who wanted to talk about any issue in his office. Apex is one of four Wake County municipalities that had a bond on the ballot. WAKE FOREST BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (Two seats). Ted Budd is a conservative with the courage to stand strong for whats right no matter how powerful the opposition. Get points plus better traffic and directions. I am the father of four, have raised six successful adults, and am the grandpa to five precious grandchildren.I have years of success and experience as an employee and a leader in corporate America, as an entrepreneur, internationally and nationally. She saw the importance of the voluntary cost-share programs supported by the local Soil & Water Conservation District and participated in numerous educational opportunities sponsored by the District as a student. She previously taught at Elon Law in a Fellowship and then as Visiting Professor of Law and Director of the Leadership Program. Meetings are open to the public. Facebook. living in North Carolina. "Dick Sears was one of our town's greatest champions and influential leaders shaping Holly Springs into the amazing community we have today," said Randy Harrington, Town Manager. . I have been working for WCPSS in various teaching capacities since 2017. As a compassionate Christian, he will take a defining stand for family, life, and freedom. Before serving Wake County as its Sheriff, Harrison served on the North Carolina Highway Patrol in Wake County for 26 years. He wont compromise our conservative values, hell fight for them. Nextdoor. Initially, masks were optional. Sean Mayefskie Mayor & Town Council Title: Mayor Phone: Office phone: (919) 557-3901 Additional Phone: Cell phone: (919) 946-4453. Nextdoor. Join Team Sean and help us get the message out to our fellow citizens. Sean Mayefskie, Holly Springs Mayor. Follow Editor-in-Chief Jane Porter on Twitter or send an email to jporter@indyweek.com. HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. (WTVD) -- The mayor of Holly Springs is receiving criticism for refusing to issue a proclamation recognizing Pride month. He also was a founding member of the Fuquay Youth Initiative, an after-school program for middle school students.Dick and his wife Mollie were married for more than 60 years and have three children, 13 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.A native of Indiana, he was an Eagle Scout. My name is Asia Prince, and I am running for Wake County District Court Judge. Receiving millions in federal aid helps our Town to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to anticipating demand and investing in our infrastructure. A recognized agricultural leader, she has devoted her career to providing educational opportunities to youth and enhancing NC agriculture and agribusiness. WENDELL BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS (Three seats). Incumbent John Boyette did not run for re-election. Judge Richard Dietz brings creative solutions to our justice system. Sean G Mayefskie, age 27, Holly Springs, NC Background Check. Previously, I worked in supply-chain management for technology hardware companies. Holly Springs Public Works Prepares for Snow, Council Member Kristi Bennett Leaving Town Council, Celebrate Arbor Day with Tree Seedling Giveaway, Litter Sweep & More, Holly Springs Welcomes A New Finance Director, Holly Springs Ranked One of the Safest Towns In North Carolina, 2023 Town Council Retreat: Diving into Town Issues and Opportunities, Town Seeking Applicants for Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, Tree Advisory Committee, Youre Invited! Holly Springs Community Library, part of the Wake County Public Library system, and a cultural-arts facility opened in early December 2006. Michael not only serves our country through his commission in the United States Air Force, but also his community through his civilian job on the District Court bench as well as leadership in numerous civic and professional organizations, such as the American Legion. . Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Our schools are broken. I am a strong constitutional conservative, who will faithfully support our small businesses, first responders, and school choice. A flyer from the Wake County GOP promotes the candidates platforms as Prioritize Election Integrity, Cut Government Spending, Stop Critical Race Theory, and Ensure Public Safety.. Sean's children graduated from Holly Springs High School. Judge Stroud currently serves as Chief Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Education is one of my greatest passions and one of the greatest systems that we, as North Carolinians, can invest in and support. Michele Morrow is a wife, mother of 5, a nurse, an educator, and has participated in conservative activism for 7 years. I am that strong Conservative. Wake County had about 6,800 early votes and about 600 mail-in ballots. Becky Lew-Hobbs is a mother of three and businesswoman with international, policy development, and contract management experience. Robert L. Luddy, the founder of the Thales Academy chain of private schools and CEO of commercial kitchen ventilation systems company CaptiveAire, makes a lot of political donations. The money is part of the $1.7 trillion spending bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives for Fiscal Year 2023. Scroll down to read more about Teds life as a conservative fighter, small business owner, and family man. Last name means tree gardnerI love our City of Oaks and want to serve in the orchard as your next District D Council MemberFiscally conservative dad of two - small business owner - investor and landlord - youth hockey coachF3 - "Tent City"Vote Baumgart 11/8/22. Hale did not respond to the INDYs request for comment. When I arrived and saw that this was not the case, and knowing that I was well that dayI had no fever, no symptoms, had been social distancing and working outdoors all dayand that others in the building were also not wearing a mask, I kept my mask handy just in case I needed it..