Welcome September!  Nice to have fall lurking just around the corner. In the meantime, Happy Labor Day to each of our readers.  Enjoy this three-day weekend with neighborhood picnics and a chance to catch up with the summer travels of friends.

Around Davidson introduces you today to two new faces in town:  Robert Alexander and Kelly Nicholson.  We also report on a recent honor for Chuck Dillman and give you an inside glimpse on a talented musical group – Sunday Union.  In addition we have a little Chair Talk in a Noteworthy Note.

Kelly Nicholson can advise you on a "good read" at our public library.

KELLY NICHOLSON JOINS OUR LIBRARY STAFF

Welcome Kelly Nicholson to the Davidson Public Library!  She is a new full-time staff person who is bringing smiles to patrons, other library workers and especially to manager Ellen Giduz, who no longer has to juggle hours to make sure our branch is covered.  Kelly, the daughter of John and Lynn Nicholson, grew up in Parkersburg, W.Va., and is a 2005 Queens University graduate with a double major in English and Drama.  She worked part-time at Charlotte’s Main Library for a year and full time for three months at North County Regional Library in Huntersville before being laid off in the library’s budget crisis.  In the interim she worked for Children’s Theatre and the Apple Store before getting the “nod” to return to the library full time at Davidson branch on Aug. 23.  We are delighted to have Kelly who loves theatre, movies and reading (of course).  She also is a runner, like her dad, and participated in her first half marathon on August 20 in her hometown.

Kelly lives in Charlotte with her dog, Jack, and cat, Linus.  She has a younger brother, Alex, who is working this summer on the New River’s zip line and plans to give snowmobile tours in Snowshoe, W. Va., this winter.  Stop by and welcome Kelly next time you are in our library. (Related link: Aug. 23, 2011, DavidsonNews.net,  “Library hires staff to expand hours at regional libraries.”)

Music is a big part of Robert Alexander's life.

ROBERT ALEXANDER IS ON BOARD AT DCPC

The Davidson College Presbyterian Church (DCPC) has added two new full time pastors this summer.  We introduced you to Andrew Scales a few weeks ago (News item July 19, and Around Davidson Aug. 4, 2011) and today want to say hello to Robert Alexander, his wife, Jenny, and three daughters, twins Madalyn and Anne (9) and Claire (6).

Robert is the son of Spears and Joyce Alexander and spent his childhood in Boone. He has one sister, Julie, who lives in Apex, and a brother, David, in Atlanta.  After graduating from NCSU, he pursued a degree at the Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond and worked with youth and missions in a church in Indiana.  He met his wife, Jenny, at Presbytery’s Camp Pyoca and they married in 1996.  After two years at Columbia Theological Seminary, Robert was ordained in 2000 and accepted calls first in Bradenton, Fla., and Union, S.C., before coming to Davidson.  Having spent a year in Uruguay as an exchange student and a summer in Chile working with children and youth in a little Presbyterian Church, Robert speaks Spanish quite well which should be a wonderful help to DCPC’s Nicaraguan partnership.

Welcome to Robert and Jenny Alexander and their daughters (l-r) Madalyn, Claire and Anne

As DCPC’s Associate Pastor, Robert brings his considerable background of pastoral care, worship leadership, community mission and music.  He plays guitar and has a beautiful tenor voice which he tried out on his new Davidson congregation by including singing in his first sermon.  When he has free time, he enjoys running, gardening and outdoor activities.

Robert’s wife, Jenny, grew up in Corydon, Ind., the daughter of Gerry and Laurie Eckart.  She and their three daughters have settled into their home in Victoria Bay and are most appreciate of the warm welcome they have received. The family is glad to be here and enjoy having the convenience of stores so nearby.  Jenny is a stay-at-home mom who has a passion for literacy, education and healthy families.  She also enjoys reading, travel and time with friends when she has a spare minute.  Madalyn,  Anne and Claire are making new friends at Cornelius Elementary School and already looking forward to dance, gymnastics and soccer activities.

Welcome to the Alexander family!  We look forward to getting to know each of you better.

Chuck Dillman receives a Lifetime Achievement Award in Biomechanics in Denver on June 2.

CHUCK DILLMAN IS HONORED

Chuck and Barb Dillman moved to Davidson five years ago and lives in the New Neighborhood.  (see our Aug. 24, 2010, Around Davidson profile.) A simple outpatient procedure in 2002 that went horribly wrong left Chuck with a shuffling walk, paralysis in his left arm and limited vision.  Does he sit home and feel sorry for himself?  Not a chance.  Not only does he walk to town every morning for his coffee, bagel and Summit fellowship but enjoys conversation with anyone he meets along the way.

CHUCK DILLMAN

Chuck has a resume that includes a doctorate in biomechanics, teaching stints at The Citadel and Universities of Delaware and Illinois, CEO duties at Znetix and Aspen Foundation for Sports Medicine, US Olympic Committee member and duties on the IOC medical commission focusing on biomechanics related to sports injuries and performance.  His sudden disability closed the door on his many assignments.

Therefore it was a bittersweet trip to Denver this past June 2nd for Chuck and Barb when Chuck was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Biomechanics at the convention of the American College of Sports Medicine.  This award is not given every year, but rather upon achievement and nomination by peers. It recognized Chuck’s accomplishments in the field of biomechanics and sports science research and worldwide furthering of performance enhancement in sport and injury prevention and rehabilitation.

Congratulations, Chuck.  Be sure to take a moment to visit with this talented fella the next time you see him enjoying a “cup of Joe” or walking to and from town.  We applaud Chuck and Barb’s continuing positive attitudes despite adversity.  Hats off to you both!

"Sunday Union" performs Sunday evening at Concert on the Green with members (l-r) Elizabeth Mills, Stephanie Rollans, Brad Reddick, Dave Malushizky and Monica Galloway Photo by Gennine Davis)

 SUNDAY UNION STEPS UP TO THE MIKE

The year was 2009.  A group of musical members of DCPC were asked to provide adult support for a youth program dubbed “Jammin’ for Jesus.”  Well, the mixing with youth got shelved but undaunted, the group continued, played a lot at DCPC functions and now, two years later, are ready for the “big time” – a Concert on the Green!  That’s right.  Sunday Union will perform for two hours this Sunday, Sept. 4, from 6-8 p.m., with a wonderful mix of folk, country, pop rock and more (but not religious) songs.  The ensemble group prides itself on tight harmony.  Members include Elizabeth Mills (St. Alban’s pre-school teacher), Monica Galloway (photographer), Brad Reddick (pediatric psychiatrist), Dave Malushizky (architect with The Lawrence Group), and Stephanie Rollans (Director of Congregational Life at DCPC).  Monica is strictly a vocalist while the others play guitar or mandolin.  All have families and household commitments so they squeeze in practice time Sunday evenings from 8:30 until …  (Rusty Knox used to play with the group until he moved on to solo performances.)

The group is excited about Sunday’s concert and a chance to introduce themselves to a wide audience.  This weekend they will be joined by drummer Steve Gibbons of Davidson and bass/fiddle player, Dwight Burks of Statesville.  Come on out and support this marvelous local talent.

NOTEWORTHY NOTE

Some years ago the Town of Davidson placed six Adirondack chairs on The Green for the enjoyment of residents or visitors – especially for sitting and paging through a bestseller from our library.  One chair got too rickety and then there were five.  Lately, the number seems to have dwindled to three and now an observant citizen reports there are none.  Any ideas on their whereabouts?  Have they left to live in someone’s yard?  Hope they return soon.  The bright, crisp fall weather will be perfect for parking your backside in one as you enjoy a good book!

Send us your news

Have news for Around Davidson? Write to Brenda Barger at hbarger@bellsouth.net.

Comments Disabled To "Sunday Union plays the Green; new faces in town"

#1 Comment By George Berger On September 2, 2011 @ 10:13 pm

#2 Comment By David Boraks On September 2, 2011 @ 10:33 pm