YMCA Moment — Giving back to Cabarrus County kids

Cannon Memorial YMCA has been serving the children and families of Cabarrus County for nearly 100 years. The YMCA offers before- and after-school child care programs, as well as swimming lessons, sports and other exciting programs for kids of all ages. Most recently, all three branches of the Cannon Memorial YMCA Association collected school supplies and backpacks for Communities in Schools during our August membership drive. Thank you to all our  members and our community members who brought in school supplies and to our new members who made a donation upon joining. It all makes a difference. The CIS executive director said, “Our sincere thanks for the 300-plus book bags you donated for our very deserving students. Our community is truly blessed in having caring people like you and agencies that work closely together to help our students succeed in school and become responsible citizens.” For more information about YMCA programs and other ways to become involved with the Cannon Memorial YMCA check out our Web site, www.cannon ymca.org. or call 704-939-9622.

Wastewater spill last week

The city of Kannapolis notified the media Tuesday of a waste water spill that happened Wednesday, Sept. 10. The spill occurred due to torrential rain and water infiltration to the sewer system, resulting in a manhole overflowing within the Irish Buffalo Creek Basin. It is estimated that the spill amount could have been as much as 11,250 gallons. All repairs have been completed and no evidence of significant environmental damage has been identified. Inspection and testing is continuing until a finding of no significant impact to surface water is confirmed.

Playful companions

By Joanne Gonnerman jgonnerman@kannapoliscitizen.com Cabarrus Pets Society is more than an animal rescue group that saves cats and dogs from unnecessary and untimely death. It is a non-profit organization run by volunteers that fosters abandoned animals or pets that can no longer be kept in loving homes until someone adopts them. Public education about the importance of controlling animal population is also a priority of this group. Cabarrus Pets Society began nine years ago when some of its current board members and volunteers realized they were each trying to finds homes for abandoned animals. “We wanted to work with a good rescue group,” said Laurie James, president of Cabarrus Pets Society. “Individually, we were traveling around, setting up cages in various locations for people to see the animals. Cabarrus Pets Society came about because of that.” Today, nine board members and upwards of 20-25 foster homes lead the non-profit group in its mission to place the right pet in the right home with the right person or family. “We want to rescue as many animals as we can and find them the right home,” said Ann Cannon, Cabarrus Pets Society board member, volunteer and foster home provider. “We want to promote that animals have feelings and they’re more than a yard ornament. They have spirits. Animals are our friends and we have responsibility for their lives and we need to rise to that responsibility.” Cannon takes her advice seriously. She has 13 dogs of her own. Cabarrus Pets Society operates through financial donations, fundraisers and animal adoption fees. Those funds cover utility costs at the adoption center in Kannapolis and medical care and food for the animals. Each dog available for adoption receives its parvo/distemper and rabies shots, as well as heartworm testing and preventative medicine. The adoption fee for a dog or puppy is $110. Adoption fees for a cat are $60 if it’s younger than 6 months. Older cats are adopted for $50. Like dogs, all cats have current shots up to the day of adoption, plus feline leukemia testing. Both dogs and cats available for adoption are free of worms and have been spayed or neutered. If the animals require additional medical care, donations and adoption fees cover that as well. “What we love to do is rescue the animals,” said Cannon. “Dogs are healing teachers. They teach us things about life … how to be loyal and forgiving, about running, playing, enjoying our health and life.” Weekly Adopt-a-Pet events are held each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 207 S. Main St. At the event, people interested in pet adoption can see and play with the animals that are available for adoption. The organization also has a photo gallery on its Web site complete with descriptions of the animals that are in foster homes. Adoption forms are also available online at www.cabarruspets.com. Once an adoption form is completed, a Cabarrus Pets Society volunteer will talk with the applicant about the adoption process and may even ask to arrange for a home visit. Some applicants have been turned down. “We want to make sure that our pets are being adopted by people who really will take care of them,” said James. “We check veterinary references for current and past animals and we do home visits to see if there’s a fenced yard for medium or large dogs. We want to know about the potential owner’s exercise plan for the dogs. We even look at the energy level of the animal, and if there are kids in the family. We want the right fit. It’s better to find the right family the first time.” James said the Cabarrus Pets Society would like to have more foster homes help the organization. “We always need good foster homes,” said James. “Especially for cats. We do screen foster homes, just like we do our adopters.” The organization is planning its fall fundraiser called “House of Barkula.” The event will be held Oct. 18 from 3-6 p.m. at the group’s adoption center at 207 S. Main St. Details are available online. A golf tournament to benefit the Cabarrus Pets Society is planned for May 2009. “Our previous two golf tournaments have been very successful,” said James. “We raised $21,000 our first year, and about $19,000 last year.” To learn more about either fundraiser, contact Ann Cannon at 704-786-7729.

Rotary fundraiser now online for Habitat house

By Joanne Gonnerman jgonnerman@kannapolis  citizen.com Bid. Buy. And build.  That’s the fundraising strategy four local Rotary Clubs have adopted to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County. The four Rotary clubs, Cabarrus, Concord, Kannapolis and Southwest Cabarrus, are co-sponsoring an online auction through cmarket.com to raise $60,000 for the purchase of a new home for one of Habitat Cabarrus’ waiting families. The online auction began Sept. 14, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 28. “This is out-of-the-box fundraising for us,” said Barbi Jones, marketing director for Habitat Cabarrus and member of the Southwest Cabarrus Rotary Club. “The online auction opens up our fundraising opportunities worldwide.” The online auction offers more than 100 items, including trips to San Francisco or Hawaii, hot air balloon rides, autographed sports memorabilia, Charlotte Panther game tickets, donated services from area businesses, gift baskets, jewelry and restaurant gift certificates. Item descriptions are provided for each listing along with the suggested value of each item.  Some auction items have a reserve amount or minimum opening bid. “This is a collaborative effort between the four clubs for Habitat for Humanity,” said Marti Sullivan, coordinator for the Rotary House project and member of the Concord Rotary Club. Sullivan noted the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self,” and applauded the effort of the four individual Rotary clubs to come together as a united group to provide a lasting and profound service project for the community. “It will be called the Rotary House,” Sullivan said. With 10 Habitat-approved families waiting for homes, the Rotary online auction brings one family closer to home ownership. “We can give (our partner families) a massive hand up through home ownership,” said Dean Johnson, executive director at Habitat Cabarrus and member of the Concord Rotary Club. “We are empowering them, so they can make changes in their lives.” Johnson also noted that the Habitat home ownership process includes sweat-equity, helping build another family’s home, as a form of down payment on an applicant’s future property. Partner families receive a zero-interest loan to purchase their home. “We do not give away houses,” said Johnson. The esprit de corps at Habitat Cabarrus brings volunteers and businesses throughout the community together to provide sustainable housing for those in need. Financial contributions, in-kind donations and physical effort have provided 114 homes in Cabarrus County since Habitat Cabarrus’ inception in 1989. “Niblock Homes has very graciously built and fully-funded six Habitat houses and worked on numerous others,” said Johnson. “S&D Coffee has built two houses in recent years, and now Cabarrus County Rotary Clubs are funding a house.” As a major initiative to eliminate poverty in Cabarrus County, Habitat Cabarrus is sponsoring a two-day seminar called “Bridges Out of Poverty.” The seminar will be held Thursday and Friday, from 8:30 a.m. until 3  p.m. at Central United Methodist Church in Concord. Cost for Day One is $49, and $69 for both days. Lunch is included. Already, more than 31 different agencies with more than 100 participants have registered to attend the seminar that promotes education as the first step in eliminating poverty. “Habitat is more than just building houses,” said Johnson. “It’s about building sustainable communities.” Ongoing registration for the seminar will be taken Thursday morning at Central United Methodist Church. For those interested in bidding on items in the two-week Cabarrus County four Rotary Clubs online auction, visit www.habitatcabarrus.cmarket.com. Questions about the online auction may be directed to Lisa Perry, Cabarrus Rotary club member and online Rotary auction chairwoman, at lisa@perryproductions.com. High bidders in the auction will be notified by cmarket.com. Items won will be available for pick up at the Habitat for Humanity Cabarrus County office, 8 Union St. S., Concord, until Friday, Oct. 3, at 5 p.m. Questions about item pick up may be directed to Jones at Habitat Cabarrus, at 704-786-4001.

Kannapolis Calendar

<b>Saturday</b> The city of Kannapolis Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with Ike’s Construction and the Cabarrus County Public Library-Kannapolis branch, is excited to present the final Stories Under the Stars session, as part of the 2008 Ike’s Construction Summer Events Series. This Saturday at 7 p.m., North Carolina’s own Faye Stanley will be entertaining audiences with her stories on the patio of the Kannapolis Branch Library, 850 Mountain St. Faye Stanley brings an incredible collection of material to her work that reflects her many years as a performer, educator and collector of folk arts. This Stories Under the Stars session will include music, stories and games from several cultures.  It is sure to be a hit with the family. The evening is sponsored by city of Kannapolis Parks and Recreation, Ike’s Construction, Cabarrus Arts Council, WCNC, Radio Disney and Cabarrus County Public Library, Kannapolis Branch. Admission is free. For more information, call 704-920-4343 or visit www.city ofkannapolis.com. <b>Tuesday</b> The September meeting of the Concord Cabarrus Business and Professional Women’s club will be held Tuesday, Sept. 23, at Costello’s Restaurant in Concord. The program spotlights the upcoming elections and offers an overview of the presidential candidates.   Come and join our “Voter Rally for Women,” and invite your friends to come and celebrate Your Vote. Networking will start at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and a program. Those individuals interested in attending, please contact Vicky Goga, 704-279-1765; or e-mail:  allthatglitters@windstream .net. <b>Sept. 25</b> Join the Cabarrus Democratic Women Thursday, Sept. 25, for dinner at Troutman’s BBQ and meet the candidates. Tickets are $20 per person and the event will be held from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Troutman’s BBQ, U.S. 601 at the N.C. 49 overpass in Concord. Candidates scheduled to speak include Larry Kissell, candidate for U.S. Congress; a surrogate for Kay Hagan, candidate for U.S. Senate; Jim Johnson, candidate for N.C. Senate District 36; Wayne Troutman, candidate for N.C. House District 82; Barry Richards, candidate for N.C. House District 83; Wendell Fant and Archie Barnhardt, candidates for Cabarrus County Commission; and Linda McAbee, candidate for Register of Deeds. For more information, call 704-788-8383. <b>Oct. 7</b> The Kannapolis American Legion Post 115 will be meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. Meeting will be at the Post Building on South Main Street, Kannapolis. Guest speaker will be Army retired colonel John Edward Gray from Mount Ulla. <b>Volunteers needed</b> Cabarrus Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound residents of Cabarrus County. Volunteer drivers are needed from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Schedules are one day a week or twice a month. Training is provided with detailed delivery instructions. Call 704-788-3412. <b>Calendar items</b> Submit your calendar items to the Kannapolis Citizen for publication. Items may be e-mailed to news@kannapolis citizen.com, faxed to 704-933-3453, or mailed to 221 West A St., Kannapolis, NC 28083. Deadline is noon Mondays for publication.

Spencer set to host ‘Hometown Holidays’

The Spencer Business Association and the town of Spencer are planning a holiday celebration for the Christmas season, and all of Rowan County is invited to participate. The celebration is called Spencer’s Hometown Holidays. Activities will start the evening of Nov. 27 —  Thanksgiving Day — with the lighting of the Spencer Christmas Tree and the arrival of Santa to Spencer, and will continue through New Year’s Eve. The purpose of Spencer’s Hometown Holidays is to highlight the historic town of Spencer and to invite the entire county to celebrate the holiday season. Downtown Spencer will be decorated from one end to the other with lights outlining the buildings, lighted angels along Main Street, poles wrapped with garland, trees filled with Christmas lights and a stage set up for entertainment. There will be an array of programs and activities throughout the period: • Santa’s Magic Holiday Party • Lighting of The Christmas Tree • Variety of holiday happenings • Victorian Carolers sing-along • Story Lady • Magic shows • Jugglers • Santa • Trolley rides available to tour homes in Spencer specially decorated for the holidays. This is the beginning of a Spencer holiday tradition. Sponsorship opportunities are available for any individual, family, community group or business that would like to contribute to the success of the celebration. For example, a $100 tree sponsorship helps decorate a tree along Salisbury Avenue; $150 building sponsorship helps decorate a building with lights downtown; and $500 Santa sponsorship helps insure that Santa is in the downtown area each weekend of the event. Bronze, silver and gold sponsorships are available to add value to this community event. Each sponsorship level comes with, at a minimum, a tax deduction for the amount of the sponsorship, use of the Spencer’s Hometown Holidays logo, and listing in the Salisbury Post and other advertising media as a community supporter. Any individual or group interested in sponsorship or volunteering to help with the execution of this community event should contact Debbie Barnhart at 704-213-1201 or Ted Williams at 336-456-9363 for further information. Individual and business sponsorship payment can be mailed immediately to Town of Spencer, P.O. Box 45, Spencer, NC 28159. All sponsorship payments are tax deductible.

RCCC offers course on small business

CONCORD — The Small Business Center (SBC) at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will offer a course designed to help small business owners make money. The Small Business Center invites small business owners to the three-part seminar: “How to Make Money in Your Business.” The class will meet 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 8, 15 and 22, at RCCC’s Cabarrus Business and Technology Center, 660 Concord Parkway North, in Concord. There is a registration fee of $79. Course topics will include: • Finding and plugging holes where money is leaking; • Using systems to make businesses profitable; • How to accurately forecast and manage cash flow; • Other steps to make businesses solvent and profitable. To reserve a seat or get more information, call the SBC at 704-216-3512, or visit the Small Business Center  Web site at www.rowan cabarrus.edu/sbc. The Small Business Center at RCCC is a community-based provider of education, training, counseling, information and referral, assisting entrepreneurs with business ideas and existing small business ventures. For more information about the center and its many programs or visit www.rowan cabarrus.edu/sbc.

Art Guild juried exhibition on display through Oct. 15

CONCORD — Forty-two works in a variety of media by 24 artists are included in the Cabarrus Art Guild Juried Exhibition at the Arts Council Galleries. The show will be on display through Oct. 16 at the galleries at 65 Union St. S. It includes  — pastel, oil, mixed media, collage, giclee/acrylic, resin casts, digital photography, acrylics, watercolor and wood. The 42 works in the exhibition were chosen by Jenn Gardner of the visual arts faculty at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. She has a master’s degree in fine art studio from London’s Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design and has exhibited her work throughout Europe and the United States. Her criteria for judging the show included evaluating the level of skill in a particular medium, selection and handling of subject matter and a presentation. She also considered the diversity and look of the collective show in the final selection of works. Gardner also chose first, second and third place winners and three honorable mention awards. The awards will be presented during a public reception on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 3-5 p.m. The exhibition was open to both art guild members and other artists, and each artist could enter up to three works. Thirty-three artists entered a total of 89 works in the competition. Artists included in the show are Lisa Autry, Marina Bare, Christopher Barnhardt, Sandie Bell, Sandra Cheek, Sandy Collier, Marilyn Crandall, Bre Barnett Crowell, Marjorie Demarse, Martha Faires, Tamara Konovalova, Ronda Morris, Joy Moser, Keith Pavey, Patricia Raible, Joe Severino, Cheri Simmons, Rick Sorensen, Walter Stanford, Mark Stephenson, Jennie Martin Tomlin, Chelsey Tyler, Jutta Vest and Rebecca Wood. The Arts Council Galleries are also showing “Free and Untamed: A Wildlife Exposition” through Oct. 23. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and the second Saturday of each month.  For more information, visit www.CabarrusArts       Council.org or call 704-920-ARTS (2787).

Community reading events to be held all month

By Joanne Gonnerman jgonnerman@kannapolis   citizen.com Watch out, readers. Programs from the Cabarrus County Public Library One Book, One Community-Cabarrus Reads events are about to begin. From now through Oct. 4, nine programs at venues throughout the county will give readers an opportunity to explore the literary work of North Carolina author Clyde Edgerton and his book, “Walking Across Egypt.” The One Book, One Community-Cabarrus Reads event is similar to community reading events that have been held in towns and cities across North Carolina. The One Book, One Community format involves the community by reading a common book and exploring its merit through a variety of programs. From book discussions led by Jane Armitage, professor emeritus from Oberlin College, to storytelling with Ron Jones, a seasoned storyteller and performer, readers will come to appreciate and admire Mattie Rigsbee, the 78-year old book character from Listre who teaches teenage delinquent Wesley Benfield about life. “This is a great opportunity for readers to come together and discuss the same book that others in the community are reading or have read,” said Terry Prather, librarian at the Kannapolis Branch of Cabarrus County Public Library. “We’ve never sponsored a community-read program before and this one has something for everyone.” A film adaptation of “Walking Across Egypt” was shown at the Gem Theatre on Monday. And for those who enjoy the performing arts, Old Courthouse Theatre in Concord will present the Reid Leonard stage adaptation of “Walking Across Egypt” beginning Thursday, Sept. 25. Two of Kannapolis’ own citizens and veterans will perform in the play. Rebekah Hardison has won the lead role as Mattie Rigsbee, and Ron Seabolt will perform as Mr. Crosley, the funeral home director. Phillip Taylor, also a Kannapolis resident, will direct the play. “The play is very similar to the book,” said Hardison. “And it’s wonderful working with Phil Taylor. He has researched this play. It’s his baby. It is so dear to his heart.” Also on Thursday, Sept. 25, professor Dr. David Carr of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will lead a discussion of what a community can learn from reading “Walking Across Egypt” together. This free program will be held at the Kannapolis Train Station, beginning at 7 p.m. On the literary front, aspiring writers will have a chance to learn from author Edgerton during a writing workshop he will conduct at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College/South Campus on Friday, Oct. 3, from 3-4:30 p.m. Registration is required,but the event is free. Contact Ameilia Likin at 704-216-3548 or send an e-mail to obocworkshop@rowan cabarrus.edu now to register for the event. A reception for Edgerton will be held Friday evening, Oct. 3, from 7-8 p.m. at Old Courthouse Theatre. Reservations are required. Contact Anne Wilson at 704-788-2405 to reserve your ticket. Edgerton, noted for his humorous fiction, will conduct a book signing at the Concord Branch of Cabarrus County Public Library on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 1-3 p.m. Later Saturday evening, he will showcase his musical talents during a concert with his group, The Rank Strangers Band. That performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at Davis Theatre at the Cabarrus Arts Council. Reservations are required. Contact Kris Benshoff at 704-920-2050 for reservations. Drawings for Edgerton’s newest book, “The Bible Salesman,” will be conducted at each One Book, One Community-Cabarrus Reads event. The book will be awarded during Edgerton’s book signing on Saturday, Oct. 4. In addition to book drawings, five antique rocking chairs donated by Cline’s Antiques will be awarded to readers who successfully answer trivia questions about “Walking Across Egypt” and have their answer sheet selected in a drawing that will occur Sept. 30. Trivia questions are available at each public library branch location. And, for those in the community who have a knack for baking, the Friends of the Mount Pleasant Library will hold a poundcake bake-off on Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Mount Pleasant Library meeting room. A $100 cash prize will be given to the winner in each of three different poundcake categories — classic plain, iced and novelty pound cakes.  Following the announcement of winners, the poundcake entries, along with ice cream, will be served to guests and participants. Details about the poundcake bake-off are available by contacting Kate Moore at the Mount Pleasant Branch at 704-436-2202. “Walking Across Egypt” is a delightful story which follows the eventful antics of  Mattie Rigsbee. Mattie feels like “she is slowing down a bit,” but her activity throughout the story contradicts that sentiment and leaves the reader smiling. Those wishing to join the One Book, One Community-Cabarrus Reads experience can check out copies of “Walking Across Egypt” from any of the Cabarrus County Public Library branch locations. The book may also be purchased at Waldenbooks, Carolina Mall. For more information, including dates and times of readings, performances and more, visit www.cabarrus county.us/library. All events, other than the play of “Walking Across Egypt” at Old Courthouse Theatre, are free of charge.

Free neighborhood improvement workshops offered in Cabarrus

Homeowners interested in learning ways to improve their neighborhoods through citizen engagement, improved leadership, beautification and other resources are encouraged to participate in a free workshop series offered through Cabarrus County and the city of Concord. Residents from neighborhoods across Cabarrus County are invited to the second annual Neighborhood Collaboration from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at Cabarrus Arena and Events Center. The event will bring together homeowners from every type and size of neighborhood to share resources, learn about free programs and services and develop effective leadership. The event is appropriate for every neighborhood, whether or not the neighborhood has an established homeowners association. Information booths highlighting various city and county services will be available in between workshop sessions. Workshop topics include: • Sustaining your home and community in shaky economic times. • Understanding neighborhood organizations, homeowners associations and management companies. • Building connections with your neighbors. • Keys to improving and maintaining safe neighborhoods. A luncheon is available to those who pre-register by Sept. 19. The luncheon keynote will discuss strengthening communities through using effective leadership skills and team work. The Neighborhood Collaboration, including the luncheon  address, is free to homeowners who live in Cabarrus County. However, reservations are required for the luncheon. To register for the luncheon or for more information, contact Chantel Thompson, Cabarrus County Community Relations Coordinator, at 704-920-2206. To learn more about neighborhood outreach programs, go to www.cabarrus county.us/neighborhood.

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