Tomorrow is the first day of spring!  Hooray!  We see the flowering trees in bloom and are impatient for warm, sunny days.  But forecasters predict chilly temps this weekend – perfect for sitting down and reading all the news on DavidsonNews.net.

Getting in the Swing of Zumba are Pines' residents including the class' favorite fella, Julius Melton!

Today Around Davidson brings you the lowdown on Kathy Bromer’s ‘Zumba” exercise routine, news of a film screening by talented filmmakers Josh Gibson and his wife, Shambhavi Kaul, John Batcha’s seed packets bound for Iraq, and Beth Shalom’s support of the American Red Cross program to assist fire victims.  There are also Noteworthy Notes about upcoming benefits that are sure to please the palate.

FILM-MAKING TALENT ON DISPLAY

What a pleasant surprise to see the announcement in this month’s Davidson College Oak Row Report of a film screening with Josh Gibson and his wife, Shambhavi Kaul, on Wednesday, March 25, in the 900 room of the Alvarez College Union.  Josh, son of Gail and McNeill Gibson of Davidson, grew up here and pursued film at Duke University where he now is the associate director of the university’s Film/Video/Digital Program.  In addition, he and Shambhavi run an independent film production company in Durham called Hardlight Limited.

Josh, Shambhavi and their son, Kavi, will visit Davidson next week.

Next Wednesday’s program, free and open to the public,  begins at 7:30 p.m. It is sponsored by the Davidson College Film and Media program directed by Professor Maggie McCarthy.  Josh and Shambhavi will introduce their films and answer questions.  Josh directed a documentary called “The Siamese Connection” about Chang and Eng Bunker who settled and raised families in Mt. Airy after leaving P.T. Barnum’s circus.  Shambhavi’s film, “Field of Stone,” documents the life of country music star David Allan Coe.  A reception will follow the screening.  (And if you miss Gail or McNeill at the program, it is because they will be at home enjoying babysitting their grandson, 14-month-old Kavi.)

MOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’ AT THE PINES

Often we hear it said that “busy people are happy people.”  If that is the case, there is A LOT of happiness at The Pines at Davidson retirement community.  Take a look at a monthly schedule of activities and there is an activity for almost every hour of the morning, afternoon and evening. Some events merit space on our website and we found one to broaden our horizons called “Zumba.”

A future in flamenco? Could be for (l-r) Lee Mason, Carol Cook, instructor Kathy Bromer, Lou Chittenden, Mary Ann Taylor.

A recent visit to The Pines found a group of eight residents trying their hand at a weekly session of Zumba, which is slang for “fast.”  Started in the mid 1990s by Alberto Perez of Colombia, South America, Zumba uses improvised dance steps and a fiery beat to encourage exercise and fitness. Davidson resident Kathy Bromer began teaching these dance exercise classes a year ago. She uses Latin music on the tape player and gets her class’s feet moving to the basic dance steps of Cha Cha, Cumbia, Salsa and Merengue with a little bebop and bunny hop thrown in.

Kathy is currently offering six week sessions called Zumba Gold (maybe for those Golden Years) at The Pines and also is starting a Zumba Chair session for those less ambulatory.  No partner is needed; no dance experience needed. The only requirement is “to have FUN”  and get your body moving.

Private businesses and senior centers are already asking Kathy to lead fitness routines and she hopes to soon have general public Zumba classes in Davidson.  She is also available to liven up private parties.  Contact Kathy at kabakerone@hotmail.com to sign up for your own “movin’ and groovin'”  dance/cardio fitness program.

VEGETABLES FOR IRAQ

The name John Batcha is familiar to many in Davidson.  John and his wife, Dottie, moved to The Pines last year.  Not long after John retired following 28 years with Asgrow Seed Company, he started a program of his own called Seed Programs, Inc. (SPI)  to send garden seeds to developing countries.

John Batcha is a tireless promoter of sending seed packets to developing countries.

Last fall he addressed the United Nations about his work.  Recently he received a request from Franklin Johnson, a USDA person working on a reconstruction team in Iraq.  John was asked to provide good quality vegetable seed for distribution to 20,000 widows and 50,000 children for spring and fall planting in the area of the country known as the “fertile crescent.”

A first shipment of 12,000 seed packets for a pilot program for spring planting is now in process.  An additional shipment of 100,000 packets for fall planting is now planned using experience gained from the pilot spring planting.  Not only can the vegetables provide nourishment for the Iraqi widows and children but also can help rebuild self esteem with the success of the gardens.

As always John is appreciative for any financial support to his Seed Programs Inc (SPI), which is a non-profit, tax exempt humanitarian organization.  For more information, contact John at The Pines or view his website for SPI, www.seedquest.org/spi.

CELEBRATING PURIM WITH COMPASSION FOR OTHERS

As a part of the celebration of Purim, a Jewish holiday that occurred March 9-10, congregants emphasize concern, understanding and compassion for those in need. Keeping this in mind, Beth Shalom of Lake Norman’s religious school decided this year to support a Red Cross program in honor of Purim.  The three dozen plus young people who attend the school on Thursday afternoons at St. Alban’s created fleece “tie” blankets and a generous stack of “comfort kits” for the Red Cross to distribute to local fire victims.  Knowing that people can loose everything is a fire, these blankets and personal hygiene kits are a welcome gift.

Members of Beth Shalom of Lake Norman's religious school tie blankets for the Red Cross

The Red Cross project was coordinated by Wendy Pake.  As part of the “Purim mitzvah project,” families of the religious school children brought in supplies.  On March 5, the students tied the fleece fabric pieces into blankets and sorted the soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste into kits.  Later Wendy and her two sons delivered the items to Debra McClure (mcclured@usa.redcross.org) at the American Red Cross office in Mooresville.  Thanks to Wendy for organizing this worthwhile project.  Maybe other groups would like to help the Red Cross as well.

NOTEWORTHY NOTES

Get Your Can in for a Cone!

Always up to something, Karen Toney of Davidson’s Ben & Jerry’s is hoping to fill the local food bank shelves with canned goods or non-perishable food next Tuesday, March 24.  Bring a donation to help others in need and receive a scoop of your favorite B&J flavor for $1.00.  Called “eCONEomic relief” it is sure to please the food bank and your taste buds as well.

Health and Wellness Fair

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28, from 1-4 in our own Healthy Home Market (former Home Economist) in Sadler Square to “Spring into Health and Wellness.”  Admission is free for you to visit with over 30 vendors and health practitioners and sample their wares.  There will be food tastings, free samples and basket giveaways.

A Taste of Art

Another important day is Tuesday, March 31, when the Creative Art Exchange and The Children’s Arts Project are sponsoring their 3rd Annual Taste of Art.  This benefit event will be held at The Fresh Market from 7:30-9:30 p.m.  There will be wine, hors d’oeuvres and an Art Auction. Tickets are $25/person and only a few remain unsold.  Contact Kim Beard (director@creativeartexchange.org) for more information.

Send us your news

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