It appears that March is coming in “like a lion” after all.  To keep you warm until the month can go out like a lamb, we have a small-world story of how two unrelated residents at The Pines, Ginny Irwin and John Dalzell, both have children who either work at (Lee Ann Phelan) or own (Chris and Paul Wells) the EmbroidMe shop in Cornelius.

Meanwhile, we have a great idea for what to do Saturday for those who don’t have tickets to see Stephen Curry play against the Bobcats: how about a music concert in Hickory that will feature not one but two Lawings? Find out below the humorous memories of the last time Cynthia and Bill Lawing played together in a similar format.  Also, learn of our local ties to the Cinderella ballet in Charlotte, which opens Thursday.

Read the full story

Frankie Archer stands beside one of seven Archer's tow trucks. See below for one of the company's more famous towing tasks.

Last week Around Davidson took a look at the history of  The Hub on North Main Street – a local gathering spot for students and townspeople in the 1960′s.  Davidson resident Andy Beard emailed that he was one of Ralph Quackenbush’s “grill meisters” when a student at Davidson College.  Several evenings each week Andy cooked cheeseburgers as well as grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.  Great memories. Also, Bob Manning passed along his memory of how Ralph answered the phone at work.  “When Ralph answered the phone, he’d very slowly say: ‘The … Hub.’ Apparently no one could understand him if he said it at regular speed, when it came out as something like ‘Dhhuuubb.’  Anyone would have had the same problem, but Ralph’s solution was just to say it carefully, and not to rename the place.”

Last week’s history lesson about Ralph’s business mentioned Archer’s Gulf station as one of two town “filling stations” allowing anyone, regardless of race or creed, to use its restrooms.  Archer’s is now on South Main and worth sharing its rich history with our readers.  In addition we have news of the Beaches beachin’ in Mexico,  a new grandbaby for Lacy Dick, and an exhibition tonight for a show by local artists and gardener Blanche McAlister Harris. Read the full story

Red was the color of the day last weekend as (l-r) Tish Kimbrough, Susan Nelson, Margaret Stauffer and Boo Hess are showing us!

Come on spring!  We are ready to welcome you to Davidson!  The snow last weekend was just perfect, however.  Soft and gentle, dazzling in the sunlight, wet enough for snowballs and quickly gone.  What a beautiful taste of nature’s beauty!  But let’s get back to spring with a reminder to register for the 26th Horticultural Symposium coming March 2.

Today Around Davidson visits with girl scouts who helped with a “Young at Heart” dance at The Pines.  In addition, we caught a few friends thinking Valentine’s Day all decked out in red (see photo at right).  There is also a last comment about our “wilting” Bouquet statue on Main Street. Read the full story

Here’s a video called “Change Over Time,” by Davidson resident and Woodlawn School eight grader Stephan Snyder. The 7 1/2 minute film won a “Gold Key,” a regional prize in the Alliance for Young Artists and Writers national competition. Fellow Woodlawn students Sayre Weir and Mallorie Ables also won Gold Keys. Their photos and Stephan’s video will be on display at Spirit Square in Charlotte Feb. 6-March 27, then advance to the national judging in New York Feb. 21.

The five "councilors," who range in age from kindergarten to third grade, expressed their concerns about the havoc caused by mosquitoes at Monday's performance of "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears."

So, it was the mosquito
who annoyed the iguana,
who frightened the python,
who scared the rabbit,
who startled the crow,
who alarmed the monkey,
who killed the owlet…
and now Mother Owl won’t wake the sun so that the day can come.

A cast of 27 from the McKinney Academy Performing Arts group brought this verse to life in skits Monday morning in Huntersville.

Dressed in elaborate and colorful costumes, the students performed the African-American folk tale, “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears,” as told in the Caldecott Medal-winning book by Verna Aardema.  Read the full story

My, my, aren't these Fancy Nancies seeing stars?!

Cold, rainy winter days – interspersed with just enough sunshine to make us yearn for spring.  What’s a youngster to do to pass the time inside?  How about a “Fancy Nancy” party?  Around Davidson traveled a few miles north of town to find a bevy of beautiful young ladies celebrating inside with no worries about outside snow or sleet.  How nice to be six!

But enough of Fancy Nancy.  This week we feature a special occasion in Charlotte where Dick James was honored.  There is also news of a program by Pat Mose at The Pines as well as an interesting note about Shelter Boxes.  And of course, we need to congratulate the New Orleans Saints and their Super Bowl win. ”Who Dat” reigns!  Bourbon Street is no doubt still celebrating at the time this column is posted. Read the full story

Read the full story

In her Feb. 2 Around Davidson column, DavidsonNews.net‘s Brenda Barger offered her thoughts on “Bouquet for Davidson” by Andy Dunnill, our town’s first public art sculpture, calling it “an assemblage of poorly weathering scrap metal.” The writer below, a longtime resident, Davidson College professor and sculptor, offers a reply on behalf of the Davidson Public Art Commission:

"Bouquet for Davidson" by Andy Dunnill (David Boraks/DavidsonNews.net photo

By CORT SAVAGE

I completely understand a viewer’s dismay that our “Bouquet,” only a few months old, is already rusting. If I bought a car and it was rusting in a few months, I would be furious! But a sculpture and a car are two different things with different intentions and purposes.

Art should generate conversation, even if it means people disagree, but it is helpful if the conversation is informed, so here’s some information. Read the full story