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I Am Now, a High Point nonprofit supporting young adults who are homeless or aging out of foster care, is in the running to receive $10,000 from Clorox.

To win the grant, I Am Now must be among the top-five vote getters online.

I Am Now is one of 50 nonprofits in the final competition. Clorox received 5,000 submissions from across the nation.

Sharon Bradley , chairwoman of I Am Now’s board, said as of Monday the nonprofit had received 370 votes.

The top competitors had votes in the thousands.

“We haven’t been on Facebook that long,” Bradley said. She set up the Facebook page six months ago and listed the nonprofit on the social networking site’s causes.

Bradley heard about the grant through Facebook. Because I Am Now is listed as a cause on Facebook, the nonprofit received an email inviting it to participate in the grant competition.

The board has been discussing buying a new vehicle to help transport the residents to and from job interviews, appointments and school.

“We have a car right now, but it’s kind of on its last leg,” Bradley explained.

She thought the grant would help I Am Now buy a van for its transitional house on Ferndale Boulevard.

Clorox Clean-Up is hosting the competition to assist nonprofits that help better kids’ lives. The five nonprofits with the most votes will receive $10,000 Power A Bright Future grant and will be featured in “People Magazine.”

I Am Now provides housing, schooling, job training and mentoring to youth who age out of foster care and are forced to live on the streets.

To vote, visit the competition’s Web site on Facebook at http://apps.facebook.com/brightfuture/ through 11:59 p.m. Jan. 17.

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth. seagraves@news-record.com
 

A Greensboro man is looking to share his love of competing in pinewood derbies with others.

John Halliburton first competed in pinewood derbies as a Cub Scout, but only got a chance to compete in two before he aged out.
“It was a blast, and I cherish the help my Dad gave me with my cars,” Halliburton said.

Pinewood derby cars are small wooden models powered by gravity and run on regulation tracks.

Though Halliburton only competed in two derbies, he got a chance to race again when his own son became a Cub Scout some 30 years later.

“A lot of fathers and sons participate,” he said. “I think it’s more for the fathers though. It’s kind of a thrill to race.”

Now that his son, Noah, has aged out of participating in Cub Scout races, Halliburton and his son now compete in Pinewood Derby leagues across the country.

“After his Cub Scout races were over, we looked for other avenues,” he said. “We found another world of it.”

In the past year, with help from his son, Halliburton competed in the Pinewood Derby Drag Racing league, the highest level of the Pinewood Derby.

Of the six classes of cars to race, the father-and-son team competed in five and placed in all five classes.

Halliburton estimates he’s competed in more than 100 races throughout the country, in both live races and by proxy, where he ships the cars and someone races them for him.

Since he started racing with the league , Halliburton has competed in races in Salt Lake City, Lima, Ohio, Somerset, Ky., and has sent cars to Minnesota and Georgia.

Though he’s not through competing, Halliburton wants to share his love of pinewood derbies with others.

“I’ve started a local league and we’re actually having the national championship here,” he said.

Halliburton is looking to share information with individuals and local groups through free workshops and information sessions. He’s asking that interested people and organizations contact him through his Web site.

Contact Tiffany S. Jones at 373-7157 or tiffany.jones@news-record.com
 

Cuyler McKnight is back on the baseball field or in the classroom honing his academic skills. Or on another field leading a snappy marching drill with his fellow cadets.

He’s in the middle of things, expected to come up with a key hit on the baseball diamond or to lead his platoon in an awesome drill on another field. Sometimes, he’s the guy who covers for a fellow cadet to keep him out of trouble.

That was yesteryear, when McKnight’s field of dreams led to a military career and later successes in the jewelry business and as a community college administrator.

McKnight loved those challenges.

The Georgia boy was noted for coming through in the clutch as a player and as a leader who didn’t blink when decisions had to be made in the heat of his military career, in business or on the college campus.

Now 61, his close-cropped hair gray, his 6-2 , 197-pound frame still the same as in his prime days as a cadet and athlete, McKnight said he doesn’t fear the challenges facing him as the new president of Oak Ridge Military Academy. Never mind that just months ago the school was deep in debt and on the verge of closing down.

McKnight left his job as executive vice president of GTCC to return to the rudiments of his youth. Four years in a military high school, four years at a military college and 25 years in the Army, where he became a major, have prepared him for perhaps his toughest challenge yet.

McKnight smiles when asked why he would give up a cozy job for an insecure one. “This is what I have been preparing for; I couldn’t turn it down,” he said.

It’s education, military, the spirit of youth, business and athletics wrapped in a single bundle.

McKnight credits a new Oak Ridge Military Academy board of directors with keeping the doors open and helping the academy begin another academic year.

“We’ve got people who want to make this thing work,” he said. “It was hard to say 'no’ when I saw the trustees’ enthusiasm for the school.”

He said he’s pleased to see the possibilities of “how outstanding the school can become again.”

The school already is making progress in settling its financial difficulties, McKnight said. By Dec. 8, all former and present teachers and staff who weren’t paid all of their salaries for past work were paid in full, he said.

Already $650,000 has been raised to help retire major debts and meet expenses.

Oak Ridge has reduced its indebtedness for operating expenses to about $120,000. The school also has a $4.5 million mortgage for construction of a classroom building in 2001, he said.

“We are expecting other gifts of $200,000 fairly soon,” McKnight said.

“We expect to have the $120,000 paid by the end of March, and then we can start concentrating on paying more on that mortgage,” he said.

For the school to operate without depending on contributions, enrollment must grow steadily from the present 67 students, he said. “We expect at least another eight students in January, but we’re shooting to have a total of 90 students this month. We are hoping that some students who left when they thought the academy was going to close will come back. We have a goal of from 120 to 130 students enrolled by this fall,” he said.

“We want 250 students, and that probably is four years out,” McKnight said

The academic requirements are strong, and McKnight said he is “extremely impressed” by the quality of teachers and staff in the academy. “There has been created already an air of academic excellence. That was in place long before I came here,” he said.

“We want to see every student be more successful than the average high school graduate,” he added.

Athletics will continue to be an important part of the Oak Ridge tradition, he said.

He shares basketball coach Stan Kowalewski’s ambition to have top teams. “I can appreciate his desire to have a quality team and to develop students as students as well as basketball players.”

Kowalewski was on staff when McKnight arrived in early November.

Kowalewski’s Northern High team in Guilford County was stripped of its state championship last year after being accused of having players who didn’t live in the Northern attendance zone.

“He’s done an excellent job and has done everything I have expected of him,” McKnight said.

As in former years, Oak Ridge will have several teams on campus. “We already have a rifle team and a drill team as well as men’s and women’s basketball,” McKnight said. “Then we look forward to baseball. We also want volleyball, wrestling and golf,” he said. Football may be a few years away.

“We want to develop an intense intramural sports program, with everybody participating.”

He has a strong interest in athletics, having been named the outstanding athlete at North Georgia College and State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and physical education. He also earned a master’s degree in counseling from Ball State University. His high school education was at the Academy of Richmond County, Augusta, Ga.

McKnight said that he wants to be open to the community about what is happening at the academy. “I want to be a part of the community, and the community to be a part of Oak Ridge,” he said.
“Over the years I’ve been able to accept challenges — as a student and as an athlete, in the military, in business, where I took stores that weren’t doing well and improved them, and at GTCC’s High Point campus, where my challenge as dean was to improve morale,” McKnight said.

Oak Ridge’s improvement “appears to be some of all of that,” he said. “I’m excited about what we can accomplish here.”

Contact Bob Burchette at bburchette@triad.rr.com
 

Greensboro siblings Clint and Megan Moore share a desire to serve their country.

The Grimsley High grads have started that service at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Clint, 20, was recruited to West Point to play baseball, while Megan, 19, fell in love with the academy after visiting with her brother and the rest of the family on his recruiting trip.

“I was listening to what the coaches said and the academic folks had to say about life at West Point, and I just loved it,” Megan said.
Making the decision to attend West Point was slightly different for her brother.

“It was the opportunity of being there and being amongst the people who have led our nation for the past few years,” Clint said. “It’s a way to sort of give back what I’ve been given.”

Though the brother-and-sister duo is only a year apart in age, they are two years apart academically because Megan spent a year at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Ala.

Though the two are together at West Point, Clint can’t play the role of protective big brother.

“As a brother, your first instinct is to go and help her, but, as an upperclassman, you have to let her fail and watch her fail,” he said. “It’s really huge to be able to watch her grow in a military sense.”
Their mom, Sharon, agrees.

She says it’s amazing to watch how mature and independent her children have become since joining the academy.

“It’s hard to see them fall and have to pick themselves up, but one of my jobs as a mother is to make sure they’re independent, and if they are, I feel like I’ve done my job.”

With Clint and Megan at West Point, Sharon said she worries less.

“I’m glad they’re together,” she said. “But they’re at a facility that is one of the safest places on earth. They have security and rules and regulations they and their peers have to follow.”

In addition to the rules and regulations, like other cadets, Clint and Megan have to complete 19 credit hours per semester and keep up with rigorous physical and military training while participating in other activities.

Clint plays shortstop for the school’s baseball team, and Megan is a cheerleader.

“You just have to learn how to manage your time,” Megan said. “It’s nothing I can explain; it’s something that you have to live through.”
Clint agrees.

“When you get there, it’s very tough,” he said. “It’s a huge adjustment. But you figure out a system and learn what works for you.”

Both Megan and Clint suggest that local students look into attending West Point, but they warn that it won’t be easy.

“You have to be more than smart to get in — you have to be physically fit,” she said. “It may be rough most of the time, but it will be rewarding in the end.”

Her brother agrees.

“If you’re looking for some way to challenge yourself and grow, then do it,” he said. “If you’re looking for a cakewalk, then go somewhere else.”

Contact Tiffany S. Jones at 373-7157 or tiffany.jones@news-record.com

FUNDRAISERS
Ongoing
Aluminum Can Collection, ACES office at Brooks Global Studies Elementary is collecting aluminum cans as a service project for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Mail or bring cans to Nathalie or Brooke, 1215 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, NC 27408. 370-8347.

Clothes Pantry, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-noon second and fourth Saturdays, New Millenium Christian Center, 424 Fisher Park Circle, Greensboro. Community Network Ministry. Free clothing upon referral. Call the church office, 510-0440.

Charity Knitting, 1-4 p.m. Sundays, This & That, 3712-B Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. For anyone 16 and older who likes to knit. Free. Knitting projects benefit local charities. 288-0034.

Hot Dog Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 100 N.C. 150 West, Greensboro. $1.50. Dessert costs vary. 643-8835.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Community Clinic Days, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Greensboro Acupuncture and Naturopathic Center, 5925 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Sliding scale based on income. With Dr. Allison Scott. 848-7539 or www.gsohealth.com.

BLOOD DRIVES
Red Cross at the Nussbaum Blood Center, 1501 Yancey­ville St., Greensboro: 2-6:30 p.m. Monday; 12:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday; and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday/Friday/Saturday. Appointments and walk-ins welcome. Donors through March 31 have  opportunity to win a $1,000 gift card. (800) 448-3543.

Drives
■ 12:30-5 p.m. Jan. 11, Best Buy, 1701 S. Business 40 Drive, Greensboro.
■ 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 2-6:30 p.m. Jan. 15, St. Pius X Catholic Church at Francis Connelly Gym, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro.
■ 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jan. 16, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 2105 W. Market St., Greensboro. Sponsor: West Market Community Church.

CLASSES
Nature Photography, 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 10, Bur-Mil Park, 5834 Bur-Mill Club Road, Greensboro. $2. All ages. Register. 373-3817.

“The Plan,” a 12-week Weight Loss Program, Information Session, 6 p.m. Jan. 11, High Point Regional Health System, 601 N. Elm St., Conference Rooms A1 and 2, High Point. Register. Free. Uses metabolic testing. 878-6221.

Copper Plate Hand Calligraphy, 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 3, Smith Senior Center, 2401 Fairview St., Greensboro. $16. Register. 375-2234.

Beginner and Advanced Spanish classes, 7-8 p.m. Thursdays, begins Jan. 14, Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 4145 Johnson St., High Point. Eight weeks. Free. Register. Nancy, 884-0522 or e-mail Larry at Hlkwan@lexcominc.net.

Duplicate Bridge, 10 a.m. Jan. 15, Leonard Recreational Center, 6324 Ballinger Road, Greensboro. Game for new duplicate players. Classes, $5 each, to explain the differences between duplicate and contract bridge. The new game starts, 10 a.m. Jan. 29. Bring a bag lunch. Register, note if you need a partner. Friendly game. Mary Leger, 327-6357.

BEM Interactive Social Media Marketing Boot Camp Series, Jan. 15: LinkedIn Boot Camp. 416 Gallimore Dairy Road, Suite N, Greensboro. Register. http://www.beminteractive.com/events/index.htm or 851-0040, Ext. 19.

Learn to Decorate, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 16, 23, Crawford’s Creations, 3315 N. Main St., High Point. $100, both sessions. Some supplies provided. 882-0411.

Recycling in Greensboro, 10-11 a.m. Jan. 16, Bur-Mil Park, 5834 Bur-Mill Club Road, Greensboro. Free. Ages 6 and older. 373-3817.

“Diabetes: Why Being Too Sweet Is Not Good For You,” 7 p.m. Jan. 19, High Point Regional Health System, Millis Regional Health Education Center, 600 North Elm St., High Point. Free. Register. 878-6888.

Computer Classes for Persons Age 50+, offered by volunteers for SeniorNet. A Shepherd’s Center Program. Call 378-0766 for brochure.

The Art House, 600 N. Church St., Greensboro, is offering classes for all ages and interests. www.thearthousestudios.com, 209-5539, 274-5337.

Drawing Classes with Young Rembrandts, classes and camps, ages 5-13. Various times and locations, Greensboro and Kernersville. www.youngrembrandts.com/piedmont or 378-0487.

RECREATION
Bingo, benefits the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Oriental Shrine Club, 5010 High Point Road, Greensboro. Cash prizes. 697-7274.

Bingo, Mondays, American Legion I.T. Mann Post 87, 409 W. High Ave., High Point. Doors open, 5 p.m., early games, 5:30 p.m. General registration, $15 with additional packs/games available for purchase. 247-3932.

Bingo, 5:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. games begin, Wednesdays, American Legion Post 53, 729 Creek Ridge Road, Greensboro. Coffee, cash prizes. 299-8281.

Gate City Horizons Big Band, 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays and Gate City Horizons Band, 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, City Arts Rehearsal Hall, Level 1, Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Jennifer Hance, 373-2549.

Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club, four hikes and outings each week, 52 weeks a year. $20 per year, individual or family. www.piedmonthikingandoutingclub.org.

Shag Dance Classes, 7-8 p.m. beginner and 8-9 p.m. intermediate/advanced, Thursdays, Greensboro Grange, 4909 Guilford School Road, Greensboro.. $45 per person for four weeks of classes. 989-0156 or 312-3214.

Yoga, 9:15 a.m. or 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays (beginners) or 9 a.m. Saturdays (intermediate), Westminster Presbyterian Church, Friendly Ave., Greensboro. First class free, $5 per class thereafter. Anne, 301-4932 or hoffmania@ bellsouth.net.

REUNIONS
Military
USS Portsmouth CL-102 (1945-1949), 16th reunion, April 29-May 30, Crowne Plaza Dulles, Herndon, Va. Walt Hohner, 448 Hillside Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854, (732) 463-1745 or WPHohner@aol.com

Schools
Bartlett Yancey Senior High, class of 1990. www.classcreator.com/Yanceyville-NC-Bartlett-Yancey-1990 and create a profile.

High Point Central, class of 1960, reunion 2010. Ellis Baker, ebaker@northstate.net.

Page High, class of 1972. Planning stages. Send e-mail if you wish to come with current address, e-mail and telephone number and month you can attend. Also, state if you know a class member who has died. Robin Moore Stiles, pageclassof72@gmail.com, or Sandy Cardonick Lavender, s.lavender@charter.net.

Page High, class of 1980. Planning stages. Lisa Strickland Kinsey, 545-1230.

Page High, class of 1985, planning stages for 2010. Stephen Scott, ss.stephenscott@yahoo.com or (704) 779-6194.

Page High, class of 1990, planning stages. Alicia Patterson Cone, alcone6@yahoo.com.

SENIORS
Chair Exercise & Line Dancing, 10:30 a.m. Jan. 12, Hayes-Taylor YMCA, 1101 E. Market St., Greensboro. Session of chair exercise and line dancing in preparation for Annual Red & White Ball to be held in February. Catered lunch. Register. Andrea Wright, 272-2131.

The “Ask” series with an informational talk from Carol Poppo, of Mr. Nicks Stained Glass Studio, 11 a.m.-noon Jan. 12, Spears YMCA, 3216 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. Lesley Watts, 387-9622.

Turning 65 with Terri Herrlica, noon Jan. 20, Bryan YMCA, 501 W. Market St., Greensboro. Discussion is centered around turning 65 and the Medicare information that is being sent to you. Brown Bag Lunch Series. Register. 478-9622.

Friendship Day, 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, First Presbyterian Church, Mullin Life Center, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Exercise, activities, devotions. Lunch at noon for $6. Ages 55 and older. 373-0445.

Old-Timers Glenwood Breakfast, 8 a.m. second Thursday, Golden Corral, Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. People who grew up in Glenwood during the ’30s-’50s. Charles O’Brien, 664-9222.

National Active and Retired Federal Employees, 11:45 a.m. second Thursday, Golden Corral, 2419 Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. Lunch and speaker. All current federal employees as well as retired federal employees and their spouses welcome. 273-8861.

Senior Exercise Class, 11-11:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Tailored to your needs. Sitting and standing routines with some gentle yoga. Blood pressure screening available. $30 a month or $5 drop-in fee. First class free. 852-4829, Ext. 222.

Senior Outreach, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. second Tuesday, Shady Grove Wesleyan Church, 119 N. Bunker Hill Road, Colfax. Program and hot catered lunch for seniors 60 and older. Bruce Fletcher, 993-8905.

Senior Outreach, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. second Thursday, Stokesdale United Methodist Church, 8305 Loyola St., Stokesdale. Program and hot catered lunch for seniors 60 and older. Agnes Dixon, 643-6523.

Warnersville Silver Seniors, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays, St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church, 1330 Ashe St., Greensboro. Otis Hairston, 574-2286.

SERVICE/FRATERNAL
Crescent Rotary, 12:30 p.m. Mondays, Greensboro Realtors Association, 23 Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro. Abby Donnelly, 884-1348 or AbbyD@Sandler.com.

Four Seasons Civitan Club, 6:30 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Bill’s Pizza Pub, 2607 High Point Road, Greensboro. Bill Hofer, 621-4750.

Furnitureland Rotary Club, noon Mondays, String & Splinter Club, 305 W. High Ave., High Point. May vary during fall and spring furniture markets. Phil Morris, 887-7435 or PhilMorris@Rotary7690.org.

Gate City Civitan, 6 p.m. order meal, 6:30 p.m. program and meeting, second and fourth Tuesday, Tex & Shirley’s Restaurant, Friendly Center, Greensboro. Richard Decoste, 288-5146 or rldec@mindspring. com.

Gate City 694 Masonic Lodge, 7:30 p.m. second and fourth Tuesday, Masonic Temple, 426 W. Market St., Greensboro. Dinner, 6:15 p.m. All Master Masons welcome. Arthur Marshall, 288-0449.

Gate City Rotary, 7 a.m. Thursdays, O. Henry Hotel, 624 Green Valley Road, Greensboro. Jonathan Smith, 272-9488.

Greensboro Civitans, noon Fridays, Painted Plate, Greensboro. Jan. 15: Jeff Hill, forecast for the New Year. chwinfree@aol.com.

Greensboro Kiwanis, noon Thursdays, Downtown Marriott Hotel, 304 N. Greene St., Greensboro. 292-4192 or 674-5707.

Greensboro Lions, noon-1 p.m. Mondays, Painted Plate, 2001 N. Church St., Greensboro. www.gsohostlions.org.

Guilford College Kiwanis Club, 1 p.m. Mondays, Captain Bill’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant, 6108 W. Market St., Greensboro. Don Cunningham, 852-6811.

High Point Jaycees, www.myspace.com/High Pointjaycees.

International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Assembly 23, 7 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Greensboro Masonic Lodge, 425 W. Market St., Greensboro. Ages 11-20. gsorainbows@yahoo.com or 253-3557.

Jamestown Rotary Club, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Jamestown Town Hall, 301 E. Main St., Jamestown. Jo Anne Lovette, 885-9808.

Optimist Club of Greensboro, noon Mondays, Elks Lodge, 2201 W. Cornwallis Drive, Greensboro. Don Hallock, 299-4507, DBMaurer@aol.com.

Rotary Club of Greensboro, 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Blue Room, between War Memorial Auditorium and arena, Greensboro. Parking in the Carlyle parking area. 292-4806.

Sierra Club, Piedmont Plateau Group, 7:30-9 p.m. second Tuesday, Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library, 1420 Price Park Road, Greensboro. September-June. Guests welcome. 282-6553.

Summit Rotary Club, 12:30 p.m. Fridays, Starmount Forest Country Club, 1 Sam Snead Drive, Greensboro.

Willow Creek Rotary Club, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, High Point Country Club. 887-7435 or kmorris@triad.rr.com.

SPECIAL INTEREST
Al-Anon/Alateen, 12-step support group for families and friends of alcoholics. 332-0090 or www.greensboroalanon.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous, fellowship of men and women who meet to attain and maintain sobriety. No fees. Locations and times: 854-4278 day or night. www.aagreensboronc.com.

Alpha Chi Omega, Theta Rho Theta alumnae chapter, collecting books and gently used toys for domestic violence victims. Recent college graduates invited to join. Candice Tickle, ctickle@northstate.net or 472-6636, or Nikki Neuman, alphachialum@triad.rr.com or 656-0041.

Alpha Xi Delta Alumnae Association, Greater Greensboro Chapter, monthly events for alumnae in the Triad. Melia Mauldin, meliamauldin@gmail. com.

merican Association of University Women, 6:30 p.m. second Tuesday, Congregational United Church Of Christ, Radiance Drive, Greensboro.

Carolina Model Railroaders, looking for new members, any scale model railroading. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. Sundays. REA Building (near The Depot), East Washington Street, Greensboro. 540-1543.

Celebrate Recovery, 7 p.m. Thursdays, West Market Street UMC, 302 W. Market St., Greensboro. Bill Ellison, 275-4587, Ext. 17, or bellison@wmsumc.org.

Chi Omega Alumnae Association, Greater Greensboro Chapter, ongoing monthly events. Marian Cowhig Owen, 545-6919.

Creativity Circle, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays, 1150 Revolution Mill Drive, Studio 7, Greensboro. Through The Sanctuary. Creative folks gather to discuss the creative process and the struggles and successes they have found. Open to all who seek to live more creative lives. Elaine Hatch, 621-1514.

Debtors Anonymous, 6 p.m. Thursdays, Centenary United Methodist Church, 2300 W. Friendly St., Greensboro. Doors lock at 6:10 p.m. 917-0901 or www.debtorsanonymous.org.

Delta Gamma Alumnae Association of Greensboro/High Point, meets throughout the year and welcomes all area DGs. Marcia House, 852-1598 or portraithouse@juno.com.

Elite of the Triad, Social Capital Collaboration Group, 5-8 p.m. Fridays, Boston’s House of Jazz, 422 N. Edgeworth St., Greensboro. Mission: Fostering collaboration among professionals to create opulence through networking and charity. $5 admission. Bring canned food item for Salvation’s Army Food Drive. elitecollab@yahoo.com or 508-6416.

Free Health Screening Clinic, 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 1-4 p.m. Thursdays, Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, 1102 E. Market St., Greensboro. Test for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, sickle cell, HIV, syphilis, includes breast and prostate assessments. 274-1507.

Friendly Toastmasters, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Friendly Avenue Church of Christ, 5101 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. 202-0261 or jamiebryant1@yahoo.com.

GLC Café Community Out-Reach Event, 6:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. program, first and third Fridays, Grace Lutheran Church, 1315 E. Washington St., Greensboro. Free. No meetings on holiday weekends. 587-2691.

Golden Triad Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International and a member of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem. Rehearsal, 7 p.m. Mondays, First Presbyterian Church of Kernersville, 611 Oakhurst St., Kernersville. 996-3152 or www.goldentriadchorus.org.

Greater Greensboro Triad Shag, times and dates vary, Thirsty’s 2, 119 N. Chimney Rock Road, Greensboro. $25 per year. Max Madrin, 299-6859 or www.greatertriadshagclub.org.

Greensboro Chapter of the N.C. Society of Medical Assistants, 6 p.m. bring your own dinner, 6:30 p.m. business meeting, 7 p.m. speaker, second Tuesday, Piedmont Orthopedics, 300 W. Northwood St., Greensboro. 832-8140.

Greensboro Junior Woman’s Club, 7 p.m. second Wednesday, Weir-Jordan Clubhouse, 223 N. Edgeworth St., Greensboro. Volunteer service organization of women ages 21-40. Sept. -May. Stephanie Kiss, 870-0080, greensborojuniors@yahoo.com.

Greensboro Newcomers Club New Member Coffee, 10 a.m. Jan. 12, 7399 Henson Forest Drive, Summerfield. Pres. Mary Mumford, 282-4475 or www.gsonewcomersclub.com.

Greensboro Tarheel Chorus, 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Faith Presbyterian Church, 6309 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Local chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society. Walk-ins welcome. 674-2455 or www.greensborobarbershop. com.

Guilford Battle Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution, 11:45 a.m. second Thursday, Greensboro Country Club, 410 Sunset Drive, Greensboro. September-May. Regent Etta Reid, 643-0096, or etreid@aol.com.

Guilford College Community Civitan Club, 6 p.m. second and fourth Mondays, Libby  Hill Seafood, 3920 Cotswold Ave., Greensboro. Visitors welcome. Nancy Ratledge, 299-3976 or mcratledge@aol.com.

High Point Newcomers Club, 10 a.m. second Tuesday, Community Bible Church, 4125 Johnson St., High Point. Lunch optional, $8, reservations requested. Meets September-May. Peggy Bell, 887-2329.

Italian-American Social Club, 7:30 p.m. second Thursday, Knights of Columbus Social Hall, 2780 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. 282-5363.

League of Women Voters of the Piedmont Triad, noon meal, 12:15 p.m. speaker third Tuesday, Haywood Duke Room, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 N. Greene St., Greensboro. Meal optional. $10. Meal reservations required; register by Jan. 15. Jan. 19: Immigration, the Learning Curve. September-May.  643-2131 or tkwhitacre@triad.rr.com.

Meditation Techniques and Contemplative Practices, 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 501 Mendenhall St., Greensboro. Free. 379-1000.

Men’s Group, 8 a.m. Fridays, 1150 Revolution Mill Drive, Studio 7, Greensboro. Through The Sanctuary. Will discuss matters of faith and create a circle of authentic fellowship. Chip Bristol, 275-3295.

N.C. Preceptor Beta Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, 7-9 p.m. second Tuesday, St. John’s UMC, 1304 Merritt Drive, Greensboro, or president’s home. Service-oriented sorority. Yearly dues, $25. Seeking new members. Joy Ellison, 854-6082 or gsojoync1@aol.com.

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, second Tuesday, Elon Community Church library, 271 N. Williamson Ave., Elon College. Confidential meetings. 584-3366 or www.PflagAlamance.org.

Piedmont Triad NC Chapter – US Green Building Council, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 14, Volvo Communications Building, 7900 National Service Road , Greensboro. Project profile of the McDonalds of Cary, the first LEED McDonalds in North Carolina; will discuss strategies used to achieve certification and energy and water savings. Deborah_mertes@knoll.com.

Piedmont Triad Chapter of the International Facility Management Association, 11:30 a.m. second Thursday, Magnolia Manor. Jan. 14: Annual Triad Area Economic Development update. $20 for nonmembers. Register with Carl Nisbet at SciWorks by noon Jan. 12. 767-6730 or cnisbet@sciworks.org.

Piedmont Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Chapter, meets throughout the year and welcomes all area Pi Phis. http://piedmontpiphi.blogspot.com/

Professionals in Transition, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, West Market Street United Methodist Church, 302 W. Market St., Greensboro. Job searching support group. 757-1099.

Road to ReEmployment, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Road, Greensboro. 834-8652.

Saturday Spiritual Practices, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 N. Greene St., Greensboro. www.servantleadergreensboro.com or 275-0447.

T. Gilbert Pearson Chapter of the National Audubon Society, 7 p.m. second Thursday, Kathleen Clay Edwards Library, 1420 Price Park Road, Greensboro. Ellen Weiner, weinere@bellsouth.net.

Triad American Singles Golf, 6:30 p.m. social, 7 p.m. meeting, second Monday, Out West Steakhouse, 1185 N.C. 66 S., Kernersville. www.triad.singlesgolf.com or Steve Motsinger, 785-1409.

Triad Business Connectors, 7:45-9 a.m. first three Thursdays, Tex & Shirley’s, near Wendover Avenue at Penny Road, High Point. Kim Lutes, 812-8622 or kim.lutes@agedwards.com.

Triad Job Search Network, 9 a.m. Tuesdays, Covenant United Methodist Church, 1526 Skeet Club Road, High Point. Networking job club for professionals. 333-1677 or http://tjsn.net.

Triad Job Search Network, 9 a.m. Thursdays, First Baptist Church Summerfield, 2300 Scalesville Road, Summerfield. Networking job club for professionals. 333–1677 or http://tjsn. net.

Triad Harmony Express, 7:30-10 p.m. Tuesdays, First Presbyterian Church, 611 Oak­hurst St., Kernersville. www.thechorus.com or 774-4044.

Triad Toastmasters Club No. 3132, noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Wendover Hills Church, 205 Swing Road, Greensboro. Improve communication and leadership skills. Mack Arrington, 856-1600; Lorri Wall, 471-7467 or triadtm.org.

Writers’ Circle Creative Writing Workshop. Beginning and experienced writers welcome. Ongoing, weekly meetings in Greensboro home. Free workshop session to all first-time participants. $300 for 10-week session. Financial aid available upon request. 378-9696, elsummers25@gmail.com or sites.google.com/site/writerscir.

Children’s Writers, 7 p.m. second Thursday, Sternberger Artist Center, Studio 5, 712 Summit Ave., Greensboro.  Fran Ostasiewski, 854-0034.

VETERANS
American Ex-Prisoners of War, Greater Greensboro Chapter, noon third Saturday, Masonic Home, 700 S. Holden Road, Greensboro. 275-4144.

Henry K. Burtner American Legion Post 53, seeks new members. Apply, www.nclegion. org. Bob Davis, 299-8281.

Marine Corps League — l/cpl. Alan D. Lam Detachment 1209. Honorably discharged Marines and FMF corpsmen eligible. Mark Grimley, 524-0426 or Bob Petka, 446-0144.

Gibsonville W.D. Hammer Post 2972 — Veterans of Foreign War, seeks new members. All military members, active, retired, Reserves and National Guard, who have served in combat theaters are eligible. Spouses eligible to join the auxiliary. Ernest White, 446-0565, or Buzz Grigg, 449-7095.

Greater Greensboro Marine Corps League 260, 6:30 p.m. social hour and meal, 7:30 p.m. meeting begins, second Monday, Knights of Columbus Hall, 2780 Horse Pen Creek Road, Greensboro. Danny Bracken, commandant, 399-1017.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2087 and Ladies Auxiliary, 6:30 p.m. first Wednesday, 8 a.m. third Saturday, 2605 S. Elm-Eugene St., Greensboro. Combat veterans and family members welcome. Cmdr. Robert Davidson Jr., 272-2208.

WOMEN
Bessemer Woman’s Club, 7 p.m. second Monday, Presbyterian Church of the Cross, 1810 Phillips Ave., Greensboro. 275-2291.

Friday Professional Women’s Networking Group, 7:45 a.m. Fridays, Friendly Avenue Church of Christ, 5101 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Sharon Kaiser, 294-4153.

Moms Club of Greensboro Central, a support group for stay-at-home moms of northwest Greensboro, Summerfield and Oak Ridge. Play groups, calendar of events, monthly socials. Wendy, momsclubcentral@yahoo.com.

Moms Club of Greensboro East, a support group for stay-at-home moms who live in eastern and northeastern Greensboro. Provides activities for children, such as play groups and park outings, and activities for moms. momsclubgso@yahoo.com.

Mothers & More, 7 p.m. second Monday, Leonard Recreation Center, Greensboro. Organization focusing on the mother. Donna, 685-5565.

P3 Power Boost — An Evening of Inspiration, 6-8:30 p.m. second Thursday, Greensboro Woman’s Club, 223 N. Edgeworth St., Greensboro. Topic: The Power of Passion, Purpose and Vision. $30, $20 for first-time guests. P3 LifeLine members, $15. Lisa Thomas, 988-2383, or Lisa@TheP3Group.com.

Triadmommies.com, 10 a.m. Mondays, The Green Bean, 341 S. Elm St., Greensboro. Triadmommies.com or becky@triadmommies.com.

Triadmommies.com, High Point group, 9:30 a.m. second Monday, Panera, 2400 Penney Road, High Point. triadmommies.com or cathyg@triadmommies.com.

Women of Excellence, 1-3 p.m. every other Saturday. Designed to help women of all ages get through hardships. Traci Marshall, tmarshall16@triad.rr.com or 986-6121.

Every Sunday in the Guilford Record, we feature art work from local students in our Student Gallery. For a look at some of the work we've featured since Nov. 8, click on the "Student gallery" link to the right of this story.

Submit yours!

Students, if we select your artwork for Student Gallery, you’ll get a free T-shirt! E-mail your scanned artwork as an attachment to news@guilford record.com. The artwork must be a JPG file with resolution of 150 pixels per inch, at least 4 inches wide. Or you can mail to Cindy Loman, News & Record, 200 E. Market St., Greensboro, NC 27401. Include your name, age, school and T-shirt size.
 

FUNDRAISERS
Ongoing
Aluminum Can Collection, ACES office at Brooks Global Studies Elementary is collecting aluminum cans as a service project for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Mail or bring cans to Nathalie or Brooke, 1215 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, NC 27408. 370-8347.

Clothes Pantry, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m.-noon second and fourth Saturdays, New Millenium Christian Center, 424 Fisher Park Circle, Greensboro. Community Network Ministry. Free clothing upon referral. Call the church office, 510-0440.

Charity Knitting, 1-4 p.m. Sundays, This & That, 3712-B Lawndale Drive, Greensboro. For anyone 16 and older who likes to knit. Free. Knitting projects benefit local charities. 288-0034.

Hot Dog Saturdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, Gethsemane United Methodist Church, 100 N.C. 150 West, Greensboro. $1.50. Dessert costs vary. 643-8835.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Good Night 2009 and Good Luck in 2010…A Grand Finale to the New Year’s Celebration! 6:30 p.m. Jan. 3, Mamma Mia’s Restaurant, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point. $50. Register. Hosts: High Point Historical Society. http://www.higHighPointointmuseum.org/calendar.htm or 883-3022.

New Year’s Services, 11 a.m. Jan. 3, Wells Memorial Church of God in Christ, 1001 E. Washington St., Greensboro. With Memphis evangelist Patricia R. Lewis and gospel music. Free. 601-1218.

Toastmasters International demonstration meeting, 6 p.m. Jan. 5, Greensboro Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1500 Yanceyville St., Greensboro. Shirley Sanders, 512-8603.

Professional Wedding Guild Luncheon, 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Jan. 6, Twelve West Main, 12 W. Main St.,Thomasville. $20, includes lunch. Register. 676-9631 or www.pwgnc.com.

Community Clinic Days, 1:30-4:30 p.m. Jan. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28; 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29; 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Greensboro Acupuncture and Naturopathic Center, 5925 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Sliding scale based on income. With Dr. Allison Scott. 848-7539 or www.gsohealth.com.

City of Greensboro’s Parks & Recreation Commission solicits opinions on the Greensboro Farmers’ Curb Market, 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 6, Guilford County Cooperative Extension, Service Barn Kitchen meeting room, 3309 Burlingtonrlington Road, Greensboro. Will give vendors and customers a chance to voice their concerns about the Market. Snow date: 5:30-7 p.m. Jan. 7. Edith McNeal, 373-2199.

BLOOD DRIVES
Red Cross at the Nussbaum Blood Center, 1501 Yancey­ville St., Greensboro: 2-6:30 p.m. Monday; 12:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday; and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday/Friday/Saturday. Appointments and walk-ins welcome. (800) 448-3543.

Drives
■ 1-5:30 p.m. Jan. 5, Rush Fitness Complex, 3120 Yanceyville St., Greensboro.

CLASSES
Bridge class, Bidding in the 21st century, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 7, Lewis Recreational Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive, Greensboro. Eight weeks. $120 includes book. Register. Mary Leger, 327-6357.

Eliminate Paper Clutter, 1-3 p.m. Jan. 7,  Lake Jeanette Office Park, 3820 N. Elm St., Suite 101, Greensboro. Bring suitcase full of disorganized papers, files and photos. Leave with everything filed and organized. $20. Dorothy, 314-1207 or www.SimpleSolutionPro.com.

Duplicate Bridge, 10 a.m. Jan. 8, 15, Leonard Recreational Center, 6324 Ballinger Road, Greensboro, Greensboro. Game for new duplicate players. Classes, $5 each, to explain the differences between duplicate and contract bridge. The new game starts, 10 a.m. Jan. 29. Bring a bag lunch. Register, note if you need a partner. Friendly game. Mary Leger, 327-6357.

Nature Photography, 10 a.m.-noon Jan. 10, Burlingtonr-Mil Park, 5834 Burlingtonr-Mill Club Road, Greensboro. $2. All ages. Register. 373-3817.

“The Plan,” a 12-week Weight Loss Program, Information Session, 6 p.m. Jan. 11, High Point Regional Health System, 601 N. Elm St., Conference Rooms A1 and 2, High Point. Register. Free. Uses metabolic testing. 878-6221.

Copper Plate Hand Calligraphy, 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 13-Feb. 3, Smith Senior Center, 2401 Fairview St., Greensboro. $16. Register. 375-2234.

The Art House, 600 N. Church St., Greensboro, is offering classes for all ages and interests. www.thearthousestudios.com, 209-5539, 274-5337.

Drawing Classes with Young Rembrandts, classes and camps, ages 5-13. Various times and locations, Greensboro and Kernersville. www.youngrembrandts.com/piedmont or 378-0487.

RECREATION
Bingo, benefits the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Oriental Shrine Club, 5010 High Point Road, Greensboro. Cash prizes. 697-7274.

Bingo, Mondays, American Legion I.T. Mann Post 87, 409 W. High Ave., High Point. Doors open, 5 p.m., early games, 5:30 p.m. General registration, $15 with additional packs/games available for purchase. 247-3932.

Bingo, 5:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. games begin, Wednesdays, American Legion Post 53, 729 Creek Ridge Road, Greensboro. Coffee, cash prizes. 299-8281.

Bingo for Special Populations, 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Thataways Youth Center, 1334 Overbrook Road, Burlington. Free. All ages. 222-5134.

Gate City Horizons Big Band, 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays and Gate City Horizons Band, 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, City Arts Rehearsal Hall, Level 1, Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Jennifer Hance, 373-2549.

Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club, four hikes and outings each week, 52 weeks a year. $20 per year, individual or family. www.piedmonthikingandoutingclub.org.

Shag Dance Classes, 7-8 p.m. beginner and 8-9 p.m. intermediate/advanced, Thursdays, Greensboro Grange, 4909 Guilford School Road, Greensboro.. $45 per person for four weeks of classes. 989-0156 or 312-3214.

Yoga, 9:15 a.m. or 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays (beginners) or 9 a.m. Saturdays (intermediate), Westminster Presbyterian Church, Friendly Ave., Greensboro. First class free, $5 per class thereafter. Anne, 301-4932 or hoffmania@bellsouth.net.

REUNIONS
Military
USS Portsmouth CL-102 (1945-1949), 16th reunion, April 29-May 30, Crowne Plaza Dulles, Herndon, Va. Walt Hohner, 448 Hillside Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854, (732) 463-1745 or WPHohner@aol.com

Schools
Bartlett Yancey Senior High, class of 1990. www.classcreator.com/Yanceyville-NC-Bartlett-Yancey-1990 and create a profile.

Dudley High, class of 1963, 10 a.m. Jan. 9, Golden Corral, 4404 Landview Drive, Greensboro. Wendover Ave., Greensboro. Will discuss plans for the 2010 class reunion. Leon Roseboro, 275-5711.

High Point Central, class of 1960, reunion 2010. Ellis Baker, ebaker@northstate.net.

Page High, class of 1972. Planning stages. Send e-mail if you wish to come with current address, e-mail and telephone number and month you can attend. Also, state if you know a class member who has died. Robin Moore Stiles, pageclassof72@gmail.com, or Sandy Cardonick Lavender, s.lavender@charter.net.

Page High, class of 1980. Planning stages. Lisa Strickland Kinsey, 545-1230.

Page High, class of 1985, planning stages for 2010. Stephen Scott, ss.stephenscott@yahoo. com or (704) 779-6194.

Page High, class of 1990, planning stages. Alicia Patterson Cone, alcone6@yahoo.com.

SENIORS
Friendship Day, 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, First Presbyterian Church, Mullin Life Center, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Exercise, activities, devotions. Lunch at noon for $6. Ages 55 and older. 373-0445.

Senior Exercise Class, 11-11:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Tailored to your needs. Sitting and standing routines with some gentle yoga. Blood pressure screening available. $30 a month or $5 drop-in fee. First class free. 852-4829, Ext. 222.

Senior Outreach, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. first Tuesday, Moriah United Methodist Church, 3611 Liberty Road, Greensboro. Program and hot catered lunch for seniors 60 and older. Bruce Fletcher, 373-4816.

Senior Outreach, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. first Wednesday, Oak Ridge United Methodist Church, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge. Program and hot catered lunch for seniors 60 and older. Arlene Holoman, 668-7103.

Warnersville Silver Seniors, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays, St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church, 1330 Ashe St., Greensboro. Otis Hairston, 574-2286.

SERVICE/FRATERNAL
Crescent Rotary, 12:30 p.m. Mondays, Greensboro Realtors Association, 23 Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro. Abby Donnelly, 884-1348 or AbbyD@Sandler.com.

Furnitureland Rotary Club, noon Mondays, String & Splinter Club, 305 W. High Ave., High Point. May vary during fall and spring furniture markets. Phil Morris, 887-7435 or PhilMorris@Rotary7690.org.

Gate City Rotary, 7 a.m. Thursdays, O. Henry Hotel, 624 Green Valley Road, Greensboro. Jonathan Smith, 272-9488.

Gibsonville Lions Club, first and third Tuesdays, 716 Steele St., Gibsonville. Food served third Tuesday. 380-1053.

Greensboro Civitans, noon Fridays, Painted Plate, Greensboro. Jan. 8: Amelia Parker, executive director, Sit-In Museum. chwinfree@aol.com.

Greensboro Jaycees Membership Meeting, 6:30 p.m. first and third Wednesday, 401 N. Greene St., Greensboro. 379-1570, Ext. 13309.

Greensboro Kiwanis, noon Thursdays, Downtown Marriott Hotel, 304 N. Greene St., Greensboro. 292-4192 or 674-5707.

Greensboro Lions, noon-1 p.m. Mondays, Painted Plate, 2001 N. Church St., Greensboro. www.gsohostlions.org.

Guilford College Kiwanis Club, 1 p.m. Mondays, Captain Bill’s Seafood & Steak Restaurant, 6108 W. Market St., Greensboro. Don Cunningham, 852-6811.

Guilford County Council of Civitan Clubs, noon first Monday, Libby Hill Seafood Restaurant, 3920 Cotswold Ave. Greensboro. David Johnson, 292-6783 or djohnson70@triad.rr.com.

Guilford Lodge 656 AF&AM, 7:30 p.m. first and third Monday, Masonic Temple, 426 W. Market St., Greensboro. Dinner served, 6:15 p.m. 621-7731.

High Point Jaycees, www.myspace.com/HighPointjaycees.

Jamestown Rotary Club, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Jamestown Town Hall, 301 E. Main St., Jamestown. Jo Anne Lovette, 885-9808.

McLeansville Lions Club, 7 p.m. first and third Thursdays, McLeansville Lions Hut, Mount Hope Church Road and U.S. 70 East, McLeansville. Gary Harmony, gary.harmon-eds@eds.com.

Northwest Guilford Kiwanis, noon first and third Tuesday, Bill’s Pizza, N.C. 68 North, Oak Ridge. Annette Joyce, 382-8629.

Optimist Club of Greensboro, noon Mondays, Elks Lodge, 2201 W. Cornwallis Drive, Greensboro. Don Hallock, 299-4507, DBMaurer@aol.com.

Rotary Club of Greensboro, 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Blue Room, between War Memorial Auditorium and arena, Greensboro. Parking in the Carlyle parking area. 292-4806.

Summit Rotary Club, 12:30 p.m. Fridays, Starmount Forest Country Club, 1 Sam Snead Drive, Greensboro.

Whitsett Ruritan Club, 7 p.m. first Tuesday, Whitsett Town Hall. Terry Call, 449-1362 or pugcall@aol.com.

Willow Creek Rotary Club, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, High Point Country Club. 887-7435 or kmorris@triad.rr.com.

SPECIAL INTEREST
“A Family Affair Life Beyond MS,” 6 p.m. first Monday, Gibsonville Evangelical Methodist Church. Families dealing with MS are welcome. 375-0713 or pglong@bellsouth.net.

Al-Anon/Alateen, 12-step support group for families and friends of alcoholics. 332-0090 or www.greensboroalanon.org.

Alcoholics Anonymous, fellowship of men and women who meet to attain and maintain sobriety. No fees. Locations and times: 854-4278 day or night. www.aagreensboronc.com.

Alpha Chi Omega, Theta Rho Theta alumnae chapter, collecting books and gently used toys for domestic violence victims. Recent college graduates invited to join. Candice Tickle, ctickle@northstate.net or 472-6636, or Nikki Neuman, alphachialum@triad.rr.com or 656-0041.

Alpha Xi Delta Alumnae Association, Greater Greensboro Chapter, monthly events for alumnae in the Triad. Melia Mauldin, meliamauldin@gmail. com.

Bennett College National Alumnae Association, noon second Saturday, Union United Methodist Church, 1012 E. Lee St., Greensboro. September-May. Gina, 297-9259.

Carolina Model Railroaders, looking for new members, any scale model railroading. 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. Sundays. REA Burlingtonilding (near The Depot), East Washington Street, Greensboro. 540-1543.

Celebrate Recovery, 7 p.m. Thursdays, West Market Street UMC, 302 W. Market St., Greensboro. Bill Ellison, 275-4587, Ext. 17, or bellison@wmsumc.org.

Chi Omega Alumnae Association, Greater Greensboro Chapter, ongoing monthly events. Marian Cowhig Owen, 545-6919.

Creativity Circle, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Fridays, 1150 Revolution Mill Drive, Studio 7, Greensboro. Through The Sanctuary. Creative folks gather to discuss the creative process and the struggles and successes they have found. Open to all who seek to live more creative lives. Elaine Hatch, 621-1514.

Debtors Anonymous, 6 p.m. Thursdays, Centenary United Methodist Church, 2300 W. Friendly St., Greensboro. Doors lock at 6:10 p.m. 917-0901 or www.debtorsanonymous.org.

Delta Gamma Alumnae Association of Greensboro/High Point, meets throughout the year and welcomes all area DGs. Marcia House, 852-1598 or portraithouse@juno.com.

Delta Zeta Triad Alumnae, ongoing monthly events and welcomes all area DZs. www.dztriadalum.com or hanna.summer@gmail.com.

Elite of the Triad, Social Capital Collaboration Group, 5-8 p.m. Fridays, Boston’s House of Jazz, 422 N. Edgeworth St., Greensboro. Mission: Fostering collaboration among professionals to create opulence through networking and charity. $5 admission. Bring canned food item for Salvation’s Army Food Drive. elitecollab@yahoo.com or 508-6416.

Free Health Screening Clinic, 1-4 p.m. first and third Thursday, Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, 401 Taylor Ave., High Point. Test for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, sickle cell, HIV, syphilis, includes breast and prostate assessments. 886-2437.

Free Health Screening Clinic, 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays and 1-4 p.m. Thursdays, Piedmont Health Services and Sickle Cell Agency, 1102 E. Market St., Greensboro. Test for diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, sickle cell, HIV, syphilis, includes breast and prostate assessments. 274-1507.

Friendly Toastmasters, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, Friendly Avenue Church of Christ, 5101 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. 202-0261 or jamiebryant1@yahoo.com.

Golden Triad Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines International and a member of the Arts Council of Winston-Salem. Rehearsal, 7 p.m. Mondays, First Presbyterian Church of Kernersville, 611 Oakhurst St., Kernersville. 996-3152 or www.goldentriadchorus.org.

Greater Greensboro/Reidsville Club of the National Association of Negro Burlingtonsiness & Professional Women’s Club, 10 a.m. second Saturday, Windsor Recreation Center, 1601 E. Lee St., Greensboro. 273-4506 or 475-7216.

Greater Greensboro Triad Shag, times and dates vary, Thirsty’s 2, 119 N. Chimney Rock Road, Greensboro. $25 per year. Max Madrin, 299-6859 or www.greatertriadshagclub.org.

Greensboro Tarheel Chorus, 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Faith Presbyterian Church, 6309 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Local chapter of Barbershop Harmony Society. Walk-ins welcome. 674-2455 or www.greensborobarbershop. com.

Greensboro Toastmasters Club, 6:30 p.m. first and third Tuesday, Piedmont Burlingtonilding, 114 N. Elm St., Suite 210, Greensboro. Hudson or Lori Griffin, 275-8890 or ittrain@itt-s.com.

Greensboro Woman’s Club, 7 p.m. first Wednesday, Historic Weir-Jordan House, 223 N. Edgeworth St., Greensboro. September-May. Volunteer service projects. www.greensborowomansclub. com.

Guilford County Amateur Radio Emergency Services, 7 p.m. first Monday, Guilford County Emergency Services, 1002 Meadowood St., Greensboro. John Doggett, dogg7460@bellsouth. net or www.guilfordares.org.

Ladies Ancient Order of Hiberians, 7 p.m. Jan. 7, Kloster Center, St. Pius X Catholic Church, 2210 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Alice Schmidt, 288-0983.

Meditation Techniques and Contemplative Practices, 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 501 Mendenhall St., Greensboro. Free. 379-1000.

Men’s Group, 8 a.m. Fridays, 1150 Revolution Mill Drive, Studio 7, Greensboro. Through The Sanctuary. Will discuss matters of faith and create a circle of authentic fellowship. Chip Bristol, 275-3295.

Neighborhood Watch, 7 p.m. first Monday, AsBurlingtonry United Methodist Church, 2227 Pine­croft Road, Greensboro. Neighborhood extends from Pinecroft Road to Four Seasons Boulevard. 299-4560.

Piedmont Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Chapter, meets throughout the year and welcomes all area Pi Phis. http://piedmontpiphi.blogspot.com/

Professionals in Transition, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, West Market Street United Methodist Church, 302 W. Market St., Greensboro. Job searching support group. 757-1099.

Reddy Talkers Toastmasters - New Group Forming, 6-7:30 p.m. first and third Tuesdays, American Red Cross Burlingtonilding, 1501 Yanceyville St., Greensboro. Shirley Sanders, 512-9603.

Road to ReEmployment, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays, Westover Church, 505 Muirs Chapel Road, Greensboro. 834-8652.

Saturday Spiritual Practices, 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 N. Greene St., Greensboro. www.servantleadergreensboro.com or 275-0447.

Tabasco Lodge # 271, 7:30 p.m. first and third Tuesday, 207 1/2 E. Main Street in Gibsonville. rapidrespo@aol.com.

Tau Omega Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, 7:30 p.m. first Thursday, Lake Fraternity House, 2264 U.S. 29 North, P.O. Box 20381, Greensboro, NC 27420. Sean Young, seandby@hotmail.com.

Triad Association of Health Underwriters, 11:45 a.m. first Tuesday, Starmount Forest Country Club, 1 Sam Snead Drive, Greensboro. Jan. 5: Vince Ciccarello presents program on identity theft. 785-1948.

Triad Burlingtonsiness Connectors, 7:45-9 a.m. first three Thursdays, Tex & Shirley’s, near Wendover Avenue at Penny Road, High Point. Kim Lutes, 812-8622 or kim.lutes@agedwards.com.

Triad Job Search Network, 9 a.m. Tuesdays, Covenant United Methodist Church, 1526 Skeet Club Road, High Point. Networking job club for professionals. 333-1677 or http://tjsn.net.

Triad Job Search Network, 9 a.m. Thursdays, First Baptist Church Summerfield, 2300 Scalesville Road, Summerfield. Networking job club for professionals. 333–1677 or http://tjsn. net.

Triad Harmony Express, 7:30-10 p.m. Tuesdays, First Presbyterian Church, 611 Oak­hurst St., Kernersville. www.thechorus.com or 774-4044.

Triad Toastmasters Club No. 3132, noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Wendover Hills Church, 205 Swing Road, Greensboro. Improve communication and leadership skills. Mack Arrington, 856-1600; Lorri Wall, 471-7467 or triadtm.org.

Wake-Up Republican Women, 6 p.m. first Thursday, Tex & Shirley’s Restaurant, Friendly Center, Greensboro. Phyllis Gibbs, 674-2438.

Writers’ Circle Creative Writing Workshop. Beginning and experienced writers welcome. Ongoing, weekly meetings in Greensboro home. Free workshop session to all first-time participants. $300 for 10-week session. Financial aid available upon request. 378-9696, elsummers25@gmail.com or sites.google.com/site/writerscir.

Writers’ Group of the Triad listings, Sternberger Artist Center, Studio 5, 712 Summit Ave., Greensboro. Poetry Writers, 7:30 p.m. first Monday; Children’s Writers, Fran Ostasiewski, 854-0034.

Xi Beta Kappa Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, 7:30 p.m. first and third Monday, different members homes. Fredda Andrews, 273-6104. VETERANS

Cone American Legion Post 386, 7 p.m. first Tuesday, 1206 American Legion St., Greensboro. All veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam and other areas of conflict including the Gulf War since 9/11 who served honorably invited, especially Gulf War and women veterans. 375-3265 or Post386@bellsouth.net.

Henry K. Burlingtonrtner American Legion Post 53, seeks new members. Apply, www.nclegion. org. Bob Davis, 299-8281.

Marine Corps League — l/cpl. Alan D. Lam Detachment 1209. Honorably discharged Marines and FMF corpsmen eligible. Mark Grimley, 524-0426 or Bob Petka, 446-0144.

Gibsonville W.D. Hammer Post 2972 — Veterans of Foreign War, seeks new members. All military members, active, retired, Reserves and National Guard, who have served in combat theaters are eligible. Spouses eligible to join the auxiliary. Ernest White, 446-0565, or Burlingtonzz Grigg, 449-7095.

Sons of the Legion Squadron 386, 7 p.m. first Wednesday, Cone American Legion Post, American Legion Street, Greensboro. Open to sons or grandsons of Legionnaires or veterans who have passed away and served in WWII, Korea,Vietnam and other areas of conflict including the Gulf War. 375-3265 or Post386@bellsouth.net.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2087 and Ladies Auxiliary, 6:30 p.m. first Wednesday, 8 a.m. third Saturday, 2605 S. Elm-Eugene St., Greensboro. Combat veterans and family members welcome. Cmdr. Robert Davidson Jr., 272-2208.

WOMEN
Friday Professional Women’s Networking Group, 7:45 a.m. Fridays, Friendly Avenue Church of Christ, 5101 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Sharon Kaiser, 294-4153.

Greensboro Women’s AGLOW Community Lighthouse Fellowship, 9:30 a.m. first Saturday, Park Lane Hotel, 3005 High Point Road, fourth floor, Dogwood Room, Greensboro. Gwen Harrelson, 621-3447.

Moms Club of Greensboro Central, a support group for stay-at-home moms of northwest Greensboro, Summerfield and Oak Ridge. Play groups, calendar of events, monthly socials. Wendy, momsclubcentral@yahoo.com.

Moms Club of Greensboro East, a support group for stay-at-home moms who live in eastern and northeastern Greensboro. Provides activities for children, such as play groups and park outings, and activities for moms. momsclubgso@yahoo.com.

Triadmommies.com, 10 a.m. Mondays, The Green Bean, 341 S. Elm St., Greensboro. Triadmommies.com or becky@triadmommies.com.

Women of Excellence, 1-3 p.m. every other Saturday. Designed to help women of all ages get through hardships. Traci Marshall, tmarshall16@triad.rr.com or 986-6121.

Women in Transition, 6-7:30 p.m. first Thursday, YWCA, 112 Gatewood Ave., High Point. 882-4126.

Women’s Wednesdays, noon-1 p.m. first Wednesday, YWCA of High Point, 112 Gatewood Ave., High Point. $15. Workshop and luncheon. Tee Taylor, 882-4126 or ttaylor@ywcaHighPoint.com.

GREENSBORO – Mary Yonjof and her son were driving along Elm Street one day in September when he noticed a group of homeless men gathered near Center City Park.

Yonjof realized that her church, which was just starting up and looking for a way to serve on Sunday mornings, could help them.
Now, every Sunday about 8 a.m., people from Awaken City Church hand out food to homeless people just outside the downtown park.
“They know they can count on us, no matter the weather,” Yonjof said.

The park’s owner gave the church permission to serve a special buffet breakfast Dec. 20. Church members served food to about 60 men and a few women. They also handed out wrapped gift boxes containing hats, gloves, scarves, snacks, toiletries and Bibles.

'Some were crying because they said they hadn’t received a Christmas present in years,” said Frank Bishoff, the church’s lead pastor.

People from the start-up church have become passionate about the ministry, Yonjof said.

“We’ve developed some really wonderful relationships with these people and hear their stories and encourage them,” she said. “It’s not just physical needs. It’s spiritual needs, to try to uplift them and encourage them.”

Because many of the homeless people use the computers at the public library, church members are able to correspond with some during the week through e-mail.

“I have learned that just loving people and accepting them wholeheartedly can just really speak life into them,” Yonjof said. “And through this ministry I just want them to see Jesus.”

Bishoff said the ministry has “had a positive, powerful effect” on the church’s members and represents what the nondenominational church is all about.

The church’s motto is “awakened hearts loving our city,” and “basically that’s what we believe,” Bishoff said. “God has opened our hearts, and we owe him this. … We want to make a tangible difference in our city.”

The main goal of the ministry isn’t to preach to people, although “if that opens up, we want to do that,” Bishoff said. “But we’re not there to push our agenda. We just want to love them.”

In Summerfield, where Yonjof lives, several restaurants have begun donating food and coffee to the ministry. Nonchurch-members are welcome to join in the ministry.

Awaken City Church will have its public launch Jan. 10. The church is meeting at the Triad Conference Center, 7616 Business Park Drive, but hopes to relocate downtown eventually. The homeless ministry will serve food downtown from 8 to 10 a.m. with a service at 10:30 a.m. For information on the church go to www.awakencitychurch.com .

Contact Jamie Kennedy Jones at 373-7088 or jamie.kennedy @news-record.com.
 

Katie Holden, 21, fondly remembers spending summers at her family’s lake house in Connecticut .

“I loved being surrounded by nature, going barefoot and that sense of freedom, as well as getting to know all my relatives better,” Katie said.

Katie also remembers special times spent there with her mom, MaryKate Holden , 53 , and her grandmother, Kate Tallmadge, 92 .

Over the years, each of the women has written poems about their memories of the lake house, so when they heard about the Rachel Carson Sense of Wonder intergenerational poetry contest, they decided to enter. The final product is a piece that contains an individual poem written over a period of years by each woman, interwoven together.

“We’re like three peas in a pod, so it seemed so natural for us to collaborate on this,” Katie said. “I wanted to share my love of this place.”

They recently learned that their poem, “Place of Peace,” won first place in the international contest. The women also were featured on National Public Radio’s “Living on Earth.”

The first part of the poem was written as a love letter by Tallmadge to her husband, Howard, when he was serving overseas during World War II , a reminder of special moments spent at the lake house together.

“I had my daughter take out a few of the more personal lines,” Tallmadge said with a laugh.

A poetry writer since she was a little girl, Tallmadge describes her writing as “old-fashioned.”

“I love language, rhymes and rhythms,” she said.

The lake property, which includes 25 acres on Lake Waramaug in western Connecticut, was purchased by Tallmadge’s grandmother in 1911. Three houses are on the property now.

“I grew up there as a little girl in the summer,” Tallmadge said. “I loved every rock, caterpillar and beetle.”

MaryKate, academic dean at Oak Ridge Military Academy , spent her summers there, too, while growing up. She took her children there for three to four weeks each summer.

In a remote location with no television or radio, the lake remains a family getaway for swimming, water sports, hiking, tree-climbing, star-gazing and spending quality time together.

“The peace of life without electronics really emphasizes the natural beauty of the place and instills a real love of nature in the generations,” MaryKate said.

A second-semester senior at Meredith College , Katie has always loved going to the lake house and staying in the room in which her mother grew up. Katie wrote her contribution to the winning poem as a class assignment in middle school.

“The topic of the lake is something I always go back to,” she said. “I feel such a big sense of history, and I’m a part of that history.”

Though she hopes to move to New York to work in fashion merchandising, Katie said writing will always be a part of her life, too.
“It’s a good way to get out what I feel on paper,” she said.

MaryKate said her goal is to compile an anthology of the three women’s poems to publish in book form. None of the three has had their works published.

Upon hearing they had won first place in the Sense of Wonder poetry contest, MaryKate said she was both humbled and excited.

“I was especially happy for my mother, who has never had any recognition of her poetry before,” she said.

Contact Jennifer Atkins Brown at 574-5582 or jennifer. brown@news-record.com
 

The beginning of winter may be an odd time to consider taking swimming lessons, but not at the Spears YMCA.

Inside the pool area, the weather is always a balmy 86 degrees, affording our members and guests a taste of summer while Old Man Winter continues to torment us outside with cold temperatures and an occasional dusting of snow.

Indeed, winter at the YMCA is the best time to take swimming lessons to ensure that your children are summer-ready on the first day the pool opens.

Swimming at the Y began in 1910 when George Corsan started the first group swimming lessons. Since then, the YMCA has been the leader in swimming instruction and is often referred to as “America’s Swimming Instructor.”

The belief then is the same now — that everyone should, and can, learn to swim. So, the YMCA has designed a Progressive Swimming program that addresses all age and skill levels.

Lessons are offered at the YMCA for all age groups starting with our SKIPS class for toddlers and their parents all the way to adult beginner and advanced classes.

The SKIPS class is a great introductory course for parents and young children seeking to acclimate their kids to the water and introduce them to the basics of movement in water. SKIPS is the first level in the preschool level courses, which are open to children ages 6 months to 5 years.

Once children reach age 3, they are ready to begin taking lessons without a parent in the water and experience the benefits of a group class setting as they advance through the next four levels: Pike, Eel, Ray and Starfish.

Youth or grade-school-level lessons are structured much the same way. Children ages 6 to 12 also enjoy the benefits of group lessons as they progress through six different levels, all of which build upon the skills and success from earlier classes.

Learning to swim, however, is but one facet of the Y’s swimming program. At the YMCA, success is measured by more than just learning how to swim. Children will gain self-confidence and water-safety knowledge and learn rescue techniques. They will also be introduced to the YMCA’s four core values: honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.

This all-encompassing approach to swimming instruction is what sets the YMCA apart from other swimming programs and ensures that the YMCA’s tradition of excellence continues for future generations of young swimmers. The YMCA is not just building strong swimmers. Indeed, we are building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

We welcome everyone to come in and take advantage of our group swimming lessons this winter. We offer lessons at varying times on weekdays and Saturday. Saturday Winter Session II begins Feb. 20 with registration Jan. 21-30.

Weekday lessons are offered twice a week, either on Tuesday and Thursday or Monday and Wednesday. The next weekday session begins Feb. 1. Registration is Jan. 28.

During January and February, new swim lesson participants at the Spears YMCA can receive 50 percent off the registration fee.

For more information, call the Spears YMCA at 387-9622 or visit the Web site at www.spearsymca.org.

Written by Rob Overman, aquatics director at Spears Family YMCA.
 

Wilbur didn’t know any tricks. And he never concerned himself with guarding the house.

One day about five years ago, not long after we got him from the shelter, Wilbur lay sprawled on his side on the porch of our rental home, snoozing. Flies buzzed around him. Mr. Fultz, the elderly maintenance man, walked up to the house, leaned down and slowly poked the hound in his side a few times. Wilbur cracked one eye open and slowly thumped his tail.

“That is the laziest dog I’ve ever seen,” the World War II veteran said.

But there was something special about Wilbur, who died in late November. We think he was about 11 years old.

Wilbur had a knack for making people smile. Strangers were charmed by his goofy facial expressions and his deep hound bay. Friends and family liked to hear about his repeated break-ins into the compost bin to forage or how he’d steal from the counter-top, devouring entire bunches of bananas or loaves of bread while people were in another room.

So my husband and I were not the only ones who cried when he died.

From the moment we returned from the vet’s office without him, our house seemed eerily empty. At night we didn’t hear his light snoring, which had become such a soothing sound. Walks around the neighborhood with just Hannah, our other hound, seemed lonely.

Hannah, who has severe separation anxiety, was in mourning, too. She was especially needy, and she desperately begged not to be left behind when we’d leave the house. She took up gutting the couch again, and we knew she needed a new companion soon.

Within two weeks, we broke down and got a puppy.

I drove to the shelter and chose a pot-bellied, black and tan hound mix that seemed calm and sweet, like Wilbur.

The puppy, which we named Beauregard, has the run of the house. He wears out Hannah – which is a good thing – by forcing her to play. Beauregard sinks his razor-sharp teeth into her hind legs, tugs on the loose skin around her neck, or, if Hannah’s lucky, he just pulls her collar and growls.

After he’s finally had enough, they’ll snuggle together on the couch and nap.

In many ways Beau is different than Wilbur. He is bossy and alert. No sound is too quiet for him to sit up and perk his ears. Soon we’ll start obedience training, and he may even turn out to be a great watch dog. And Beau loves to cuddle and give kisses.

But sometimes he reminds us so much of Wilbur, it’s uncanny.

Beau can never seem to get enough food and is obsessed with the compost bin. And he suns himself in the same spots Wilbur liked — in the kitchen.

We miss Wilbur — I think we always will — but our house feels full again. Like Wilbur, he’s already bringing joy and laughter to our family.

Jamie Kennedy Jones is a staff writer for the News & Record. Contact her at jamie.kennedy @news-record.com.
 

This month begins my fourth year of writing “Making a Difference,” and I want to extend my sincere appreciation to you, my readers, for enriching my life by sharing your inspirational stories through this column.

Special thanks to contributors who have recommended people and organizations for me to write about. There have been many good reports about the response from readers to organizations that needed more volunteers and financial help.

Let’s look back at some of the 2009 stories with updates on what’s happened since they were published.

I wish I could include every 2009 story, but space will not allow me to do so.

Hospital volunteers
“Hospitals’ volunteers indispensable” was about volunteer director Robert Bessey and the 200 volunteers at Moses Cone and Wesley Long hospitals. Bessey will speak to community groups. Send e-mail to robert.bessey@mosescone.com.

Update: Bessey reports that the year finished with an incredible bang. Combined, Moses Cone and Wesley Long volunteer organizations will contribute $40,000 to special hospital needs, such as durable medical equipment for indigent patients and orthotics for special-needs individuals. Between the two groups, more than 225 volunteers contributed through holiday events to raise more than $2,300.

New youth facility
“Youth facility on the table” was about Christ United Methodist Church’s efforts to fund and build a new youth facility.

Update: Betsy Sweetman, chairwoman of the church’s administrative council, reports that the church’s dream will soon become a reality. CUMC members have made a full funding pledge/commitment for the new building of $1.6 million, approximately the project cost. This month, members will vote on proceeding with the new structure, and construction should begin soon.

Groceries on wheels
“A few affect the lives of many” was about Jane Carlson, chairwoman and executive director of Food Assistance Inc. of Greensboro and how the organization serves about 420 low-income seniors with groceries each month. Carlson will speak to groups.

Send e-mail to foodassistance@bellsouth.net or call 988-8899.
Update: Food Assistance was selected as one of the 10 Leadership Greensboro projects of the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce. It received a new grant of $25,000 from the Tannenbaum-Sternberger Foundation, a new grant from the Lincoln Foundation of $5,000 and a grant from St. Francis Episcopal Church of $5,000. Other community help came from groups such as The Red Hat Ladies, Junior League, Mary Martha Circle and volunteer Jenny Stilley, who organized Cans for a Cause.

Freedom House
“House helps women beat hardship, transform lives” was about two recent Freedom House graduates and how their lives were transformed by this residential home where single mothers, at risk of losing their children, experience support in their recovery from addictions.

Update: Through the fourth annual fundraising banquet of Freedom House, $25,000 was pledged.

Dana Armani collected books and DVDs from across the community to build a children’s library for Freedom House. Her family also helped by building a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf for the new library. A new resident, Heather, has recently arrived at Freedom House and hopes to bring her two baby girls into the program soon.

Hunter Byers Classic

“Teen player’s spirit lives on in event” was about honoring the memory of former Page High School student Hunter Byers, who played varsity soccer and died in 2003. In his memory, two Page students established the Hunter Byers Classic.

Update: In spite of pouring rain, this fifth annual event was well-attended, and the current Page varsity soccer team beat the alumni players. More than $1,200 was made for the Athletic Boosters’ Club for improvements to the Page athletic complex.

The Page boys varsity soccer team went on undefeated and won the NCHSAA 4-A state championship and was ranked third in the nation.

Summit House
“Breaking cycle of prison” was about Summit House of the Piedmont, a program created to address the ever-increasing crisis of women going to prison for nonviolent crimes and leaving their children behind.

For more information on Summit House, visit www.summithouse.org. To request a speaker, call 375-9344

Update: Rick Redmon, development director of Summit House, and O’Shelia Williams, site director, made more than 20 presentations at Greensboro-area companies and organizations from August through December. The organization received thousands in in-kind donations during that period from church and community organizations.

“We have also had people from companies and organizations come by for personal tours of our facility, and (we) welcome these kinds of visits so that they can see our program and its effectiveness firsthand,” Redmon said.

YWCA teen mentors
“Program helps teen moms” was about Greensboro YWCA’s Teen Parent Mentor Program, which empowers teen mothers to overcome adversity and establish a future for themselves and their children.
Update: Susan Cupito, program director, reports this successful program for young mothers will continue at the YWCA’s new location on Spring Garden Street. Childbirth classes for teen and young moms begin again in mid-January.

The Teen Families Reading Together and Rock ’n Stroll (mom/baby fitness) programs will also begin new sessions in January.
To register, call 273-3461, Ext. 117.

My brother

“A sporting life — Remembering a brother and the best gift of all,” was the last story I wrote for 2009, which was about my beloved brother, Gene Warren, who died Dec. 1.

He was a 1951 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill in English, and an award winning sports writer for this paper 1955-1968.

Update: To my readers and friends, thank you for sharing your memories with me and showing loving compassion on the loss of my brother.

To suggest a person or organization who has or is making a difference, contact Peggy Longmire at rlongmire@triad.rr.com.
 

Brooke P. Juneau sat in a “puddle of tears” as she proudly watched her son’s first piano recital during the first week of December.
Riley, now 10, was born with Joubert syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that impairs his motor functions, including his eye movements and those involved in speech. Later, he was also diagnosed with autism.

When Riley’s disability was first diagnosed, Juneau said, a vision for his childhood seemed unclear. She wondered: Will he grow up to feel good about who he is, in spite of his differences? How can we, as his parents, address his needs in a way that he actually enjoys? Will others see his strengths and his skills and believe in him as they did?

The Music Academy of North Carolina, a local nonprofit organization, believes in her son and many others who have special needs, Juneau said. Thanks to a scholarship for exceptional children, Riley takes piano lessons with Samee Griffith, a teacher who instantly saw through his challenges.

Tuesday evenings with Griffith became the highlight of Riley’s week.

Music lessons benefit every child: drawing out hidden talents, enriching self-esteem and providing an outlet for creative expression. For Riley and other children with special needs, the music instruction means even more. The isolated finger movements Riley developed while practicing piano make it easier for him to write and use a keyboard. Proper positioning at the piano builds the trunk strength and muscle tone that are compromised by Joubert syndrome.

Communicating through the powerful language of music allows Riley to express what his spoken words sometimes cannot, his mother said.

His participation in music lessons gives him confidence that he can participate and succeed in something often relegated to the world of “typical” children. And most importantly of all, piano instruction brings these skills together in a way that Riley really loves.

His first piano recital brought all of these lessons together in a way that reflects the mission of the Music Academy of North Carolina: enabling students of all ages, interests, abilities and backgrounds to discover, develop, realize and express their innate talents.

According to the academy’s Web site, the Music Academy of North Carolina was founded in 1982 by Dr. Ivan Battle in response to the need for a community music school that offered exceptional music education in a structured, well-paced course of study.

The Music Academy’s dramatic growth from just three teachers and 20 students in 1982 to its current 32 instructors and almost 1,000 students clearly indicates that the school’s presence is needed and valued.

To reflect and serve the community and the state, The Music Academy of North Carolina offers a comprehensive, culturally diverse curriculum including classical study, a jazz education center, folk/bluegrass lessons, gospel piano, a rock music program, Latino music and early childhood music.

The Community Outreach Program attempts to reach all populations, including those who are unable because of limited financial resources or emotional and physical challenges, like Riley’s family, to have access to musical instruction and performances. The Music Academy also responds to community requests for student and faculty entertainment.

The Music Academy works with numerous public and private schools, colleges, school guidance counselors, adult care facilities, community service providers, and other nonprofit and arts organizations within the Piedmont Triad to offer educational and performance opportunities to all populations of our diverse community.

Partnerships provide after-school enrichment classes, for-credit lessons, weekend and summer week-long camps and performances.

On the afternoon of Dec. 20, The Music Academy went to Partnership Village to provide one of their popular holiday programs to the children and families.

Scholarships are awarded at the beginning of each academic year for a full year of study. Merit scholarships recognize and reward achievement and are awarded by auditions held in May and teacher recommendation.

Need-based financial aid is available to students through application.

Ruth D. Anderson is executive director of The Servant Leadership School of Greensboro and chairwoman of programming for the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium.
 

A musician for many years, Norman Davis, 86, has played the keyboard, guitar, trombone and trumpet and has sung at many venues.

All were fun and memorable, but none has impacted him like his most current gig. Once a week, Davis lugs his 60-pound keyboard into the waiting area of the Moses Cone Regional Cancer Center to play for patients awaiting cancer treatments.

He has gotten to know many of the patients who are there on a daily basis and looks forward to their pats on the shoulder or the smiles they flash his way.

“I feel very gratified if I made at least one person happy and brought back good memories,” Davis said. “I feel elated driving home if I just got a smile or a nod of the head.”

A keyboardist for 30 years, Davis began playing at the cancer center about two years ago.

“I enjoy playing and wanted to volunteer and hopefully bring cheer,” he said. “I made the mistake the first year of playing hymns, which some said reminded them of funeral homes, so I play only upbeat music now.”

He mostly plays songs from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s and added some Christmas carols during the holidays.

“A lot of people in the cancer center are older, and they come up and say, ‘Those are the songs I love,’ ” Davis said. “One of the biggest compliments I received was when a man asked if I sell tapes of my music.”

Davis said each time he plays, he has at least one person speak to him.

During the holidays, one woman gave him a flashing, lighted necklace to wear while he played, and on Veterans Day, someone gave him a patriotic hat to wear.

“I love his playing,” patient Jon Vogler said. “It’s the reason I moved my seat — so I could watch and hear better.”

Vogler’s wife, Eva, agreed.

“I think it’s just wonderful that he takes the time to do this for us all each week,” she said.

Through the years, Davis has played music in a variety of places. He has played keyboard in a retirement community supper club and the trumpet during games when he was a cheerleader at UNC-Chapel Hill.

A World War II Navy veteran, Davis retired in 1983 after working for in sale and promotions for 30 years at Wilson Sporting Goods. In 2001, he and his wife, Betty, moved from Silver Spring, Md., to Greensboro to be closer to one of their daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also is a bass quartet singer and sings in a quartet in Florida during the winter months but has yet to establish a quartet in the Greensboro area. His other hobby is doing puzzles.

“I look forward to my morning paper so I can do the crossword, Sudoku and Jumble puzzles,” he said with a laugh.

As for his keyboard playing, Davis has no plans to retire from that love.

“I just hope that my keyboard playing each week at the cancer center puts people in a good frame of mind,” he said. “I plan to keep doing it for as long as I can.”

Contact Jennifer Atkins Brown at 574-5582 or jennifer.brown@news-record.com
 

A Greensboro boy used his 11th birthday as a chance to give rather than receive.

Jack Maginnes, a Canterbury School fifth-grader, decided to ask his friends to bring unwrapped toys for his birthday on Nov. 14 so he could donate them to Marine Toys for Tots.

“At my house I have a lot of stuff, and I realized I didn’t need more stuff,” Jack said.

Toys for Tots collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December and distributes them as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community.

This is the third year Jack has given his birthday to charity, his mom, Dena Maginnes Jeffrey , said. “It’s always nice to know that your kids are generous and kind of heart,” she said.

This is also the third time that Jack has donated toys to this cause.
“I decided to donate them to someone who needed them so they would be happy,” Jack said.

Jack’s idea to donate his birthday has started a trend among his peers. His 8-year-old sister, Sophie , asks for donations to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Topsail Beach for her birthday.

“She liked the idea of donating your birthday to charity,” their mom said.

His idea has even spread to his friends at school.
“My friend down the street asked for canned goods to give to Urban Ministry,” Jack said.

How does it feel to have such a positive influence on others?
“It makes me feel really good,” he said. “I know it helps others. We can all make a difference.”

The actions of Jack and his sister have sparked a new sense of pride in their parents, their mom said.

“We were very excited — at that age they’re all about themselves, and they realize there are difference between needs and wants,” she said.

Contact Tiffany S. Jones at 373-7157 or tiffany.jones@news-record.com
 

FUNDRAISERS
Ongoing
Aluminum Can Collection, ACES office at Brooks Global Studies Elementary is collecting aluminum cans as a service project for Ronald McDonald House Charities. Mail or bring cans to Nathalie or Brooke, 1215 Westover Terrace, Greensboro, NC 27408. 370-8347.

Events
ROADS, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. first Saturday Market, downtown Stokesdale. Raise funds for projects to improve downtown Stokesdale. Vendor space begins at $5. Pam Lemmons, 643-6400.

SPECIAL EVENTS
24 Hours of Prayer for Peace, noon Dec. 31-noon Jan. 1, First Friends Meeting, 2100 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro. Special worship services noon and 11:30 p.m. Dec. 31, 11 a.m. Jan. 1. Meetinghouse open for people to come and pray. 299-8869.

HOGMANAY 2010 (Scottish New Year), 6 p.m. Jan. 2, Doubletree Hotel, 3030 High Point Road, Greensboro. $35 per person. World Famous Keltic Kudzu from Atlanta, Ga., along with local pipers and musicians. Scottish dress suggested; not required. Wayne Wright, 545-1292.

Toastmasters International demonstration meeting, 6 p.m. Jan. 5, Greensboro Chapter of the American Red Cross, 1500 Yanceyville St., Greensboro. Shirley Sanders, 512-8603.

BLOOD DRIVES
Red Cross at the Nussbaum Blood Center, 1501 Yancey­ville St., Greensboro: 2-6:30 p.m. Monday; 12:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday; and 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday/Friday/Saturday. Appointments and walk-ins welcome. (800) 448-3543.

Drives
■ 9 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Dec. 28-29; 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Dec. 30; 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 31; 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Jan. 2; Nussbaum Blood Center, 501 Yanceyville St., Greensboro. Donate and receive free aluminum water bottle.

CLASSES
Bridge class, Bidding in the twenty-first century, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Jan. 7, Lewis Recreational Center, 3110 Forest Lawn Drive, Greensboro. Eight weeks. $120 includes book. Register. Mary Leger, 327-6357.

Duplicate Bridge, 10 a.m. Jan. 8, 15, Leonard Recreational Center, 6324 Ballinger Road, Greensboro. Game for new duplicate players. Classes, $5 each, to explain the differences between duplicate and contract bridge. The new game starts, 10 a.m. Jan. 29. Bring a bag lunch. Register, note if you need a partner. Friendly game. Mary Leger, 327-6357.

The Art House, 600 N. Church St., Greensboro, is offering classes for all ages and interests. www.theart housestudios.com, 209-5539, 274-5337.

Drawing Classes with Young Rembrandts, classes and camps, ages 5-13. Various times and locations, Greensboro and Kernersville. www.youngrembrandts.com/piedmont or 378-0487.

RECREATION
Bingo, benefits the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 6 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Oriental Shrine Club, 5010 High Point Road, Greensboro. Cash prizes. 697-7274.

Bingo, 5:30 p.m. doors open, 7 p.m. games begin, Wednesdays, American Legion Post 53, 729 Creek Ridge Road, Greensboro. Coffee, cash prizes. 299-8281.

Gate City Horizons Band, 10 a.m.-noon Wednesdays, City Arts Rehearsal Hall, Level 1, Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Jennifer Hance, 373-2549.

Gate City Horizons Big Band, 9-10 a.m. Wednesdays, City Arts Rehearsal Hall, Level 1, Greensboro Cultural Center, 200 N. Davie St., Greensboro. Jennifer Hance, 373-2549.

Piedmont Hiking and Outing Club, four hikes and outings each week, 52 weeks a year. $20 per year, individual or family. www.piedmonthikingand outingclub.org.

Shag Dance Classes, 7-8 p.m. beginner and 8-9 p.m. intermediate/advanced, Thursdays, Greensboro Grange, 4909 Guilford School Road, Greensboro.. $45 per person for four weeks of classes. 989-0156 or 312-3214.

Yoga, 9:15 a.m. or 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays (beginners) or 9 a.m. Saturdays (intermediate), Westminster Presbyterian Church, Friendly Ave., Greensboro. First class free, $5 per class thereafter. Anne, 301-4932 or hoffmania@ bellsouth.net.

REUNIONS
Military
USS Portsmouth CL-102 (1945-1949), 16th reunion, April 29-May 30, Crowne Plaza Dulles, Herndon, Va. Walt Hohner, 448 Hillside Ave., Piscataway, NJ 08854, (732) 463-1745 or WPHohner@aol.com

Schools
Bartlett Yancey Senior High, class of 1990. www. classcreator.com/Yanceyville-NC-Bartlett-Yancey-1990 and create a profile.

Greensboro Senior High (now Grimsley), class of 1950, June 11-12. Bill Wrenn, 282-1336 or wwrenn1@triad.rr.com. Class Web page, http://class creator.com/Greensboro-nc-1950

High Point Central, class of 1960, reunion 2010. Ellis Baker, ebaker@northstate.net.

Page High, class of 1972. Planning stages. Send e-mail if you wish to come with current address, e-mail and telephone number and month you can attend. Also, state if you know a class member who has died. Robin Moore Stiles, pageclassof72@gmail.com, or Sandy Cardonick Lavender, s.lavender@charter.net.

Page High, class of 1980. Planning stages. Lisa Strickland Kinsey, 545-1230.

Page High, class of 1985, planning stages for 2010. Stephen Scott, ss.stephenscott@yahoo. com or (704) 779-6194.

Page High, class of 1990, planning stages. Alicia Patterson Cone, alcone6@yahoo.com.

SENIORS
Friendship Day, 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, First Presbyterian Church, Mullin Life Center, 617 N. Elm St., Greensboro. Exercise, activities, devotions. Lunch at noon for $6. Ages 55 and older. 373-0445.

Senior Exercise Class, 11-11:45 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. Tailored to your needs. Sitting and standing routines with some gentle yoga. Blood pressure screening available. $30 a month or $5 drop-in fee. First class free. 852-4829, Ext. 222.

Warnersville Silver Seniors, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays, St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church, 1330 Ashe St., Greensboro. Otis Hairston, 574-2286.

VETERANS
Henry K. Burtner American Legion Post 53, seeks new members. Apply, www.nclegion. org. Bob Davis, 299-8281.

Marine Corps League — l/cpl. Alan D. Lam Detachment 1209. Honorably discharged Marines and FMF corpsmen eligible. Mark Grimley, 524-0426 or Bob Petka, 446-0144.

Gibsonville W.D. Hammer Post 2972 — Veterans of Foreign War, seeks new members. All military members, active, retired, Reserves and National Guard, who have served in combat theaters are eligible. Spouses eligible to join the auxiliary. Ernest White, 446-0565, or Buzz Grigg, 449-7095.

WOMEN
Moms Club of Greensboro Central, a support group for stay-at-home moms of northwest Greensboro, Summerfield and Oak Ridge. Play groups, calendar of events, monthly socials. Wendy, momsclubcentral@yahoo.com.

Moms Club of Greensboro East, a support group for stay-at-home moms who live in eastern and northeastern Greensboro. Provides activities for children, such as play groups and park outings, and activities for moms. momsclubgso@yahoo.com.

Women of Excellence, 1-3 p.m. every other Saturday. Designed to help women of all ages get through hardships. Traci Marshall, tmarshall16@triad.rr.com or 986-6121.

HIGH POINT — A radio morning show host who has spent 52 years getting up at 3:30 a.m. for a 5:30 a.m. radio program should be able to grab a few more snoozes and take the New Year’s holiday off.

Not so for Max Meeks at WMFR in High Point. He will be on the air on New Year’s Day 2010. Never mind that he will retire this week and end his distinction, at nearly 85, as the oldest radio morning show announcer in the nation.

“I could have been off, but I wanted to work on New Year’s Day. They told me I could be off and retire on Dec. 31. I asked to work on New Year’s,” Meeks said. “I wanted to announce the High Point citizen of the year award one more time. I’ve done it for 52 years.”

That’s vintage Max Meeks, always wanting to take the lead in promoting good news in the community.

“I stop and buy a newspaper on the way to work, and I get the name of the citizen of the year from 'The (High Point) Enterprise.’ I’m the first to tell it at 5:30 (a.m.) if people haven’t already read their newspaper,” he said.

Early on New Year’s Day 2003, Meeks found himself in a quandary about announcing the top citizen’s award. “I opened the paper and there was my picture. I didn’t know anything about it, but they had picked me. I didn’t know what to do. You can’t go on the air and start talking about yourself.

“Someone called in to congratulate me on the award. So, he announced it, not me. I thanked him,” Meeks said.

He has given away thousands of cakes — five per week for 52 years from The Sweet Shoppe — played the hymn of the day an equal number of times; read the news and the sports information; and diced the mix with several weather reports more times than he can remember. And played some music, too.

That’s just the warmup for “Max in the Morning.” He’s still had the community service announcements, something he never regarded as a routine chore. He relished promoting church, civic and other community events. “I talked about what I wanted to talk about. I’ve always tried to be positive and uplifting,” he said.

Meeks and his wife, Nancy, can be seen at many of those community events — if the event doesn’t run past his 9:30 p.m. bedtime. Their participation in High Point civic life and their acquaintance with people from all social sectors is well known.
He’s known throughout the WMFR listening area, not by his face, but by his voice. Even a checkout girl at Walmart knows that voice. No other identification is required for Mr. Meeks to get a check cashed.

That voice — warm, distinctive, friendly — wasn’t created in a broadcast school or elsewhere, Meeks said. Nobody ever told him to breathe from his diaphragm or to announce his words with certain tones.

“What you hear just comes naturally,” he said. “My voice is still good: I could do this until I was 100. One of my early temptations was to try to sound like one of the famous announcers — like Paul Harvey, my favorite. I found the only way I could operate comfortably was just to be me.”

Meeks does recall that he was with the Tower Players drama group at High Point College when he got his first shot as a radio announcer. It wasn’t something he wanted to do for a living but a way to make some money while in school.

His ambition was to teach in a small college after he completed a double major in history and English at High Point College. Meeks was a mature student by the time he entered High Point College, having dropped out of Pfeiffer College after one year to spend three years in the Navy during World War II.

Meeks came home from military service to find Nancy, the love of his life, waiting for him. They met at Pfeiffer. “Nancy had finished college and was teaching school,” he said of his bride of 63 years. They have four children.

Born April 3, 1925, Meeks grew up in the mill village of Leaksville in Rockingham County. Meeks learned to work hard from his mother, Sadie, who started working in the mill at age 9. His father, Tom, was a policeman for the mill.

It was after he resumed his college education that he was discovered by WMFR owner Frank Lambeth. “I fell into radio. I had no interest in it,” Meeks said. “Frank Lambeth asked me to fill in for a week for one of his announcers, which I did. A week later, he called me into his office and asked, 'How would you like a radio job?’ While I was in college, I worked the Driving Home program from 3 to 7 in the evenings,” Meeks said.

“I later took the morning show when Gary Davis left to become manager at WHPE. After I had worked for about 10 years, the government began investigating radio. Record companies were giving people at radio stations money or gifts to play their songs. It was a big scandal called payola. I got disenchanted working in a business that was accused of being unethical — although they weren’t investigating our station.

“The only thing I ever remember anybody giving me was a set of cuff links,” Meeks said.

He turned his back on radio and became a sales representative for a High Point furniture company. He was based in Houston, and later in Jackson, Miss.

Meeks returned to High Point to become a trainee under Furniture Market director Leo Herr, who wanted to retire. “It didn’t take me long to realize that administration was not my calling. I was miserable in that job,” he said.

Then WMFR owner Lambeth called again, asking Meeks to help him for a week because the station’s morning man was leaving. “I’ve been in the job ever since,” Meeks said.

Many radio formats have come and gone, but Meeks has continued programming his way. “None of the seven managers that I’ve worked under have ever told me what to promote,” he said. “'Just keep on doing what you are doing,’ they would say.”

And he was not asked to retire. “I always felt that when the time came to call it quits, I would know. I had that feeling back in November and decided it was time to go,” Meeks said.

Meeks has won many awards for his broadcasting, including being named the state’s broadcaster of the year and being inducted into the N.C. Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Lee Kinard, a friend, fellow member of the Hall of Fame and former stalwart at WFMY (Channel 2), said, “I sincerely hope that Max Meeks is not the last of the iconic community-minded broadcasters who made local radio a major part of our state’s culture.

“His listeners are his family,” Kinard said. “His fellow broadcasters are his greatest admirers.”

Not only has Meeks had pleasure and great satisfaction as a broadcaster, he said he also found peace about the job he never sought.

“When I had been back in High Point about a year, I knew I was where God wanted me to be,” he said.

Contact Bob Burchette at bburchette@triad.rr.com
 

Last June, when Moni Bates, a retired high school science teacher, took a memoir-writing workshop I taught at Sternberger Artists Center, she brought a notebook with her.

A colorful picture of a bus embellished the cover. Before the workshop ended, Moni, reading her words, introduced the class to the VW Generation II model her family uses for camping. As she read the sketch, written from the quirky viewpoint of Fredrick the bus, laughter filled the room.

Now, in the Memoir Writing Group sponsored by the Writers’ Group of the Triad, Moni, on behalf of quirky Fredrick, continues to write new chapters.

From the get-go, I loved Fredrick and wanted to write about his antics. Though he was the most interesting vehicle I ever encountered, would he meet the qualifications for my column?
My self-imposed rule has been to feature people at least 55 years old. Moni barely qualifies agewise, and Fredrick, still in his 30s, certainly falls short.

Still he’s wise as an octogenarian, and in the first chapter of his memoir, he laments about slowing down and even provides proof of his senior status: “The North Carolina legislature agrees that I am a senior citizen. N.C. General Statute 20-63d states that a vehicle older than 35 years earns the right to don an antique license plate that exhibits the year the license plate was manufactured.” Fredrick now has one; that’s proof enough for me.

Moni named the bus for her grandfather (called Fred), her great-grandfather, and her great-great-grandfather, all bearing the same noble German name. Considered a member of the family, Fredrick delights in traveling and camping out with Moni and her husband, John. Grateful to the Bateses’ son, Chris, for giving him a face lift with new paint, Fredrick has also benefited from the engine transplant and upkeep provided by John. But most of all, he appreciates Moni, who types up his stories. According to Fredrick, “Knobs fall off me, things break down, and I just don’t think my pistons could hit a keyboard properly.”

More accepting of people than pets, Fredrick detests Pele, the family’s Portuguese Water Dog. He hates how Pele messes up his interior and resents that the dog gets “far too much attention.”

Maintaining that he is more handsome than Pele, Fredrick thinks Moni should have given the pest to the Obama family when they first went looking for a Portuguese Water Dog.

Fredrick always looks forward to being on the road again. Traveling to Boone for the Music on the Mountain Festival, he enjoys the flora and fauna despite having difficulty getting up steep hills. While there, John and Moni prove they can handle his breakdowns with good humor. “The best thing was the fun and laughter I heard all weekend, even when popping my clutch on numerous jump starts,” Fredrick says.

When asked how he plans to spend the holidays, Fredrick responds (through Moni), he will be hanging out with Chris, who will be home from N.C. State. The two will visit James Garrison, a friend who helped with Fredrick’s restoration.

In 2010, the nifty bus intends to go to some Full Moon Bus Camp get-togethers with Moni and John. One EveryBus event will be held in North Carolina — at Hagan-Stone Park in Guilford County. How he loves socializing with camping vehicles and their proud owners.

Possessed with a strong social consciousness, Fredrick’s New Year’s wishes for the world include the development of alternative energy sources, but he hopes some fossil fuels will remain for his own future operation. He also supports Gov. Bev Perdue’s “efforts to expand state parks, natural areas, and to complete trail systems like the Uwharrie.”

When will Fredrick’s memoir be completed?

Moni considers the bus and his humorous stories to be family treasures. Instead of “fine china and silver,” her dream is to pass along Fredrick to their son and any future descendants. If future family members continue to enter Fredrick’s opinions and antics into computers, he surely will go down in history.

This pleases Fredrick immensely. Though he may never be a presidential bus, he fully expects to become historically significant. As he ponders his importance, he’s almost willing to forgive the indignity of Pele’s dirty paws.

Contact Sandra Redding at Sanredd@earthlink.net

As of Dec. 19, the Empty Stocking Fund had raised $48,706 of its goal of $80,000.

The fund, which has brightened Christmas for needy children since 1927, provided toys and clothing for more than 2,500 children this year.

It’s not too late to donate to the fund. Mail donations to: Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 18844, Greensboro, NC 27419-8844.

For information, call Angie Price or Lisa Powell of the Greensboro Jaycees at 379-1570.

Here is a list of the donors -- alphabetically by first name, message or title -- and the amount given:

• Ada L. Vallecorsa, 100
• Alamance Presbyterian Church, 295
• Alan and Pam Duncan and Family, 150
• Alberta W. Cuthbertson,10
• Alice Grubb, 15
• Alpha Delta Kappa, 200
• American Industrial Contractors, Inc., 100
• Anderson Bauman Tourtellot Vos and Co., 100
• Andrew Myron Johnson, MD, 25
• Anita and Robert Rivers 20
• Ann and Dennis Inman 25
• Ann and Patrick Donnelly 100
• Anne Rodriguez 20
• Anne and Steve Carlson 50
• Anne P. Mitchell 100
• Annet T. and Keith R. Bailey 25
• In memory of Bob 250
• Anthony Connery 25
• April Gunter 50
• Arthur and Linda Taft 25
• Audrey R. Paschal 10
• Barbara and Denny Trogdon 200
• Becky and Jerry Sanderson 25
• Ben G. Rapp 20
• Benjie and Lou Nunn 50
• Bernard and Hazel Aydelette 100
• Beth and Dick Hoffman 25
• Betty and Clarence Dorman Jr. 25
• Betty G. Stubbins 25
• Betty J. Wilson 25
• Betty Tucker 25
• Bill and Barbara Kremer, 15
• Bill and Barbara Moran 50
• Bill and Freda Watson 50
• Bill and Marianna McDonald 100
• Billy and Evelyn Love 25
• Bob and Barbara Ingool 25
• Bob and Jerry Phillips 25
• Bob and Lynn Houghton 100
• Bob Baber 110
• Bob Beerman and Teresa Rasco 150
• Boiler Masters Inc. 150
• Bonnie Morris Morrow 50
• Bruce H. Overman Jr 70
• Bryon and Lorraine Malphurs 10
• Buddy and Katherine Poole 50
• Butch and Tammy Grove 100
• Cameron and Penny Cox 200
• Carol and Jim Medford 100
• Carol Edmonds 50
• Carole and Peter Brevorka 500
• Carole Olsen 50
• Caroline Faison 100
• Carolyn A. Henley 40
• Carson Family Foundation 200
• Catherine and Richard Laidlaw 50
• Centenary United Methodist Church 100
• Charles and Gayle Adams 15
• Charles and Linda Reid 100
• Charles A Ward 50
• Charles F and Amarilis Durante 10
• Charles L Weill, Jr 100
• Chester Brown 25
• Chris Hutchison 25
• Claire M Bosse 200
• Clare and Mike Abel 250
• Contribution for Carol Lawn, W. Thomas Lilly and F.V. Lilly 100
• Cynthia and Bob Bradley 50
• Cynthia Ann Dennis 100
• D. Rex Tracht 50
• Dale and Bob Martin 25
• Dale S. Phipps 100
• Dalldorf Family 250
• Dan A. Jones 35
• Daniel G. and Ruth A. Kovarik 50
• Darryl C. Jones 100
• David and Brooks Westerhoff 15
• David and Carolyn Hoyle 10
• David and Mary Worland 50
• David A. Crews and Elizabeth A. Eagle 100
• David Bender 100
• David L. Smith 100
• Dewey and Ruth Kivett 100
• Diana Tollner 150
• Dianne Fitzgibbons 100
• Dinah Marshall 50
• DJ Brady 100
• Don and Carolyn Kirby 30
• Don and Connie Leonard 50
• Donald and Anne Mellen 25
• Donald Cates 100
• Donald R. Hughes 500
• Doris W. Armenaki 10
• Dorothy K. Gordon 25
• Dorothy L. Lowe 50
• Dorothy S. Shaw 25
• Doug and Maureen Murray and Family 100
• Dr. and Mrs. David Rubin 50
• Dr. and Mrs. Edwin L Bryan 50
• Dr. and Mrs. James P Aplington 150
• Dr. and Mrs. Robert J Murray 100
• Dr. and Mrs. R.T. Copeland 50
• Dr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Hyman 25
• Dr. and Mrs. Stewart Schall 25
• Dr. and Mrs. Suresh Chandra 25
• Dr. and Mrs. William E. Bowman 100
• Dr. and Mrs. William Purkey 100
• Dr. and Mrs. Willie T. Ellis, Sr 25
• Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Gay 100
• Dr. Ethel C. Glenn 50
• E.P.R. 50
• Earlene Webster 50
• Edward and Joyce Johnson 50
• Edwin and Natasha Van Deusen 25
• E.E. Moore 50
• E.H . Hull 100
• Elaine T. Ostrowski 25
• Eleanore M. Gould 20
• Elena M. Brown 25
• Elizabeth and Thomas Gratzek 150
• Elizabeth A. Bowman 20
• Elizabeth C. Eller 50
• Elizabeth P. Murray 25
• Elizabeth Twomey 25
• Ellen and Bruce Guarini 25
• Ellen S. Martin 100
• Elsie J. Warf 15
• Erwin and Sandra Goldman 50
• Esther C. Martin 20
• Eva L. Andrews 20
• Evan Eakers and Matthew L. Strupp 150
• Faith S Shields 50
• Fanny S Bain 20
• Florence Melvin 25
• Floyd and Shirley Cocklereece 50
• For Ruth Lea by Mary Lea 25
• Frank M. Hunt, Jr 150
• Fred and Jo Alton 50
• Fred and Sandra Gregory 20
• Fred M. Warlick 50
• Freddie Cuttino 100
• Frederick and Hyla Cundiff 20
• From the employees of the Greensboro News and Record 400
• Garland and Barbara Goode 25
• Gary and Emma Sherrill 100
• Gary and Jackie Dunham 20
• Gary and Kay Leonard 100
• Gene and Telia Carroll 25
• George Pierce Sr. 25
• George and Lorraine Shaffer 100
• George and Phyllis Setzer 50
• George and Theresa Blaikie 25
• George W. Vinson, Jr 60
• Gerald and Faithe Jobe 20
• Gerald and Sylvia Smith 200
• Gerald Trogdon 25
• Gilbert and Carole Vaughan, Jr 100
• Given by grandchildren Bridget Braley and Olympia and William Braley 20
• Gladys J. Woods 25
• Glenn, Tonya and Hannah Dobrogosz 50
• Gloria Burroughs 5
• Gloria Jean Lojko 25
• Gregory and Dianne Gibson 100
• Guilford County Society of Pharmacists 50
• Gwen and Bill Murray 100
• H.A. Phillips, Sr 10
• Hal Phillips, Jr and Barbara Carter 50
• Hamilton Forest Bridge Club 80
• Haney and Paula Camp 50
• Hank and Fairy Strader 20
• Hank, Susan, Katie, Maggie, Susie, Allye and Lexie Reaves 100
• Hannelore and Edward Von Der Lippe 25
• Harrison and Martha Turner 100
• Harry and Carolyn Gordon 100
• Harry and Katherine Young 25
• Hazel Nelson 10
• Helen C Farson 10
• Helen Edwards 40
• Helen M Davidson 75
• Henry and Betty Brannon 25
• Henry and Grace Flannagan 50
• Henry L Coble 100
• Hollyn Essa 5
• Howard and Vivian Claeson 300
• Hugh C Parker 30
• HW Fruh 20
• Iabel Knell and Patricia Doran 25
• Ila H Coble 25
• In honor of Adrienne Flippin 10
• In honor of Caleb, Caroline, and Mark 103
• In honor of Edith Phillips 25
• In honor of Elizabeth M. Pitts 25
• In honor of Ella Joyce 100
• In honor of Grace and Victor Phillips 50
• In honor of Hudson and Holland 20
• In honor of Mary and Craig Trumbo 100
• In honor of Mr Richard “Dick” Herbin and Mr Luther and Mary Herbin 100
• In honor of my friends and co-workers, who do so much to help the children of Guilford County 100
• In honor of our 4 wonderful children and grandchildren 100
• In honor of our grandchildren Hannah, Roy, Sam, Nathan, Eliza, Rachel, Garrett, Frank, Jack and Christopher. Love, Stimp and Martha 100
• In honor of our grandchildren Taylor, Sean, Callie and Scott 100
• In honor of our grandchildren: Austin, Kayla, and Ethan White 100
• In honor of our granddaughters Alexa and Sarah Clegg and Abigail and Kate Lawrence 125
• In honor of our granddaughters, Avery, Emily, Campbell, and Sara by Papa and Nana 100
• In honor of our grandsons Darius and Tanner Baugh from Mimi and Papa Pike 50
• In honor of our great grandson - Maximus Hale by Nan and Pops 25
• In honor of our men and women of the Armed Forces! 100
• In honor of our US service men and women 100
• In honor of Parker and David 50
• In honor of Zoey and Ally Ruble 10
• In honor our our grandchildren, Zachary, Sydney, Kayla, Lexi, and Canyen by Nana and Grampa 125
• In loving memory of Ernie and Gean Edwards and Cathy Andringa 50
• In loving memory of Iris Purvis by Michael and Leigh Caudle 150
• In loving memory of Joe S. and Kate Beatty by Jo and Jane 150
• In loving memory of Lorraine S. Schoznberger 100
• In loving memory of my father Judge William A. “Chilly” Vaden from your daughter Lisa Vaden-Harris 10
• In loving memory of our grandparents, Jim and Mollie Roueche from Kenny and Chris Ripley 100
• In loving memory of our parents Quinn and Carol Miller 50
• In loving memory of Ruth C. Thomas and Julie W Godley 100
• In memorial for Carl and Helen Childrey, parents 25
• In memory Mickey Chamblee 100
• In memory of : Nell Davis Abels, Lucas C. Abels, Jr., Lucas C. Abels, Sr., Robert Van Cleve Sypher 100
• In memory of Aaron Michael Bobb from the Nelson Bobb Family 250
• In memory of A.C. Weatherly by your loving family 100
• In memory of Alex Stevenson by Sam and Maggie Stevenson 100
• In memory of Allen J Patten 100
• In memory of Allen J Patten by anonymous 125
• In memory of Amber by Jack and Marsha 100
• In memory of Anne W Cone from Betty and Ben Cone, Jr 100
• In memory of Bob Gorrell 100
• In memory of Charles, Elsie, John Phipps, and Jane Ellis 25
• In memory of Clarence and Sylvia Hogge 100
• In memory of David Rayle given by Peggy, Cotton, and Mike Rayle 100
• In memory of Deebs Young by Kemp, Sloan, Janice, and Don Young 100
• In memory of Dot and Wilson Cole 100
• In memory of Dr. Roy M. Smith from his children Nancy, Martha, Roy and Carol 20
• In memory of Dustin Attayek Maness 5
• In memory of Eloise Huffman 100
• In memory of Emilie Bunch Catlett, Ruth Bunch Pearce, and Hattie Jarman 100
• In memory of Ernest and Claude Kellam 100
• In memory of Gene and Alice Carwell by Carol and Steve Myers 125
• In memory of Gilmer Ward, Sr and Gilmer Ward, Jr 30
• In memory of James F Reynolds 100
• In memory of Joel Speckhard 75
• In memory of John and Nancy Pitts by Carolyn Martin 100
• In memory of Joyce Murray 100
• In memory of Larry Newell 30
• In memory of Leslie W. Dunn 50
• In memory of loved ones 40
• In memory of Marie and Robert Hickerson 50
• In memory of Marie and Sam Rierson by Emily and Bill Hall 100
• In memory of Mary Frances James 50
• In memory of Matthew Phillips 50
• In memory of Mildred McDonald Bass, loving wife and mother 25
• In memory of Mom and Dad and Mark Johnson and in honor of my grandchildren Nat, Henry, and Ethan Smith 150
• In memory of Mr. and Mrs. J.O. Beale by Steve Schlosser 125
• In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Timmins 100
• In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Webster and Mr. and Mrs. WA Shular 50
• In memory of Mr. and Mrs. William Roane, Sr by their children 50
• In memory of my brother, Greensboro Police Officer Michael G. Winslow by Cindy Young 25
• In memory of my granddaughters Jordan and Scarlett 15
• In memory of my grandmother Elsie L Brantley 100
• In memory of my mother, Mrs. Kay Bryan Edwards by Pricey Harrison 250
• In memory of my parents Gilmer and Mabel Goode 20
• In memory of our good friend Henry Peraldo 265
• In memory of our mother Nettie C Brown and our brother Buck Brown by Nancy, Bill, Joyce and Richard 100
• In memory of our son “Jeff,” from Phillip and Julia Sharpe, 300
• In memory of Pat Acquisto and “Uncle Charlie” Acquisto from Trish and Mae Morris 100
• In memory of Pat Acquisto and Ann Morris 50
• In memory of Peggy L. Thompson, Gary Howdock, and Garry Allen Howdock. In honor of Brian Cade Isley, 100
• In memory of Sandy Aker 20
• In memory of SG Reece 25
• In memory of Walter Kulla and Ma and Papa Anderson 200
• In memory of Whirley Boxleg 100
• Irene Wright 20
• Isabelle and Richard O’Neal 100
• J. Michael Cranford 50
• J. Wayne Poole, Inc 100
• Jack and Brenda Wofford 10
• Jack Worsham 25
• Jackie and Charlie Melvin, Jr. 100
• Jackie A. Willingham 50
• Jacqueline Humphrey 250
• Jame Nutt 100
• James and Barbara Gordon 25
• James and Betty Graves 10
• James and Brenda Wilson 25
• James and Candace George 50
• James and Elizabeth Weeks 100
• James and Julia Holt 50
• James and Martha Kaley 25
• James and Pamela Lynham 20
• James and Polly Starkey 100
• James C Baulding 100
• James E Snider 100
• James Ellis 50
• James H and Esther W Stevens 15
• James Ward 30
• Jamestown Civitans 250
• Jane and Frank Burton 50
• Jane Setzer 25
• Jane Tucker Mitchell 40
• Janice “Smack” Mack 10
• Janice and Anderson Beckham 25
• Janice Y Sutton 50
• JD Skidmore, Inc 500
• Jeff and Mary Beach 500
• Jeff, Laverne and Stephen Vance 200
• Jerry Knetsch 25
• Jerry Anderson 15
• Jerry W Riddle and Jerrid Enterprises 100
• Jim and Cathy Barber 100
• Jim and Denise Branch 200
• Jim and Margaret Turnage 15
• Jim and Peggy Abernathy 10
• Jim Wilkinson 200
• Jinny H Murphy 100
• Joan Schaeppi 25
• Joan and Harry Samet 25
• Joanne and John Edmunds 100
• Joanne R Williams 25
• Joe and Beverly Cox 25
• John and Anne Hansen 25
• John and Beth Grunewalder 15
• John and Helen Busey 50
• John and Jane Stanley 25
• John and Karen Whiteside 35
• John and Linda Englar 150
• John and Margaret Swanson 25
• John and Marilyn Tyson 25
• John Fletcher 30
• John M. Schwarz 10
• John R. and Lisa C. Bryson, Jr 75
• Jonathan and Nahomi Harkavy 100
• Joseph and Frances Coyle 25
• Joseph and Patricia Stavola 50
• Joseph E. and Karen C. Johnson 200
• Joseph L Johnson 25
• Joseph M Bryan, Jr 500
• Judith P Wingo 50
• June Jarman 50
• Karen and Bill Hopper 100
• Karen Clay 25
• Karl and Deborah Fields 50
• Kathryn A. Roth 25
• Kathryn T. Remmey 100
• Kathy Rauch 30
• Kay, Kasey and Olivia Barber 15
• Keith and Anne Hoile 50
• Keith and Christine Dyson 20
• Ken and Marlene McMasters 250
• Kenneth and Christy Gumbiner 50
• Kenneth and Pamela Ridings 50
• Kenneth W. Evans 100
• K.J. Wolf 50
• Kris and David Cooke 100
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Dylan Roberts, 61/2 , of High Point recently got to meet Miley Cyrus and have her sign and take a photo with his Flat Stanley at her recent concert in Greensboro.

Dylan and Stanley also got to meet actor Andie MacDowell , who was waiting with her daughter to go backstage to meet Cyrus. He didn’t believe his dad when he told him she was a big Hollywood star.

“But she lives in North Carolina,” Dylan said.

Flat Stanley is a star of a children’s book series. “A bulletin board falls on him,” Dylan said, explaining how Stanley became as thin as paper. Because he’s flat, his classmates mail him all around the world.

Dylan and his fellow classmates colored their own Flat Stanleys and, like other students, mailed them places all around the world.
“One girl mailed her Flat Stanley to China,” said Mark Roberts, Dylan’s dad.

Dad visits Dylan’s first-grade class at Southwest Elementary every Tuesday to read a Flat Stanley book. Each week after reading, Roberts and the students check “the mail bag” — a brown envelope — to see which Flat Stanley has been returned. The returned Flat Stanley has a photo of the place he visited and several facts — history, geography and more.

“The kids are very excited when we go to the mail bag,” Roberts said. “They never know whose (Flat Stanley) it is.”

At the end of the year, teacher Lynda Reich plans to make a collage of all the pictures to show where Flat Stanley traveled and who he met.

“I think Ms. Reich was more excited than the kids,” Roberts said of the photos taken with Cyrus and MacDowell.

Roberts said both Cyrus and MacDowell were very cordial and even knew Flat Stanley.

“I was not that much nervous,” Dylan said about meeting Cyrus. After prodding from his father, though, he agreed he was a wee bit nervous when he first met her.

Dylan got excited describing the show. His eyes lit up as he talked about how Cyrus drove through the air on a motorcycle and wore a peacock dress and how fire shot out of a huge ice cube that Cyrus was in.

Roberts said this was Dylan’s first concert, not counting the Wiggles concert he saw when he was 4. Next up, Bruce Springsteen and KISS, Dylan said.

Contact E.A. Seagraves at 883-4422, Ext. 241, or elizabeth. seagraves@news-record.com
 

Wanting to collect food for the hungry, First Lutheran Church of Greensboro asked those attending the Christmas Eve service last year to bring canned and boxed items.

The effort was a huge success with 1,072 attending and 1,500 pounds of food collected. The achievement inspired the congregation to launch Meals at the Manger and take the campaign statewide this year.

“We all understand the need, this year more than ever,” said Frank Moore, First Lutheran’s director of community ministries.

“Given the economic crisis and the number of our neighbors out of work, isn’t Christmas Eve the perfect time to affirm our love for the Christ child by affirming our love for our neighbors?”

First Lutheran is encouraging other churches to set up a manger scene in their yard, with large boxes to hold Christmas Eve donations. Each church can donate the goods to the food bank or soup kitchen of its choice. First Lutheran donates the food it collects to the Greensboro Urban Ministry.
 

Those unable to create a manger scene are encouraged to collect donations in the church’s fellowship hall, gym, narthex or elsewhere in the church. Moore suggested youths of the church create the artwork for the manger scene.

“We try to emphasize it as a way to teach children about sharing,” Moore said.

Fighting hunger and homelessness are mission priorities at First Lutheran, and Moore said the church is constantly looking for ways to participate in local and wider opportunities. Earlier in the year, the church did a food drive to honor Pastor Charlie Zimmerman, who served at the church for 30 years. The goal was to receive a can of food for each day of service — 10,950.

“Quite frankly, I didn’t think we would do it since it was in July, which is a slower time of year typically, but we ended up with 11,000-plus,” Moore said. “That showed me that our emphasis on hunger was working, and people responded generously.”

Now, Moore hopes that spirit will carry over to other churches, as well. Information about Meals at the Manger was sent to numerous churches and denominations, including Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Catholics and the N.C. Council of Churches.
 

Moore said he believes collecting during Christmas Eve services is a perfect opportunity.

“Many people, of course, come to Christmas Eve services, sometimes people who have not worshipped regularly,” he said. “I hope to tap into the generosity that people seem to more frequently feel at this time of year.”

Moore has heard from several churches interested in participating, including Myers Park United Methodist in Charlotte.

“Churches do an enormous amount of mission already, and more can be done, but feeding the poor is a key Christian response, and it is also for people of other faiths and those who are not connected with a faith community,” Moore said.

Contact Jennifer Atkins Brown at 574-5582 or jennifer. brown@news-record.com.
 

What comes from 25 pounds of flour, 30 pounds of sugar, 12 cups of shortening, other spices and 30 pounds of candy?

A 6-foot gingerbread replica of the historic Biltmore mansion.

Greensboro resident Joe Strasser and his sons, Nathan and Alex , spent six days baking and assembling the edible building.

“This is our third year doing gingerbread houses, but this is the first time we’ve done something with a theme and something this big,” Joe Strasser said.

For the past three years, the Strasser family has baked and assembled gingerbread houses. In past years, the Strassers invited seven families over to participate in decorating. Each family had its own house to decorate and take home.

“It’s getting into the Christmas spirit,” he said.

“When you see these kids putting it together, there’s nothing that can get you in the spirit more than this.”

Because the project this year was a mansion, each of the seven families got to take a wing of the house to keep as their own.
“That was the hard part,” Strasser said. “We had to build it so it would come apart so they could take it home.”

Friends who helped this year were Sean, Matt and Chris Muller; Nathan and Alex Strasser; Mary, Andrew and Christian Workman; Anna, Joseph and Daniel Zukowski; Thomas Gessner; Nathan and David Joseph; and Matthew and Brian Phlegar.

Though this was the first year for the theme gingerbread house, it won’t be the last. “We’re already researching themes for next year,” Joe Strasser said.

Contact Tiffany S. Jones at 373- 7157 or tiffany.jones@news-record.com
 

Business: Triad Advisors

Description: Triad Advisors is an operations-management consulting firm that works with progressive business owners and senior managers to help them achieve the performance they deserve. Our mission is our clients’ performance improvement. We work with company leaders to implement proven solutions that will unleash the hidden value in their companies.

What sets your business apart? Results, results, results. Our job is not complete until our clients are achieving the improvements in their financial and operational performance.

Owner: Len Gillespie

Address: 3604 Camden Falls Circle, Greensboro, NC 27410

Hours: Whatever it takes

Number of employees: Owner and a dozen networked associates

When it opened: February 2009

Any upcoming events/milestones: Recently completed a joint engagement with The Brooks Group, a Greensboro-based sales training company. We combined our tools to guide an engineering company to aligning its sales and operations functions to achieve an aggressive growth plan.

What’s the nicest thing a customer ever said to you? “It’s wonderful when one can say 'I have made a difference.’ Indeed you have, my friend. Indeed you have.”

What’s the best piece of business advice you were given? Protect your integrity above all else.

Phone: 905-0453

Web site: www.triadadvisorsllc.com
 

Are your home heating bills skyrocketing as temperatures plunge outdoors? Consider tapping into resources available at the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Branch Library to save money while reducing your energy usage.

Beginning in January, the library is partnering with Guilford Solar Communities to offer a series of programs on local energy. At 10 a.m. Jan. 9, Guilford Solar will offer “An Introduction to Local Energy,” which will highlight local energy sources for biodiesel, landfill gas as a fuel, solar, combining heat and power (CHP) and other types of energy recycling.

At 9:30 a.m. Feb. 13 Dr. Ghasem Shahbazi, director of bioengineering at N.C. A&T, will present “Prospects for Biofuels Production in the Piedmont.” This program will focus on the Biofuels Center of North Carolina and biofuels businesses.

At 9:30 a.m. March 13, Phil Strouth of FLS Energy will present “Varieties of Solar Energy and Use.” Learn about the use of solar energy to provide domestic hot water heating and electric power production. Following Strouth’s presentation, Otto Afanador will discuss the application of solar energy to space heating and cooling.
The culmination of this series will be “The Net-Zero Energy Residence” — 10 a.m. May 8. Facilitator Michiel Van der Sommen will examine various techniques for meeting the net-zero energy objective, including passive solar design; the use of orientation, construction and landscaping techniques for maximizing energy efficiency; and the application of energy production technologies that are appropriate for individual residences and residential communities.

In addition to these informative programs, you can check out a variety of books and videos about energy savings, green building and remodeling from the Kathleen Clay Edwards Family Library. The DVD “Powershift,” narrated by Cameron Diaz, is a great introduction to a variety of energy sources and highlighted personal action steps to live a greener lifestyle.

Another excellent DVD is “Kilowatt Ours,” which demonstrates practical and affordable steps for homeowners to use less energy and save hundreds of dollars in energy costs. Step-by-step ideas in the video utilize materials that are readily available on the shelves of home improvement stores.

Homeowners looking for more energy savings through remodeling should check out these books: “Green Building and Remodeling for Dummies” and “Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House.”
With the focus on going green and buying local, residents of Greensboro are beginning to have more options for local energy.

These books can help you explore alternative energy: “Power with Nature: Alternative Energy Solutions for Homeowners” and “The Homeowner’s Guide to Energy Independence.”

With the money that you save on energy costs, you can reinvest that amount in renewable energy choices to have a cleaner, greener Greensboro.

Melanie Buckingham is the environmental resources librarian for the Kathleen Clay Edwards Library. Contact her at Melanie. buckingham@greensboro-nc.gov

Strong family, friend and mentor support helped make college a reality for Gerard Truesdale, Arturo McKie and Terrell Milton, but they realize not all teens have a support system on which they can rely.

The three men felt an obligation to give back to their community and were astonished by the number of high school dropouts. So about a year ago, they formed Crossroads: Pathways to Success, a non-profit to encourage teens to pursue a college education, plan for success and give back to the community.

“We had positive role models in our lives that helped guide us, and we want to be strong role models to students who need the same guidance we had when we were in that position,” McKie said.

Truesdale, 25, is a graduate student at N.C. Central University, McKie, 25, graduated from UNC-Charlotte and works in the health-care industry, and Milton, 29, is a student at N.C. A&T.

“My father is a doctor, and so is Gerard’s, so we always had positive males in our lives teaching us right from wrong and stressing the importance of education,” McKie said. “It’s easy to make mistakes when you have no one to look up to and no one who you feel cares about the choices you make.”

The three men meet every other Saturday at Providence Baptist Church in Greensboro with 12 male students from Dudley High School. They work on life skills and cover topics including etiquette, college information (how to apply, choosing the right school, the college experience), how to apply for a job, the importance of community service, as well as staying out of trouble. The day concludes with the three playing full court basketball with the teens and enjoying pizza or subs together.

“I hope that Crossroads is influencing these teens to stay positive and to keep their primary focus on school,” Truesdale said. “A lot of times, this is hard because many of the teens battle personal issues, but all of them have our cell phone numbers, and know that they can talk to us at any time.”

Through donations and fundraisers, Crossroads was able to donate 40 Thanksgiving meals to the Salvation Army and Greensboro Urban Ministry. The teens helped bag the meals and personally deliver them to families.

“It’s important for them to understand how community service affects the people in the community who benefit from it,” McKie said. “We believe that getting students involved in community service at an early age is the first step toward positively changing the community.”

Truesdale, McKie and Milton also plan to start a Positive Change Movement in 2010 as an outlet for others in the area to assist Crossroads with doing positive things in the community such as volunteering, cleaning and fundraising.

“I hope that when people see, hear and read about Crossroads, it will ignite positive energy within them to want to go out and do something positive,” said Truesdale, who serves as president.

The trio has plans to increase the number of teens they work with and assist girls, as well.

“We firmly believe if these young men and women participate in our organization, it has no choice but to result in a positive change for our growing community,” McKie said.

Contact Jennifer Atkins Brown at 574-5582 or jennifer.brown @news-record.com.