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SPCC holds REAL graduation --
South Piedmont Community College’s REAL program had graduation ceremonies Monday, May 3, 2010, at SPCC’s Conference Center on the Old Charlotte Highway Campus in Monroe. The course is a program of NC REAL Enterprises, a nonprofit organization that partners with high schools, post-secondary institutions and other organizations in undertaking various entrepreneurial ventures. NC REAL stands for North Carolina Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning. It is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping bring entrepreneur- |
ship and small business creation to North Carolina. The classes help people with entrepreneurial interests learn how to be successful in starting their own business. Pictured are, from left, first row, Jeremy Sikes, Instructor Fredrea Crawford-Smith, Analin Martinez-Medina, Laurie McBroom, Carmin Sergent, Lisa Al-Shami, Emma Delamater, Judith Lambert, Instructor Sam Spencer; back row, Craven Walden, Deana McElroy, Garrett Horne, Lesley Hinson, Joseph Hildreth, Simone R. Funderburk, Destin Fries, Regina Facyson and Robin (Rene) Murin. |
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South Piedmont Community College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program
had the pinning ceremony for its Class of 2010 on May 7 at Wingate
Baptist Church. Pictured are, from left, first row, Marjorie Lugibihl,
Megan Rape, Elizabeth Ouseph, Carolyn Harkey; second row, Jamie Neu,
Amy Stroupe; third row, Tina Williams, Heather Carrier, Samantha
Mullis, Kasey Wallace, Sherri Byrd; fourth row, Marcie Bowden, Beth
Cook, Laura Johnson, Amanda Benton, Ginger High, Kristy Ratliff and Lori
Burr. |
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SPCC Battle of the Bands Draws Hundreds to Polkton Campus
(May 4, 2010) -- When the eight hours of musical competition ended, Rekless
Youth of Wingate emerged the first-place winner and took home $500 in
the May 1 South Piedmont Community College Battle of the Bands. The
Miricals of Monroe took second place and a $300 prize and Fire for
Effect of Wadesboro won third place and $200. Shane Tracy of Waxhaw
earned $100 as the winner in the individual performer category.
 Band winners in this year’s Battle had to compete twice, once in
preliminaries and again in the playoffs featuring six bands. In addition
to the Battle winners, Cabin Creek, the Potrizoy Band and Pull of
Gravity played a second round.
Other compet-
itors included Just Monroe, James Talbot Trio, Gina Clarke,
CTP, Per-
fect Rescue, Second Mile, Destination, Kross Fire, Marlin
Cummings, and Underground Owls.
Judges for the event were Charlotte radio personalities Unkle Jonathan
White, Mary London, both of FryedRock.com, and Jack Anthony, also known
as Jack at Nite. Performers were rated on musicianship, visual
presentation, originality, audience response, professionalism and
overall entertainment value.
In the 2008 SPCC Battle of the Bands, Rekless Youth took third place
and the Miricals took second place. Fire for Effect and Rekless Youth
performed in the 2009 Battle, but neither took home a prize last year.
Shane Tracy was a newcomer to the Battle.
The third annual Battle of the Bands, sponsored by the SPCC Student
Government Association, drew an audience of more than 600 to the Helen
Goodman Amphitheater on the L.L. Polk Campus. The Saturday event was
held in conjunction with the traditional Spring Fling and included free
carnival rides, t-shirts and food.
| Madison and Morgan Lewis perform as part of Rekless Youth, first-place
winners in the 2010 South Piedmont Community College Battle of the
Bands.. |
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The Miricals, a gospel group from Monroe, captured second place honors
in the 2010 South Piedmont Community College Battle of the Bands. |
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Fire for Effect, a Christian rock band from Wadesboro, took third place
in the 2010 South Piedmont Community College Battle of the Bands.
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Randy Tarlton and Lonnie Baucom, members of First United Methodist Church, and Jim Twyne, tonal director for Cornell Zimmer Organ Builders in Denver, N.C., organize a "pipe brigade" to remove nearly 1,000 pipes from the church's chancel. |
Local church enhances music ministry
(May 4, 2010) -- First United Methodist Church in Wadesboro is planning a major renovation – but this renovation will not be as much visible as audible.
The church organ’s electrical and mechanical systems were beginning to fail rapidly, said FUMC organist Charles Litaker. When the switch that started the instrument fell off, he knew something had to be done. “It was just unreliable, he said. “Sometimes a note wouldn’t play, and other times it wouldn’t stop.” The church’s trustees voted last year to make the necessary repairs.
The organ was built by the Moller Organ Company in Maryland and dedicated in 1965. The instrument has nearly 1,200 pipes, ranging in length from about 18' to less than a half-inch, that were divided between each side of the chancel. All but 40 of the largest pipes were recently removed and taken to Cornell Zimmer Organ Builders in Denver, N.C., to be refurbished.
All the pipes will be returned in September with the addition of digital enhancement that will give the instrument a greater range. By adding digital pipes, the organ will have 60-plus voices that will include low bass and additional reeds, strings and flutes. Litaker said the refurbished organ will be roughly one-third pipes and two-thirds digital.
Jim Twyne, Zimmer’s tonal director, said that the digital music is not synthesized, but are recordings taken from actual instruments. Twyne added that while many churches have organs installed and tuned, FUMC’s instrument is one of the few that was toned at its installation. Tuning must be done on a regular basis, but toning is done once to adjust tonality to surroundings, adding greater depth to the sound.
Consultant on the project is Stan Scheer, retired vice-president of Casavant Freres organ builders in Quebec, Canada, and a former professor of music at Pfeiffer University – and Litaker’s instructor.
“He thought we should add low bass and some pretty necessary things to make a complete sound,” Litaker said. Low bass was prohibited by cost and lack of space in 1965, not a problem with digital pipes. “He came back with a proposal way past what I thought we could do. We could add six voices for one amount of money and add 40 for just a little bit more.”
Members of the music committee visited churches in the state that had organs with digital enhancement and agreed that this was the way to proceed.
In addition to the new sounds, the console also will be new except for its shell. It will have three keyboards and will be movable for weddings and concerts. Part of the renovation costs include raising the floor where the former organ was recessed. Also, decorative pipes will be placed on the front of the chancel.
Litaker has been organist at FUMC since 1966 and is understandably excited about the project. He
has worked closely with Nathan Bryson, project manager with Zimmer, to facilitate the move. Other
FUMC members were on hand to assist with the physical labor of moving the many pipes and the console
on April 26 and 27.
Litaker is also conferring with Doc Howell, director of the Anson County Arts Council, about ways to use the enhanced instrument in the community via concerts and performances. “This (organ) will be better than anything in this general area,” he said.
Project costs are $250,000, of which all but about $80,000 has been met in contributions and pledges. Contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church Organ Fund, 118 E. Morgan St., Wadesboro, N.C.
For more information, visit www.firstumcwadesboro.org.
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Children dressed up and enjoyed the Week of the Young Child
Parade |
Anson celebrates Week of the Young Child
(May 13, 2010) -- Anson County joined the rest of the nation April 11-17 in celebrating the Week of the Young Child which honors young children and all those who make a difference in children’s lives. “All young children need and deserve high-quality early learning experiences,” said Elaine Scarborough, Executive Director of Anson County Partnership for Children. “Week of the Young Child is a time for Anson County to recognize that early years are learning years for all young children.”
The Week of the Young Child celebration kicked off with the annual Week of the Young Child Parade which was held in uptown Wadesboro on Tuesday, April 13 at 10:00 am. The parade, sponsored by Anson County Partnership for Children, was themed “Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.” Approximately 500 children, along with their families and child care providers, participated in the parade this year. Children dressed in their favorite costumes and carried creative props from this classic children’s book. Each child who attended the parade was given a children’s book and a lunch bag. Kevin Thomas of Lynn Thomas Grading provided an impressive display of real modern construction equipment including a dump truck, bulldozer and other heavy equipment. Following the parade, children in More at Four classrooms were invited to the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church to watch a performance of the book, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, preformed by the Taradiddle Players of the Children’s Theatre in Charlotte. Each young child who attended the night performance by the Tarradiddle Players with their parents received a copy of the book Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel.
Continuing the Week of the Young Child celebration, on Thursday evening, April 15, Anson County Partnership for Children honored Anson County child care providers at the annual Child Care Appreciation Banquet. Eighty four child care providers enjoyed the evening of appreciation, fun and learning. The banquet was themed “All Hands in the Dirt” and keynote speaker, Kim Heath, emphasized the importance of outdoor play every day for young children. Participants each received a copy of the book Roxaboxen as well as materials to use with children in outdoor play. Following a delicious meal, child care providers who are continuing their education were rewarded with Education Support checks. Providers who had increased or maintained their high quality star levels of 4 or 5 Stars were also recognized, as were providers who had completed their Early Childhood degrees. Two child care providers, Katherine Mills and Tina Maye, were named 2010 Anson County Child Care Providers of the Year.
The Week of the Young Child is celebrated annually as a reminder of the importance of high quality early learning opportunities for all young children. Anson County Partnership for Children would like to thank all of the children, families, child care providers and community members who helped to make the 2010 Week of the Young Child a success.
Visit Anson Smart Start for pictures of the event.
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SPCC Board of Trustees Chairman Harvey Leavitt III reads from the honorary associate in arts degree before presenting it to Johnny Pigg. |
SPCC graduates 619 in two ceremonies
(May 13, 2010) -- South Piedmont Community College reached the apex of its school year Monday, May 10, with two separate graduation ceremonies at the Union County Agricultural Services and Conference Center in Monroe.
A capacity crowd turned out for the evening commencement, where more than 200 of the 272 candidates crossed the stage to pick up their degree, diploma or certificate. In addition, seven Anson County Early College students received associate degrees and another 27 received high school diplomas.
In addition, SPCC Foundation member Johnny Pigg received an honorary associate in arts degree from SPCC Board of Trustees Chairman Harvey Leavitt III. Instructor Cheryl Hicks was awarded the 2010 Learning College Faculty of the Year Award by SPCC President John McKay.
Commencement addresses were delivered by three graduates: Dawn Dressman, who earned an associate in science degree and was the school’s N.C. Academic Excellence Award winner; Nigam Ehsan, who received an applied science degree in medical sonography; and William W. Seigler III, who earned an associate in applied science degree in business administration by taking one or two courses a semester for 14 years.
Pigg has long been active with SPCC and its predecessor, Anson Community College. He served on the ACC Board of Trustees from 1993 to 1996. He became an inaugural member of the board for the South Piedmont Community College Foundation in 2000 and served as its chairman from 2004 to 2006. During that time, the foundation launched its first major gifts campaign, Investment for Tomorrow, which raised $3.5 million. An Army veteran, he worked many years for Allvac and related businesses, before retiring in 2008 to become a cattle farmer. He has been active in many civic and professional organizations, including Rotary International, Jaycees, Boy Scouts and the North Carolina chapter of the American Metallurgical Society.
Hicks, who teaches advertising and graphic design, was selected from among six nominees.
Earlier in the day, ceremonies were held to honor 284 General Educational Development (GED) and 29 adult high school graduates. Speakers were 2010 GED graduates Randy Shaw and Leslie Allen, and 2009 GED graduate Jasmine Lloyd. Both Shaw and Lloyd are already enrolled in curriculum classes working toward associate degrees.
Cheryl Hicks addresses the audience after receiving SPCC’s 2010 Learning College Faculty of the Year Award. Also pictured are, from left, SPCC Board of Trustees Chairman Harvey Leavitt III, medical assisting instructor Lori Starnes and SPCC President John McKay. |
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| SPCC Honors Scholarship Donors and Recipients |
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(May 19, 2010) -- South Piedmont Community College honored recipients of endowed and community
scholarships and the donors who made the scholarships possible with a luncheon April
20 in the Conference Center on the Old Charlotte Highway Campus in Monroe.
SPCC scholarship recipients during the 2009-2010 academic year are:
Kasey Dunn,
Britt Family Scholarship;
Kristyn Leary,
Catherine Elizabeth Covington
Memorial Scholarship;
Shaina Cook,
Carpenter Healthcare Scholarship;
Brandon Pittarelli,
Citizens South Bank Scholarship;
Ryan Sabin,
Citizens South Bank Scholarship;
Cayce Buchanan,
CMH Flooring Products Scholarship;
Jonathan Klish,
CMH Flooring Products Scholarship;
KimLan Klish,
CMH Flooring Products Scholarship;
Kristyn Leary,
CMH Flooring Products Scholarship;
Steven Sikes,
CMH Flooring Products Scholarship;
Tonya Black,
James A. Hardison, Jr., Endowed Scholarship;
Cayce Buchanan,
James A. Hardison, Jr.,
Endowed Scholarship;
Jeremy Sikes,
James A. Hardison, Jr., Endowed Scholarship;
Steven Sikes,
James A. Hardison, Jr., Endowed Scholarship;
Lori Burr,
Hoyle W. Lee Endowed Scholarship;
Marcia Emrich,
W. Cliff Martin Endowed Scholarship;
Jeremy Sikes,
W. Cliff Martin Endowed
Scholarship;
Lori Burr,
Brownette Sullivan McLeod Nursing Scholarship;
Lori Burr,
BC Moore Foundation Scholarship;
Tammy Timmons,
Pilot Club of Monroe Scholarship;
Jason Hildreth,
Pat Johnson Memorial Scholarship;
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Veronica Richardson,
Pat Johnson Memorial Scholarship;
Cayce Buchanan,
Premiere Fibers Scholarship;
Steven Sikes,
Premiere Fibers Scholarship;
Nicole Charette,
Ben & Lillian Gray Rivers Endowed Scholarship;
Emily Hooks,
Ben & Lillian Gray Rivers Endowed Scholarship;
Kelvin Reaves,
Ben & Lillian Gray Rivers Endowed Scholarship;
Cayce Buchanen,
Robert & Jewell Lee Scholarship;
Susie Trexler,
Robert & Jewell Lee Scholarship;
Janice Palomba,
State Employees Credit Union Scholarship;
Heather Walden,
State Employees Credit Union Scholarship;
Tina Williams,
State Employees Credit Union Scholarship;
Andrew Kiker,
State Employees Credit Union Scholarship;
Lori Burr,
Susan Margaret Horne Scholarship;
Kristyn Leary,
Susan Margaret Horne Scholarship;
Kasey Dunn
Creative Food Concepts Scholarship;
Samantha Townsend,
Creative Food Concepts ;Scholarship;
Brandie Wright,
SPCC Foundation Scholarship;
William Yost,
SPCC Foundation Scholarship;
Judith Lambert,
SPCC Foundation Scholarship;
Monica Phillips,
SPCC Foundation Scholarship;
Samantha Townsend,
SPCC Foundation Scholarship;
Britta Varner,
SPCC Foundation Scholarship;
Veronica Richardson,
SPCC Foundation Scholarship;
Jeremy Sikes,
SPCC Foundation Scholarship;
Janice Palomba,
State Utility Contractors Endowed Scholarship;
Samantha Mullis,
Wachovia Technical Scholarship;
Cayce Buchanan,
Margie & JB Watson Endowed Scholarship;
Dawn Dressman,
Braswell Ambassadors Scholarship;
Madison Goodin,
Braswell Ambassadors Scholarship;
Paula Ruiz,
Braswell Ambassadors Scholarship;
Dana Simpson,
Braswell Ambassadors Scholarship
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Banner holders Vivian Gatewood, left, and Marty Smith, right, lead the "Survivor Lap" at Relay for Life, held at Anson High School on May 21-22. |
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SPCC to offer four-week digital photography workshop
 (May 27, 2010) -- South Piedmont Community College will offer a four-week,
eight-session photography workshop in June, taught by award-winning
local photographer Rick Crider.
The workshop is tailored for aspiring photographers who are moving into
the world of digital, single lens reflex cameras and are ready to step
beyond the “point and shoot” mind-set. Students will explore the
capabilities of their cameras’ variable settings, such as ISO, shutter
speed, aperture (f-stop), focusing and metering modes, and how to use
those settings to achieve optimum results for a particular scenario.
“This first workshop is technical in nature, as opposed to creative
and/or artistic,” Crider said. “It’s designed primarily for those
delving into the use of a digital SLR for the first time, getting them
past using the camera in automatic or program mode and discovering just
how versatile their new one can be once the basic functions are
understood.”
Crider said that in addition to those seeking a solid, basic
understanding of their camera, this workshop could be especially helpful
for parents/students who shoot sporting events, students entering the
graphic arts and design fields and small business owners who wish to
enhance and promote a service or product online or in the print media.
The class will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays
for four weeks, starting June 8, on the Old Charlotte Highway Campus,
4209 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe.
Crider has 33 years experience as a professional photographer and is
currently employed by The Enquirer-Journal in Monroe. He also does
freelance commercial work and for other media outlets. He has won
numerous state and regional awards over the years from different
organizations, including the North Carolina Press Association and the
North Carolina Press Photographers Association. He previously taught
photography at Anson Technical College, a predecessor of SPCC, from 1977
to 1985.
To sign up for the class, go to www.spcc.edu. Under “Corporate and
Continuing Education,” scroll down to “Personal Interest -
Continuing Education” and click on “Digital Photography.” For more
information, or assistance, contact Karen Elizabeth Smith at
704-290-5272 or ksmith@spcc.edu.
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The Wadesboro Park was officially dedicated May 27. Members of the Charles and Henry Little families, who donated the land, were among those present and were formally recognized by Wadesboro Town Manager, John Witherspoon. From left, Holly, Carly and Cynthia Little (Henry Little family) and Charles Little, Corrinne Nicholson and Lucy Little (Charles Little family). To read a story about the event and view more photos, visit www.cityofwadesboro.org. |
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Anson's jobless rate drops 1.1% in April
(May 30, 2010) -- For the third straight month in 2010, Anson County's unemployment rate dropped. For April, Anson's jobless rate was 13.8% -- a 1.1% decline from March and a 3.3% decrease from January's 17.0% figure.
Anson's April figures recorded a workforce of 10,246 (compared to 10,273 in March); 8,829 employed (compared to 8,744 in March); and 1,417 unemployed (compared to 1,529 in March).
April marked the 19th consecutive month that Anson has registered a double-digit rate. Compared to April 2009, Anson has seen a .4 increase in the 12-month period.
The April breakdown for Anson's neighboring counties:
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Montgomery -- 10,741 labor force; 1,278 unemployed; a rate of 11.9% (down 1.1% from March)
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Richmond -- 20,345 labor force; 2,620 unemployed; a rate of 12.9% (down .9% from March)
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Stanly -- 30,699 labor force; 3,582 unemployed; a rate of 11.7% (down 1.2% from March)
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Union -- 94,497 labor force; 9,152 unemployed; a rate of 9.7% (down 1.0% from March)
Anson's 13.8% unemployment rate led the seven-county Centralina Region. The April breakdown:
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Anson -- 10,246 labor force; 1,417 unemployed; 13.8% unemployment rate (down 1.1% from March)
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Cabarrus -- 84,719 labor force; 9,081 unemployed; 10.7% unemployment rate (down 1.1% from March)
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Iredell -- 79,183 labor force; 9,457 unemployed; 11.9% unemployment rate (down 1.0% from March)
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Lincoln -- 37,986 labor force; 4,728 unemployed; 12.4% unemployment rate (down 1.1% from March)
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Rowan -- 71,833 labor force; 8,527 unemployed; 11.9% unemployment rate (down 1.0% from March)
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Stanly -- 30,699 labor force; 3,582 unemployed; a rate of 11.7% (down 1.2% from March)
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Union -- 94,497 labor force; 9,152 unemployed; a rate of 9.7% (down 1.0% from March)
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Centralina -- 409,163 labor force; 45,944unemployed; 11.2% unemployment rate (down 1.1% from March)
According to Centralina Worforce data for April, Anson had 196 initial unemployment insurance claims; 2,352 total weeks claimed; $467,569 unemployment insurance benefits paid out; and 611 individuals receiving checks. Statewide, unemployment insurance benefits paid out a total of $189,312,939 with 190,311 individuals receiving checks.
North Carolina's April jobless rate was 10.0% -- a .9% decrease from March and a .3% decrease from March 2009. The state had an April labor force of 4,544,767 with 455,013 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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