March 2009 - The Claremont Courier
Transcription
March 2009 - The Claremont Courier
CLAREMONT INFORMATION THE CC LAREMONT OURIER Vol. 3 Issue 3 – March, 2009 GIVING A VOICE TO EASTERN CATAWBA COUNTY! Monthly Community Calender First Monday – Claremont City Council at City Hall – 7 p.m.; Bunker Hill Athletic Boosters at Bunker Hill High School – 7 p.m.; and Bunker Hill Optimist Club at Club House – 7:45 p.m. Second Monday – Claremont Planning Board at City Hall – 7 p.m. Third Monday – Bunker Hill Optimist Club at Club House – 7:45 p.m. Fourth Monday – Claremont Appearance Committee at City Hall – 6 p.m.; and Claremont Recreation Committee at City Hall – 7 p.m. Every Tuesday – Claremont Volunteer Fire Department at Fire Department – 7 p.m. Third Tuesday – Claremont Youth Council at City Hall – 6:30 p.m. Fourth Tuesday – Claremont Friends of the Library at Claremont Branch Library – 6 p.m. Third Wednesday – Claremont Senior Citizens “Senior’s Morning Out” at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall – 8:30 a.m. Every Thursday – Catawba Valley Rotary Club at Catawba Country Club, Newton – 7 a.m. Second Thursday – Claremont Rescue Squad Business Meeting at Rescue Squad – 7 p.m. Third Thursday – Claremont Lions Club at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center – 7 p.m.; and Claremont Rescue Squad Continuing Education at Rescue Squad – 7 p.m. Third Saturday – Claremont Optimist Club at Sigman Park – 3 p.m. Claremont City Hall 3288 East Main Street 459-7009; Fax: 459-0596 Web page: www.cityofclaremont.org Claremont City Council Glenn A. Morrison, Mayor James P. Stanley, Mayor Pro-Tem Nicky E. Setzer, Judy C. Setzer, Tim Lowrance and David Morrow Claremont Planning Board And Board of Adjustment Diana Foster, Chairman Robert E. Smith, Vice Chairman Nick Colson, Ronald H. Cox, Franklin Harris, Larry C. Pannell, Dale Sherrill and Elizabeth Smyre Claremont Appearance Committee Chuck Auten, Donna Buchanan, Diana Foster, Kevin Isenhour, Sue Karen Falls, Jim Mitchem, Denise Mitchem, Glenn Morrison, Jane Robbins, Judy Setzer and PJ Stanley Claremont Recreation Committee Amanda Brockman, Shawn Brown, Clara Carson, Betty Cloninger, Nanci Gregory, Danny Hedrick, Tim Lowrance, Kay Reverri, Robert E. Smith and Mary Watts Claremont City Staff Patrick Niland, City Manager Laurie LoCicero, City Planner Stephanie Corn, Finance Director Glenda Yount, Receivables Clerk & Receptionist Wendy Helms, Deputy City Clerk Robert M. Grant, Jr., City Attorney Henry Helton, Jr., Public Relations Claremont Police Department 3301 East Main Street 459-9295; Fax: 459-7865 Web page: www.claremontpolice.com Gerald R. Tolbert, Chief of Police Gary Bost, Captain; PJ Stanley, Training Specialist; Terri Pope, Administration; Pamela Shook, Administrative Assistant; Sandra Miller, Records CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 WBTV news anchor presents an ‘Open Conservation about Gangs’ FREE Distributed Throughout Bandys, Catawba, Catfish, Claremont, Conover, Denver, Lake Norman, Long Island, Monbo, Mooresville, Murray’s Mill, Newton, Oxford, Sherrills Ford and Terrell. Sherrills Ford looks at future changes to area New library, convenience center and Hospice facility coming to Sherrills Ford community. PHOTO BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY WBTV news anchor, Molly Grantham (right) along with area parents, educators and law enforcement officials look at news clip on gang activity at the River Bend Middle School gymnasium in Claremont on Feb. 17. Grantham was on hand to present an “Open Conversation about Gangs in Our Community” forum. WBTV Charlotte news anchor, Molly GranWith gang activity spreading into tham was the host of an “Open Conversasmaller communities, it’s time to talk tion about Gangs,” in the River Bend Middle to your children about this problem. School gymnasium located in Claremont. BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY Grantham has been reporting on gang acCLAREMONT – Over the last few years tivity for WBTV since 2004, and admitted gang activity has been spreading into smaller gang activity is a big problem in the Charcommunities throughout North Carolina, and lotte area. But Grantham also informed on Feb. 17, around 50 area parents, educa- the crowd that gang activity is not just limtors and law enforcement officials came to- ited to large cities, “WBTV covers 16 coungether in Claremont to talk about this grow- ties, and every county has gang activity.” ing problem everyone needs to know about. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 Claremont sets dates for several upcoming events Town of Catawba looks at Main Street improvements City of Claremont announces dates for City Wide Yard Sale, City Awards Ceremony and City Wide Litter Sweep. North Carolina Small Town Main Street Program provides help in restoring downtown areas. BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY CLAREMONT – The second City of Claremont City Council meeting of 2009 saw the City Council announce dates for several city wide events. Dates were announced for the annual City Wide Yard Sale, City Awards Ceremony, Great American Clean-Up, and the Claremont Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. The second City of Claremont City Council meeting of 2009 was held on Feb. 2 at Claremont City Hall in downtown Claremont, at 7 p.m. City of Claremont Mayor, Glenn Morrison started the meeting with the Call to Order, and he followed that by giving the Invocation. Council Member, Judy Setzer then led everyone in attendance through the Pledge of Allegiance. Next on the agenda was the Approval of the Minutes from the Jan. 5, 2009 Claremont CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY CATAWBA – During the second Town of Catawba Town Council meeting of 2009, the main topic of discussion was restoring the vitality and promoting downtown Catawba through the North Carolina Small Town Main Street Program. It was decided that future development of downtown Catawba is crucial, and planning for the future is needed to make downtown Catawba a vibrant place once again. The second Town of Catawba Town Council meeting of 2009 was held on Feb. 2, at Catawba Town Hall in downtown Catawba at 7 p.m. Town of Catawba Mayor, Vance Readling kicked-off the evening with the Call to Order, which was followed by the Invocation. The meeting continued with Council Member, Monte Connor leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance, which CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY SHERRILLS FORD – Over the last few years the Sherrills Ford community has seen continued growth, and with growth comes new and expanded services to area residents. Three such items the growing community will be looking at very closely over the coming months and years is a new public library, convenience center and Hospice facility. Since the early 1990s the Sherrills Ford community has seen its population almost double, and it is now in a situation where the services offered to its citizens cannot handle the demand. Beginning this fiscal year, Catawba County Planners have started putting money aside for the purchase and construction of a new Sherrills Ford Branch Library. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11 Conover changes code for nightclubs, bars and lounges After incident at local restaurant, City Council looks at regulating establishments actions. BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY CONOVER – The second monthly meeting of 2009 for the City of Conover City Council was highlighted by the City of Conover Police Department and the Planning Department drafting a proposed revision to the Conover Code, Chapter 18. This code regulates poolrooms, billiard parlors and bowling alleys, but not nightclubs, bars or lounges. The City of Conover monthly City Council meeting was held on Feb. 2, 2009 at 7 p.m., at Conover City Hall in downtown Conover. The second meeting of 2009 was Called to Order by City of Conover Mayor, Bruce Eckard, and then the City Council quickly Approved the Minutes from the Jan. 5, 2009 Regular Meeting before moving on to the next item on the agenda. City of Conover Finance Director, Vickie K. Schlichting then informed the City Council that a contract totaling $18,600 should be approved and awarded to Debora B. Wentz, CPA to perform the 2009 fiscal year annual city audit. The City Council quickly approved and awarded the contract to Wentz, before moving on to a public hearing. The Public Hearing was to Consider and Amendment to the Conover City Code – Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance and Appendix B Subdivision Ordinance. The main reason for holding this public hearing was to clarify the language regarding scheduling fees, and to streamline and make the fee scheduling process more efficient. Once the public hearing was closed, the City Council then adopted Ordinance 5-09 – Amending the Conover Code of CONTINUED ON PAGE 7 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 2 The Claremont Courier CLAREMONT INFORMATION Claremont Fire Department 2850 Firehouse Lane 459-9296; Fax: 459-0596 Web page: www.claremontfd.net Gary W. Sigmon, Fire Chief Brian K. Helms, Assistant. Fire Chief; Jason A. Lowrance, Captain; Bruce Hartsoe, Lieutenant; Wendy L. Helms, Lieutenant; Jody Smyre, Fire Prevention Officer Oxford “Catfish” Fire Department 5688 Oxford School Road 459-9678; Fax: 459-9676 Web page: www.cityofclaremont.org Wayne Smith, Fire Chief Donnie Deal, Assistant Fire Chief Claremont Public Works Department 2748 South Oxford Street 459-7800 Web page: www.cityofclaremont.org Thomas Winkler, Director Claremont Rescue Squad Base 1 – 2748 South Oxford Street 459-7968; Fax: 459-7961 Web page: www.claremontrescue.org Jason Crooks, Chief Jody Smyre, Assistant Chief; Eric Jones, Captain; Steve Norris, Lieutenant; Jerry Peeler, Lieutenant; Nick Farthing; Gary Reitzel, Secretary/Treasurer Base 2 – 5710 Hwy. 16 North, Oxford 256-6423; Fax: 256-6431 Web page: www.claremontrescue.org Claremont Branch Library 3288 East Main Street 459-9311 Web page: www.catawbacountync.gov Richard Haunton, Branch Manager Hours: Tue.-Fri., 12 to 6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Claremont Friends of the Library Officers Glenn A. Morrison, Chairperson Mary Moser, Secretary; Kay Reverri, Treasurer; Shirley Harwell, Historian Newton Convenience Center 2436 Bethany Church Road 465-4635 Hours: Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Claremont Elementary School 3384 East Main Street 459-7921; Fax: 459-1734 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Chris Gibbs, Principal Lisa Suber, Assistant Principal Oxford Elementary School 5915 Oxford School Road 459-7220; Fax: 459-1122 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Kelly Nicholson, Principal Brian Hefner, Assistant Principal Mill Creek Middle School 1041 Shiloh Road 241-2711; Fax: 241-2743 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Robert Rucker, Principal Mitzi Story, Assistant Principal River Bend Middle School 4670 Oxford School Road 241-2754; Fax: 241-2820 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Donna Heavner, Principal Cory Klassett, Assistant Principal Bunker Hill High School 4675 Oxford School Road 241-3355; Fax: 241-9401 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Jeff Taylor, Principal Lee Miller, Assistant Principal Alisa Ferguson, Assistant Principal Claremont City Park East Main Street (Next to Claremont Elementary School) Winter Hours – 10/1-4/1, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Summer Hours – 4/1-10/1, 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The park features 14 acres, with seven additional undeveloped acres. The park includes new playground equipment, tennis courts, small picnic shelters, a pavilion for larger groups, an amphitheater with stage and a paved quarter mile-walking trail. CONTINUED ON PAGE 4 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Celebrate your special day with The Claremont Courier FROM THE PUBLISHER W BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY ith a new year upon us, it is time to introduce some new things going on at The Claremont Courier. Like most newspapers, The Claremont Courier has started running special day announcements each and every month. When I say special day announcements, I mean wedding and engagement announcements, wedding anniversary announcements and birth announcements. There are a lot of people living in Eastern Catawba County, and the paper would like to provide everyone the opportunity to run an announcement for all your friends and family to see. Now the first logical question would be, “How do I get an announcement in an upcoming edition of The Claremont Courier?” And the answer would be, go to www. theclaremontcourier.net and click on the Wedding and Engagement Announcement Forms icon on the left hand side of the Web site. Once you click on the icon, you will be able to download the forms to fill out. Once you fill out the forms all you have to do then is put them in an envelope and send them to: The Claremont Courier, 3283 White Oak Court, Claremont, NC 28610-8669. You can also send the forms in by e-mail at [email protected]. Now when you see the forms, you will notice that there is a $5 charge for engagement announcements and a $25 charge for wedding announcements. The reason for the charge is due to the fact that RAMSEY the announcements are much larger then other papers offer for similar prices. Engagement announcements will normally take up a quarter page of space, and the wedding announcements will take up a quarter page to half page of space. There are a few things you need to know before sending in your wedding or engagement forms. Please read all of the instructions on the forms before filling them out and sending them in. All announcements received by the 20th of each month will run the month after the announcement was received. Wedding announcements will not run until after the day of the wedding. And payment is due before any announcement runs in the paper. When it comes to wedding anniversary announcements and birth announcements, those are both run free of charge. These announcements typically use a lot less space, so it doesn’t seem right to charge people to run them. There are no forms for these announcements, but a good rule of thumb to go by when providing information is to provide as much information as possible. Some information may have to be edited, but I promise that the majority of the information will be used in either of these announcements. The Claremont Courier also runs pre and post class reunion announcements, as well as family reunion announcements each and every month. Once again, just send me all the information and pictures you have and I’ll make sure to get as much of it in as possible. And just so you know, you can send in information about any upcoming event, program or occasion for free. If you have any questions, comments or need help in any way when it comes to running an announcement in an upcoming issue of The Claremont Courier, do not hesitate to call 320-8450 or e-mail to [email protected] at any time. And always remember, no matter where you go there you are. Carolina Thread Trail helps county think ‘green’ CATAWBA COUNTY CORNER BY DAVE HARDIN ’ve told you a lot in the last few years about Catawba County’s renewed emphasis on things environmental, our “green initiatives.” The Board of Commis- I sioners recently approved a resolution supporting the idea of a new regional trail system that Catawba County hopes to be a part of, the latest example of things the county is doing to protect the environment and give you a chance to get outdoors and enjoy it. The Carolina Thread Trail is a vision for If you’re tired of impersonal pharmacy service, long lines and never seeing the same pharmacist behind the counter, you should consider switching to your local Medicap Pharmacy® store. The Medicap Pharmacy® store focus is pharmacy, quality health care products, and services. Plus, they offer periodic health care screenings. They offer easy access to the pharmacist, prompt, friendly personalized service, and because most stores are locally owned, you’ll see the same familiar face behind the counter. When you’re ready to transfer your prescriptions, don’t worry, just stop in, they’ll make it easy! Now, that’s a healthy dose of reality. Visit our web site at www.medicap.com 3319 East Main Street, Claremont 459.2149 – Bob Busbee, R.Ph. THE CC LAREMONT OURIER www.theclaremontcourier.net Established January, 2007. Entire Content Of Paper Copyrighted By The Claremont Courier. GIVING A VOICE TO EASTERN CATAWBA COUNTY! No material may be reproduced without permission from the publisher of The Claremont Courier. The Claremont Courier welcomes all press releases and photographs for publication, but a SASE must be accompanied for guaranteed return of all original material. The Claremont Courier reserves the right to edit any and all material. Send any materials to: The Claremont Courier, 3283 White Oak Court, Claremont, NC 28610-8669, or by e-mail at [email protected]. preserving and connecting open lands across the Charlotte region. It will be a network of greenways, trails and blueways (connected waterways) in a fifteen county region that will connect 2.3 million people in North and South Carolina. The fifteen counties include: Anson, Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, HARDIN Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanley and Union in North Carolina; along with Cherokee, Chester, Lancaster and York in South Carolina. The Carolina Thread Trail has already been established as a non-profit organization and is being financed from private donations, CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 In Loving Memory Of JOHN A. BUSBEE April 6, 1918 – November 7, 2007 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 CLAREMONT INFORMATION Bunker Hill Covered Bridge The bridge is located two miles east of Claremont on N.C. Highway 70. 465-0383 Web page: www.catawbahistory.org Hours: Sun.-Sat., 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Designated as a National Civil Engineering Landmark in 2001, the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge is the only remaining example in wood of the Improved Lattice Truss patented by General Herman Haupt. CATAWBA INFORMATION Monthly Community Calender First Monday – Catawba Town Council at Town Hall – 7 p.m. Third Monday – Downtown Catawba Advisory Committee at Town Hall – 5:30 p.m. Every Tuesday – Catawba Fire Department at Fire Department – 7 p.m. First & Third Wednesday – Balls Creek Optimist Club at Club House – 7:30 p.m. Fourth Thursday – Catawba Planning Board at Town Hall – 7 p.m. Catawba Town Hall 108 North Main Street 241-2215; Fax: 241-9968 Web page: www.townofcatawbanc.org Catawba Town Council Vance Readling, Mayor Karen Abernathy Ester, Mayor Pro-Tem Monte Connor, Jeff Hendren and Jeff Isenhour Catawba Planning Board Trent Cloninger, Chair Linda Charles, John Gilbert, Clyde Robinson, Isaiah Springs, Rick Young, Kathy Ervin and Kay Gantt Downtown Catawba Advisory Committee Karen Ester, Elton Fox, Lynn Poole, Paula Reed, Todd Reed, Dr. Robert Rights, Ken Farmer and Tom Young Catawba Town Staff Jonathan Kanipe, Town Manager Kathy Johnson, Town Clerk Crystal Davis, Town Attorney John Kinley, Town Planner Cary Broadwell, Public Works Director Claude Gwynn, Public Works Assistant Town of Catawba Historical Association John Gilbert, President; Helen M. Rhyne, Secretary; Albert Keiser, Jr., Association Historian; Helen Campbell, Linda Charles, Joyce Folger, Marilyn Gabriel, Barbara Lynch, Jennifer Whisnant and Bill Rhyne, Trustees Catawba Police Department 107 South Main Street 241-4888 Cecil Cook, Police Chief Catawba Fire Department 108 North Main Street 241-4955; Fax: 241-3966 Web page: www.catawbafire.org Donald Robinson, Fire Chief Trent Cloninger, Assistant Fire Chief Kelly Pope, Assistant Fire Chief Bandys Crossroads Fire Department CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 4 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Town of Catawba looks at improving Main Street in downtown Catawba CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 was quickly followed by the Approval of the Regular Council Minutes from the Jan. 5, 2009 Catawba Town Council meeting. Next on the agenda was the first Public Comment Period, and with nobody approaching the podium the meeting then entered into the Town Manager’s Monthly Report. Town of Catawba Town Manager, Jonathan Kanipe started off his monthly report with an update on the Southeast Area Community Development Block Grant (SECBDG) construction going on throughout Catawba and Sherrills Ford. Kanipe stated that road work on 6th Avenue and 2nd Street SE was still underway due to all the rain the area received in January. Kanipe then stated that the construction would resume as soon as possible, and that the next phase of the construction would be the construction of a pump station on 2nd Street SE. Kanipe then informed everyone on hand that the pump station construction should be complete by the end of April, 2009. Kanipe continued his monthly report by saying that the River Oaks development project is seeking a new permit to continue with its construction. Kanipe then said that the permit was issued, and it was very similar to the one issued in 2008. Kanipe then stated that he was informed that the development would be marketing the property in the very near future. Kanipe ended his monthly report by informing everyone in attendance that road work on 3rd Avenue West is still underway. Kanipe stated that the work was not completed due to the rainy weather the area received in January, but the work would be complete as soon as possible. New Business was next on the agenda, and first up was a discussion about the Review and Possible Amendments to the Town of Catawba Codes. Town of Catawba Town Manager, Jonathan Kanipe informed the Town Council that he and Town of Catawba Attorney, Crystal Davis will begin the process of looking over all the codes beginning in March. Kanipe said as they look over the codes, any possible amendments would be subject to a Public Hearing before any changes could take place. Council Member, Jeff Hendren then said the Town Council, Town Manager and Town Attorney should look at any possible codes that need immediate attention. Next under Old Business was a discussion on the Hazard Mitigation Plan Update for the Town of Catawba. Kanipe first said the plan is necessary for all communities in order to establish a plan of action, when and if a disaster should ever hit the Town of Catawba. Kanipe then said the process began in 2002, and he OLD COMPANY STORE DELI • GIFTS • COLLECTIBLES 101 North Main Street • Downtown Catawba (On The Corner Of East Central Avenue & North Main Street) Daily Breakfast & Lunch Specials. Try One Of Our Speciality Sandwiches Soups Or Salads. Our Sandwiches Are Made With Boar’s Head Meats & Cheeses! Now Serving Dr. Smoothie Fruit Smoothies! Check Out Our Selection Of Unique Gifts: • Fenton Glassware • Wooden Toys • Candy • Wild Republic Birds • Handmade Crafts & Dolls • Local Historic Books • B.R. Hilton 4th Generation Pottery • Molehollow Candles • Leanin’ Tree Greeting Cards • And So Much More! OPEN Monday – Thursday 6 AM to 4 PM Friday – Saturday 6 AM – 6 PM 241.4200 LIVE MUSIC LINE-UP MARCH 13 – BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION MARCH 27 – BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION Music Begins At 6:30 p.m., And The Deli Will Remain Open! is working towards getting all of the updates complete by the deadline in the fall. Kanipe then stated that it was necessary for the Town of Catawba to hire an outside vendor for pre-disaster debris management and clearing. Kanipe finished by saying most of the funding for this plan would come from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Once Kanipe was finished speaking, the Town Council then approved a motion to start looking for an outside vendor. Old Business continued with a discussion on the North Carolina Small Town Main Street Program and other Downtown Focused Issues. Kanipe started off the discussion by informing the Town Council that the program is designed for towns and cities with a population of 5,000 citizens or less. Kanipe then said the program offers no monetary help, but that the program helps with every other area in getting things accomplished. The program gives communities an outside look at projects, and provides help, assistance and expertise in all aspects of the revitalization process. Kanipe stated that the program helps restore the vitality and promotes downtown areas, and that downtown development is crucial for the Town of Catawba. Kanipe followed this by saying that planning is also needed to make downtown Catawba alive once again, and the community is needed in deciding what everyone wants downtown Catawba to look like. Once the discussion was complete, the Town Council approved a motion for Town of Catawba Town Manager, Jonathan Kanipe to apply for grants in order to secure funding for any possible revitalization projects for downtown Catawba. The last item under Old Business, was an update on the Proposed Town of Catawba Volunteer Fire Department Expansion and Construction. Kanipe started off by stating that all of the surveying is complete, and architects have been contacted to begin CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 THE CC LAREMONT OURIER GIVING A VOICE TO EASTERN CATAWBA COUNTY! 3283 WHITE OAK COURT CLAREMONT, NC 28610-8669 E-MAIL [email protected] VISIT US ON-LINE AT www.theclaremontcourier.net PUBLISHER SCOTT W. RAMSEY ADVERTISING DIRECTOR SCOTT W. RAMSEY ADVERTISING SALES SCOTT W. RAMSEY; ANDREA BUSBEE-RAMSEY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS ANDREA BUSBEE-RAMSEY; ALLISON SIGMON; DAVE HARDIN; RUSSELL D. MURR; DR. MARK HAWKINS; ROBERT E. THOMAS, PA-C; SUSAN B. WILLIAMS; JAMES LOFTIN; REV. DENNIS J. RICHARDS, SR., D.MIN, D.D.; REV. TONY E. BUNTON; RANDY INMAN The Claremont Courier 5 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Carolina Thread Trail is latest way Catawba County is thinking ‘green’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 and state and federal funding sources. So far, $15 million in private funds and $3 million in public funds from the Clean Water Management Trust, the first of a five-year funding commitment, have been set aside. Each county participating in the Thread Trail, including Catawba, will participate in a grant process to begin development of a trail segment in each jurisdiction. The funding will support a four-step process of Thread Trail development: planning, design, acquisition and construction. Catawba County planning staff has already met with city and town planners, and recreation directors across the county, to inform them of the Thread Trail idea and give them the opportunity to participate in first stage planning for the Thread Trail segment in Catawba County. The goal is to have the county government and cities work together to develop a plan that identifies trail corridors, designates the backbone of the main network in Catawba County as part of the Carolina Thread Trail, and create an action plan to make the trail a reality. This 10-12 month planning process will engage public leaders and involve public input. Catawba County citizens will be appointed to a special steering committee to help lead this effort. Catawba County’s Thread Trail segment would not replace existing trail plans, but would compliment them and provide regional connectivity through segments established in the cities’ and county’s plans. For example, the county’s recently adopted Comprehensive Parks Master Plan identifies Lyle Creek as a regional greenway trail. The Thread Trail planning process will evaluate this greenway project as a potential major trail component, which will allow other spur trails identified in various city plans to provide connection points. Most of the cities and towns in the county have given their support for the Thread Trail plan. Catawba County will serve as the lead agency and grantee for the planning process. The county’s share of the cost to acquire the services of a trail planning consultant is only going to be around $3,000. Can you imagine what it will be like to be able to use a connected network of trails that stretch from Catawba County down as far as the Rock Hill and Gaffney areas? It’s an idea that is in the works, and I expect you will be hearing and reading more about it over the next few years. Dave Hardin is the Public Information Officer for Catawba County. You can obtain more information about Catawba County Government online at www.catawbacountync.gov. Town of Catawba looks at improving Main Street in downtown Catawba CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 the next phase of the proposed expansion and construction. Kanipe then informed everyone on hand that drawings for the proposed Town of Catawba Volunteer Fire Department project should be ready by the March 2, 2009 Town of Catawba Town Council meeting. Kanipe then said that he and Town of Catawba Fire Chief, Donald Robinson are still looking at any and all possible ways to keep the costs down for the project. The meeting then entered into the second Public Comment Period, and Council Member, Karen Abernathy Ester requested that the Town Council look at rescheduling the Town Council’s Budget Meeting. Ester stated that her schedule would keep her from attending the March 2 meeting, and another date would give her the ability to attend the meeting. After some discussion, it was decided that the Town of Catawba Town Council Budget Meeting would be held on March 13 from 1 to 5 p.m., at Catawba Town Hall. Once Ester was finished, Town of Catawba Mayor, Vance Readling Adjourned the Town of Catawba Town Coun- cil meeting for the month of February. All Town of Catawba Town Council meetings are held on the first Monday of every month, unless it falls on a major holiday at 7 p.m., at Catawba Town Hall at 108 North Main Street in downtown Catawba. All Town Council meetings are open to the public. For more information or questions, call Catawba Town Hall at 241-2215 or visit the Town of Catawba Web site at www.townofcatawbanc.org. The next Town of Catawba Town Council meeting will be held on April 6, 2009 at 7 p.m., at Catawba Town Hall in downtown Catawba. Old Company Store to host live music in March ba has announced it will be hosting several live music events for the month of March. The Old Company Store will present a Bluegrass Jam Session on March 13 and 27. These two shows will feature area musicians playing a wide selection of traditional bluegrass music. All shows are free to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the deli will remain open throughout all of the live music performances. The Old Company Store is a full service deli and gift shop in downtown Catawba, and is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or questions, call Tom Young at 241-4200 or visit their Web site at www.oldcompanystore.net. CATAWBA – The Old Company Store at 101 North Main Street in downtown Cataw- CROSSWORD ANSWER KEY 3018 Oak Street PO Box 351 Claremont, NC 28610 828.459.7192 e-mail: [email protected] Tired? Overweight? Just don’t feel good? Call Family Healthcare Practice and take control of your life and health today. At Family Healthcare Practice we offer the latest in non-surgical medical weight loss counseling. We do a thorough health examination and lab testing to find out what is the underlying issue affecting your body and wellness. We all know that being overweight leads to a life of medical and mental problems associated with obesity. We can help by monitoring your health and weight loss regimen so you can achieve the weight and health you desire. Call today and set an appointment for a health analysis and start taking control of your health and wellness. FAMILY HEALTHCARE PRACTICE 121 WEST B STREET, NEWTON 828.466.3000 Caregivers often need assistance understanding and explaining the medications their loved ones take on a routine basis. Your local Medicap Pharmacy® pharmacist is here to help. They will explain to you and your loved one the importance of taking all medications correctly. The pharmacist will discuss how and when to take the medications and alert you to possible drug interactions. Their goal is to make sure everyone understands their medications so you can feel your best. Now, that’s a healthy dose of reality Visit our web site at www.medicap.com Hwy. 10 & Rosenwald School St., Catawba – 241.2422 – Brad Moser, R.Ph. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 CATAWBA INFORMATION 1611 Buffalo Shoals Road Base 1 – 241-2111 – Base 2 – 428-3897 Fax: 241-3966 Web page: www.catawbacountync.gov Catawba Rescue Squad 300 Second Street SE 241-3111; Fax: 241-3377 Web site: www.catawbarescue.com Jeff Hendren, Chief David A. Hunsucker Memorial Park 101 Third Street NW 241-2215; Fax: 241-9968 Web page: www.townofcatawbanc.org. Oxford Convenience Center 4637 Lookout Dam Road 241-3774 Hours: Wed.-Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Catawba Rosenwald Education Center 403 Rosenwald School Street 241-2734; Fax: 241-4999 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Tim Conaway, Principal Eric Hight, Assistant Principal Catawba Elementary School 5415 Hudson Chapel Road 241-3131; Fax: 241-2332 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Vermel D. Moore, Principal Michael Slaughter, Assistant Principal Bandys High School 5040 East Bandys Road 241-3171; Fax: 241-9402 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Todd Black, Principal Tammy Sharpe, Assistant Principal Timothy C. Woody, Assistant Principal Murray’s Mill Historic Site 1489 Murray’s Mill Road 241-4299, 465-0383 Web page: www.catawbahistory.org Hours: Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun., 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Group tours of 10 or more by appointment. Inside Murray’s Mill, visitors will find William’s original, one-ton French buhr millstones. The district includes Murray’s Mill, Murray & Minges General Store, Wheathouse Exhibit Gallery and the John Murray House. Dr. Q.M. Little House 1873 Museum 101 West First Street SW 241-4077, 241-2424 Tours by appointment. This six-room brick home has an exterior stairway and features artifacts and displays that depict the history of Catawba and the surrounding area. The National Little Library is also available for research. SHERRILLS FORD/TERRELL INFORMATION Monthly Community Calender Third Monday – Lake Norman Garden Club at Various Locations – 12 p.m. Call 478-9274 for more information. Second Tuesday – Catawba County Chamber of Commerce Southeast Catawba County Area Council at Sherrills Ford/Terrell Fire & Rescue Community Building – 4 p.m. Third Tuesday – Sherrills Ford Friends of The Library at Sherrills Ford Branch Library – 7 p.m. Every Wednesday – Sherrills Ford/Terrell Rotary Club at Sherrills Ford/Terrell Fire & Rescue Community Building – 7:30 a.m.; Preschool/Toddler Story Time at the Sherrills Ford Branch Library – 10 a.m. First Wednesday – Sherrills Ford Optimist Club at Sherrills Ford Optimist Park – 7 p.m. Every Thursday – Preschool/Toddler Music Time at the Sherrills Ford Branch Library – 10 a.m. Second & Fourth Thursday – Sherrills Ford Lions Club at Lions Den – 7 p.m. Sherrills Ford /Terrell Fire & Rescue Headquarters – 4011 Slanting Bridge Road 478-2131; Fax: 478-3296 Web page: www.sftfr.net Keith Bost, Chief Base 1 – 8073 Sherrills Ford Road – 478-9105 Base 2 – 4385 Mt. Pleasant Road – (704) 483-9531 Base 3 – Burris Road – 478-3296 CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 SHERRILLS FORD/TERRELL INFORMATION Sherrills Ford Branch Library 8456 Sherrills Ford Road 478-2729; Fax: 478-5837 Web page: www.catawbacountync.gov Sandy Cooke, Branch Manager Hours: Tue., 12 to 8 p.m.; Wed. - Fri., 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sherrills Ford Convenience Center 8876 Sherrills Ford Road 478-2248 Hours: Wed.-Sun.; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sherrills Ford Elementary School 8103 Sherrills Ford Road 478-2662; Fax: 478-5927 Web page: www.catawbaschools.net Shelly Black, Principal Heather Houser, Assistant Principal Shuford YMCA offering beginner shag lessons CONOVER – The Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA in Conover is currently offering free Beginner Shag Lessons for all YMCA members. The basic variations offered are geared into a low impact aerobics workout. No partner needed for this class, and don’t forget your socks. Classes will be offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:20 to 8 p.m. The YMCA is also offering a variety of aerobic classes including several that are “For Women Only.” Classes include Pilates, Zumba, Awesome Abs and Gorgeous Glutes. Also offered is a class that is entitled Women on Weights. This class is taught by a certified personal trainer. Women learn the basics of strength training in a group personal training setting. There is a fee for the Women on Weights class. For more information or questions, call Nanci Gregory at 464-6130. 6 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net City of Claremont announces dates for several upcoming city wide events CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 City Council meeting, and the Feb. 2, Claremont City Council Agenda. Both of these items were quickly approved, and the meeting then entered into the Citizens Requests and Comments portion of the meeting. City of Claremont Police Chief, Gerald Tolbert approached the podium to give thanks to Mr. Patel and his brother from the Super 8 Motel in Claremont. The two men with the help of Claremont Police Officer, David Allen apprehended four suspects on Jan. 9 in connection with a crime. Tolbert then presented Mr. Patel with a plaque giving thanks and appreciation from the City of Claremont and the City of Claremont Police Department. Ordinances and Resolutions was the next item on the agenda, and there were five ordinances for the City Council to look at. Listed first was Ordinance #08-09 – Ordinance Accepting the Supplement Package to the Code of Ordinances. The second item listed was Ordinance #09-09 – Ordinance Amending and Closing the T21 Project. The third item listed was Ordinance #10-09 – Amending the 2008-2009 Budget. The fourth item listed was Ordinance #11-09 – Ordinance Amending the Police Renovation Project. And the final item listed was Ordinance #12-09 – Ordinance for the Poppelmann Rail Project. The City Council quickly approved all of the ordinances, and then the meeting moved into the Old Business portion of the agenda. Under Old Business the City Council gave everyone in attendance a Retreat Review from their Jan. 24 meeting at the City of Claremont Fire Department. The purpose of EXIT 148 3140 NORTH OXFORD STREET STATESVILLE CLAREMONT 704.397.9287 459.9287 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM DINE IN • CARRY OUT DINE IN • CARRY OUT CATERING • WE DELIVER TO YOUR BUSINESS BANQUET ROOMS AVAILABLE WEEKLY SPECIALS MONDAY – 3-10 PM – BBQ, BAKED BEANS & SLAW – $5 TUESDAY – 3-10 PM – GRILLED TIPS – $5.99 THURSDAY – 11 AM-10 PM – 30¢ WINGS DON’T FORGET YOUR ACC & NCAA TOURNAMENT PARTY SUPPLIES! the retreat was for the City Council to set goals for the City of Claremont for the next three to five years. The City Council held a discussion of policies that were presented at the retreat by a consultant. It was also stated that the City Council has a new mission statement, “A progressive city dedicated to small town values while planning for the future.” The next item under Old Business for the City Council to discuss was the City of Claremont City Council Meeting Calendar. It was decided that all City Council meetings would be held on the first Monday of each month in 2009, except for the September meeting. Since the first Monday in September falls on Labor Day, the City Council decided to move the September City of Claremont City Council meeting to Tuesday, Sept. 8. Next on the agenda was New Business, and this portion of the meeting was dominated with news from the Claremont Youth Council. Claremont Youth Council President, Rachel Chapman stated that the Youth Council would be participating in the Great American Clean-Up effort throughout Claremont on April 18. Chapman then stated that the Youth Council is also looking at hosting a Family Day event at Claremont City Park which would include a street dance in the coming months. Chapman then stated that the Youth Council made a profit from their hair painting booth at the 2008 Claremont Day, and members of the Youth Council would be acting as servers at the Dinner With the Author event at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church on Feb. 12. Once Chapman was finished, it was noted that all but two members of the Youth Council were in attendance at the meeting. City of Claremont Attorney, Bob Grant, Jr. continued under New Business by stating that a contract amounting to $85,000 for engineering work to be done on the Poppelmann Plastics rail spur was ready to be approved by the City Council. The City Council then approved the contract, and it was then stated that work would begin on the Poppelmann Plastics rail spur project in February. Once the New Business portion of the meeting was over, the meeting moved into the Department and Committee Reports. City of Claremont Fire Chief, Gary Sigmon approached the podium to inform the City Council that the new department fire truck should be ready by the first of April. Sigmon then informed the City Council that he was also working to get his budget to include the brush truck that the department recently purchased. The City of Claremont Police Department, Public Works Department Planning and Zoning Department, and the Appearance Committee had no reports to deliver to the City Council, but the Recreation Committee did have a report for everyone to hear. Recreation Committee representative, Henry Helton stated that several dates have been announced for some of Claremont’s annual events. Helton said that the second annual City of Claremont City Wide Yard Sale would be held on May 2. Helton went on to say that the annual City of Claremont Awards Ceremony would be held on Nov. 14, and the city wide Great American Clean-Up would be held on April 18 and once again on Sept. 17. Helton also said that more information about all of these events would be given as the events came about. Helton also stated that help was needed on the Great American Clean-Up in Claremont City Park. Helton said cleaning up around the streams in the park was necessary, and he hoped area citizens would be able to participate in this yearly event. Once Helton was finished, City of Claremont Mayor, Glenn Morrison stated that the annual City of Claremont Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast would be held on May 7 at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center in downtown Claremont. After the Department and Committee Reports, Claremont City Mayor, Glenn Morrison delivered his Mayor’s Report, and Claremont City Manager, Patrick Niland delivered his City Manager’s Report. The City Council then entered into a Closed Session meeting, and after this the meeting was Adjourned. All City of Claremont City Council meetings are held on the first Monday of every month, unless it falls on a major holiday at 7 p.m., at Claremont City Hall at 3288 East Main Street in downtown Claremont. The monthly meetings are always open to the public. For more information or questions, call Claremont City Hall at 459-7009 or visit the City of Claremont Web site at www.cityofclaremont.org. The next City of Claremont monthly City Council meeting will be held on April 6, 2009 at 7 p.m., at Claremont City Hall in downtown Claremont. Andrea Busbee-Ramsey contributed to this story. CARPENTER REALTY & AUCTION CO., INC. 701 East 1st Street, Conover, NC 28613 PHONE: (828) 234-7072 • FAX: (828) 464-3732 E-MAIL: [email protected] COL. MARK CARPENTER AUCTIONEER/REAL ESTATE BROKER “AUCTION – THE SOUND THAT SELLS!” “WE SELL IT LIKE WE TELL IT!” The Claremont Courier 7 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net City of Conover changes city code for nightclubs, bars and lounges CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Ordinances – Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance and Appendix B, Subdivision Ordinance. Next on the agenda was a request for Ordinance 6-09 – Amending the Conover Code of Ordinances – Chapter 18 Poolrooms, Billiard Parlors and Bowling Alleys. City of Conover Police Department Captain, Steven Brewer presented the City Council with a proposed revision to the Conover Code Chapter 18. This revision was recommended by the City of Conover Police Department and the City of Conover Planning Department, and states that the code was written 40 years ago and needs to be revised. The current code regulates poolrooms, billiard parlors and bowling alleys, but not nightclubs, bars and lounges. The code change was requested, due to a recent shooting in the El Tapitio parking lot. In an effort to increase profits, the manager turned the establishment into a private club two nights a week, and rented space for private parties. The police department has been monitoring the establishment due to the large crowds both inside and outside of the business, and felt a change was needed in order to regulate the issue at hand. The City Council quickly adopted Ordinance 6-09 – Amending the Conover Code of Ordinances – Chapter 18 Poolrooms, Billiard Parlors and Bowling Alleys. The City Council continued hearing several more ordinances as the meeting moved along, and the next ordinance up for debate was, Ordinance 7-09 – Capital Project Ordinance Amendment – Thornburg Drive Landscape Enhancements. This ordinance would close the Thornburg Drive Landscape Enhancements Capital Project Ordinance by amending budget amounts to actual and transferring the balance back to the General Capital Reserve Fund. Ordinance 8-09 – Amending the 2008-2009 Budget Ordinance – Thornburg Drive came next, and this ordinance would amend the 2008-2009 budget ordinance by increasing revenue in the General Capital Reserve Fund for $8.70, with a transfer from the Thornburg Drive Landscape Enhancements CPO and reserving these funds for future highway improvements. The City Council adopted both ordinances before moving on to the next item on the agenda. Ordinance 9-09 – Amending the 20082009 Budget Ordinance – Solid Waste Tax was next, and this ordinance amends the 2008-2009 budget ordinance to provide for the distribution of the State collected solid waste tax to the city. These funds are to be used to support city solid waste programs and services. The City Council then adopt- ed this ordinance, before moving on to the next ordinance request. Ordinance 10-09 – Capital Project Ordinance Amendment – Broyhill Project came next, and this ordinance amends the Broyhill Redevelopment Capital Project Ordinance by increasing revenues $50,000 with a clean water management mini grant, and a $5,000 transfer from the general fund for the local portion of this grant. These funds will be spent on stormwater engineering for the project. Once again, the City Council adopted this ordinance before moving on the next ordinance on the agenda. Ordinance 11-09 – Amending the 2008-2009 Budget Ordinance – Broyhill Project was next, and this ordinance amends the 2008-2009 budget ordinance by appropriating $5,000 general fund balance and transferring these funds to the Broyhill Redevelopment Capital Project Ordinance to provide the city’s local portion of the clean water management mini grant for stormwater engineering. The city council adopted this ordinance, and then moved on to the last ordinance up for debate. Ordinance 12-09 – Amending the 20082009 Budget Ordinance – Fire Department, was an ordinance that would amend the 2008-2009 budget ordinance to account for reimbursement from Catawba County to the Conover Fire Department for a Hazardous Material Spill Response. These funds will be used to replace items used on this incident, and the City Council adopted this ordinance before moving on to the next item. The City Council then switched gears by looking at a Contract – Award of Contract for One New Asphalt Maintainer. It was stated by City of Conover Public Works Director, Jimmy A. Clark that bids were received on Jan. 21, 2009 from Arrow Equipment and Reynolds-Warren Equipment. Clark recommended that the contract be awarded to Arrow Equipment, in the amount of $99,850 and that the City Manager be authorized to execute the contract. After Clark was finished, the City Council awarded the contact to Arrow Equipment for $99,850 in order to purchase a new asphalt maintainer. City of Conover Finance Director, Vickie K. Schlichting then approached the City Council once again to report on the sale of various city property. As required by Resolution 9-07, authorizing the disposal of surplus personal property under provisions of Article 12, Chap- ter 160A-266 (c) of the North Carolina General Statutes, items with a value of less than $5,000 were declared surplus to the needs of the city and were disposed of as follows: One 1993 Ford F150 truck sold on GovDeals on-line auction for $801.05. And one 1993 Chevrolet Caprice sold on GovDeals online auction for $1,827.08. Schlichting then informed the City Council on the Tax Collector’s Report, and stated that the total amount of unpaid taxes for 2008 that are liens on real property was shown to be $203,381.97. Schlichting continued with a report on a Tax Lein Advertisement to the City Council. It was stated that under the contract between the City of Conover and Catawba County, an advertisement of tax leins will run in area newspapers around the middle of March, 2009. City of Conover City Manager, Donald E. Duncan, Jr. then approached the City Council regarding several issues. Duncan started off by presenting Resolution 5-09 – IRC Section 125 Premium Only Plan. Duncan also presented Resolution 6-09 – Amending the City of Conover’s Personnel Policy Adopted Jan. 5, 1998 (Article IX. Employee Benefits, Section 1. Insurance Programs). Both of these issues were brought up to look at health care group benefits and policies for city employees. Once Duncan was finished, both resolutions were adopted by the City Council. City of Conover City Manager, Donald E. Duncan, Jr. then delivered his Monthly City Manager’s Report. Duncan, Jr. stated that the city had issued seven building permits during the month of January, totaling $13,500. Included were three residential and four commercial. Under commercial building permits, Canella Heating and Cooling and Superior Martial Arts Academy were seeking temporary signs, and G&M Transmission Service and Catawba Valley Medical Center were seeking occupancy permits. Duncan continued by stating that the National League of Cities 2009 Annual Congressional City Conference will be held on March 14-18 in Washington, D.C. Comments from Visitors and Guests was next on the agenda, and after this portion of the meeting was closed the Feb. 2 City of Conover monthly City Council meeting was Adjourned for the month. All City of Conover City Council meetings are held on the first Monday of the month, unless it falls on a major holiday at 7 p.m., at Conover City Hall at 101 1st Street East in downtown Conover. The monthly meetings are always open to the public, and the public is encourage to attend these meetings. For more information or questions about the Conover City Council meetings or the City of Conover, call Conover City Hall at 464-1191, or visit the City of Conover Web site at www.ci.conover.nc.us. The next City of Conover City Council meeting will be held on April 6, 2009 at 7 p.m., at Conover City Hall in downtown Conover. Donald E. Duncan, Jr. and Chris Reed contributed to this story. 8 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net The Freckled Frog to host Open House event on March 21 Save money on your auto insurance Hickory boutique to feature portrait party, kids pottery and crafts, face painting, raffle and more at event. W BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY HICKORY – The Freckled Frog boutique at 252 Union Square in downtown Hickory has announced that they will be hosting an Open House event on March 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the events will be hosted inside and outside of the store. Owner of The Freckled Frog, Gidget Wray has planned a day full of activities for young and old alike during the event. “We will be featuring a Portrait Party with Orange Cat Photography in downtown Hickory. Bisque N’ Beads in downtown Hickory will also be on hand, doing pottery and other crafts with the children outside while their parents are inside shopping. The open house will also feature face painting, refreshments, a $50 Freckled Frog raffle will be held and all beach merchandise in the store will be on sale,” Wray said. “We wanted to wait until the weather was a little bit warmer to host our open house. We would like to invite everybody to stop by and see our new store, product lines and enter to win a gift certificate.” Wray also stated that The Freckled Frog has also started a new Birthday Registry Program at the boutique. “Stop by and sign up for our Birthday Registry Program. You can take 25 percent off your entire purchase on your birthday, if you are part of our program.” Wray continued by saying that The Freck- led Frog is also carrying a new line of monogrammed merchandise for women and children. “We have more merchandise than we can list in this article,” Wray said. “If you’re looking for something that needs to be monogrammed, be sure to check us out. I guarantee we have what you are looking for, and if we don’t I know we can order it for you.” The Freckled Frog carries merchandise for women and children including lines from The Pink Monogram, Bella Tunno, Jelly Cat, Trumpette, Molly N Me, Stephen Joseph, Manhattan Toy, Crocodile Creek, Two’s Company, Kookeys, Valuspa Candles, Boom Cosmetics, Troll Beads and Okeebee Shoes. The boutique will also carry all of the speciality merchandise and provide all of the services that the old location did. The store will carry hand painted children’s furniture, pictures and accessories, baby shower gifts, home decor items, women’s accessories, children’s gifts and accessories, and monogramming and personalization services. The Freckled Frog is located at 252 Union Square in downtown Hickory. The hours of operation will be Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store accepts MasterCard, Visa, debit cards, checks and cash, and they also offer their customers a convenient layaway program as well. For more information or questions, call owner, Gidget Wray at The Freckled Frog at 304-0054 or visit their Web site at www.freckledfrogdesigns.com. THE FRECKLED FROG WE WILL BE HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE EVENT ON MARCH 21! THE EVENT WILL ALSO FEATURE A PORTRAIT PARTY WITH ORANGE CAT PHOTOGRAPHY! KIDS POTTERY & CRAFTS WITH BISQUE N’ BEADS! KIDS FACE PAINTING, AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AS WELL! WE WILL ALSO HOLD A RAFFLE FOR A $50.00 FRECKLED FROG GIFT CERTIFICATE! AND ALL BEACH MERCHANDISE WILL BE ON SALE ALL DAY LONG! COME VISIT HICKORY’S MOST UNIQUE BOUTIQUE! We Offer Hand Painted Children’s Furniture, Pictures & Accessories. Baby Shower Gifts, Home Decor Items, Monogramming & Personalization Services And TUE-FRI – 10AM-6PM Children’s Gifts & Accessories! SAT – 11AM-3PM WE CARRY MERCHANDISE FROM: The Pink Monogram • Bella Tunno Jelly Cat • Trumpette • Molly N Me Stephen Joseph • Manhattan Toy Crocodile Creek • Two’s Company ASK ABOUT OUR Kookeys • Valuspa Candles LAYAWAY PROGRAM! Boom Cosmetics • Troll Beads NOW SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.FRECKLEDFROGDESIGNS.COM Okeebee Shoes • And So Much More! 252 Union Square Downtown Hickory 304.0054 INSURANCE INSIGHT BY RUSSELL D. MURR ith the higher cost of living and the economy on the skid, it’s time to start saving money on your auto insurance. Tired of seeing your car insurance rates increase every year? There are many simple things you can do to save money on your auto insurance. Step 1 – Look over the coverages on your auto insurance policy. Start with the towing and rental coverage: do you have it, and do you need it? If you already have a roadside service plan elsewhere, why pay for it twice? If you own several cars, and wouldn’t need to rent a car in the event that one is in accident and goes into the shop for repairs, then do you want to pay for rental coverage on your policy? Step 2 – Do you carry collision coverage on an older vehicle of low value? If the cost of collision coverage is, say, $300 per year, and your deductible in the event of an accident is $500... that’s $800 right there before the insurance kicks in. If the car is only worth $1,000, it may not be worth it to keep paying for the coverage. Step 3 – Check that all drivers’ birthdays are listed correctly. In general, people ages 25 through about 55 get the best auto insurance rates. Make sure your tickets and accidents are listed correctly (not at-fault accidents cost less money than at-fault accidents, and seatbelt tickets cost less than speeding tickets). Verify the right dates of accidents and convictions, as the insurance company stops charging for them after three years. Step 4 – Go to an independent insurance agent. They can quote your policy with many different companies and give you the most competitive auto insurance rate. Ask them to give you quotes with higher deductibles (that will save money on your auto insurance policy), and see how much of a difference it makes. The standard deductible amounts are $100, $250, $500 and $1,000. Also make sure your agent isn’t charging you Headline act for Claremont Day announced CLAREMONT – The City of Claremont Recreation Committee has announced that the headlining musical act for Claremont Day will be The Driven Quartet. The musicians are a spin off of The Anchormen music group In addition to The Driven Quarter, 10 other musical acts, plus the annual talent search will be featured on the main stage. The Recreation Committee has also announced some ridiculous application or payment fee. It’s their job to save you money not charge you more. Step 5 – Make sure your vehicles are rated correctly. There is ‘pleasure use,’ when the car isn’t being used to drive to work; ‘work use’ when it’s driven to and from work; and ‘business use,’ when it’s used in MURR the course of business. A ‘pleasure use’ rating costs the least, while a ‘business use’ rating costs the most. Also: If you only drive two miles one way to work, but your policy lists you as driving 20 miles one way, correcting that could save you money on the auto insurance policy. Step 6 – What many already know about saving money on insurance is: having all your policies (auto, home, life, etc.) with the same company will save money on all of the insurance. A clean driving record and no claims history save a lot of money on auto insurance. Having more than one car on a policy will lower the premium on both cars. If you own a business/company car that’s on a business auto policy, many personal policies will still apply a multi-car discount. Credits are given for automatic seatbelts, anti-lock breaks, airbags, alarm systems, defensive driving course completion and for good students. Russell D. Murr is an independent insurance agent for Catawba Valley Insurance Agency in Claremont. His office is located at 3323 East Main Street in downtown Claremont. Murr can be reached by calling 459-1932 or by e-mail at rmurrcvi@ charterinternet.com. You can also find more information by visiting the Catawba Valley Insurance Agency Web site at www.catawbavalleyinsurance.com. plans for the annual Baby Parade and Pet Parade to be held once again at Claremont Day in the Claremont City Hall parking lot. More announcements about Claremont Day will be made by the City of Claremont Recreation Committee throughout the spring, summer and autumn months. Claremont Day will be held on Oct. 3 on Main Street in downtown Claremont. For more information, questions or to participate in Claremont Day, call Henry Helton at 459-9016 or Claremont City Hall at 459-7009. ABERNATHY INCOME TAX SERVICE 100 NORTH MAIN STREET – CATAWBA (828) 241-3902 [email protected] Open: Monday – Saturday Authorized IRS E-File Provider KAREN ABERNATHY ESTER CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT "FAST ACCURATE & FRIENDLY SERVICE!" 10 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net WBTV news anchor, Molly Grantham hosts an ‘Open Conservation about Gangs’ at River Bend Middle School CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 According to Grantham the Charlotte region has 1,854 documented gang members, and 151 gangs. “There used to be 176 gangs in the Charlotte area, but the actual number of gang members is about three times bigger then the 1,854 documented members,” Grantham said. It’s no surprise that Charlotte has a gang presence, but Grantham stated that gangs are now moving into smaller communities for good reason. “Gangs are moving into Catawba, Lincoln and Iredell counties, where they don’t have to fight for turf,” Grantham said. Other reasons gangs are moving into smaller communities is for financial reasons and that it’s easier for them to do business. It’s bad enough that gangs are moving into our communities, but when gang members main target for recruitment are children, everyone needs to worry. Grantham spent a lot of time discussing warning signs children might give off, if they are involved with a gang. Grantham informed everyone that gangs start recruiting new members as young as middle school age, and with available technology such as MySpace and Facebook, recruitment is easier then ever. “The main reason children join gangs, is for a sense of family that they’re not getting at home or anywhere else,” said Grantham. “Middle school children are so vulnerable to gangs, and by the time they reach high school, they are usually in or out.” Even with an increase in gang activity, Grantham said parents, school officials and local law enforcement officials can do several things to identify and prevent a child from joining a gang. The easiest step is to identify gang graffiti, and report it to local law enforcement immediately. According to several law enforcement officers, there is gang related graffiti in every community in Catawba County. Grantham also identified that parents and school officials should watch who children are associating with. “If a 14 year-old is seen hanging out with a 30 year-old on a regular basis, that’s a problem,” Grantham stated. “The 14 year-old thinks it’s cool, and if high school students are visiting middle school students every day, that’s also a problem.” Other warning signs to look for include what type of clothing is your child wearing. “See how they tie their shoelaces, or what sports team’s hat they’re wearing,” Grantham said. “If your child and all their friends are wearing the same hat, it might be an indication they are in a gang.” Grantham also advises parents to check their child’s notebooks for drawings or other gang related symbols or sayings. “Check their MySpace and Facebook accounts and monitor them, because gangs are now recruiting online,” Grantham stated. Grantham said all of these steps are necessary to identify if your child might be involved with a gang, but she also advises parents to just talk with their children. “Ask your child about gangs,” Grantham said. “Be straight with them, and ask them specific questions about gangs. Make sure the questions are not just yes and no questions.” Grantham also said that parents should ask school officials what they are doing about gang activity in the schools. “Local law enforcement should be working together CELEBRATING OUR 40TH YEAR OF BUSINESS! Our Greenhouses Are Now Well Stocked For Spring Sales We offer a large selection of All Plants Are Geraniums, Hanging Baskets Grown Locally blooming and foliage, along with Proven Winners plants that are growing for Spring! Vegetable and flowering annuals are also available. We can also custom plant in your container, or select from our stock of containers! VISIT OUR BOOTH AT THE CAROLINA HOME & GARDEN SHOW MARCH 13-15 Hours Of Operation Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm • Sat. 8am-1pm North Carolina GROWN PHOTO BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY WBTV news anchor, Molly Grantham takes a moment to smile for the camera during her “Open Conservation about Gangs” presentation at the River Bend Middle School gymnasium in Claremont on Feb. 17. with the schools on curbing gang activity.” Another topic Grantham brought up during her presentation was how to identify gang members. “Gang members don’t always look like you think they should look,” Grantham stated. “Gang members are everywhere, you can find them in church, at school, sporting events and anywhere else you can think of. Just be aware of what your child is doing, and who they are associating with.” During the presentation Grantham showed several news stories she reported on over the years involving gang activity in Charlotte and Los Angeles. In addition to the news clips, Grantham also held a question and answer session with everyone in attendance. “Gang activity is even in our elementary schools to some point,” stated Town of Catawba Fire Chief, Donald Robinson. “If kids aren’t getting attention at home, they will get it somewhere else. I was at a local elementary school recently, and had a young boy flash me a gang sign.” Trent David, a Catawba County Sheriff’s Deputy, and Resource Officer for River Bend Middle School was not aware of any gang activity at the school, but is always on the look-out for it. And several parents stated that they have not talked to their children about gangs, but after the presentation they would sit down and talk to their children about this serious issue. Grantham was pleased to hear that Catawba County has several programs in operation to try and curb children from joining gangs. The Hickory Police Department has started a program called, Gang of One, that is set up for people to call for information, or to report suspected gang activity. For more information on the Gang of One program, call 328-GANG (4264). Grantham also said that she would be presenting another gang special in April on the history of gangs in and around the Charlotte area. For more information on the upcoming gang special, visit WBTV’s Web site at www.wbtv.com. L-R University presents Community Service Awards She is a member of the Catawba County Advocacy Council for Persons with Disabilities, which works to assist people with disabilities in being more fully involved in their community. She has also helped raise funds for the group, which provides scholarships for students at CVCC and provides assistance to a disabled person at Christmas. She has also developed a new logo, brochure and Web site for the group. She is a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church of Claremont, where she serves on the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. HICKORY – Lenoir-Rhyne University recently presented its annual Community Service Awards for students, employees and community members. This year’s award winners include the following area resident: Margaret Allen, faculty/staff award. The faculty/staff award was presented to Margaret Allen, assistant director of marketing and communications, for her volunteer work with many community organizations. CLAREMONT SELF-STORAGE Our Goal Is To Offer You Safe, Affordable Storage For All Of Your Needs. We Offer Storage For • HOUSEHOLD ITEMS • FURNITURE • BUSINESS RECORDS • OFFICE EQUIPMENT • CARS • BOATS • RV’S • CAMPERS • AND MORE! Our Facility Is Secured By An Entry Gate & Fence With 3110 N. Lookout Street, Claremont • 459.7098 LOW MONTHLY RATES 24/7 ACCESS NO DEPOSIT/MONTHLY TERMS Located at Exit 135 off of I-40 in Claremont Office Located At The Dive Shop. Office And Facility Located Across from Burger King. 828.459.2484 Key Pad Entry System, Video Surveillance & 24 Hour Lighting! www.claremontselfstorage.com The Claremont Courier 11 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Sherrills Ford Lions Club to host fundraiser SHERRILLS FORD – The Sherrills Ford Lions Club has announced it’s next monthly breakfast fundraiser for March 14 at the Lions Den in Sherrills Ford. The breakfast consists of pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs and biscuits and gravy, juice and coffee and is served from 8 to 10 a.m. The cost is $6.50 per person, and children ages six and under eat for free. The monthly breakfast fundraiser is held every second Saturday through April at the Sherrills Ford Lions Club Lions Den, which is located behind the Sherrills Ford Elementary School on Sherrills Ford Road in Sherrills Ford. The Sherrills Ford Lions Club meets every second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Lions Den in Sherrills Ford. All area citizens are welcome and encouraged to join the club. For more information, call (704) 560-1552 or visit www.sherrillsfordnc.lionwap.org. Library group to present plans for new library SHERRILLS FORD – The Friends of the Sherrills Ford Library in Sherrills Ford have announced that they will present plans and a Power Point presentation for the new combined library and community and cultural center on March 17 at 7:30 p.m., at the Sherrills Ford/Terrell Fire and Rescue Headquarters at 4011 Slanting Bridge Road in Sherrills Ford. The Friends of the Sherrills Ford Library hold their regular monthly meetings every third Tuesday of the month at the Sherrills Ford Branch Library at 8456 Sherrills Ford Road in Sherrills Ford. For more information or questions, call the Sherrills Ford Branch Library at 478-2729. Area garden club to host annual sale at local church SHERRILLS FORD – The Lake Norman Garden Club Annual Plant Sale will be held on April 4 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Rehobeth United Methodist Church, 9297 Sherrills Ford Road in Terrell, just south of the light on Hwy 150. Proven and drought-tolerant plants from club member’s gardens and from Shagreen Nursery will be featured, along with other garden-related items. Dr. Emile Gebel of Shagreen Nursery, and several Master Gardener volunteers will also be on hand to assist with gardening questions. Proceeds from this event support the renovation and maintenance of the Sherrills Ford Library garden, and provide a scholarship to a local student majoring in a horticulture-related field. For more information, call 478-3371. Changes to library and convenience center, and a new Hospice facility coming to growing Sherrills Ford community CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Over the next several years, $375,000 will be put aside each year in order to fund the library project. The new library will be constructed in a mixed-use development at Highway 150 and Slanting Bridge Road, which is being handled by Crescent Resources. At this time it is not sure when the construction will begin on the project, but with resources at the current Sherrills Ford Library being stretched thin in the 2,675 square foot facility, construction will need to be done soon if the community continues to grow at its current pace. Members of the Friends of the Sherrills Ford Library have already planned to host a community wide meeting in March, where area residents can see what they have in store for the proposed new library. In addition to the library, the group would also like to see a community and cultural center added to the current plans. The group has also expressed an interest in adding a shop to the plans. There is also talk of bringing in a coffee shop, so community members will have a place to meet and read outside of the library. The Friends of the Sherrills Ford Library will present plans and a Power Point presentation for the new combined library and community and cultural center on March 17 at 7:30 p.m., at the Sherrills Ford/Terrell Fire and Rescue Headquarters at 4011 Slanting Bridge Road in Sherrills Ford. The Friends of the Sherrills Ford Library normally hold their monthly meetings every third Tuesday at the Sherrills Ford Branch Library at 8456 Sherrills Ford Road in Sherrills Ford. For more information or questions about the Sherrills Ford Library, call 478-2729. Another issue that residents of Sherrills Ford have been dealing with over the last few years is the need for a new and larger convenience center. Since the idea for a new convenience center first surfaced, area residents have had differing opinions on where the facility should be built and how the facility should be used. The county had proposed building a new facility on Slanting Bridge Road on county land, but the plan faced resistance and another location has not been found. But after recent developments, area residents may be forced to deal with the situation earlier then they imagined. At the Feb. 16, Catawba County Board of Commissioners meeting in Newton, the issue was brought up once again when the commissioners stated that the center would possibly be closing as early as March 31. Since a new facility location or design has been not approved, there are very few op- Brighten Academy Preschool 8057 Island Point Road, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673 5 STAR SCHOOL STOP BY FOR MORE DETAILS OR CALL 828-478-4040 www.brightenacademy.net Ladies Boutique During Monday-Tuesday – 10AM-5PM The Thursday-Saturday – 10AM-5PM Month Closed On Wednesday & Sunday Of 9258 SHERRILLS FORD ROAD March All TERRELL Fall 478.3701 Merchandise Is New TERRELL Merchandise 70% Arriving Off Daily! The Gift Original Certificates Price! Available! Hours Of Operation HOUSE • HWY. 150 • POST OFFICE • PAGE COLLECTABLES CHURCH • EXIT 36 ENROLL NOW AND RECEIVE ONE FREE WEEK OF TUITION PAGE COLLECTABLES I-77 Infants, Toddlers, Two’s, Three’s, Four’s, Five’s, And School Age Children to handle an aging population. According to Hospice officials there are roughly 200 patients being cared for by Hospice, and nearly 30 patients are located in Eastern Catawba County. Current plans have the new facility housing six bedrooms, with multiple offices, a conference room, a work room and storage space covering 10,000 to 12,000 square feet. If needed the facility can easily expand to 18,000 square feet, and add an additional six bedrooms. As the Sherrills Ford community continues to grow, its citizens will be facing many issues it has never faced before. Even with a weakened economy, the area continues to see new businesses of all types and sizes open up. And once the economy turns around, there are plans to build tens of thousands of homes throughout the area. The county has also taken steps to addressing some of the issues a growing community faces. The area has seen expanded police and fire coverage over the last few years, but as the population grows so does the need for police and fire coverage. A major water and sewer project is currently under construction in Sherrills Ford and Catawba, which will bring much needed services to the area. Roads such as Highway 150 will also be going through a major transformation in the near future as well. Plans include widening Highway 150 and Sherrills Ford Road, as traffic is expected to become more congested in the coming years. At some point a new elementary, middle or high school might also be needed, and incorporation will one day take center stage as well for this booming community. Update Your Winter Wardrobe SHERRILLS FORD RD. NOW ENROLLING FULL AND PART TIME tions available at this point for the community. The current facility is located at 8876 Sherrills Ford Road in Sherrills Ford, and has been serving the community since the 1970s. At the moment Carolinas Centers, LLC owns the property where the center now stands, and is seeking $236,000 to keep the current facility operational. The estimated value of the property is $76,000, and the commissioners do not think this is a feasible option for taxpayers. When and if the current facility closes, area residents will be forced to seek another location to take their trash. The next closest convenience center is located at 2436 Bethany Church Road in Newton, and is open every Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. One reason area residents are not in favor of building a new convenience center on Slanting Bridge Road, is that the road already has a lot of traffic. If the center is built it will add more traffic to an already congested road, and area residents and businesses will have to also deal with stray trash and other issues related to a trash collection facility. Some good news did come out of the commissioners meeting, when the board approved a measure rezoning some land to allow the proposed Sherrills Ford Hospice facility to be bigger than originally thought. The measure will allow the Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley site to add five acres to the existing 22 acre site they purchased last year. With the growing population in Eastern Catawba County, a Hospice facility is needed 12 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Saving money while improving your health THE MEDICAL MESSAGE A BY ROBERT E. THOMAS, PA-C s we all realize by now, America’s economic situation is growing worse instead of better despite the recent election. At this point, one third of all the people in the United States who do have jobs are working just part-time or in temporary positions. This means less income and often no health insurance. Unfortunately, a lull in income does not carry with it a lull in illness. In fact, the extra stresses of joblessness and under-employment can increase sus- ceptibility to sickness and even accidents. During times of stress we experience a drop in our immune response, becoming more vulnerable to infections. Also, many people who have chronic problems such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease cannot afford their medications, so they do without and end up with complications. Others decide to tough it out when they get sick and wind up in the emergency room, unable to take it anymore. When patients have to choose between staying healthy and paying their bills, health usually takes second place in the struggle. The good news is, however, that there may be CLAREMONT FAMILY MEDICINE Claremont Family Medicine Is A Full Service Care Facility. Some Of The Services We Offer Include: Comprehensive Health Care • Gynecological Care Minor Procedures • Physical Examinations Vaccinations • X-Ray • EKG • And More! WE ACCEPT MOST INSURANCE PLANS! NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS! Mark D. Hawkins, MD Robert E. Thomas, MPAS, PA-C HOURS OF OPERATION MON-TUE & THUR-FRI – 8AM-12PM & 1-5PM WED. – 8AM-12PM 3221 WEST MAIN STREET CLAREMONT, NC 459.4445 www.claremontfamilymedicine.com 815 FAIRGROVE CHURCH ROAD SE, CONOVER (Across From Catawba Valley Medical Center) 828.322.4505 RON SHOKES, RPh, FASCP FAX: 828.322.2669 JIM SUAREZ, RPh, FASCP HOURS OF OPERATION WEEKDAYS – 9AM-8PM SATURDAY – 9AM-1PM some ways we can cope with the financial crisis while at the same time maintain, if not improve, our health. Here are a few suggestions that can help us save money without compromising our health. Although all of them may not work in every situation, it’s worth a try. THOMAS 1. Stop Smoking. Statistics say that the average smoker spends around $3,400 a year on tobacco products. In addition, health care for smoking-related illnesses cost Americans billions every year. 2. Eat Out Less. By cutting out two restaurant meals a week, a couple can save over $1,000 a year, plus improve their nutrition. 3. Eat A Balanced Diet. Nutritious food doesn’t have to be fancy or expensive. 4. Moderate Your Alcohol Intake. Your liver and wallet will thank you. 5. Exercise Daily. Walking doesn’t cost anything but a little time and energy. 6. Drink More Water And Fewer Sodas Or Sports Drinks. Bottled artesian water isn’t necessary, by the way. 7. Get More Sleep. Trade one night on the town for an evening of extra rest. 8. Cut Back On TV And Computer Use. Passive entertainment is occasionally good, but we need to find ways to entertain ourselves as well. Try reading a book and using your imagination. You might actually end up enjoying the book “more than the movie.” 9. Spend More Time With Friends. Instead of paying for a movie, just talk and share some funny stories. Socialization is necessary for good emotional health. 10. Reserve Some “Alone” Time. Brew a cup of your favorite coffee or cocoa, kick up your feet, and relax. Solitude is also important for psychological health. 11. Adopt A Hobby. Creativity is one of God’s gifts to humans. By doing some projects around the house, you stimulate the brain, get a little exercise, and in some cases save money by “doing it yourself.” Just don’t attempt Brain Surgery for Dummies! You have to recognize when to engage the help of an expert. 12. Grow A Garden. You’ll not only get some exercise, but you can save money on food, not to mention the additional vitamins and minerals needed for good health. 13. Limit Your Intake Of Bottled Vitamins And Other Supplements. Not only are they expensive but they can also be toxic in high doses. For example, did you know that concentrated green tea extract can cause liver damage? Also, too much vitamin A can cause anything from dry skin and enlarged liver or spleen in adults to swollen brain and death in children. Vitamin A from animal sources, by the way, is particularly toxic. 14. If Terrain, Distance And Weather Conditions Allow, Occasionally Walk Or Ride A Bike To Work. This will save on gas and car maintenance costs as well as provide an opportunity for some relaxation and exercise. 15. Practice Good Sanitation And Hygiene. Washing hands is quick and inexpensive, but it is a great way to reduce exposure to disease-producing germs that may land you in the emergency room. Ch-ching. 16. Relax And Take Mini-Vacations, Even If It Can Only Be In Your Dreams. By having some mental and physical fun, you can decrease your stress hormones and end up feeling rested. You don’t need to fly to Aruba or Tahiti in order to get some “down time.” A few minutes a day or a couple of hours a week can help, and you won’t have to face a huge credit card bill when you return. 17. Give Of Yourself. All of us have skills that can be shared with others. In many cases you can barter services or goods in order to save money. For instance, you could cut a neighbor’s grass in exchange for some garden vegetables. Or you could help a friend clean her house, and she could trim your hair. 18. Finally, Don’t Let Your Regular Doctor Visits Lapse. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure – especially in these financially troubling times. See you at the office. Bob Thomas has been a licensed Physician Assistant since 1994. He has had experience in Family Practice, Travel Medicine and Orthopedics. He earned his physician assistant degree from Kettering College of Medical Arts in Dayton, Ohio, and his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) from the University of Nebraska. Thomas currently works at Claremont Family Medicine in Claremont. Claremont Family Medicine is located at 3221 West Main Street in downtown Claremont. Claremont Family Medicine is a full service family health care facility and they offer their patients a wide range of services, including comprehensive health care, gynecological care, minor procedures, physical examinations, vaccinations, x-ray, EKG and more. For more information, call Claremont Family Medicine at 459-4445 or visit their Web site at www.claremontfamilymedicine.com. A Full Service Pharmacy Offering Fast And Friendly Service! Servicios Españoles Disponibles! DRIVE-THRU WINDOW • FREE LOCAL DELIVERY SPECIALTY ITEMS AVAILABLE PATIENT COUNSELING • MEDICATION FLAVORING GREETING CARDS • HERBALS • SUNDRIES AND SO MUCH MORE! SERVING THE AREA FOR OVER 30 YEARS! The Claremont Courier 13 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Chris Reese DDS, PA and his staff help ‘Give Kids A Smile’ in February kids a brighter smile, and will continue to participate in the ‘Give Kids A Smile’ program. There is so much need for dental care to those less fortunate, and for those who can’t afford to get regular check-ups. This program also gives us the chance to provide much needed dental care awareness to all of these children and their parents.” Registered Dental Hygienist, Ginger Rhyne was also excited to be involved in the “Give Kids A Smile” program. “We have performed a good number of extractions, sealants and general check-ups today,” Rhyne stated. “Each child will also receive C a bag filled with dental products, including a toothbrush, dental floss, toothpaste, lip gloss and literature on dental care.” Chris Reese DDS, PA and his staff at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Claremont is located at 3034 North Oxford Street in Claremont. To obtain more information or for questions, call Claremont Cosmetic and Family Dentristy during regular business hours on Monday through Friday at 459-1990 or visit their Web page at www.pearlywhites4life. com. You can also obtain more information about the “Give Kids A Smile” program by visiting http://givekidsasmile.ada.org/. FOUNDATION HIROPRACTI C Holistic Wellness Center Chiropractic • Herbs • Nutrition • Massage • Acupuncture “Embracing the art of healing” PHOTO BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY On Feb. 6, Chris Reese DDS, PA and his staff at Claremont Cosmetic and Family Dentistry participated in the annual “Give Kids A Smile” program. The month long program organized by the American Dental Association, is a chance for the nation’s dentists to provide free oral health care services to low-income children. Pictured above, Dental Hygienist, Ginger Rhyne (left) finishes giving Claremont Elementary School second grader, Jose Simon-Magaña (right) a complete dental check-up. Claremont dentist and his staff provide free dental care to 20 Claremont Elementary School children. BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY CLAREMONT – On Feb. 6, Christopher N. Reese DDA, PA and his staff at Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Claremont helped to brighten up the smiles of 20 students from Claremont Elementary School during the annual “Give Kids A Smile” program. Reese and his staff were participating in the annual “Give Kids A Smile” program organized by the American Dental Association (ADA). The “Give Kids A Smile” program is the annual centerpiece to the National Children’s Dental Health Month, which begins in February. On Feb. 6, thousands of the nation’s dentists provide free oral health care services to low-income children across the country. The event also highlights for policy makers the ongoing challenges that disadvantaged children face in accessing dental care. With the leadership of the North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS) and the efforts of thousands of volunteers, North Carolina has been a part of “Give Kids A Smile” since it began in 2003. NCDS works with a number of organizations to make the event a success, including the North Carolina Oral Health Section, the North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, SmartStart (North Carolina Partnership for Children), the UNC School of Dentistry, North Carolina Community Colleges and the North Carolina Dental Assistants Association. Volunteers provide care to children from all 100 North Carolina counties – whether it be dental treatment, prevention, and/ or educational programs. Children are identified and pre-screened through public schools and local health departments. According to Reese, he has participated in various events similar to this one for the past 24 years. “It’s good to give back to the City of Claremont and its citizens,” Reese said. “Over the last 12 years in Claremont, I have given free oral health care services to over 500 children. I enjoy giving these Chiropractic is the science, art and philosophy that concerns itself with the restoration of good health by restoring and maintaining a properly functioning nervous system, without the use of drugs or surgery. 2886 South Lookout Street 3273 Hwy. 16 North, Denver Downtown Claremont (Offices Located Inside The Same (Claremont Medical Village) Building As Fit Dimension Gym) 828.459.1050 704.489.2511 Now Accepting New Patients Call For An Appointment www.foundationchiropractic.com 14 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Area blood drives scheduled for March HICKORY – The American Red Cross Catawba Valley chapter has announced its area Blood Drives for the month of March throughout Catawba County. The American Red Cross suggests that you drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine on the day of the drive. You must also bring a photo ID before you can give blood. For more information or questions, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (4483543) or visit www.redcrossblood.org. • March 3 – 3 to 7:30 p.m., at Providence Baptist Church, located at 3283 Providence Mill Road in Maiden. • March 9 – 2:30 to 6:30 p.m., at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, located at 2103 Mt. Olive Road in Newton. • March 10 – 3 to 7:30 p.m., at Friendship Methodist Church, located at 2990 Highway 16 South in Newton. • March 10 – 3 to 8:30 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, located at 701 North Main Street in Newton. • March 15 – 12 to 4:30 p.m., at Lawings Chapel Baptist Church, located at 4637 Lawings Road in Maiden. • March 17 – 3 to 7:30 p.m., at Olivet Baptist Church, located at 7925 Monbo Road in Catawba. • March 21 – 12 to 4:30 p.m., at Chick-Fil-A, located at 1815 Highway 70 SE in Hickory. • March 22 – 12:30 to 5 p.m., at Blue Ridge Harley Davidson, located at 2002 13th Avenue Drive SE in Hickory. • March 27 – 2 at 6:30 p.m., at Wal-Mart, located at 2525 Highway 70 SE in Hickory. LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED 108 Leaning Oak Drive Mooresville DOUG BALOG, R.Ph. Take Charge of Your Diabetes program planned NEWTON – The NC Cooperative Extension-Catawba Center and CVMC’s Center for Diabetes Control are offering an educational program to help adults deal with type 2 diabetes. Take Charge of Your Diabetes helps participants learn how to control their blood sugar, to feel better, and to reduce risk of health complications. The next session will be held March 10, and will focus on Standards of Medical Care. Dr. Tad Adams, coordinator of the Center for Diabetes Control, will explain how to select your health care team and what your level of care should include when you have diabetes. Sessions are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Agricultural Resources Center, located at 1175 South Brady Avenue in Newton. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes or are just interested in learning more about diabetes, call the Cooperative Extension office at 465-8250 to reserve a seat. Everyone is welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to this free program. We Are A Full Service Pharmacy Offering Our Customers • Drive-Thru Service • Short Wait Times • Easy Prescription Transfers • Free Local Delivery • Compounding Services • Free Mail-Out Services • Most Insurance Plans Accepted • Friendly Personal Service • And So Much More! Area students graduate from CVCC CNA II program HICKORY – Several area students recently graduated from the certified nursing assistant II (C.N.A. II) program at Catawba Valley Community College. The graduates were recognized at a pinning ceremony held recently on the CVCC East Campus. Area graduates include: Nakesha Bolick of Conover; Ravan Misher of Newton; and Ashley Woodring of Newton. Public Health now accepting debit and credit cards HICKORY – They are used practically everywhere – at gas pumps, grocery stores, retail stores and restaurants. Now, Catawba County Public Health is joining the long list of places that accept credit and debit cards. Catawba County Public Health is now accepting MasterCard, Visa and Discover cards for payments on all accounts. American Express cards are not accepted at this time. Clinics including Foreign Travel, Child Health, Immunizations, Totally Teens, Prenatal and Adult Health will accept these cards for payment. For more information or questions about the service please contact Catawba County Public Health at 695-5800. CCBCC receives funding from Through Healing Eyes HICKORY – The Catawba County Breast Cancer Coalition (CCBCC) recently received $2,000 from Through Healing Eyes, Inc. to purchase pink ribbon tags. The tags will be placed on bras in a local retail store to women 40 and older as a reminder to get a yearly mammogram. The tags will also have a contact number for women to call if they cannot afford a mammogram. The coalition will refer women who qualify to the NC Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (BCCCP) at Catawba County Public Health and assist women who do not. The CCBCC is a multidisciplinary, multiorganizational group, and their mission is to reach out to all populations in our community to educate regarding the importance of early detection for breast cancer and to provide the needed support services and resources for those diagnosed with breast cancer. Successful Family Caregiving program scheduled NEWTON – An education/support group for family caregivers will be held on March 9, from 1 until 2:30 p.m., at the Agricultural Resources Center, 1175 South Brady Avenue in Newton. The focus topic for this program will be “New Tax Information for Older Adults.” Mark Logan from the Catawba County Tax Office will talk about changes in tax information for senior citizens. Family caregivers, professional caregivers as well as others who are interested in learning more about their taxes are welcome to attend the meeting. This workshop is free, but registration is encouraged to facilitate the preparation of resource materials. Call 465-8250 to reserve your space or for more information. March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month HICKORY – Did you know that the rate of colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as colon cancer) has been decreasing for most of the past two decades? One of the reasons is because more people are getting tested, or screened, for this disease. Screening can detect and remove colon growths called polyps before they progress to cancer. If colon cancer is found early, the survival rate is 90 percent. Yet only 40 percent of colon cancers are found at this early stage. For colon cancer found later, the five-year survival rate is much lower. Don’t wait for signs or symptoms to go to the doctor – get tested today and help prevent colon cancer before it starts. The American Cancer Society recommends screening starting at age 50 for most men and women, though some people may need to start earlier. Your doctor can help you figure out when you should begin testing and what test you should use. For more information about colon cancer, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800227-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. We’re here 24 hours a day with information and support. Eating Smart at Home sessions offered in Newton NEWTON – Do you spend too much money on food? Eat out too much? Throw something together at the last minute? Would you like to know simple solutions for healthy eating? North Carolina Cooperative Extension is offering a series of workshops to help you learn to plan, shop, prepare and eat more healthy meals at home. Sessions will be held on March 25, April 1, 8, 22, 29 and May 6 from 12 to 1 p.m., at the Agricultural Resources Center in Newton. Participants will try new recipes and learn new skills at each session. Participants who attend all sessions will receive a cookbook and other resources. Pre-registration is required no later than March 23. Cost for materials and food is $10 per person for the series. For more information, questions or to pre-register, call 465-8250. MARCH SPECIAL! MAKE A DIGITAL PHOTO CD FOR ONLY $1.49! Coupon Expires On 03/31/09. CC#030109 HIGHWAY 150 HEALTH FIRST PHARMACY BRAWLEY RD. LEANING OAK WILLIAMSOM YMCA WELTON 704.658.1184 HOURS MON-FRI – 9AM-6PM SAT – 9AM-1PM • March 27 – 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at St. Stephens High School, located at 3205 34th Street Drive NE in Hickory. • March 30 – 12:30 to 5 p.m., atAbernathy Laurels, located at 102 Leonard Avenue in Newton. • March 30 – 2:30 to 7 p.m., at Tri-City Baptist Church, located at Highway 16 North in Conover. • March 31 – 2 to 6:30 p.m., at the NC Lutheran Home, located at 1265 21 Street NE in Hickory. • March 31 – 3 to 7:30 p.m., at New Star Community Church, located at 1432 Old Conover Startown Road in Newton. Prescription medications can often cause unpleasant side effects, or are not available in the form or dosage you need. If you find yourself in this situation, talk to your doctor about having your local Medicap Pharmacy® pharmacist custom make your medicine using their compounding service. That’s right, you can have your prescription custom made to fit your specific needs. Your local Medicap Pharmacy® pharmacist, and your doctor, will work together to help you feel your best. Now, that’s a healthy dose of reality. Visit our web site at www.medicap.com 317 First Street East, Conover 464.4491 – Ron Harwell, R.Ph. The Claremont Courier 15 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Public Health offering free mammograms HICKORY – Are You in Need of a Free Mammogram? If you are in need of a mammogram and have no way to pay for one, and you meet the following criteria, contact the Catawba County Public Health Department about getting a free screening mammogram: • Age 40 or older. • No insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. • Insurance doesn’t cover screening mammogram. • Seen a doctor within the last year. Free mammogram screening dates have been scheduled for the following dates at Catawba County Health Department: March 31, April 17, and May 26. Call the Catawba County Public Health Department at 695-4445 for more information or to schedule an appointment. CVMC announces 2009 officers and chiefs HICKORY – Catawba Valley Medical Center recently announced its 2009 Medical Staff Officers and Department Chiefs, according to J. Anthony Rose, president and CEO. Douglas Michael, MD, will serve as the 2009 Chief of Staff with Charles Scheil, MD, as Chief-Elect of Staff and James Harris, Jr., MD, as Secretary. The following physicians are serving this year as Department Chiefs: Steven Williamson, MD, Emergency Medicine; Shannon Sherfey, MD, Family Practice; Carl Lomboy, MD, Medicine; Harold Dufour, Jr., MD, Ob-Gyn; Mark Atkins, MD, Pathology; David Berry, MD, Pediatrics; W. Grant Harbison, MD, Psychiatry; Knox Tate, MD, Radiology, and Kenneth Parish, MD, Surgery. Meals on Wheels program seeks sponsors NEWTON – Give a gift to your community this year and help local senior citizens receive a nutritious meal every day, by sponsoring the Catawba County Meals on Wheels program. Senior citizens are at greater risk of poor nutrition due to the fact that many eat fewer than two meals a day; they eat fewer fruits and vegetables; have a lack of money to purchase food; and some have appetite changing health problems. You can sponsor one meal per day for one week for $19.25, or sponsor one meal per day for one month for $85.25. Checks can be made out to Catawba County Social Services, and mailed to Catawba County Social Services, Attn: Jan Shaffer, Social Work Supervisor II, PO Box 669, Newton, NC 28658. For more information, call 695-5617 Babysitting training planned in Newton NEWTON – The Newton Parks and Recreation Department and the Catawba Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross are sponsoring a Babysitting Training course on April 4, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Newton Recreation Center in Newton. The training will teach students how to care for children and infants; how to be a good leader and role model; how to make good decisions and solve problems; how to keep children and yourself safe; how to handle emergencies such as injuries, illnesses, and household accidents; how to write resumes and interview for jobs; and much more. The babysitting training is offered to boys and girls ages 11-15. The fee for the class is $30, with checks made payable to the American Red Cross. For more information on these classes and to register, contact the Newton Recreation Department at 695-4325 or 695-4317 or visit www.newtonnc.gov. Lenoir-Rhyne to host depression workshop HICKORY – To learn more about depression and some helpful ways of dealing with it within a Christian context, come to a free seminar from 4:30 to 8 p.m., on March 29, at Christ Lutheran Church in Hickory. The seminar will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. David Ludwig, Dr. Amy Wood, LPC, NCC, and Dr. Neal Gray. A light meal will also be provided and a free will offering accepted. For planning purposes, pre-registration is encouraged. Contact the Christ Lutheran Church office at 328-1483 or by e-mail at [email protected] by March 19. Christ Lutheran Church is located at 324 Second Avenue SE, Hickory. Red Cross offers volunteer rewards program HICKORY – Chapter volunteers perform many tasks which are vital to the successful collection of blood products. Volunteers collect and deliver food and drink to be served as canteen during drives. Chapter volunteers promote blood drives by setting up signs and recruiting donors at sponsorship locations. The Catawba Valley Chapter has initiated a Volunteer Rewards Program to recognize and reward the time and service of the Catawba Valley Chapter volunteers. You can receive an official document of achievement and Catawba Valley Chapter pin. Be nominated to receive the Catawba Valley Chapter Volunteer of The Year Award. Or be awarded a gift certificate or gift-inkind from a local restaurant or business. Call 322-4151 or visit www.catawbavalleyarc.org for more information or questions. WIC to offer open access scheduling program HICKORY – A new service is being offered by Women Infants and Children, or WIC, at Catawba County Public Health. Now in service, it will be easier for WIC clients to set up an appointment or reschedule due to the new open access scheduling program. WIC is a preventive program administered by Catawba County Public Health which provides low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children ages birth to five years old with nutritious foods, nutrition education and improved access to health care in order to prevent nutrition-related health problems in pregnancy, infancy and early childhood. Open access scheduling will shorten the amount of time that WIC clients have to wait to receive an appointment. If clients have to reschedule, they can receive a new appointment as early as the next day. For more information about the open access scheduling program or about the WIC program, contact the WIC reception area at 695-5884 or visit the Public Health Web site at www.catawbacountync.gov/phealth. ACS to offer scholarship to childhood cancer survivors HICKORY – The American Cancer Society South Atlantic Division is currently accepting applications from childhood cancer survivors for college scholarships. Ranging from $500 to $1,000, American Cancer Society College Scholarships are awarded annually to help defray tuition costs. The Society’s College Scholarship Program is open to any survivor of childhood cancer who will attend an accredited two or four year institution and diagnosed before the age of 19, and who are currently 25 and under. Applicants must be legal residents of North Carolina. A college scholarship recipient is awarded $1,000 for the first year and renewals may be awarded in the amount of $500. The maximum scholarship amount to one student will be four awards totaling $2,500. A completed application must be postmarked by April 15. For more information on eligibility requirements and to request an application packet, interested students should call the American Cancer Society at 1-800ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org. Look Good... Feel Better program offered MOORESVILLE – The American Cancer Society’s, Look Good…Feel Better (LGFB) program will be offered at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. This program teaches beauty techniques to patients in active treatment to help reduce the appearance related side effects of cancer treatments. Each participant receives a free gift kit of full size name-brand cosmetics (valued at $250) for use during and after the workshop. Sessions will be offered on April 20, Aug. 17 and Nov. 16, from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. at the Lake Norman Regional Medical Center’s Executive Dining Classroom. Dinner is served at each session. For more information, questions or to register, call Cathy Quade at (704) 662-0770. Sick? Get Treatment TODAY! Family Healthcare Practice “Healthcare Where The Patient Matters Most” Tom E. Goodin, III, Family Physician Kim H. Cline, Family Nurse Practitioner 121 West B Street, Newton The local Medicap Pharmacy® store makes it simple for you to order your prescriptions refills without leaving home. You can order your refills day or night using their easy-to-use online prescription refill program at www.medicap.com or call the store and use their automated phone refill service. Either way, it’s so easy. And if you ever have a question about your medications, just call your Medicap Pharmacy® pharmacist. Now, that’s a healthy dose of reality. Visit our web site at www.medicap.com 401 West A Street, Newton 466.1500 – Melinda Travis, R.Ph. (Between the Newton Library and Corriher Tractor Downtown) NEW PATIENTS WELCOME! Most Insurances Accepted No Insurance, No Problem Call For An Appointment Today CALL 466.3000 Acute Care • Preventive Care • Minor Surgery Sports & Company Physicals • Chronic Medical Conditions In-House Lab • Annual PAP Smears Diabetes/Cholesterol Control • Weight Loss Management Family Healthcare Practice is a Professional Limited Liability Corporation 16 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net NC author, Ann B. Ross is featured speaker at Dinner With the Author event North Carolina author speaks for area citizens and students at Bunker Hill High School. BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY CLAREMONT – On Feb. 12, the Claremont Friends of the Library brought back one of Claremont’s biggest social events of the year, after a one year hiatus, the “Dinner with the Author” event. The featured author for the sold out event was North Carolina author, Ann B. Ross, who is best known for the popular “Miss Julia” series of books. The event was held at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center in downtown Claremont, and according to Claremont Branch Library Manager, Richard Haunton area citizens were excited about the event. “We sold all 270 tickets for the ‘Dinner with the Author’ celebration about a week before the event was held,” Haunton stated. “This event gives people a chance to support the Claremont Friends of the Library, and read a good book as well. The library saw a steady stream of people checking out ‘Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind’ for about five weeks leading up to this evening.” The evening started off with Claremont Mayor, Glenn Morrison thanking everybody for coming out. Morrison also took the time to thank the Claremont Friends of the Library for putting on such a wonderful event for the community to participate in. Morrison then thanked Clara Carson for making the center pieces that adorned every table and Keith Tucker for preparing the meal. Morrison finished his time on the podium by taking the time to thank the Claremont City Council, Claremont City Staff and the Claremont Youth Council and their advisors for acting as servers at the event. Morrison then told everyone about the Claremont Branch Library and the services and programs they offer everybody on a daily basis. Once Morrison was finished speaking, Rev. Dr. Gary Haddock delivered the invocation, and then Morrison introduced the main attraction of the evening, Ann B. Ross. Ross, is a talented novelist who teaches literature and humanities at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Ross is the author of “Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind,” one of the most popular Southern debut novels in years. This book begins the series that features the sharptongued, but soft-hearted in spite of herself, Julia Springer of Abbotsville, North Carolina. Books in the “Miss Julia” series include; “Miss Julia Takes Over,” “Miss Julia Throws a Wedding,” “Miss Julia Hits the Road,” “Miss Julia Meets Her Match,” “Miss Julia’s School of Beauty,” “Miss Julia Stands Her Ground,” “Miss Julia Strikes Back,” “Miss Julia Paints the Town” and “Miss Julia Delivers the Goods.” Ross currently lives in Hendersonville, NC where she continues to write. After talking about each of the “Miss Julia” books, Ross held a question and answer session with the crowd. Once finished, Ross then took the time to sign copies of her books, and talk with area residents. Before leaving to go back home, Ross took the time to speak to three English classes at Bunker Hill High School on Feb. 13. Ross talked about writing, and where she draws her inspiration from when writing her novels. PHOTOS BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY Pictured at top from left to right, North Carolina author, Ann B. Ross and Claremont Mayor, Glenn Morrison pose for a picture after Ross spoke at the “Dinner with the Author” event on Feb. 12, at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center in downtown Claremont. Pictured above, members of the Claremont Youth Council and their advisors acted as servers for the “Dinner with the Author” event. IT PAYS TO BE OUR CUSTOMER! Licensed by the state of N.C. #NCS-01048 www.b-lineportables.com PORTABLE RESTROOM RENTALS INC. “Largest In The Area” Claremont, NC • Construction Sites • Industrial & Recreational • Special Events • Daily, Weekly & Monthly Rentals 828.459.3341 877.459.3349 E-Mail: [email protected] In the time our company has been in business, our number of customers has increased at a steady rate. B-Line has become the largest portable restroom providers based in Catawba County. We service Catawba, Iredell, Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Gaston and Mecklenburg counties. We offer our regular customers a referral program and the chance to win $500 cash each month. We are now offering special rates for new contractor contracts. Call us today for details and more information. Our Staff Is Here To Provide Prompt And Courteous Attention To Your Customer Service Needs From 8AM–4PM, Monday Through Friday. If You Leave A Message After Hours, It Will Be Returned Promptly The Next Business Day. We Even Offer Our Customers The Convenience Of E-Mail. Our Service Trucks Run Multiple Routes Each Week, And You Get All Of This At A Great Low Monthly Rate. Your Complete Satisfaction Is Our Number One Priority! OUR NEWEST LINE OF PORTABLE RESTROOMS OFFERS YOU MORE ROOM, BETTER VENTILATION, A SKY LIGHT, AND YOU CAN ANCHOR THEM TO THE GROUND! OUR PORTABLE RESTROOMS ARE PERFECT FOR: CONSTRUCTION SITES INDUSTRIAL SITES SPORTING EVENTS FESTIVALS • FAIRS FAMILY REUNIONS CHURCH HOMECOMINGS CORPORATE FUNCTIONS CONCERTS • COOKOUTS WEDDING RECEPTIONS TENT REVIVALS COMPANY PICNICS BIRTHDAY PARTIES CLASS REUNIONS AND SO MUCH MORE! 18 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net CVCC to host annual Job Fair on March 10 HICKORY – Employers from the region and across the state will be recruiting employees at the annual Job Fair at Catawba Valley Community College, on March 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. Free and open to the public, the Job Fair will be held in the college’s Multipurpose Complex, on the college’s main campus, on Highway 70 SE, in Hickory. Job seekers and those looking to advance their careers will have an opportunity to talk with employers from a wide variety of business and industry. Employers from government, retail, medical and health, manufacturing, law enforcement and technical fields will actively recruit new employees. Positions requiring all levels of work experience will be available. Participants should be prepared for an interview situation and are encouraged to “dress to impress.” Job seekers should bring a generous supply of resumes and a list of references to share with employers. Walk-in registration may be completed at the event or applicants may pre-register at the Employment Security Commission in Hickory or Taylorsville, Catawba County DSS, JobLink Career Center, Lenoir-Rhyne University or the CVCC Job Placement Office located in Student Services on the main campus. For more information or questions about the Job Fair, call 327-7000, ext. 4205 or 4812. County library system to host business workshops NEWTON – How can small businesses weather today’s economy? That’s the topic of four workshops to be offered in March. Catawba County Library system is partnering with Catawba Valley Community College to offer three-hour sessions each Thursday morning beginning March 5. Business owners, managers and prospective entrepreneurs are invited to the sessions led by representatives of the CVCC Small Business Center. The “Tough Times” Workshops will address specific topics each session and will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The schedule will include: • March 5 – Fortify the Product/Service Mix. This session will address core customer needs, searching for new opportunities and revisiting a company’s competitive edge. • March 12 – Expand Your Market Reach. Participants will talk about ways to invest time and talents to build strategic relationships to create sales without spending more money. • March 19 – Shore Up Assets and Cash. Discussion will focus on maintaining and preserving assets and ways to find needed cash. • March 26 – Optimize Operations. This session will explore ways to maximize efficiencies, staffing, communications and how to better position purchasing and inventory. Each session will allow one-on-one assistance during the final hour of each workshop to address specifics. More information is available at http://sbc.cvcc.edu. Area students complete CVCC truck driver program HICKORY – Fifteen men and one woman were recognized for completing the Catawba Valley Community College Truck Driver Training Program weekend class at a ceremony on the college’s East Campus in Hickory recently. The graduates each received a Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) certified certificate from CVCC. They also earned a Class A Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and are now qualified for an entrylevel position with any trucking company. Area graduates include: Cindy Morris of Mooresville and Chris Marlowe of Maiden. Dave’s Truck Parts to attend several upcoming events CLAREMONT – David Hamby, owner of Dave’s Truck Parts in Claremont will be participating in the 2008 Run To The Sun XXI Car and Truck Show in Myrtle Beach, SC from March 19-21. The show will be held at the Waccamaw Factory Shoppes at 3200 Pottery Drive in Myrtle Beach, SC. For more information, visit www.peedeestreetrodders.com. Dave’s Truck Parts will also participate in the Food Lion AutoFair at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord on April 2, 3, 4 and 5. The AutoFair is the world’s largest automotive extravaganza. The event will include a car show featuring various makes and models from more than 50 clubs; more than 10,000 vendor spaces that offer a plethora of automotive parts and memorabilia; and a collector car auction. A car corral, which completely circles the 1.5-mile superspeedway, featuring nearly 1,500 vehicles of all makes and models will be available for sale or trade. Ticket prices are $10 per day for adults, and children 12 and under are admitted for free. For more information or questions visit www.lowesmotorspeedway.com. Dave’s Truck Parts will then participate in the 2009 Spring Grand Rod Run in Pigeon Forge, TN. The event will be held on April 17, 18 and 19, and more information can be obtained by calling 865-687-3976. Dave’s Truck Parts is located at 3464 Bethany Church Road in Claremont and is open Tuesday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information or questions, contact David Hamby at Dave’s Truck Parts at 695-8144, by fax at 695-8033 or by email at [email protected]. Abernethy Laurels opens new community center NEWTON – Abernethy Laurels’ held a ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony on Feb. 19, for their new three-story, 40,000+ square foot community center. The community center is home to the administrative offices, multipurpose rooms that may be utilized by the community for catered functions, a Village Bistro which is open to the public and offers a comprehensive fitness facility designed specifically with active seniors in mind. For more information or questions about Abernethy Laurels visit www.abernethylaurels.org or call toll free at 877-637-7941. Catawba Historical Association schedules annual meeting CATAWBA – The Town of Catawba Historical Association, Inc., has announced the group will host their annual meeting on April 19 at 3 p.m., at the Town of Catawba Town Hall Council Chambers. This will be the 23rd annual meeting for the group, and local historian, Albert Keiser, Jr. will speak on the mayors of Catawba from 1890 through 1950. For more information, questions or to join the group, call the Town of Catawba Historical Association, Inc. at 241-4077. The Claremont Courier 19 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net CCCC to host economic issues conference HICKORY – The Catawba County Chamber of Commerce is presenting their Annual Economic Issues Conference on March 11, from 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. at the Park Inn/Gateway Conference Center in Hickory. The meeting includes a continental breakfast, and the cost is $15 per person for chamber members/ reserved corporate table for 10 for $150/ non-members $25 per person. An RSVP is required, and you can call 328-6000, ext. 228 or e-mail to pmanfredi@catawbachamber. org for more information or to reserve a spot. The conference format this year will be a little different due to our economic downturn and wanting to personalize the impact of our recession more on a local level than state or national. Moderating the meeting will be Melissa Hankins, the business reporter from WBTV in Charlotte. She will be welcoming Taylor Dellinger and Dee Blackwell from the Western Piedmont Council of Governments for a short economic update on our local economy in addition to Scott Millar, President of the Economic Development Corporation who will brief us on local industrial development activities. A special and diverse panel of business executives will highlight the event from a variety of different business categories. Area Rotary Club to host annual fishing tournament SHERRILLS FORD – The Sherrills Ford/ Terrell Rotary Club has announced that it will host its second annual Sherrills Ford-Terrell Rotary Fishing Tournament, which will be held on April 18 at the Midway Marina on Lake Norman in Terrell. The event will start at 7 a.m. and will end at 3 p.m., and will be a bass only tournament. The event will pay out to the top 10 finishers, and the grand prize will be $2,500 to first place. There is a 50 boat minimum for any payouts at the event. Midway Marina is located at 8693 Highway 150 East in the Terrell community. For more information, call Leslie at (704) 9660654 or e-mail to [email protected]. The Sherrills Ford/Terrell Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at 7:30 a.m. at the Sherrills Ford/Terrell Fire and Rescue Squad Headquarters on Slanting Bridge Road in Sherrills Ford. For more information, visit their Web site at www.sftrotary.com. Tax preparation help for seniors offered NEWTON – The Catawba County Library System has announced that it will host volunteers of AARP in March and April to help We’re still the land of (investment) opportunity FINANCIAL FOCUS O BY SUSAN B. WILLIAMS ver the past several months, you may have become somewhat discouraged at the prospects of investing for your future. Every day, it seems, brings another piece of bad news; stock market volatility, a decline in manufacturing, housing prices in freefall, auto companies teetering on bankruptcy – the list goes on and on. However, despite these distressing headlines, you are still living in a country that is home to the most powerful economic engines in recorded history – and while these engines may currently be stalling a bit, they still offer the power and the potential to successfully drive your investment vehicles. To get a sense of this size and strength, consider the following: If the world population of 6.7 billion people were represented by just 100 persons, only five of them would live in the United States – but these five would have some pretty big economic clout. In fact, they would own 34 percent of the world’s equity market capitalization and 25 percent of the gross world product, according to Bloomberg News. Furthermore, these five people would be responsible for technological breakthroughs that resulted in electric lights, telephones, senior citizens prepare their tax returns. The sessions are offered as a public service to those who cannot afford to pay professional tax preparers. Sessions will held each Tuesday through April 14 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Main Library in downtown Newton. Appointments may be made by calling the Main Library at 465-8292. Library personnel will not be involved in tax preparation. They will be taking appointments only from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. airplanes, television, computers, the Internet and much more. And they would produce the world’s largest supply of electrical energy and sit on land that contained nearly half the free world’s known coal reserves, according to the Energy Information Administration. For good measure, they WILLIAMS would account for 37 percent of all Nobel Prize winners, according to the Nobel Prize Foundation. Taken together, these and other factors reveal a robust supply of natural resources, intellectual capacity and entrepreneurial spirit – and these assets don’t melt away in any bear market. Instead, they point to the long-term expansion of our economy. And who owns the bulk of these corporations? More than 90 million American shareholders – and more often than not, their patience, discipline and confidence has been rewarded in the long term. What new investment opportunities lie just around the corner? Some await our focus on “green energy.” Others anticipate the reinvestment in our infrastructure, a key element of the Obama administration’s economic stimulus plans. These areas may be promising, but they won’t tell the whole story of the future of investing – because those chapters have yet to be written. In the meantime, what should you do? Stick with these tried-and-true strategies: • Look For Quality. Seek out quality companies – those with long track records of profitability, strong management teams and competitive products. • Think Long Term. We’re likely to continue seeing volatility in the markets, though perhaps not to the extremes of the past year. You’ll need to look past these shortterm price movements and commit yourself to investing for the long term. Over time, quality investments usually pay off. • Maintain Adequate Liquidity. If you have a short-term goal – such as paying for college in two or three years – set aside an appropriate amount of money in liquid investments that are likely to preserve your principal. • Stay Invested. Don’t take a “time out” from investing. The biggest rallies usually occur early in a bull market, and if you’re on the sidelines, you’ll miss out on these growth opportunities. America’s future is still bright, and yours can be too – by investing wisely and patiently and by focusing today on your goals for tomorrow. Susan B. Williams, AAMS® is an Accredited Asset Management Specialist and an investment advisor for Edward Jones in Conover. Her office is located at 508-G 10th Street NW in the Canova Shopping Center in Conover. She can be reached by calling her office at 464-6991 or by fax at 866-500-2671. You can also find more information by visiting the Edward Jones Web site at www.edwardjones.com. Area libraries announce upcoming computer classes NEWTON – Catawba County Library System will host free computer classes in March as a public service to orient adults to computer basics. Intro to Computers – Take the first steps toward computing with the Windows operating system. Offered 10 a.m., March 12, at Newton, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., March 30 at Conover (in Spanish and English.) Intro to Word – Get acquainted with this essential program to create, edit and store documents. Class begins at 6 p.m., March 23 in Conover. Pre-registration is required for all classes. To keep informed of library programs visit http:// enewsletter.catawbacountync.gov/library/. THE PRODUCE MART AND CONSIGNMENT SHOP 302 S. McLin Creek Rd. Conover 465-4445 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK MON.-THUR. – 9AM TO 6PM FRI.-SAT. – 8AM TO 7PM SUN. – 12 TO 5 PM We Accept MasterCard, Visa & EBT Cards! Spring Produce Arriving Daily! Gardening Seeds & Onion Sets Now On Sale! Easter Chicks & Ducks Available SOON! Do Your Body A Favor In 2009 By Eating Only The Freshest Fruits And Vegetables! We Also Carry A Large Selection Of Assorted Candies, Nuts, Jellies, Jams, Preserves, Meats, Cheeses, Drinks, Gift Baskets & Specialty Items! We Now Carry A Large Assortment Of Sugar Free Jellies, Jams & Preserves! Susan B. Williams, AAMS® Financial Advisor 508-G 10th St. NW Canova Shopping Center Conover, NC 28613 828-464-6991 20 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Bandys High School to host annual Bar-B-Que fundraiser CATAWBA – Bandys High School has announced plans for their annual Bar-B-Que fundraiser to be held on March 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the school. Orders are available for dine-in or take-out, and plates cost $8 for a choice of one adult plate, three sandwiches, 1/2 BBQ chicken, or one pound of BBQ (pre-order only). Tickets are available from all Bandys students, and all proceeds benefit Bandys High School. Bandys High School is located at 5040 East Bandys Road in Catawba. For more information or to place an order, call 241-3171. Bunker Hill students look for business partnership CLAREMONT – Bunker Hill High School students in the e-Commerce I class, students create a Capstone Web site for a fictitious business. In e-Commerce II, students take their Capstone Web site to the next level – by working with a real local business. If you own a business, and have an interest in having a high school student design and develop a Web site for your business, you are asked to contact Rhonda Siers. You can call Bunker Hill High School at 241-3355 or e-mail Rhonda Siers at rhonda_siers@catawbaschools. net for more information or questions. Bunker Hill Class of 1984 to host 25th Reunion CLAREMONT – The Bunker Hill High School Class of 1984 has announced that they will host their 25th Reunion in October. The class is now planning the reunion, and they are in the early stages of planning the festivities. Members of the class are requesting that everyone who is a 1984 graduate of Bunker Hill High School to contact one of the following committee members by phone or e-mail, and give them your addresses and phone numbers so you can be contacted about the reunion. If you would like to help with the planning, contact one of the following committee members: Karen Harwell Yount at 459-9036 (home) or by e-mail to [email protected]; Gina Winebarger Brookshire at 328-8246 (home) or by e-mail at gbrookshire@charter. net; Terri Shepherd Miller at 459-0094 (home) or by e-mail at [email protected]; and Christi Carpenter Miller at 241-1098 (home) or by e-mail at [email protected]. CCS District Science Fair winners announced NEWTON – Catawba County Schools in Newton has announced the 2008-2009 Catawba County Schools District Science Fair winners. All first and second place winners advanced to the Northwest Regional Science Fair which was held on Feb. 21, at the Stone Center in North Wilkesboro. Area 2008-2009 Catawba County Schools District Science Fair winners include: Elementary Division – Grades 3-5 – First Place – Breana Cook (fifth grade), Balls Creek Elementary School; Holly Diciuccio (fourth grade), Maiden Elementary School; and Megan Kuykendall (third grade), Balls Creek Elementary School. Honorable Mention – Caitlyn Carlisle (third grade), Balls Creek Elementary School; Kari Gibson OUR SERVICES INCLUDE FULL TIME CARE We are here when you need us, 24 hours a day. No matter how long your day is. 2952 North Oxford Street Claremont 459.0004 www.kidsonlyofnorthcarolina.com At Kids Only of North Carolina we realize there is one constant, and that is “CHANGE.” The work environment is changing requiring employees to be more flexible. This means longer work hours or varying schedules. We are here to meet the needs of your family PART TIME CARE There are weeks you may only need 1 or 2 days of childcare, or maybe just a couple of hours. DATE NIGHT We offer a date night program every third Friday of the month. Consignment Shop We have a wide selection of children’s clothing and items from 0-12 years of age. SAVE ON CHILD CARE AT KIDS ONLY OF NORTH CAROLINA! Present This Coupon To Receive $200 Off Tuition At Kids Only Of NC! Contact Our Day Care Center To Learn How You Can Also Receive A Family Discount! (fourth grade), Maiden Elementary School; Alec Sigmon (fourth grade), Claremont Elementary; and Kenzie Williams (fourth grade), Maiden Elementary School. Earth Junior Division – Grades 6-8 – Second Place – Joseph Chica (seventh grade), Maiden Middle School. Life/Biological Junior Division – Grades 6-8 – First Place – Ashleigh Humphries (sixth grade), Balls Creek Elementary School. Honorable Mention – Jenny Shoener (sixth grade), Claremont Elementary. Physical Junior Division – Grades 6-8 – Second Place – Alex White (seventh grade), Maiden Middle School. Honorable Mention – Christina Adkins-Smith (seventh grade), Maiden Middle School; Zach Caldwell(sixth grade), Balls Creek Elementary School; Jessica Sigmon (sixth grade), Claremont Elementary School; and Charlie Story (sixth grade), Balls Creek Elementary School. Catawba Elementary students learn about soil and water CATAWBA – Students in Carrie Reiner’s fifth grade science classes at Catawba Elementary School have been digging in the dirt and playing with water to research the best management practices for improving soil and water quality. With the assistance of Carol Moore, students have been discussing how a clean watershed is necessary to preserve our water supply. Moore visited Reiner’s classes to demonstrate how a watershed works and how pollution affects drinking water. Students have also been reviewing different types of soil to see which ones are best for planting, and learning how their quality can be preserved. “Discussion about compacting, clearing of land areas, and use of fertilizers have educated students about how harmful we have been to the soil,” said Reiner. Students are now putting their best foot forward to educate others on how to improve soil and reduce the pollution of our watershed. Students have prepared posters that advocate soil and water conservation to enter in the Catawba County Soil and Water Conservation poster contest. The fifth and sixth grade students at Catawba Elementary School are sending the winners of the school-wide contest on to the district offices to compete in a district-wide contest. From there, winners have the opportunity to continue on to the area and state levels with the possibility of winning $200 for first place. Writing Center now open at Bunker Hill CLAREMONT – An after-school writing center will be held at Bunker Hill High School in Claremont every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon starting at 2:30 p.m. The writing center will be facilitated by Daniel Lesosky, a Bunker Hill High School English teacher, in his classroom, Room 314. The writing lab will be open to both students and the general public. Students of all levels and in all classes are encouraged to take advantage of the writing center. Whether students need assistance with a research paper or poetry assignment, the writing center will be more than happy to accommodate them in every aspect of writing. As for members of the community, the writing center will offer many different types of writing assistance, including help with job applications, resume workshop and all types of classes (GED, college, etc.). For more information, contact Lesosky at 241-3355 from 12:45 until 2:15 p.m., Monday through Friday or e-mail to [email protected]. Bunker Hill Chorus to host Spring Choral Concert CLAREMONT – The Bunker Hill High School Chorus and Choir have announced that they will be hosting their Spring Choral Concert on March 19, at 7 p.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Claremont. The concert is free and the public is invited and encouraged to attend this concert. Students in the Concert Choir, Beginning Mixed Chorus and the Treble Choir will be performing various selections throughout the evening. Bethlehem United Methodist Church is located at 3214 Catawba Street in Claremont. For more information or questions, contact Pamela Farnsworth by e-mail at [email protected]. Maiden High to host fundraiser on March 12 MAIDEN – Maiden High School in Maiden will play host to a Ronald McDonald Fundraiser on March 12 at 6:30 p.m. The fundraiser will feature Carson Entertainment, which has been voted Las Vegas’s Number One Family Attraction two years running. The evening will feature the Art of Imagination which includes grand illusions, exotic animals, audience participation and comedy magic. One hundred percent of all ticket sales from the event will go to the Ronald McDonald House in Winston-Salem. Tickets will cost $10 per person, and you can obtain tickets or get more information by calling Maiden High School at 4288197 or by e-mail at [email protected]. You can also obtain more information by visiting www.carsonentertainment.com. Bonnie’s Beach Bingo COME ENJOY OUR HEATED FACILITY THIS WINTER WE HAVE FREE COFFEE AND HOT CHOCOLATE! • Clean Facility • FREE Coffee • Friendly Environment • Snacks & Drinks For Sale • Non-Smoking Area • No Waiting • Children Welcome • Cards $1 Each • Numbers Shown On Large Monitors Throughout Facility For More Information Visit: www.bonniesbeachbingo.com 1111 North Main Avenue Newton 465.0056 OPEN THURSDAY – SUNDAY 6:00 PM – UNTIL The Claremont Courier 21 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net BHHS Class of 1989 planning 20th class reunion CLAREMONT – The Bunker Hill High School Class of 1989 is now planning its 20th Class Reunion to be held in 2009. Annissa Dellinger-Beck and Suzanne Busbee-Snyder are in the beginning stages of planning the 20th reunion festivities, and they are requesting that everyone who graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1989 to send in your updated addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses as soon as possible. Send any and all information to Annissa Dellinger-Beck at 256-9745 or email Suzanne Busbee-Snyder at [email protected]. If you would like to help with the planning stages, contact Anissa or Suzanne at the above listings. Bandys to present murder mystery dinner theatre CATAWBA – The Bandys High School Drama Department will be holding its second annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre and presenting the play, “Murder in the Air,” on March 13 in the Drama Room at Bandys High School in Catawba. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the show will begin at 7 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 per person and cover the price of the show and the meal. Tickets may be purchased by contacting Cindy Lohr at 2413171, ext. 5216 or by e-mail at Cynthia_ [email protected]. Seating is general admission, and tickets may be purchased at the door for $7, but do not include the meal. “Murder in the Air” takes place at the birthday party of eccentric Lord Cyril Pierce Ninny, a.k.a. “Budgy,” a self-made zillionaire. Dirk Belletone, a local radio personality, has been hired to MC the festivities. Assorted business associates and family make their appearances well. An airplane aficionado, Budgy has promised to make an entrance no one will forget. But the real suspense of the evening is the announcement of the winner of the multimillion dollar Ninny endowment, which will go to one lucky local arts group. The audience plays guests at Budgy’s birthday bash, where fun just might turn to tragedy. The show is a student directed production, performed by Lohr’s Advanced Theatre Arts classes. The students of the class have worked all semester rehearsing, building scenery and preparing for the play. Miss Bunker Hill pageant planned for March 28 CLAREMONT – Bunker Hill High School has announced that the Miss Bunker Hill High School Pageant will be held on March 28 at 7 p.m., at River Bend Middle School in Claremont. The pageant is open to all high school girls in the 9th through 12th grades. The pageant will showcase girls in four stages of competition; casual wear, evening gown, on-stage questions, and photogenic. This years pageant theme is “Glamorous.” The pageant committee will be giving away a $500 scholarship in memory of Miss Bunker Hill 2002, Ashely Hope Barnette. There will be many awards and prizes to be given away the night of the pageant, and they also have lots of entertainment lined up. Admission is $3 at the door, and concessions and program books featuring all of the contestants will be sold. 50/50 tickets will also be sold, and lots of door prizes to be raffled off as well. All former Miss Bunker Hill Queens, are invited to come and be a part of this years pageant. You are asked to bring your crown, sash and your Queen’s photo to be displayed in the lobby. All former queens will be introduced on stage during the pageant and have VIP seating up front. For more information on the Miss Bunker Hill Pageant, or if you would like to be a volunteer, contact director, Karen Yount at 459-9036 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Area schools advance to NC Science Olympiad NEWTON – Two area Science Olympiad teams from Catawba County Schools will advance to the North Carolina Science Olympiad competition after winning in the regional competition held at CVCC recently. Bandys High School will compete in the high school division at the state level, and the Mill Creek Middle Varsity team will compete in the middle school division. The state competition will be held at NC State University on April 25. High Regional High School Team Winner: Third Place Winner – Bandys High School – First Place in Chemistry, Health Science, Herpetology, Remote Sensing and Trajectory; Second Place in Sound of Music; Third Place in Food Science, Fossils and Write It, Do It; Fourth Place in Disease Detective, Elevated Bridge, Experimental Design and Flying Bird. Regional Middle School Team Winners: First Place – Mill Creek Middle School/Varsity Team – First Place in Disease Detective, Ecology, Pentathlon and Robo-Cross; Second Place in Meteorology, Physical Science Lab and Wright Stuff; Third Place in Egg-O-Naut; Fourth Place in Amphibians and Reptiles, Dynamic Planet and Food Science; Fifth Place in Reach for the Stars; Sixth Place in Elevated Bridge and Road Scholar. For more information or questions, visit www.catawbaschools.net We Are Now A Four Star Facility! Now Enrolling All Children, Ages 6 Weeks To 5 Years Old! • 100% Of Our Teachers Have 3214 Catawba Street Their NC Childcare Credentials • Christian Based Education Claremont • Thematic Curriculum 459.0086 For All Ages [email protected] • We Accept DSS Subsidies Tracie Hice, Bethlehem UMC HOURS OF OPERATION CDC Director Monday – Friday 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM License #18000398 Sherrills Ford Library collecting books for book sale SHERRILLS FORD – The Friends of the Sherrills Ford Library is now accepting used book donations at the Sherrills Ford Branch Library at 8456 Sherrills Ford Road in Sherrills Ford, in preparation for their annual Used Book Sale. The used book sale will be held on May 2 at the Sherrills Ford/Terrell Fire and Rescue Headquarters, located on Slanting Bridge Road in Sherrills Ford. The Sherrills Ford Branch Library is located at 8456 Sherrills Ford Road in Sherrills Ford, and is open on Tuesday from 12 to 8 p.m., Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or questions, call the Sherrills Ford Branch Library at 478-2729 or 478-3226. Bunker Hill to host car, truck and tractor show CLAREMONT – The Bunker Hill High School Music Department has announced that they will host their first annual car, truck and tractor show on April 25 in the Bunker Hill High School parking lot in Claremont. The gates will open at 9 a.m., judging begins at 1:30 p.m. and awards will be handed out at 4 p.m. General admission for the event is $3 for adults, $1 for students and children six and under are admitted for free. Parking for the event will be at the River Bend Middle School parking lot for $2 per car. Food and drinks will be available during the show, and multiple vendors will also be on hand selling a wide variety of merchandise. Vendor spots are available and cost $30 for one space. Early registration is now underway, and people are asked to contact Eric Taylor at 228-7193 for more information or to register. Deadline to pre-register is April 11, and the cost is $7 per vehicle. After April 11, registration is $10 per vehicle and you may register on the day of the show through 1 p.m. Classes that will be awarded prizes include: tractors pre-1989, trucks pre-1969, cars pre-1960, motorcycles (any year), trucks 1970-1989, cars 1960-1969, cars 1970-1979, cars 1980-1989, cars and trucks 1990-present, and high school students (car or truck from any year) and best sound system. All high school entries must present student ID and letter head from principal stating they attend high school. Four awards will be given in each class listed. CVCC to offer GED orientation sessions HICKORY – Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory will be offering several GED (High School Equivalency) Orientation sessions beginning in March. Attendance at a two-day orientation session totaling eight hours is required for everyone to enter the GED program at CVCC. The GED sessions are being called “New Beginnings,” and will be held in room 975, on the CVCC’s East Campus in Hickory. Attendees can chose from either a morning or evening session, depending on which one best fits their schedule. The morning session will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., on March 9 and 10. The evening session will be held 5 to 9 p.m., on March 11 and 12. For more information, questions or to register for one of the orientation sessions, contact Tina Fredell at 327-7000, ext. 4353. Dana’s NEED CASH NOW? At Dana’s Fine Jewelry We Buy Old 10kt., 14kt., 18kt., Yellow And White Gold. We Also Buy Sterling Silver. Bring Your Old Gold And Sterling Silver To Us And Let Us Weigh It. We’ll Give You CASH Right On The SPOT! Do You Have Stones In Your Rings And Don’t Want To Get Rid Of Them? We Can Take The Stones Out And Design A New Ring, Pendant Or Anything Else You Can Think Of! FINE JEWELRY Downtown Newton 108 North Main Avenue Newton, NC 28658 828.466.1999 www.danasfinejewelryinc.com Your Hometown Jeweler We Offer • Loose Diamonds & Gemstones • Diamond Jewelry • Gold Jewelry • Sterling Silver • Watches • Pearls Our Services Include • Engraving • Watch Repair • Jewelry Repair • Custom Designs • Ear Piercing • And More Watch Batteries – $5.00! Ask us about consigning your jewelry you no longer wear, its free! 22 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net BUNKER HILL HIGH SCHOOL 2009 WOMEN’S SOFTBALL SCHEDULE March 5 – Bunker Hill at South Iredell March 10 – Bunker Hill at Newton-Conover March 12 – St. Stephens at Bunker Hill March 16 – Bunker Hill at Hickory March 18 – Bunker Hill at Maiden March 20 – Bandys at Bunker Hill March 24 – Hibriten at Bunker Hill March 26 – Bunker Hill at Fred T. Foard March 31 – Bunker Hill at Patton April 2 – West Caldwell at Bunker Hill April 6 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill April 8 – Bunker Hill at St. Stephens April 9 – Hickory at Bunker Hill April 21 – Maiden at Bunker Hill April 23 – Bunker Hill at Bandys April 28 – Bunker Hill at Hibriten April 30 – Fred T. Foard at Bunker Hill May 5 – Patton at Bunker Hill May 7 – Bunker Hill at West Caldwell BUNKER HILL HIGH SCHOOL 2009 WOMEN’S SOCCER SCHEDULE March 10 – Bunker Hill at Newton-Conover March 12 – Bunker Hill at West Iredell March 13 – St. Stephens at Bunker Hill March 16 – Bunker Hill at Hickory March 18 – Bunker Hill at Maiden March 20 – Bandys at Bunker Hill March 24 – Hibriten at Bunker Hill March 27 – Bunker Hill at Fred T. Foard March 31 – Bunker Hill at Patton April 3 – West Caldwell at Bunker Hill April 7 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill April 9 – Bunker Hill at St. Stephens April 20 – Hickory at Bunker Hill April 22 – Maiden at Bunker Hill April 24 – Bunker Hill at Bandys April 28 – Bunker Hill at Hibriten May 1 – Fred T. Foard at Bunker Hill May 4 – Patton at Bunker Hill May 6 – Bunker Hill at West Caldwell BUNKER HILL HIGH SCHOOL 2009 TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE March 11 – Bunker Hill at Bandys March 17 – Bunker Hill at Newton-Conover March 25 – Bunker Hill at Hibriten April 8 – Bunker Hill at Bandys April 21 – Bunker Hill at Hickory NEWTON-CONOVER HIGH SCHOOL 2009 WOMEN’S SOFTBALL SCHEDULE March 6 – West Iredell at Newton-Conover March 10 – Bunker Hill at Newton-Conover March 12 – Maiden at Newton-Conover March 16 – Newton-Conover at Bandys March 18 – Newton-Conover at Hibriten March 20 – Fred T. Foard at Newton-Conover March 24 – Patton at Newton-Conover March 26 – Newton-Conover at West Caldwell March 31 – Newton-Conover at Hickory April 2 – St. Stephens at Newton-Conover April 6 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill April 8 – Newton-Conover at Maiden April 9 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 21 – Hibriten at Newton-Conover April 23 – Newton-Conover at Fred T. Foard April 28 – Newton-Conover at Patton April 30 – West Caldwell at Newton-Conover May 5 – Hickory at Newton-Conover May 7 – Newton-Conover at St. Stephens NEWTON-CONOVER HIGH SCHOOL 2009 WOMEN’S SOCCER SCHEDULE March 10 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill March 12 – South Iredell at Newton-Conover March 13 – Maiden at Newton-Conover March 16 – Newton-Conover at Bandys March 18 – Newton-Conover at Hibriten March 20 – Fred T. Foard at Newton-Conover March 24 – Patton at Newton-Conover March 26 – Newton-Conover at West Caldwell March 31 – Newton-Conover at Hickory April 3 – St. Stephens at Newton-Conover April 7 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill April 9 – Newton-Conover at Maiden April 20 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 22 – Hibriten at Newton-Conover April 24 – Newton-Conover at Fred T. Foard April 28 – Newton-Conover at Patton May 1 – West Caldwell at Newton-Conover May 4 – Hickory at Newton-Conover May 6 – Newton-Conover at St. Stephens NEWTON-CONOVER HIGH SCHOOL 2009 TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE March 11 – Newton-Conover at Bandys March 17 – Bunker Hill at Newton-Conover March 25 – Maiden at Newton-Conover April 8 – Newton-Conover at Bandys April 21 – Newton-Conover at Hickory Camaro, Chevelle & Nova Parts Special Order Only! David Owner Hamby ’s e v TRUCK PARTS Da 1967-2006 Steel Cowl Induction Hoods In Stock $320 to 1947-1987 Chevy & GMC Truck Parts $400! BUMPERS • INTERIORS GRILLES • CARPETS RUBBER PARTS & MORE! BUNKER HILL HIGH SCHOOL 2009 MEN’S TENNIS SCHEDULE BANDYS HIGH SCHOOL 2009 WOMEN’S SOFTBALL SCHEDULE March 10 – Bandys at Patton March 12 – St. Stephens at Bandys March 16 – Newton-Conover at Bandys March 20 – Bandys at Bunker Hill March 24 – Maiden at Bandys March 31 – Bandys at Hibriten April 2 – Fred T. Foard at Bandys April 6 – Patton at Bandys April 9 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 15 – Bandys at St. Stephens April 23 – Bunker Hill at Bandys April 28 – Bandys at Maiden May 5 – Hibriten at Bandys May 7 – Bandys at Fred T. Foard Full Schedule Was Not Received By March Deadline. BANDYS HIGH SCHOOL 2009 WOMEN’S SOCCER SCHEDULE March 10 – Bandys at Patton March 13 – West Caldwell at Bandys March 16 – Newton-Conover at Bandys March 18 – Bandys at St. Stephens March 20 – Bandys at Bunker Hill March 24 – Bandys at Maiden March 27 – Bandys at Hickory March 30 – Bandys at Challenger March 31 – Hibriten at Bandys April 3 – Fred T. Foard at Bandys April 7 – Patton at Bandys April 8 – Bandys at West Caldwell April 20 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 22 – St. Stephens at Bandys April 24 – Bunker Hill at Bandys April 28 – Maiden at Bandys April 30 – Hickory at Bandys May 4 – Bandys at Hibriten May 6 – Bandys at Fred T. Foard BUNKER HILL, NEWTON-CONOVER & BANDYS HIGH SCHOOL 2009 MEN’S GOLF SCHEDULE March 9 – Glen Oaks – 9 Holes March 16 – Catawba Country Club – 9 Holes March 19 – Rock Barn Golf and Spa – 9 Holes March 23 – Rock Barn Golf and Spa – 9 Holes March 26 – Catawba Springs – 9 Holes March 31 – Cedar Rock – 9 Holes April 7 – Catawba Springs – 18 Holes April 20 – Catawba Country Club – 18 Holes April 23 – Mimosa Hills – 18 Holes April 27 – Cedar Rock – 18 Holes March 5 – Bunker Hill at North Lincoln March 11 – Bunker Hill at Alexander Central March 12 – Bunker Hill at Lincolnton March 19 – Hibriten at Bunker Hill March 24 – Bunker Hill at Fred T. Foard March 26 – Bunker Hill at Patton March 30 – Bunker Hill at West Caldwell April 1 – Bunker Hill at Challenger April 2 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill April 6 – Bunker Hill at North Lincoln April 7 – Bunker Hill at St. Stephens April 9 – Hickory at Bunker Hill April 15 – Challenger at Bunker Hill April 20 – Maiden at Bunker Hill April 22 – Bunker Hill at Bandys NEWTON-CONOVER HIGH SCHOOL 2009 MEN’S TENNIS SCHEDULE March 3 – Freedom at Newton-Conover March 9 – Shelby at Newton-Conover March 12 – Newton-Conover at Statesville March 16 – Lake Norman at Newton-Conover March 19 – Patton at Newton-Conover March 23 – Watauga at Newton-Conover March 24 – Newton-Conover at West Caldwell March 26 – Newton-Conover at Hickory March 31 – St. Stephens at Newton-Conover April 2 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill April 7 – Newton-Conover at Maiden April 8 – Newton-Conover at Watauga April 9 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 21 – Hibriten at Newton-Conover April 23 – Newton-Conover at Fred T. Foard Bunker Hill announces 2009 football schedule CLAREMONT – Bunker Hill High School in Claremont has announced its 2009 Men’s Varsity Football Schedule. All games will begin at 7:30 p.m., and * denotes conference games. The 2009 schedule includes: Aug. 21 – Cherryville at Bunker Hill Aug. 28 – Bunker Hill at North Lincoln Sept. 4 – Bunker Hill at St. Stephens Sept. 11 – Fred T. Foard at Bunker Hill Sept. 25 – Bunker Hill at East Burke * Oct. 2 – South Iredell at Bunker Hill * Oct. 9 – Draughn at Bunker Hill * Oct. 16 – Bunker Hill at Newton-Conover * Oct. 23 – Bunker Hill at West Caldwell * Oct. 30 – Maiden at Bunker Hill * Nov. 6 – Bunker Hill at Bandys * “Your complete tire & auto service center” Town & Country Tire 2883 North Oxford Street, Claremont 459.4494 3464 Bethany Church Road Claremont Open: Tues.-Fri. - 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM & Sat. - 8 AM - 1 PM 828.695.8144 [email protected] OPEN MON-FRI 7:30AM – 5:30PM 4-Wheel Alignment • Computerized Balancing • Batteries Safety Inspections • Brake Service • Oil Changes & Lube • And More! Dealer For Michelin, Laramie, El Dorado, Remington And Performer GT American Racing Wheels! The Claremont Courier 23 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net BUNKER HILL HIGH SCHOOL 2009 MEN’S VARSITY BASEBALL SCHEDULE March 4 – Bunker Hill at North Lincoln March 6 – North Lincoln at Bunker Hill March 10 – Bunker Hill at Newton-Conover March 13 – St. Stephens at Bunker Hill March 16 – Bunker Hill at Hickory March 18 – Bunker Hill at Maiden March 20 – Bandys at Bunker Hill March 24 – Hibriten at Bunker Hill March 27 – Bunker Hill at Fred T. Foard March 30 – Bunker Hill at Patton April 1 – West Caldwell at Bunker Hill April 3 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill April 7 – Bunker Hill at St. Stephens April 9 – Hickory at Bunker Hill April 20 – Maiden at Bunker Hill April 22 – Bunker Hill at Bandys April 24 – Bunker Hill at Hibriten April 28 – Fred T. Foard at Bunker Hill April 30 – Patton at Bunker Hill May 4 – Bunker Hill at West Caldwell BANDYS HIGH SCHOOL 2009 MEN’S VARSITY BASEBALL SCHEDULE March 10 – Bandys at Patton March 13 – West Caldwell at Bandys March 16 – Newton-Conover at Bandys March 20 – Bandys at Bunker Hill March 24 – Maiden at Bandys March 30 – Bandys at Hibriten April 1 – Fred T. Foard at Bandys NEWTON-CONOVER HIGH SCHOOL 2009 MEN’S VARSITY BASEBALL SCHEDULE March 6 – Newton-Conover at East Burke March 10 – Bunker Hill at Newton-Conover March 13 – Maiden at Newton-Conover March 16 – Newton-Conover at Bandys March 18 – Newton-Conover at Hibriten March 20 – Fred T. Foard at Newton-Conover March 24 – Patton at Newton-Conover March 27 – Newton-Conover at West Caldwell March 30 – Newton-Conover at Hickory April 1 – St. Stephens at Newton-Conover April 3 – Newton-Conover at Bunker Hill April 6 – Newton-Conover at Freedom April 7 – Newton-Conover at Maiden April 9 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 20 – Hibriten at Newton-Conover April 22 – Newton-Conover at Fred T. Foard April 24 – Newton-Conover at Patton April 28 – West Caldwell at Newton-Conover April 30 – Hickory at Newton-Conover May 4 – Newton-Conover at St. Stephens April 3 – Patton at Bandys April 7 – Bandys at West Caldwell April 9 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 22 – Bunker Hill at Bandys April 24 – Bandys at Maiden April 30 – Hibriten at Bandys May 4 – Bandys at Fred T. Foard Full Schedule Was Not Received By March Deadline. Remainder of schedule will be published in the April edition of The Claremont Courier. Murray’s Grading & Paving Inc. HOME OR BUSINESS Over 20 Years Of Experience! We Offer Pick-Up Or Delivery For Any Of The Following: MULCH • GRAVEL TOP SOIL • DIRT ORGANIC COMPOST & CREEK SAND CALL TODAY AND FIND OUT WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU! 828.459.1858 828.312.6584 BANDYS HIGH SCHOOL 2009 MEN’S TENNIS SCHEDULE March 19 – Maiden at Bandys March 26 – Bandys at Hibriten March 31 – Fred T. Foard at Bandys April 2 – Patton at Bandys April 7 – Bandys at West Caldwell April 9 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 22 – Bunker Hill at Bandys Full Schedule Was Not Received By March Deadline. BANDYS HIGH SCHOOL 2009 TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE March 11 – Bunker Hill at Bandys March 17 – Bandys at Maiden March 25 – Bandys at Newton-Conover April 8 – Bunker Hill at Bandys April 21 – Bandys at Maiden The Claremont Courier Is A Proud Supporter Of Bandys, Bunker Hill And Newton-Conover High School Athletics! Max’s Muffler & Auto Repair Mention This Ad And Get 10% Off Exhaust Work 1891 MATHIS CHURCH ROAD CATAWBA 828.241.2694 • Mufflers & Tailpipes • Custom Exhaust • 1 1/2” to 3” Exhaust Pipe • Brake Work • Oil Changes • A/C Repair • Welding • Official Inspection Station HOURS OF OPERATION MON.-THUR. – 8AM-5PM & FRI. – 8AM-1PM GRILL COUNTRY MARKET COME TRY OUR NEW MENU ITEMS! NOW SERVING BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials One Meat, Two Vegetables & Bread $2.49, $3.99 & $4.99 OUR SPECIALS CHANGE DAILY! DAILY BREAKFAST SPECIAL FOR $2.19 Two Scrambled Eggs, Two Slices Of Bacon, Toast With Jelly & Grits Breakfast Special With Four Eggs Is $2.99 MAX LEE, JR. OWNER Located On Highway 10 In Claremont Next To The Country Market DINE IN OR TAKE OUT HOURS OF OPERATION MON-FRI – 6:30AM – 8 PM & SAT – 7AM – 2 PM 465.4973 COUNTRY MARKET CONSIGNMENT SHOP PROM DRESSES FROM $8-$25! WE HAVE A WIDE VARIETY OF STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM! KIDS SUMMER CLOTHES NOW IN STOCK! We Offer A Wide Variety Of Clothing For Children, Teens And Adults, Toys, Children's Items And Household Items! If You Have Clothing Or Household Items You Would Like To Sell, Call Us And Set Up An Appointment To Sell Your Items! Your Items Will Be On Sale For 60 Days, And You Will Receive 50% Of The Selling Price Once It Is Sold! 3161 NC Highway 10, Claremont HOURS OF OPERATION MON-FRI – 6:30AM – 9PM • SAT – 7AM – 9PM • SUN – 11AM – 7PM 465.3364 – 465.3365 24 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Panthers have many needs this offseason THE SPORTS REPORT W BY RANDY INMAN ith the NFL draft and free agency approaching, it is time to address the needs of the Carolina Panthers. As of this writing the Panthers do not have a number one draft pick, having traded it away last season. Julius Peppers has been hit with the Franchise tag in order to keep him from leaving as a free agent. Peppers wants out and the Panthers will try to oblige him. Teams that may end up trying to trade for Peppers include the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Houston Texans (rumor has it, he is building anew home there), New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers, where former Panthers head coach Dom Capers is the new defensive coordinator. I am leaning towards it being the Texans. Whoever wants him will have to trade at the minimum at first round draft pick to the Panthers. Carolina needs defensive linemen and there are lots of them in the 2009 NFL draft. Even if Peppers stays (which I highly doubt) they need ends and tackles to add depth. Last season the defensive line wore down and had injury problems. Look for the Panthers to draft two or three defensive linemen and sign at least one more in free agency. The other need will be to find at least one cornerback, and they will probably take two if one of them can be a kick returner as well. Starting corner, Ken Lucas will probably be released to make more room under the salary cap. Look for Carolina to add a fast wide receiver that can INMAN play special teams in the late rounds or free agency. D.J. Hackett was a bust and should be released. It is possible that the Panthers will be looking for backup offensive linemen as well in free agency, if they can find a good deal. Thy have to try and deal Julius Peppers quickly as he is eating up almost $17 million of the current salary cap space. This will keep them from signing any high profile free agents due to the cap limitations, so the whole offseason will play out according to the deal they make for Peppers and when the deal happens. Randy Inman is a freelance writer living in Claremont. More of his work can be seen on-line at www.footballdogz.com. CertainTeed to host annual JDRF golf tournament on May 5 CLAREMONT – CertainTeed (located in Claremont) has announced plans for their sixth annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Golf Tournament. You can now sign up for the tournament, which will be played on the Robert Trent Jones course at Rock Barn Golf & Spa in Conover on May 5. The tournament begins at 9 a.m., and the cost is $110 per person or $400 per team to play, and the format is a 4-man Captain’s Choice. Mulligan and skirts will also be available. The entry fee includes a golf cart, green fees, range balls, a gift bag, snacks by Canteen Vending and lunch from Texas Roadhouse. Prizes will be given out to first, second and third place winners. There will also be a closest to the pin prize on all of the par 3 holes, and a longest drive prize on the first hole. There will be an auction right after the golf tournament (open to the public) and a 50/50 raffle the day of the event. A team skins tournament will be held at $80 per team ($50 skin per hole. In the event of no skin winners, there will be a drawing, for a total of $900, of all teams entered). One hundred percent of your money goes to JDRF and is tax deductible. Contact Brian Hardy at 459-3314 or Susan Houston 459-3321 for more information on how you can sign up. CLAREMONT AUTOMOTIVE & MUFFLER REPAIR • Oil Change • Tune Up • Welding 3239 West Main Street • Electrical • Cooling System Downtown Claremont • Brakes & Rotors • Exhaust HOURS OF OPERATION • Engine & Transmission Mon.-Fri. – 8AM-5PM • Car Stereo Installations Sat. – By Appointment Only Our Service Technician 459-2255 Chad Cook Has 16 Years Of Experience! GIVE YOUR DOG THE HOME IT DESERVES! PLASTICS, INC. 5384 Bolick Road Claremont, NC 28610 Phone: 459-3341 Fax: 459-3342 Toll Free: (877) 272-9200 B-Line Plastics, Inc. has designed and built a doghouse for larger dogs, such as labs, chows or even Great Danes. It has two handles for easy moving, and four tie downs for keeping it secured to the ground. Our houses are made from durable plastic, made to last forever with very little maintenance needed. You can wash it with soap and water, inside and out. The house is vented with large vents for plenty of airflow. The circumference is 44” with a clear dome in the center. It is 31” in height (to top of dome). The doorway is 12”X24” but can be customized to fit any dog. Colors range from yellow, black, tan, purple, orange and gray. Additional colors can be special ordered, for an additional charge. For more information or questions, call our corporate office today! Bunker Hill to host alumni baseball game in April CLAREMONT – Bunker Hill High School in Claremont has announced that they will host an Alumni Baseball Game on April 25. This will give all former Bunker Hill High School baseball players the chance to come together, and share an afternoon of fun while playing a game of baseball. Any former players who are interested in participating in the Alumni Baseball Game on April 25, are asked to contact Bunker Hill High School Varsity Baseball Coach, Marty Curtis at 241-3355, 396-2986 or 446-0068. Men’s softball league meeting planned for March 19 NEWTON – The Newton Parks and Recreation Department will hold an organizational meeting for the Men’s Industrial/Open Softball League on March 19 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held in Room #4 on the lower level of the Newton Recreation Center. The Newton Recreation Center is located at 23 South Brady Avenue near East A Street in downtown Newton. For more information or questions, call Charles James, Program Coordinator at 695-4317. Lenoir-Rhyne to present April Fools walk and run HICKORY – The public is invited to participate in the Lenoir-Rhyne University April Fools for Fitness 5K Walk-Run beginning at 8 a.m. on April 4. The race will begin and end in the parking lot located at the corner of Stasavich Place and Seventh Ave. NE on campus. It will be held rain or shine. There will also be a 100-meter Tot Trot for children 7 and younger. All Tot Trot participants will receive a ribbon. Early registration is being accepted through 5 p.m. on March 27. Early registration is $15. Late registration will be accepted from March 28 through race day and is $20 for everyone. There is no entry fee for the Tot Trot. Medals will be awarded to the top overall male and female 5K finishers and to first and second place male and female finishers in their age division. Door prizes will be provided by local merchants. Entry forms are available for download at www.lr.edu/fools-for-fitness. Checks should be made payable to the LRU PAWS Club. For more information, contact Ingrid Anthony at [email protected]. March Madness tournament scheduled for Newton NEWTON – The Newton Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a March Madness Basketball Tournament on March 9 through 13 at the Central Recreation Center in Newton. This double elimination tournament will consist of eight teams and will be open to males 18 and older. Team rosters will consist of 10 players per team. The entry fee of $110 is due by March 5 at 9 p.m. For more information, Call Charles James, Program Coordinator, at 695-4317; or Linda McCorkle at 465-7477. Bunker Hill celebrates two 1,000 point scorers CLAREMONT – Bunker Hill High School would like to congratulate Kellie Rhoney and Emily Barr, who both scored their 1,000 point as a Bunker Hill High School Lady Bear in February. On Feb. 3 at Hibriten High School in Lenoir, Rhoney hit a 3-pointer taking her over 1,000 points for her high school career. Rhoney started the game needing 10 points to reach her goal, she scored 14 which was more than enough to put her over. Bunker Hill fans held 1,000 signs when Rhoney’s shot went in. Friday, Feb. 13, was a lucky day for Emily Barr who then scored her 1,000 point during a game at West Caldwell High School in Lenoir. Barr scored from the free-throw line after being fouled with 5:19 on the clock in the fourth quarter. Bass tournament planned for Lake Norman in March SHERRILLS FORD – Plans for the 23rd annual Jim Ledbetter Memorial Team Bass Tournament have been announced, and will be held on Lake Norman at Queens Landing in Mooresville on March 14. Entry fee for the tournament is $140 per team. Guaranteed prizes include a SkeeterYamaha Boat package for first place and $2,000 for second place. The Big Bass Award will be 70 percent of the pot. The top adult and child team gets $500, the top senior citizen team gets $500 and the top husband and wife team gets $500. For more information or questions, call 459-1119. Team trail bass tournament announced HICKORY – A Not-Just-Fishin’ 2009 Team Trail Bass Tournament has been announced for several locations through the spring months, and is scheduled to kick-off on March 7 at Lake Norman. Other locations in the tournament will include Lake Wylie on March 21, Lake James on April 18, Lake Rhodhiss on May 9, Lake Hickory on June 6, and a lake to named at a later time on June 20. Membership is $35 per person for the entire season, and there is an $80 per event team entry fee as well. For more information, questions or to register for the tournament, call J.D. Norton at 726-0718 FLEMING’S HANDWASH & DETAIL SERVICE Call Us For A Truly Clean OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK Vehicle, Inside And Out 5344 Hudson Chapel Road, At An Affordable Price! Catawba Drop Off Your Vehicle, Call Targie Fleming At Or We’ll Pick It Up! We Offer A Wide Variety Of 828.962.2702 Services To Fit Any Budget! 828.241.2851 WE CLEAN AND DETAIL CARS, TRUCKS, VANS, CAMPERS, MOTORCYCLES & BOATS! The Claremont Courier 25 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Bunker Hill High School honors 1988-1989 men’s and women’s basketball teams PHOTOS BY BUNKER HILL HIGH SCHOOL Bunker Hill High School in Claremont honored its boys’ and girls’ basketball teams from the 1988-1989 season on Feb. 6, when Bunker Hill High School hosted Fred T. Foard High School. Both the boys’ and girls’ teams finished the 1988-1989 season as the North Carolina High School State 2A runner-up in basketball. The girls team was honored during halftime of the girls game, and the boys team was honored at halftime of the boys game. Pictured at top from left to right: members of the 1988-1989 men’s basketball team include Sterling Phillips, Brian Deese, Michael Sharpe, Marion Robinson, Pressley Barr, Austin Roberts and Bunker Hill High School Athletic Director, Jim Woodruff. Pictured above from left to right: members of the 1988-1989 girls basketball team included Carolyn Brandon, Tracy Cook, Tomiko Finger Rich, Gigi Fulcher Moore and Renae Griffith Thomas. Free yoga classes offered to senior citizens NEWTON – The Newton Parks and Recreation Department and the Catawba County Council on Aging will offer Yoga for Seniors every Thursday morning in March at no cost to those ages 60 and over. The class will be held at the Newton Recreation Center in downtown Newton from 10 to 11 a.m. on March 5, 12, 19 and 26. The class will introduce participants to basic postures and techniques used in yoga to relax the body and calm the mind. The instructor has her yoga teaching certification and over 20 years of experience practicing and teaching yoga. She will provide individual attention to physical limitations presented by each class member and will offer alternative movements to prevent any discomfort. For more information or questions about any of the programs offered, call the Newton Parks and Recreation Department at 695-4317, or visit www.newtonnc.gov. Catawba Fire Department makes several announcements PHOTO BY CATAWBA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT The Catawba Volunteer Fire Department held it’s Annual Christmas Banquet at the Boxcar Grille in Statesville, and Assistant Fire Chief, Trent T. Cloninger was awarded the 2008 Firefighter of the Year Award and was also presented with a plaque from the department by Fire Chief, Donald Robinson. On Feb. 24, the department participated with Catawba County Schools in the Groundhog Job Shadow Day. Students from Mill Creek and River Bend Middle School spent the morning shadowing Fire Chief Robinson and Firefighter, Billy Danforth at the station in downtown Catawba. Students were taught the education requirements and training required to become a firefighter. Students were also shown all the equipment required to be worn by firefighters to protect themselves while performing their job. On Feb. 19 and 20, all 499 students at Catawba Elementary School entered the Smoke House Safety Trailer, and were taught how to escape their home if it caught on fire. The Catawba Fire Department with the assistance from the Newton Fire Department’s Safety Trailer enabled the members to teach the students. All the students learned the proper method to get out of their bed during the night, and practiced crawling out with the room on fire. Cattlemen’s Association announces scholarship NEWTON – The Catawba Valley Cattlemen’s Association is pleased to announce the availability of several college scholarships for deserving area young people throughout our region that choose to pursue a career in agriculture. MOVIE MADNESS AND TANNING TANNING SPECIAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY SPECIAL CONSIGNMENT SHOP We carry a full line of new and partially used children’s clothing (infant–12 years old), shoes, toys, books, cribs, strollers, hi-chairs, car seats, baby items, maternity clothing, and so much more! 2952 North Oxford Street, Claremont We are currently looking for people to volunteer at our Consignment Shop. If you would like to donate any items 459.0004 to our Consignment Shop, call us for more details. HOURS OF OPERATION License Number: 18000420 MON-FRI – 10AM-5PM • SAT – 10AM-3PM HELD USA The association hopes to award as many as two scholarships for up to $1,000 each. Applications are available by contacting the Catawba County Center of the Cooperative Extension Service at 465-8240. Deadline for applications to be returned is April 1. The selection committee will interview deserving applicants after all applications have been reviewed. One Month Of Unlimited Tanning For $39.99 GLOVES JACKETS MOTORCYCLE APPAREL 3031 Claremont Commons Claremont 459.9542 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK MONDAY – SUNDAY – 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Rent A New Movie Release On Sunday, Monday, Tuesday Or Wednesday And Get One FREE For Two Days! Massage Therapist Now On Staff. Call For Details! TANK BAGS BOOTS Held USA 1232 Commerce Street OPEN Conover Mon.-Fri. 464.4440 9am-5pm www.heldusa.com 26 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net First Baptist Church of Claremont hosts Valentine’s Day Family Night Out event PHOTOS BY SCOTT W. RAMSEY On Feb. 13, First Baptist Church of Claremont hosted a special Family’s Night Out Valentine’s Day banquet and movie in the Family Life Center. Everyone in attendance was served a banquet style meal, with the First Baptist Church of Claremont youth (pictured at top) acting as servers for the evening. Associate Pastor/ Educational Director, Rev. Jerry Teague (pictured at left) stated that the Family’s Night Out series of events is open to all area residents regardless of domination. Teague also talked about the inspirational message the featured movie “Fireproof” offered everyone, and then held a raffle and awarded several prizes to children and adults in attendance. First Baptist Church of Claremont will host another Family’s Night Out event on March 21 in the Family Life Center. The event will feature a hot dog supper and the featured movie will be “The Wager.” The hot dog supper begins at 6 p.m., and the movie starts at 7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Claremont is located at 4791 South Depot Street in Claremont. For more information or questions, call 459-7110. St. Joseph Knights of Columbus to host fish fry NEWTON – The St. Joseph the Worker Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring several Lenten fish frys throughout the month of March. The St. Joseph the Worker Knights of Columbus on March 6, March 13, March 27, April 3 and April 10 will be offering, at a cost of $6 per dinner, fried or baked perch, cole slaw, french fries and hush puppies. The dinners will be served between the hours of 5 and 8:30 p.m., and are avail- able either as an dine-in meal or take-out dinner. All funds raised from the Lenten fish frys will be used to help the needy and less fortunate throughout our communities. The Lenten fish fry dinners will be available at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parish Hall located at 720 West 13th Street in Newton (just off Business Route 321). For more information, questions or to place a take-out order, call the church office at 464-9207. For more information or questions about St. Joseph Catholic Church, visit their Web site at www.stjosephrcc.org. Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church lists March events CLAREMONT – Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in downtown Claremont has announced that the Rev. Wesley R. Frye will conduct his first service as Mt. Calvary’s 15th called Pastor in the 106 year ministry of the church on March 8 following his ordination on March 1 at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Kings Mountain. Frye graduated from Lenoir-Rhyne College in 2004 where he majored in Theology and minored in Christian Education. In 2008 he graduated from the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary with his Master of Divinity Degree. Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church also announced that it has closed their food closet to the public, as well as giving out financial assistance. These programs were terminated due to several security concerns. The church will continue assisting others by sending their food items to the Eastern Catawba Christian Co-Operative Ministry in Newton. In addition to the food they will be making a monthly financial contribution to them. Those needing any other assistance can contact the Claremont Police Department. Mount Calvary Lutheran Church is located at 3180 West Main Street in downtown Claremont. The church hosts Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Sunday Worship Service at 10:30 a.m. every Sunday. For more information or questions, call the church office at 459-7195. Bethlehem UMC announces upcoming events for March CLAREMONT – During the Sundays in March, several area churches will gather for combined Lenten services. Running through March 29, each service will begin at 7 p.m. Rather than the traditional themes of ‘giving up’ something for Lent, we will explore how to give, as individuals and as churches, to those in desperate need this year. In addition to providing sermons of hope in difficult times, we will provide information on how to get help for housing, food, employment and other necessities for those out of work and financially hurt. The schedule is as follows: March 8 – Center United Methodist Church at 4945 Sherrills Ford Road in Catawba. March 15 – Bethlehem United Methodist Church at 3214 Catawba Street in Claremont. March 22 – Pisgah United Methodist Church at 4950 Little Mountain Road in Catawba. March 29 – Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church at 4136 Mt. Pleasant Road in Sherrills Ford. A free-will offering will be taken at each service which will benefit the Eastern Catawba County Christian Ministries (ECCCM). Refreshments and fellowship will follow each service. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. For more information, call 459-7480. Every Sunday the church serves refreshments at 9:30 a.m. followed by Sunday School at 9:45 a.m., with the Worship Service at 11 a.m. The Senior Citizens will meet on March 17 in the Morris Center at 10:30 a.m. for a business meeting. Afterwards the group will go to Bennett’s Barbecue for lunch at 11:30 a.m. A Senior Citizens Trip – Springtime By The Sea is currently being planned. Brochures are on the table in the Fellowship Hall, these brochures have all the information and signup sheet for this trip. Make checks to Bethlehem United Methodist Church marked for Epworth Trip. Money needs to be turned in to Nell Wintzer or Nancy Miller by March 30. Ministry for our Shut-ins – The Senior Citizens are mailing the DVDs of the worship services to our shut-ins. These DVDs do not have to be returned. If there are any other shut-ins that we don’t know about and would like a DVD, call Nell Wintzer at 241-2674. All other persons that would like a DVD should see or call Everett Setzer at 465-6225. There will be a small charge for these DVDs. The Outreach Committee is still collecting items for the hospital waiting rooms. They are also still collecting personal items for the Hickory CCM. For more information, call Carolyn Leonhardt at 464-6044. Bethlehem United Methodist Women are finalizing plans for the World Day of Prayer Luncheon on March 7 at 11 a.m. The luncheon will be held in the Joe Morris Building at the church. Tickets are being sold for $7. See Janie Morrison, Nancy Murray or Alice Williams for reservations or tickets. On March 21, the church will travel to Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Statesville for the District Prayer Breakfast. This will be held at 9 a.m. Dr. Dye will be the featured speaker. The church will also help at the Corner Table on March 23, April 28 and May 21. The time will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you would like to help, contact Carolyn Leonhardt at 464-6044. The Bunker Hill High School Chorus will present a concert in the Joe Morris Fellowship Hall on March 19 at 7 p.m. The concert is free and the public is invited and encouraged to attend this concert. The Columbarium Committee is still collecting money for bricks. If you are interested in buying a brick for our walkway, forms can be found in the Narthex of the Church and also in the Fellowship Hall. A display of already purchased bricks is in the old kitchen of the Church. Bethlehem United Methodist Church is located at 3214 Catawba Street in Claremont. For more information or questions, call the church office at 459-7480 or visit the church Web site at www.claremontbethlehem.com. First Baptist Church Mount Calvary Lutheran Church ELCA 4791 South Depot Street, Claremont 459-7110 Rev. Dennis J. Richards: Pastor, Doctor Of Ministry & Doctor Of Divinity Rev. Jerry Teague: Associate Pastor/Educational Director Sunday Schedule Sunday School – 9:45 AM Morning Worship – 11 AM Children’s Church – 11 AM Evening Worship – 6 PM Weekly Events Wednesday Night Prayer – 7 PM Monthly Events Sunday Prayer Breakfast – 8:30 AM Every Third Sunday Of The Month Plan To Worship With Us This Sunday! We Love The Lord, Each Other And We Love You! 3180 West Main Street Downtown Claremont 459.7195 Join Us Every Sunday For Sunday School At 9:30 AM & Our Sunday Service At 10:30 AM! “Your Friendly Neighborhood Church!” The Claremont Courier 27 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net First Baptist Church to host several events in March CLAREMONT – First Baptist Church of Claremont has announced that on March 21, they will host its March Family’s Night Out event beginning at 6 p.m., in the church’s Family Life Center. The evening will feature a hot dog supper, and the cost is $3 per person. After the meal at 7 p.m., everyone is invited to stay and watch the feature movie “The Wager,” starring Randy Travis, Candace Cameron Bure and Bronson Pinchot. Everybody is welcome to attend this event regardless of denomination. On March 22, the church will also play host to The Rick Webb Family in concert during the 11 a.m. worship service. In 1997 the inception of The Rick Webb Trio opened a new concept of ministry for the Webbs. The Webbs Music Ministry now consists of Rick and Phyllis Webb with daughter Hannah and oldest son Parker. First Baptist Church in Claremont also hosts Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. for all age groups, Sunday Worship Service and Children’s Church at 11 a.m., and the Sunday Evening Worship Service at 6 p.m. every Sunday. First Baptist Church also hosts a Wednesday Prayer Session and Children’s Mission Groups at 7 p.m. A Sunday Morning Prayer Breakfast is held on the third Sunday of each month at 8:30 a.m. The First Baptist Church Senior Citizens meet twice a month on Thursday mornings at 11 a.m. First Baptist Church of Claremont is located at 4791 South Depot Street in Claremont. For more information or questions, call the church office at 459-7110. Bethlehem UMC to host The Flowers Family in concert CLAREMONT – Bethlehem United Methodist Church in Claremont has announced they will host The Flowers Family Band in concert on March 21 at 7 p.m. The band plays an exciting blend of gospel bluegrass and bluegrass music, and features three talented young people; Alana (age 20) plays the banjo, Hannah (age 14) plays the fiddle, and Dillon (age 10) plays the mandolin. These three talented musicians have been winning awards since 2001. The concert is free and open to the public, and everyone is invited to attend. A love offering will be taken at the concert. For more information, visit their Web site at www.flowersfamilybluegrass.com. Bethlehem United Methodist Church is located at 3214 Catawba Street in Claremont. For more information or questions, call the church office at 459-7480 or visit the church Web site at www.claremontbethlehem.com. Conover Presbyterian NCD to host March events CONOVER – Conover Presbyterian New Church Development (New Vision Church) plans to launch on April 5. As are part of our Lenten study and theme, we will be using the 40 days of Purpose, and reading and studying together “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. We offer small group time on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m. We will be looking at the weekly theme of the book, studying scripture and spending time in prayer. Also on Sunday at 10 a.m. worship, our theme will also be “Finding Purpose in Life.” Co-pastors, Rev. Ann and Dr. Frank Aichinger will be telling stories involving two modern day adults, Harry and Mary who are seeking to find purpose and meaning in their life. On March 7, the church will be continuing their ministry at Conover Nursing and Rehab Center, leading in worship, hymn singing, and sharing in Communion. They are continuing their Pack-A-Bag program in which we provide backpacks of food for children at Shuford Elementary School. Conover Presbyterian New Church Development is located at 502 Thornburg Drive NE on Highway 16 between Rock Barn Road and Conover Boulevard/US 70, and 1/2 mile south of exit 132 on I-40. We offer a nursery for our youngest guests and members. If you have questions or want to know more about the church, call 4641330 or visit www.newvisionconover.com. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church youth participate in many activities throughout the winter months St. Mark’s Lutheran Church to host March events CLAREMONT – St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in downtown Claremont has announced the following event that will take place in March at the church. On March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the NC Women of the ELCA will host “Created in His Image: God’s Gift of Diversity – Information – Understanding – Advocacy.” This event is a anti-racism workshop, and lunch will be provided for everyone in attendance. There is no cost for the workshop, and the event is open to all ages, genders and interests. You are asked to register for the workshop by March 13. For more information or to register for the workshop, call Tamarah Hefner at 4597053 or e-mail to [email protected]. The St. Mark’s Lenten Fair and Fifth Sunday Fellowship will be hosted at the church on March 29. At the moment team planners need certain supplies, and you are asked to call the church office for more information or if you would like to donate supplies. The Women of the ELCA have also announced plans for a spring retreat to be held BETHLEHEM United Methodist Church (828) 459-7480 Box 233 3214 Catawba Street Claremont, NC 28610 www.claremontbethlehem.com • Service at 11:00 am • Sunday School at 9:45 am • Programs for all ages Pastor: Rev. Dr. Stephen Ray Child Development Center (828) 459-0086 PHOTOS BY ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCOTT W. RAMSEY The St. Mark’s Lutheran Church junior and senior high youth participated in a co-ed church basketball league for the first time this year. St. Mark’s finished with a record of five wins and one loss. Games were played at St. Stephens LCMS on Sunday afternoons. Teams were required to have a girl on the court at all times, or play with a team of four boys. Pictured at top, front row from left to right are; Austin McGonagle, Ryan Abernathy and Nathan Sherrill. Back row from left to right; Rusty Hastings, Kristi Lackey – Statistician, Megan Icard, Margaret Connor, Alex Moser, Jonathan Seagle, Josh Franklin, Tim Schaefer and coach, Josh Tucker. Not pictured are TJ Mace and Blake Herman. The St. Mark’s Lutheran Church youth and youth directors also acted as servers (pictured above) during the Claremont Friends of the Library Dinner with the Author event, featuring North Carolina author, Ann B. Ross on Feb. 12 at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center. March 20-22 at the Kure Beach Retreat Center. The cost to attend is $90 which includes two nights stay, two breakfasts and one lunch; or $40 if you do not care to stay overnight, but includes two breakfasts and one lunch. For more information or questions, call Marguerite Taylor at (704) 867-2653. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is located at 3216 West Main Street in downtown Claremont. You can obtain more information on any of the many programs or services offered for all age groups at St. Mark’s by calling the church office at 459-2161 during regular business hours. You can also obtain more information by visiting the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Web site at www.stmarksclaremont.org. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 3216 West Main Street Downtown Claremont 459.2161 www.stmarksclaremont.org Service Times: Sundays 8:15 AM & 10:30 AM For more information on St. Mark’s programs, call the church office or visit our Web site for the monthly calendar which lists dates and times. 28 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Friendship UMC to host Bandys Jazz Ensemble NEWTON – Friendship United Methodist Church, located at 2900 Highway 16 South in Newton invites the community to celebrate an evening of jazz, presented by the Bandys High School Jazz Ensemble. The dinner and jazz event will be held on March 14 at 5:30 p.m., and is being hosted by the Friendship UMYF-Youth with proceeds to benefit the Children’s Protection Council. For more information or questions, call the church office at 4645408 or visit www.friendship-umc.org. Catawba UMC announces upcoming events for March CATAWBA – Catawba United Methodist Church located in downtown Catawba has announced several upcoming events for March. The church will host a Gideon speaker at both the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. worship services on March 15. Ken Manfredi will share about the Bible distribution ministry of Gideons International. A free-will offering will be taken at both services, and everyone is welcome. The Catawba UMC United Methodist Women will hold their annual prayer breakfast on March 21 at 8 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Terri Broome will be the guest speaker, and her message at the event will be “Time for God.” Early worship is held every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. followed by Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., and a second worship service is held at 10:30 a.m. Classes are provided for all age levels and everyone is welcome to attend. Catawba United Methodist Church is located at 207 East Central Avenue in down- town Catawba. For more information or questions, call the church office at 241-4868. Lenoir-Rhyne University starts new gospel choir HICKORY – Lenoir-Rhyne University has long been known for its A Cappella Choir and Sacred Music Program. But the university now has something new, a gospel choir begun through the Black Student Alliance. The choir was organized by Emma Sellers, area coordinator and director of multicultural student services at Lenoir-Rhyne. It consists of approximately 20 African-American students who rehearse on campus and take their music to churches throughout the area. Delisa Hickmon of Claremont said, “The choir not only brings us together as an L-R family, but it also helps us to stay connected and grow in mind, body, and spirit of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Local members include, Danica Hickmon and Delisa Hickmon of Claremont. For more information about the LRU Gospel Choir, NU Generation, or to schedule an appearance by the group, contact Emma Sellers at 328-7288 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Catawba school plays host to annual church event HICKORY – The first week of March marks the twentieth annual observance of Black Church Week of Prayer the Healing of AIDS. ALFA, formerly known as AIDS Leadership Foothills-Are Alliance, Inc., will collaborate with several organizations in the Unifour counties in observance of Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS (BCWOP). This national mobilization effort is designed to encourage and mobilize faith based organizations to get involved locally and across the United States and Territorial Areas. Special events. On March 14 at 10 a.m., a health fair will be held at Catawba Elementary School, located at 5415 Hudson Chapel Road in Catawba. This event is free and open to the public, regardless of race or ethnicity. For more information or questions on The 20th Annual Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, visit http://www.alfainfo.org or call Cecilio Orta at 473-1447. Bethlehem UMC CDC receives four star rating CLAREMONT – The Bethlehem United Methodist Church Child Development Center in Claremont has announced that they recently were awarded a four star rating by the State of North Carolina Department of Health Services, Division of Child Development. The center has also announced that it is also currently enrolling all children between the ages of six weeks and five years old. All of the teachers at Bethlehem UMC CDC have their North Carolina childcare credentials, and they feature a Christian based education and thematic curriculum for all ages. The center also accepts DSS subsidies as well. Children who are a part of Bethlehem UMC CDC are exposed daily to the love of God through the Bible and their curriculum. The center is located at 3214 Catawba Street in Claremont, and they are open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information or questions, call the director, Tracie Hice at 459-0086. Center UMC working with Angel Food Ministry CATAWBA – Center United Methodist Church in Catawba has announced its participation in the Angel Food Ministry program. Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and contributing to benevolent outreaches in communities throughout the United States. Affordable meals for families include the Regular Box for $30: Balanced nutrition and variety with enough food to feed a family of four for a week. This box contains approximately $60 worth of food. Senior/Convenience Box for $28: For Seniors or people on the go. Ten perfectly seasoned, nutritionally balanced, fully cooked meals – just heat and serve. Allergen-Free Box for $25: Processed to eliminate the eight top serious allergens, great for children and adults. Orders can be placed by calling 241-4122, leave a message and someone will return your call to set up a time to complete your order. Order deadlines for 2009 are 3/15, 4/12, 5/10, 6/14, 7/12, 8/16, 9/15, 10/11, 11/8, and 12/6. Distribution of food for 2009: The following Saturdays between 10:00 and 11:00 - 3/21, 4/18, 5/16, 6/20, 7/18, 8/22, 9/19, 10/17, 11/14, and 12/12. If one of the boxes above is purchased there are special boxes (meat, vegetables, fruit, holiday specials, etc) that can be ordered in addition. Center United Methodist Church is located at 4945 Sherrills Ford Road in Catawba. The Pastor is the Rev. Paula Northrup. For more information or questions, call the church office at 241-4122 or visit www.centerumc.org. First Baptist Church Of Claremont Will Present FAMILY’S NIGHT OUT – MARCH 21, 2009 Featuring The Movie “The Wager” Joy FM 88.1 exists to proclaim JESUS CHRIST to our listening area through Southern Gospel Music. The effective service to our community is to encourage the believer, show the way to the lost, and be a source of information and family entertainment. For more information visit us on-line at www.joyfm.org STARRING RANDY TRAVIS, CANDACE CAMERON BURE, JUDE CICCOLELLA, NANCY STAFFORD, NANCY VALEN, BRONSON PINCHOT, PASTOR JOHN HAGEE AND MATTHEW W. BARNETT Hot Dog Supper Starts At 6:00 PM – Movie Starts At 7:00 PM At The First Baptist Church of Claremont Family Life Center 4791 South Depot Street, Claremont HOT DOG SUPPER COSTS $3 PER PERSON – WATCH THE MOVIE FOR FREE! All area citizens are invited to attend. For more information, call the church office at 459-7110, Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM To 4:00 PM. The Claremont Courier 29 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net St. Mark’s Lutheran Church celebrates Shrove Tuesday Were Soldiers.” Galloway’s most recent book is “We Are Soldiers Still.” Included in Galloway’s many awards and honors is a Bronze Star, the only honor awarded to a civilian. For more information or to request a ticket, call Shari Smith at 228-5852 or e-mail to [email protected]. Claremont Lions Club hosts February meeting Civil War encampment planned for Catawba PHOTO BY ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in downtown Claremont celebrated Shrove Tuesday on Feb. 24, with a Pancake Supper, pancake decorating contest, pancake races and lots of fun and fellowship. Children enjoyed the pancake decorating contest and the winners were rewarded (pictured above). Men and women took part in a pancake flipping contest, and the winners in the adult contests were crowned Mardi Kings and Queens. Susan Tucker, Judy Craig and Renee Hedrick were the coordinators of the event, and the delicious meal was prepared by Keith Tucker, JD Icard and Debbie Icard. Several writers coming to Claremont on April 3 CLAREMONT – Writers from all over the South are coming to Claremont on April 3, to help Shari Smith thank Claremont for the love and support shown to her after her home burned on Nov. 29. Smith is giving tickets to the Claremont Fire Department, Police Department, Rescue Squad and all citizens of Claremont who want to attend the event at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center at 7 p.m. Speaking at that evening will be Doug Crandell, Georgia Author of the Year; Joe Formichella; Suzanne Hudson; Jim Wilson, associate editor of “Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine” and “Bay Woods.” The evening’s featured writer will be Joe Galloway, author of “We Were Soldiers Once and Young,” the book that became the Mel Gibson film, “We LIVE IN CONCERT CATAWBA – The 12th North Carolina Company A Civil War re-enactors have announced that they will be hosting a Civil War encampment on March 28 and 29 in downtown Catawba. With over 20 members participating in the encampment, area citizens are encouraged to come out and see this free living history program on how men and women lived in the mid-1800’s during the American Civil War. Visitors to the encampment can stop by anytime on March 28 or 29, and see how people lived during this period. The encampment will be set up in downtown Catawba, across the street from the Old Company Store on Main Street in downtown Catawba. Visitors are welcome to stop by between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on March 28, and 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on March 29. Beginning at 9 a.m. and ending at 1:30 p.m. both days, there will be several demonstration stations set up including cooking demonstrations, weapons demonstrations, military drills, flag demonstrations, camp life and message decoding. At 2 p.m. on March 28 and 1 p.m. on March 29, there will also be a fashion show. At 3 p.m. on March 28 and 2 p.m. on March 29, there will be skirmish put on by the group. Colors and a morning parade for the men participating in the group will be held at 8 a.m. both days. PHOTO BY CLAREMONT LIONS CLUB The Claremont Lions Club held their regular monthly meeting on Feb. 19 at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Family Life Center in downtown Claremont. Eighteen members and two guests were in attendance, and the featured speaker was Mitchell S. Setzer, Representative for the 89th District of the North Carolina House of Representatives. Setzer talked about the activities in the State House, and interjected a lot of humor in the process. The Claremont Lions Club meets on the third Thursday of each month at the St. Mark’s Lutheran Church’s Family Life Center in downtown Claremont at 7 p.m. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is located at 3216 West Main Street in downtown Claremont. Anyone that is interested in attending a meeting or joining the Claremont Lions Club, can call Nancy Murray at 4597306 or Mac Robbins at 459-1827. Stone Hearth Baked Pizza Great Pizza, No Strings Attached! (828) 459-7799 3252 West Main Street, Downtown Claremont HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 11am - 9pm • Friday-Saturday 11am - 10pm Pick-Up/Dine-In/Delivery THE RICK WEBB FAMILY SUNDAY, MARCH 22 DURING THE 11:00 AM WORSHIP SERVICE AT FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF CLAREMONT 4791 SOUTH DEPOT STREET, CLAREMONT This Special Concert Is Free And Open To The Public! For More Information Or Questions, Call 459-7110 We Deliver Everything On Our Menu Enjoy These Dine-In Specials And Our Friendly Waitstaff! SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY Dine-In Only Dine-In Only Dine-In Only TAKE 15% OFF YOUR PURCHASE WITH COUPON Buy any Pasta and get Second Pasta 1/2 PRICE Buy a Large Pizza and get a Medium One Topping Pizza FREE Expires 03/31/09 Expires 03/31/09 Expires 03/31/09 Dine-In Only Dine-In Only 1/2 PRICE Wings and Appetizers Expires 03/31/09 Buy any Sub and get a Second Sub 1/2 PRICE Expires 03/31/09 30 The Claremont Courier March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net 18. To Prune 19. Pyre Or Heap 20. Bad Odor 22. Spires 24. Acknowledgement Of A Debt 26. Hold In High Regard 27. Computer Copier 31. _____ And Feather 32. Speak With Volume 33. Strong Winds 36. Second Son Of Noah 39. Carry On 40. Equal To 39.37 Inches 41. Rural Structure 42. Reverence 43. Sat For Portrait 44. Rebuff 45. Cry 46. Lubricated 48. Admittance 51. Devour 52. To Douse Or Splash 54. Young, Unmarried Girls 59. Spoken 60. Prepare For Publication 62. Come Home To _____ 63. Outer Layer 64. Rodents 65. Rub Out 66. Wapitis 67. Break Suddenly 68. To Sow Or Sprinkle ACROSS 1. Out Of Bed 6. Pretends 10. El _____, Texas 14. Startle 15. Infrequent 16. Mild Oath 17. Singers, The Mamas And The _____ DOWN 1. Nile Vipers 2. Word To Kitty 3. To Record 4. Turkey’s Neighbor 5. Retract 6. Mr. Linkletter 7. Automobiles 8. Banal 9. Academic Period 10. Seasoning 11. Nimble 12. Oregon Capital 13. Poems 21. Garden Tool 23. Depot Information 25. Eggs On 27. Bakery Brand Name, _____ Lee 28. Type Of Hammer 29. Top-Notch (Hyph.) 30. Used With A Bolt 34. Consumed 35. Shelf Or Ridge 36. Haunches 37. Out Of The Wind 38. Template 40. Al Capone’s Men 41. Ocean 43. Lyricist 44. Resigns 45. Burns With Hot Liquid 47. St. Louis Pro 48. Rainy Month 49. Metal To Metal Sound 50. Enclosed Automobile 52. Achy 53. Comedienne, _____ Rudner 55. Separate The Mail 56. To Fly 57. Being 58. Slow Boil 61. Recipe Measurement Submitted by James Loftin. The March Answer Key is published on Page 5. EVERYONE HAS A BOOK IN THEM. GIVE YOUR CHILD A GIFT THEY WILL NEVER FORGET! MAKE YOURS A REALITY! A PERSONALIZED CHILDREN’S BOOK Publish Your Book For As Little As $75.00! This Includes Setup & Two Paperback Copies. Hardback Packages Are Also Available. Our personalized books feature your child or children’s names throughout and their picture on the back cover! You pick the topic and we’ll write the story, or you or your child may write your own story! Each page has an area for your child to color their own scene in, or paste their own pictures. Books average around 20 plus pages. We Also Offer These books make great gifts and Global Distribution Packages! keepsakes for that special child in your life! Visit Our Web Site For More Details! The book only costs $20 & $10 for each additional book! www.cozzenpublications.com OTHER COZZEN PUBLICATIONS TITLES INCLUDE: BROKEN ARROWS By Angela James “Broken Arrows: A Pepper Pot Collection,” is a continuation of her first book, “Broken.” PASSING OF TIME By Dorothy Mathis This book is a collection of down-home poems written during her lifetime. DAVID & CHRIS GO EXPLORING PLUS B.J. RIDES THE MOUNTAIN TRAIL This is a chapter book for children in grades 3-6. POEMS & POETRY FROM THE HEART & MY FAMILY POEMS & POETRY FROM THE HEART-THE WAY WE WERE The Claremont Courier 31 March, 2009 • Vol. 3 Issue 3 • www.theclaremontcourier.net Green Room to present ‘When Goldilocks Knocks’ NEWTON – The Green Room Community Theatre is pleased to announce it will present “When Goldilocks Knocks,” a kooky comedy based on the story of “The Three Bears.” “When Goldilocks Knocks” will be presented on March 25 and 26 at 7 p.m. and March 28 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $8 for children. This show is rated G. All performances will be held at The NewtonConover Auditorium in Newton. Box Office hours are from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday throughout the run of the show. For more information or questions, call the box office at 464-6128. HCT brings ‘Enchanted April’ to the stage HICKORY – “It’s a belated Valentine” said Hickory Community Theatre Guest Director Anthony Liguori about the play “Enchanted April” as he continues rehearsals. Based on a best selling novel and popular movie, begins in the early 1920’s in gray and gloomy post WWI London. Two wives, chaffing under strictures of postwar British life, conspire to rent an Italian villa. They take two eccentric “guests” to share expenses and the gray of London turns to the sunny bloom of Italy. The wives’ husbands show up unexpectedly and romance blossoms again along with the wisteria on the villa’s garden wall. Through it all the comedy is king. “Enchanted April” will be presented on the Jeffers Theater main stage weekends March 13-29. For more information or questions, call 327-3855 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., or visit www.hct.org. Library system announces March special displays NEWTON – The Catawba County Library System will sponsor several special displays at their branch libraries during the month of March. Displays are intended for informational and education as well as entertainment. March displays will include: Newton – Main – North Carolina pottery, Irish heritage. Genealogy – How to trace your family tree. St. Stephens – Hand-made books by St. Stephens High School art students. Sherrills Ford – BIG Read/Civil War themed items. Maiden – Pottery Collection by Georgianna Cloninger. Claremont – BIG Read/Civil War themed items. WPS to present Masterworks IV concert HICKORY – The Western Piedmont Symphony and Corning proudly presents “Bang On!” – the fourth Masterworks performance of the year. The concert will be held at First Baptist Church in Hickory on March 7 at 8 p.m. WPS is pleased to feature the percussion section – Mike Filip, Rick Cline and Charles Smith at this concert. Tickets are $15, $30 and $40. Call (828) 324-8603 for ticket info. Contact the business office at 324-8603 or visit www.wpsymphony.org for concert box office schedule or for more information. Artists Cafe announces March live music line-up NEWTON – The Artist’s Cafe in downtown Newton has announced its upcoming live music line-up for March.All shows will start at 8:30 p.m. Performing in March and April is: The Harris Brothers on March 6; Jo Jo’s Music Mixx on March 7; Chris Clifton on March 14; Groove Gypsies on March 20; The Jacob Johnson Band on March 21; The Harris Brothers on March 27; The Harris Brothers on April 3; and The Carter Brothers on April 4. The Artist’s Cafe is located at 100 North Main Avenue in downtown Newton. For more information call 4657497, or visit www.artistscafe100.com. Green Room to present ‘Barefoot in the Park’ NEWTON – The Green Room Community Theatre will present its spring comedy, Neil Simon’s, “Barefoot in the Park,” in March. Performances for “Barefoot in the Park,” will be held on March 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28 at 8 p.m. and March 15, 22 and 29 at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors and $8 for children. This show is rated PG. All performances will be held at The Newton-Conover Auditorium in Newton. Box Office hours are from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday throughout the run of the show. For more information or questions, call the box office at 464-6128. Journey into the ‘Heart of the Sun’ at CSC HICKORY – Set the controls for the “Heart of the Sun,” a live action full-dome digital feature debuting in Millholland Planetarium at Catawba Science Center in Hickory on March 6. More dynamic than computer-generated 3D approximations, “Heart of the Sun” features live action footage of the sun’s surface from space-based telescopes, as well as terrestrial footage of the aurora, the sun’s path at the South Pole, a total solar eclipse and more. “Heart of the Sun” will show at 3 p.m. on Friday, 1 and 3 p.m. on Saturday, and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Planetarium show tickets are $2 for CSC members and $3 for nonmembers. CSC is located in the Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley, on the SALT Block, 243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory. Area Lions Club to host scholarship banquet SHERRILLS FORD – The Sherrills Ford Lions Club is currently selling tickets for its annual Scholarship Banquet, which will be held on March 14 at 7 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church at 4136 Mount Pleasant Road in Sherrills Ford. Proceeds from the event are used to provide scholarships to worthy students from Bandys High School. Tickets cost $15 per person. Area civic groups and individuals are encouraged to sponsor and decorate tables. A preview of the decorated tables will begin at 6:30 p.m. on March 14. For more information, to purchase tickets or to sponsor a table, call 478-9221. Award winning novelist to read at CVCC in March HICKORY – Award winning novelist Silas House will give two public readings on March 17 and 18 at CVCC in March. The public is invited to both readings. For information, call Kay Gregory, developmental English and reading department head at 327-7000, ext. 4107, or by e-mail at [email protected]. SWEET PEAZ WILL HOST A GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION MARCH 18-21! WE ARE NOW OFFERING FRESH FOODS TO GO (SINGLE SERVINGS AND FAMILY SIZE), INCLUDING ENTREES, SIDES, SOUPS & SALADS! NOW TAKING EASTER BASKET ORDERS! WE WILL HOST AN EASTER KIDS IN THE KITCHEN EVENT IN APRIL. CALL FOR MORE DETAILS! Need A Vacation? Call Us Before You Purchase Anywhere Else. We Promise To Find You The Best Price Available For The Best Vacation Possible. Hickory Travel & Tours “We make your vacation dreams come true” 345.5000 locally owned and operated • bonded Cruises • Tours • Honeymoons • Vacations Business Travel • Airline Tickets • All Travel Services 1247 2nd Street NE in Viewmont www.hickorytravel.com We Feature A Full Service Bakery (Breakfast Desserts, Cupcakes, Pies, Artisan Breads, Cookies & Bars, And Cakes For Any Occasion) & Coffee Shop (Featuring Starbucks Coffee, Assorted Teas & Hot Chocolate). We Also Offer Our Customers A Full Range Of Party Planning Services, Including Floral Designs And A Gift Shop. And We Can Help With Location Selection, Budgeting, Catering, Menu Selection, Cake Designs, Photographer, Videographer, Invitations, DJ Services, Bands And Party Favors. HOURS OF OPERATION TUESDAY-FRIDAY – 8:30AM-6PM SATURDAY – 9AM-3PM 3279 EAST MAIN STREET CLAREMONT 828-459-7664 e-mail: [email protected] www.sweetpeazgifts.com www.weddingsandmoresp.com Friendly, Fast Professional Service! FOUR AREA LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Brad Moser, R.Ph. Rosenwald School Street & Second Street Catawba Phone: 241.2422 – Fax: 241.2422 E-Mail: [email protected] Hours Of Operation M-F – 8:30AM-6PM Sat. – 9AM-1PM Ron Harwell, R.Ph. 317 First Street East Conover Phone: 464.4491 Fax: 464.4495 E-Mail: [email protected] Hours Of Operation M-F – 8:30AM-6PM Sat. – 9AM-1PM At your local Medicap Pharmacy®, we’ll always make time for you. We offer quality health care, service with a smile and a pharmacist and staff who knows you by name. NOW THAT’S A HEALTHY DOSE OF REALITY! OUR SERVICES INCLUDE • On-Line Refills • FREE Delivery • Herbals • 24 Hour Drop Box • Greeting Cards • Patient Counseling Services • Medication Flavoring • Compounding Services • Drive-Thru Window • Will Accept Medicare Billing Methods AND SO MUCH MORE! For More Information, Visit Our Web Site At www.medicap.com Bob Busbee, R.Ph. 3319 East Main Street Claremont Phone: 459.2149 Fax: 459.2140 E-Mail: [email protected] Hours Of Operation M-F – 8:30AM-6PM Sat. – 9AM-1PM Melinda Travis, R.Ph. 401 West A Street Newton Phone: 466.1500 Fax: 466.1502 E-Mail: [email protected] Hours Of Operation M-F – 9AM-6PM Sat. – 9AM-1PM