Celebrating ties that bind
Festival of the Arts brings culture to Kannapolis

By Hugh Fisher Kannapolis Citizen The Festival of the Arts, presented on May 16 by Cooperative Christian Ministry and A.L. Brown High School, gave the audience and participants a world tour of music, art, dance and singing. A late afternoon thunderstorm didn’t keep a crowd of 400 from attending the free show that combined the annual high school art and music show with the third annual Cooperative Christian Ministry benefit concert featuring area teen musicians and their bands. In addition to money raised through corporate sponsorships, voluntary donations of money and canned goods collected at the show will help poor families in the community. And while the donations rolled in, the audience sang, swayed and danced along with acts that included Latino, R&B, gospel and rock, not to mention numerous types of dance and literary artistry. Ed Hosack, executive director of Cooperative Christian Ministry, said that the bringing together of the events was timely and a great opportunity for the community. “Two years ago, in order to kick off the teen concert, we started attending the Festival of the Arts at Brown,” Hosack said. “We invited artists from the festival to play and give back to the community.” The inaugural concert in 2006 featured five bands. Friday night’s show had more than 20 acts, among them the very teen musicians and bands with ties to A.L. Brown who have regularly performed at the school as part of the student concert and art show that’s been held there since 2004. Louise Bush, an A.L. Brown English teacher and organizer of the festival, said the student show was begging for a wider audience. “First of all, we have a lot of talented kids,” Bush said, “and second, we have a very multicultural environment. This show is a reflection of both of those things.” Hosack agreed, saying he hoped that members of the community who saw the show would put aside their stereotypes of what it means to have diversity. “I think they’d be pleased to see these young people,” Hosack said. The show “is a microcosm of our city and the diversity that’s already happening here.” Helen Stroud, an instructor at A.L. Brown, said that anticipation of the concert had been strong. “The students have been excited all day,” Stroud said, beaming a smile as she stood near a table staffed by members of Students Against Violence Everywhere (SAVE), the organization for which she is adviser. Stroud, a Kannapolis native, said the concert’s atmosphere of community among young and old of different faiths and ethnicities was what the city needs to capture. “This is the Kannapolis I remember. It’s the spirit of everybody here,” she said. “And people need to know, also, that A.L. Brown is more than just big buildings,” said Stroud. “There’s a lot of heart, a lot of family spirit inside that school.” Students and performers were pleased with the turnout, expressing similar hopes for what spectators would take away from the concert. “We want people to get a feel for how much talent there is in this area,” said Brandon Strickland, an A.L. Brown student and member of local alternative rock band Beyond the Fade. Tori Jordan, an A.L. Brown senior and lifelong singer, sang the National Anthem before Friday’s concert and performed gospel music during the show. “This feels really good,” Jordan said of the chance to perform before a large audience. “This is something I always wanted to do, and I want to give back to the community any way I can.” Jordan, 18, performed “Lord, You Are Good” and “I Am a Friend of God,” songs that she said expressed her Christian faith and that she hoped would share a positive message with the community. “Through my singing, maybe someone out there will come to Christ, and I think that’s the most important thing,” she said. As the performers shared favorite songs and snapshots of culture in dances and verse, the evening provided that promised look at Kannapolis’ truly diverse makeup. “I think it’s good that they can see that we’re not gang members or whatever,” said Bridgette Parks, an A.L. Brown senior who watched the concert with a group of friends. “We do have a lot of talent.” • Contact Hugh Fisher at 704-933-3450 or hfisher@kannapoliscitizen.com.

Kannapolis obituaries — Week of 5/21/08

‘Becky’ S. Jones LEXINGTON — Rebecca “Becky” Anne Smith Jones, 48, Lexington, formerly of Charlotte, died May 14, 2008, at Lexington Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Jones was a daughter of Harry and Betty Jane Cable Smith, Midland. She volunteered at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, Kannapolis, while her children were there and at Southwood Elementary School, Lexington. She attended Covenant Church of Harrisburg. Survivors, in addition to her parents, include husband Gregory Lee “Greg” Jones; daughters Melissa Haas, Fort Hood, Texas, Christine Sheleisa Brown, Chapel Hill; sister Victoria Ellis, Locust; and brother Harry Smith Jr., Harrisburg; nieces Hannah and Faith Ellis and Summer Smith. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord, and at other times at her parents’ home, 16408 Clear Creek Drive, Midland. Services: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Covenant Church of Harrisburg, conducted by the Rev. Brandon Bowers and the Rev. David McGuirk. Burial, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Charlotte. Memorials: Covenant Church of Harrisburg, P.O. Box 219, Harrisburg, NC 28075 Blanche N. Atwell MOORESVILLE — Blanche Nanney Atwell, 79, of Karriker Farm Road, died Monday, May 12, 2008, at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. Born April 27, 1929, in Iredell County, she was a daughter of the late Thomas Riley and Pauline Dingler Nanney. She was a graduate of Mooresville High School and attended Unity United Methodist Church. Retired from Burlington Industries, she was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by husband, Ray Sloan Atwell, on Oct. 7, 2006. Survivors include sons Christopher Atwell of Aberdeen, Michael Atwell of China Grove, and David and Tony Atwell, both of Mooresville; daughters Patty Greene and Debbie Freeze, both of Mooresville, Barbara Jones and Joan Hartis, both of Charlotte; sisters Helen Ritchie of Kannapolis, Cora Huffman of Salisbury, Lynn Bumgarner of Mooresville and Phyllis Hardwick of Illinois; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. A service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at Unity United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. Carl Suttle. Burial, West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials: Unity United Methodist Church, 8505 Unity Church Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081; or American Cancer Society, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210; or American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060. Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is in charge. ‘Robbie’ T. Orth Robert Thomas “Robbie” Orth, 71, died Sunday, May 11, 2008. Born in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 5, 1936, he was a son of the late Robert and Dixie Orth. He had lived at the First Assembly Living Center since 1988. Survivors include his brother, Gregg Orth of Charlotte. A graveside service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at Carolina Memorial Park, conducted by the Rev. Forrest Jones. Carolina Funeral Service & Cremation was in charge. ‘Del’ E. Stanford Delma “Del” Eugene Stanford, 54, 1368 Sherry Court, Kannapolis, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at his home after two years of declining health. Born Oct. 21, 1953, in Iredell County, he was a son of the late Cecil Noah and Pauline Rogers Stanford of Kannapolis. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He worked for Pillowtex in Kannapolis for 28 years, until it closed in 2003. He then worked for U.S. Foodservice in Charlotte. He was a member of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by a grandchild. In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife of 36 years, Patricia King Stanford; son Creg Eugene Stanford of Kannapolis; daughters Kimberly Dawn Bare, Hope Leann Franklin and April Stanford Dennard, all of Kannapolis; brothers Bobby Stanford of Kannapolis, and Ronald Stanford of Salisbury; sisters Dale Bostian and Linda Ervin, both of Kannapolis; stepbrother,Gerald Stanford, Lenoir; stepsister, Loretta Brannon, Charlotte; and 11 grandchildren. A service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at West A Tabernacle Church, Kannapolis, conducted by the Rev. Chris Pethel. Burial will be at a later date. Memorials: American Cancer Society, Charlotte Office, 6000 Fairview Road, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210. Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge. ‘Pete’ Medlin CHINA GROVE — Donald Lee “Pete” Medlin, 66, of China Grove, died Monday, May 12, 2008, at his residence. Born July 30, 1941, in Rowan County, he was a son of the late Claude Herman and Gussie Inez Williams Medlin. He was educated at A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis and was an electrician, having worked with Delta Electric, Coastal Electric and Bryant Electric before retirement. Survivors include daughter Angelia Moore; brother Bob Medlin of Rockwell; sisters June M. Hartsoe of China Grove and Claudette M. Craig of Salisbury; one grandson; and two great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at West Concord Cemetery, conducted by Hospice Chaplain the Rev. Fred Morrisette and the Rev. Buddy Hoffner. Evergreen Cremation Services of Salisbury was in charge. Michael D. Short Michael Duane Short, 31, 908 Willard Ave., died Friday, May 9, 2008, at his home. Born Aug. 6, 1977, in Cabarrus County, he was the son of Farris Mitchell Short of Ruby, S.C., and Rose Haynes Blake of Kannapolis. He attended A.L. Brown in Kannapolis and was employed by Alby Stamey Electric. Survivors include daughter Alisha Nicole Short of Kannapolis; maternal grandparents Almer and Dollie Haynes of Kannapolis; paternal grandmother Margaret Deese of Ruby S.C.; brother Christopher Lynn Short of Kannapolis; and sister Farrah Michelle Short of Ruby, S.C. A service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home, Landis, conducted by the Rev. Walter Lyman. Polly Smith TROUTMAN — Polly Lemons Smith, 71, 304 Houston Road, died Friday (May 16, 2008) at her home. Born Sept. 8, 1936, in Union, Mrs. Smith was a daughter of the late Henry Leroy and Arney Crump Lemons. She retired as a spinner from Templon Spinning Mills, Mooresville. Her husband, Bobby W. Smith, died in 1976. Survivors include sons Rick Smith, Mooresville, Paul Smith, Troutman, and Danny Smith, Statesville; sister Helen Mogofski, Kannapolis; six grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. A service was held Monday (May 19, 2008) at Lady’s Funeral Home, Kannapolis, conducted by the Rev. Leon Hawks. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis. Alice L. Dowling WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — Alice L. Dowling, 80, formerly of Concord, died Friday, May 9, 2008. She was born in Concord, the daughter of the late Will Mac and Lila King Linker. A retired lieutenant colonel, she was a nurse in the U.S. Air Force. She was a member at Centerville First United Methodist Church, a member of the Retired Officers Association and the American Red Cross Association. Survivors include husband Fred M. Dowling; and sisters Willie Knox of Statesville and and Faye Myers of Concord. A service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, in the chapel of Heritage Memorial Funeral Home. Burial, Andersonville National Cemetery. Memorials: Centerville First United Methodist Church at 101 Wilson Drive, Centerville, GA 31028, in memory of Mrs. Dowling. Heritage Memorial Funeral Home is in charge. Thomas A. Walter WILMINGTON — Thomas A. Walter, 78, a retired lieutenant colonel, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at his residence after a lengthy illness. Born June 3, 1929, in Concord, he was the youngest son of the late I. Lois McDonald and Oscar Boger Walter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara D. Walter. Survivors include sons Thomas Walter Jr., Tracy Walter and Micheal Walter; sisters Martha Ellen Summers, Mary McDonald Haigler and Frances Estelle Kolbe; and two granddaughters. A graveside service was held Saturday, May 17, 2008, in Oakwood Cemetery, Concord. Market Street Chapel handled services in Wilmington and Wilkinson Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. Irvin Leroy Hann CONCORD — Irvin Leroy Hann, 68, of Sandusky Boulevard, died Saturday, May 10, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. Born Nov. 17, 1939, in Baltimore, Md., he was a son of the late Irvin Thomas and Mae Spealmann Hann. Prior to retirement, he was employed in the construction industry. Survivors include his wife, Brenda Barts Hann; sons Todd Hann, Forest Hill, Md., and Mark Hann, Berkeley Springs, W.Va.; daughter Tammy Cassera, Spring Hill, Fla.; sister Janet Bewley of Bel Air, Md.; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Lane Street Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Mike Dunn. Memorials: Lane Street Baptist Church, 2532 Lane St., Kannapolis, NC, 28083. Lady’s Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge. Gladys G. Starnes Gladys Grass Starnes, 74, Kannapolis, formerly of Oak Island, died Friday (May 16, 2008) at CMC-NorthEast, Concord, following a period of declining health. Born July 28, 1933, in Cabarrus County, Mrs. Starnes was a daughter of the late Avery Jackson and Inez Burris Grass. A graduate of J.W. Cannon High School, she worked for the Charlotte and Salisbury offices of BellSouth until retiring and was a member of Midway United Methodist Church, Women of the Moose of Oak Island Lodge and a former member of the Ladies Auxiliary. She was a longtime den mother for Cub Scout Pack 007 at Midway United Methodist Church. Her husband, Billy Eugene Starnes, died Dec. 9, 2000. Survivors include sons Scott Starnes, Salisbury, Greg Starnes, Concord, and Todd Starnes, Kannapolis; sister Audrey Purser, Wagram; brother James Grass, Concord; and nine grandchildren. Funeral services were Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Dave Cash. Private entombment. Online condolences: www.whitleysfuneralhome. com. Memorials: Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or Midway United Methodist Church, 708 S. Main St., Kannapolis, NC 28081. Wade B. Holt MOORESVILLE — Wade Bennett Holt, 84, 952 Shinnville Road, died Thursday (May 15, 2008) at Davis Hospital, Statesville. Born Nov. 31, 1923, in Stanly County, Mr. Holt was a son of the late Ruben and Elizabeth Howard Holt. A retired insurance salesman, he served in the Army Air Force during World War II. Survivors include wife Thelma Blackwelder Holt; son Mark Holt, Mooresville; daughter Debbie Kutschenko, Mooresville; brother Elvin Holt, Mount Ulla; sister Joyce Goodman, Cleveland; and two grandchildren. Funeral services were Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, conducted by the Rev. James Reep and the Rev. John Kale. Burial, church cemetery. Neill Funeral Home was in charge. Memorials: Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, Weathers Church Road, Troutman, NC 28166. Birdia M. Baker Birdia Moose Baker, 89, 1202 East 11th St., Kannapolis, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008. Born Jan. 4, 1919, in the Bear Creek Community of Mount Pleasant, she was a daughter of the late A.F. and Tena Rowland Moose. She worked later in life caring for the sick as a private duty sitter at Cabarrus Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leif E. Baker, in 1990. Survivors include sons William M., Norman E. and Harvey E. Baker, all of Kannapolis; brothers Archie, Harold and Melvin Moose, all of Mount Pleasant; and four grandchildren. A service was held Thursday, May 15, 2008, at Bethel United Church of Christ. Burial, church cemetery. Memorials: Bethel United Church of Christ 18937 Bear Creek Church Road, Mount Pleasant, NC 28124. Gordon Funeral Services of Mount Pleasant is in charge. Raymond Parks Raymond Lee Parks, 84, Wright Road, died Thursday (May 15, 2008) at his home. Born Aug. 18, 1923, in Rowan County, Mr. Parks was a son of the late H. Glenn and Eula Freeze Parks. He retired from the Cannon Mills Plant 4 machine shop and was a member of Bethpage Presbyterian Church. Son Terry Parks preceded him in death. Survivors include wife Elizabeth Smith Parks; daughter Rhonda Jones, Kannapolis; brothers Arnold, Harold and Kermit Parks, all of Kannapolis; and two granddaughters. Funeral services were held Sunday (May 18, 2008) at Bethpage Presbyterian Church, conducted by the Rev. Darryl Baker. Burial, church cemetery. Lady’s Funeral Home was in charge. Memorials: Bethpage Presbyterian Church, 6020 Mooresville Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081. AnnaBelle Norris AnnaBelle Coffey Norris, 93, formerly of 1006 DeSoto Ave., died Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Trinity Oaks Retirement Community after a short illness. Born Jan. 18, 1915, in Watauga County, she was a daughter of the late Dell C. and Mary Jane Bodenhamer Coffey. She was a teacher in the Kannapolis City Schools for 20 years until her retirement in 1976. She was a member of Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church where she assisted with Cub Scouts, Sunday school, the Lutheran Church Women and other church activities. She was a former member of the Kannapolis Garden Club, where she had served as president. She was a former volunteer with the American Red Cross in Cabarrus County and the Cabarrus Cooperative Christian Ministry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale C. Norris, on Dec. 2, 2007. Survivors include sons Gary and Mickey Norris, both of Concord, and Dan Norris of Boone; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A service was held Tuesday, May 20, 2008, at Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church, conducted by the Rev. Richard Rhoades. Entombment, Carolina Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum. Memorials: Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church, 101 Vance St., Kannapolis, NC 28081 or Green Park Valley, PO Box 3533, Boone, NC 28607. Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge. ‘Jill’ Ann Falls Patricia “Jill” Ann Roseman Falls, 59, 2921 Springdale Ave., died Friday, May 9, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. Born Feb. 27, 1949, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Annie Kirk Roseman. She was preceded in death by her son, Devin Falls. Survivors include her husband David L. Falls Jr.; son Gary Wayne Falls of Greensboro; daughter Crystal Stevenson of Kannapolis; sisters Olivia Spears and Marsha Neal, both of Concord; brothers Thomas Roseman of Kannapolis, and Roddy and Christopher Roseman, both of Concord; and four grandchildren. A service was held Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at Marable Memorial AME Zion Church, conducted by the Rev. Wayne C. Harris. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Clark Funeral Home Inc. is in charge. Mildred Triece SEAGROVE — Mildred Lorene Swink Triece, formerly of Kannapolis, died Thursday (May 15, 2008) at the home of son Dan Triece, Seagrove, with whom she lived the past four years. She was in declining health for four years and seriously ill for four months. Born June 14, 1927, in Rowan County, Mrs. Triece was a daughter of the late Willis Franklin and Mary Melinda Swicegood Swink. A certified church musician in the Lutheran Church of America, she served 40 years as an organist and choir director at several churches, including St. Enoch, Center Grove and Trinity Lutheran churches in Landis and Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church. She was instrumental in introducing handbell music into this area. After retiring, she worked at Mills Garden Center. Her husband, Ray “Buck” Triece, preceded her in death. Survivors, in addition to son Dan Triece, include son Jim Carraher; and daughter Sharon Vanpelt, Kannapolis; Lois Eagle and Doris Childers. Funeral services were Sunday, May 18, 2008, at Center Grove Lutheran Church, Landis, conducted by the Rev. Diane Wales and the Rev. Matthew Miller. Burial, church cemetery. Lady’s Funeral Home was in charge. Memorials: Hospice of Randolph County, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204 or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Alma Thompson CONCORD — Alma Elizabeth Burris McGaha Thompson, 90, 3575 Poplar Tent Road, died Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. Born Sept. 11, 1917, in Cabarrus County, she was the daughter of the late John Travis and Fannie Zorville Burris. She worked as a wash cloth cutter at Cannon Mills. She was a member of Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Lloyd McGaha, and second husband, Opel Leon “Pete” Thompson. She is survived by son John Edward “Ed” McGaha of Concord; and one grandson. A graveside service was held Friday, May 16, 2008, at Oakwood Cemetery, conducted by Ken Sloop and Sheldon Burdick. Memorials: Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, N.C. 28081. Hartsell Funeral Home, Concord was in charge. Mary G. Isenhour CONCORD — Mary Iris Goodman Isenhour, 83, 2452 Rock Hill Church Road, Concord Place, formerly of Kannapolis, died Friday (May 16, 2008). Born Dec. 25, 1924, in Concord, Mrs. Isenhour was a daughter of the late Archie Franklin and Mildred Mitchell Goodman. She retired from the Cabarrus County Schools administrative office. A musician, she has played throughout the area and around the world. Survivors include husband Ben M. Isenhour. Funeral services will be private. Lady’s Funeral Home, Kannapolis, is in charge. Ollie M. Clontz MONROE — Ollie Mullis Harrington Clontz, 98, 9307 Landsford Road, formerly of Kannapolis, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at her home after a year of declining health. Born July 26, 1910, in Union County, she was a daughter of the late Charlie N. and Camilia Benton Mullis. She worked for the former Cannon Mills Co. Plant No. 1 and No. 6 Weave Room for 34 years until her retirement. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church, Marshville. She lived in Kannapolis most of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, C. Lee Harrington, who died June 24, 1988; and a son, Clonnie Harrington. Survivors include daughters Lois Threatt, Monroe, Johnnie Todd, Concord, Joyce Hathcock, Stanfield, and Gina McGlynn, Charlotte; sons Eugene Harrington, Davidson, Lawrence Harrington, Albemarle, and Clarence Harrington, Kannapolis; sister Dorothy Edwards, Wingate; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; and four great-great-great-grandchildren. A service was held Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Whitley’s Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Gary McLain and Elder Joe Helms. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park. Memorials: Hospice of Union County, 700 W. Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110. Frances S. Hardee CONCORD — Frances Spainhour Hardee, 95, died May 14, 2008, at Hospice House, Kannapolis. Born Dec. 25, 1912, in Lenoir and raised on Mimosa Farm, Burke County, Mrs. Hardee was a daughter of Ralph Harrington and Hattie Wills Spainhour. A graduate of East Carolina University and an elementary school teacher for 30 years, she was a member of West Market Street United Methodist Church, Greensboro. Her husband of 37 years, the Rev. Robert M. Hardee, a Methodist minister, preceded her in death. Survivors include daughter Esten Hardee Goldsmith, Concord; son Robert M. Hardee Jr., Columbia, S.C.; sister, Ruby S. Mills, formerly of Concord; four grandchildren. A service was held Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Wilkinson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Randy Wall. Burial, Maplewood Cemetery, Durham. Memorials: High Point University, Robert M. and Frances S. Hardee Endowed Scholarship, 833 Montlieu Ave., High Point, NC 27262; Greensboro College Hardee Scholarship, 815 W. Market St., Greensboro NC, 27401; or Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis NC 28081. Malcom S. Reaves CHINA GROVE — Malcom S. Reaves, 80, 255 Pamela St., died May 14, 2008, at Liberty Commons Nursing Center following two years of declining health. Born March 21, 1928, in Wake County, Mr. Reaves was a son of the late Jesse and Mary Lillian Eason Reaves. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and retired in 1985 after 33 years with Fieldcrest Cannon. He was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church for 40 years, where he served on the council, led the Youth Group and taught Sunday school. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Harris Reaves; sons Jeff Reaves, Plano, Texas, Mark Reaves, China Grove, and Steaven Reaves, Wilson; four grandsons; and two great-grandsons. Funeral services were held Saturday (May 17, 2008) at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Salisbury, conducted by the Rev. Maurice Staley and the Rev. Bruce Sheeks. Burial, church cemetery. Online condolences: www.whitleysfuneralhome. com. Memorials: Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3070 E. N.C. 152, Salisbury, NC 28147. Homer Freeman CONCORD — Homer Ray Freeman; 85, 30 Roberta Road, died Saturday (May 17, 2008). Born June 7, 1922, in Cabarrus County, Mr. Freeman was a son of the late Martin Luther and Kattie Cline Freeman. He worked for years at Craftsman Finishers and later retired from K&D Finishers. He was a member of Maranatha Worship Center. His wife, Betty Morgan Freeman, died in 2003. Survivors include daughter Deborah F. Isley, Concord; son Randel Freeman, Concord; sisters Martha Harwood and Lula Mae Swinson, both of Mount Pleasant, and a granddaughter. A service was held Monday (May 19, 2008) at Wilkinson Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev Marvin Goodnight. Burial, Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis. Memorials: Maranatha Worship Center, Possess The Land Fund, 99 S. White St. Concord, NC 28027. Elizabeth G. Smith CONCORD — Elizabeth Goodman Smith, 92, Mooresville Road, died Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at CMC-NorthEast. Born Aug. 31, 1915, in Cabarrus County, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Alexander and Beulah Goodnight Goodman. She was employed by Cannon Mills Co. Plant No. 1 Wash Cloth Department for 48 years until her retirement. She was a lifelong member of Bethpage Presbyterian Church, in the Women of the Church and did circle work. She was voted Woman of the Year at the church, taught Sunday school in the children’s department, a member of the Adult Choir for 60 years and was one of the first women elected to the session as an elder, where she served two three-year terms. She was also an active member of Bethpage Home Extension Club and the Young At Heart Club at the church. Her husband Gillie P. Smith, died Oct. 12, 1965. Survivors include daughter Gilda S. Wilkinson, Concord; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were Saturday, May 17, 2008, at Bethpage Presbyterian Church, Kannapolis. Burial, church cemetery. Whitley’s Funeral Home is in charge.

Brownell receives award from Gov. Easley

CONCORD — At the May, 13 meeting of the Cabarrus County Senior Democrats, Richard Brownell, retiring president of Rowan- Cabarrus Community College, was honored with an award from Gov. Mike Easley — the Old North State Award. Harry Turner, chairman of the Senior Democrats, followed by a short election summation from N.C. Senate candidate Jim Johnson, made opening remarks. Brownell was the guest speaker for the evening. Kannapolis Mayor Bob Misenheimer, an RCCC Trustee, introduced Brownell, who gave a brief history of his 30-year term as president of RCCC. Jeanie Moore, vice president of RCCC, described the role of RCCC in the development of the North Carolina Research Campus in Kannapolis. Following Brownell’s address, Wayne Troutman, RCCC trustee and N.C. House candidate, presented Brownell the Old North State Award. “Dr. Brownell has been a great asset to Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, and we are very fortunate to have had his dedication over these 30 years,” said Troutman. Brownell will retire effective May 31. He is the longest sitting community college president in the history of the North Carolina Community College System. Under Brownell’s leadership, a small technical institute located in Salisbury grew into Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, the first regional, multi-campus community college in North Carolina. RCCC operates two Cabarrus County campuses and multiple centers.

RCCC grads from Kannapolis

The following Kannapolis students graduated from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College May 10: Kimberly Dawn Alexander, Crystal Dawn Allman, Benjamin Alexander Ballard, Charlene Maria Bankhead, Kathy Vanderburg Beam, Mia Cornelius Beam, Linda Marie Belleville, Tommy L. Bennett, Arquita Sharell Bost, Myra Hatley Bost, Ashley Marie Bostian, Nidia Campbell Bowrey, Amber Nicole Boyd, John M. Brumley, Charlotte Gilland Buehler, Sandra Linker Cheek, Jocelyne Colas, Daniel Franklin Combs, Jessica A. Crisco, Jon Drew Crockett, Jason A. Davis, Jean Godwin Davis, Laurajean Dora Demarcus, Traci Lane Douglas, Brian Christopher Drye, Sonia Virginia Dwiggins, Allison Blair Floyd, Edward Antonio Franklin, Meagan Melissa Gibson, Andrew Scott Goodwin, Nathaniel J. Grant, Onome Roseannie Grant, Sandra Blake Greene, Shana Stiller Guy, Charles R. Hammonds, Michelle Barbee Harris, Dana McCain Helms, Brandy N. Henry, Erendira Belen Hernandez, Joy Wiliniece Hester, Casey Marie Hinson, Sandy Elaine Hodge, Jeanine Miller Jackson, Tammy Renee Jellison, Tafaria Graham Johnson, Tracey Lynn Jones, Sarah C. Keever, Cedric Mondeso Laws, Judy Kay Lippard, Christina Marie Long, Anthony John Luzzi, Jeremy D. Lytal, Starla Brown Mason, Mary Smith McClain, Doris Gainey Medlin, Johanna Darlene Moore, Adam C. Moose, Barbara Suann Moreno-Hauss, Charles Daniel Musgrove, Miguel Angel Ortiz, Amanda Vuncannon Ousley, Brittney Nicole Pless, Samuel Ladd Poteat, Wayne Steven Pullium, Shirley Holdbrooks Quinn, Thomas Edward Reid, Mary Elizabeth Roach, Michelle Dudley Russell, Brittain Nicole Schiele, Kelly N. Scoggins, Ashley Nicole Seabolt, Krista Rae Shaffer, Zakara Chambliss Shaw, Megan Shea Sheeks, Christie E. Smith, Debbie Maness Smith, Gina Kimberlin Smith, Sherry Ann Smith, Nathan Eric Steele, Sequita N. Steele, Amy Marie Taylor, Donald Paul Teate, Elena Janine Thomas, Shamekia Lynette Torrence, Ann Charness Watts, Sarah Russell White, Shana Nicole Williams, Jeremy Thomas Wilson, Jesse Michael Wilson, Tisha Renee Wilson, Chou Xiong.

Salsa Cinderella — Era muy intrigante (it was very intriguing)

By Hugh Fisher Kannapolis Citizen Imagine the fairy tale story of Cinderella, the quintessential rags-to-riches tale, with a little more spice. That’s what a crowd of 145 kids and parents witnessed at Saturday’s performance of “Salsa Cinderella,” presented by Grey Seal Puppets. The retelling of the children’s classic recast Cinderella as a chili pepper whose invitation to a royal party among members of a salsa mix not only told a story of true love lost and found, but of accepting others who may not look, act or dance like you do. Children and adults lined the patio outside of the Kannapolis Branch of the Cabarrus County Library for the free show, the second installment in the summertime event series sponsored in part by the library and Kannapolis Parks and Recreation. “I thought it was a great evening activity to take the kids to,” said Danielle Strayer, who drove from Huntersville with her son Alex, 3, and her 8-month-old daughter, Paige. She’s one of many from Huntersville, Harrisburg and Concord who have learned about the free summertime family events in Kannapolis. “This gives them something more cultural to do than just watching TV,” Strayer said. Instead of wicked stepsisters, the heroine must contend with the selfishness of step-sisters Oniona and Garlica, who are visiting from far away and who are caricatures of bored tourists on vacation. Cinderella’s transformation into a beautiful princess-to-be comes at the hands of her Tomato Godmother, Gazpacha. The Prince’s royal ball notwithstanding, things here in this salsa-centric world have grown a little bland. Cinderella, however, knows the secrets of — get ready — Salsa dancing. “I wish I could dance with the Prince,” she sighs as she dances with the only partner she can find, her broom. “Then I could show him that there are many ways of dancing, not just one.” The outdoor show brought kids and their families out to enjoy the warm weather, despite a slight distraction from the sky: the roar of fighter jets on their way to appear at the Spring All-Star Race nearby in Concord. Without missing a beat, the Prince’s messenger, on stage to announce the ball, intoned: “The Prince has ordered a royal flyover, just for this occasion!” Laughter and raucous applause followed. “What are you gonna do?” said Drew Allison, founder of Grey Seal Puppets, during a conversation following the show. “I think it worked well.” Allison, who runs the Charlotte-based puppet troupe, said the idea of marrying the Cinderella tale to Latino culture had started with his own love of the music. The concept for the story developed over time in his conversations with fellow writers and performers. “We kept joking about it at the studio until finally we said, ‘Hey, we should do this,’ ” Allison said. As for the show’s cultural message, Allison said the main point was to entertain and tell a story. “There is an underlying metaphor,” he said. “People have picked up on the fact that the Prince could be seen as representing America, kind of stuck in his ways until he tries new things and succeeds in the end.” Becky Tolle, special events coordinator for Kannapolis Parks and Recreation, said this year’s Stories Under the Stars were meant to showcase different cultures and offer a little something for everyone. “When the library staff and I first sat down, we really wanted to mix it up,” Tolle said. “We wanted to really bring cultural arts to this year’s program, since it reaches so many people.” “When I look out and see the faces of the families enjoying this event, I think it’s our community at its best,” said Kannapolis librarian Terry Prather. Saturday’s audience of 145 wasn’t a record-setter, but it was a large crowd for the outdoor patio. What’s more it was a diverse audience — with quiet commentary in both Spanish and English audible above Allison’s music and storytelling. “I think it was great to have this show for the kids,” said Paula Guzman of Concord, who came with her daughters Amy, 4, and Hope, 11, and friends. “I liked Cinderella best!” said Amy. “And I liked the dancing.” Paula said she thought the mix of cultures in the show was educational, noting that children are the most able to overcome cultural differences. “The kids teach other kids their different cultures in school,” she said. She also praised the library’s efforts to bring people of different backgrounds together. “I think it’s great what they’re doing.”

Web editor: Not enough people know about NCRC

By Emily Ford Kannapolis Citizen Not enough people know about the N.C. Research Campus, according to the editor of a Web site that covers the biotechnology industry in North Carolina. “I don’t think what’s happening here is explained across the state,” said Rick Smith, editor of WRAL Local Tech Wire. “This is something we may never see again develop from the ground floor.” The Research Campus and Smith’s Web site hosted an event Thursday night in Kannapolis. About 100 people in business and academics gathered to network and hear from campus developer Castle & Cooke North Carolina. The investment and job potential at the $1.5 billion N.C. Research Campus deserve more recognition, Smith said. He pointed to Gov. Mike Easley’s recent comment that Global TransPark is the “best thing we’ve got going in North Carolina.” While Global TransPark, a controversial economic development project in Kinston, will provide 1,000 jobs, the N.C. Research Campus is expected to generate 5,000 jobs. The 350-acre Research Campus, the brainchild of California billionaire David H. Murdock, should create an additional 32,000 non-technical jobs in fields like law and marketing, said Clyde Higgs, vice president of business development for Castle & Cooke. These ancillary companies soon can pitch their services on the Research Campus Web site, Higgs said. Within a month, the campus will launch a “partners program,” including a page on the campus Web site for links to ancillary companies, he said. The Web site, www. ncresearchcampus.net, also will offer a way for people to apply for jobs with the universities and biotech companies that have partnered with the campus. Currently, the campus is accepting resumes at a general e-mail address, ncrcopps @carolina.rr.com. All the universities at the Research Campus are hiring or will be soon, said Lynne Scott Safrit, president of Castle & Cooke. Safrit called 2008 “the year of people.” Murdock broke ground for the campus in 2006. Since then, the old textile mill where the campus now stands has been demolished and three massive buildings expected to open this fall have been constructed. But Safrit said 2008 will be the most exciting time yet. She hinted at additional corporate partners, after the recent announcement that a contract research organization called PPD would join the campus and create up to 300 new jobs. “If I told you all of the people Clyde is talking to right now, you’d be pretty excited,” Safrit said. The Research Campus features close collaborations between universities and industry, Higgs said. N.C. State University and Dole Food Co., which Murdock owns, will share a 110,000-square-foot building on the campus and work together on new agricultural products. “The seamless system between N.C. State researchers and Dole researchers — that’s a big deal,” Higgs said. He will use that model across the campus and is looking for a company to partner with Duke University, which will conduct a groundbreaking medical research study in Kannapolis. News about the Research Campus is spreading, perhaps slower than expected. Half a dozen companies and seven universities have a presence on campus, and Appalachian State University plans to join this fall. The campus received a nod in the April 16 issue of “Nature.” The scientific journal featured an article about the proliferation of biotechnology parks in North Carolina as the Research Triangle Park turns 50 years old. Higgs still urged guests on Thursday night to spread the word about the Research Campus. “You are one of our best marketing tools,” he said. Contact Emily Ford at eford@salisburypost.com.

Rotary Express popular on Day 1

By Hugh Fisher Kannapolis Citizen A sharp blast on a whistle, the squeal of brakes and the sound of a bell announce that the train is pulling into the station. And though 2008 may be far removed from the glory days of rail travel, the little red locomotive that now runs a loop around Village Park in Kannapolis has captured some of that magic for a new generation. Saturday’s grand opening of the Rotary Express drew 755 riders, hundreds of whom were lined up before the opening ceremony that morning. Even more followed on Sunday, putting the train on track to haul a thousand passengers in its first weekend. The first group of riders on Saturday received T-shirts and wooden train whistles to commemorate the grand opening. Saturday was a big day throughout the park: It was the first day in action for the park’s new playground equipment, nearly doubling the size of the existing play area. And the Village Park Splash Pad, which shut down early last year due to water restrictions, has reopened with a newly-installed water recycling system to save thousands of gallons per week. Becky Tolle of the Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department said she had no idea how many trips the train made on its first day in action, but George Hall, assistant park manager, said “we made more left turns than they’ll make in the race next Saturday,” referring to this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600. “Today has definitely exceeded our expectations,” Tolle said. “All the hard work of the Parks and Recreation staff has really paid off and it’s been a fantastic day.” The Rotary Express was named in honor of the Kannapolis Rotary Club through the work of benefactor J. Carlyle Rutledge, who died last month at age 98. The train is pulled by a scale model of the 1863 C.P. Huntington locomotive. It was brought from New Orleans just days before Hurricane Katrina and restored by A.C. Seamon of Kannapolis Parks and Recreation. After giving a ticket to the conductor at the station, passengers take a tour of the park. Riders waved to kids playing on the playground and Splash Pad, and to the park’s neighbors in their backyards on West B Street. One trip isn’t always enough for some riders. Reese Easton, age 2, rode the train with parents Bob and Lisa and sister Isabelle, 6. When the five-minute trip was through, he asked to go again. A ride on the Rotary Express costs $1. The train will be open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. until Memorial Day; it will run daily during the summer months. For more information, visit www.cityofkannapolis .com.

Two earn top KPD honors

The Kannapolis Police Department recognized two members of the department during its annual awards program last Monday. Timed to occur during National Police Week, the awards honor a civilian employee and a sworn officer. The Roger Dale Carter Memorial Service Award, given in memory of Carter — who was killed in the line of duty in 1993 — was presented this year to Daniel Wallace. The award is bestowed upon a police officer who has “an exceptional reputation for personal honesty and integrity.” Wallace joined the Kannapolis Police Department in 2000. He is assigned as a school resource officer at Kannapolis Middle School and previously served as a DARE instructor. Prior to joining the department, Wallace served for six years with the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army’s Southern Command. The Norma C. Howard Memorial Service Award is given each year to the civilian department employee who also has an “exceptional reputation for personal honesty and integrity,” the release said. Norma Chapman Howard was the first female and first full-time civilian employee of the Kannapolis Police Department. This year Lori Parker, who joined the department in 2006, received the Howard Award. Parker’s duties include data entry, purchasing and tracking of equipment.

K-town Calendar

Thursday • The Cabarrus County Democratic Women will hold its monthly meeting this Thursday, May 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Stowe-Away Restaurant, 455 Corban Ave., Concord. Guest speaker will be Joyce Berry-Biles, director of Crisis Counseling at Cooperative Christian Ministry. For more information, call 704-788-8383. Friday • Ike’s Construction and Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with Time Warner Cable, shows the DreamWorks hit, “Bee Movie” (rated PG), as its first outdoor movie in the 2008 Summer Events series on the big screen. Radio Disney will offer games, music and fun prior to the movie. Radio Disney Games and Music begins at 6:30 p.m. with the feature attraction beginning at sundown, approximately 8:45 p.m. at Village Park Amphitheatre. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.cityofkannapolis.com or call 704-920-4343.

Farmer’s Market opens Thursday

By Emily Ford Kannapolis Citizen While scientists at the N.C. Research Campus study fruits and vegetables, people can buy fresh produce at the campus starting next week. The new Campus Farmers Market will open at 4 p.m. Thursday, featuring locally grown fruits and veggies, as well as canned and baked goods. Kannapolis should make this “the summer we commit to a healthier lifestyle and support the farmers of our region,” said Phyllis Beaver, marketing director for the Research Campus. The farmers market will operate from 4 to 7 p.m. every Thursday until Halloween in Cannon Village, located at 249 West Ave., between Transit Damaged Furniture and the Perfect Choice. Consumers can learn firsthand from growers where and how their food is grown. The market will offer free recipes and other educational materials to teach consumers how to choose and prepare fruits and veggies. Beaver suggests coming out each Thursday evening to plan weekend menus from the food available at the market. The market is co-sponsored by N.C. State University, the N.C. Extension Service, Castle & Cooke North Carolina and the Piedmont Farmers Market, which holds five seasonal markets at four locations in Cabarrus County each week. At Thursday’s kick-off, Michael and Gaynell Lambert will provide entertainment on guitar, banjo, keyboard and vocals. David H. Murdock, who owns real estate giant Castle & Cooke and Dole Food Co., is building the $1.5 billion N.C. Research Campus. Contact Emily Ford at eford@kannapoliscitizen.com.

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