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South Piedmont Community College Machining Coordinator Mike Willard
inspects his machine shop’s new HAAS SL-20 Turning Center. SPCC’s
Machining Technology Program received two new HAAS machines Oct. 28
valued at more than $240,000. The purchase was made possible from a
grant through the Duke Energy Community College Grant Program. The new
machines are part of SPCC’s commitment to deliver a highly-skilled
workforce to the manufacturing industry. |
Duke Energy grant allows SPCC to give students an advantage
(November 4, 2009) -- South Piedmont Community College’s Machining Technology Program
received two new machines Oct. 28 that are loaded with options, advanced
instructional opportunities and expectations. College officials say
it’s the most important investment in manufacturing training in the
college’s 10-year history.
And they owe it all to a $247,500 grant from the Duke Energy Community
College Grant Program.
“This equipment will move us to the forefront of training in advanced
machining technology,” said SPCC President John McKay. “There are
only three other community colleges in North Carolina with this level of
machines.”
It’s the third Duke Energy grant awarded to SPCC’s Advanced
Manufacturing programs in the last two years. Since 2007, the Machining
Technology and Mechatronics programs have secured more than $700,000 in
grants. In that same time period, those programs have trained more than
175 workers.
“SPCC is committed to supporting the manufacturing sector by
providing a highly-skilled workforce,” said Stuart Wasilowski, vice
president of Workforce Development and Continuing Education. “I think
our Duke Energy grant efforts prove we’re serious about growing our
services and giving our students every possible advantage that we
can.”
The machining program was created in direct response to local
manufacturers’ need for a trained workforce. Students are taught
blueprint reading, measuring tools, shop math, and lathe and milling
machine operations.
The new HAAS machines are equipped with extra options including 4- and
5-axis, live tooling, touch setting, probing and programmable cooling
nozzles. Machining Coordinator Mike Willard ordered the extra options
for a reason.
“In one way or another, all our industries use the options found on
these machines,” Willard said. “It adds more versatility to our
training.”
It could also add more classes to the school schedule, Willard said.
The machines can be incorporated into current courses including CNC
Machining and Advanced Machining Technology, or the options can be
broken into their own courses.
“We’ll be able to teach courses based on the specific
components,” Willard said. “For example, I could teach a class on
5-axis.”
The HAAS SL-20 is a lathe with live tools that has the capability to do
milling operations. The HAAS VF-1 has a 5-axis option with the use of a
trunion fixture.
The more options Willard has to train students with, the more
experience they carry with them into the workplace. That’s why SPCC
continues to invest in the program and that’s why students continue to
clamor for a spot in Willard’s classes.
“We’re overwhelmed,” he said. “It’s an awesome industry and
you need to have a passion for it.”
Graduates can find employment as machine operators, setup workers and
engineers. But, Willard said, you need your education first.
“If you’re building a job house, this is the first brick,” he
said. “It’s a necessity for this industry. You need to know how to
do this.”
Wasilowski agreed and said the grants from Duke Energy into workforce
development show a commitment to the Charlotte region.
“We want our students to have the best equipment at their fingertips
and Duke Energy’s generosity makes that possible,” he said.
“Employers demand high-performing employees and this high-level of
training helps our students compete as attractive and skilled
candidates.
“We can’t forget the fact that if Anson and Union counties have a
skilled workforce, the region is more likely to compete successfully for
new manufacturing jobs in the global economy. This is our piece to the
puzzle.”
Duke Energy has recognized that even though the Carolinas have
top-rated community and technical college systems, budgetary constraints
present a challenge for them. Duke Energy’s Community and Technical
College Grant Program provides a financial boost that helps enable
college systems to extend their expertise, to provide rewarding
opportunities for students, and ultimately, to help revitalize
manufacturing in the Carolinas.
Foundation For The Carolinas administers the Duke Energy Community
College Grant Program. The Foundation is a nonprofit community
foundation serving the philanthropic needs of donors and a broad range
of charitable purposes in North and South Carolina. Visit www.fftc.org.
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Riders line up for the 9:00 a.m. start of the 4th annual Discover Anson Bike Ride Nov. 7. |
A great day for a bike ride
(November 7, 2009) -- Clear blue skies and crisp fall weather greeted 41 cyclists in Ansonville on Nov. 7 for the fourth annual Discover Anson Bike Ride, held in conjunction with Ansonville's Homecoming Celebration and Ansonville Volunteer Fire Department's barbecue fundraiser.
Registration began at 8 a.m. at Ansonville Elementary School. Sandy Huntley of the Chamber of Commerce bike ride committee said that 21 riders had preregistered for the 30-, 50- or 70-mile ride. Twenty of these were new riders, she said.
Harvey Leavitt, an avid cyclist sidelined this year by an injury sustained in a fall, said that it was difficult to tell how many riders were on each route. "Some get to the turnoff from the 50-mile ride to the 70-mile ride and decide to turn back," he said.
 Among returning riders were biking buddies Jessie Blackwater of Mt. Pleasant and Kim Coyle of Norwood. Both expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming ride. The 2008 ride was "great," said Blackwood, mentioning the beautiful scenery along the routes. "And I love when you get back there's all this great food," she added. The $25 registration fee includes a lunch consisting of the Ansonville Fire Department's famed barbecue.
Prior to lining up for the "green flag" -- in this case, an orange sweatshirt -- to drop, riders collected goody bags and bottled water. More water and snacks were available at rest stops along the route. Diane McLaughlin, Ansonville town clerk, gave the signal for the ride to begin.
The Discover Anson Bike Ride is co-sponsored by the Anson County Chamber of Commerce and the Anson County Tourism Development Authority; and is overseen by the chamber's marketing and bike ride committees.
Click here to see more photos of the ride.
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Emmett Patterson, who served as general manager of Pee Dee Electric from 1981-1999, was honored Nov. 16 when a new state-of-the-art substation was given his name. Pictured from left to right are Mark Rhyne, director of engineering operations; Richard Johnson, chairman of the Pee Dee Electric Membership Corp. Board of Directors; Donnie Spivey, executive vice president and CEO; Patterson; his wife, Emily; and his daughter, Lara Autry. |
Substation dedication ceremony honors Emmett Patterson
(November 17, 2009) -- Emmett Patterson, whose 39-year career with Pee Dee Electric Membership Corp. included 18 years as general manager, was honored in a dedication ceremony on Nov. 16.
Approximately 60 people were in attendance at 2031 Stanback Ferry/Ice Plant Road, where a $4 million-plus investment was officially named "Patterson 230 kV Substation."
Patterson's wife, Emily, and his daughter, Lara Autry of Wake Forest, attended the ceremony. His daughter, Amy Harrell of Rocky Mount, was unable to attend.
Lynn Edwards, executive director of the Anson county Chamber of Commerce, led off the agenda of speakers, telling Patterson "it is great to be here to honor a great person ... a wonderful and special person."
Anna Baucom, who chairs the Anson County Board of Commissioners, said, "today is a wonderful day, a wonderful occasion ... and I bring you greetings from the board of commissioners." She praised Pee Dee Electric for its "investment in the community and its customers, and for honoring people who have dedicated themselves to the values and mission of the company."
Mark Rhyne, director of engineering and operations at Pee Dee Electric, presented a brief background on the substation site, which is adjacent to a Progress Energy substation, and offered a timeline from an idea on paper in 2006 to going online in July 2009.
He said the "old station" was known as the Wadesboro Breaker Station and Wadesboro Reactor Station. "It served the county and the towns for 50 years," he said, adding, "The lines reached the state line to the south, Cottonville to the north, the Pee Dee River to the east, and the White Store/Marshville area. Now, we can take lines beyond those points."
Rhyne said, "We have plenty of capacity here to serve our 5,100 customers on over 591 miles of lines."
"Why a new substation?" he asked, answering that the substation is due to the "growth in Anson County. Pee Dee Electric's investment exceeded $4 million ... and (Pee Dee Electric) is making a long-term investment in Anson County.
Donnie Spivey, executive vice president and CEO at Pee Dee Electric, recognized Rhyne for his leadership during the project and those who helped make it a success, calling the new substation "a state-of-the-art project."
"Today, we are honoring a man who has meant a lot to Pee Dee Electric and to me personally," Spivey said. He presented Patterson with a commemorative history of the North Carolina Electric Membership Corp. entitled "Our Story," and a replica of the sign officially naming the substation. Spivey said the backside of the replica had been autographed by Pee Dee Electric employees.
Patterson told the audience that "it is difficult to accept credit during my tenure ... it was our staff." He thanked Heyward McKinney, who served as general manager from 1946-1981, "for giving me a job."
Patterson began his career with Pee Dee Electric in 1960, took a leave of absence to earn his master of business administration degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and was appointed general manager by Pee Dee Electric's Board of Directors in Spring 1981, serving until his retirement in July 1999.
During Patterson's tenure as general manager, Pee Dee Electric made many technological advancements and established itself as an electric cooperative capable of competing in a deregulated industry.
Patterson closed by saying, "I am honored for this substation to have my name."
Bruce Simmons, director of marketing and communications at Pee Dee Electric, introduced Baucom, Rhyne, Spivey and Patterson to the audience.
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Entrepreneur training program for displaced workers comes to Monroe
(November 17, 2009) -- The Small Business Center at South Piedmont Community College will
offer the award-winning FastTrac® NewVenture™ program to emerging
entrepreneurs Nov. 30-Dec. 17, Monday-Thursday, 4-7 p.m., on the Old
Charlotte Highway Campus, 4209 Old Charlotte Hwy., Monroe.
The FastTrac® NewVenture™ program is a practical, hands-on business
development program designed to help budding entrepreneurs develop a
business idea and then plan the critical steps to a successful business
launch, including how to identify and reach target markets, plan and man
operations, set financial goals and fund the startup. To enhance
classroom instruction, participants will hear from successful
entrepreneurs, receive coaching from business startup specialists and
work in small group planning sessions with fellow entrepreneurs. At
close, participants will present their business plans for review by
peers and coaches.
Through funding provided by Gov. Beverly Perdue's Charlotte Regional
Economic and Workforce Recovery Initiative, this program is offered at
no cost to displaced workers wanting to pursue business ownership as a
career. This program is part of FastTrac® LaunchPad, a joint initiative
of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Deluxe Corporation
Foundation.
To apply for admittance, go to www.fasttrac.org and complete the on-line application. Click
on "Program Locator – Get Started” and enter your zip code. Select the
Charlotte Region Programs for Displaced Workers then follow the link for
the SPCC location. The application deadline is Nov. 27.
For more information, contact Vince Holloman, Director of the SPCC
Small Business Center at 704-290-5222 or vholloman@spcc.edu.
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NC Western Piedmont Farmers Eligible for Grant Awards
(November 19, 2009) -- The Rural Advancement Foundation International is hosting a “how to apply” grant workshop between 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the Anson County Extension office. The workshop is for farmers with new farm enterprises that demonstrate innovative opportunities in production, processing and marketing.
The program is managed by Rural Advancement Foundation International (RAFI-USA), as the “Tobacco Communities Reinvestment Fund (TCRF)”. RAFI coordinates information, workshops, accept applications, awards grants and monitors the results.
Supported by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission, the grant program is designed to keep farmers in farming and to maintain the economic base of North Carolina’s rural communities. All farmers are eligible. Priority is given to projects that provide opportunities for a new generation of farmers and to applicants who had tobacco income at the time of the Master Settlement Agreement.
Eligibility: Qualifying producers must be farmers or farmer “groups” actively engaged in full or part-time farming in the Western Piedmont. Western Piedmont counties include Alexander, Anson, Alleghany, Ashe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wilkes, and Yadkin.
Awards: The maximum amount available to individual farmers is $10,000 and $30,000 for collaborative farmer or community projects. Grant applications for the Western Piedmont Region are due January 13, 2010, at 5:00 p.m. The timeline for submitting grants in other N.C. regions can be seen at www.ncfarmgrants.org.
“The TCRF is designed to help farmers put their own ideas to work to develop new income sources,” said Jason Roehrig, RAFI Program Director. “Through cost-share grants, we can help reduce the risk of trying new ideas.” Examples of past projects have included improved greenhouse vegetable production, supplies for pasture-raised livestock, expansion of nursery operations, farmer’s market assistance and more.
“We anticipate a large number of farmers benefitting from this unique opportunity,” said
William Upchurch, Executive Director of the Tobacco Trust Fund Commission. The ultimate impact is preservation of the family farm.
Register for the free December 1, 2009 workshop at the Anson Cooperative Extension Service 501 McLaurin St., Wadesboro, by calling Aimee Marshall at 704-694-2415, or by email at aimee_marshall@ncsu.edu.
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The Anson County Chamber of Commerce held its 47th annual meeting Nov. 17. Award winners, from left, are Elaine Scarborough, W. Dunlap Covington Award for Community Service; Dr. Don Altieri, Henry W. Little, III Community Leadership Award; Kris Poplin, Cindy Taylor-Lisenby, Bonnie Morgan, Ashlie Jones, Caroline Hightower, Shana Payne and Kim Wilson (Anson County Partnership for Children staff),W. Dunlap Covington Award for Community Service; Sheriff Tommy Allen, retiring director and past chairman; and Todd Moore, outgoing Chairman. |
Awards presented to Altieri, ACPC and Scarborough before a record crowd
(November 19, 2009) -- For the 47th Annual Membership meeting of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, attendees found themselves in new environs -- the Ingram Room at South Piedmont Community College's Lockhart-Taylor Center.
The festive decor served as a backdrop to the Chamber's two prestigious awards, the "Henry" and the "Dunnie" honors.
Dr. Don Altieri, former president of South Piedmont Community College and current executive director of New Ventures Business Development Inc., was presented the Henry W. Little III Community Leadership plaque. As the fourth recipient, Altieri joins Leon Gatewood, Russell Sikes and Carly Little as an honoree.
The Anson County Partnership for Children was awarded the 16th W. Dunlap Covington Award for Community Service. The 17th award was presented to Elaine Scarborough, executive director of the Partnership since 1997.
In presenting the "Henry" award to Altieri, Little began by saying, "His journey in Anson County began in 1993 as the president of Anson Community College. During the next several years, he played a major role in the transition of Anson Community College to South Piedmont Community College.
"And, with his determination, Anson County was able to keep a portion of South Piedmont here. He was the first founding president of SPCC, leading the way for a nationally recognized educational establishment."
Little continued, "After retiring from the community college, he saw the opportunity for an organization to help businesses and individuals. The creation of New Ventures Business Development was begun. He showed not only the state, but also our county commissioners, the impact this organization could have on our economy here in Anson County.
"In the midst of his dedication to education and business development, he has been a strong force behind Smart Start, now known as the Anson County Partnership for Children, and the Lockhart-Taylor Center with the fabulous new kitchen we are previewing tonight."
Little went on to recognize Altieri's work with Uptown Wadesboro Inc. and the Wadesboro Rotary Science and Planetarium Center; and his recognition by the State of North Carolina as a recipient of the Order of the Longleaf Pine, the highest individual honor given by the state.
"I think it is fitting to present the "Henry" award to Dr. Altieri because he works so hard for education and the betterment of the place we call home. Henry was a major supporter of education and our home as well. He believed in these two causes, as I believe Dr. Altieri does.
A surprised Altieri said, "This award is wonderful ... and it's all about Henry's commitment to education." As for his accomplishments, Altieri said, "It took a lot of work by wonderful people to bring about success. I humbly accept this award."
Edwards, the 2008 "Dunnie" recipient, told the audience that she was breaking the tradition of the previous year's winner making the presentation, and introduced Elbert Marshall, an original member of the ad hoc committee that laid the groundwork to form a Smart Start program in Anson County and who served as board chair in 1998-99.
Marshall said it was a privilege to present the award "to an organization that is dear to my heart" and gave a brief history of the Partnership -- from an interest in 1993 to becoming the Anson County Partnership for Children in 1996. In addition, he recognized another original committee member, Bob Stowe, who was in the audience.
"In the 13 years that the Partnership has been serving Anson County, there has been an important impact on the methodology of preparing children in their in their pre-school years," he said, adding, "Of working with young adults, parents and guardians ... of establishing a rating system for child care centers ... of providing incentives for child care personnel to continue their education ... of securing grant monies for numerous organizations and programs ... and of being a conduit for information, assistance, advice and future planning."
He highlighted some of the Partnership's services -- including literacy projects, the TIPS (Teen Information and Parenting Services) program, child passenger safety, the More at Four program, and quality child care. He recognized Partnership staff members Kim Wilson (grant writer), Bonnie Morgan (TIPS coordinator), Kris Poplin (child care resources coordinator).
Marshall listed professional accomplishments by the Partnership -- including sound fiscal management; meeting high performing standards in performance-based incentive results; 100 percent board giving; 13 years of successful grant writing for over $5 million that represented over 50 percent of the Partnership's cumulative funding; and raising over $50,000 for literacy projects in three successful Barn Blast fundraisers.
Marshall recognized the Partnership's commitment to taking on the issue of preventing teen pregnancies, saying the Partnership "has forged a strong collaboration with the Healthy Ansonians Task Force and HOLLA! (Helping Our Loved ones to Learn and Achieve)."
Marshall thanked Scarborough "for her support of (the Chamber's) Leadership Anson," telling the audience that at least one staffer usually attends Leadership Anson each year.
In closing, Marshall said, "If Mr. Dunlap Covington, who was instrumental in starting a chamber of commerce back in 1963 and for whom this award is named, was with us tonight, he would be pround to hear me say ... the 2009 W. Dunlap Covington Award for Community Service goes to the Anson County Partnership for Children."
At the podium, Marshall presented the award to Scarborough, Wilson, Morgan, Poplin, Ashlie Jones, Shana Payne, Cindy Taylor-Lisenby and Caroline Hightower.
Scarborough thanked her staff for their stellar work for the Partnership and her board of directors, present and past.
Afterwards, Marshall asked Scarborough to remain at the podium and called on Dana Maness, the Partnership's chairman of the board, to join them.
Maness congratulated the Partnership's staff, saying, "Having worked with you over the past four years, I know that you deserve the award." He said, "The mission of our Partnership is to make Anson County a better place to be a child and a better place to raise a child.
"Elaine Scarborough has made this her mission for a lifetime," Maness said, pointing out "She has been an educator for 35 years ... she has held and crafted the position of executive director of our Partnership ... she has unmatched qualifications and work skills ... she shows intensive professional involvement and community involvement.
"Elaine has a list of priorities and responsibilities that would make most people want to just give up," Maness said. "It seems to make her stronger. I am sure that she would be quick to tell you that her topnotch staff makes completion of these responsibilities possible."
He continued, "Elaine Scarborough has invested her lifetime on our kids, which are our future. There is also a mutual benefit in her investment. Our county is a better place to be. Our kids are more prepared for life. And, through this investment, Elaine is able to carry out her unselfish passion for children."
Maness quoted Scarborough's husband, Don, saying, "No man could ever have a better mother for his two children. No son or daughter could have had a better mother."
In awarding the "Dunnie" plaque to Scarborough, Maness concluded, "Every great team has to have a committed leader ... Elaine, you have been that leader both at work and in the community."
An equally surprised Scarborough said she was almost speechless, but again thanked her staff and board members for their support. She thanked her husband and her daughter, Whitney, and sister, Gail Strickland, who were in the audience.
Previous "Dunnie" winners were:
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1995 -- Denise Beachum, Fancy Crafts, People Fest chair from 1983 to 1995
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1996 -- The Anson County Writers' Club, producers of the outdoor drama, "A Ripple in the River," and the annual poetry and prose contests for adults and youths
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1997 -- Chris and Robin Sanford, Wadesboro IGA
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1998 -- Don Scarborough, Plank Road Realty
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1999 -- Don Altieri, South Piedmont Community College
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2000 -- Elbert Marshall, Anson County Chamber of Commerce
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2001 -- Carol Smith, Burnsville Recreation and Learning Center
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2002 -- The Rev. Priscilla Durkin, First Presbyterian Church
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2003 -- Russell Sikes, Plank Road Realty
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2004 -- Uptown Wadesboro Inc., Main Street redevelopment programs
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2004 -- Anne Covington Leary, Thrift Loan and Finance
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2005 -- Jarvis Woodburn, Coffing Hoists and Anson County Commissioner
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2006 -- John Dunlap, Wansona retiree and president of the Anson County Historical Society
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2007 -- Dana Maness, Anson Bank & Trust
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2008 -- Lynn Edwards, Anson County Chamber of Commerce
Chamber Chair Todd Moore presented Anson County Sheriff Tommy Allen with an appreciation plaque. Allen will complete two terms as a board member as of Dec. 31.
Chamber Vice Chair Carly Little honored Moore as the outgoing chairman, thanking him for his leadership as chairman in 2008 and 2009.
Ashlie Jones, financial administrator with the Anson County Partnership for Children, was unanimously elected as a Chamber director, replacing Allen on the board.
Chamber Treasurer Dana Maness made the financial report, saying "the Chamber has had a relatively good year in spite of the worst economic downturn in 70-plus years." He said the Chamber's membership "has remained steady around 300 members" and that "our two main fundraiser were still very successful."
Maness said the Chamber Open Golf Tournament, held in April, netted $12,464; and the 2008 Big-Game Hunt Tournament netted $11,481. "So far, we have net revenue over expenditure," he concluded.
The gala affair attracted 153 people -- a modern-day attendance record -- out of the 167 who registered. And, the annual meeting was a trial run (a successful one) for the new community kitchen located adjacent to the Ingram Room, where caterers Kathy Thompson and Beth Rogers had full on-site access to their catering needs.
The invocation was offered by James David Lee; the evening's entertainment was provided by guitarist Thomas Cureton; and Vice Chair Little made the closing remarks.
The 2009 Annual Membership meeting's corporate sponsors were: Anson Bank & Trust, Anson Community Hospital, Anson County Partnership for Children, Branch Banking & Trust, Heritage Hills Living Center, Leavitt Funeral Home, North Carolina Electric Membership Corp., Pee Dee Electric, Progress Energy and South Piedmont Community College.
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Golden LEAF awards $575,000 to South Piedmont Community College
 (November 19, 2009) -– At its November Board meeting, the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors awarded over $4.2 million to address some of North Carolina’s urgent workforce needs in the aerospace industry through its Golden LEAF Opportunities for Work in Aerospace Manufacturing (GLOW-AM) Initiative.
“The Golden LEAF Board of Directors established the GLOW-AM Initiative to connect the aerospace industry’s workforce needs with viable and sustainable job opportunities for North Carolinians,” said Dan Gerlach, Golden LEAF president. “The Foundation is interested in building the talent, knowledge and skill of citizens, especially in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and rural communities, to take full advantage of available job opportunities like those in the aerospace industry.”
Recently, Golden LEAF provided support to the North Carolina’s Eastern Region to complete a statewide workforce needs assessment for the emerging aerospace industry in North Carolina. In response to the findings, the Foundation created the GLOW-AM initiative and requested proposals from training providers that address the workforce development challenges identified in the report. The projects funded in the Initiative are designed to strengthen training capacities in regions of the state that have high concentrations of aerospace manufacturing companies and maintenance, repair and overhaul operations.
“North Carolina is gaining momentum in becoming a national leader in aerospace and aviation,” said Dr. R. Scott Ralls, president of the NC Community College System. “The grants from our partners at Golden LEAF mark a real step forward in reaching that goal and in providing the resources our selected colleges need to continue to create a high-quality aerospace workforce.”
South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) was awarded $575,000 for its “Aerospace & Precision Manufacturing” project. The grant will be used by SPCC to establish an industry-led training program, which will incorporate modules specific to the aerospace industry culture and provide technical training in integrated systems technology /mechatronics, machining and Program Logic Controllers.
“Aerospace manufacturing is a major employment sector in Union County,” said Dr. John McKay, president of SPCC. “This grant will allow us to expand our programs to provide a workforce with higher level skills to meet today and tomorrow's job requirements. This is a great boost to our employers and current and future students.”
About the Golden LEAF Foundation:
The Golden LEAF Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to help transform North Carolina’s economy. The foundation receives one-half of North Carolina’s funds from the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement with cigarette manufacturers and places special emphasis on assisting tobacco-dependent, economically distressed and/or rural communities across the state. The Golden LEAF Foundation works in partnership with governmental entities, educational institutions, economic development organizations and nonprofits to achieve its mission. The foundation has awarded 847 grants totaling more than $399 million since its inception. For more information, or to learn more about applying for a grant, visit www.goldenleaf.org or call (888) 684-8404.
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Wilmington's Ellyn Bache joins CWC 2010 line-up
 (November 29, 2009) -- Wilmington author Ellyn Bache will be a featured speaker at the 2010 Carolinas Writers Conference.
The Wilmington writer joins fellow North Carolinian Michael Malone of Hillsborough on the second annual conference's agenda. The event will be held from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 17, at South Piedmont Community College's Lockhart-Taylor Center.
A native of Washington, D.C., Bache studied English at the University of Maryland and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has resided in Wilmington for over 20 years, but now divides her time between the Tar Heel State and Pennsylvania.
Bache's newest novel is "Daughters of the Sea," a Reviewers Choice "Book of the Year" nominee and a top selection from RT Book Reviews. A previous novel, "Safe Passage," was adapted into a movie that starred Susan Sarandan and Sam Sheppard.
Among her other titles are: "Holiday Miracles: A Christmas/Hanukkah Story," "Festival in Fire Season," "The Activist's Daughter" and "Riggs Park."
Tickets to the all-day event are $30 ($20 if pre-registered by Jan. 31) for adults and $6 for Anson County Schools and South Piedmont College Students (with an I.D.). For more information, visit www.ansoncountywritersclub.org.
For more information on Bache, visit her website at www.ellynbache.com; visit www.ansoncountywritersclub.org; or go to www.carolinaswritersconference.org.
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