Garden Tip

Wait to fertilize spring-flowering shrubs and trees until after they have finished blooming. Early fertilization will promote green growth that hides blooms.










Information Courtesy of the NC Cooperative Extension





Visit www.BrittainMehler.com to search for properties surrounding Greensboro, NC!

Downtown Greenway

The official ribbon cutting of the first completed section is March 24, 2010. Check it out!! http://downtowngreenway.org/home/

F.W. Woolworth Co.

As many of you know, the F.W. Woolworth building that sits in downtown Greensboro is the site of an important and historic nonviolent civil rights protest. Greensboro has long awaited the opening of what is now known as the International Civil Rights Museum. If you have ever been to the Smithsonian, you have likely passed by a portion of that infamous lunch counter where the four young men sat in protest.


Remembering the Greensboro Four


Four freshmen from North Carolina Agriculture and Technical College sat down and sparked a movement.

On February 1, 1960, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, Jibreel Khazan, and David Richmond sat at the segregated lunch counter at Woolworth's in Greensboro. The students knew the counter did not serve African Americans. But they sat down anyway, following through on a plan they discussed for months.

Despite protests and a strong police presence, the students diligently returned to the counter in the following days, each time gaining more supporters to their cause. Five days later, more than 1,000 people packed the store.

Similar protests were held in Winston-Salem, Durham, Charlotte, Raleigh, Fayetteville, High Point, and throughout the South in solidarity with the Greensboro students.

F.W. Woolworths became desegregated on July 26, 1960.

The Greensboro Four, as they are now called, were honored at the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro, which opened this week. Gov. Bev Perdue and US Senator Kay Hagan were among those celebrating the grand opening.

The museum is an archival center and teaching facility devoted to the international struggle for civil and human rights. The museum celebrates the nonviolent protests of the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins that served as a catalyst in the civil rights movement.

Click http://www.sitins.com/ to learn more about the Greensboro Sit-ins.




Source: David Young

2nd ANNUAL BRUNSWICK STEW COOK-OFF

BRUNSWICK STEW COOKOFF RESCHEDULED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER



Shallotte, NC – The Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce has rescheduled the Brunswick Stew Cook-Off that was to be held this Saturday, January 30. The new scheduled date for the Brunswick Stew Cook-Off will be February 6th 10-4pm at Rourk Woods in Shallotte (same location). Due to the current weather forecast for Saturday, the committee determined it was the only option for the event. “We were hoping to have the event this weekend, but with the projected weather forecast, it is going to prevent us from having the Brunswick Stew Cook-off. We cannot ask for the community to come out to an event in this type of weather” said Cathy Altman, President of the Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce.

But what a great way to kickoff Super Bowl weekend! The Brunswick Stew Cook-off is perfect for the entire family and will feature Brunswick stew tastings, a kid’s area, a beer garden, live music by Jaded Mayberry, local crafters, super bowl party giveaway, food vendors and much more! Admission to the event is FREE; however, you must purchase tasting tickets to try the delicious stews. Tasting tickets are $5.00 for 6 delicious tastings. There are four contestant categories: Restaurants, Media, Nonprofits, and Individuals. Event attendees will be able to vote on their favorite stew for the People’s Choice Award 11:00am until 2:00pm, but you can taste until all the stew is gone! An official judging panel will take place from 10:00am until 11:00am that will include D.A. Rex Gore, Sheriff John Ingram, Reporter Casey Roman, Writer Jo Ann Mathews, and 103.7 Morning Show Host Bryan Keith. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top winners in each category, and the overall top stew contestant. The event will kick-off with music from 103.7 The Bone, and then live music will be performed by local band Jaded Mayberry from 12:00pm until 4:00pm. Kids will enjoy a bounce house, clown and complementary cotton candy! For ages 21 and over, a beer garden will be located next to the clubhouse. Enjoy other delicious foods such as barbeque, ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, chicken, and much more. The event will also include a local vendor section with fresh produce and North Carolina crafts, including baskets, pottery, jewelry, pet accessories, soaps, candles and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a super bowl party giveaway including the use of a 50” tv to watch the big game, catered food, cooler full of goodies, NFL Jersey signed by Mark Rypien, beer from Budweiser, and other items that will make your super bowl party the best in the county!

Visitors to the event can find free parking inside the Rourk Woods Development. Rourk Woods is located at 4700 Sugarberry Drive, Shallotte, NC. Directions from Wilmington: Follow 17 South for approximately 28 miles, Turn left on 17 Business/Main Street, Turn left onto 179/Village Road, Rourk Woods is a little over a mile on the right. Directions from Myrtle Beach: Follow 17 North into North Carolina, Turn right onto 17 Business, Turn right on Sellers Street, Turn right on 179/Village Road, Rourk Woods is on the right.

No outside food or drink, no pets, shirt/shoes are required. Event sponsors: Rourk Woods, Shallotte TDA, R.A. Jeffreys Distribution Company of Wilmington, 103.7 The Bone, Brunswick Beacon, South Brunswick Magazine, ATMC and WECT. For more information call 910-754-6644. *Please note that details are subject to change.

Winter Weather Advice!

As you know, we're about to be hit with some very bad weather so I thought I would pass along this advice so that you are sure to be prepared.

Many folks west of us that have been hit by this storm are struggling in the cold without power. We could experience the same problems. The weather is forecast to dip down in the teens which can really make things worse. Here's a short list of things to do before we get hit...

• Disconnect outside water hoses and shut off water to outside faucets.
• Find and tag the main water shut off in your house in case of freezing pipes. When they thaw, broken pipes can lead to a huge mess.
• Keep garage doors closed to reduce draft in the home.
• Remove snow build up from awnings and roof.
• Close all storm windows and apply plastic film to older leaky windows.
• Disconnect your electrical appliances if there is a power outage. When power is restored, surges are likely to damage them.
• If power goes out, do not use a non-indoor approved heating devices and keep your generator outside where there is plenty of ventilation.
Two more important tips...
• Please do not go out into the weather if you can help it or drive the roads before they are safe again.
• Bring our furry friends inside. It's going to get very cold this weekend.
I hope you and your family have a safe weekend without problems!

Southern Lights Returning this Spring!

Southern Lights Bistro will reopen this spring.

When the restaurant closed last year, co-owner John Drees bid farewell to the old location, confident he would reopen the restaurant that had retained a loyal following for almost 25 years. Today, Drees is a happy man.

"I'm excited. We've made a turn," says Drees.

After months of speculation, and the possibility of a change in the restaurant's name, Drees announced today that he will definitely reopen Southern Lights Bistro at 415 Lawndale Drive, the former home of Roosters Gourmet Market & Gifts.

He says the menu will feature daily fish and chicken items in addition to lots of old favorites

Energy Efficiency Projects Get Funding Across NC

“Main Street” Energy Projects Approved for Recovery Funding
More than $330,000 in federal Recovery Act funds have been awarded to eight North Carolina “Main Street” communities to help with energy efficiency and renewable energy initiatives. The grants are the first distribution of money from the North Carolina Energy Program for the state’s Main Street initiative.
“North Carolina continues to use recovery funds for job creation and energy efficiency,” said Gov. Perdue. “These grants will provide service jobs for local businesses and help local communities save money on utility bills.”
The Main Street initiative seeks to boost economic development in small towns, including those in rural areas that have been designated by the N.C. Commerce Department’s Division of Community Assistance. A second round of grants is expected to be awarded during the first quarter of this year.
The North Carolina Energy Office, in partnership with the N.C. Main Street Center, awards grants to eligible local governments and/or nonprofit downtown revitalization organizations for projects totaling no more than $250,000. Grants are awarded to Main Street communities for energy audits and planning and policy work to support long-term sustainable changes for energy efficiency.
Local matching funds must be committed for implementation of grant awards on the basis of a minimum of one non-federal dollar for every one federal dollar from the N.C. State Energy Program Main Street Grant Fund.
Click here for the list of “Main Street” projects approved for funding in the first round.

Holiday Open House at the Executive Mansion and Western Residence

Executive Mansion

Governor Perdue invites the public to visit the Executive Mansion – the People’s House – for a Holiday Open House Dec. 10-13. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the mansion’s beautiful decorations and enjoy holiday entertainment provided by musical and choral groups from across the state.

Schedule
• Thursday, Dec. 10 12 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Coinciding with the Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting)
• Friday, Dec. 11 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 12 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 13 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

No advance reservation is necessary but due to the popularity of this event, visitors should try to arrive at least an hour prior to closing. The Executive Mansion is located at 200 N. Blount Street. For questions regarding the Executive Mansion open house, visitors should call Capitol Area Visitors Services at 919-807-7950 or toll-free at 866-724-8687.

Western Residence

The Western Residence board of directors also invites visitors to the Asheville home to view its holiday decorations Dec. 5-6.

• Saturday, Dec. 5 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Sunday, Dec. 6 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

No advance reservation is necessary. The Governor’s Western Residence is located at 45 Patton Mountain Road. For questions regarding the Western Residence open house, visitors should contact Juleigh Sitton at 828-430-0054.

Fiber Manufacturer Brings 25 Jobs to Rockingham County

SANS Technical Fibers LLC, an international manufacturer of synthetic nylon filament and yarn for the high-performance, military, automotive and other markets, will expand its plant in Rockingham County. The company will invest more than $2.8 million and create 25 jobs in Stoneville. The announcement was made possible in part by a $60,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“North Carolina remains a top choice for successful companies adapting to compete in a global marketplace,” Gov. Perdue said. “Our exceptional quality of life and skilled workforce continue to attract companies looking for the perfect location to expand and prosper.”

SANS Technical Fibers, headquartered in Gastonia, is a wholly owned subsidiary of AECI Limited of South Africa. AECI has consolidated its fiber-producing operations to the Stoneville plant, which currently employs about 100 people.
For information on company job opportunities, please contact: hr@sansfibers.com.




Source: Governor Perdue

Driving While Texting

An epidemic is sweeping across America causing drivers everywhere to blackout. It's called Texting & Driving. Starting December 1st, 2009 NC driver's caught texting while driving will face a fine of $100 plus court fees. The violation will not add points to your driving record and insurance surcharge will NOT be assessed.

When you text and drive...

It takes your eyes off the road on average of five seconds at a time. At 55 mph, that's like driving the length of a football field - completely blind.

It's like driving after having 4 beers.

It makes us 23 times more likely to crash.

It results in car crashes that kill an average of 11 teens each day.

It's results in 330,000 distracted driving injuries every year.