The nicest thing about writing Around Davidson is that nothing is so timely that it has to be in print immediately.  To prove this point, today we take a look back – first to Christmas and then to Valentine’s Day to bring you news you might have missed!

Davidson Library's Rosie Chapman shows off the branch's Christmas Parade trophy.

Kudos to the Davidson Town Library for their Christmas Parade float which won a trophy just presented this month to the staff.  Read below to find out what honor they received.  And Kudos as well to the Lady Wildcats of Davidson College.  They have their own cheering section at every game and we have the “scoop” on them today.  And is there room for just one more Kudo?  We give it to our local Cub Scouts in Pack 58, whose achievements were recognized Monday.

STILL FISHING FOR READERS!

Remember just a few months ago on the first Saturday in December 2008 when we all stood on the sidewalk or sat on the curb to enjoy the Annual North Mecklenburg Christmas Parade? We just got word that the Davidson Town Library received the trophy for the “Most Unique” entry.

Wasn't too long ago we were thinking Christmas - but the library wants you to know it is STILL "Fishin' for Readers!"

Lots of work from the staff and volunteers at the library created a bass boat decorated with books, boxes and the “Cat in the Hat” who was “Fishing for Readers.”  The float was unique and well received by cheering fans along the parade route.  Many thanks to Davidson Library Manager Nancy Dishman for providing the truck to pull the float and to all who participated that delightful December afternoon.

WILD FOR THOSE LADY WILDCATS!

We all know how much hype men’s basketball at Davidson College gets.  Steph Curry sprains his ankle and it is national news.  And then there are the young ladies who represent Davidson College on the women’s basketball team and go seemingly unnoticed – until Nyra Brannan appears on the scene!

Valentines for Wildcats!

Nyra has lived at The Pines Retirement Community in Davidson for the past eight years.  When she realized that the girls’ team needed a stronger cheering section at their games, she began recruiting others with the plea:  “Come to at least one game.  You will love it!”  Dubbed the “Grandmother of the Lady Wildcats” team, Nyra is tireless in her support of the girls.  As a result she has made believers out of many fellow residents and soon convinced 40 “Piners” to buy seasons tickets.  Now The Pines even takes a bus to the home games with enthusiastic new supporters, Director Eddie Muller or Financial Officer David Rainey, behind the wheel.

Girls’ coach Annette Watts and Administrative Assistant Terry Gilliland have been wonderful to work with and support Nyra and her cheering section. Fellow Piner, Lou Chittenden, put her enthusiasm onto cookie sheets this month when she made 17 large heart shaped cookies for the Women’s basketball team and staff.  Eighteen residents of the retirement community, one future resident and Susan Ross, wife of Davidson College President Tom Ross, frosted and decorated the cookies, placed them on red and black paper plates, signed cards, and put them in the girls’ lockers for a day-before-Valentine’s surprise.

Mandy Halberslaben (at left) and Mercedes Robinson, as they were honored last week at Senior Night before their final home game on Feb. 16. (Photo by Bill Giduz)

It must have been the combination of love, support and cookie nourishment that led the Lady Cats to an overtime win against Chattanooga on Valentine’s Day.  Having lost to this team well over a dozen times, it was a joyous occasion for players and fans.  It was an especially happy time for Coach Watts since she is from Tennessee.

With some sadness Nyra Brannan and her fellow Pines’ cheering section watched the season come to an end with the last game this past Monday evening but they celebrated the fun they had with wine and cheese.  This fun-loving group is already talking about next year when they will dust off their “roundball uniforms,” board the bus and cheer louder than ever.  Be sure to watch for their black t-shirts made to order for them by the Davidson College women’s basketball program.  The shirts have a circle on the front sporting The Pines’ logo in the middle with a flag above it that reads, “Circle of Friends.”  The back shows a basketball held by a big cat claw.  Retirement holds special meaning when you live in Davidson!

PACK 58 HOLDS ANNUAL BANQUET

Cub Scout Pack 58, which is chartered by the Davidson Lions Club, held its annual Blue & Gold banquet Monday night at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House.  The banquet is a time for marking the anniversary of scouting, which was founded in February 1910, and also for recognizing achievements.

Brian Furlong of Pack 58 paints a "W" (to mark a new Webelo) across the face of Cub Scout Elliott Anderson.

Scouts have been working since the fall to complete requirements for the four levels of Cub Scouts — the Tiger, Wolf, Bear and Webelo. At Monday’s banquet, they were called up to the stage to receive their badges.  Assistant Cubmasters Pat Sellers and Brian Furlong worked hard to paint the faces of each scout who received a rank badge.

Heather Smith was surprised to find that she had been awarded the Golden Nest Award.

Also during the evening, the Pack received a Centennial Quality Award from district Commissioner Skip Alexander, while Heather Smith‘s years as a Den Leader were honored with the prestigious Golden Nest Award.  The Centennial Award recognizes achievements in leader training, scout retention and advancement, outdoor programs and other areas, and was symbolized by a new red banner the Pack can now display on its official flag.  The Golden Nest Award recognizes the achievements of a particular volunteer.

Boy Scouts from Troop 58 served the meal, which was catered by Community Culinary School of Charlotte, a school that trains the chronically underemployed.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

Don’t forget that this Sunday marks the fifth concert in the Music At St. Alban’s 2008-2009 series.  Ian Howell, countertenor, and Tableau will perform music behind the man who wrote Messiah, Georg Frideric Handel.  Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for students and seniors.  The conert begins at 3 p.m. on March 1 in the sanctuary of the church in the New Neighborhood.  For more information, visit www.saintalbans-davidson.org/musicatstalbans.htm

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Have news for Brenda? Write to her at hbarger@bellsouth.net.