Kate Minogue

Almost the end of July and although real estate is pretty slow in Davidson, we are seeing evidence of U-Hauls and moving vans taking some families to new adventures in other towns and bringing new faces to our community. In one instance, with tears in our eyes, we say good-bye to Kate Minogue who has become a good friend to so many during her years in Davidson. Following seven years in our town, Kate is headed for the “home of the bean and the cod.” Eager to be in Boston for its Irish music and cold weather, Kate already has found a job in Cambridge with Millennium Pharmaceutical as a project associate.

Also this week, Around Davidson visits with the Appleyard family at the beach, Boy Scouts at Camp Grimes, DUMC’s Music Camp, the Wehrung’s in China, the Ratchford’s in Argentina and Happy Birthday to The Pines. Read the full story

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.” Read the full story

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. Read the full story

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. Read the full story

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). Read the full story

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. Read the full story

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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