CSC’s New Digital Planetarium Show Puts

Audiences In The Middle Of Extreme Weather

Hickory - Extreme weather takes center stage in Force 5, a new immersive, animated digital feature opening March 5 in Catawba Science Center’s Millholland Planetarium.

Through video footage and NASA-based images, Force 5 offers the audience a vantage that would never be safe in the real world, creating a sense of what it would look and feel like while standing in the middle of a deadly storm.

The show begins by stepping back in time to 1900, when the great hurricane swept through Galveston, Texas, killing more than 6,000 men, women and children in a single night of terror. Homes collapsed under the incredible force of torrential winds, powerful rain and rising water.

The 22-minute show then travels to Oklahoma City, where a force five tornado ripped through the town in 1999. These violent and unpredictable storms turn flying debris into lethal weapons. While only one percent of tornadoes reach this force, the Oklahoma City storm tracked wind gusts of 318 miles per hour, the fastest wind speed ever recorded on Earth.

The final journey of Force 5 transports the audience to the surface of the sun, where the most powerful storms in the solar system occur.

The violent force of these solar events equals the energy output of a million hydrogen bombs. A coronal mass ejection can create disturbances that damage spacecraft, disrupt communications and disable power grids here on Earth. Without the protection of Earth’s magnetic field, these storms would destroy most life on the planet.

Force 5 is sponsored by Dalco Nonwovens, Catawba Valley Community Foundation, Sowers & Webber Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Chip Fotheringham-Nationwide Insurance, Concept Frames and Hickory Crawdads.

 Show times and ticket information 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 North Carolina’s only marine touch pool with live sharks and stingrays. 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. 

AHA Benefit “Heart Of The

Orient,” Set For Sat., March 27 At Lake Hickory Country Club

Hickory – Heart disease and stroke are the leading cause of death in the US – for men and women as well.  Though many think of it as a man’s disease 450,000 women die each year – that’s one in three women!  Catawba County ranks fourth in cardiovascular disease death rates in North Carolina.

The mission of the American Heart Association is to lower this number dramatically, by educating us on ways to lower the risk factor, by publicizing the importance of the various warning signs of heart trouble, and by funding cutting edge research.

In celebration of each year’s fundraising campaign, the American Heart Association presents a Heart Ball.  The 15th Annual Catawba County Heart Ball, titled “Heart of the Orient”, will be held on Saturday, March 27th, at Lake Hickory Country Club.  The presenting sponsor is Frye Regional Medical Center.  Emmy Award-Winning WBTV News Anchor Paul Cameron will serve as emcee.

In order to maximize the funding of research, dozens of volunteers organize a Live and Silent Auction to underwrite the cost of the event.  Local business and individuals donate generously – some publicly and many anonymously!  The list of items is broad – jewelry, artwork, trips and services are all donated. This year’s Live Auction features two stunning rings, donated by a special, anonymous donor.  A lovely tourmaline and diamond ring set in 14 kt. gold valued at $2500 and a beautiful  tanzenite and diamond ring set in 14 kt. gold valued at $2,000.  Each of these was given in support of the critical work done by the American Heart Association.

As the county’s largest fundraising event, this year’s Heart Ball leadership committee includes: Chairpersons Jason and Robin Sharpe; Sponsorship Chairpersons.

Whitt Sherrill and Kelly Farr; Physical Heart Hero Chairpersons Dr. Paul Kercher and Rachel Gaither; Open Your Heart Chairperson Dr. Paul Kercher; Auction Chairpersons

Susan Knowles and Sandy Hardin; Communication Chair Allen Finley; and Décor Chairpersons Marie Geissele and Marsha Sigmon.

Additional event sponsorships are available as well as tickets.   For information regarding sponsorship or ticket sales contact Linda Simoncic at 704-481-1012 or linda.simoncic@heart.org, Jason Sharpe at (828) 324-7005 or by email at jason@dedicatedtrans.com. For more information on the American Heart Association, please visit their website at www.americanheart.org  Photo: Co-chairs Robin and Jason Sharpe

Hee Haw Bingo To Benefit ALFA Is Saturday,

March 13, At Jaycee Development Center

Hickory - Not Your Mama’s Bingo will present their second bingo of the 2010 season on Saturday, March 13, 2010 with Hee Haw Bingo. Doors open at 6 PM & the show starts at 7 PM. Chapel of Love Bingo was a sell out and raised almost $5,000 to benefit ALFA.

“Oh, I was so excited with our first event, it was like “A Star is Born” only with a prettier, smarter and hotter cast” said Mama Queenie.  “I mean let’s face it people, where can you find a more class act in Hickory than me?  I am thrilled to have my career soaring in the Unifour!”

 Not Your Mama’s Bingo is a fun-filled event with outrageous costumes, songs, dances, fabulous prizes and presented in an unconventional game of bingo.   Along with your hostess Quennie, bingo players will be assisted by BVD’s (Bingo Verifying Divas).  “Oh yes, my BVD’s, they are a homely crew but darling, they do try so hard.  You know what I mean, remember those elementary school pictures where they put the taller ugly kids in the back and pretty smaller ones right in front!  It’s the same at Not Your Mama’s Bingo with my BVD’s, I am in the front, they are in the back, bless them.”

“Not Your Mama’s Bingo was even bigger than I anticipated” said Rodney Tucker, Executive Director of ALFA.   “We were able to raise awareness of HIV issues, share our prevention messages all while laughing.  It is great to see what a small group of committed volunteers can do for our community”

Hee Haw Bingo is the final event for the winter season, more bingos are scheduled for the fall.   Each bingo will have its own theme and rules just for Not Your Mama’s Bingo participants.   Bingo goers are encouraged to dress up to match the theme. Consider yourself warned; players must pay attention to the hostesses and follow the “unique set of rules” if not, you will find yourself called out and on stage before you know it, remember, this is NOT Your Mama’s Bingo.

Tickets to Not Your Mama’s Bingo are $20 and include admission, game sheets and daubers.  A special 50/50 game sheet is an additional $5 and is the only game played for money; all other game winners will receive prizes.   Tickets are limited and can be purchased at:  Julia Rush-Union Square, Bank of America Downtown, Now and Then Consignment Shop or at the ALFA office by calling 828-322-1447 Ext 222.

Not Your Mama’s Bingo is an HIV/AIDS awareness and fundraising event benefiting ALFA.  ALFA was organized in 1987 as a grassroots effort to provide support services to those affected by HIV/AIDS in Burke County. In 1989, with the help of a United Way Venture Grant, ALFA was established as a not-for-profit AIDS Service Organization (ASO).  ALFA is still the only ASO in the area, serving the nine rural counties of Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Lincoln, Watauga and Wilkes.
No alcoholic beverages allowed. Jaycee Developmental Center, 470 Hwy 70 W, Hickory, NC 28601.

Ticket Locations

*ALFA  1120 Fairgrove Church Road, Hickory,  NC  828-322-1447 Ext 222.; Bank of America 205 2nd Street NW, Hickory, NC; Julia Rush 216 Union Square, Hickory, NC.; Now and Then Consignment Shop 1312 Hwy 70 SW, Hickory NC. *Please contact ALFA for credit card purchases, all other ticket locations cash or check only. For more information www.notyourmamasbingo.com.

Focus Invites Men & Women To Enter

The 2010 Swimsuit Model Contest!  Win Cool Stuff!

Hickory - Focus’ Annual Swimsuit & Summer Guide Issue is Thursday, May 27.  For the first time ever we are seeking up to four men as well as four women! 

This year, we welcome women & men age 18 and over to submit a photograph and enter the modeling contest for this iconic issue!   Women and men of all types and ages are encouraged to enter. 

In addition to winning free swimwear & lots of goodies from our sponsors, Hickory area professional photographers & sponsors Fanjoy Labrenz and Rose Mary Cheek will photograph our models. 

Enter today, the deadline is Thursday, April 15!  Email your photo - it can be a clear cell phone photo, even just a head shot - to focusnews@embarqmail.com.  We will acknowledge receipt of your photo, so if you don’t hear from us in a day or two - email again.  Include your home, business and or cell phone number as well as your address. 

You may also mail photographs to Focus, P.O. Box 1721, Hickory, NC, 28603.  All Focus models will be notified via email or telephone by the end of the day Saturday, April 17.

Models will also be featured at www.focusnewspaper.com through the summer as part of our Summer Guide online. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to have the time of your life as part of Focus’ Swimsuit & Summer Guide for 2010!

Read Focus every week to find out our additional sponsors and the goodies our models will receive!
Again, the email address is focusnews@embarqmail.com!

“Would You Do Business With You?” Is The

Topic Of LRU Forum On Thursday, March 11

Hickory - The Lenoir-Rhyne University Business Council and Alex Lee Leadership Series will present a customer service forum titled “Would You do Business with You?”

This free presentation by author and business consultant Jane Handly, pictured at right, will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 11 in the Belk Centrum on the Lenoir-Rhyne campus.

Since 1982, Handly has been a professional speaker, author and consultant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication from Lenoir-Rhyne University and a master’s in communication from Wake Forest University.

She is the author of two books: “Getting Unstuck” and “Why Women Worry.” She has appeared as a guest on more than 200 radio and television programs. Her work has been the subject of articles in such publications as Business Week, USA Today and Money magazine.

Handly owned her own marketing research company in Dallas, Texas, for seven years. Her company provided services such as secret shopping, customer surveys, focus groups and customized customer service training materials.

She earned her Certified Speaking Professional certification from the National Speakers Association and was inducted into the group’s Speakers Hall of Fame. Handly has researched the performance of the best and worst in service quality. Currently, she provides companies with the ability to get and keep their customers through achieving their goals using her customized, personalized presentations. For more information, go to www.janehandly.com.

Lincolnton Lions Sponsor Electronics Recycling Locations 

Lincolnton, NC - Did you receive a new cell phones, blackberry, or personal digital assistance (PDA) device from your sweetheart for Valentine's Day? Perhaps, you have several inactive cell phones, blackberries, and PDA's left over from a previous carrier and would like to recycle them. But didn't know who to contact.  Cell phones will be refurbished, programmed for 911 and donated to domestic violence centers.

That's during the month of  March, the Lincolnton Lions Club encourages you to donate and recycle your cellular phones, blackberries, and PDA's at the following locations in Lincoln County:

Cellular Phone Stores
1. The Cellular Store ( Verizon)128 Sigmon Road, Lincolnton
2. The Cellular Store (Verizon)-1428 East Main Street, Lincolnton
3. Cell Star Communications (Sprint) 6107 Old Highway 16 [ located in shopping center adjacent to Lassy's Fine Jewelry] in Denver
Auto Repair & Tire Dealers
1. Country Town Tire &  Auto Service- 2661 East Main Street, Lincolnton
2. Duncan's Auto Repair- (located behind Auto Zone)- 1116-B East Main Street
Businesses
1. 36th Street Bakery- Court Square - Lincolnton
2. Good Neighbors Shop- 116 South Academy Street- Lincolnton
3. Hannah's Bar-Be-Que South, 1200 Country Club Road Lincolnton
4. Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce- 101 East Main Street- Lincolnton
5. Noblot's Jewelers- Lowes Shopping Center- 1607 East Main Street- Lincolnton
Governmental Agencies
1. Lincoln County Senior Center, Lincoln Campus of Gaston College, 511 South Academy Street, Lincolnton
Health Care Providers
1. Carolinas Medical Center- Lincoln, Optima Therapies ( Physical Therapy)           132 Sigmon Road- Lincolnton
2. Carolinas Medical Center- Lincoln, Diabetes Education Department, 200 Gamble Drive, Lincolnton
3. Imaging Services,           Carolinas Medical Center-Lincoln, Catawba Springs Commons, 275 Highway 16 Denver
 4. Train Chiropractor Clinic, Colonial Village Shopping Center, 1814 North Aspen Street, Lincolnton, NC

When donating your recyclable cell phones, blackberry, or PDA's in any of the Lincolnton Lions Club depository boxes, please erase all personal information. Your generosity goes along way towards decreasing the numerous of hazardous chemicals effecting our gorund water and our environment.

Universally Loved Gypsy Opens At Hickory Community Theatre

Friday, March 5, For 10 Shows

Hickory - Gypsy, the award winning Broadway hit, begins a three weekend run at the Hickory Community Theatre on Friday March 5 at 8:00pm.

The musical romp tells the backstage story of Gypsy Rose Lee, the legendary stripper.  The funny and dramatic story charts her rise from vaudeville hoofer to Queen of Burlesque.

Winner of fabled Tony Awards, Gypsy features the star’s turbulent relationship with her fierce and domineering mother.  That boiling conflict brings the drama to a fiery finish.

Gypsy will be presented in the Jeffers Theatre on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, March 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20; Thursdays March 11 and 18 at 7:30pm and on Sundays March 14 and 21 at 2:30pm.

Ticket prices are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors (60 and over) and $7 for students.  Group rates are available.  For more information or to reserve tickets please call 828-328-2283.  Tickets are also available online at www.hct.org.

Photo: A show business necessity if fame is the goal, life on the road for Rose (Carol Anne Hartman, left) Herbie (Eric Stafford) and Mama Rose (Viki Ryan) isn’t ever easy or predictable.  HCT’s production of the the classic musical comedy, GYPSY, opens Friday, March 5.  

Photo: Ken Burns
To reserve tickets please call 828-328-2283.  Tickets are also available online at www.hct.org.

Call To WW II Veterans: Catawba Co. Historical

Association Wants to Hear Your Story

Hickory - Beginning March 4, the Catawba County Historical Association will be actively documenting the service records of all interested Catawba County World War II veterans for inclusion in our historic archives.  We ask all native born and long time residents of Catawba County who are veterans of WWII to call or make an appointment to stop by the Museum of History, and share your story.

We encourage you to bring photographs, and any objects or documents you wish to be included in the archives. It is not necessary to donate your original photos or documents, but we would like the opportunity to copy them for inclusion in your archive file. This project is an extension of the current exhibition at the Museum of History on Spirit, Sacrifice, and Commitment: The Catawba Soldier in World War II  (Open till May 30, 2010), and will culminate in a recorded documentary to take place in April of 2010, which is funded by a grant from the United Arts Council of Catawba County. Please take this opportunity to have your story recorded for posterity.

For more information regarding the WWII Interviews and documentary, please call the Catawba County Museum of History at 828-465-0383.

NC Poetry Council’s Annual Contest Deadline Is May 16

Salisbury, NC - The Poetry Council of North Carolina is taking submissions for the 2010 Annual Poetry Contest.  Contest rules and other information for all categories can be accessed at www.poetrycouncilofnc.wordpress.com  Inquiries by e-mail may be directed to Ed Cockrell at edcockrell@hotmail.com

The Poetry Council of North Carolina is a non-profit organization.  There are eight adult categories.  Deadline is May 16, 2010.  Categories for elementary, middle, and high school poetry have a deadline of May 22, 2010. 

All winners will be notified by July 31, 2010 and be invited to Poetry Day awards ceremony and luncheon at Catawba College in Salisbury, NC October 16th, 2010.

Downtown Lincolnton Art Crawl Is Friday,

March 19, 5:30 - 9 PM; Arts, Crafts, Dance & Food!

Lincolnton, NC - Poets and acoustic musicians are invited to sign up now for a Poetry/Music Open Microphone during the Lincolnton Arts Crawl on Friday, March 19. The Court Street Grille in downtown Lincolnton will open its new Loft venue from 5:30 until 9:00pm for the occasion, which will also feature exhibits by local artists, and wine tasting by Southern Charm Winery. To sign up for the Open Mike, please contact Katie Henderson Selph at 704-240-8295, catharine@charter.net, or visit www.spaceplace.us for details.

The Art Crawl is a free, city-wide event with food, music and dance performances, and fine art and crafts for sale, including paintings, drawings, photography, pottery, fiber arts, jewelry, metalsmithing, and wood turning. Over thirty downtown merchants will be hosting artists and performers at their businesses. Parking is free. Details at www.artslincolnnc.org

The Downtown Lincolnton Art Crawl is a collaborative effort between the local arts community, the Arts Council of Lincoln County, the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton, the Lincoln County Historical Association, and the Lincolnton/Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, and is sponsored by First Federal Savings Bank.

Following this event on Facebook by searching for the group and event pages at Art Crawl Downtown Lincolnton.

For more information please see our website at www.LincolntonNCArtCrawl.com.

WRC & Hickory Crawdads Celebrate The

Twenties At Benefit Gala Slated For March 18th

Hickory - In the spirit of the Hickory Rebels and players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Ty Cobb, the Hickory Crawdads will be joining the Women's Resource Center at the 2010 Spring Gala “Movers, Shakers, History Makers” on March 18 at the Park Inn Gateway Conference Center.  Crawdad representatives will be outfitted in the uniform of the era and will be selling vouchers for $5 each redeemable at the Crawdads Box office for a general admission ticket to any regularly scheduled home game. The Crawdads Care Campaign will donate 50% of the voucher proceeds to WRC. The team will be celebrating the history of baseball in Catawba County as a part of the 1920s themed event.

The WRC Gala begins with cocktails at 6:00 pm and a buffet-style dinner will be served at 7:00. For tickets to the Women’s Resource Center fundraiser call Susan Huttman, WRC Outreach Coordinator at 828.322.6333.  You will find information about WRC and upcoming events at www.wrchickory.org.   Visit the Hickory Crawdads website for information on the 2010 Game schedule and the Crawdads Care Campaign at www.hickorycrawdads.com.

What Defines The First Day Of Spring?

Asheville, NC -  Astronomers at the Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute point out that at 1:32 p.m. EDT on March 20 the Sun will cross the celestial equator in the sky heading north. This will be the first moment of Spring.

What is the astronomical significance of this moment? At this moment the Sun in its apparent path around the sky will stand directly over the equator of the Earth. It is one of two times during the year when this happens, the other being on the first day of Autumn. These are the two days of the year when the Sun is above the horizon for exactly half the day and is below the horizon an equal amount of time. Thus, the length of daylight is equal to that of the night (neglecting twilight and atmospheric refraction) and this day is termed the equinox from the Latin for “equal night.”

After the equinox in March, called the spring or vernal equinox, the hours of daylight continue to lengthen with the Sun above the horizon for a longer time each day. This continues until the summer solstice in June (This year at 7:28 a.m. EDT June 21). Following the solstice the days get shorter until at the fall or autumnal equinox (next at 11:09 p.m. EDT on September 22) when the day and night are once again equal in length. Since on the vernal equinox the Sun stands directly above the Earth’s equator, folklore holds that one is able to stand an egg on its end on that day. This old wives’ tale is true; one can stand an egg on its end on that day! However, the tale is only a half truth because, in fact, one can stand most eggs on their ends any day of the year, not just on the vernal equinox. Try it! (It really depends on the characteristics of the egg, not the day of the year.)

About PARI: PARI is a not-for-profit foundation established in 1998. Located in the Pisgah Forest southwest of Asheville, NC, PARI offers educational programs at all levels, from K-12 through post-graduate research.

The institute is affiliated with the 16-campus University of North Carolina system through PARSEC, a UNC Center hosted at PARI, and is a member of the NC Grassroots Museum Collaborative.
For more information about PARI and its programs, visit www.pari.edu.

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Concludes Near Charlotte On May 9

Charlotte, NC - Get ready to start your engines motorcycle enthusiasts, NASCAR fans and Victory Junction supporters.  Approximately 200 riders will join NASCAR driver, SPEED and TNT racing analyst and Charity Ride founder Kyle Petty for the 16th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, May 1 – 9, 2010. The Ride will travel from Indian Wells, Calif. to Victory Junction in Randleman, N.C., to raise awareness and funds for Victory Junction.  Founded by Petty and his wife, Pattie, Victory Junction provides a medically-sound camping experience to children with chronic and terminal illnesses. 

As they travel across the country, the Charity Ride participants will greet fans and supporters at overnight stops in North Las Vegas, Nev.; Richfield, Utah; Durango, Colo.; Amarillo, Texas; Texarkana, Texas; Choctaw, Miss.; Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Asheville, N.C.

Since the Charity Ride’s inception in 1995, more than 6,400 participants have logged more than 9.1 million cumulative motorcycle miles, traveled through 48 states, and donated more than $13 million to Victory Junction and other charities that support chronically ill children.  The Petty’s opened Victory Junction in 2004 in honor of their son Adam, whose life dream was to help children with terminal illnesses. 

The year-round camp serves children, ages six to 16, whose health issues would typically prevent them from attending camp.  Campers attend at no cost to their families, and transportation costs are covered, if needed. The camp operates solely on the donations of corporations, organizations and individuals.  As a result of the Charity Ride, more than 7,000 children have attended Victory Junction free of charge.  Last year, the Petty’s broke ground on a second Victory Junction in Kansas City, Kan.
“With the economy continuing to struggle, these children and their families need our support now more than ever,” said Petty.  “Victory Junction provides life-changing opportunities for deserving children and their families and it’s our hope that we are able to raise funds to impact many lives, despite the current economic challenges.  Pattie and I are excited to hit the road with our fellow riders, sponsors and fans again this year.  Riding across America provides unforgettable memories and lasting friendships for everyone involved.” 

Fans and spectators are encouraged to create “Dream Teams” that work together to host fundraisers in advance of the Charity Ride to help send a child to camp at Victory Junction.  Dream Teams that attend one of the Ride “pit stops” will have the opportunity to present their donation to Petty, which helps to provide these children the memory of a lifetime.

Sponsors of the 2010 Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America include Coca-Cola, Pilot Travel Centers LLC, Racing Electronics, Wincraft Racing and FLUIDYNE Racing Products.  To inquire about additional sponsorship opportunities, please call the Kyle Petty Charity Ride office at (704) 714-4545.

About The Kyle Petty Charity Ride:Led by NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America raises awareness of and funds for Victory Junction and other charities supporting chronically ill children.   Now in its 16th year, the Charity Ride has donated more than $13 million to Victory Junction and other children’s charities, with 6,400 participants logging more than 9.1 million cumulative motorcycle miles.  In 2010, celebrities, ride spon For more information about the Charity Ride, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com.  

About Victory Junction: Victory Junction is a year-round camping environment for children ages six to 16 with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.  Founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty in honor of their son Adam, the camp is located in Randleman, N.C., with a second location opening soon in Kansas City,Kan.  Victory Junction offers programs for 24 disease groups and maintains strong relationships with 26 partner hospitals.  Victory Junction’s mission is to provide life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a safe and medically-sound environment.  As a not-for-profit organization, the camp operates solely through the support of generous donors to provide this experience at no charge to children and their families.  

For more information about Victory Junction, please visit www.victoryjunction.org.

ROTARIAN IDOL Finalists Announced For March 13

Show At P.E. Monroe 

Hickory - Hickory Rotary club has announced the Top 30 finalists for its musical fundraiser, “ROTARIAN IDOL”. Mark Bodner, Devon Burch, Robby Clater, Brooke Deleary, Lauren Deleary, Robin Dillingham, Madeline Finley, Mikaela Fleming, Leah Greene, Mike Hall, Courtney Hardy, Carol Anne Hartman, Tammera S. Hill, Kimberhly Hopkins-Hood, Daeshur T. Hunt, Emily Johnson, Chadrick Lackey, Tim Lewis, James Maxson, Stephanie Morgan, Meredith Mull, Tresa D. Neal,  Joshua Presnell, Sara Ramseur, Robert Reynolds, Viki Ryan, Mary Grace Sheets, Sara Wimmer, Augusta Dekemper, and Alex Swanson. The event will be held at 6PM, March 13, in PE Monroe Auditorium on the campus of Lenoir-Rhyne University.

Former Beach Boys band singer / guitarist, Adrian Baker is Honorary Chair; Allen Finley is Chair, and Mike Johnson from Mike Johnson’s Toyota will emcee.

100% of the money raised will be used to benefit education throughout Catawba County.

Title Sponsor will be Lenoir-Rhyne University, and Media Sponsors are Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center.  Other major sponsors are BrainWorks Learning Center, Beaver Family Foundation and Charter Media.

“Education is very important to our club, and has been for decades”, “ROTARIAN IDOL” committee member Steve Mull said.

Finley expects this year’s auction to raise between $50,000 and $60,000.  In past years the Hickory Rotary Club has raised nearly $1 Million through live TV and silent auctions.

To reach this goal, the Rotary Club will sell 1,450 tickets @ $20. each.  VIP seating is available at $100 and $50 levels.  Advertising for the Show Program will be sold in $500, $250 and $125 increments.

A total of 30 contestants were chosen to compete for $2,500 First Place; $1,000 Second Place; and $500 Third Place prizes.  $500 will also be awarded to a lucky audience member, and several door prizes will be given away.

“ROTARIAN IDOL” replaces the popular “Education Alive” television auction, which the Rotary Club used to raise funds for education for 5 years.  Students continue to utilize monies raised from the successful event.

“It’s exciting to know that we can make an impact on education for everyone in the county”, Finley said.
For tickets, call 324-6700, fax 327-0072, or email allen@finleyadvertising.com., or Lenoir-Rhyne University 328-7234.

Photo: Left to right:  Neill McGeachy, LRU Athletic Director; Allen Finley, Rotarian Idol Chair / Co-President; Michael Blackburn, CEO of Frye Regional Medical Center; Guy Guarino, Rotary Co-President; Peter  Kendall, VP Administration & Finance at LRU.

in the Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley, on the SALT Block, 243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory.

NC Poets John Amen & Mike Smith Headline
Poetry Hickory On March 9 At Taste Full Beans

Hickory - North Carolina poets Mike Smith and John Amen will headline the March 9 Poetry Hickory reading to be held at 6:30 PM in Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse in downtown Hickory. 

Smith, who studied at UNCG and Notre Dame and lives near Raleigh, NC, is the author of 5 books of poetry, including How to Make a Mummy and Anagrams of America.  His most recent collection, Multiverse, consists of 24 poems that are anagrams of each other (they use all the same letters) and 16 more that rearrange the letters of well-known works like William Carlos Williams’ “Spring and All,” Wallace Stevens’ “Disillusionment of Ten O’Clock,” and Ezra Pound’s first “Canto.”  He has been nominated for four Pushcart Prizes.

Amen, who studied at UNCC and currently lives in Charlotte, is perhaps best known as Founding Editor of The Pedestal Magazine, one of the country’s first and most influential online literary journals.  He is the author of three collections of poetry: Christening the Dancer, More of Me Disappears, and most recently, At the Threshold of Alchemy, which has been described as “a tour de force of poetic imagination and archetypal imagery clothed in personal symbolism.”  He has also released two folk rock CDs, All I’ll Never Need and Ridiculous Empire, and his readings frequently include musical performance as well.

 Poetry Hickory is a monthly reading series sponsored by Main Street Rag, hosted by Taste Full Beans Coffeehouse, and coordinated by Hickory poet and teacher, Scott Owens.  Readings are held on the second Tuesday of each month and include 3 Open Mic readers and 2 Featured writers. 

Further information is available on the website at www.poetryhickory.com or via email to asowens1@yahoo.com, or by phone at 828-234-4266. 
All readings are free and open to the public.

CVCC Dog Obedience Classes Start March 13th

At Southside Park Community Building

Newton, NC - The Newton Parks & Recreation Department and Catawba Valley Community College are proud to sponsor two “Basic Beginner Dog Obedience Training” courses on Saturdays from March 13 through May 1, 2010 at Southside Park Community Building.

For your convenience, two classes will run from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. each Saturday morning at a cost of $50. The March 13th class for both sessions will meet at CVCC from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Is your dog in the family? Are you embarrassed by your dog’s habits such as excessive barking or jumping up on people? Does your dog take “you” for a run in the park? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this class is for you.

Dogs should be at least five months old. Dogs with aggression problems will not be accepted. Vaccination records (distemper, rabies, and brodetella) are required on the first day of class. Materials and equipment will be discussed at the first class, which will serve as an orientation with time for questions and answers. No dogs will be at the first class. Registration includes one dog and one owner/trainer. Participants in the class must be at least 18 years of age.

For more information on this class, contact Arlene Freeman at CVCC at (828) 327-7000 ext. 4150.

Hickory Museum’s Free Family Days Feature
“Torn From Home: My Life As A Refugee”

Hickory – The Hickory Museum of Art will be hosting a series of Family Days in conjunction with the current exhibition, Torn From Home: My Life as a Refugee. Bring your family and enjoy tours of the popular show Torn From Home, and special art activities related to the exhibit. Admission is FREE.

Upcoming Family Days:
· Saturday, March 20, 1 – 4 PM, free admission, HMA Galleries
· Saturday, May 1, Art on the Avenue Family Festival, 10 AM – 4 PM, free admission, SALT Block Lawn

Torn from Home: My Life as a Refugee is an interactive exhibition at the Hickory Museum of Art that takes visitors of all ages on an inspiring, hands-on journey into the extraordinary lives of millions of children who were forced to flee their homes in conflict regions throughout the world. It runs through May 2 and is presented by Howard & Pat Anderson and the Beaver Family Foundation. It is organized by Hickory Museum of Art and Hickory International Council.

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. Regular hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM and Sundays from 1 – 4 PM. General admission to the Museum is free, contributions are appreciated. Group tours are available, fee applies. For additional information, call 828-327-8576 or go to www.HickoryArt.org.
 
 

Annual CVCC Job Fair Is Set For Tuesday, March 9,
On The Main Campus

Hickory - The annual CVCC Job Fair will be held at Catawba Valley Community College on Tues., March 9, from 1 to 6 p.m., in the college's Multipurpose Complex on the main campus.

There is no charge for employers or job seekers to attend.

Employers from the Catawba Valley and across the state are invited to participant and set up exhibits to offer employment information about their company, and to take applications from the public. Over 2,000 people attended 2009 Job Fair seeking information about career possibilities and job openings.
For additional information and an updated list of participating exhibitors visit the CVCC web site at www.cvcc.edu/Admissions/Student_Services/Job_Fair.cfm.

Job Fair 2010 is a collaborative effort between CVCC, the Catawba County Chamber of Commerce, the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Catawba County Department of Social Services, Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Catawba County JobLink Center.

Employers planning to recruit may call (828) 327-7000, ext. 4400, to receive a registration packet.

WRC’s Movers, Shakers, History Makers Features “The Lost
Jewels Of The Ghawazee”

Hickory - Tickets are now on sale through March 4th for the 2010 Women’s Resource Center Spring Gala, Thursday, March 18 at the Park Inn Gateway Conference Center. "Writing Women back into History: Movers, Shakers, History Makers" explores the influential women in the history of the Catawba County area and honors a WRC founder, Marian Belk. The popular local belly dancing troupe, “The Lost Jewels of the Ghawazee”(pictured) will be the evening’s featured entertainment. Sponsors of the center’s annual fundraising event include: Prime Life Ed-Ventures, Graystone Eye; Home & Health Services; Martin Starnes & Associates; Baby Boomer News; Kiser Eye Care; and FOCUS Newspaper.

Guests will be welcomed to 1920's speakeasy, complete with flappers, suffragettes, mobsters, baseball players, and ragtime music and will enjoy a buffet dinner with featured food from the time period. There will be a silent auction and the student winners of the center’s annual historical essay writing contest will also be recognized during the event.

Tickets are $50 ($25 tax deductible) and can be purchased at the WRC or by contacting Susan Huttman at 828.322.6333 or outreach@wrchickory.org.

Catawba Valley Pottery Festival March 27 Offers
Collectors A Chance For Expert Opinions

Hickory - The 13th annual Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, I-40, Exit 125 in Hickory, NC from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $6.00 for adults and $2.00 for children 12 and under and are available at the door. Ticket holders will be entered in a drawing for door prizes.

Friday night, March 26, 2010 is the Preview Party from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. A Southern Supper, live entertainment, and an early buying opportunity make this a popular event. An advance $40.00 ticket is required and must be purchased by March 19. No Preview Party tickets will be sold at the door. Please call 828-324-7294 or 828-465-0383 for purchase information.

This Festival is a fundraising event for two non-profit institutions, the Catawba County Historical Association and the North Carolina Pottery Center.

The Catawba County Historical Association maintains the 1924 Courthouse in Newton, NC, the Bunker Hill covered bridge, and Murray's Mill, a functioning grist mill from the turn of the century. The Courthouse Museum houses an outstanding collection of artifacts from Catawba County, including furniture, textiles, pottery and period room interiors. The Hickory History Center with the Harper House, a renovated 1886 Queen Anne house, is located in Hickory and is also maintained by the Catawba County Historical Association.

The North Carolina Pottery Center is located in Seagrove, NC. Its mission is to interpret the history and ongoing tradition of North Carolina pottery. In the South, good clay could be found adjacent to rivers and streams and provided the basic element to produce pottery. Beginning with Native American pottery, production has continued for centuries. The Pottery Center provides interpretative exhibits and information to visitors on the nearly 100 operating potteries located in the Seagrove area.

Do you have a piece of pottery of unknown background? Representatives from the North Carolina Pottery Collectors' Guild will be available to offer expert opinions on the possible background and history of individual collectors' pieces.

In addition to the 110 pottery and antique vendors from all over the Southeast, this year's Festival will feature a pottery exhibit prepared by Dr. Terry Zug, retired University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor and author of Turners and Burners : The Folk Potters of North Carolina.

The speaker this year is Stephen C. Compton, a native of Alamance County, North Carolina. Steve holds an A.B. in anthropology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, M.Div. from Duke University. and D. Min. from Emory University. He formerly served as president of the board of directors for the North Carolina Pottery Center and was a founding member and first president of the North Carolina Pottery Collectors’ Guild.

Stephen Compton will speak on North Carolina Earthenware and Dr. Zug will exhibit pieces featuring decorative and utilitarian forms made from the 18th century to the present day. Lead-glazed earthenware was the primary type of pottery produced across the Piedmont of North Carolina from the 1750s through the 1820s. The most common forms were jars and jugs, pitchers and bowls, plates and baking dishes, and other items used in the home and on the farm.

Earthenware clays are abundant in North Carolina and normally occur near the surface of the ground. Because they contain relatively large amounts of iron, manganese, and other minerals, they take on hues ranging from yellow to orange to reddish brown when fired.

An avid collector of North Carolina pottery for nearly twenty years, objects from his collection have been displayed in numerous exhibits and publications. Publication of a book edited by him called North Carolina Earthenware: Origin of a Ceramic Tradition is pending.

For further information on the Catawba Valley Pottery and Antiques Festival, please call 828-322-3943 or 828-324-7294 or check the CCHA web site www.catawbahistory.org.

Merlefest 2010 Line Up Completed By Zac Brown Band & Taj Mahal

Wilkesboro, NC - MerleFest 2010, presented by Lowe’s, is proud to announce the addition of the Grammy®-nominated Zac Brown Band and legendary blues artist Taj Mahal, completing the performance lineup for Thursday night, April 29, 2010.

“We are excited to welcome the Zac Brown Band and Taj Mahal and know that their performances will thrill the Thursday night crowd,” says Festival Director Ted Hagaman. “Bringing them to MerleFest fulfills our mission of providing a diverse array of the very best musical talent.”

In just over a year since the release of their platinum-certified major label debut, The Foundation, the Zac Brown Band has taken the music world by storm. They are nominated for three Grammy Awards, including the coveted Best New Artist award, Best Country Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals and Best Country Album. They will perform on the Grammy Awards show on Sunday, January 31, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

The Foundation includes the band’s #1 singles “Chicken Fried,” “Whatever It Is” and “Toes,” as well as their current single, “Highway 20 Ride,” which is in the top 25 and quickly climbing the country charts.
In 2009 Zac Brown Band captured two fan-voted honors, taking home the “Top New Vocal Group” Award at the Academy of Country Music Awards and the “USA Weekend Breakthrough Video of the Year” at the CMT Awards for “Chicken Fried.” The video for “Whatever It Is” is nominated for CMT’s Top 50 Videos of the Decade. The band received four Country Music Association and three American Music Award nominations in 2009 and performed on the CMA Awards show. They were also among the Billboard Top 20 Artists of 2009.

In addition to performing on the Watson Stage on Thursday night, Zac Brown will host MerleFest’s ever-popular Midnight Jam on Saturday night.

Photo: Zac Brown Band

Composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Taj Mahal is one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music. Though his career began more than four decades ago with American blues, he has broadened his artistic scope over the years to include music representing virtually every corner of the world – including west Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Hawaiian islands.

“There will be a lot of people who will enjoy Taj’s approach to music. Plus, he is an old friend of mine and Merle’s, and I am looking forward to him being a part of this MerleFest,” says Doc Watson.

Born Henry St. Claire Fredericks in Harlem, Taj grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts. His father was a jazz pianist, composer and arranger of Caribbean descent, and his mother was a gospel singing schoolteacher from South Carolina. Taj was exposed to a wide range of music through his father’s extensive record collection, a shortwave radio, and the musicians from the Caribbean, Africa and all over the U.S. who frequently visited the Fredericks home. As a child, Taj took classical piano lessons and also learned to play the clarinet, trombone and harmonica, and he loved to sing. In his early teens he discovered his stepfather's guitar and, when a guitarist from North Carolina moved in next door, learned the various styles of Muddy Waters, Lightnin' Hopkins, John Lee Hooker and Jimmy Reed and other titans of Delta and Chicago blues.

Inspired by a dream while student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, he adopted the musical alias of Taj Mahal and formed the popular U. Mass party band, the Elektras. After graduating, he headed west in 1964 to Los Angeles, where he formed the Rising Sons, a six-piece outfit that included guitarist Ry Cooder. During this time, Taj also mingled with various blues legends, including Howlin' Wolf, Buddy Guy, and Sleepy John Estes.

Taj released his self-titled debut album in 1967, and through the decades his extensive and adventurous catalog has included many different forms of roots music, including Mo’ Roots (1974), the Grammy®-winning Señor Blues (1997) and Shoutin’ in Key (2000), as well as the soundtrack to the movie Sounder (1973) and the musical score for the Langston Hughes/Zora Neale Hurston play Mule Bone (1991). Beginning in the ‘80s he also released four children’s albums for the Music For Little People label. In the fall of 2008 Taj released Maestro on the Heads Up International label. His first U.S. release in over five years, Maestro marks the fortieth anniversary of Taj’s rich and varied recording career by mixing original material, chestnuts borrowed from vintage sources and newcomers alike. This anniversary gala includes performances by Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Angelique Kidjo, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley and others – many of whom have been directly influenced by Taj’s music and guidance.

Photo: Bluesman Taj Mahal

MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy Merle Watson, son of Doc and Rosalee Watson, as a fundraiser for Wilkes Community College and a celebration of “traditional plus” music. Scheduled for April 29 – May 2, 2010, the event is held on the campus of Wilkes Community college in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

Ticket purchases can be made on the web at http://www.merlefest.org or by calling 1-800-343-7857. With over 100 acts—including Doc Watson and previously announced artists Elvis Costello and The Sugarcanes, Steve Martin with The Steep Canyon Rangers/An Evening of Bluegrass and Banjo, Little Feat, The Avett Brothers, WPA, Dailey & Vincent, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage and Sam Bush--performing on 15 stages during the course of the event, MerleFest is an entertainment value. An early bird ticket discount is available through March 12, 2010.
www.merlefest.org

Catawba Co. Parenting Network Offers Free

Program For Parents Of Preteens & Teens

Conover, NC - The teen years can bring many new parenting challenges. If you are a parent facing the task of raising an adolescent, the Catawba County Parenting Network is offering Parent to Parent, a five-week course which equips parents of preteens and teens with tools to help their children learn to make smart decisions and avoid risky behaviors.

Parent to Parent classes are Monday, March 8, 15 & 22nd from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Grandview Middle School in Hickory. The program is free to parents. Childcare for children up to twelve years of age is also provided free of charge. Program topics include characteristics of effective parents, tools to raise a drug-free child, building freedom and trust, and internet usage and safety.

To register for the program, please contact the Parenting Network at 465-8151 or register online at www.catawbaparenting.com.

Created in 1999, the Catawba County Parenting Network works to improve the well-being of children and families in Catawba County by providing high quality parent education and support programs as well as timely referral to other family resources. The Network is a program of Catawba County Schools, and is primarily funded by the Catawba County Partnership for Children (Smart Start).

Additional funding is provided by The Beaver Family Foundation, Catawba Valley Medical Center, The Department of Juvenile Justice, George Foundation, Hickory Public Schools, More At Four Pre-Kindergarten Program, Newton-Conover City Schools and Target.

Newton Conover Auditorium Hosts

The Foothills Painters Artists’ Reception Thurs., March 11

Newton, NC - From February 16 to March 29, 2010, The Newton Conover Auditorium presents the artwork of The Foothills Painters. 

The public is invited to a “Meet the Artists Reception” on Thursday, March 11 from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Auditorium located at 60 West 6th Street, near downtown Newton, NC.

Members of The Foothills Painters include Dianne Bland, Betty Brendle, Dominick D’Ostilio, Pat Flachbart, Anne Fredley, Susan Grant, Nina Hardison, Meredith Janssen, Martha Mauney, Katie Wood McCloy, Janey Miller, Paulette Moss and Carl Zwingli.

Foothills Painters includes men and women of all ages and diverse professional backgrounds who make art because they are in love with colors, textures and shapes. 

They paint with oils, acrylics, watercolor; sculpt, throw clay, collage, sketch, print, sew and paint on anything.  They make art in the hopes of discovering something remarkable about ordinary life and ourselves. 

It is an act of faith, and if the painter and the viewer discover the same thing, they will discover that they are more the same than they are different.

For more information about the current exhibit, please call 828-464-8100, Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm or visit the website at www.newton-conoverauditorium.org for information and directions.

United Way Offering Grants

Catawba Co. - The Catawba County United Way is accepting grant applications, in addition to member agency proposals, to address the identified Impact Areas of Health, Education and Income. Health defined as preventive health care, mental health care, safe and secure environments, healthy lifestyles for youth and adults. Education defined as school readiness, academic achievement, productive young adults and Income defined as financial stability, affordable housing, elder care, health and human service database. Grants applications will be accepted for programs identifiable under these impact areas that address the critical needs in Catawba County due to the current economic situation.

Grants will be considered to agencies who are either incorporated as a not-for-profit, tax exempt entity or who have a 501-C3 legal status, within Catawba County, who meet the whose programs address the above identified needs. Grant amounts are contingent on funding. Grant applications: contact Catawba County United Way at 828/327-6851.

Applications are due to CCUW by 5:00 p.m. on March 12, 2010 in order to be considered. Late applications will not be accepted.

Gaston Co. Museum Children’s Art Contest Ends March 19

Dallas, NC- Calling all kids…. Do you like to draw, color or paint? Would you like to hang your artwork in a museum?! Then we need your help! The Gaston County Museum of Art and History is redesigning its hands-on area in the Carolina’s Textile Exhibit and is holding an art contest. The winning entries will be on display in the exhibit.

Entries must be on 8 ½ x 11 white cardstock paper, and must depict a textile-related scene. This could be anything from a drawing of a mill village to different types of textiles you see every day. The entries may be drawings, paintings or collage. Eight winners will be chosen from the following categories: 1st grade, 2nd grade, and 3rd grade.

Entries are due to the museum by March 19, 2010. For more details please contact Curator Stephanie Haiar at 704-922-7681 ext. 104.

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.

Museum hours:
Tuesday – Friday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM and open every 1st Sunday 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Contact: Jeff Pruett, Programs Coordinator, 704.922.7681 x105 or jpruett@co.gaston.nc.us Museum’s website www.gastoncountymuseum.org

Not Your Ordinary Art Show:

Call For Artists Art In The Shop’s 11th Annual Show

Bethlehem, NC - Art in the Shop is seeking artists interested in showing at the Eleventh Annual Art in the Shop.  This unique venue is located at the Shop, in Bethlehem NC, studio of metal artist Richard Sinclair.  The area is a fairly level grassy six-acre area with plenty of free customer parking.  The show encompasses artwork of all varieties, but is fast becoming a well-known venue for folk and outsider artists.  Also featured will be bonsai, sculpture, paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, garden art and much, much more.  We are only looking for quality artwork and fine crafts.

The event is limited to 40 artists.  Cost of the space is $40.00 if application is received by July 31 and $50.00 if received between August 1 and September 15.  Applications after September 15 will be considered if space is still available and will be $60.00.

Booth space for the event is 11’ x 11’ space.  Booths are spaced so there are at least two customer accessible sides.  All artwork must be original in design, absolutely no kits accepted.

Art in the Shop 2010 is Saturday October 2, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and will be held, rain or shine, at The Shop located at 274 Bobby Godfrey Lane, Taylorsville NC. 

Art is the Shop is pleased to announce these sponsors.

HD Video for online, DVD and beyond.  Show works of art Demonstrate your process, Express your creative spirit  MotionMediaOnline.com

Art in the Shop is also seeking persons or organizations interested in volunteering in several areas and/or sponsoring the music stage.  Music stage sponsors will be promoted.

Interested persons should contact Barbara Sinclair at 828 632 0106 or info@artintheshop.net.  Please check out the website for more information. www.artintheshop.net.

Torn From Home, Traveling Refugee Exhibit,

At Hickory Museum Of Art Through May 2

Hickory – TORN FROM HOME: My Life as a Refugee is an inspiring, hands-on journey into the extraordinary lives of the people looking for new life in a new land. The exhibit, presented by Howard and Pat Anderson and the Beaver Family Foundation, runs January 26 through May 2 at the Hickory Museum of Art. Originally created by the Lied Discovery Children’s Museum in Las Vegas with generous support from Pam and Pierre Omidyar, the exhibit is an exciting breakthrough in community education with global outreach.

Thanks to a grant from Unbound Philanthropy, the exhibition is traveling to 10 cities in the United States, Hickory is the fourth stop. It features seven themed areas: Home, Losing Home, Registration, Refugee Camp, Medical Clinic, School, and Going Home. Greeters and guides will be available to assist visitors and groups along the way on their own personal journeys of understanding and awareness.

An opening reception will be held on Friday, January 29, from 5 – 8 PM at the Museum. During the run of the exhibit, there will be a wide array of complementary programming throughout the community. For more information regarding TORN FROM HOME, please call 828-327-8576 or visit Hickory Museum of Art online at www.HickoryArt.org. The Hickory Museum of Art is located in the “SALT Block” Arts & Science Center of the Catawba Valley, 243 3rd Avenue NE. Open Tues - Sat, 10 AM – 4 PM and Sundays from 1 – 4 PM. General admission to the Museum is free. Group tours are available and contributions are appreciated. For additional information, call 828-327-8576 or go to www.HickoryArt.org.

Henderson Music Festival’s 16th

Anniversary T-Shirt Design Contest

Galax, VA - The Wayne C. Henderson Music Festival is offering prizes in a special contest for a T-shirt design for the 16th Annual Festival in June.

The festival committee will present one artist $100 and two passes for the winning T-shirt design.

The design must not be larger than 16 inches by 16 inches and can be submitted as an original design or electronically as a high resolution jpg or pdf. The artwork must be original and done in black and white for one-color printing on T-shirts.

Required wording to be included with the design must state:

• 16th annual Wayne Henderson Music Festival and Guitar Competition
• Grayson Highlands State Park
• June 19, 2010, or simply 2010
• always the third Saturday in June, rain or shine
The design should reflect the tradition of the festival, acoustic music and the casual family atmosphere where nationally and regionally famous bluegrass and old-time musicians have played over the years. No image of guitar player and builder Wayne Henderson should be used
Deadline for the submission of original artwork is March 9, 2010. Please email your creations along with your name, evening phone number and mailing address, or any questions to info@waynehenderson.org. Submissions also may be made by mail to the festival committee at P.O. Box 531, Galax, VA 24333.
The winner will be notified by April 1, and his or her name will be featured in the event program. The nonprofit festival has been held every June since 1995 has awarded more than $47,000 to young students who play guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, lap dulcimer or acoustic bass and the organizations that support them.

“First Step” Support Group For Female Victims

Of Domestic Violence Meets Tuesdays

Hickory - First Step announces the new schedule for its Support Group for female victims of domestic violence. The group will meet each Tuesday from 6 - 7 p.m. at an undisclosed location.

Anyone can be a victim of domestic violence. It occurs in an intimate relationship and generally includes the victim being emotionally or financially controlled, called degrading names, cursed, threatened, pushed, slapped, hit, kicked, beaten, sexually abused, or stalked. Victims often feel alone. The purpose of the Support Group is to let victims know that they’re not alone, to provide support, and to promote emotional healing. It’s open to anyone who’s formerly been in or is currently in an abusive relationship.

First Step is a specialized domestic violence program of The Family Guidance Center, a United Way agency. First Step offers 24-hour crisis services, Domestic Violence education, counseling, Court Advocacy, a Life Skills group, and a Safe Shelter for victims and their children.

Anyone interested in attending the group may call 828-322-1400 for directions and any additional information. This is a free, confidential service. Child care will be provided.

 
 
ALFA’s First Annual “Hike For Hope” Set For April 24, 2010

Hickory - ALFA has officially kicked off plans for Hike for Hope, a unique event designed to become ALFA's premier annual awareness and fundraising effort, benefiting the organization's mission to enhance the lives of those infected and affected by, and at the risk for HIV/AIDS within the nine-county service area of North Carolina. Drawing from the popularity of AIDS Walks in the larger metropolitan areas, ALFA’s leadership will take this first annual event off the streets and onto the popular Catawba River Greenway which runs along the Catawba River in Morganton, NC. The event is set for Saturday, April 24, 2010.

“We have had very positive feedback on the concept of an AIDS walk here in ALFA’s service area, but with a new twist,” says Rodney Tucker, ALFA’s Executive Director. “This is something that no other AIDS organization is doing—a “hike”, which at the same time gets people to a beautiful, widely appreciated location and is completely accessible to anyone.”

ALFA has contracted with Blackbaud to provide online support for the Hike for Hope. The Hike for Hope website, www.ALFAHikeForHope.org, provides walkers and event sponsors with fundraising and team building tools. Blackbaud is a leading web solutions entity that offers solutions to charitable, educational and political organizations. Through the Hike for Hope website, participants can make a general donation, register for the event, sponsor the event, sponsor a walker, and collect donations from family and friends.

Goals for the First Annual ALFA Hike for Hope are as follows:

To demonstrate compassion and care for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS in our service area;
To increase HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention education messages;
To raise $25,000 to fund HIV/AIDS programs at ALFA;
To increase the visibility of ALFA as an organization and its mission in our nine-county service area;
To recruit hikers / walkers to participate in Hike for Hope from all over ALFA’s nine-county service area.
For information on Hike for Hope or to schedule a presentation for your business or organization, contact 828-322-1447 ext. 223 or email alfadev@alfainfo.org.

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 enhance the quality of life for those infected and affected by, and at risk for HIV/AIDS. ALFA offers free and confidential HIV counseling and testing services. For more information about ALFA’s services, please call 828-322-1447 ext. 224, or email alfadirect@charter.net or visit www.alfainfo.org.