The winning entry, "Franny La Poulet" by Cresset Christian Academy, in the state fair's Farm Animal Frenzy 2009 contest.

Last weekend marked the closing for the 10-day run of the North Carolina State Fair. Did any of our readers get to Raleigh for the big event? What could be better than elephant ears, turkey drumsticks, deep fried moon pies, demolition derbies, sheep, goats, cows and chickens, to mention but a few of the attractions. We are particularly impressed with the “Farm Animal Frenzy” contest, for which schools must assemble an animal out of a sawhorse. This year’s theme was “recycled materials” and the winning chicken (see photo) used slide-projector-bulb eyes, with plastic shopping bags woven into “features”. Wouldn’t it be fun to see an entry from our neck of the woods? Click here to see all the entries. The Midway will empty your pockets of change but the lure of “whack-a-mole” is pure State Fair fun!

Yes, State Fair means fall is in the air. Today Around Davidson brings you notes about fall basketball for Davidson College women, a humorous fall report on the Laurie Ann Dennis dilemma, and literary notes of some importance about John Hart and Rosa Shand Cumming. Continue Reading

Scott Galloway amused the crowd Friday night as an updated version of Gong Show host Chuck Barris.

Almost November 3 – Election Day for North Carolina. The ballot will not be long or complicated but we each need to be an informed voter before entering the polling area. Come to St. Alban’s this evening at 7 p.m.to hear candidates for School Board and Davidson Town Commission speak.

Any questions? Call the Board of Elections (704.336.2133) or go online to www.meckboe.org. Better yet, stop by the North County Public Library and Vote Early. See more information below.

Today Around Davidson visits The Gong Show at DCPC and well known man in town, Bill Vinson. There is also a literary note about Irish poet Ann Leahy. In addition you will find Election Notes on Early Voting. Continue Reading

Remember Chuck Barris and the Gong Show? We'll have a full report Thursday on DCPC's own version of both the show and Mr. Barris! Stay tuned!

Hello sweaters and jackets! Maybe even turn on the heat! And be sure to bring in those tender household plants which have enjoyed the summer outside. It is that time of year when we welcome daytime sunshine and almost-freezing nights. How nice to find a protected spot outside and enjoy the warm rays knowing that we may have to wait months before having this opportunity once again.

Interesting news today about John Hart’s talk to book club members, Bill Giduz’ reception (do you know the children in his promotional postcard?) and a special birthday greeting to Willa Armstrong. There is also news of a wonderful football honor for a very talented ten-year-old Eliza Robinson. Continue Reading

Maggie the dog listens attentively to singers John and Missy Kuykendall at Sunday's animal blessing service. Seated with them were Wool Howell with dog Clementine and Bill Tiemann. (Photo courtesy of Gary Simmons)

Rain is good for the water table but where are those crisp, cool, sunny days of October? Maybe this weekend will put us on track for some fall weather and put us in the mood for pansies, mums, pumpkins and beautiful, colorful foliage.

Keeping fall plants in mind, Around Davidson reminds readers about the Fall Plant Sale at North Meck High School this Saturday. There is also news of a winning U10 baseball team plus Church Chatter about last weekend’s Blessing of the Animals and this weekend’s Gong Show at DCPC. Continue Reading

The begonias offer a last gasp of summer, while the pumpkins are the start of fall's harvest.

Yesterday was Columbus Day! A three-day weekend to honor the sailor who landed in North America 517 years ago. According to the Wall Street Journal, 22 states do not even observe the holiday. At least for those who did have the day off, the cold rain offered a perfect opportunity to drink hot chocolate, read a good book and maybe catch up with a long nap.

Today Around Davidson brings news of an exhibit honoring Bill Giduz, a reminder about John Hart speaking to book clubs, a chance to meet Charlie Armstrong, as well as thoughts on Nancy Dishman’s retirement and a Noteworthy Note. Continue Reading

'I said keep that window shut, or else!' That's the message we got from this Halloween decoration, one of many that have popped up around town lately.

Now that the weather is cooler (or at least supposed to be) our creative juices are flowing once more. Halloween decorations, some traditional, some distinctly ghoulish, can be seen already in yards and on vehicles – like the one we found (pictured at right) in the Community School of Davidson parking lot.

But creativity is not limited to Halloween. Read today how a group in the New Neighborhood created a gourmet French dinner. Also we have a report on a creative town resident, Michael Young, who covers civilian and military assignments. On the canine front, there is the “scoop” on a new Bark Park and a chance to have your favorite pet blessed at DCPC. A final Noteworthy Note concerns a book benefit this weekend at DUMC. Continue Reading

Martin Harrison's camera captured these bright faces before a Lithuanian Dance Festival this summer. Find out the Davidson connection below.

What a nice weekend for outdoor activities. Now the cooler, damp weather offers a chance to dust, vacuum or wash the summer grit off windows! Bummer of a job!

Today Around Davidson finally catches up with the summer mission trip to Lithuania by Davidson United Methodist Church. We also congratulate Davidson’s newest Eagle Scout, Brian Cotter, and hear about the Cotter’s Annual Woody Party. Finally there are a few Noteworthy Notes about Jeanne Stone’s family as well as a family gathering for Van Lear Logan. Continue Reading

Pack 58's "Mr. Popcorn" rallied scouts for this weekend's launching of the popcorn fundraiser.

Also: Davidson student leads UNCC frosh; Loretta Martin retires from The Pines

Happy October to all our readers. Fall activities abound and our calendars are full. Thinking back to those lazy days of summer caused us to check in with Ben and Karen Goldstein to hear about their relaxing trip to Alaska.

Today Around Davidson also brings news of Cub Scout popcorn sales (hands down, the best eating), which start with neighborhood sales this weekend. Plus, we have some interesting Noteworthy Notes.

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Happy Birthday to Wildcat fan Finley Hardy who visited Cats on Main last Saturday with her parents, Lucas and Finley Hardy from Cornelius, and Grandma Finley James from Darlington, SC.

Almost the end of September and at last we are treated to some beautiful fall weather. How nice to have last week’s tropical heat and humidity behind us. This past Saturday was a bummer for outdoor activities but “Cats on Main” did have its grand opening and the Children’s Schoolhouse Fair managed to attract a good crowd to The Green despite occasional soggy mist.

Around Davidson also has an idea for your weekend: a nostalgic dance benefit for young and old sponsored by Davidson College’s Rusk House. Also, a “Down Under” report from Bill and Laurie Heyer, “roving reporter” fun with a DOT sign, “clueless” Chidsey Leadership fellas, and a young lady, Finley Hardy, who turns three years old today. Continue Reading

Who is that schmoozing at The Pines with Fitness Specialist Mary Martin? Read below to find out.

Sunshine at last! How nice but fall will feel better when this humidity leaves town. Good reason to pour a glass of cold iced tea and check out today’s Around Davidson notes about your friends and neighbors.

The Pines had a Wellness Fair yesterday and we were there to cover it and take a chance on a door prize. A certificate for spa therapy sounded wonderful but maybe an hour on the treadmill would make more sense after a visit last week to Betsy Seymour’s bread making class. Also find news today on a summer trip by the Beach family to the West coast. Lastly there are a few “Catch-up Notes” from earlier items in Around Davidson. Continue Reading