A celebration and fund-raiser recognizing the courage and vision of Michael Hess and his work with orphans in Nepal is planned Saturday, April 10, 4:30-6:30 p.m., at Davidson College Presbyterian Church Congregation House, 218 Concord Road.
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SOURCE: Charlotte Arts & Science Council
CHARLOTTE – The Arts & Science Council (ASC) said Monday that it has raised $7.3 million in its 2010 Annual Fund Drive, achieving its goal. ASC will invest the dollars raised from the campaign to support arts, science, history and heritage organizations, artists, and education and neighborhood cultural projects in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Read the full story

Also, North Meck & Davidson IB headed to state Science Olympiad – again

6th grader Sara Dworak of Davidson IB Middle prepares to push the button that will launch her rocket in a Science Olympiad event Saturday.

Do you have a spare $8.34 in your wallet? Why not donate it to a Bailey Middle reader? The school is in the midst of an ambitious plan to read one million minutes in two weeks, which translates to 834 minutes per student.  At only one penny per minute, sponsoring a student is a great deal!  All proceeds will go toward relief of earthquake victims in Haiti.

We have a report on that, plus news of Science Olympiad regional results, the answer to your burning question about how many steps a Davidson Elementary fifth grader might take in a visit to D.C.,  and a local star on the stage: Woodlawn’s Isaac Josephthal has the lead in “Treasure Island,” now running at the ImaginOn in Charlotte.

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CHARLOTTE – The Carolina Thread Trail has received a $250,000 gift from Amy and Philip Blumenthal and the Blumenthal Foundation.

The Thread is a planned network of trails and conservation areas covering 15 North and South Carolina counties with a population of more than 2 million people. Plans call for it to pass through Davidson and surrounding areas. Read the full story

The Arts & Science Council said Wednesday it will extend its 2010 fund-raising campaign until March 29 in hopes of reaching its goal of $7.3 million. The announcement came as pledges stand about 1 million dollars short, at $6.35 million.

Which local groups get ASC money? See below.

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Traveling with a purpose is the theme of this week’s Around Davidson column. We have news about two young women at our local high schools who are getting their passports and travel plans ready for two quite different itineraries.

Kathleen Elkins, a senior at Woodlawn School, is a local tennis sensation and has earned a spot on a European traveling team. She is raising funds for her summer tennis tour by organizing two doubles tournaments, the first planned for this Saturday, Feb. 27.

Meanwhile, at Davidson Day, French teacher Sheena Geiger is raising money for a trip to dance in Japan at the 40th Anniversary celebration of the Osaka World Expo.

Both Kathleen and Sheena are seeking individual and business sponsors to help defray the costs for their upcoming adventures. Read the full story

By MICHELE MILLER HOUCK
DavidsonNews.net

After three months of analysis it came down to two questions for the Davidson-Cornelius Day Care center’s task force: First, does our community want to continue to support working families through affordable child care services? And second, can we count on continued financial support? Read the full story

Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson beat expectations by raising $100,000 Jan. 23 at its annual ICE Gala at the Peninsula club in Cornelius. (See photo gallery below.)

Meanwhile, Davidson Parks & Recreation Director Steve Fraher came away with the title Friday, Feb. 12, at a Community Chili Challenge at Town Hall. His “Colorado Red Chili” was voted best chili in the event that raised money for the Arts & Science Council.

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