Summer is in full swing with the hot, humid dog days of August fast approaching. Nice to have the afternoon showers in the past weeks to keep our yards green and the lawn mowers in constant use. Swimming pools are the perfect way to cool off on a hot July afternoon – even with the added attraction of a greased watermelon making for Fourth of July entertainment two weeks ago. (This energetic group of young people was trying to keep the watermelon from touching the side of the pool.) Thanks to Shelly Hoffman for sharing her photo.

News this week includes another high school graduate, Russ Kerr; a fishing trip to Alaska by the Mitchell fellas; DCPC Bible School kudos to Ginny Barton, Hunter Busse and Robbie Howiler; Luke Barton marries Zane Wood; a report from Nicaragua and a comment on the “fresh air approach to laundry.” Continue Reading

The rain may have hampered the Town of Davidson’s Independence Day celebration, but it did not get in the way of Fourth at The Pines. The patriotically attired Ann Maloney (at right) is among those who attended. We have highlights from The Pines parade and news of the reopening of the expanded Pines library.

Around Davidson also brings you news of “Hot Wheels Molinek,” plus updates on trips to Europe (for the Woodmansees, Oldenburgs, Marion Thomas, Meth McElhannon and Diane Gabriel), a new baby in the Cherry household, graduate Ryan Steen, and Belle Banks‘ summer book review. Continue Reading

The June 6 edition of the Charlotte Business Journal featured its 15th annual “40 under 40″ special section, recognizing young people for making strides in their careers and impacting their communities. One of the forty chosen for the 2008 class is Kristi Kessler Walters, a Davidson native who now manages recruiting and retention of women and minorities for the Parker Poe law firm. Continue Reading

Laurie Dennis snapped this shot of Broadway in her hometown of Alton, Ill., Friday, a few days before the Mississippi was expected to crest through the St. Louis region.

So you think we’ve been getting a lot of water lately?

Just be glad you’re not in the St. Louis area, which Laurie Dennis says has more water right now than it wants – even on the sunniest of summer days. We have flood comments from her visit there with her husband last week. Not all our water news is gloomy this week – we also bring you a report on Jacob Plattner‘s big catch at Hilton Head! Plus we have news about an award from the Rotarians for Kim Beard, and lots of graduations (Aubrey Clark-Brown, Jenny Giduz, Brad Hudson and Peyton Jenest) and weddings (for the families of Ben Kimmel, Robin Kello, Brittany Hutchins and Mei Lawing). Continue Reading

Brenda Barger’s June 19 Around Davidson column described how Davidson resident Hans Deissel will be chaperoning a group of high school students (including Alex Gunn of Davidson) to a town in Rwanda to do volunteer work at a health clinic and school. The trip is sponsored by the Echo Foundation, which has a focus on humanitarian and educational concerns.

In the lead-up to the trip, which departs for Rwanda July 8, Davidson residents have responded to this story and are lending support to the trip. That includes the contribution of soccer supplies by Pat Millen, medical and traveling advice from Dr. Steve Justus, and a website promotion by Tammy Forthofer – all of Davidson. Continue Reading

Hannah Barger finds her brother Jackson Barger is a real hair-puller.

Summer is officially here and for some parents, it may be “hair pulling” time! Our grandson, Jackson Barger (8 months), knows that as he gleefully grabs a handful of his four-year-old sister Hannah‘s hair every chance he gets. For parents, there are endless activities for children right now: church programs, mission trips, recreation leagues, day camps, lemonade stands and pool parties. Hard to keep up with everything – but one can always check DavidsonNews.net for the latest events on our local calendar.

Lots going on in town this month and this week we bring news of birthdays and anniversaries in the Shackelford, Collum and Crilly families; Father’s Day celebrations in Los Angeles for Kenn Latzer; graduation news from Sandy LaCorte, Isabelle Powell, Hillary Gruce and Taylor Rothrock; Steve Justus making a difference in Africa; a pink bird report and a Laura Grosch art spotting in Chapel Hill.
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Davidson United Methodist Church choir sings in Lourdes’ Église Sacré Coeur cathedral, during an evening mass for over 600 pilgrims. The choir later sang a concert for an audience of 800, which resulted in a standing ovation.

Choir members from Davidson United Methodist Church are full of memories after a 12-day tour of France last month. The group of 33 singers and 10 supporters left May 16 to share selections of sacred music while touring and performing in renowned churches and cathedrals.

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Betsy Seymour, with her hydrangeas.

Last Sunday’s bright sunshine was a perfect time for a stroll through the beautiful gardens at the Pine Road home of Betsy and Jody Seymour. Meanwhile, Around Davidson had a busy week catching up on trips to Africa by Alex Gunn and Hans Diessel with Echo Foundation, a return from Africa by Lemie and Norman Richards, new arrivals in the Michael and Galombeck families, a trip to New York City by the Bryants, Carol Barber‘s move to The Pines, and news of Blanche Harris‘ artistic talent.

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By BRENDA BARGER
DavidsonNews.net

Davidson College is a hotbed of talent, but last week it came to our attention just how much talent is being nurtured within the local ivied halls of learning. Meet rising senior Kelsey Formost (photo), who is “making the scene” this month as the lead in the dark comedy “The Scene” at Actor’s Theatre in Charlotte. The play also has another Davidson connection: the director is Davidson theater professor Ann Marie Costa.

“The Scene” is a comedy about dating, fame, fulfillment and obsession with pop culture. It runs through June 28 at Actor’s Theater of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St. in Charlotte.

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It’s been six months since Stowe’s Exxon closed its doors so DavidsonNews.net decided it was time to check in on Wayne Stowe and his son-in-law, Jerry Cline. A stop at Cline Auto & Tire Inc. – Jerry’s shop now – on Route 115 north of Mt. Mourne is well worth your while if for no other reason than to see the shop’s upscale waiting room, complete with a wireless connection!

Meanwhile, Around Davidson this week continues with graduation news, highlighting Charlotte Ringle, Spencer Johnson and Russell Miller. Also learn of career changes for Ann Roper of the Davidson Housing Coalition, sandwich suppers at The Pines, and some thoughts and opinions on wasting water, charging ETJ residents for their own Fourth celebration and local vandals.

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