Hickory Choral Society Holds Auditions For Singers On May 21

Hickory - Hickory Choral Society will hold auditions for the 2012 - 2013 season on Monday, May 21, 2012. Openings are available for Sopranos, Altos, Tenors, and Basses.

If you are interested in joining this gifted group of singers, please call the Hickory Choral Society office at 322-2210 to set up an audition time.

Since the spring of 1978, the Hickory Choral Society has continued to delight audiences with excellent choral music literature. Each year, the Hickory Choral Society provides local music lovers with a series of exciting and well-attended concerts.

The all-volunteer group, made up of 110 singers from Catawba and surrounding counties, is well known throughout North Carolina for its annual Christmas Concerts at Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory. They have also been noted for numerous concerts, including performances with the North Carolina Symphony; a concert at Lincoln Center in New York; and a trip that included concerts in Portsmouth and London, England and Edinburgh, Scotland.

The 2003 Christmas Concert was broadcast live statewide over UNC-TV and has continued to be rebroadcast. In May 2010 the Hickory Choral Society was honored to be part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC.

The Hickory Choral Society season runs from mid-August through March; regular rehearsals are held on Monday nights from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Arts Center at 243 3rd Avenue NE, Suite 2-N, in Hickory.

The Hickory Choral Society is an affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County.

Hospice Offers Brighter Days Grief Camp For

Children In Grades 1-7 On May 19

Hickory - Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley's Brighter Days Grief Camp is designed for children in grades 1-7 who have lost a loved one.

Campers will learn that they are not alone in their grief, and that their feelings are normal. Fun activities and techniques are tailored to age groups centered around this year's theme, "The Changing Seasons in the Life of a Tree, " a metaphor in the understanding of living and dying.

This year's Camp will be held at Sipe's Orchard Home on Saturday, May 19th from 8:30am-4pm.

For more information or to register, please contact Patti Weatherford at 828/466-0466, ext. 3206 or email at pweatherford@pchcv.org.

NewArt School Of Ballet Presents Coppelia On May 19

Newton, NC – The NewArt School of Ballet presents Coppelia on Saturday, May 19 at both 10:00am and 2:00pm. Over 70 performers will take the stage in the Abernethy Auditorium to perform this comedic ballet for the community.

Coppelia is a comedic ballet that originally premiered in May of 1870 at the Théâtre Impérial de l´Opéra in Paris, France. The ballet introduces an inventor who crafts a life-size, dancing doll which is showcased in the window of his shop. Upon seeing the doll and confusing the creation with a real girl, Frantz, a villager, falls in love with it and sets aside his true love for Swanhilde. Swanhilde schemes to show Frantz the error of his ways by dressing as the dancing doll which causes a comedic love triangle to unfold.

“There is a lot more acting in this ballet, and the kids are learning to tell a story through balletic mime,” said Michael. “When [acting] is added to their ballet training, it helps to develop their overall stage presence.”

Coppelia will be performed on the stage of the Abernathy Auditorium at the Newton-Conover Auditorium, located at 60 W. 6th Street in Newton. For more information, tickets or directions, the Newton-Conover Auditorium can be contacted by telephone at 828-464-8100 or by email at olivia@newton-conoverauditorium.org.

Photo: Kaylie Younce and Molly Miller strike a pose in the NewArt School of Ballet’s production of Coppelia. Photo by Carol Anne Hartman

Hickory Arts House Concert On May 18

Hickory - What do Julia Rush, Denise Baxter Yoder and John Coffey have in common? Class, charm, talent, skill and a lifetime of experience. These three Hickory legends will be performing an intimate house concert together, hosted by Hickory Arts on May 18th from 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 each and seating is limited to the first 40 tickets sold. The evening will include the performance, free food, drinks and an opportunity to spend quality time and be photographed with these three Hickory icons.

Julia Rush has been singing on stage since the first grade in Fort Wayne, IN. "My parents both had fine voices and passed their God-given talent to me and my sister." During college at Indiana University, Julia traveled with the "Belles of Indiana" to Germany where they entertained at 45 Army bases in 6 weeks for the USO. Rush left Fort Wayne, moved to Atlanta, GA where she had a son and daughter and found her passion as a potter. She moved to Hickory in 1978, during which time she married Beemer Harrell and opened -julia rush- Fine Crafts in 1980. Beemer passed away in 2007.

Thirty years later Rush closed the business, retired and is now still doing some singing and making jewelry as another creative outlet. "I also have a wonderful new friend, Don Irmiger, and have a great time with him riding through the North Carolina Mountains on his 3-wheeled Honda Gold Wing motorcycle. Shortly after moving to Hickory, I read an article in the paper about a man named 'John Coffey' who had graduated from Juilliard and returned to Lenoir. He was looking for a 'girl singer.' I was looking for a 'piano man!' Off and on for over 30 years, John and I have had what we call a 'musical marriage.' Our friendship has grown and I am ecstatic about working with him again. Denise Baxter Yoder and I were in the first 'Streets of Hickory' together in 1987 and have been close friends since both musically and with a close personal friendship. What fun I had with Hickory Community Theatre in both 1987 and in the 20-year revival of 'SOH.' I also participated in HCT’s 'Dueling Divas' in 2011 and became Hickory’s first Diva! My personal feeling about singing is that I love to perform and bring beautiful words and music into others' lives. My parents both sang and I inherited my talent from each of them, for which I am extremely grateful. I’m proud of the Cultural Arts in Hickory! There is so much to do here and so much talent. I love being a part of it.

Born to military parents, Denise Baxter Yoder adapted to the lifestyle of constant movement. "Living in over nine states during my youngest years, I discovered great variety in the places where we were stationed, but was always sad to leave somewhere I had grown to love. As an adult, I promised myself to find a location where I could put down roots and thrive; North Carolina provided the fulfillment of that promise."

Julia Rush, John Coffey, Denise Baxter Yoder

Throughout her geographic relationship with NC, Baxter lived in Boone, Lenoir, Hickory and Lincolnton. "I love the rich heritage of the arts community in our region." As a theatre enthusiast, Denise participated in community theatre at Foothills Performing Arts and Hickory Community Theatre for 15 or so years. "Very fond of those memories as that is where I met my husband, cast opposite of each other in a play. As a wife, I am married to Chuck Yoder and will have been married for 30 years this coming July!" As a teacher, Denise taught in the public school systems of Caldwell County and Catawba County for 30 years. As a musician, she's made music with Puddingstone, a Celtic/Americana band for over 20 years. As a harpist, she plays with Tapestry, a harp/flute duo which was formed three years ago. As a lyricist, she writes with Cindy Kleinstuber Blevins from Colorado for Misty Morning Music. As a decorative folk artist, she creates whimsical designs on old furniture to give them new life. As a painter, she paints walls.

John Coffey has worked in numerous regional theatres throughout the US including Mount Gretna, PA, Seven Angels, CT and Cape Fear, NC. International touring credits include "42nd Street" (Moscow, Russia), North American tours of "Evita" (2009) and "3 Mo’ Divas" (2006–2010)-both as Assistant Conductor. Nationally, he served "The Full Monty" as Music Director for NETworks. Off-Broadway experience includes "Naked Boys Singing" as well as "Danny & Sylvia" and "The Danny Kaye Musical." John was the assistant conductor for "Into The Woods" in Portland, Maine (2010) and "Nine" in Brugge, Belgium (2009), both with the Intermezzo Music Festival. With a Master's degree in Piano Performance from the Juilliard School, John has performed as a concert pianist with various orchestras and his skills have given him the opportunity to play for a number of legendary artists, including Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein. John later ventured into musical theatre and created four musicals of his own, including "We Are The People Too." In addition to his skills as a musician and musical director, John worked as an arts administrator and served on the board of the North Carolina Theatre Conference. Always eager to grow as an artist, John originated the role of "Oscar" in the historic Moscow production of "42nd Street." John returned to Hickory in 2012, continues to direct, perform and teaches piano & vocal coaching at Hickory Arts.

Hickory Arts is a teaching and production studio dedicated to responding in an intimate, personal way to the needs of up and coming artists of all types and ages. The studio is located at 720 Second Avenue SW, Hickory 28602 across from Hickory Optimist Park and behind ITP. For more information about tickets and Hickory Arts, please visit www.hickoryarts.com/houseconcerts or call 828-291-0509.

Newton Hosts Citywide Yard Sale, May 19

Newton, NC – If you’re planning a yard sale this spring, your best opportunity is the City of Newton’s Citywide Yard Sale. The seventh annual event, sponsored by the Festival & Events Committee, is scheduled for Saturday, May 19, from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Southside Park, located on U.S. Hwy. 321 Business South. The centralized event at the park enhances both participation and sales.

Booths, available for $5 each, will be 10’ x 10’. No electricity is available, but participants can bring tents, tables, trailers, etc. Booths should be set up by 7:00 a.m. as gates will open at 5:00 a.m. for vendor set up. Commercial vendors are prohibited, and only “yard sale” type items are allowed. Concessions will be available during the event. The NJROTC from Newton-Conover High School will be assisting with traffic control during the event this year.

As a convenience for shoppers, a perimeter route will be set up again this year for large-item pickup.

To register, send a completed registration form, along with $5 (cash or check payable to City of Newton), to Festival & Events Committee, c/o Catherine LeFevers, 615 North Main Ave., Newton, NC 28658. Registration forms are available at the Newton Recreation Center, Newton City Hall, or visit www.newtonnc.gov. Advance registration is required.

For more information, contact Festival & Events Chairperson Catherine LeFevers at 828-464-8922, evenings, 6:00 pm-9:00pm, or weekdays at the Newton Recreation Center at 828-695-4317.

Tai Chi Offered For Seniors Every Friday In May

Newton, NC – The Newton Parks & Recreation Department and the Catawba County Council on Aging will offer “Tai Chi for Seniors” every Friday afternoon in May for a suggested donation of $3 per class to those ages 55 and over.

The class will be held at the Newton Recreation Center from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on May 4, 11, 18 & 25. Instructor Carol Feezell brings over 10 years of experience in teaching tai chi.

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

Save Now For Oktoberfest’s Castle Of Cans, Oct. 12-14

Hickory - The 14th Annual Castle of Cans Food Drive will again be a part of Hickory's Oktoberfest celebration October 12 - 14, 2012.

With the Unifour area still experiencing a struggling economy, local food banks and soup kitchens are challenged to meet the needs of the hungry. The Castle of Cans Food Drive has been influential in stocking the shelves of these agencies in the past.

Your help is needed to continue this effort. Please consider putting aside some canned food now. Your donations can be taken the last two weeks of September to Taste Full Beans in downtown Hickory, Art in the Shop in Taylorsville on October 6, or to the site of the Castle of Cans in the Kidsfest area of Oktoberfest on October 13 or 14.

The food will be distributed to The Corner Table of Newton, Eastern Catawba Cooperative Christian Ministries (ECCCM), Exodus Homes, The Family Care Center, The Flynn Home, Greater Hickory Cooperative Christian Ministry (CCM), The Hickory Soup Kitchen, and The Salvation Army.

Please consider helping our neighbors in need by helping to build a Castle of Cans...a Castle of Caring.

Looking For Volunteers To Help Maintain The Appalachian Trail

Blacksburg, VA – The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) is currently searching for volunteers, 18 and over, to help maintain the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) through their Konnarock and Smokies Wilderness Elite Appalachian Trail Crew (S.W.E.A.T.) programs. No previous Trail experience is required - just a desire to work hard, live in the backcountry and have a great time among new friends.

All food, tools and equipment will be provided at no cost.

The Konnarock Crew was founded in 1983 and named after its original base camp in southwest Virginia. The crews work on the A.T. from Rockfish Gap, near Waynesboro, Virginia, to the Trail's southern terminus at Springer Mountain in Georgia. The program is a joint venture among the ATC, the 12 southern Trail clubs, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Park Service. Crew members spend 5 days at a project campsite, working 8-hours a day, on Trail related work.

The ATC S.W.E.A.T. Crew is a mobile crew, carrying all food, tools and camping gear into the heart of the largest and most beautiful managed wilderness area in the east, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The crew focuses on the difficult trail problems that occur in the backcountry with the tools they carry in and the materials that they find. Each crew works six days in the field repairing the Trail, building steps, and clearing the Trail.

Both of these all-volunteer trail crews are led by paid trail crew professionals who teach volunteers trail stewardship and Leave No Trace skills during the multi-day adventure.

For more information about these Trail Crew programs or to volunteer, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/crews.

Veterans Support Group Meets Every Wednesday

Hickory - The Veterans Helping Veterans Support Group welcomes ALL veterans regardless of discharge, and regardless of when or where you served. Every veteran is important. Every veteran has a story.

We also welcome civilian allies! if you have a friend or loved one who is a veteran and you want to be part of our fellowship - please join us!

We come together in a laid back atmosphere with pizza, cookies, and coffee to talk about how we can help each other. Some of our vets are homeless. Some of our vets are needy. Some of us are blessed and we care about other veterans. We want to make a difference. We celebrate our victories and share our concerns. We talk about how we can help each other. We distribute clothing and other things our members need when the meeting is over.

Veterans Helping Veterans is a partnership between Exodus Homes, Grace House, The Cognitive Connection, Mental Health Partners, the Flynn Home, and the community.

You are invited to join us and bring someone with you!

Veterans helping veterans support group meetings are held every Wednesday, 11:00 am, at Grace House, 600 Highland Ave SE, Hickory, NC 28602.

For more information, please contact Rev. Susan Smith at 828-962-8196 or email to revsusansmith@gmail.com

Lincolnton Lions Club Recycle Cell Phones

Lincolnton, NC - Did you know American on the average upgrade their cell phones every 18 months? Many have 2 or 3 from their previous service provider. Do you have any unwanted cell phones, blackberries, or personal digital assistance (PDA's) devices at your home or office? Why not donate them to the Lincolnton Lions Club for them to recycle.

Several businesses throughout Lincoln County have provided year- round space for the Lions Clubs Cell Phone Recycling Boxes for you to deposit and recycle your cell phones, blackberries, and PDA's as follows:

AT&T Cellular Store ( Lincoln Center location next door to GNC Store), Carolina Eye Care ( Lincolnton & Denver locations), Chamber of Commerce, City Lunch, Court Square,The Drug Store ( Lincolnton, Boger City & Vale), First Citizen Bank ( Downtown location), Good Neighbor Shop, Graystone Ophthalmology Associate, 900 Donita Drive, Keever Pharmacy, Heavenly Paws, Home Place Restaurant, Lincoln Times-News, Lincoln County Landfil & Convenience Sites, Lincoln County Senior Center ( 3rd Floor ), Lincoln County Veteran Services Office, Lincolnton BookShop, Magic Cleaner- (Riverside location only), Simply Wireless ( same office complex as Mosteller AlState Agency), Tanz, Inc. ( Lincolnton location only), Train Chiropractice Center, Verizon Store ( Lincolnton location only).

Prior to donating, recycling, and depositing your unwanted cell phone in a Lions Club box, please remember to deactivate and erase all confidential information.

Hope 4 A Cure Walk, Register Now For Fundraiser On May 19

Claremont, NC - Bunker Hill High School is proud to announce the 1st Annual HOPE 4 a Cure Walk Saturday, May 19, 2012 at Bunker Hill’s New Track Field in Claremont, NC. The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Early registration continues until April 30, 2012. The cost for early registration is $10.00 and all who register by then are guaranteed a tee shirt. After April 30, registration cost will be $15.00. Everyone must register to attend the event.

Scheduled walks are as follows:

Survivor Walk 9:00 a.m

5K Walk/Run 9:30 a.m

Leisure Walk 11:00 a.m

1 Mile Walk 2:00 p.m

Come out and walk for Cancer, Heart Disease, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Anencephaly, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, MS, Homeless and many others.

If you are unable to walk, come join the fun! There will be something for all ages, including music, games, bouncy inflatable’s, arts, craft’s and other vendors and food.

Bring a lounge chair and listen to the music and heartwarming stories of survivor’s (former BHHS students), Roxi Harp & Baby Pearce, Lyndsi Little Sigmon and son Luke and Erin Witherspoon Sipe.

The music line up for the day includes The NEWZ, Janice Totherow, The Roan Mountain Boys, Kathy Hedrick and Bunker Hill H.S. Band and Chorus.

All Proceeds go to American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Be Not Afraid, Kids in Need (KIN), Shriners, Wig Bank, Homeless Shelters and Rising Hope Farm all within Catawba County or a Chapter of Catawba County.

Pick up your registration form at any Medicap Pharmacy, Catawba, Claremont Conover, and Newton City Halls, Claremont and Conover Libraries, Bunker Hill H.S. or email Bhhshope4acure@gmail.com.

REMEMBER this is for ALL people of Catawba County!! For this walk to be a huge success HOPE 4 a CURE would love to have your support!

For more information contact: Angie Sigmon or Hollie Kilby at Bunker Hill H.S. 828-241-3355, Bhhshope4acure@gmail.com

Grief Counseling Camp For Children, Grades 1-7 On May 19

Hickory - Catawba County - Palliative CareCenter & Hospice of Catawba Valley's Brighter Days Grief Camp is designed for children in grades 1-7 who have lost a loved one.

Campers will learn that they are not alone in their grief, and that their feelings are normal.

Brighter Days Camp

Activities and techniques are tailored to age groups centered around this year's theme, "The Changing Seasons in the Life of a Tree, " a metaphor in the understanding of living and dying. This year's Camp will be held at Sipe's Orchard Home on Saturday, May 19th from 8:30am-4pm.

For more information or to register, please contact Patti Weatherford at 828/466-0466, ext. 3206 or email at pweatherford@pchcv.org.

Catawba Humane Society Wellness Clinic, May 5 & 19

Hickory - Foothills Wellness Clinic at HSCC offers low cost vaccines, heartworm tests, and pest solutions for pets.

Clinic dates are typically scheduled for the 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday of each month. The upcoming clinic dates are Saturday, May 5th, 1 – 5 pm and Saturday, May 19th, 9 am– 2 pm.

Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention is available for purchase during normal business hours.

To make an appointment for vaccines or heartworm test, call (828) 464-8878, Monday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.

Hickory Elks Lodge Hosts The Return Of A

Taste Of Hickory On May 20

Hickory – Hickory is a community full of talented chefs, brew masters, wine makers, coffee brewers, and more, and the Hickory Elks and Lady Elks are excited to showcase the local flavors of Hickory on Sunday, May 20.

The Elks have been awarded the opportunity to host and revitalize the “Taste of Hickory,” which was one of the most popular annual community events. It has been four years since the event was held at the Hickory Metro Convention Center.

Returning in 2012, the “Taste of Hickory” is presented by O’Mara, Inc. and sponsored by Prime Benefits Insurance, LLC, Ashley’s Heating & Air, Holbrook Landscaping, LLC, GDS, and City of Hickory’s “Life. Well Crafted.” brand. Bringing you a “Taste of Hickory” the event will showcase locally owned restaurants, breweries, NC wineries and other local vendors, along with familiar tunes by the popular Hickory grown band “Cold Sweat.”

There will also be competition for the “Best Taste of Hickory” in several categories with raffles and door prizes during the event. Proceeds from the event will go to the many community outreach programs that the Elks and Lady Elks sponsor including Veterans Programs, Youth Activities and Scholarships, the Helping Hands Program, and Children’s Charities.

The event will be held at the Hickory Elks Lodge at 356 Main Ave NW at the corner of 4th Street NW on Sunday May 20, 2012 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and will be indoors and outdoors. Tickets are limited to 500 and will be available for sale on Friday April 20. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door. No one under 21 will be admitted and proper ID must be presented. There are still a few openings for vendors. If interested, contact Kirby Dodd at kdodd@regalyarns.com.

For more information and to purchase tickets call The Hickory Elks Lodge at (828) 322-2527 or The Hickory Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau at (828) 322-1335.

Hickory Alive! Free Concert Series Kicks Off On June 1

Hickory - As warm weather and summer draws near, many people

are looking to find affordable ways to have fun with their family and friends on the weekend. To fill this need, the Hickory Jaycees announce the 22nd season of Hickory Alive! This annual, free concert series at Union Square in Downtown Hickory will kick off on Friday, June 1st, and it will run every Friday night in June. Featuring local bands and rising talent, Hickory Alive is a great way to start the weekend!

In addition to the free concert, food and beverage vendors will be on hand at the event. For those over the age of 21, United Beverage will provide adult beverage sales during the event. Live entertainment will run from 6pm to 10pm. Be sure to come out and enjoy the fun this summer!

The purpose of the Jaycees is to promote and foster the growth and development of young leaders. This is accomplished by providing opportunities for members to get real-world professional experience through the management of our community involvement projects, such as Hickory Alive. The Jaycees also provide opportunities for their members to network with other young professionals, to participate in social events, and to contribute to the community.

For more information about Hickory Alive or the Hickory Jaycees contact by phone at (828) 322-2080, by email at hickoryjaycee@yahoo.com, or visit www.hickoryjc.org.

Edison Project Entrepreneurial Competition, Now - May 31

Hickory - The Catawba County Chamber of Commerce announced today the start of their 2nd Annual Edison Project entrepreneurial competition for the greater Hickory Metro area. This is a celebration and recognition of our creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The Chamber wants to find, fund and foster the most creative new business ideas in the area.

Bill Parrish, Edison Project Chairman and Director of the Small Business and Technology Development Center said that "we are looking for entrepreneurs that have a viable business idea and associated plan they would like to submit for consideration and review by a panel of judges.

The finalists will be those new business ideas/current companies that in the judgment of the evaluation team demonstrate the ability to anticipate and adapt over time to changing conditions, become income-generating, realistic, innovative, creative, scalable and ultimately profitable enterprises."

Applicants and companies must be located in the four county Metro area; if they are already in business they must have cumulative revenues of less than $350,000, excluding grants; the application fee of $100 ($50 for higher education students) must accompany their application and mailed or delivered to the Chamber office at 1055 Southgate Corp. Park SW, Hickory, NC 28602.

The application process lasts until May 31st. All applicants will need to write, in 1,000 words or less, an Executive Summary about their business idea. The application and Executive Summary outline can be found by clicking the Edison Project logo on the Chamber's web site at www.catawbachamber.org.

James C. Harper School Of Performing Arts

Announces New Scholarship

Lenoir, NC – The James C. Harper School of Performing Arts is proud to announce a new scholarship award given by Dr. Neal Isaac.

Soots-Ward Summer 2012 Scholarship: Given by Dr. Neal Isaac in honor of Hunter Soots and Rodney Ward who have been very active in the Lenoir area playing exceptional music and giving of their time. Dr. Isaac’s goal is not only to honor these exceptional musicians, but to help another young musician obtain music lessons to fulfill Captain Harper’s vision that all children should be exposed to a conservatory-style education.

Dr. Isaac also wants to encourage young adults like Hunter Soots and Rodney Ward and let them know that they play an integral part in continuing the Lenoir legacy of high-caliber musical proficiency. The scholarship award will be given at the discretion of the Harper School to one student who has the passion for music while also having the need for financial support.

We teach students from beginners to very advanced and we believe that private instruction is a great way to learn how to play an instrument or to sing correctly. Our private lessons offer one-on-one instruction which means that students are given instruction that best suits how they as individuals learn. The Harper School is located at 1113 College Avenue SW, Lenoir, NC 28645, and we welcome you to stop by and visit the school. Please call (828) 754-2297 for more information.

Hickory Community Theatre Announces

Performing Arts Festival April 21 - May 13

Hickory - The Hickory Community Theatre has just announced a brand new Festival of the Performing Arts for its Firemen’s Kitchen cabaret theater April 21 through May 13. The Festival features musicians, actors, comedians and magicians. Most of the talent is local, with some artists of national reputation.

The Festival kicks off with the three band musical extravaganza, Hickory Scene – featuring Casey Clark, Leaving Venus and ONNA, on April 21. Alt-country favorites Farewell Milwaukee comes to the Kitchen Friday April 27 all the way from Minneapolis.

The Festival includes a one act comedy for “tweenagers,” “Ellie’s Wild Ride” by Molly Bass. Also scheduled is “Whose Line is It, Hickory” a comedy improv evening with local actors organized by Cale Evans of the hit troupe Now There Are Foxes.

Topping the Festival is Spike’s Magic. It’s close-up magic with a the very funny master of illusion from the Carolina Renaissance Festival.

The Festival of Performing Arts replaces the scheduled play “Deadly Murder”. HCT season tickets will be honored at all Festival’s events.

Tickets are $12 for all seats. A youth ticket price of $7 is in effect for the following dates: April 28 & 29 and May 13.

For tickets and details, please call the Theatre box office at (828) 328-2283, or check the Theatre’s website www.hct.org.

Hickory Community Theatre is a Funded Affiliate of the United Arts Council of Catawba County. The Festival of the Performing Arts is sponsored by Robert Abbey, Inc. and Steve Austin, AICP.

Volunteers Needed For New Meals On Wheels Route

In Catawba County

Hickory - Volunteers are needed to deliver Meals on Wheels in the Catawba/Claremont area of Catawba County.

A new route is being established to serve persons in this part of the county, according to Vickie Redden, Meals on Wheels volunteer coordinator. “We know there is a need in this area, and we are hoping to have enough volunteers to begin this route by the first of April,” she said. A minimum of 15 volunteers are needed. The meal pick-up location will be Bethlehem United Methodist Church of Claremont, 3214 Catawba Street, Claremont, NC 28610.

Volunteers must be willing to commit at least one hour a month to delivering meals. The deliveries are made from 11 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday, except for holidays. Those eligible to receive Meals on Wheels must be at least 60 years old and unable to shop or prepare meals at home.

Meals on Wheels is operated by Senior Nutrition Services of Catawba County Social Services. During Fiscal Year 2010-2011, Meals on Wheels served 433 elderly and disabled citizens in Catawba County.

“None of this would be possible without our volunteers,” Redden said. Those wishing to volunteer may download an application form at www.catawbacountync.gov/dss/Adult/nutrition.asp. Applications are also available by calling Catawba County Meals on Wheels at 828-695-5610 or by visiting their offices at 507 Boundary St., Conover, NC 28613.

Updates on Meals on Wheels and other Senior Nutrition programs are available by “liking” the program’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/#!/MealsOnWheelsOfCatawbaCounty. Anyone wishing to donate to Meals on Wheels may do so online by going to www.catawbacountync.gov/dss and clicking on the “Donate Now” button. Persons wishing to donate by check should make the check payable to Catawba County Social Services and write “Meals on Wheels” in the memo line. Checks may be mailed to Senior Nutrition Services, P.O. Box 207, Newton, NC 28658.

Art In The Shop Seeks Artists For 14th Annual Event, Apply Now

Hickory - Art in the Shop is seeking artists interested in showing at the 14th Annual Art in the Shop on October 6, 2012 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 2011 is Saturday October 6, 2012 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.

Focus Newspaper www.focusnewspaper.com

The Quilting Solution www.thequiltingsolution.com

Music and Sound - Teaching Studio www.musicandsound.net

Support Your Local House Concerts

Sinclair Promotions www.artintheshop.net

Hairbenders Beauty Salon 231 13th Avenue Pl NW, Ste 1, Hickory, NC (828) 327-0057

Art in the Shop is also seeking persons or organizations interested in volunteering in several areas and/or sponsoring the music stage. All 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. Applications are also available on the website.

Apply Now To Be An Arts And Crafts Vendor At Oktoberfest

Hickory - Hickory’s Oktoberfest 2012 is now accepting applications for Arts and Crafts vendors. Celebrating its 27th year, this annual festival will be held October 12, 13, and 14, 2012 in Downtown Hickory NC. Estimated attendance is more than 100,000 for the three day event.

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, along with food and commercial vendors.

Oktoberfest hosts more than 100 vendors, including food from around the world, commercial vendors and non profit organizations. The Juried Arts & Crafts include paintings, sculpture, pottery, handmade swings and furniture, jewelry, photography candles and much more.

Oktoberfest’s Arts and Crafts show is a juried event, with prizes given for the top three artisans. Booth spaces are 10 x 10 and limited to one craftsperson per booth. Early registration (postmarked by August 1, 2012) is $100.00. Regular registration will be accepted until September 1, 2012 and is $150.00. Late registration, if space is still available (postmarked after October 1, 2012) is $250.00 Electricity is available for an additional $25.00. Applications are available on line at www.hickoryoktoberfest.com.

Applications for commercial and non profit organizations are also available online at www.hickoryoktoberfest.com.

For more information on Oktoberfest 2012, applications and guidelines or sponsorship information please visit the website www.hickoryoktoberfest.com and click on vendor applications or email info@downtownhickory.com.

New NC Directory Connects Women With

Low-Income To Cervical Cancer Services

North Carolina - The NC Cervical Cancer Resource Directory (www.ccresourcedirectory.org) includes county-specific information on where uninsured or underinsured women can go to find screening, or Pap test, services. The site also has information on HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination, answers to frequently asked questions and additional resources.

The directory - available in both English and Spanish - was developed by Cervical Cancer-Free NC, an initiative based at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The program is working to eliminate or substantially reduce cervical cancer in North Carolina.

Each year, more than 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and more than 4,000 die from the disease in the United States. In 2011, almost 400 women in North Carolina received cervical cancer diagnoses and more than 100 died. Health-care experts say a majority of these deaths could be avoided through regular cervical cancer screenings, commonly known as Pap tests, and timely HPV vaccination.

Noel Brewer, Ph.D., director of Cervical Cancer-Free NC and associate professor of health behavior at UNC's public health school, said he knows how important the directory and other resources could be to women throughout the state. His own mother was recently diagnosed with incurable cervical cancer.

"Screening would have caught her cancer early and saved her life, but she could not afford it," said Brewer, also a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. "Resources like the new directory will help other women find affordable screening and avoid what my mom is going through now. We can end cervical cancer. We have to."

African-American and Latina women, who are less likely than others to be screened, are twice as likely as white women to die from cervical cancer. Research has shown that one reason for the disparity is that, in North Carolina, African-Americans and Latinos are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured.

Connecting women to cervical cancer resources in North Carolina is an important step in reducing unnecessary deaths, according to the Cervical Cancer-Free NC initiative and its collaborators.

"Latinas are a growing component of the healthcare community and they need culturally appropriate information that is available to them in their own language," said Florence Simán, director of health programs at El Pueblo Inc., a Latino advocacy organization based in Raleigh. "This directory is a great resource for us to use to help connect women who may otherwise not know where to go."

Schatzi H. McCarthy, associate director of Cervical Cancer-Free NC, said the new resource will go a long way to help clarify access to cervical cancer prevention services in North Carolina. "Navigating through our health-care system can be extremely challenging, especially for those who are uninsured or under-insured. It is not acceptable that women should die for lack of access to services when, in fact, they are available. We want to help match low-income women with needed services. For this reason, we are very proud of the resource directory and believe it will be an invaluable tool for women and adolescents throughout our state."

For more information, visit the directory at www.ccresourcedirectory.org or email info@ccfnc.org.

WRC Has Urgent Need For Personal & Cleaning Products

Hickory - Many of you are aware that one of the unique services offered by the Women's Resource Center is furnishing Personal Products and Cleaning Products to women and families in the area.

What you may not know is that Food Assistance Program Allotments CANNOT be used for these items. With your assistance we distributed more than 900 lbs of Personal Products to 121 clients and 1300 lbs of Cleaning Products to 103 clients in 2011 thru our "PANTRY".

Currently we have an URGENT NEED for the following products:

Body Lotion - Unscented (Jergins, Suave, etc) • Tissue (Kleenex, etc) • Laundry Detergent (box or bottle form) • Bleach • Paper Towels • Toilet Paper • Canned Powdered Cleaners (Ajax, Comet, etc) • Toilet Bowl Cleaners (Lysol, etc) • Floor Cleaners (Pine Sol, etc) • Window Cleaner (Windex, etc)

Please consider supporting the center! Your donations can be dropped off Monday - Thursday from 9AM til 4PM. WRC is located at125 3rd St. NE,  Hickory, NC 28601 P: 828.322-6333.

Your tax deductible donation makes it possible to furnish these critical self-esteem items for those we serve.

Women’s Resource Center Seeks Volunteers

For A Variety Of Important Duties

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

Programming – Frances Hall, Chair

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

Fundraising Committee—Denise Filip, Chair

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

Public Relations Committee—Andree Herman, Chair

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

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

Dinosaurs Invade Catawba Science Center

Hickory - Dinosaurs - they’re monstrous, glamorous and have long been the subject of Hollywood blockbusters. New research emerges almost daily in the field of paleontology, causing the scientific community to rethink the way we’ve perceived these titanic creatures that once ruled the Earth.

Beginning Jan. 28, visitors to Catawba Science Center (CSC) in Hickory can slip back in time and walk among the Dinosaurs in a lush, prehistoric setting.

Dinosaurs features six half-sized roaring, robotic dinosaurs including the king of dinosaurs – Tyrannosaurus rex – Triceratops, Pachycephalosaurus, Dimetrodon, Stegosaurus and a mother Apatosaurus protecting her newly hatched babies. Go beyond the bones and see how these prehistoric creatures may have looked and sounded when they roamed the Earth millions of years ago.

The exhibit offers interactive opportunities to learn about the lives of dinosaurs and prehistoric reptiles. Learn about late Permian, late Jurassic and late Cretaceous periods, as well as where these prehistoric creatures lived and what their diet included.

Visit the exhibit’s paleo-research camp, dig for fossils and participate in Weekly Dino Demos: Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m.

Dinosaurs will also feature a number of special events and activities for families throughout the exhibit, which will be on display at Catawba Science Center through Sept. 2.

Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

Digging up the Past
Wednesdays, 4 p.m.
Saturdays/Sundays 2 p.m.
Learn about tools used by paleontologists to uncover fossils that shed light on prehistoric plants and animals. Use various tools to dig for fossils and identify them according to geologic time period.

Fossil Features
Fridays, 4 p.m.
Saturdays/Sundays, 2 p.m.
What is a fossil? Learn what an object a fossil, different types of fossils and how they are formed. See authentic fossil finds, as well as reproductions and casts. Participants will make their own fossils molds using shell or bone and modeling clay.

Learn more about Dinosaurs, as well as exhibit-related programs, events and trips at www.CatawbaScience.org.

Dinosaurs is sponsored by George Foundation, Beaver Family Foundation, Catawba Valley Medical Center, Corning and Frye Regional Medical Center. Media sponsors are WFAE 90.3 fm, WBTV-3, WNC Magazine and Foothills Radio Group are media sponsors.

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.

Call For Entries For Real To Reel International Film Festival

Shelby, NC - The Cleveland County Arts Council in Shelby, NC is proud to announce that entries for the 13th Annual Real to Reel International Film Festival are now being accepted. This year the festival will be July 18-21, 2012.

The Real to Reel International Film Festival, held at the Joy Performance Center in Kings Mountain, NC, showcases the talent and diversity of filmmakers and offers contestants the opportunity to compete for cash prizes in four categories. Film submissions can be of any genre or style.

Organized by the Cleveland County Arts Council, the goal of the Real to Reel International Film Festival is to showcase thought-provoking films and offer a venue where movie lovers who appreciate independent vision can celebrate this unique art form.

Categories:
• Documentary
• Feature Length (Over 60 mins)
• Shorts (Under 60 mins)
• Animation Awards
• (1) Best of Fest $1000
• (4) "Best of Category" Awards $500
• (4) "Best of Category" Student Awards $250
• (1) Audience Choice $300

Visit www.realtoreelfest.com for more information or call 704-484-2787.

Caldwell Arts Council Offers Unique Opportunity

To See Disney’s Beauty And The Beast, June 28

Lenoir, NC - Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST features the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, with additional songs with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice. The book is written by Linda Woolverton.

Director Rob Roth: “It has been wonderful to bring the entire original design team back together to work on this new production of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. As a Director, it is rare to have the opportunity to revisit your work fifteen years later. Hopefully I’ve grown and developed as an artist, along with my collaborators, and we can bring 15 years of experience to this new production. We have remained very close as a team over the years of producing the show around the world, and it has been so much fun getting together to re-explore and re-invent the show for this new NETworks tour. The theme of ‘Beauty’ is about seeing past the exterior into the heart of someone, and this is reflected in the design for the show, which is about transparency and layers, seeing past one thing and into another.”

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress.

If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Disney’s BEAUTY AND THE BEAST has become an international sensation that has played to over 35 million people worldwide in 13 countries.

The Caldwell Arts Council invites you to come along with us to see this show at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center in Charlotte on June 28 at 7:30pm. $100 includes your ticket and round trip bus fare. First payment of $50 per person is due at time of reservation; balance due June 1. We’ll eat at a restaurant near the theatre (Dutch treat) the night of the show. Bus will leave Caldwell Arts Council at about 3:30pm and return about 11:30pm. This will be a fun night! We have 18 tickets left and a 24-person bus. Reserve your seats soon by calling 828-754-2486! The Caldwell Arts Council is located at 601 College Avenue, SW in Lenoir.

Hickory Library Offers Drop-in Resume Skills Lab

Hickory - Hickory Public Library and Catawba Valley Community College continue their partnership to offer drop-in sessions for those needing assistance in creating or revising a resume, doing online job searches, completing and submitting online applications, preparing for an interview, and other job skills topics. Trained instructors will be on hand to provide one-on-one help, and computers are available.

The sessions are held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library on Mondays and Tuesdays and at Ridgeview Branch Library on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Registration is not required. Individuals are welcome to drop in for a short time, or stay the full four hours – whatever fits their particular need.

For more information about the resume skills lab, contact Joyce Watson, CVCC’s director of Human Resource Development at 327-7000, ext. 4370 or ext. 4522.

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library is located at 375 3rd Street NE on the SALT Block. Ridgeview Branch Library is located at 706 1st Street SW.

Loving Our Enemies

By Rev. Susan Smith

Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV) “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

A week ago, my son woke me up to tell me Osama Bin Laden was dead. I got up and listened to president Obama tell the nation that our terrorist enemy had been killed by a special forces Navy Seals team. I felt sad. Sad for the pain and misery he has caused all over the world. Sad for the victims of 9/11. Sad that a shy, deeply devoted Muslim boy could grow into a mass murderer of innocent people in the name of holy jihad. I went back to bed, not realizing that people were dancing in the streets to celebrate that Bin Laden was dead.

I have heard many say since that justice was done. Really? The definition of justice in this sense is “the assignment of merited rewards or punishments.” As a person of faith against the death penalty, I do not see this as “justice”. Killing people who kill people to prove that killing people is wrong is not justice. It might help us feel that we have gotten the revenge we want for his horrific acts, but the Bible tells us that vengeance belongs to God.

If we dance in the streets to celebrate the fact that we shot an unarmed man in the head in front of his wife – are we any better than all those who burn the American flag, hang effigies of our president, and chant “Death to America”? God is the only one who can see all the pain caused by war in humanity as a whole. The causes and effects of global, generational hatred and bitterness stemming from the murder of civilians in the crossfire of war has poisoned international relations to the point where it is almost impossible for any country to claim innocence. We have all been murderers.

No, I would not call killing Bin Laden justice, but I would say that it was necessary to prevent the murder of more innocent people. We hope that his death will decrease worldwide terrorism, but only time will tell. Instead of dancing in the streets, we should have been praying that God would help us love our enemies. We should have been praying for his soul, his family, his people, and all those in the Muslim world who looked to him as a hero. They are truly our enemies because they have declared a holy war against us. His death will not end that. Loving our enemies is the hardest thing Jesus commanded us to do, and 2000 years later we have still not learned how to do it. Consider the words of the sermon “Finding Forgiveness” delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church on Christmas of 1957:

“Why should we love our enemies? The first reason is fairly obvious. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction.

"So when Jesus says 'Love your enemies,' he is setting forth a profound and ultimately inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil-hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation.”

For the complete text of this incredibly Christ-like message, go to: www.findingforgiveness.blogspot.com/2009/01/martin-luther-king-on-forgiveness.html.

Start Something Here Needs Your Help To Draw New Business To

Catawba County

Hickory - Start Something Here is a new and exciting project for Catawba County. A simple Google search will pull up pages of information about our area, but it isn't consistent. It is difficult to tell what is fresh content, and finding specific information can be difficult. The result is that the searcher is left with a murky understanding of our area's strengths, and no concept of how all of our communities fit together.

Many area organizations have joined together to create a website that showcases Catawba County’s best features. Our region has a great deal to be proud of, from attracting large companies like Corning, Draka, Google and Apple, to winning the All-America City award 3 times, and having the second lowest cost of business in the entire country. We also have a thriving arts community that gets stronger each year. Our manufacturing segments are on an upswing, and our unemployment rate is on the decline. We have been rated one of the top ten places to raise a family by Reader's Digest and our schools are consistently rated highly.

Catawba County has put much emphasis on diversifying our economy and we’re working hard to bring businesses both large and small to our area. There are many things that will entice new businesses to move here, if the necessary information is made easily available. That’s our goal. Our target audience is both the business owner, who is looking for a place to start or relocate his business, and also the employee he will hire. Both of these groups want to know about our area. They want to know what they will do for fun, where their kids will go to school, and where they will go out to eat. They also want to know business facts, and what agencies can help them reach their goals.

The new portal website has three sections: Live, Work, and Learn. We feel that these are three vital areas that groups or individuals would need information about before choosing to move their business or family here. We’re providing that information in a clean, simple manner and in a positive light.

The Live section highlights all of the wonderful things about our area. Each city and town in the county is represented with a page and a map. There are sections for shopping, recreation, sports, arts, helpful agencies, healthcare, worship, childcare and news sources. There are also general informational pages about our history, and where we are going. There is a regularly updated “Spotlight” section, where current stories about different features in our region can be found. A news section keeps the reader updated on any exciting news out of the area.

The Work section is a valuable resource for anyone who is looking for a place to start a business, or anyone looking for a job in our area. There is information about our work force, including resources for starting a business or relocating and existing business here. We are known throughout the nation as a manufacturing powerhouse. While we are very strong in that area, we have many other growing sectors, like Data Centers and customer relation firms. This section of the site also details our history and plans for the future and a robust list of resources. There is also an often updated “Spotlight” section in this site. This is where we highlight businesses and individuals who decided to “Start Something Here”. We tell their stories and hope to encourage more people to do the same.

The last section of the site is the Learn section. This section is full of information about all of our educational opportunities. There are pages for each of our colleges and universities, and a page for each of our three school systems. We have a comprehensive list of all of our private schools, as well as information on the SALT Block and many other learning opportunities.

This site is a work in progress. It is updated daily, and we need your help to keep it current! We hope that you'll visit, at www.startsomethinghere.com. There is a link at the bottom of the page that invites you to suggest content. It is our sincere hope that you will use that link. We have linked the site heavily with social media, and we're trying to grow our fan base. You can also visit www.facebook.com/startsomethinghere to become part of our social community.