Local News: Upcoming Events From Previous Print Issues

OUTright Youth Fundraiser To Honor Mitchell Gold, Feb. 4

Hickory - OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley Inaugural Fundraising Event to honor Mitchell Gold. OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley will hold its inaugural fundraising event, “An Evening of Distinction – Silhouettes on a Winter’s Evening” on Saturday, February 4, 2012 at Youssef 242 restaurant in Hickory, North Carolina. The organization will recognize the achievement of Mitchell Gold at this event.

Mitchell founded Faith in America, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about religion-based bigotry and how it is used to justify discrimination against LGBT Americans. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group for gay rights. Mr. Gold is the editor of “CRISIS: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America.” In 2010, Crisis was also published as an eBook and was re-launched in 2011 in paperback under the new title: “YOUTH IN CRISIS…..What Everyone Should Know About Growing Up Gay.”

Mitchell Gold

Mitchell Gold is co-founder and chairman of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. The international furniture and accessory company is based in Taylorsville, North Carolina, and employs over 700 people.

OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley, a non-profit organization, was chartered in early 2010 by a group of community leaders led by Dr. William E. Long, to serve the dual purpose of providing for the social support needs of area gay youth and to raise community understanding about the needs of gay youth. OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley is filling a need in Catawba, Burke, Caldwell and Alexander counties by providing supervised social outlets for gay youth and their straight allies and preparing educational programs regarding bullying of all types for presentation to schools, churches and other interested groups.

For more information, including volunteer opportunities, visit www.outrightyouthcv.org, email: outrightcv@gmail.com or call: (828) 320-1937.

The organization also maintains an informational Facebook page at OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley.

Open House At CVCC Potters’ Workshop On February 11

Hickory - An open house will be held at the Catawba Valley Community College’s Potters’ Workshop on Saturday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Potters’ Workshop invites the public to view its unique facility in which a potter’s environment is incorporated into a modern facility. Guests will meet director and instructor Kim Ellington; as well as instructors Evelyn Arnold, Pat Flachbart and Tammy Leigh Brooks. Students will also be available for questions and will display work completed in classes.

Brooks, who teaches hand-building, describes the special connection between students and instructors at the Workshop, “We have a great time learning and growing together. Students are using their creativity to form hand-built sculptures that are just fantastic! They have created a whole new ‘breed’ of chickens coming out of Catawba County.”

As the instructor for Pottery Basics, Arnold adds, “It is wonderful seeing the excitement on my students’ faces when they have accomplished what they have set out to do.”

The workshop seeks to promote the understanding, appreciation and continuation of Catawba Valley pottery. The goal is to provide contemporary instruction using local, historical methods and materials to make pottery.

Light refreshments will be served, and a raffle will be offered for a chance to win a piece of Ellington Pottery.

The workshop is located in the heart of the Catawba Valley pottery tradition off Hwy. 127 South near Propst Crossroads at 5845 Walnut Grove Lane, Hickory. For more information, including classes offered, please visit www.cvcc.edu/Potters_Workshop, or call 704-462-0077.

Full Circle Arts Reopens With Art About Women Reception, Feb. 2

Hickory - Full Circle Arts will host a reception Thursday, February 2, from 6:30 until 8:30 to open the exhibition "Art About Women," and to celebrate their Grand Re-opening and partnership with Taste Full Beans, at 29 2nd Street, NW, in downtown Hickory.

"Art About Women" features works portraying women and women's issues, and will be on display February 2 through March 10, in conjunction with Women’s Awareness Month. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the works will benefit First Step, Catawba County's program to assist victims of domestic violence.

Flowers by Adelaide Silkworth

Festivities include a raffle for a watercolor painting, "Flowers", by Adelaide Silkworth.

Members of Full Circle Arts extend their appreciation to Carl Cline and Bob Fincher at Resource Partners, LLC, Portfolio & Wealth Management; Tracey Horton, DDS; William F. Straka, DDS; and Sinclair Promotions for their generous assistance.

Full Circle Arts is a non-profit cooperative dedicated to the promotion of and education in the arts in our area.

For information about Full Circle, classes, membership, and up-coming events, reach them at 322-7545, PO Box 3905, or www.fullcirclearts.org.

Friends Of Hickory Public Library Sponsor Annual Bookmark

Contest, Enter By March 16

Hickory - The Friends of Hickory Public Library is sponsoring its annual bookmark contest for children in grades K – 8. The contest is part of the library’s National Library Week celebration. All area children are invited to participate through their school, youth organization, home, or Patrick Beaver Memorial and Ridgeview Branch Library.

A winner will be chosen from grades K – 2, 3 – 5, and 6 - 8 and their bookmarks will be printed and used as the library’s official bookmark for distribution during the coming year. Prizes will be awarded in each age category. A selection of bookmark entries will be on display at both libraries during National Library Week, April 8 - 14. This year’s bookmark theme is “You Belong @ Your Library”.

Entry forms and contest rules may be picked up at either library branch. The Friends have also sent information about the contest to area public and private schools, homeschoolers, and youth organizations. Entries must be received by March 16 and the winners will be announced at a reception at the library on April 3.

The Friends of Hickory Public Library is a non-profit organization made up of volunteers who are dedicated to providing support and service to the library through financial and volunteer assistance. Funds raised through membership fees and used book sales are used to co-sponsor the annual Summer Reading Program, the bookmark contest, guest authors and speakers, and to purchase materials and equipment for the library. Membership is open to anyone interested in supporting Friends’ activities and goals.

For information about the bookmark contest come to either branch of the library or call 304-0500 ext. 7271 or 345-6037. Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block and the Ridgeview Branch is at 706 1st Street SW.

Opening Of By A Flared Nostril At HCT, February 10

Hickory - “By a Flared Nostril” Molly Bass’ antic comedy opens Friday February 10 as the effort of a small army of actors and technicians led by the team of the director/playwright Molly Bass and production stage manager Anne N. Elliott.

This is their 12th production together. The collaboration began with “Nostril” as a one act in the Firemen’s Kitchen. As Bass expanded that play into a full length production, then going on to write others, Elliott stayed by her side.

“Angel Anne”, as Molly Bass refers to Elliott, is the probably the most experienced stage manager at HCT, with “Nostril” marking her 40th production since 2000.

Bass, whose creative life dates from stories for Barbie dolls, said she “keeps things organized and focused. Things I am clueless about, like technical stuff, I leave to others.”

Anne Elliot & Molly Bass celebrate working
together on 12th production at HCT

For her part Elliot said “Working with Molly is a joy. I have fond memories of our sitting in a darkened theater, laughing to the point of tears as the actors bring her words to life.”

“By a Flared Nostril” plays in the Jeffers Theatre. Show times are Fridays and Saturday, February 10, 11, 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 8pm; Thursdays, February 16 and 23 at 7:30pm; and Sundays, February 19 and 26 at 2:30pm. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $7 for students or youth 18 & under. Thursday nights, all adult and senior seats are just $10! Purchase tickets online at www.hct.org or by phone at (828) 328-2283. The Theatre box office is open for walk-up sales from noon to 5pm, Tuesday through Friday.

HCT is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. “By a Flared Nostril” is produced by Carolina Anesthesia Associates and Paramount Volvo.

This production carries a PG-13 rating for mild adult language and situations.

Photo: Anne Elliott (left) and Molly Bass team up again for “By a Flared Nostril”, opening February 10th on the Jeffers Mainstage at the Hickory Community Theatre. Call (828) 328-2283 for tickets and information.

LRU Speaker Explores Faith, Laughter & Hope, Feb. 16

Hickory - The Lenoir-Rhyne University Institute for Faith and Learning will welcome Jacqueline Bussie to speak on “Resisting Evil: Laughter as Protest and Oppositional Practice.” Bussie will be speaking in the Belk Centrum on campus at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 16. The event is free and open to the public.

Bussie will discuss her book Laughter of the Oppressed, which won the national Trinity Prize in 2007. Her conversation will also weave in some of her new work on hope, which was published in the Global Luther.

Director of the Forum on Faith and Life and Associate Professor of Religion at Concordia College-Moorhead, Bussie received her B.A. at Davidson College, her M.A. at Yale University, and her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. She recently completed the manuscript of her second book, Outlaw Christian: Straight Talk You Never Hear About Faith, Grief, Suffering, and Hope.

By Jacqueline Bussie

Bussie teaches and publishes on issues in Christian ethics, modern theology, interfaith cooperation, service learning, problem of evil studies, and religion of the arts. She has served as Vice-President and President of the Midwest American Academy of Religion and currently serves as supply pastor of the E.L.C.A. and Director of the Lutheran Academy of Scholars.

For more information on the Institute for Faith and Learning Series, contact Dr. David Ratke at 828-328-7183 or Dr. Jonathan Schwiebert at 828-328-7184.

Lenoir-Rhyne University is a private, coeducational university located in Hickory, N.C. It is affiliated with the N.C. Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and is open to students from all religious backgrounds. The web site is www.lr.edu.

Free Tai Chi Classes At Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, Feb. 4

Hickory - Local Tai Chi instructor Yueling Yu will offer a series of free Tai Chi classes at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library each Saturday morning, Feb. 4 through March 24, from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

The class is appropriate for those with little or no Tai Chi experience, but seasoned practitioners will also find it beneficial. Adults and teens are welcome and no registration is required. Participants are encouraged to wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese mind-body exercise consisting of intricate exercise sequences, designed for relaxation, balance and health. It has a long history in China and is now practiced throughout the world, often recommended as a means to lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and ease tension.

Yueling Yu was born in China and developed an interest in martial arts at a young age. She moved to the United States in 2001 and has taught Tai Chi in Hickory since 2005 at Catawba Valley Community College, the Newton Recreation Center, the Hickory Foundation YMCA and other locations.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block in Hickory.

Bethlehem Library Hosts Opening Reception

For Country Roads Exhibition On Feb. 2

Hickory - Award winning photographer Clayton Joe Young and Hickory poet Scott Owens will collaborate in an exhibition "Country Roads" at the Bethlehem Branch Library beginning February 2nd through March 29th, 2012.

An Opening Reception to meet the artists will be on Thursday, February 2nd at 5:30 to 7:00 PM with a Gallery Talk at 6:00 PM.

Clayton Joe Young is currently the Program Director and Lead Instructor for the Photographic Technology program at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, NC. In 2010, Young was awarded the Excellence in Teaching Award at CVCC. The award winning photographer has a background in photojournalism.

Photographer Clayton Joe Young and Poet Scott Owens collaborate on Country Roads

He has won numerous awards with the North Carolina Press Association and North Carolina Press Photographers Association. In 2011 he won Best In Show at the Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition. Young resides in Hickory with his wife, daughter, and son. "Country Roads" captures the rich heritage of our region of North Carolina.

Hickory poet Scott Owens is the author of seven collections of poetry, editor of Wild Goose Poetry Review, author of "Musings" (a local column on poetry), founder of Poetry Hickory, Vice President of the Poetry Council of North Carolina,, and a writer of reviews of contemporary poetry. He has been featured on Garrison Keillor's The Writer's Almanac and WFAE (Charlotte's NPR Station). His work has received numerous awards from the Academy of American Poets, the North Carolina Writers' Network, the North Carolina Poetry Society, and Poetry Society of South Carolina, and has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. He currently teaches creative writing at Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, North Carolina.

Grace Episcopal Church Jazz Concert Benefits

Two Homeless Shelters In Burke County, Feb. 12

Morganton, NC - Grace Church, located at 303 South King Street in Morganton, continues its Concert Series featuring Planet D Nonet, a 9 piece jazz/swing band from Detroit, Michigan. The concert will begin at 6 pm on Sunday, February 12th, and is free to the public. However, donations are encouraged with 100% of all proceeds benefiting two homeless shelters in Burke County: The House of Refuge & The Meeting Place.

Planet D Nonet is a "little big band" based out of Detroit, Michigan. The unique instrumentation of the ensemble - 3 saxes, 3 brass, piano, bass, drums, and vocals - gives them the ability to present some unique music. Playing the early jazz music of Duke Ellington and Louis Jordan as well as the Detroit Rhythm & Blues of Paul Williams and King Porter, the Planet D. Nonet presents great music spanning the ages all through the lens of their hometown, Detroit.

The House of Refuge is an inter-denominational, not for profit Christian ministry. The mission of The House of Refuge is to address a fundamental gap in the service for displaced men in Burke County by providing emergency shelter and support for those who are homeless.

Planet D Nonet

The vision of The House of Refuge is to present the Gospel of Jesus Christ through compassionate service sharing unconditional love and friendship with the homeless of Burke County bringing hope by providing: A place for food and rest for the body and refreshment for the soul; A place where the stranger is welcome when there is no other room and a networking center for those on the street to enter the care system of our community

The Meeting Place Mission provides housing, meals, counseling, job placement, and referral to other services for homeless men. They currently have 3 locations to transition residents into permanent housing. F.A.C.E.S: Families Adjusting Changing Evolving Safely is a program of transition from homelessness to housing for families in BurkeCounty. In 2011 two homes were opened to provide short-term transition for families experiencing homelessness. As the needs of our community is ever changing, the Meeting Place Mission was compelled to help provide emergency shelter for women and children with no place to spend the night. The Burke Shelter for Women & Children started in November of 2011 and can currently sleep up to eight women and children.

Grace Episcopal Church is located at 303 South King Street, Morganton, NC

The Grace Church Concert Series is dedicated to bringing top level musical talent to Morganton via sponsorships so that 100% of all proceeds and donations will go to charitable organizations. For more information please contact the Church office at 828-437-1133 or by visiting our website: www.gracemorganton.org

Yoga For Seniors Offered Every Thursday Morning In February

Newton, NC - The Newton Parks & Recreation Department and the Catawba County Council on Aging will offer “Yoga for Seniors” every Thursday morning in February for a suggested donation of $3 per class to those ages 55 and over.

The class will be held at the Newton Recreation Center from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Feb. 2, 9, 16, & 23. The class will introduce participants to basic postures and techniques used in yoga to relax the body and calm the mind. The instructor has her yoga teaching certification and over 20 years of experience practicing and teaching yoga. She will provide individual attention to physical limitations presented by each class member and will offer alternative movements to prevent any discomfort.

For more information, call (828) 695-4317, or visit www.newtonnc.gov.

Arts Council Of Lincoln County Offers Free

Training For Local Artists On Sat., February 25

Lincolnton, NC - The Arts Council of Lincoln County with the support of the North Carolina Arts Council of will offering a free training session to all local artists on Saturday, February 25, 2012 from 11am-1pm at the Lincoln Cultural Center. Sarah Benoit of Creative Original Online Marketing will be presenting How to Build a Strong Online Network of Contacts.

Participates will learn how to collect information from potential customers and turn that information into an active online network of contacts. The Internet provides many tools for connecting with others in the virtual world. The key is setting up organized systems and understanding how to choose the best online communication tools for your target audience. Find out more about how e-newsletters, e-blasts, facebook, twitter, blogging, and other online strategies can help you maintain an active customer base.Pre-registration is suggested. To pre-register for this event, email the ACLC at artslincolnnc@gmail.com. The Lincoln Cultural Center is located at 403E Main Street, Lincolnton, North Carolina.

Instructor Information:

Sarah Benoit is an Internet marketing professional based on Asheville, NC. She is owner of Creative Original Online Marketing and Director of SEO and Training at JB Media Group, LLC. Since 2003 Sarah has been developing, optimizing, and marketing websites. Her specialties include search engine optimization and social media marketing.  Learn more about Sarah at http://www.creative-original.com or http://www.jbmediagroupllc.com.

Girl Scout Cookies Are Part Of A 100 Year

Tradition, Cookies Available On Feb. 11

Colfax, NC – For 100 years, Girl Scouts have been building courage, confidence and character in girls across the country. And the Girl Scout Cookie Program has been a major part of that tradition of leadership. As the largest girl-led business in the country, it teaches girls the importance of financial literacy, responsibility, teamwork and goal setting.

This year, Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont’s (GSCP2P) cookie program begins on February 11 and will feature a special edition design of the Shortbread cookie boxes to commemorate the 100 year anniversary. Besides the Shortbread, the cookie lineup includes the favorites Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties and Caramel deLites, as well as the Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Thanks-A-Lots, Lemonades and Shout Outs!

The price per box is $4, and all the money generated from the Girl Scout Cookie Program stays in the local area to help fund various program and troop activities. And unlike other youth programs, girls get to decide how to spend part of the cookie proceeds throughout the year including helping girls pay for summer camp, uniforms, badges, troop activities and trips and supplies for service projects. “Everything girls do in Girl Scouting is designed to help them grow into confident leaders and the cookie program is just another way to help them expand on their skills,” said Marcia Cole, chief executive officer for Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont. “The program is more than a fundraiser- it’s a leadership experience for girls.”

The core of the Girl Scout Cookie Program focuses on teaching girls five essential skills including goal setting, business ethics, money management, decision-making and people skills – all of which help girls in their future, whatever they choose to do. Through the cookie program, girls discover their own skills, connect through teamwork and take action to achieve their personal goals.

To purchase a box of cookies, contact a Girl Scout in your neighborhood or community. Or, search the cookie booth locator on the council website at www.girlscoutsp2p.org to find the closest cookie booth in your area from February 11 to March 12.

Throughout the cookie program, GSCP2P is also promoting the following:

· Super Bowl Weekend Booth Sales- early booth sales will take place in areas throughout our 40 counties during Super Bowl Weekend, February 3-5.

·BUY 5 promotion – for every five boxes that a customer purchases, his/her name will be entered in a drawing to win a year's supply (52 boxes) of free Girl Scout cookies from the council! A winner from each of the four service centers will be selected. · Operation Sweet Treat – Girl Scouts are also participating in a council-wide service project to collect 25,000 boxes of cookies and 1,000 letters of encouragement to place in care packages that will be shipped to U.S. military personnel serving in the United States and abroad. Customers can support this project by purchasing a box at a local cookie booth and pay $4 a box as they would for any other order. Or, cookies may be purchased by the box or by the case (12 boxes) by calling 800-672-2148.

Further questions can be directed to a local Girl Scout Service Center:

·Asheville Service Center, 828-252-4442

·Gastonia Service Center, 704-864-3245

·Hickory Service Center, 828-328-2444

·Triad Service Center, 336-274-8491

About Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont

Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont, a United Way agency, is one of 112 councils nationwide chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to deliver Girl Scout program within specific geographic boundaries. The local council serves more than 18,000 girls and approximately 8,000 adult volunteers in 40 counties and maintains seven camp properties and four service centers offering unique experiences for girls and adults. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to GSCP2P, call 800-672-2148 or visit www.girlscoutsp2p.org.

Famed Voice Of The Tar Heels To Speak In Hickory On Feb. 27

Hickory - Woody Durham, the radio play-by-play announcer for the University of North Carolina football and basketball broadcasts for the past 40 years will speak in Hickory on February 27th, 2012 at the Foothills Carolina Club’s 3rd annual Tar Heel Tradition Scholarship Dinner.

The purpose of the event is to raise scholarship money for local UNC students who have financial need from Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and Alexander counties.

Door Prize: signed copy of Hard Work

The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hickory, NC at 7:30 with a Pre-dinner Reception with Woody Durham for Sponsors at 6:00. After Mr. Durham’s address, a signed copy of Coach Roy Williams’ book, Hard Work will be given away as a door prize followed by an auction for an autographed basketball signed by all of the members of the 2011-2012 men’s basketball team!

Anyone interested in attending or becoming a Sponsor for the event can contact Eric Sipe, ’76 at unifoursais@gmail.com.

Humane Society Offers Spay & Neuter Discount Through 2/17

Hickory - Humane Society of Catawba County and Foothills low cost Spay/Neuter clinic in Hickory is offering a “Valentine Couples” discount on the price of all spay or neuter services, February 01 through 17. You can either schedule two animals for surgery or bring a friend, neighbor or family member and as a couple each animal will receive a $10 discount on current surgery price. “We would like to encourage members of our community to spay and neuter their pets,” said Executive Director Jane Bowers, “We hope that by offering a $10 discount on the already low price, perhaps more individuals will have their pet neutered.”

“It’s important to have your pets spayed and neutered”, Bowers explained, “Not just for reducing the numbers of unwanted births, which is a significant concern, but also for the health of your pets.” Animals that have not been sterilized run increased chances of cancer and other health-related concerns.

Kitten season is only round the corner so take advantage of this special discount today, please call HSCC/Foothills Spay-Neuter Clinic at (828) 464-8878 to schedule your pets’ appointment, or visit the HSCC website at www.catawbahumane.org. Individuals may also stop by the shelter to make an appointment for their pets.

Senior Citizens Invited To Social Gatherings, Reply By Feb. 13

Claremont, NC - Persons 60 or above are invited to three gathering especially for them on Feb. 20, March 19 and April 16.

These events will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the O’Cup Bean and Bakery at 3279 Main Street in downtown Claremont. The morning will include a time to gather together, meet new friends and renew old acquaintances. A game of Wheel of Fortune will be played.

There will be a drawing for a door prize, and participants will be asked to give their input about what types of activities they would like to see in Claremont.

Lunch will be provided at no cost, but advance reservations are needed. To reserve your lunch, call 320-0434 by Feb. 13 for the February meeting, March 13 for the March meeting, and April 10 for the April meeting.

These gatherings are sponsored by the Claremont Recreation Committee, Seniors Morning Out and O’Cup Bean and Bakery.

Valentine Dinner & Love Stories Of The Night Sky, Free On Feb. 10

Rosman, NC – The public is invited to a special Valentine event Friday, February 10 at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI). Registered attendees will be treated to dinner, followed by a tour of the campus and an evening of storytelling involving love stories associated with the night sky.

The program is part of PARI’s monthly Evening at PARI series and will feature a series of stories presented by Dr. Bob Hayward and PARI Education Director Christi Whitworth. “The love stories have one thing in common,” said Whitworth. “They all deal with shenanigans so memorable that they are remembered using the sky. The stories come from around the world and are sure to provide an unforgettable Valentine’s Day experience.”

The dinner is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Cost for the dinner and program is $50 per couple, and will be limited to 25 couples. Dinner reservations must be made by Feb. 3 by calling 828-862-5554 or emailing cwhitworth@pari.edu.

Reservations for the program only (7-9 p.m., no dinner) are $20 per adult, $15 for seniors/military and $10 for children under 14. Reservations for the program only will be accepted until 3:00 the day of the event and can be made online at www.pari.edu. Program details and directions to the site can also be found at the PARI web site.

CVCC Offers Doing Business With The Government, Feb. 9

Hickory - The Catawba Valley Community College Small Business Center will present “Doing Business with the Federal and State Government” on Thurs., Feb. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on CVCC’s East Campus.

Many small businesses have products or services used by the government, but few understand the process and requirements for selling to Uncle Sam. This informative two-hour program will provide attendees with first step priority actions to identify and create opportunities.

Wanda Robinson, the seminar leader, is a Procurement Counselor and a Federal Contract Certified Trainer with the Small Business and Technology Development Center in Hickory, NC. She has worked as a business consultant specializing in the Federal contracting process and is a member of the National Contract Management Association.

There is no cost to attend this seminar, but pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the CVCC Small Business Center at 828-327-7000, ext. 4117.

Flat Rock Playhouse Hosts 3rd

Annual Do Tell Storyfest, Feb.10

Hendersonville, NC - The Do Tell Storytelling Festival is partnering with Flat Rock Play House and Henderson County 4-H to host the 3rd Annual Storyfest at Playhouse Downtown, February 10 through February 12.

Do Tell Storyfest is a local festival that promotes the art of storytelling through excellence in performance, participation and education. It is a regional festival that has been developed by volunteers dedicated to storytelling. The Story Festival has two components: education for students & teachers, and performances for local audiences by professional tellers.

The Do Tell Storytelling Festival is the brainchild of Karen-Eve Bayne. “The idea came about one morning when I was having coffee with friends. I had recently moved back to Hendersonville after 25 years away. I had been living in the UK, where I had been a performing storyteller for 6 years. During that time I had been in a number of festivals and had run a festival in London. I had always thought that Hendersonville would be a perfect venue for storytelling for the public. It is part of our Appalachian heritage and tradition; and we know that most everyone loves listening to stories. In July 2009, the late, great folklorist Louise Bailey opened our 1st downtown festival with a bang. Over 400 people arrived to hear stories at the beautiful historic courthouse and in venues along Main Street. Over a dozen performers spun stories that inspired, entertained and moved folks to laughter and tears. DO TELL was born! In 2010, we served over 300 people! This year, Flat Rock Playhouse is collaborating with Do Tell to deliver the best Storyfest ever,” offered Bayne, director of the festival.

The first day of the festival, Friday, will be a dedicated School Day. With the assistance of the Henderson County Education Foundation, the festival will offer students and teachers free performances and workshops to enjoy and learn from professional storytellers and facilitators. Saturday and Sunday will be open to the public, “We have a great line up of story tellers and I am sure the festival will be very entertaining and inspiring,” concluded Bayne.

Saturday, Feb 11 – Afternoon Storytelling Festival

1:00 pm to 5:30 pm

A full afternoon of wonderful, live entertainment! Be delighted by some of the region’s best storytellers! Featuring: Sherry Lovett, David Novak, Gwenda Ledbetter and Karen-Eve Bayne. The afternoon will also include an Open-Mic Session. All who attend and are interested in the open-mic can sign up at festival that afternoon to tell a 5-minute story suitable for a mixed, family audience! Tickets for Saturday afternoon are $12.

Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 pm – Evening Show: Michael Reno Harrell

Harrell is an award winning singer, songwriter and storyteller who tops the Americana Song Charts year after year! Often featured at the International Storytelling Festival, this master teller creates magic with music, songs and stories. Tickets for Saturday evening are $12.

Sunday, Feb. 12 at 2:30 pm – An Afternoon with the Lincolns’

Spend an afternoon celebrating Abraham Lincoln’s 203rd birthday as you hear the wit and wisdom and humor from both sides with storytellers Elena Diana Miller and Candler Willis. Tickets for Sunday afternoon are $8.

All performances will be held at Playhouse Downtown, located at 125 Main Street, Hendersonville NC 28792. Call the Playhouse Box Office at 828-693-0731 for tickets. Tickets will also be available on the day of the event. In the event of snow the festival will take place February 18, 19. For more information, visit www.dotellfestival.org.

Fostering & Adoption Resource Meeting Is Tuesday, Feb. 14

Hickory - Family Builders of Catawba Valley invites anyone interested in fostering or adopting a child to attend the Resource Family Information Meeting at 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. The meeting will be held at the Family Services Center, 3050 11th Avenue Drive SE, Hickory, N.C. 28602 (behind Catawba Valley Medical Center).

“We hold the Resource Family Information Meeting on the second Tuesday of each month to help raise awareness of the great need for permanent homes for Catawba County’s waiting children,” said Sybil Good, a social work supervisor who works with adoptions. “We welcome anyone to attend to ask questions and to learn more about ways they can touch the lives of our county’s waiting children.”

Resource Families include Family Foster Homes, Therapeutic Foster Homes, Adoptive Homes, Respite Care Homes and Visiting Resources.

Specific information about becoming a Resource Family will be available at the meeting. Guests also will learn about required training for Resource Families and hear stories about the rewards of helping Catawba County’s waiting children.

For more information about the meeting or to schedule an individual appointment to discuss becoming a resource family, contact Sybil Good at Family Builders of Catawba Valley at (828) 465-8901 or email sgood@catawbacountync.gov. For information on all services offered by Family Builders of Catawba Valley, visit website www.familybuilderscv.org

Women’s Resource Center Seeks Volunteers

For A Variety Of Important Duties

Hickory - WRC is actively seeking volunteers to be a part of the exciting work and mission of the Center. New volunteers who would like to devote some time to help work on the primary Board Committees, as well as volunteers that can be available throughout the year to assist with special events are needed. A description of each of the committees follows.

Programming – Frances Hall, Chair

This committee establishes the educational programs to be presented throughout the year, and seeks qualified facilitators, secures program locations, sets up and coordinates the programs. This committee will have (3) different volunteer opportunities within the overall Program Committee as follows: 1) Prime Life Ed-Ventures - Prime Life Ed-Ventures is a life-long learning initiative designed for people in mid-life and beyond (45+ years and over). The aim is to provide a non-threatening, but expert, platform where people can gain new knowledge, discover new resources and community, make new friends, find avenues of service, and adopt an attitude of learning; 2) ACAP (Adult Children of Aging Parents) offers a network of support, education and resources specifically designed for adult children caring for aging parents. Monthly meetings offer top-notch presenters who cover a wide range of topics that address the aging process, needs of aging persons and essentials for caregivers, while also offering support, resource information and camaraderie with others in similar situations; 3) Women Only (WRC) Programs- These programs will be specific topics for women only, designed to support a healthy lifestyle and to empower women to achieve their fullest potential.

Fundraising Committee—Denise Filip, Chair

This committee is responsible for raising funds to support the mission and work of Women’s Resource Center. This committee will plan and execute the events/fundraisers that have been approved in our 2012 Fundraising Calendar. This group will work to secure sponsorships from individual, corporate and civic groups to offset expenses and increase revenues for the fundraising events.

Public Relations Committee—Andree Herman, Chair

This committee is a combination of Public Relations and Marketing. They are responsible for WRC’s Newsletter, Website content, Social Media and printed materials and brochures. This group also has the responsibility of creating a speakers bureau to get the message out about the mission and needs of Women’s Resource Center into all counties served by WRC.

Please contact Cindy H. Rose, Executive Director, Women’s Resource Center, Inc., 125 3rd St NE, PO Box 1608, Hickory, NC, 28603 or at director@wrchickory.org. Telephone: 828-322-6333

Alice In Wonderland Opens At The Green Room On Feb. 10

Newton, NC - The Green Room Community Theatre is pleased to announce the cast for its All-Youth show for the 2011-2012 season, Alice in Wonderland. Forty local students, ranging from 3rd through 12th grade, make up the cast for this retelling of the classic story by Lewis Carroll which follows Alice’s journey into a world of talking animals, comic royalty, and races where the contestants run in circles.

In the title role of “Alice” is Abbey Hayes, a sophomore at Newton-Conover Middle School. Other main characters include Caleb Warren as “The White Rabbit,” Jorge Bautista as “The Cheshire Cat,” Hayden Frye as “The March Hare,” Will Emerson as “The Hatter,” Kasey Boger as “The Dormouse,” and Kaitlin Fann as “The Queen of Hearts.”

Alice in Wonderland is produced by Automated Machine Design, Inc. and is directed and adapted by David Brown. Production dates are February 10, 11, 17, & 18, 2012 at 8:00 pm and February 12 & 19, 2012 at 3:00 pm. Tickets will go on sale to the public on Friday, February 3 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 828-464-6128 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 10:00 am and 5:30 pm on or after that date.

If you have questions about this or other programs, please call The Green Room Community Theatre at (828) 464-6583 or visit our website: www.the-green-room.org.

The Green Room Community Theatre is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

Photo: Front Row (L-R): Amelia Mangan, Hannah McLendon, David Hedrick, Hayden Frye, Jordan Correll, Brandon Crowder, Kody Hopkins. 2nd Row (L-R): Hannah Burgess, Shelby Mays, Jorge Bautista, Caleb Warren, Ashleigh Humphries, Logan Riley, Noah Cline, Lindsey Koch, Amy Bandy. 3rd Row (L-R): Katie Fann, Noah McDowell, Abbey Hayes, Rachel Gann, Kennedy Hill, Grace Bollinger, Alyssa Isenhour, Ty Simmons, Zion Mingus. 4th Row (L-R): Natalie Watson, Warren Daniels, Dylan Snarr, Clowee Younce, Faith Bradshaw, Isabella McKinnon, Chloe Simmons, Savannah Spencer, Gannon Hollar
Not pictured: Sabrina Battiston, Kasey Boger, Will Emerson, Logan Harper, Erin Kelley, Alexis Mitchell.

Photo by Richard McGee

Dr. Ryan S. Conrad Will Be The Guest

Speaker At The Unifour Epilepsy Support Group On February 24

Hickory - On Tuesday, February 24th, Neurologist, Dr. Ryan S. Conrad, MD will be guest speaker at the Unifour Epilepsy Support Group. Dr. Conrad is an employee of Neurology Associates, PA of Hickory. Dr. Conrad attended medical school at Indiana University School of Medicine and graduated in 1999 having 13 years experience. Additional Neurology training was conducted at Indiana University School of Medicine. Dr Conrad is certified in Neurology, Sleep Medicine and Neuropsychology. Dr. Conrad has work experience through Hoosier Neurology/Indiana Univ Neurology, Indianapolis, IN and Neurology Associates of Hickory.

The Unifour Epilepsy Support Group meeting will be held in the Althouse Room of Corinth Church, 150 16th Avenue NW, Hickory. Refreshments will be served at 7:00 p.m. and Dr Conrad will begin around 7:10-7:15p.m. We ask, but not required, that anyone interested in attending to please call 828-312-8298 or e-mail ccofer51@yahoo.com, so we have adequate seating, pamphlets and refreshments.

Western North Carolina Epilepsy Association (WNCEA) encourages everyone to check out our Catawba County HOPE (Help Our People Eat) Garden Project and strongly consider volunteering this spring and summer (no experience needed). The food produced at the HOPE gardens are donated to WNCEA members, Hickory Soup Kitchen, ECCCM, Meals-On-Wheels and YMCA low income families, etc. For more info, visit our website at: http://catawbahope.wordpress.com

WNCEA was formed to provide services to individuals and their families who experience epilepsy and its unique challenges. Work provided through WNCEA is done on a volunteer basis which allows all funds raised and donated go directly for medical assistance, educational programs, the HOPE Project and other operating expenses. The Internal Revenue Service and the N.C. Department of Revenue designates the WNCEA as non-profit Section 501(c)(3), and the N. C. Department of Revenue, Sections 105-125 and 105-130.11(3) organization. For more information, call Christine S. Cofer/Director-Founder at 828-312-8298 or ccofer51@yahoo.com.