College graduations are occurring every weekend and public schools are winding down as we all look forward to the lazy days of summer – if we can catch a break from mowing the grass.  Almost daily rains are keeping folks busy, but how wonderful and green everything looks.

Speaking of the end of the school year, we have two notes today about recent honors for teachers:  Nancy Gardner and Rich Richards.  Around Davidson also visits with library volunteers and has news of an award for Jean Berg. Read the full story

Terry Laney was named the community recipient of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan award at Sunday's Davidson College commencement. (Bill Giduz photo)

One could not have asked for a nicer weekend for Davidson College commencement activities.  Beautiful weather without the humidity that sometimes greets us in May.  Congratulations to the 449 graduates, their families and friends. Congratulations as well to Brian Shaw and Julio Ramirez who received the Hunter Hamilton Love of Teaching Awards last Sunday.  Well deserved!

Today Around Davidson focuses on two youth in town, Lea Goldstein and Ben Wyatt, who are helping others.  We also have news of a new grandbaby for David and Margaret Stauffer and a recent cruise for Helga and Helmut Bracke and Judy Schuh. Read the full story

The Davidson College campus is sparkling this week after the refreshing rains of a few days ago.  Commencement weekend is almost upon us and we welcome families of graduates from near and far to our delightful town.  Just remember that parking will be at a premium through Sunday afternoon so be prepared to wear comfortable shoes and hike a bit.

Around Davidson has news today of mini-reunions celebrated by Jean Jackson at the beach and Rae Fangmeier right here in town.  We also report on a new award-winning author, Lizzie Barteldt. Read the full story

Hope everyone had a good weekend and had a chance to celebrate, with Mom as the center of attention.  Flower shops were busy and stores with floral departments were watching their supply dwindle by the hour as dads with children in tow were choosing beautiful bundles of fresh flowers to surprise Mom.  Many families spent a good part of the weekend working in the yard knowing that rain was forecast this week.  Gardens are looking gorgeous!

This week Around Davidson catches up with The Pines’ Annual Garden Party, gifts for Ada Jenkins Food Pantry from DUMC and letter carriers, community garden news and a note about Herb Jackson’s art. Read the full story

Wa-Hoo! No more chemistry for this student!

We welcome the much needed rain as well as having the North Carolina primary behind us.  College students in town welcome the end of classes as we found noted on a car window yesterday.  Children will no doubt welcome the chance to honor Mom this weekend since Sunday is Mother’s Day.

Around Davidson today makes note of a birthday for a well known resident, reports on the library’s book sale, reminds us about Saturday’s food drive, includes a Noteworthy Note and takes a minute to recount a few adventures from “a-broad!” Read the full story

Churchill Downs spire (Elisabeth Davis photo)

By ELISABETH DAVIS

And they’re off! Yes, it’s Town Day on Saturday, but many of you may be also attending or hosting Kentucky Derby parties later, when the 138th Run for the Roses will be held. Derby railbirds will spot a most unusual sight this year, however: Hansen, an almost pure white thoroughbred, is among the favorites. He will be easy to spot in the cavalry charge of bays and chestnuts during the race, although his eccentric owner has been forbidden to dye the horse’s mane and tail blue (and yes, he’s done that). Will he win? Union Rags, Bodemeister, Dullahan, and 16 other horses will challenge him to the wire. (My favorite? Union Rags.) Enjoy Town Day and the Derby!

Around Davidson shares news this week of a baby shower for Brittany and Adam Kicklighter, the retirement of Hansford Epes, the ministry of DCPC’s Mary Margaret Porter, a free concert at Hopewell Baptist, and a book signing by Elisabeth Davis. Read the full story

Main St. holly bush

By ELISABETH DAVIS

When I told a friend I would be filling in for Brenda Barger while she had some R&R this week, he said, “No one fills in for Brenda. You may temporarily write her column, but like Ted Williams or Churchill, there’s only one Brenda.” So true. Now for some news!

Wintry weather made a cameo appearance in North Carolina this week, with snow in the mountains and chilly temperatures here in the Piedmont. Even so, the shrubs unaffected by the canker worm invasion of late displayed their abundant berries and flowers, as seen in the photo of this rather spectacular Main Street shrub.

Davidson has activities galore this weekend, including a Saturday morning book signing at Main St. Books for “One Town, Many Voices: A History of Davidson, North Carolina.” Around Davidson has news today of family Easter gatherings near and far, a pastor whose ministry includes canines, and an upcoming concert. Read the full story

Our “PaddySmack” columnist, 14-year-old Paddy Millen, is filling in while Brenda Barger takes a week off from Around Davidson. Last week he interviewed Davidson Elementary School’s new principal, Dana Jarrett, who started the job on March 1. The following are excerpts from this interview.

Paddy Millen:  Where did you grow up and what was your elementary school experience like?

Read the full story