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Davidson People will be a regular feature, appearing most Fridays. Have an item? Send it to dboraks@yahoo.com.

EVAN MAIER

Evan Maier, son of Bob and Catheryn Maier of Walnut Street, has decided to join the U.S. Army full-time after returning last spring from a year’s deployment in Afghanistan as a reservist. (That’s Evan and wife Bethany at left.)

A combat engineer, Evan traveled through remote areas of southern Afghanistan, from April 2005-April 2006, where he worked primarily in de-activation of IEDs (improvised explosive devices), land mines and other unexploded ordnance. He was also trained in radio operation, and became primary radio operator for his squad. During his Afghan tour, Evan was promoted from specialist to sergeant.

As a full-time soldier, Evan will use his radio skills and be a fire support specialist. This work involves communicating instructions to aircraft and artillery, to protect threatened ground units. It requires expertise in radio hardware, military communications networks, and encryption methods. Keeping a cool head is a plus.

Evan left at the end of December to train for eight weeks at Ft. Sill, Okla. His wife, Bethany, will remain at their home in Greensboro until he receives a permanent assignment.

Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan, and Army installations in Europe, Asia and the U.S. are all possibilities, depending on the shifting sands of international politics.

Evan grew up in Davidson, attended Davidson Elementary, Davidson IB Middle, and graduated from North Meck High. He attended Davidson College for a year. He is known around town for his past work as a lifeguard at The Swimming Hole, a barista at Summit Coffee, and activities with DCPC’s youth groups.

BABY BLACKWELL

Megan and Greg Blackwell, owners of The Village Store on Main Street, have become parents. Stella Bonner Blackwell was born Jan. 3.

CHRISTMAS DOG

Santa – with a little help from animal control officer Ken Latzer - made a special a Christmas Eve stop in at the home of Shireen and Jeremy Campbell on Concord Road. Santa delivered a new dog named Conner to the Campbell kids, Jonathan and Alistair.

A TV crew from WSOC-TV captured the holiday event live. Have a look, CLICK HERE>

Jeremy is the Town of Davidson’s info systems director and Shireen teaches writing at Davidson College.

PARENTING TIPS FROM YOUR NEIGHBORS

McConnell resident and free-lance journalist Betsy Flagler writes a syndicated column about parenting. In a recent column about how to cope with being cooped up with kids on cold winter days (something we have seen much of this year) she turned to fellow Davidson resident Pat Shaw for ideas. Shaw’s advice: It’s never too cold for a walk. Read it online, CLICK HERE>

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