Last Chance To Visit Flutter-By Butterfly Habitat

At Catawba Science Center, Sept. 6

Hickory - Catawba Science Center (CSC), a nonprofit science and technology museum in Hickory, will be open Labor Day from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

While typically closed to the public on Mondays, Sept. 6 marks the final day to visit Flutter-By Butterfly Habitat, featuring hundreds of live butterflies and moths in an outdoor flower garden.

CSC will also offer an extended planetarium show schedule, including the new feature Stars: Powerhouses of the Universe at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. that day only.
Also showing: Secret of the Cardboard Rocket at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the premiere of Laser Spirit, an uplifting laser light show featuring songs from U2, The Beatles, Yanni, John Williams and more, at 1 p.m.

General admission is FREE for CSC members, $6 for adults, $4 for youth (3 to 18), seniors (62+), colleges students and active military with ID. Admission is free for children younger than 3.

Planetarium admission is $2 for CSC members and $3 for nonmembers.

More information about CSC exhibits, planetarium shows and programs is at www.CatawbaScience.org.

Catawba Science Center is a nonprofit science and technology museum in the Western Piedmont with traveling exhibits, a digital planetarium theater and a marine touch pool with live sharks and stingrays. A community asset and regional destination, Catawba Science Center is dedicated to changing lives and inspiring learning through science and wonder. Learn more at www.CatawbaScience.org.

CSC is funded in part by the United Arts Fund of Catawba County and is located in the Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley, on the SALT Block, 243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory.

Auction Benefit For Local Artist Joe LaFone

At Sarah Frisbey’s Warehouse, Sept. 18

Hickory - In the early hours of Sunday, July 18th, lightening struck the home of Joe LaFone, Hickory artist.  Joe and his dogs escaped unharmed, but he lost nearly everything he owned.  The uninsured, burned house has been condemned and awaits demolition.

Friends of Joe's have planned a benefit to raise funds to help him settle into other housing.  Currently, he is renting a small house, but he must vacate it in November. Please mark your calendar for Saturday, September 18, 2010, for a silent auction benefit at Sarah Frisbey's Warehouse at  18 Second Street  SE, Hickory, NC,  7:00-9:00pm. The auction will feature art, including paintings by Paul Whitener, William Blackburn, Philip Moose and local artists working today, pottery made by Catawba Valley potters and antiques.

Joe Lafone decided to become an artist at the age of 14.  He pursued an education in art by working at several museums on the East Coast and living a life devoted to understanding art and  art objects.  He spent years working at the Hickory Museum of Art with Mickey Coe.  He has painted for several decades, becoming well-known in the last fifteen years for his colorful landscapes, still lifes and, recently, his collaborations with artist Steve Brooks.

If you wish to help, please call 828-322-3943.  Cash donations are welcomed.

International Demolition Derby, Sept. 11 & 18

Boiling Springs, NC - The smell of an overflowing radiator, the sound of flat spinning tires throwing mud, feeling the crash of a car wreck, the smell and sound of burning clutches and transmissions the sound of metal crashing against metal, the roar of a crowd and the taste of great food. You are now prepared for the International Demolition Derby at eh Bar H Arena in Boiling Springs, NC. The 2010 dates are Saturday, September 11 and Saturday, September 18. The event begins at 7:30 p, each date.

Two big performances are planned for the 2010 season. Each performance is a separate event. Top professional drivers will be participating each day. After many years experience many locals are included in the top professional list. The International Demolition Derby has a reputation of being the toughest demolition derby in the entire south east. The event was held over twenty-five years at the Cleveland County Fair but moved to the Bar H Arena in 2009.

The admission price has remained low. Adult tickets are $8.00 and a child's (6-12) ticket is $5.00. Children under 6 of age are free.

Our sponsor, the Boiling Springs Fire & Rescue will handle our parking and concessions. There is no charge for parking but donations will be accepted. There will be great food to test your sense of taste. This is a major fund raiser for the Fire Department.

A face paced, action filled, demolition derby is what is expected and 2010 will be no exception to that expectation being met.

The International Demolition Derby has something for the entire family. Hope to see you at the Bar H Arena for the derby. For more information call (704)434-2866 or visit our website at www.barhevents.com.

Southern Women’s Show, Sept. 16 - 19

Charlotte, NC - Southern Women’s Show has something for every woman; savvy shopping, creative cooking ideas, healthy lifestyle tips, trendy fashion shows, great celebrity guests, and fabulous prizes. Grab your circle of friends and join the Christian music super group, Point of Grace, on Friday and Saturday. Meet Food Network television star, New York Times bestselling author and editor-in-chief of her own magazine, Sandra Lee Friday, Sept. 17 at the Show! Show Hours: Thursday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Advance Discount Tickets: available at participating Lowes Foods locations for Adults $7; Youth $5 (ages 6-12). Admission: Adults $9 at door; $8 in advance online; Youth (ages 6-12), $5 at door and online; ages six and under free with paying adult. Sponsors: “The Charlotte Observer,” Chevrolet, Carolinas Medical Center and Lowes Foods.

For more information or to order tickets call 704.376.6594 or visit www.SouthernWomensShow.com.

Got Eleanor? Perfect Party Entertainment!

Hickory – Got Eleanor? She’s charmingly tacky, slightly dignified, uncontrollably witty, usually sophisticated, classy in a pinch and perfect for parties! Eleanor laughs, chews gum and adjusts her girdle, usually all at the same time. Offering somewhat sensible, always hilarious advice, her witty, avant-garde humor is definitely a must have at office parties, corporate functions or any special occasion.

Eleanor is the creation of character comedian Bobbi G, who says her entertainment style is different from other comedians. “I prefer interactive comedy. I mingle with the crowd, offering everyone a personal comedy experience - at affordable laughs-per-guest rates, of course.” G emphasizes that her characters don’t demand stage time; therefore they are a perfect complement to a band, DJ or other form of entertainment.

After graduating from comedy school, over the last several years G has emceed at two local Comedy Zones and hosted several talent shows as well as area fundraisers and events. Wanting to challenge herself even more she decided to undertake character comedy, creating three characters: Eleanor, Ada Beta and Shannondoah. She began to shape each character’s identity, including age, marital status and physical appearance and spent months perfecting each one’s voice, personality and brief introductory routine.

“I actually had the idea for Eleanor in comedy school. Then I started booking her at functions once I pulled her look together,” which G describes as flamboyantly tacky. Ada Beta is much older, has been married to the same man for 40 years and not happy about it. G says, “She’s a tad grouchy, but endearing.” Shannondoah is the youngest, and more of a ‘specialized’ character whom G describes as, “A southern bell who sings like Marilyn Monroe.” All of her characters are available for booking now for the upcoming months.

“I enjoy character comedy because it allows me to stretch the boundaries of my imagination.” G says Eleanor can be the perfect party guest, and event planners may also personalize their event with Eleanor as hostess, Master of Ceremonies, or facilitator of sing-a-longs and games. “It’s hard to turn Eleanor down, she won’t take ‘no’ for an answer!”

Character comedy is just one example of G’s talent. She’s also an award winning artist, a cartoonist, and her coffee-table humor book, It’s not broken, it’s just cracked!, published in 2000 introduced her cartoon character Mumsy®. She’s been a weekly humor/motivational columnist for Focus Newspaper since 2006. While pursuing syndication for her column, G is currently writing three new books: a biography, a suspense drama and a fantasy based on a column she wrote in 2007.

G also became a motivational speaker after her bout with a long illness. “One day, life as I knew it ended. I lost everything. That’s when I found myself.” G recovered from being almost completely incapacitated for nearly five years. “When you can’t do what you used to, it’s time to figure out what you can still do. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make people laugh and feel better about themselves and their lives. My old life ended, but I absolutely love my life now!”

For more information about bookings contact Bobbi G at 828-695-9018, bgei@charter.net, www.theBobbiGspot.com/Eleanor, www.BobbiGspeaks.com.

Antsy McClain And The Trailer Park Troubadours

To Play Sipe’s Orchard Home Fall Festival, Sept. 4

Conover, NC - On Saturday, September 4, 2010, Sipe's will hold its first Fall Festival, the Bloomin' Orchard Festival, which will benefit the new Transitional Living Program. Admission is free. The afternoon will be filled with a variety of free and almost-free activities, music, food, and entertainment, all taking place on the Sipe's campus. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day featuring loads of entertainment: hay rides, Arts & Crafts vendors, a variety of food vendors, games, prizes, an Open Stage featuring local entertainers, contests & prizes, hot air balloon rides, and pony rides! Food, drinks, activity tickets, and other items will be on sale throughout the afternoon.

Following the festival is a fantastic entertainer and his crew, Antsy McClain & The Trailer Park Troubadours performing an outdoor concert at 5:30 pm! Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair! Referred to by country music legend Willie Nelson as a cross between Jimmy Buffet and The Andy Griffith Show, Antsy has many dedicated fans from across the country who travel far and wide to see him perform. His music has been featured in movies, television, and international radio, including NPR's All Things Considered, whose host, Debbie Elliot, called him 'unique and intoxicating.' To learn more about Antsy McClain visit www.unhitched.com.

Antsy Unplugged: There will be a more intimate, indoor, acoustic concert by Antsy and the Troubadours on Friday evening (September 3) before Saturday's festival, please contact John Cutchin at cutchlaw@bellsouth.net for details. Seating is limited.

Separate tickets must be bought for the Antsy McLain concert: Concert tickets in advance cost $20 for adults and $10 for students. On the day of the festival, tickets will cost $25 for adults and $15 for students. Tickets bought online via the PayPal link below cost an additional $1.00 each. Children 4 and under get in free.

Concert tickets may be bought at Sipe's Orchard Home on County Home Road, Killians Hardware on Springs Road, the Cutchin Law Office in Newton, or the Bank of Granite branches in Conover, Newton, Viewmont, and Springs Road.

Sipe's address is 4431 County Home Rd., Conover, NC 28613. (828) 256-5056.
Directions to Sipe's Orchard Home: From Interstate 40, take Exit #130.

At the top of the ramp, go right. Go straight through the traffic light at 10th Street (Jack in the Box). At the next light, turn right onto Herman Sipe Road. At the stop sign, turn left onto County Home Road. Take the first left into Sipe's driveway. Sipe's office is the long, one-story building on the left.

Auditions For ‘Dark’ At HCT, Sept. 13

Hickory - The Hickory Community Theatre has just announced the audition dates for its first Firemen’s Kitchen production of the season, the dark thriller “Wait Until Dark” by Frederick Knott.

Auditions are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, September 13 & 14 at 7pm at the Theatre, 30 Third Street NW in Downtown Hickory.

Roles are available for six men and one woman, ages 18 and up, and one girl age 10-15.  Rehearsals begin on September 20.  Performances are weekends November 5-27, including Thanksgiving weekend. Scripts are available for perusal, with a $10 deposit.  Please call the Theatre’s administrative offices at (828) 327-3855, weekdays 10-5.

“Wait Until Dark” is produced by Robert Abbey, Inc. and Steve Austin, AICP.  The Hickory Community Theatre is a funded affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

25th Annual Sculpture Celebration Presented

By Caldwell Arts Council, Sept. 11

Lenoir, NC - The Caldwell Arts Council, in partnership with the Tri State Sculptors Association, announces the annual Sculpture Celebration, one of the longest-running sculpture events in the southeast, to be presented on Saturday, September 11, 2010, from 9 – 4 at the J.E. Broyhill Park in Lenoir, NC.

Celebrating its 25th year, the Sculpture Celebration will feature sculptural artwork by artists from the eastern US in competition for cash prizes totaling $9,500. For this day, over 150 sculptures – realistic and abstract, traditional and contemporary, movable and stationary, indoor and outdoor – will adorn the 7+ acres of the J.E. Broyhill Park.

Beginning at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 11, visitors may stroll through the park and enjoy three-dimensional art and live music by Sylvio Martinat’s Swing Band from 10 am -12 noon, and the Harris Brothers from 1 - 3 pm; savor hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, Blue Moose coffee drinks, pizza by the slice and other treats from local vendors throughout the day while children create art with assistance from members of Foothills Art Gallery. Admission to the event is free.

On Friday evening, September 10, the Caldwell Arts Council will host The Blue Jeans Preview Party where sculptors, patrons, and artists will gather for dinner and live music by Bob Wilusz, the “Strolling Accordionist,” followed by a presentation by the competition judge, Dr. Lawrence Wheeler, Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art. The event is open to all; however, tickets are required and must be purchased at a cost of $15 per person in advance from the Caldwell Arts Council.

Registration is open to any 3-D artist up to the day of the event, and each sculptor may present up to three sculptures. For detailed information and artist pre-registration, a prospectus is available by request from the CAC or online at www.caldwellarts.com. Cost to register the day of the event is $60; however, there are significant discounts for early registration.

In addition to the cash awards, Judge Dr. Wheeler will select a sculpture during the 25th Sculpture Celebration for installation by the artist on the grounds of the North Carolina Museum of Art for two - three months.

The Sculpture Celebration started with a simple idea and a pig weather vane sculpture, which now adorns the roof of the Caldwell Arts Council. Since then, Caldwell County's love affair with sculpture has become a near obsession as evidenced by Caldwell County being home to one of the largest collections of public sculpture in the United States. The pig was the first in the Caldwell Arts Council's current collection of 77 publicly-displayed sculptures, most of which are outdoors for anyone to enjoy at any time of day. The Sculpture Celebration which began in 1985 has been a constant driving force in building up the area's collection as well as creating a sculptor-friendly environment.

For further information, contact the Caldwell Arts Council at 828-754-2486; visit the web site www.caldwellarts.com; or e-mail info@caldwellarts.com. The Caldwell Arts Council is located at 601 College Ave SW, Lenoir, NC, 28645.

Blues Out Back Concert Features Ron Hunter, Sept. 10

Dallas, NC - Gaston County Museum will host the performance of bluesman, Big Ron Hunter, as part of their 12th Annual “Blues out Back” summer concert series on Friday, September 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the lawn behind the museum. This performance is sponsored by Treescape of Gastonia.

Big Ron Hunter hails from the Winston-Salem, North Carolina area and picked up the guitar in the 1960s where he played in various local bands. He was mentored by bluesman Guitar Gabriel and developed his unique style while raising a family and working a day job. Retired now, Hunter is looking to break into the blues scene and play his music.

The twelfth annual “Blues out Back” concert series is free and open to the public. It’s held the second Friday of the month from May until September. The museum encourages folks to bring along blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic for an evening of great music with friends and family.

Gaston County Museum of Art & History, Dallas, North Carolina – 131 West Main Street, Dallas, NC 28034 – The Gaston County Museum is located near Gastonia, North Carolina on the square in historic Dallas. The museum is housed in an 1852 brick Greek Revival style hotel that has been adapted for visitors and travelers of today. The museum contains North Carolina’s largest public exhibit of horse-drawn vehicles consisting of sleighs, drays, wagons, and buggies and is the home of the Ties that Bind: Carolinas Textile Exhibit.

For more information contact Jeff Pruett, Programs Coordinator, at 704.922.7681 x 105, e-mail: jeff.pruett@co.gaston.nc.us, or visit www.gastoncountymuseum.org.

Call For Artists To Participate In ‘Art Around Caldwell:

Gallery & Studio Tour,’ Oct. 16

Lenoir, NC – Caldwell Arts Council is pleased to announce the first-ever county-wide event “Art Around Caldwell: Gallery & Studio Tour” to be held 10am-5pm on Saturday, October 16, 2010.

Artists and galleries in Caldwell County are invited to participate by opening their studio to the public for a day.

The tour will start at the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce, where one piece of your artwork will be on display.

From there, interested parties can map out all the studios they wish to visit on the map of available open studios & galleries.

Details for participation are available by calling Caldwell Arts Council at 828-754-2486 or by visiting our website www.caldwellarts.com for an application.

Bethlehem Library Invites Artists To Display Work

Bethlehem, NC - The Alexander County Bethlehem Branch Library is offering visual artists the opportunity to hang art for two month periods with an opening reception the first Thursday of the opening month. Art may be priced to sell.

Anyone interested in participating please contact Bud Caywood at 828-495-1057 or caywoodstudio@charter.net for more information. Currently accepting applications for 2011. Please visit the library at 45 Rink Dam Road, Hickory NC 28601 (Bethlehem) to see the available wall space. Library hours Monday and Wednesday 9:00AM-2:00PM, Tuesday and Thursday Noon-7:00PM.

The Dowden Sisters Featured At Valdese Family Night, Sept. 3

Valdese, NC - Valdese Family Friday Nights will complete their summer series this Friday, September 3rd, with two entertaining groups beginning at 7:00pm in the Town Parking lot.

The first group, a local favorite, will be “John Pons and Friends.” They will provide a short entertainment session and get the crowd relaxed and ready for the “Dowden Sisters.”

“The Dowden Sisters” will continue the evening with more great entertainment. The band consists of Laura Dowden, vocals/guitar, Hannah Dowden, Vocals/ Fiddle, Brendan McEnnerney, Clawhammer Banjo/ Mandolin/ Guitar, and Devin McEnnerney on bass.

Myra’s will continue their Friday “Cruise In” with over a hundred classic/antique cars and several of the merchants will remain open to provide an opportunity for those that might want to walk around town and visit the shops. So bring your lawn chairs and enjoy your evening in Valdese.

Valdese Farmers Market will be open Wednesday, 8:00am until noon, and Friday, 2:00pm until 5:00pm.

CVCC Offers Dog Obedience Training Beginning Sept. 16

Hickory - Catawba Valley Community College's Continuing Education Division will offer basic dog obedience training on Thursdays, Sept. 16 through Oct. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Dog owners who are embarrassed by their dog's habits, such as excessive barking, jumping on people or taking you for a run, will find this class helpful.

This class is a great way to socialize dogs, learn park etiquette, meet new dog owners and get a little exercise, too.

Dogs must be at least five months old. Dogs with aggression problems are not accepted. Bring an up-to-date vaccination record, including Distemper, Rabies and Bordetella.

The first class meeting on Sept. 16 is an orientation session for students only; no dogs. All other classes will be held outdoors at Southside Park in Newton.

The cost is $50. Preregistration is required by calling CVCC's Continuing Education office, 828-327-7000, ext. 4320.

Donate Used Books To Hickory Public Library, Through Sept.

Hickory - Hickory Public Library is looking for used books for the Friends of the Library Annual Book Sale. If you have boxes of books stored away or want to share some of the great books you read this summer, the library would love to have them. The Friends of Hickory Public Library is preparing for its used book sale in October, and is accepting donations until the end of September.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library will be accepting hard cover or paperback books that are in good condition, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. Please do not include text books, condensed books or magazines. The library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block in Hickory.

Friends holds its annual used book sale to raise money for the library’s collections and programs at both Patrick Beaver Memorial Library and Ridgeview Branch Library. The book sale is the group’s major fundraiser. This year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 7 to 10. Many of the books offered for sale have been weeded from the library shelves, but the sale’s success depends on donations from area residents.

For information about book donations or Friends membership and volunteer opportunities, call Janice Knotts at 304-0500 ext. 7277.

Brett’s Ride For Pediatric Cancer, Oct. 3

Hickory - The 7th Annual Brett's Ride for Pediatric Cancer Research is only a month away, and so it’s time to make sure your plans are made to participate. Sunday October 3, 2010 is the date of this year’s ride, which is held every year on the first Sunday in October. The ride begins and ends at the Hickory Foundation YMCA at 701 First Street NW Hickory, NC.

This year there are four ride options of 10, 32, 52, and 75 miles, plus the traditional Tot Ride held behind the Foundation Center.

You can register either by visiting Rock ‘n’ Road Bicycles in Viewmont or by going to our website and downloading the brochure at www.brettsride.org.

Thanks to all the wonderful supporters of Brett’s Ride, a total of $500,000 has been donated over the first 6 years of the event, including $112,000 last year, to help combat childhood cancer. Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston Salem and Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte each were beneficiaries of $56,000 from our Ride, two hospitals that are part of a network of over 200 hospitals called Children’s Oncology Group who share cancer research with each other and with hospitals throughout the country.

Brett's Ride is now one of just eight fund raising organizations that comprise a coalition called the “Carolinas Kids Cancer Research Coalition.”  This group will help fund clinical trials by the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Center at Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, a program that will offer experimental drugs to children who have cancers that recur after initial treatment fails. Kids and their parents from our region who have been forced to travel to other medical centers in places like New York and Washington to get life-saving help will now be able to get that help very close to home. We are excited and proud to be part of these pioneering efforts!

At our new website www.brettsride.org you can check out our video, read our most recent newsletter, and become familiar with the route options that riders will follow this year.  Whether you are a beginner and are looking to get in shape by learning a great new sport or are a seasoned cyclist, there is a route and a ride for you.

Join us in the fight against childhood cancer by participating in this year’s ride and help make this a better world for children and families both locally and across the country!

Bittersweet Romance Lies At The Heart

Of Cabaret At HCT, Sept. 10

Hickory - Outside the dark decadence of the Kit Kat Klub, the naughty nightclub that serves as the central locale for “Cabaret” there is a bittersweet romance between an elderly shopkeeper and the wise landlady of a local rooming house.  These two characters are played by experienced actors Bill Boyd and Joy McManus-Rodgers in the Hickory Community Theatre’s production.

McManus-Rodgers is no stranger to the theatre, and especially not the HCT stage, where she has been appearing since 1981 when she was part of the ensemble for “Caught in the Act”, she was also one of the Kit Kat Girls in the last HCT production of “Cabaret” in 1986.  Her more recent roles include Dottie in “Noises Off”, Mindy in “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” and Dinah in “The Dixie Swim Club”.  She has also garnered numerous nominations and awards for her work.

Boyd’s first appearance on the HCT stage was just over two years ago, in the May 2008 production of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum”.  He has since been seen as Franz Liebkind in “The Producers”, Victor Fleming in “Moonlight & Magnolias” and as Harold the dog in “Bunnicula”.  The cast of “Moonlight & Magnolias” was awarded the Best Ensemble Kay Award for the 2008-2009 Season.

“Cabaret” plays weekends, September 10-26, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., Thursdays (September 16 and 23) at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays (September 19 and 26) at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $7 for students & youth 18 and under.

Every Thursday evening performance all adult and senior tickets are just $10, sponsored by the Hickory Daily Record.

Tickets are now on sale by phone through the HCT box office at (828) 328-2283 or online at www.hct.org.

“Cabaret” is produced by Frye Regional Medical Center.  HCT is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

Photo: Joy McManus Rodgers and Bill Boyd play two older sweethearts in “Cabaret” at the Hickory Community Theatre.  The production opens September 10 on the Jeffers Mainstage.

Dancing Competition And Fundraising Gala

At Dale Earnhardt Inc. On Sept. 18

Mooresville, NC - Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come join your local business leaders and town officials for the Dancing with OUR Stars Evening on Saturday, September 18th, 6pm at Dale Earnhardt Inc., Hwy 3 Mooresville,  presented by the Mooresville-South Iredell Chamber of Commerce.  Sponsors are: Randy Marion Auto Dealerships, Arthur Murray Lake Norman Dance Studios and Lake Norman Currents Magazine.  Be there to cheer on OUR Dancing Stars:  Erskine Smith, Assistant Town Manager-Mooresville, Debby Hoover, General Manager-Hampton Inn & Suites Mooresville, Ben Goins Financial Advisor-Piedmont Bank, Kim Morton- Account Executive Lake Norman Currents Magazine, Jennifer Marion Mills - Randy Marion Dealerships (dancers will all be partnered with a professional dancer from Arthur Murray LN Dance Studio). In addition there is a very special dance presentation that will not be announced until the evening of the competition ~ you do not want to miss this performance. Master of Ceremonies will be Larry Sprinkle from WCNC TV Channel 36 with Dance Competition Judges: Dennis Cowardin-BB&T Bank, Howard Kosofsky-Old Downtown Business Center, Marie Serverance-Acrofitness and Abigail Jennings-Lake Norman Realty. 

All proceeds will fund the  development of MSI Chamber leadership programs and community projects.  Did you know that the chamber is behind many of the happenings that everyone enjoys but think it just happens (Race City Festival, Online Community Event Calendar, Junior and Adult Leadership Classes, Small Business Seminars, Business Expo). The chamber serves as an advocate for local businesses and the go-to location for newcomers, visitors, residents and business referrals.  

For $90pp each attendee will enjoy an evening of glitz and glamour (black tie optional) with an opportunity to tour Dale Earnhardt Inc with hosts Mr Kerry Earnhardt and family, watch our Stars under the lights and judge their performance, along with a delicious dinner by Nancy Brody's Catered Occasions, signature Startini drinks at the open bar and time for dancing with your favorite partner. 

And, there is more ... a silent auction with a long list of awesome items for you to bid on. Miss Race City Erika Duckworth and Miss Mooresville Katie Knowles will be there too!  You will definitely want to purchase the prettiest "one of a kind" decorated shoes (as raffle tickets).  The shoes are on display with a limited amount of them for sale in advance at the MSI Chamber Office.  The cost is just $5 a piece or the entire set of 5 for $20 .  Each shoe will have a number that coincides with a ticket to win over 15 prizes priced over $100.(you do not need to be in attendance to win prizes)  Local merchants have really stepped up to the plate in support with donations which include NASCAR tour passes, Big Screen TV with a Wii game system, gift certificates, Framed Art Work, a lake sightseeing cruise with Capt Gus and much, much more. 

Please stop by or call the chamber office 149 E. Iredell Ave, (Hwy 3) Mooresville 704-664-3898 to reserve your seats and purchase your shoes!  www.mooresvillenc.org    

CVPA Meeting Sept. 14

Hickory - The Catawba Valley Paralegal Association, Inc. will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. at the Catawba Valley Community College Auditorium, Highway 70, Hickory, NC.  Attorney Charles D. Dixon, and G. Maurice Capps, CPA, both from Hickory, will present "Trusts and Estates."  Topics include types of trusts, rights of creditors against interest in trusts, revocation and amendment of trusts and distributions from a trust.  One hour of general CPE credit has been approved by the North Carolina State Bar. There is no charge for CVPA members in good standing to attend. Current CVCC, WPCC or CCC students with valid school ID attend free.  All others pay $25.00 for the seminar.

CVPA is a non-profit organization which encourages ethical and professional conduct within the paralegal profession. For more information:  www.catawbavalleyparalegalassoc.org/ or contact: Cyndy Adams at 828-464-9510, or cadams.nccp@lewwaddelllaw.com.

Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary Festival - Free

Music, Crafts, Children’s Programs And More! September 10 - 12

Cumberland Knob, NC - The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 75th Anniversary Festival is a multi-day, multi-venue event staged in and around Cumberland Knob Recreation Area in North Carolina, where Parkway construction began on September 11, 1935. Two locations, the Blue Ridge Music Center (MP 213) and the Cumberland Knob Recreation Area (MP 217), will be home to the festival that will include a formal ceremony featuring local, state, and federal officials; regional music and crafts; antique car and travel trailer vehicle exhibits; interpretive and environmental programs; storytelling; children’s activities; local foods; and much more!

Friday, September 10: Formal ceremony & Bluegrass virtuoso Sierra Hull & Highway 111.

Saturday, September 11: 9/11/2001 Remembrance with Rev. Dan Matthews; “They Call Me Aunt Orlean” one-woman play; Dr. Ralph Stanley & His Clinch Mountain Boys

Sunday, September 12: Shape note singing with Laura Boosinger: The Churchmen; Jack Tale Players of Ferrum College.

Ongoing activities include: Luthier/Instrument Maker Demonstrations; History Discussions; Community Showcase; Storytelling; Films; Nature Walks Historic Construction Equipment Exhibit; Junior Appalachian Musicians; Appalachian Craft Demonstrations; Tastes of the Blue Ridge & Tailgate Market; Jamming Tents.

75th Commemorative Artwork by T. Pennington and P. Buckley Moss; Hundreds of birthday cards by elementary students on exhibit; Flat Foot Dance Workshop; Commemorative and Community Quilts on display; Antique Camper Exhibit.

Kids and family activities include:
Beyond mountain crafts and food, great traditional Appalachian music and dance, exhibits and demonstrations, and antique cars and campers, there will be a wealth of activity for the kids. National Park Service Rangers, with assistance from partners and other volunteers, will lead activities focusing on traditional games, the culture of the region, biology, botany, natural history, geology, Parkway design, and Appalachian crafts.

At Cumberland Knob, families will be able to participate in the following interpretive, hands-on programs:

Building A Road – Parkway designers built a picturesque, pastoral, and sublime road when they created the Blue Ridge Parkway. Look at how the road has changed over the years and then create your own vision of a scenic parkway.

What’s Your Name? – In the 1820s, the Cherokee Indian Sequoyah developed a written alphabet for the Cherokee language. Learn how to write your name using his syllabary.

Warm and Pretty – Try your hand at quilting, a long-time Appalachian tradition, and learn about naturally dyed yarns.

Time Out for Toys – In the old days, children made toys from materials they had on hand. Try some old-time toys and games and make your own to take home.

Memories of Blue Ridge Parkway at 75 – Become a Junior Ranger and keep a journal of everything you do and learn during the Anniversary Festival.

At the Blue Ridge Music Center, family activities include the following:

Who Lives Here? – Learn about the diverse environments along the Parkway and the many different animal habitats protected by this scenic byway.

Geology Rocks – The Blue Ridge Mountains are some of the oldest in the world. Learn about how they were created, as well as the types of rocks and minerals you can find in the region.

What Grows Here? – With more species of plants growing along the Blue Ridge Parkway than in any other national park, learn about some of them and take home seeds to plant in your own backyard.

Keeping It Clean – Many streams originate along the crest of the Parkway. Learn where water pollution comes from and what you can do to help keep our water clean.

In addition to these programs – and for the child in all of us – there will be a variety of storytelling sessions as well as performances of traditional Jack Tales by Ferrum College students. These folk tales originated with English and Scottish immigrants who brought them to the Blue Ridge when they settled in the region.

There is no admission fee to enjoy the 75th Anniversary Festival! For more information please visit our website at www.blueridgeparkway75.org.

The PCHCV Benefit Tennis Tournament Will

Be Held At Rock Barn On Sept. 24 - 26

  Conover, NC- The Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley’s Benefit Tennis Tournament sponsored by Medicap Pharmacy will be held at Rock Barn Golf and Spa on September 24-26, 2010.  The benefit provides the opportunity to enjoy some competitive tennis and food on the grounds of the beautiful Rock Barn Golf and Spa.

Enjoy lunch and dinner on Saturday as well as snacks and drinks in the afternoons.  Entry fee for the event is $30.00 per person per event before Sept. 14th and $35 after.  There will also be a silent auction held all day Saturday with announcement of winners in the evening.

For more information and ticket sales contact Joel Denny at (828) 459-3630 or email jdenny@rockbarn.com. Photo: PCHCV Director of Planned Giving Hugh Cating, Evelyn Fox Ross, Bob Busbee and Joel Denny

Call For Artists To Participate In Satie’s Annual Holiday

Show & Sale, Apply By Oct. 12

Lenoir, NC - The Caldwell Arts Council is seeking artists to participate in our annual Satie’s Holiday Show & Sale, December 3-24.  If you haven’t seen this show, our entire house/gallery is turned into a lovely holiday gift shop open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm & Saturdays 10am-3pm.

This year’s decorating theme is “Christmas Through The Eyes of a Child.”

Items to be considered for the holiday sale will be juried by our Satie’s Holiday Committee.  All items must be handmade, and the most successful items each year are those priced less than $50.  We are always looking for a variety of exciting new gift items.  We seem to especially need items for children and men.  We also like having new food items for this sale.

There are two jury-in dates -- please bring samples of items you wish to sell to the Caldwell Arts Council no later than 5pm on either October 12 or November 8th.  Include proposed pricing (including 25% commission to the Caldwell Arts Council).

Once accepted, you will receive further information on when to bring your items and how to mark them for sale for this show. Thanks for considering joining us for this wonderful holiday show and sale.  For more information call the Caldwell Arts Council at 754-2486 or visit the website www.caldwellarts.com.

CVCC Offers Training For Project Leaders, Sept. 8

Hickory - Catawba Valley Community College’s Workforce Development Center will offer a six-week Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Training Course for Project Leaders beginning Sept. 8.

 Classes meet 8 a.m. to 12 noon Sept. 8, 22 and 29, Oct. 6, 13 and 20 at CVCC’s East Campus.

This blended learning course includes 24 classroom hours and 22 hours of interactive and dynamic online instruction featuring voice over and closed captioning.  Participants will learn the tools needed to define, measure, analyze, improve and control a Six Sigma project. 

Successful completion of on-line modules and the final exam will earn certification.
The fee is $1,175 per person, including materials.

For information or to register, please contact Susan Harris at CVCC, 828-327-7000 ext. 4294, or sharris@cvcc.edu.

Hickory Public Library Resumes Childrens’ Programs Sept. 13

Hickory - Young children of all ages can participate in storytime programs designed especially for them at Hickory Public Library. Mornings at the library include stories, songs, games, books, music, toys, dance and lots of fun. The library will resume its schedule of free programs at both libraries starting in September. Ridgeview Branch Library hosts Tales & Tunes for 3 – 5 year olds each Monday at 10:30 a.m. On Sept. 13, Hickory Museum of Art will bring a special art project to add to the stories.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library offers specialized storytimes for specific age groups: Babytime, for infants and crawlers, on Fridays at 10:00 and Storytime, for toddlers to 5 year olds, on Wednesdays at 11:00.

On the first Wednesday of each month, professional storyteller Sharon Clarke is the special guest for Storytime. She entertains with her songs, stories, puppets and audience participation.

On the third Wednesday of each month, storytime will include a special art activity conducted by the Hickory Museum of Art. In addition to these regular storytimes, the library offers special programs and events. Programs may include storytellers, rug concerts, authors, magicians, musicians, puppets, animals or plays. Pick up a children’s calendar at the library or check the calendar on the library’s website at www.hickorygov.com./library

For information about children’s programs call 304-0500 ext. 7271. Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block. Ridgeview Branch Library is at 706 1st Street SW.

10th Annual Blues & Burritos, Sept. 17, The Event Is Free And

All Donations Will Go To The Community Clinic & Soup Kitchen

Mooresville, NC - The Tenth Annual Blues & Burritos will held on Friday, September 17, 2010.  The event is hosted by the law firm of Homesley, Goodman & Wingo, PLLC and takes place on the front lawn of the firm’s office in the historic Isaac Harris House at 330 South Main Street, Mooresville.  The firm is pleased to have Bob Margolin, Max Drake, Pat “Mother Blues” Cohen, Shelia Carlisle and Robin Rogers as special guest performers joining the Part Time Blues Band.  Main Street will be closed in front of the office to provide more room for the event.

All costs associated with the event are underwritten by the law firm.  There is no admission fee but donations are encouraged.  All donations this year will be divided equally between the HealthReach Community Clinic and the Mooresville Soup Kitchen.  The firm has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity by hosting Blues & Burritos over the years.  Some other organizations benefitting from the event in the past are the American Red Cross, Friends of the Library, the Mooresville Christian Mission, the Dove House and the Depot Arts Center.

Bob Margolin played guitar for many years with the legendary Muddy Waters.  Margolin performs in “The Last Waltz”, arguably the best rock film ever made.

The featured band, Part-Time Blues Band, with guitarist Rusty Barkley, (www.parttimebluesband.com) is second to none in the Blues and Blues/Rock field.  Mother Blues Cohen will join the band for a special performance.  Cohen performed for years on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, moving to North Carolina after Katrina. 

Max Drake will also be onstage.  Max honed his guitar skills with many blues greats, including Lightning Hopkins.  Max’s band, Arhooly, was a staple on the blues circuit for many years.  Shelia Carlisle brought her dynamic blues style to Arhooly and Robin Rogers was the 2009 Best Female Vocalist at the national Blues Blast awards held at Buddy Guy’s Legends in Chicago.

Artist Richard Sinclair (www.artintheshop.net) as well as artists from the Depot Art Center will have their artwork on display and available for sale.

The law firm provides complimentary beverages from Carolina Beer & Beverage Company, Mooresville’s own brewer of Carolina Blonde (www.carolinablonde.com), and burritos from Pueblo Grande of Mooresville.  The event is from 6 until 10 p.m.   You can get more information from the law firm’s website at www.lakenormanlaw.com/comingevents

Photo: Bob Margolin

Blue Ridge Horseman’s Association Announces

2nd Anuual Labor Day Trail Ride, Sept. 3 - 6

Lenoir, NC - BRHA (a Not-for-Profit horse club) just last year leased a new campground from the state of North Carolina which consist of: 375 acres of our own property which was once a 4 H camp until Sept. '08; It is surrounded by Pisgah National Forest of 43,380 acres with horse trails throughout!   We have opened up all existing trails and added 10 new ones!  We have also color coded all the trails as well as printed a map that is available for $2.00

There are hundreds of horse trailer camping spots, some have high line posts, many back right against Mulberry Creek for water access for your horse.  We also have some 12' x 12' corrals, and there is always plenty of room for a portable fence of your own at your camping area.  There are two picnic pavilions with full kitchens and bathrooms, 4 cabins each sleeping 8 people, bath houses with hot water showers, 3 caves to explore, a fishing pond, a waterfall, etc. just to name a few!  You will never be turned away from Anita-Alta for lack of camping space so bring a fishing rod, your horse and enjoy the 75+ miles of trails here in the beautiful Pisgah National Forest! 90% of our trails are shaded and most have a water source on them for horses.

During our Labor Day Weekend,  we will have a live band, a trail horse (or MULE ) challenge contest, horseshoe tournament, 50/50 duck race, organized trail rides and a poker run on horseback!   There will be a cook trailer there all weekend with complete meals available! 

The fun begins on Friday, Sept. 3rd- Monday Sept. 6. Parking fee is only $3 per day.  FREE Admission! Brochures are available of the camp if anyone is interested.  Visit our web site for more info: www.brha.us

Please come up and be our guest this Labor Day or anytime that you may want to visit!!! We would love to have you!!!

We are located in Lenoir, NC with easy access from Hwy. 321 from a paved road.  2929 Mulberry Creek Road, Lenoir, NC  28645  Camp phone is: 828-758-5528.

Hickory Museum Of Art Presents The Lake

Norman Folk Art Festival, October 2

Sherrills Ford, NC – The second annual Lake Norman Folk Art Festival, presented by the Hickory Museum of Art, will take place on Saturday, October 2 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at 4689 Giles Avenue , Sherrills Ford. Admission and parking are free and open to the public.

More than 25 folk artists from North Carolina and surrounding states will offer their work for sale. In addition, there will be special hands-on activities for children, live bluegrass music, art-making demonstrations and food available for purchase.

Artists who have been accepted to this juried show and sale include the following: Tammy Leigh Brooks, Cher Shaffer, Artrageousfolk/Denny Maloney, Sarah Rakes, Jeff Young, Mike Esslinger, Wanda Clark, Harriet McGee, Robert Oren Eades, S&S Workshop, Jack and Delma Turner, Gary Mitchell, Keesha Freeman Meroney, Moni Hill, Barbara Miller, J&M Helton Pottery, Tim & Lisa Kluttz, Kristen Feighery, Kathy Richards, Larry Kepley, Chameleon Clayworks, Primitive Folks/John Sperry, Elise Starnes, A.V. Smith Pottery, Theresa Gloster and Bearfoot Chainsaw Carving.

Photo: Tammy Leigh Brooks & rooster

“The Hickory Museum of Art has a large permanent collection of contemporary Southern folk art,” said Lisë Swensson, the museum’s executive director. “Last year, we decided to present this vibrant form of art through the Lake Norman Folk Art Festival. Following a highly successful first year, the festival is returning again this year to Sherrills Ford.”

The event will be held on a private, lakefront lot owned by Myra and Darwin Smith.

The Hickory Museum of Art invites the public to attend this free, family-friendly event near Charlotte , NC .

The Lake Norman Folk Art Festival is made possible by the generosity of the following sponsors: Alex Lee, Inc.; Catawba Valley Medical Center; Wachovia/Wells Fargo; The Gardner Group; GDS; Newport Properties, Joanie Gardner, Broker; Our State Magazine; Rink Media; Hickory Museum of Art Board of Trustees; Myra and Darwin Smith; Duke Energy; and Lenoir-Rhyne University.

The Hickory Museum of Art is a United Arts Council of Catawba County Funded Affiliate and is located in the “SALT Block” Arts & Science Center of the Catawba Valley , 243 3rd Avenue NE. Admission is free everyday and families are welcome. For additional information, call 828-327-8576 or go to www.HickoryArt.org.

Tammy Leigh Brooks will be selling her ceramic roosters, which have been featured in international poultry magazines, at the Lake Norman Folk Art Festival, to be held Oct. 2 at Sherrills Ford near Charlotte , NC . More information about the festival is available at www.lakenormanfolkartfestival.com.

97th Annual Hickory American Legion Fair, Sept. 1 - 6

Hickory - If you’re looking for great food, superb entertainment and lots of family fun, look no further than the Hickory American Legion Fair going on September 1st through September 6th.

Visitors can tour the exhibit halls to see the best in competitive entries ranging from flower arrangements, preserves and cake decorating to arts and crafts. Children and adults can view various farm animals or watch a livestock competition.

All age groups are encouraged to visit the Hickory American Legion Agricultural Fair. “The local agricultural fair serves as a cornerstone in building the local community. Everyone can learn and share in the great heritage and importance of agriculture to our state.”

The more adventurous fairgoers can take a ride on more than 24 twirling, looping and gravity-defying rides provided by Drew Exposition. To make the fair experience complete, local civic and church groups will offer the best in fair foods. From foot-long hot dogs to cotton candy, funnel cakes and candy apples, everyone is sure to find a mouth-watering treat.

Also, included is country music stars direct from Nashville, fireworks nightly, and ride specials, Hansen’s Spectacular Circus Thrill Show, Doggies Of The Wild West, R&S Woodcarving, Hubba Bubba The Clown, Hogway Speedway, and Circle “C” Petting Zoo. There will be Livestock Judging Daily and Senior Citizens Day Friday from 12 noon till 5:00PM. Come and enjoy your local fair!

The fair opens to the public on Wednesday. Thursday - All School Age Children FREE admission 5pm to closing), Friday - Senior Citizens Day FREE admission from 12 noon to 5pm; Saturday opens at 12 Noon; Sunday at 2:00PM and Monday at 12 Noon. Gate admission for Ages of 0-6 (FREE), Ages of 7 to 17 ($5.00) and Ages 18 & Over ($7.00).

For more information about the fair, please contact Steve Mains at (828) 464-5433. Check us out at (www.hickoryamericanlegionfair.com).

You may pick up your $5.00 advance ticket(s) at The Jewelry Exchange-(two locations), Ronald’s Superette, and Killian’s Hardware.

Photo: JB Rocket performs Sat. night

Think You Can’t Afford To Advertise Your Business? Think Again!

Introducing The Red Pages!

Hickory - Focus Newspaper is excited to offer a new display advertising option for businesses.  With over 100,000 weekly readers in eight Western North Carolina Counties, we believe we remain the most reliable, affordable method to help business owners bring customers through their doors. 

More than any other sector of the US economy, small businesses represent the key to this nation’s financial recovery.  As an independent small business, we know how tough this economy is and we want to work with you to keep and create more jobs in our community. The success of every business is important to us all and to achieve this goal Focus is extending an offer to help new or established businesses who are working on a small advertising budget.  Though our display ad prices have not changed in four years, the Red Pages Business Directory has the lowest possible price we can offer for print display.

As a free community paper whose distribution has actually increased in the last two years, we believe these ads will really help business owners by keeping your name, product & services in front of the public.

How does it work? We make it easy. If you have a logo, we need the largest copy of it that you have on a disk emailed to us, or a sharp printed copy that we can scan into a computer. We also need your contact information, location and any other artwork/text you want in your ad. Don’t have the artwork you need? No problem, we will design something for you.

Focus will design your ad for free and show you a proof of your ad for your approval. 

The prices are as above: $24.99 weekly for a 3.25 inch wide by 1 inch high ad, color or black & white  •  $34.99 weekly for a 3.25 inch wide x 1.5 inch high ad, color or black & white.

In order for Focus to offer these special rates, Red Pages ads are sold only through the office and not by our sales staff. Red Pages ads are sold in 12 week blocks. Once you approve your ad, it does not change for 12 weeks.

At the end of every 12 weeks Focus will redesign or change your ad, for free.

Ads are paid for in 4 week blocks, in advance of the ad's run. We are offering an additional 5% discount if you pay for all 12 ads in advance. 

Call us today or come by the FOCUS office Monday-Friday, between 9 am &  5 pm, to order & pay for the ad and receive this special discount rate.  

You can email your ad information to FocusAds@embarqmail.com (be sure to include your phone number in the email).  You also can mail your information to Focus Red Pages, P.O. Box 1721, Hickory, NC, 28603 (be sure to include a phone number so we can call you to confirm your ad’s content). 

For your convenience, we accept payment via MasterCard, Visa, Debit Card, cash & checks, using a secure online service that we’ve had for years. 

Payment must be made before we can design your ad.

Finally,  you’re not limited to the sizes seen above on this page.  Double or triple the size of your ad and receive 10% off the total price of the total number of blocks you buy.  These double & triple blocks will be designed as one ad, and will be listed under one heading. And, you can pick your own business type heading - within reason!

Call today and let’s get started! Our goal is to bring you so much business that you need to switch to the regular display advertising in Focus that you can change every week to highlight special deals and feature different products for your customers. We believe the entrepreneurial spirit is still alive and strong. We believe in you. 828-322-1036

(Focus reserves the right to decline any advertising or ad content at our discretion.)

Hitchcock Meets Hilarious in The 39 Steps,

Onstage Through September 12

Flatrock, NC - Onstage August 19 through September 12, Flat Rock Playhouse is pleased to present Patrick Barlow's stage adaptation of The 39 Steps, based on an original concept by Simon Corble and Nobby Dimon and the 1915 novel written by John Buchan, however, the 1935 Hitchcock film may be more familiar.  The story could be described as a classic 1930s adventure with plenty of chase scenes and murders, a sprinkling of spies and a dash of romance. But the stage adaptation takes Hitchcock’s famous film and crosses it with the insanity of a Monty Python mad-cap comedy which increases its openness to a wider audience.  The 39 Steps shifts from spy thriller to low-key comedy and with a nod to the style of Hitchcock’s films and delightfully inventive staging, four actors take on all the characters involved in this “whodunit, part espionage thriller and part slapstick comedy.”

The 39 Steps strikes an excellent balance between utter farce and intelligent wit.  In this two-time Tony and Drama Desk Award-winning treat, Richard Hannay, a handsome old English chap with a boring life becomes a reluctant hero, when he is plunged into a world of spies and mystery.  During a frivolous trip to the theatre, Hannay meets a woman with a thick accent who claims to be a spy. When he takes her home, she is murdered forcing him to go on the run to the Scottish highlands and expose the spy ring to clear his name.

This runaway Broadway hit features a cast of four actors who, breathlessly and hilariously reenact all of the 150 characters, locations and famous scenes in Hitchcock's 1935 film thriller with just a few props and a lot of theatrical ingenuity and split second quick changes. The 39 Steps is good, wholesome fun for all ages.

Flat Rock Playhouse is located at 2661 Greenville Hwy in Flat Rock, NC.  Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8:00 and matinee performances are most Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2:00.  Tickets are $34 with discounts available for seniors, students and groups.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the Playhouse box office at 828-693-0731, toll-free at 866-732-8008 or online at www.flatrockplayhouse.org.

UNC Asheville Studio Art Faculty

To Hold Annual Exhibit, Sept. 3

Asheville, NC - Works by 13 UNC Asheville Art Department faculty members will be featured in a wide-ranging exhibition Sept. 3-28 at UNC Asheville's S. Tucker Cooke Gallery. The show kicks off the gallery's 2010-2011 season. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, September 3, in the gallery.

Participating studio art faculty are Luke Allsbrook, Tamie Beldue, Tyler Deal, Virginia Derryberry, Robert Dunning, Mark Koven, Scott Lowrey, Brent Skidmore, Carrie Tomberlin, Eric Tomberlin, Robert Tynes, Matt West and Megan Wolfe. Works in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, mixed media, multi-media installation, and ceramics will be on view.

Located on the first floor of Owen Hall, the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays. For more information, call the UNC Asheville Art Department at 828/251-6559.

ALFA Needs Food Pantry Items And Vegetables

Hickory - ALFA, a non-profit agency serving individuals living with HIV, needs food pantry items and fresh fruits/vegetables for clients.   The ALFA food pantry serves over 180 clients in our region with groceries and personal items.  “Many times one of the greatest barriers to medical care are basic needs, such as food and power,” said Andie Brymer, Medical Case manager at ALFA.  “A majority of our clients live at or below the federal poverty level.  Groceries can help a client increase their nutritional intake and  let them know someone cares.  A simple donation of food can offer hope and encouragement to our clients.”  Donations can be delivered to the ALFA office at 1120 Fairgrove Church Road, Suite 28.  

ALFA, a United Way member agency, is a nonprofit organization serving Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Lincoln, Watauga, and Wilkes counties. The mission of ALFA is to improve the lives and health of those affected by HIV/AIDS while preventing transmission through education and testing. For more information on the agency, visit www.alfainfo.org. To donate pantry items, contact case manager Andie Brymer at 322-1447 ext. 229 or alfacm3@charter.net.

Urgent Need For Vehicles To Support

Exodus Homes, Please Donate!

Hickory - Exodus Homes is a faith-based United Way agency that provides 82 beds of supportive housing for homeless recovering people returning to the community from treatment centers and prison with 10 program locations in Hickory. Transportation is provided seven days a week by volunteer resident drivers who take people back and forth to work, to look for a job, to recovery support groups, to medical appointments, and other places such as court, social services, the health department, and mental health. Residents are encouraged to use the bus, walk, or ride a bike whenever possible, but transportation in vehicles is still required on a daily basis. 

The organization uses donated cars in their transportation service, and has lost several lately to old age with worn out transmissions or blown engines. They are down to one car that can be used for general transportation purposes, and this is causing an overuse of their two full size passenger vans for groups of 5 or less. This is increasing their gasoline expense, and causing extreme difficulty in getting all 82 people where they need to go on time. Even when vans are needed in transporting all 82 residents at once to meetings or church, having only two vans requires multiple trips and is very time consuming.    
             
Exodus Homes' social enterprise Exodus Works also needs more pick-up trucks and box trucks to use in their moving, landscaping, and cleaning services that employ their residents. Exodus Works has experienced steady growth this year with the addition of a full time Business Developer that was funded by a one year grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation. The growth of their businesses is slowed by the need for more vehicles to accept bigger jobs, and multiple jobs on the same day.  

Jerry Ratliff, Exodus Homes' Director of Operation says the need for more donated vehicles, especially cars, is urgent. "We are doing all we can to keep our residents employed in the community and in our own businesses. Without transportation, the whole process is hindered, and we lose revenue to operate the program."

The public is encouraged to donate cars, pick-up trucks, box trucks, and vans to the organization. The agency's assistant executive director the Rev. Susan Smith says  donating a vehicle to Exodus is more beneficial as a tax deduction than to other organizations. "The IRS regulations regarding donating vehicles changed several years ago, but donors can get the full value of the car as a tax deduction with us because we use the car in our organization rather than sell it to raise money."    

To donate a vehicle to Exodus Homes, please contact the Rev. Susan Smith at 828-962-8196 or susansmith@charter.net.

Exodus Homes* Exodus Works! www.exodushomes.

Photo: Exodus Homes' Director of Operations Jerry Ratliff  is seen with a donated 1990 Pathfinder that died this week of a bad transmission.  

New Hospice Thrift Store Needs Donations

Hickory - Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley has opened a thrift store on 538 Hwy 321 N, Hickory, NC.  They are currently accepting donations at the store.  Volunteers are needed and positions available include cashiers, greeters, merchandisers, and sorters (a brief training program of 1-2 hours is required).   Store hours are Tuesday - Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00pm.  Please contact Jamie Icard at 828-267-9894 or e-mail hospicethriftstore@pchcv.org for more information. 

Mini-Grants To Benefit Youth Groups, October 11

Raleigh – The N.C. Youth Advisory Council of the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office in the Department of Administration is accepting applications for mini-grants available to youth groups to conduct community projects.

The application deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 11.

Up to $6,292 is available to North Carolina organizations composed of young people, ages 13 to 18, which implement programs to benefit their peers. The mini-grants will range from $100 to $500 each.

Examples of projects that have received funding since the program started in 1977 include after-school tutorial programs, purchases of recreational equipment and orchestral music, an alcohol-free graduation celebration and publication of a newsletter.

Requests for cost of food, entertainment, travel and salaries will not qualify for funding.

The State Youth Council and the Youth Advisory Council will meet in November to review applications for awards and will announce recipients in December.

For regulations or to download an application, visit www.ncyaio.com or contact Cynthia Giles of the Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office at 919-807-4400.

Apply Now For Oktoberfest Arts And Crafts

Hickory NC: Hickory’s Oktoberfest 2010 is now accepting applications for Arts and Crafts vendors. Celebrating its 25th year, this annual festival will be held October 8, 9, and 10, 2010 in Downtown Hickory NC. Estimated attendance is over 100,000.

Hickory's Oktoberfest is a three-day, outdoor festival held annually on the second weekend in October. It features five stages of non-stop live entertainment ranging from traditional polka to rock & roll, two beer gardens, amusement rides and carnival games, a juried arts and crafts show, and hundreds of food and commercial vendors.

Oktoberfest hosts more than 100 vendors. Food is represented from around the world with the Brats and Bavarian pastries taking the forefront during this celebration. Commercial vendors include sandals, jewelry, sunglasses and bushels of apples. The Juried Arts & Crafts include paintings, sculpture, lots of pottery, handmade swings, candles and more.

The festival features an Arts and Crafts area, commercial vendors, a children’s area with rides, a wide variety of food vendors, five music stages with local, regional and national favorites and many other events

The show is a juried event, with prizes are given for the top three booths. Booth spaces are 10 x 10 and limited to one craftsperson per booth. Early registration (postmarked by August 1, 2010) is $100.00. Regular registration will be accepted until September 1, 2010 and are $150.00. Late registration, if space is still available (postmarked after October 1, 2010) is $250.00 Electricity is available for an additional $25.00.

For more information on Oktoberfest 2010 or for applications and guidelines, please visit the website www.downtownhickory.com and click on vendor applications or call 828 322 1121.

Family Guidance Center’s First Step

Domestic Violence Program Provides Education And Needed Services

Hickory - Thus far in 2010, there has been 28 domestic violence homicides in North Carolina. One of the murders occurred right here in our community of Hickory. The ages of the victims are from 13 months to 76 years old. This is revealing a dark problem that occurs secretly in homes of families, not only across the country but here, in Catawba County. Domestic violence is real, it kills, and it occurs more often than people realize. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and it affects an entire community. Raising awareness of domestic violence can help prevent and end domestic violence. The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence has been one of the 14 states chosen to receive funds to help prevent and stop domestic violence. They have a 10 year plan that has been in the making since 2006. The plan’s purpose is to increase prevention and promote healthy relationships, in order to end domestic violence. The First Step Program has been working for over 25 years to prevent domestic violence, providing a Shelter for Battered Women, assisting victims in court, supporting, counseling, and raising awareness. Invite us to speak out against domestic violence, or call for more information 828-322-1400.

Educator’s Corner: I have lived in the Hickory area for 11 years and had no idea that domestic violence happens everyday in Catawba County. My first six months as the Domestic Violence Community Educator has opened my eyes. Along the way, I have met many wonderful people making a positive impact in Catawba County. On the other hand, it has been overwhelming realizing the fact that domestic violence is a problem in Catawba County, and it ruins men, women, children, teenagers, and young adults. As I visited schools, I observed the pressures teens experience within violent relationships, and how easy it is to get trapped in an abusive relationship. It is happening a lot more then we realize; 1 in 3 teens are experiencing dating violence. Being able to teach about abuse, its warning signs, and the examples of a healthy relationship, gives me hope that we can end domestic violence. Help me spread awareness about domestic violence and its destruction on families. Call me, Liz Jordan, at the Family Guidance Center for a free presentation to your staff, school, youth group, or organization (828) 322-1400. Help me make a difference in the lives of families Catawba County. I’m wishing everybody a safe and fun summer!

New Parents May Surrender

Infants Without Repercussions

Scared and don’t know what to do?

If you feel absolutely unable to accept the responsibility of being a parent, you should never hurt a baby. Instead, parents can surrender a baby to a Safe Haven location during the first seven days after birth without risk of criminal charges.

If you need help, these people are ready to provide a safe haven for your child and help for you:

~ health care providers
~ law enforcement officers
~ emergency medical service workers
~ social service professionals
~ responsible adults in the community

Babies are not for “dumping!”

Every year in North Carolina, and across the country, newborns die because their new parents are scared and don’t know what to do. When babies are hurt or die as a result of being “dumped,” the parents often face criminal charges.

Under the “Safe Surrender” law, if a baby is voluntarily surrendered unharmed during the first seven days of life, a parent will not be prosecuted.

To safely surrender a baby, call 911 and Emergency Medical Services will come to wherever the baby is located.

Catawba County Social Services will be contacted to assure the baby is placed in a legally permanent, safe and nurturing home. Surrendering parents can remain anonymous if they choose, or they can safely provide important medical information about their baby without fear of prosecution. Surrendering parents who need medical assistance or other services will get information on help that is available to them.

Planning ahead for the care of a baby is always best. If a parent is uncertain about being able to provide care for a baby, he or she needs to talk with a reliable person about assistance and support that is available. Expectant parents should call Family Builders of Catawba Valley at 828-465-8901 for more information about resources.

For more information about North Carolina’s “Safe Surrender” law contact Catawba County Department of Social Services at 828-324-9111.

Local Google Internet Deal Could Help Hickory/Lenior

Attract & Keep Business: You Can Help!

Hickory - Government, academic, business and community leaders met Monday, March 1 to join forces in the Google Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Business initiative.

The Hickory/Lenoir Google Fiber to the Home and Business Request for Information (RFI) application is a collective effort with support from municipalities and counties along the U.S. 321 data center corridor in Catawba and Caldwell Counties.  The intent of the Google project is to eliminate the bandwidth bottleneck so that Google can develop and test high speed network applications, and Google will open their network to any and all service providers who want access to a large bandwidth "pipe" to businesses and households.

The high test speed is a gigabit per second connection, which is more than 100 times faster than the current connection available in the area.

The communities are confident that if Hickory/Lenoir is awarded as a test site for the ultra-fast network, the community would see significant economic growth, as it will open doors and be an attraction for local business to stay, and recruit more industries, creating more opportunity for all citizens and local governments.  

"This is truly an opportunity for us to stand out across the country as a premier place to live and work," said Hickory Mayor Rudy Wright.

"What makes this project exciting is that all our businesses and residents can help in a variety of ways, from letting Google know how a gibabit per second connection can enhance their lives, to filling out a survey, to telling your neighbors and friends about this community initiative."  

How can you help?

* www.googlehickorylenoir.com  - This website is the primary source for information about the Hickory/Lenoir Google Fiber project.  

* Survey - Please take time to fill out the survey, it is available online and at the public libraries.

* YouTube - Create and submit videos and commercials supporting the initiative, and include how it would help you at home, work, school and/or all.

* Media - Let local newspapers, radio and television stations know how important this initiative is via Letters to the Editor, calls into local radio programs and contact television stations.

* Email Blasts - Utilize your existing database of family, friends and acquaintances to help share the message of support for the project and send people to www.googlehickorylenoir.com.

* Facebook Woogle Hickory Lenoir! - Become a fan and invite others to communicate the message "Gotta get a gigabit" and discuss the benefits of the project.

* Twitter WoogleHKYLNR - Be the first to know the happenings with the initiative.

* Word of mouth - Be informed about the benefits of the project and share the news.