June is almost over so we thought it best to catch up with some May events for young people “in and around” Davidson. The best thing about writing this column is that news need not be up to the minute. Sometimes it is more fun to reflect on occasions that occurred weeks earlier.

So today there is news of two graduations in the Diamond-Whitton family, a wedding for the youngest member of the Hugh Barger family, and an update on the James Gibert family. In addition there are a few notes about happenings in our town.

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Shaquille O'Neal and Dale Jr. battled it out on the track for "Shaq Vs."

What is not to like when your hubby invites you on a hot date? Not any hot date but an afternoon at the very hot Concord Speedway to see Shaquille O’Neal and Dale Earnhardt Jr. speed around a half-mile oval in their custom stock cars. Maybe this could be a story for DavidsonNews.net if we could survive the brutal, oppressive heat of this June day. Read the full story

Don’t forget to stop by your voting precinct today and VOTE in the May primary if you are a registered voter. Today’s Second Primary is to pick a Democrat to run for U.S. Senate in November with a choice between Elaine Marshall and Cal Cunningham. Also, Republicans in U.S. House District 12 (including Davidson) will vote between two potential challengers for the seat now held by U.S. Rep. Mel Watt. See you at the polls between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Today Around Davidson has a few post-Father’s Day notes about dads George Pusack and Bruce Wright. In addition we say good-bye to Scott Sherrill who leaves at the end of this month for studies in Chapel Hill. Read the full story

Last month we celebrated Mother’s Day and this month there is a day just for fathers – this Sunday. How often we smile as we remember the words of Mark Twain about fathers: “When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years!”

To commemorate Father’s Day, Around Davidson takes a minute to introduce you to Ken Howiler, a Davidson resident and dad to a beautiful 6-year-old daughter, Marnie. Ken and his wife, Robbie, have learned a lot in one short year. They have been through a harrowing 10 months coping with chemotheraphy and radiation treatments for Marnie. How thankful we all are to know that Marnie’s cancer is in remission making this Father’s Day a special celebration for the Howiler family. Read the full story

Seymour Garden

What a wonderful occasion two days ago at Bojangles’ Arena to see so many Davidson young people in the group of North Mecklenburg High School graduates. Today we have a few notes about co-Valedictorians Daniel Kuzmanovich and Katie Driest, both of whom live in Davidson.

There is also a fond farewell to Andy Simkus and welcome home to Annie Hooper. Don’t forget to read a Noteworthy Note for garden lovers. Read the full story

Summer may not officially arrive until Monday but with our current heat and humidity, it’s already here. Great weather for gardens and first tomatoes – even if they are only cherries!

Today North Mecklenburg High School graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas in a noontime ceremony at Bojangles Arena. Congratulations to all. Around Davidson caught up with the following grads from North Meck, Mooresville and Portsmouth Abbey: twins, Will and John Krentz, Danner McCulloh, Greg Sutton, Katherine Rusk and Eloise Andry. Read the full story

The Dennis Family

No doubt about it! Our town, and especially DavidsonNews.net, will miss Joe and Laurie Dennis and their children, Christy and Kerry. A lot of folks move to Davidson due to the small town charm our town offers: a college setting, a Village Green, active churches, walking and biking trails, a retirement community and most of all, neighbors who care.

So when families decide to leave us, it is usually for a good reason. In the Dennis case, Dad Joe has found his dream job teaching history at his Alma mater, the University of Wisconsin at Madison. The family hopes to find housing nearby especially so that the children can graduate from Joe’s “old” high school in Madison. Lots of memories there for Joe – but also lots of memories from the last five years the family spent in Davidson.

Laurie Dennis has been your correspondent’s steadfast “sidekick” for the past 2 1/2 years posting the Around Davidson column with her great humor and superior computer skills. Today the column is all hers to hear her thoughts on living in Davidson and plans for the future. We wish Laurie and her family the best. Good luck, Godspeed and we will miss you!’

-Brenda Barger
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What is that on the end of my line? (That's 2 1/2 year old Jackson Barger.)

Always glad to see a week of rainy weather – unless you need to cut hay! The pastures have never looked better but if one needs four days of hot sunshine and dry wind, the forecast looks a bit grim.

So instead of thinking hay, Around Davidson turns to news of Lori Reynolds’ Indy 500 trip, and Girl Scout honors for Troop 363 and Troop 1760. There is also news from the Ken Armstrong family and an honor for Stephanie Schauder – plus a first fish photo from our Memorial Day album (see left). Read the full story

Rachel Steber graduated May 9 from Chapel Hill.

Despite the persistent drizzle, hope that many of our readers paused for a minute yesterday to remember our veterans and war dead. Traditional Memorial Day picnics had to move inside but families still enjoyed a long weekend to share a meal and visit before summer vacations take over.

Today Around Davidson visits with families who enjoyed getting together with out-of-town relatives over the past holiday weekend. Also our coverage of graduations continues. With an every growing list of college and high school grads to highlight, we turn the spotlight on Rachel Steber, a recent UNC-CH grad, and preview the upcoming graduation of Alex, Elise and Laura Kello. Read the full story

Dance Davidson held its annual spring show Sunday.

It is time to celebrate Memorial Day this weekend. Hope our readers have plans to relax and be with family as we kick off the “summer” season while lounging poolside or at the lake.

In the meantime there are still celebrations of all kinds in Davidson. Today Around Davidson focuses on a celebration of spinach in the Butt garden, graduations in the Colcord household as well as the Brown home. There is also a birthday celebration in Paris for Barbara Regen and a year-end ballet recital as Terilynne Knox celebrates 26 years at the helm of Dance Davidson. Be sure to take notice of our Noteworthy Note for a weekend performance at St. Alban’s. Read the full story