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SPCC students win logo contests
(April 3, 2010) -- Class assignments turned into contest-winning logos for two Advertising and Graphic Design majors at South Piedmont Community College.
 First-year student Sara Carbajal, 21, of Monroe, took first place in a contest to design a logo for the North Carolina Computer Instructor’s Association. Stephen Lopez, 20, a second-year student also from Monroe, won a contest to create a logo for the Earth Day celebration April 17 in Monroe. It was sponsored by the city of Monroe and Union County.
The NCCIA is a group that is, according to its by-laws, “dedicated to the purpose of improving the quality of computer instruction throughout the North Carolina Community College System.” Carbajal’s logo was a blue circle with sparks shooting through it and the NCCIA acronym in green across the center.
“The circle inspired me because it’s kind of like the world, has the thread of sparks … that’s the technology there,” Carbajal said.
“After doing a certain step, it led me to the next and that’s what I came up with,” she said. “I was pleased with my work. I never expected to be the winner. I thought it was cool. … I never thought it was going to happen for real.”
The logo will be used on the organization’s Web site and T-shirts. She won $100 and a trip to Raleigh, with a one-night stay, for the NCCIA’s annual conference. She was unable to make that trip, which was on her birthday, March 19. “Mrs. Cheryl (Hicks) told me there was a lot of audience who saw my logo,” Carbajal said, referring to one of her graphic design instructors. “ … It’s very exciting.”
 Lopez’s winning logo was selected from 157 entries from local middle schools, high schools and SPCC. It featured a globe sitting on top of a plant that was growing out of the top of a heart. The slogan Green Up For Earth stretched across the center, with the words “Earth Day” at the top and “Union County” at the bottom.
“It was a whole long process,” Lopez said. “I kept revising it and put a lot of work into it.”
He estimated that it took him six to eight hours over two days. “I asked friends for feedback and made changes,” he said.
His original design had the heart in red and didn’t have the words “Union County” at the bottom, but he changed it at the request of event organizers.
For his winning design, Lopez will receive a year-long pass to the Whitewater Center in Charlotte and a T-shirt with his design on it. “The best thing about the whole thing is the recognition,” Lopez said. “It’s going to be a portfolio piece, for sure.”
The logo will be used on promotional materials for the event and on T-shirts, which will be made from recycled materials.
Lopez is looking for a job in the graphic design field and said he will probably do some free-lancing. “I’m thinking about continuing on with my education, but I’m not sure yet,” he said.
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Schedule full for second annual Carolinas Writers Conference on April 17
(April 6, 2009) -- The stage is set for the second annual Carolinas Writers Conference on Saturday, April 17.
The conference's schedule has 15 session leaders to choose a session to attend and three featured presenters who will address the entire gathering. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the first speaker beginning at 9 a.m. The conference will conclude with a "How to Get Published" discussion panel from 4-5 p.m.
The writers conference will be held at South Piedmont Community College's Lockhart-Taylor Center, 514 N. Washington St., Wadesboro. Tickets are $30 for adults and $6 for students with an I.D., and will be available at the door.
Previously unannounced presenters include storyteller Karen-Eve Bayne; romance author Claudia Dain; magazine editor M. Scott Douglass; mystery writer David Shaffer; poet Maureen Sherbondy; marketing consultant Susan Sipal; and sisters Joy Brown and Barbara Thomas, who have written autobiographical novels.
Bayne is a non-traditional storyteller – she entertains, teaches and helps listeners navigate the 21st Century with a fresh approach with her "Stories for Our Time" session. Her conference topic will be "The Midnight Storytellers."
First published in 2000, Dain has become a best-selling author in the romance genre. Her subject will be "Playing with a Full Deck: Finding Your Theme Across Genres."
A licensed investigator, Shaffer has published four novels featuring his protagonist, Harry Caine. He will address "Mysteries from the Eyes of a P.I."
Sherbondy has published two chapbooks and a short story collection titled "The Slow Vanishing." Her conference topic will be "Becoming a Poet and the Road to Publication."
Sipal is an editor, writer and marketing consultant who is best known as an analyst of the Harry Potter series. Her workshop is entitled "Putting Harry Potter Magic in Your Novel."
Thomas is the author of "Just Pick Up the Pieces" and Brown's novel, "Joy … Lost and Found," begins where her sister's autobiographical story left off. Brown's conference session is "Writing Your Memoirs."
CWC10 featured speakers will include Ellyn Bache, author of "Daughters of the Sea"; Michael Malone, who has authored nine novels, a collection of short stories and two non-fiction books – including "The Four Corners of the Sky"; and Chris Roerden, who wrote "Don't Sabotage Your Submission: Insider Information from a Career Editor to Save Your Manuscript from Turning Up D.O.A."
Other committed presenters include Suzanne Adair (“Paper Woman”); Judy McCoy (“Hounding the Pavement”); Barbara Cole (children’s stories for the picture book genre); Michelle Buckman ("A Piece of the Sky," "Pretty Maids All in a Row," "Maggie Come Lately" and "My Beautiful Disaster"); Bill Mitchell, whose subject will be "Sports Journalism: Blue Collar Writing"; and J.D. Rhoades ("The Devil's Right Hand," in 2005; and followed up with "Good Day in Hell," "Safe and Sound" and "Breaking Cover”); David Drake, whose works span a wide realm within the fantasy/sci-fi genre; Susan Sloate (co-author of "Forward to Camelot"); and Dixie Land (“Serenity," “Return to Serenity” and her 2009 release, “Deadly Companion”).
The 2010 Carolinas Writers Conference sponsors are the Anson County Writers' Club, South Piedmont Community College and the Hampton B. Allen Library. Oversight committee members include Karen MacMurray, chair, and Sandy Bruney, Beverley Getzen, Rufus Getzen, Elbert Marshall, Phoebe Medlin and Dorothy Morrison.
For a complete schedule, a list of presenters or to download an application form, visit www.ansoncountywritersclub.org and click on the writers conference button in the menu.
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Anson's February jobless rate stuck at 17.1%
(April 8, 2010) -- Anson's unemployment rate remained unchanged for February -- staying at 17.1% and tieing the county with Edgecombe for the seventh spot on North Carolina's Top Ten list for the highest rates.
Graham County's 19.4 rate is atop the Top Ten, followed by Rutherford (17.9%), Swain and Caldwell (tied at 17.6%), Dare and Scotland ( tied at 17.4%), Anson and Edgecombe (tied at 17.1%), Cherokee (16.8%) and Ashe (16.2%).
February marked the 17th consecutive month that Anson has registered a double-digit rate. Compared to February 2009, Anson has seen a 2.4% increase in the 12-month period.
In February 2010, Anson had a workforce numbering 10,347 (compared to 10,339 in January); 8,576 people employed (compared to 8,574 in January); and 1,771 people out of work (compared to 1,765 in January). (NOTE: Anson's January figures have been revised since the numbers were released on March 19)
The February breakdown for Anson's neighboring counties:
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Montgomery -- 10,984 labor force; 1,535 unemployed; a rate of 14.0% (unchanged from January)
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Richmond -- 20,562 labor force; 2,989 unemployed; a rate of 14.5% (up .3% from January)
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Stanly -- 30,796 labor force; 4,271 unemployed; a rate of 13.9% (up .4% from January)
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Union -- 93,937 labor force; 11,038 unemployed; a rate of 11.8% (up .4% from January)
Anson's unemployment rate led the seven-county Centralina Region, too. The February Centralina Region breakdown:
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Anson -- 10,347 labor force; 1,771 unemployed; 17.1% unemployment rate (unchanged for January.)
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Cabarrus -- 84,803 labor force; 11,333 unemployed; 13.4% unemployment rate (up .4% from January.)
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Iredell -- 80,831 labor force; 11,196 unemployed; 13.9% unemployment rate (up .2% from January.)
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Lincoln -- 38,707 labor force; 5,689 unemployed; 14.7% unemployment rate (up .1% from January.)
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Rowan -- 72,833 labor force; 10,225 unemployed; 14.0% unemployment rate (up .3% from January.)
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Stanly -- 30,796 labor force; 4,271 unemployed; a rate of 13.9% (up .4% from January)
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Union -- 93,937 labor force; 11,038 unemployed; a rate of 11.8% (up .4% from January)
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Centralina -- 412,254 labor force; 55,523 unemployed; 13.5% unemployment rate (up .3% from January.)
According to Centralina Worforce data for February, Anson had 239 initial unemployment insurance claims; 2,743 total weeks claimed; $544,540 unemployment insurance benefits paid out; and 731 individuals receiving checks. Statewide, unemployment insurance benefits paid out a total of $211,943,497 with 220,761 individuals receiving checks.
North Carolina's February jobless rate was 11.8% -- a .1% increase from January and a 1.2% increase from February 2009. The state had a February labor force of 4,549,508 with 510,774 unemployed.
Statewide, 87 counties still registered double-digit unemployment rates in February. Orange Couty had the lowest rate at 6.9%, followed by Gates (8.1%), Chatham (8.4%), Durham (8.5%) and Onslow (8.6).
p; The civilian labor force estimates for all 100 counties are available on the Employment Security Commission's website at www.ncesc.com. For local information, call the ESC office at 704.694.6551 or visit www.ansonjoblink.com.
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SPCC to host RN-to-BSN program
(April 8, 2010) -- South Piedmont Community College will again host
Winston-Salem State University’s RN-to-BSN program, beginning in
January on the Old Charlotte Highway Campus. There will be an
information meeting on April 27 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for those
interested in enrolling.
The one-year program, which allows registered nurses to earn a Bachelor
of Science in Nursing degree, will cost approximately $60 per semester
hour for in-state tuition. Courses will be offered one evening per
week.
The April 27 meeting will be in Room 151 in Building B on the Old
Charlotte Highway Campus, 4209 Old Charlotte Highway. Participants
should bring transcripts. The information meeting is being conducted now
so that if any prospective students need to fulfill prerequisite
requirements, they can take those courses in the fall.
Registration is required for the session. Contact Lori Hines at
336-750-2786 or hineslw@wssu.edu.
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Anson County Partnership for Children receives clean audit report
(April 8, 2010) -- Anson County Partnership for Children has a “clean bill” of financial health, according to an independent audit. An audit of 2008-2009 Smart Start activities found the organization was in compliance and had appropriate internal controls. Anson County Partnership for Children administers Smart Start and More at Four funding for Anson County.
The state requires an audit of Anson County Partnership for Children every two years. Auditors look for compliance in three core areas: accuracy of financial statements; how the partnership processes and authorizes transactions such as grants, accounts payable, payroll and cash receipts; and contract compliance.
 “We are very pleased with our results,” said Dana Maness, President of Anson Bank and Trust and board chair for Anson County Partnership for Children. “We have worked hard to use every tax dollar wisely to help our children and our counties thrive, and this audit shows we have done just that.”
Smart Start is an early childhood leadership network that leverages private and public dollars to address issues critical to North Carolina’s young children. Created in 1993 by Governor Jim Hunt, Smart Start is funded in all 100 North Carolina counties and is administered by 77 local Smart Start partnerships that create community-based programs. Smart Start financially supports programs that increase the number of quality early childhood program, provides education credits to early childhood workers, supports parent education programs and connects families with medical services.
Anson County Partnership for Children also administers the More at Four Program in Anson County. The community based More at Four Pre- Kindergarten Program prepares children for success in school and helps provide a smooth transition for children to Kindergarten. Anson County Partnership for Children is currently taking applications for children who will be four years old on or before August 31, 2010. To apply for More at Four, please contact Kim Wilson at 704-694-4036.
The North Carolina Partnership for the Children (NCPC), Inc. leads the state Smart Start initiative. NCPC places great emphasis on local control, coupled with strict accountability, oversight and measures to ensure financial integrity. The Smart Start partnerships undergo either annual or biennial financial and compliance audits by an independent auditor.
For more information about Anson County Partnership for Children or the programs offered for children and families, visit the Partnership’s Web site at www.ansonsmartstart.org, call 704-694-4036 or find us on Facebook.
Smart Start is North Carolina’s early childhood leadership network dedicated to assuring that every child reaches his or her potential and is prepared for success in a globally competitive world. For more information, visit www.ncsmartstart.org.
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A 1987 Corvette that was painted by SPCC I-CAR students is shown in the paint booth and when owner Brian Wentz picked it up. |
More I-CAR Classes Starting At SPCC In May
(April 10, 2010) -- A new series of I-CAR Alliance classes is set to begin in May on South Piedmont Community College’s L.L. Polk Campus. SPCC began offering classes from I-CAR, the largest certifying organization in the automotive repair field, earlier this year.
The classes beginning in May are “Collision Estimating and Damage Analysis,” “Non-Structural Body Repairs,” “Mechanical, Electrical and Suspension Systems” and “Surface Preparation and Refinishing.”
Also, a night class in “Sheet Metal and Basic Restoration” that is not an I-CAR class will be offered. It is primarily for hobbyists who work on their own vehicles.
I-CAR Alliance classes are for students needing more basic instruction. They receive in-depth training in the classroom as well as hands-on training in the lab. Each class costs $160.
There are 25 different I-CARAlliance classes available at SPCC, which offers at least two of them each month.
Robert Winfrey, SPCC’s auto body instructor, has 32 years experience in the auto body field and he is one of only two I-CAR instructors in the Charlotte area. In addition to being certified by I-CAR, he is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Certified Technician, a published author and a member of both the Coalition for Collision Repair Excellence and the Collision Hub for educators. He is a show-winning auto-body painter, a former NASCAR crew member and has owned his own auto body shop for more than 15 years.
Industry-trained technicians make an average of 15 to 20 percent more than untrained technicians and more and more shops are requiring I-CAR training of their employees. Winfrey also teaches I-CAR Live classes on site for more experienced technicians.
“Our Alliance training from I-CAR and our I-CAR Live classes will allow us to be able to educate beginners, as well as technicians that just want to sharpen their skills to keep up with today’s modern vehicles,” Winfrey said. “We plan to host two or more Live classes per month to keep technicians current. With our more basic Alliance training, we will be able to give students a head start as they seek employment on an entry level.”
For more information about I-CAR programs at SPCC, contact Winfrey at rwinfrey@spcc.edu.
For more information about I-CAR in general, go online to www.i-car.com.
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Anson Beekeeping Field Day
(April 13, 2010) -- Ever wondered what beekeepers do, or seriously thought about obtaining a hive of bees to manage for honey or the home garden? The Anson Beekeeper's Assoc. is having it's annual field day Saturday, April 24, 2010. Bill Sheppard, recently retired (March 2010) NCDA&CS honey bee inspector, will be offering guidance to local beekeepers during this informal field day. Visit a few hives with us to see what the inside of a hive looks like.
The Anson Beekeepers Association is made up of about 25 members, spanning from "+30 yrs experience" to "someday hope to be beekeepers"! We all learn together and from each other through this association and annual event. We will spend all morning and part of early afternoon inspecting hives around the county.
A field day is one of the best ways to learn how to keep bees and troubleshoot. You get to see a lot of different scenerios while Bill Sheppard and other seasoned beekeepers give suggestions on how to manage each case. Although we would rather not see them, you'll get to see the villians like varroa mites, foulbrood, small hive beetles, and learn what we should and should not be doing this time of year to keep our bees happy, healthy, and productive. Learn to identify a weak vs. strong colony, and other subtle tell-tale signs in the hive. This is an exciting and hectic time of year in the bee yard with lots of new worker bees emerging during the nectar flow, requeening, colony splitting, etc.
You will not learn everything you need to know about beekeeping, but you will get a taste of this exciting hobby and maybe even a taste of fresh honey straight from the honeycomb!
If you are interested in attending this field day and want to know more about the Anson Beekeeper Association, please contact Aimee Marshall at the Anson Cooperative Extension Service for more information, at 704-694-2415, or by email at aimee_marshall@ncsu.edu.
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Registration begins at 8 a.m. for Carolinas Writers Conference on April 17
 (April 14, 2010) -- The second annual Carolinas Writers Conference on Saturday, April 17, will offer a wide-range of subjects to appeal to already-published authors, writers-to-be and readers of all ages.
The writers conference will be held from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. at South Piedmont Community College's Lockhart-Taylor Center, 514 N. Washington St., Wadesboro. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with an opening ceremony getting underway at 8:45 a.m. The cost for the event is $30 for adults and $6 for students (with an ID).
Author Ellyn Bache, "Daughters of the Sea," will be the 9 a.m. featured speaker, discussing “Tips for Fiction Writers” for all attendees.
The first round of breakout sessions will begin at 9:55 a.m. – featuring Michelle Buckman, “How to Write a Winning Synopsis”; Claudia Dane “Finding Your Theme Across Genres”; Bill Mitchell, “Sports Journalism: Blue Collar Writing”; Barbara Cole, “Writing Children’s Books”; and Judi McCoy, “All About the Business of Novel Writing.”
The 10:50 a.m. sessions will include David Shaffer, “Mysteries from the Eyes of a P.I.”; J.D. Rhoades, “Lawyers, Guns and Money”; Dixie Land, “Steps in Writing a First Novel”; and David Drake, “Writing Science-Fiction and Fantasy.”
Author Michael Malone, "The Four Corners of the Sky," will greet the after lunch crowd as the conference’s second featured speaker. He will address “Handling Sin with Laughter: Why I Write Mysteries and Comedies.”
The afternoon breakout sessions will begin at 1:25 p.m. and will feature M. Scott Douglas, Publisher/Managing Editor of Main Street Rag Publishing Co.; Joy Brown, “Writing Your Memoirs”; Susan Sipal, “Putting Harry Potter Magic in Your Novel”; Susan Sloate, “How to Become an Amazon Best-Seller.” In addition, Suzanne Adair will read excerpts from her historical mystery/suspense series.
The last breakout sessions of the day will begin at 2:20 p.m. and will feature Maureen Sherbondy, “Becoming a Poet and the Road to Publication,” David Shaffer and Dixie Land, “The Perks of Independent Publishing”; and Storyteller Karen-Eve Bayne, “Stories for Our Time.” Ellyn Bache also will read excerpts from her novels during this time period.
Author Chris Roerden, "Don't Sabotage Your Submission: Insider Information from a Career Editor to Save Your Manuscript from Turning Up D.O.A," will be the third featured speaker. She will present “How to Make Your Novel Rejection Proof” at 3:10 p.m.
The last session of the day will begin at 4:05 p.m. and will feature selected presenters in a panel discussion on “How to Get Published.”
The 2010 Carolinas Writers Conference sponsors are the Anson County Writers' Club, South Piedmont Community College and the Hampton B. Allen Library.
For a complete schedule and a list of presenters, visit www.ansoncountywritersclub.org and click on the writers conference button in the menu.
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Kit Marshall named technical director at Chronotek
 (April 14, 2010) -- Chronotek, a Charlotte-based premier telephone timekeeping company, has hired Kit Marshall as its Technical Director.
Marshall, who has nearly 12 years of experience in web and application development, comes to Chronotek from District Design Studio, Charlotte, where he served as senior web developer for almost five years, and Integrated Visual Systems, Matthews, where he was a systems analyst for seven years.
Marshall is a 1994 graduate of Anson High School and a 1998 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is the son of Carla and Elbert Marshall of Wadesboro. He and his wife, Melanie, have a 14-month-old son, Jadon, and reside in Concord.
Chronotek specializes in telephone time clock web-based software for tracking employee time and attendance. Founded in 1995, Chronotek serves clients nationwide, in Canada and Puerto Rico by providing telephone time clock software for accurately tracking employee time and attendance from any phone anywhere.
Chronotek is a licensed and legal provider of patented caller ID technology that enables companies to see the phone number from which employees call, and site location if calling from a land line. For more information, call 800.586.2945 or visit www.chronotek.net.
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Aurora Family Counseling Center officially began serving the community April 12. Above, CEO Brian Bauduin cuts the ribbon after welcoming the assembled guests.
Aurora Family Counseling Center opens Wadesboro office with a ribbon-cutting
(April 14, 2010) -- Troy-based Aurora Family Counseling Center (AFCC) officially opened its Wadesboro office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on April 12.
"Aurora Family Counseling Center provides outpatient services to children and adults who have various emotional and behavior problems," Executive Director Brian Bauduin said in his welcome address to staff, friends and dignitaries during the ribbon-cutting.
Baudin said AFCC's staff includes a medical director (Dr. John Woodyear), a Ph.D-level clinical director (Dr. Wade Williams) and several therapists who hold master's degrees or are Ph.Ds. "Our medical director is approved by the state for examination for suspected child abuse and neglect cases," he noted.
AFCC offers an array of substance abuse interventions, including DUI assessments. "Clinicians at Aurora specialize in children and adolescent disorders, such as ADHD, oppositional behavior, anger problems, depression and emotional trauma," he noted.
In conjunction with other agencies, AFCC offers more involved treatments, such as in-home therapy, community assistance for psychiatrically impaired adults and other more intense interventions.
Aurora is located next door to the Anson County Chamber of Commerce at 107-B E. Wade St. The Wadesboro office is open from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday and from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on Friday. For more information and/or to make an appointment, call 704.695.1472.
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Anson Community Hospital's echocardiography lab is now accredited by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories. Shown, from left, are Michael Todd McVea, the lab's technical director; A. Niazi-Sai, medical director; and Zana Lambert, cardiopulmonary management. |
ACH echocardiography lab earns accreditation
(April 19, 2010) -- Anson Community Hospital's echocardiography lab has been granted accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for the Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL). The laboratory is one of a growing number of echocardiography labs in the United States to be recognized for its commitment to high quality patient care and its provision of quality diagnostic testing.
Echocardiography is a complex imaging technique that relies on the experience and training of both the physician and sonographer. Their interpretive and technical abilities determine the diagnostic accuracy of an echocardiographic examination. ICAEL has developed an accreditation program that evaluates the quality of these and other critical elements of an echocardiography laboratory.
The ICAEL was established to provide a peer review mechanism to encourage and recognize the provision of quality echocardiographic diagnostic evaluations by a process of voluntary accreditation. The ICAEL is dedicated to ensuring high quality patient care and commitment to quality testing for the diagnosis of heart disease. Dr. Fred Thompson, President of ACH said “ICAEL accreditation is the recognized standard of excellence for echocardiography laboratories. I am very proud that ACH has achieved this milestone.”
One American dies every 32 seconds of cardiovascular disease, disorders of the heart and blood vessels. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, costing the society over 83.7 billion dollars each year in health services, medication and lost work time due to disability. Cardiac structure and flow information provided by echocardiographic testing is useful in the detection and management of many types of heart disease. This noninvasive test has become one of the standard diagnostic tools in cardiology with an estimated 10 million echocardiograms performed annually in the US.
The hospital's echocardiography lab is under the medical direction of A. Niazi-Sai, M.D., FACP, FRCP (C), FACGS, MACGS. Michael Todd McVea, RCS, serves as the lab's technical director. McVea is a graduate of Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, and is a registered sonographer with Cardiovascular Credentialing International. The lab is under cardiopulmonary management of Zana Lambert, RRT/RCP.
This accreditation process was made possible through collaborative work from several individuals and departments. On behalf of the ACH Board of Trustees and Dr. Fred Thompson, special thanks is given to Dr. Niazi, Todd McVea, Zana Lambert, Paula Stegall, CNO, and the entire cardiopulmonary staff at ACH. Additional thanks are given to the office staff at Dr. Niazi’s office, Wadesboro Family Medicine, Anson Family Medicine, and Carolina’s Primary Care. Assistance from the ACH patient volunteers, the Health Information staff, and the Medical Imaging staff is greatly appreciated. Technical guidance and assistance was also provided by the staff at ICAEL, the Echo Department at CMC-Northeast, and the Heart group of the Carolinas. This help and guidance helped make Anson Community Hospital a provider of EXCELLENT patient care and services.
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Anson County Career Connections Fair is Friday
(April 20, 2010) -- The annual Anson County Career Connections Fair will be Friday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lockhart-Taylor Center, 514 N. Washington St., Wadesboro.
Last year’s fair attracted 38 employers and 200 participants. At least 30 vendors have already signed up for Friday’s event.
The fair, which offers connections with career, educational and community resources, can be valuable for those seeking a job, for those looking to change careers and for students wishing to explore different possible careers. They will be able to attend professional workshops, learn about educational and training opportunities and meet with employers.
Professional dress is required and attendees are welcome to bring resumes. Because of expected large crowds, visitors are asked to prepare for long wait times.
Following is a list of businesses, etc., that have committed to attend Friday’s event:
- A.D.E.P.T
- Anson County Chamber of Commerce
- Anson County Department of Social Services
- Anson County Partnership for Children
- Anson County Sheriff's Office
- API Security
- BAM 1 Travel
- Burnsville Recreation & Learning Center
- Cobb Vantress
- Coffing Hoists
- Council on Aging for Union County
- Employment Security Commission
- Family First Services
- Gardner-Webb University- GOAL Program
- Heritage Hills
- Hospice of Union County/Anson
- Kentucky Fried Chicken
- Lanesboro Correctional Institution
- Lynn Thomas Grading
- Mega Force Staffing
- N.C. Alcohol & Law Enforcement Division
- N.C. State Highway Patrol
- N.C. Vemma
- Safer Communities Ministry
- Tomboy Tools
- Union County Community Action, Inc.
- United States Air Force
- United States Navy Recruiting Command
- Vocational Rehabilitation
- Wadesboro Police Department
The event is sponsored by SPCC, the Anson County Department of Social Services, the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, the Employment Security Commission and Vocational Rehabilitation.
For information, call Kristi Phifer at 704-272-5460.
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Lineup announced for SPCC’s third Battle of the Bands
(April 20, 2010) -- The lineup, featuring 18 performers representing a wide variety of musical styles, has been set for South Piedmont Community College’s third annual Battle of the Bands.
This year’s Battle, in the Helen Goodman Amphitheater on the L.L. Polk Campus, will include progressive rock, blues, rock, pop, contemporary, country, bluegrass, gospel, Southern contemporary, Latin and Christian.
Held in conjunction with SPCC’s annual Spring Fling, the Battle is scheduled for Saturday, May 1. Admission is free. In a departure from past Battles, which were in the evening, this year’s event will begin at noon and continue into the night. A final round featuring the top scoring bands is scheduled to end around 8 p.m.
Scheduled groups and individuals are: Just Monroe, the James Talbot Trio, North 51, CTP, James Mathis and the Summer Snow, Perfect Rescue, 2nd Mile, Delta Progression, Cabin Creek, Destination, Kross Fire, Rekless Youth, Shane Tracy, Miricals, Marlin Cummings, the Potriyoz Band, Underground Owls, and Fire for Effect.
The winning band will receive $500, with $300 going to the second-place finisher and $200 to the third-place band. The top individual performer will receive $100.
In addition to the music, the Spring Fling will feature games, rides and amusements for all ages. There will be free hot dogs and free T-shirts while supplies last. Community agencies will also have information booths set up.
The event is sponsored by the SPCC Student Government Association.
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Chris Gosselin of Lynn Thomas Grading talks with
Larry Bennett. | |
More than 150 attend career fair
(April 23, 2010) --
More than 150 people attended the Anson County Career Connections Fair Friday at the Lockhart-Taylor Center.
A total of 36 vendors, some of which were actively seeking employees, set up booths.
“I was real pleased with the number of job seekers who attended, and the number of employers,” Work First Coordinator Kristi Phifer said. “I was happy with the turnout.”
The Anson County event is sponsored by South Piedmont Community College, the Anson County Department of Social Services, the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, the Employment Security Commission and Vocational Rehabilitation.
Deidra Walls, right, of Horizon Group Homes, talks
with Fredonia Colson, left, and Sonia Kelley.
| |
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Finding jobs results in 2% drop in Anson's jobless rate
(April 28, 2010) -- The success of re-employing Anson's unemployed resulted in a two percent drop in the county's jobless rate for March -- from 17.0% in February to 15.0% in March.
Anson's March figures show:
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A decline in the labor force -- from 10,341 in February to 10,269 in March, a difference of 72
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149 more people employed in March (8,728) than in February (8,579)
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A decline in the number of people on the unemployment rolls -- from 1,762 in February to 1,541 in March, a difference of 221
The March numbers illustrate that the number of people with jobs is up, the number of people receiving unemployment benefits is down and, overall, reflects a positive movement in the area of jobs now available in the immediate area.
"News that all North Carolina counties experienced a decrease in the local unemployment rate is certainly welcome, but we still have challenges ahead of us," said Lynn Holmes, Employment Security Commission of North Carolina chairman. "With initiatives like Re-employment Services (RES) and the Re-employment Eligibility Assessment (REA), the ESC is focusing even more resources to help our unemployed customers get back into jobs."
Holmes also pointed to the JobsNow program that was created by Gov. Bev Perdue. JobsNow links workers and employers to resources that are critical in jump-starting local economies.
Statewide, 75 counties (down from 87 in February) had double-digit unemployment rates in March. Graham County's 17.2% (down from 19.4% in February) led the state's Top Ten, followed by Scotland (16.6%), Rutherford (16.5%), Caldwell (16.3%), Edgecombe (15.6%), Cherokee (15.2%), Anson and Swain (tied at 15.0%), and Dare and McDowell (tied at 14.4%). Orange County had the lowest rate at 6.4%, followed by Gates (7.5%), Chatham (7.6%), Onslow (8.0%) and Currituck (8.4%).
March marked the 18th consecutive month that Anson has registered a double-digit rate. Compared to March 2009, Anson has seen a .5% increase in the 12-month period.
The March breakdown for Anson's neighboring counties:
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Montgomery -- 10,825 labor force; 1,411 unemployed; a rate of 13.0% (down 1.1% from February)
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Richmond -- 20,691 labor force; 2,856 unemployed; a rate of 13.8% (down .7% from February)
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Stanly -- 30,860 labor force; 3,969 unemployed; a rate of 12.9% (down .9% from February)
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Union -- 94,597 labor force; 10,219 unemployed; a rate of 10.8% (down .9% from February)
Anson's 15.0% unemployment rate led the seven-county Centralina Region. The March breakdown:
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Anson -- 10,269 labor force; 1,541 unemployed; 15.0% unemployment rate (down 2.0% from February)
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Cabarrus -- 84,867 labor force; 10,087 unemployed; 11.9% unemployment rate (down 1.4% from February)
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Iredell -- 81,057 labor force; 10,409 unemployed; 12.8% unemployment rate (down 1.0% from February)
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Lincoln -- 38,597 labor force; 5,193 unemployed; 13.5% unemployment rate (down 1.2% from February)
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Rowan -- 72,857 labor force; 9,376 unemployed; 12.9% unemployment rate (down 1.1% from February)
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Stanly -- 30,860 labor force; 3,969 unemployed; a rate of 12.9% (down .9% from February)
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Union -- 94,597 labor force; 10,219 unemployed; a rate of 10.8% (down .9% from February)
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Centralina -- 413,104 labor force; 50,794 unemployed; 12.3% unemployment rate (down 1.1% from February)
According to Centralina Worforce data for March, Anson had 239 initial unemployment insurance claims; 2,883 total weeks claimed; $562,984 unemployment insurance benefits paid out; and 681 individuals receiving checks. Statewide, unemployment insurance benefits paid out a total of $227,227,627 with 216,344 individuals receiving checks.
North Carolina's March jobless rate was 10.9% -- a .9% decrease from February and a .3% increase from March 2009. The state had a March labor force of 4,555,083 with 496,734 unemployed.
The civilian labor force estimates for all 100 counties are available on the Employment Security Commission's website at www.ncesc.com. For local information, call the ESC office at 704.694.6551 or visit www.ansonjoblink.com.
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Jeff Noel of the Disney Institute tells the crowd that he will give out
Disney figurines like the ones in his hand to people who give
particularly good answers during a session of Disney’s Approach Series
Thursday, April 29, 2010, in the Conference Center on South Piedmont
Community College’s Old Charlotte Highway Campus. The all-day session
focused on Disney Keys to Leadership Excellence and Disney Keys to
Quality Service. |
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