In one of the shortest meetings in recent memory, Davidson’s Town Board on Tuesday adopted the $7.96 million town budget for 2009-10, approved new storm water fees and a related interlocal agreement with Mecklenburg County, and approved an amendment to an affordable housing plan for the Bradford development off Davidson-Concord Road. Read the full story

Bradford Park on N.C. 73 (Nathan Hartle photo)

One of the newest Mecklenburg County parks – Bradford Park – has opened off N.C. 73, and it’s expanding the number of sports fields available to Davidson. In the latest edition of our Health & Fitness page, Nathan Hartle has the story.

See Nathan Hartle’s story on the Health & Fitness page, in The Guide, CLICK HERE>

Walnut Street resident Bob Maier, who works as a multimedia consultant, has been using his video camera lately to record the activities of a family of beavers here in Davidson. He shares this video so we can see, too. “Their work is hidden to the casual observer,” he says in an onscreen note, even though they’re surrounded by intensive development. Watch the video below. Read the full story

Kids pose with the snapping turtle they found on Patrick Johnston Lane, near the end of Pine Road, on Sunday. (Lisa Combs photo)

Greg and Meg O’Brien, and their children Maggie and Oliver, were on their way home from the Concert on the Green Sunday night when they came across an unusual sight – a large snapping turtle.

The turtle, about 15 to 18 inches in diameter, was strolling down Patrick Johnston Lane at the end of Pine Road. Read the full story

Roy Alexander talks on the phone in the Davidson Lands Conservancy office Thursday. (David Boraks photo)

Roy Alexander has been executive director of Davidson Lands Conservancy for three years. From the day he started the part-time job, he faced a major challenge: How to help preserve an important wetland along the West Branch of the Rocky River. Earlier this month, his success in those efforts earned him Mecklenburg County’s 2009 Urban Conservation Award. Read the full story

“Come Smell the Roses” says the sign. So Around Davidson columnist Brenda Barger spent an afternoon last week enjoying the last days of the rose garden at the home of Concord Road residents Bill and Emmy Morrison. Here are some photos from her visit in a gallery below.

The Morrisons have 90 varieties of heritage roses and well over 150 plants. Heritage roses have rich backgrounds and the Morrisons will give you a walking tour touching on each variety and the history behind it. Read the full story

Rachel Keener

A pair of book related events are scheduled in Davidson Tuesday night. North Carolina author Rachel Keener will be at Davidson public library branch at 7 p.m. Tuesday to read and discuss her first novel,“The Killing Tree.”

Across the street at Main Street Books, the Main Street Readers monthly book club will discuss “The Help” by Kathryn Stockwell.
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A visitor hides from the raindrops Saturday afternoon near a tent set up for Sunday's Davidson College graduation. (David Boraks photo)

NOTE: College officials decided early Sunday to hold the graduation indoors. See related story.

Amid a day of alternating downpours and sunshine, Davidson College officials are watching the forecast as they try to make a call about where to hold Sunday morning’s 2009 commencement.  At 3 p.m., officials were hoping for the best, but preparing for a ceremony inside Baker Sports Complex.  At 9 p.m., they had decided to hold off on a decision until before sunrise. The in-and-out rain has already forced cancellation of at least one major weekend event in the area, while others will go on rain-or-shine. Read the full story