Rep. Larry Kissell with Concord High Senior Ben Osborne, winner of the 2012 Congressional Art Competition. Osborne’s submission, “Hands On” was selected by a panel of local judges. More than 60 students from across the 8th District submitted work for this year’s competition, and Kissell held an event at the Cabarrus Arts Council to honor the six finalists and announce the winner.

Representative Larry Kissell (NC-08) recognized six high school artists from across the 8th District as finalists in the 2012 Congressional Art Competition and announced the overall winner at an event held in Concord recently. The top three selections from both the East and West regional shows were displayed at the Cabarrus Arts Council for an event honoring the students that took part in this year’s competition.

The six finalists of this year’s competition were Miranda Thompson of Richmond Senior High School, Ashley Chen and Ben Osborne of Concord High School, Sean Jenny of Charlotte United Christian Academy, and Thomas Happel and Kirstin LaShonde of Jack Britt High School. A record number of pieces were submitted this year, with contributions from 68 students from high schools throughout the district.

“I am so proud of our students here in the 8th District and their continued hard work and appreciation of the arts,” said Kissell. “As a former school teacher, I have seen firsthand how important it is for students to express their creativity. This competition is a great way to keep our young folks motivated and bring a piece of our district to Washington for all to see.”

The finalists’ artwork was anonymously judged by a panel of local judges, with Ben Osborne’s drawing “Hands On” being selected as the competition’s winner. Osborne’s work will hang in the U.S. Capitol tunnel for one year, and he will be invited to join other winning students for the artwork’s official unveiling later this year.

“Each and every piece submitted this year was unique in its own way and showed just how rich our district is with talented young artists and their supporting families and teachers,” added Kissell. “I encourage anyone visiting Washington to reach out to our office and come see our student’s artwork displayed in our nation’s capital.”

Alcoa is kicking off the summer recreation season with a series of community events to promote water safety. The company is joining forces with local law enforcement officials to educate swimmers and boaters about water safety on Saturday, May 19 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

Alcoa will give away 100 free life jackets to children who attend the events at the Badin Swim Area on Badin Lake or the Buddle Creek Swim Area on High Rock Lake. Children and their parents can also enjoy free snow cones and pick up a free safety whistles as they talk with local law enforcement officials and look at boats used to patrol the lakes and rescue those in need.     

“There are so many families in our community who enjoy swimming, boating and fishing on these lakes. While they are having fun, we want to remind them about the best way to stay safe on the lakes,” said Mark Gross, vice president of hydro operations for Alcoa Power Generating Inc. “We’re excited about putting 200 life jackets in the hands of local children this weekend. Wearing a life jacket is the absolute best way to stay safe on the lakes.”    

Representatives from NC Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and local law enforcement officials are participating in the events. 

“Play It Safe” Campaign Sends Simple Reminder
Throughout the summer, Alcoa will use billboards, newspaper and radio ads, signage around the lake and other avenues to promote the “Play it Safe” message to boaters and swimmers.  This is the eighth year Alcoa Power Generating Inc. has sponsored the “Play it Safe on the Lakes” campaign.

In addition, Alcoa provides $90,000 a year to sheriff departments in Davidson, Montgomery, Rowan and Stanly County for increased patrols of the lakes.

The Borderlyne Band will be performing in Albemarle, NC, this Thursday evening from 8:00 until 9:30, opening the Albemarle Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series on May 17 at the historic Market Station. Come on out and support this community event; it’s fun and it’s free.

Borderlyne features Charlotte’s “Queen City Female Country Vocalist of the Year” for 2012, Dawn Hardee, on vocals.

The band will be playing hits from artists like Adele, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, Sugarland, Martina McBride, Tom Petty, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, The Beatles, Motown, and Celtic favorites from Great Big Sea.

The band is eager to roll out in 2012, with their debut at Market Station introducing the phenomenal Joe Schwarck on lead guitar. Chuck Gorospe plays bass, Craig Fugit plays drums, and Albemarle’s own Mike Flaherty plays keyboards and guitar.

Congressman Larry Kissell’s weekly report from U.S. House

It is far too rare these days that I get to report good news to you from Washington. Today, I can. I’ve been working to eliminate a loophole that was going to allow Afghan army and police uniforms which are purchased with your tax dollars to be made with materials made in China, North and South Korea and Vietnam, skirting the Berry Amendment which requires that military textiles be made in the U.S. It is unacceptable that people in our own government have circumvented the Buy American provisions that our nation once embraced, provisions I’ve made a point to stand up for and advance. I’m pleased to report that this week we made major progress in closing this loophole and standing up for American industries.

The House Armed Services Committee met this week for consideration of the 2013 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that determines the levels by which we will fund the military. This presented an opportunity to help fix this major problem and reiterate to both Congress and the Department of Defense that Buy American should continue to be a top priority. In the weeks leading up to this, I’ve made phone call after phone call and met with military officials to attempt to determine why this loophole exists, who is responsible for it and how it can be fixed. I decided that an amendment to the NDAA to fix this problem immediately was the best option.

After bringing the draft of my amendment to the committee, it became clear they were not supportive of our efforts. The Department of Defense sent along a message that they “strongly opposed” our language to close this loophole, stating that they supported these exceptions from Buy American. Committee staff from both sides of the aisle asked me not to introduce it, as the Chairman and Ranking Member of the committee planned to vote against it. As the committee met late Wednesday night, just after midnight as I was about to present the amendment, one final staffer made an attempt to talk me out of it, asking, “Are you sure you want to introduce this?” “Absolutely,” I replied.

As I introduced the amendment before the committee, I spoke about my 27 years in textiles. I spoke about how our part of the world was hard hit a decade before the recession set in by late 2008. I spoke about how bad trade deals and misguided Washington policies just like this cost us job after job in textiles and furniture and throughout our rich manufacturing sector. These are the precise issues that led me to serve the people of this district, and they’re the same issues that I have worked on from the very beginning of that service. And I will continue to fight against these measures that hurt American workers and businesses.

As the vote ended and the clerk read the final vote tally, applause broke out through the committee room. The Chairman kindly asked the clerk to repeat the total. Our amendment had passed 41-20, and would be included in the final House bill to fund the brave men and women of our military. At a time when we constantly see the ways in which government works against American businesses and manufacturers (who pay the taxes that buy the Afghan uniforms) and how they are being kept at a constant disadvantage in contracts just like these, it’s important to highlight the ways in which we can bring an end to this unfairness. Folks in our part of the world want nothing more than a fair shot to be successful, government to get off their backs and to show common sense stewardship of their hard-earned tax dollars. This amendment helped to undo a good bit of that form of bad government, and I was proud to see it pass.

Far too often, we hear about bad legislation and 1,000 page bills that sneak through Congress in the dark of night. This time, our common sense, one-page bill was introduced and passed a little after 2 a.m., but this bill will actually benefit our workers and advance our push for American jobs and revitalization of the textile industry. While some of my colleagues opposed the measure, many of them saw that the issue was simple. If taxpayer money is being spent, it should promote U.S. industries and American workers. China already owns far too much of our debt, our military shouldn’t also finance their government-owned textile mills.

Lately, we’ve seen Congress focus more on playing politics and laying blame than actually finding solutions for the challenges we still face. In my opinion, it’s beyond time that we replace government inaction with a government in action—working tirelessly each and every day for the American people. I’m proud we were able to win another victory for the textile industry and American businesses as a whole, and I’ll keep my focus on common sense solutions that help put folks here at home back to work.

Stanly Community College will hold a “Free College Day” on the Albemarle Campus, Saturday, June 23, 2012. This is a great opportunity for community members to experience classes for free and learn a little about their community college.

The schedule includes serious classes as well as fun classes. A wide range of educational opportunities will be offered such as Buying and Selling at an Auction, Gun Safety, Civil War History, PhotoShop for Beginners,  Supermarket Economics, Apps for Smart Phones, Job Search 101, Math Online, Creative Writing, Fun and Nutritional Snacks for Children, and many more.

Late registration will be available onsite beginning at 8:30 a.m. on June 23rd.  Classes for the day will begin at 9:00 a.m., and the last class offered will begin at 12 noon.

Kathy Gardner, Dean of Student Outreach and Career Planning, says, “Free College Day is a one-day event we are incredibly excited about.  It is an opportunity for our community to get a wonderful glimpse of what SCC has to offer.  We look forward to having people see our campus, meet our faculty and staff, and experience Stanly Community College first hand.”

For a complete schedule and to register in advance, visit our website at www.stanly.edu and click on the “Free College Day” button on the home page for details or please call 704-982-0121.  Each class has a seating limit. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

Webb Scholars and Guests (Pictured left to right) Seated: E.M. “Bear” Knotts, Dr. H.T. “Toby” Webb Jr., Mr. Ed Crutchfield, and Mr. John David Moose. Second row: Dr. Brenda Kays, Brandon Crump, Rick Burris, Xzavier Brown, Todd Lambdin, Leng Lee, Tony Jenkins, Christopher Scott, and Mr. Elbert “Whit” Whitley Jr. Third row: Chip Eudy, Garrett McDonald, David Palamountain, Ben Baucom, Andrew Furr, and Mickey Haywood.  Fourth row: Chuck Isenhour, Charles Austin, Richard Barbee, Zachary Baucom, Jim Strylowski, and Dale Chandler.

The Stanly Community College (SCC) Foundation recently held a brunch to honor the selected Webb scholarship recipients.  This program is funded by the Crutchfield Family Foundation and named in honor of Dr. H.T. “Toby” Webb Jr.  Mr. Ed Crutchfield named this program in honor of him because of the tremendous impact Dr. Webb has had on so many young men’s lives over the years.

The Webb Scholar program provides twenty-five annual scholarships to prospective male students enrolled in Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science degree programs. 

Dr. Webb is better known as “Coach” in this area since the 1950’s when he coached the Albemarle Bulldogs football team.  He was appointed to the SCC Board of Trustees in 1984 and has served for twenty-eight years, many of those as Vice-Chairman.

SCC President Dr. Brenda Kays welcomed those present and Webb Scholar Brandon Crump gave the invocation.  Ms. Robin McCree, Executive VP of Educational Services, introduced the scholarship recipients and acknowledged the 2012 graduates for their accomplishments.

Webb Scholar Benton Baucom spoke in appreciation of the program and commented as to how the scholarship has become a major contribution to his education and his future career pathway.

Remarks were given by Mr. John David Moose who was an Albemarle football player and Co-Captain of the Class of 1955.  Mr. Moose congratulated the scholars on their achievements and suggested that the best way to honor Dr. Webb and his scholarship program is to not become “quitters” in their educational journeys or in their lifelong pathways to success.

Honoured guest and benefactor Mr. Ed Crutchfield spoke words of kindness about Dr. Webb and the many ways he has been an inspiration to men, both during their tenure at SCC and afterwards.

Dr. Webb congratulated the scholars and expressed appreciation for the generosity of Ed Crutchfield and the support of Mr. Bear Knotts and Mr. Elbert “Whit” Whitley Jr. in the scholarship application and interview part of the program.

For more information regarding the Webb Scholarship program, please contact SCC Foundation Director Janet Sistare at (704) 991-0189 or visit our web site at www.stanly.edu.

Stanly County is on the move…literally. It seems that every week there is a running event for someone, from seniors to students and all those in between. This weekend sees the wrap-up of the Senior Games, a Relay for Life and the Run for the Son 5K. Even those cute little rubber ducks are into racing. Good causes and great prizes are the order of the day for all this activity.

Thursday is the final day for the Uwharrie Senior Games and Silver Arts. The event began on April 28 at the Stanly County Senior Center. It is free for first-timers and $12 for returning participants. Seniors can participate in a multitude of sports as varied as Golf, Bocce, Softball, Swimming and Cornhole. They can also enter in the Silver Arts with heritage, visual and literary categories available. Join over 200 seniors for this great event.

Friday and Saturday brings the Stanly County Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. The event is at North Stanly High School and stretches from 6 pm Friday to 6 am Saturday. Music will be provided by the Junque Gallery band. The Survivor Lap starts at 7 pm, the Kids Lap starts at 8 pm and the Luminary Lap starts at 9 pm. The closing ceremony is at 5:30 am Saturday.

On Friday evening head out to Locust as the city hosts a Summer Concert Series and Cruise-In. The Cruise-In starts at 5 pm in the Locust Town Center in the beautiful downtown area. The band “Right Turn Clyde” will perform starting at 6 pm. The Concert Series and Cruise-In is a great time to get outside and enjoy wonderful music and unique cars in a beautiful setting. For more information please contact Locust Town Hall at 704.888.5260 or visit www.locustnc.com.

On Saturday those rubber ducks do their thing at the 4^th Annual GHA Autism Supports Rubber Duck Derby at City Lake Park in Albemarle. Adopt your rubber duck to support a great cause and for a chance to win $3,000. You do not have to be present to win. The Grand Prize Lucky Duck is $3,000 cash. Second-place Runner-up Duck brings you $1,000 cash. Other prizes are the Hungry Duck $100 Gift Card courtesy of Harris Teeter, the Keep me Movin’ Duck $50 BP gas card, the Travel Duck Two complimentary tickets to Biltmore House and Winery courtesy of the Biltmore Company, the Yummy Duck $50 gift card to Dairy Queen courtesy of Albemarle Oil Company and last but not least, the Dining Duck $50 gift certificate courtesy of Off the Square which is located at 114 South Second Street, Albemarle.

At 8:30 am the Carolina Christian School hosts the Run for the Son 5K. The run is organized by Vac and Dash and takes place at theCarolina Christian School at 406 Renee Ford Road, Locust NC.

And don’t forget to RUN by the Farmer’s Market on this Saturday morning. Once you’re there you can take your time to stroll, amble and enjoy the stalls of delicious fresh produce, the home-baked goods, the flowers and the crafts, all from local vendors.

Yes, we’re on the run in Stanly County, but we’re also into relaxing with a fishing pole beside a beautiful lake, ambling along a well-kept hiking trail in a quiet park, or drifting with the stream in a kayak or canoe.

Stanly Community College (SCC) celebrated its forty-first (41^st) commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 12, 2012, on its Albemarle campus.  Nearly 2,000 students, faculty, staff, board members, friends, and relatives gathered under a large, white tent especially prepared for this joyous occasion. 

Nearly 500 degrees, diplomas, and certificates were awarded as well as several distinctive awards.  Two separate ceremonies were held to accommodate both the curriculum and the Adult Basic Skills students.

SCC President Dr. Brenda Kays noted, “We heartily congratulate the class of 2012!   The Board of Trustee’s, Faculty, and Staff at Stanly Community College are extremely proud of our graduate’s accomplishments.      We are very proud to have had the opportunity to help these students in achieving their educational goals.”

Graduates were selected as guest speakers to share their educational journeys and words of wisdom.  Associate Degree Nursing Graduate Debra Slaughter addressed the crowd and challenged individuals to make a difference in the world.  “Stanly Community College has taught me that anyone is capable of anything.  It has opened my eyes to become active in life—not just go through life trying to make a living but actually to live life and to do,” Ms. Slaughter explained. “Everyone has obstacles that get in their path, these are merely temporary distractions.  Don’t let them stop you or slow you down; plow right through and don’t look back.  Each obstacle will make you stronger,” she said. 

Diana Crowder, Adult High School graduate and mother of three, came to SCC to repeat her high school diploma after finding out the diploma she earned online was not state accredited.  “I was heartbroken when I found out my high school diploma was basically worthless after applying for a higher paying job.  I was told it was not state accredited; I was shocked beyond belief!” she said. “My advice to all is to check with your local community college before you plan to do any online classes.  SCC is a great college, and I stand before you today a proud graduate ready to pursue a nursing career.”

Cecilia Wentz, General Education Diploma (GED) graduate, explained how she quit school at sixteen to work a job making $4.25 an hour.  “When my son came to ask me for help on his homework, especially math, and I didn’t have the answers, I realized that I wanted more for myself and my family.   I have finished the GED program in November, and I have already started to earn college credits towards my Human Services Technology degree,” explained Ms. Wentz.  “You can go back to college, no matter what your story is!” 

Associate in Arts Graduate and Stanly Early College Valedictorian Kristi Walker spoke about not being afraid to experience new opportunities. “What we have accomplished is phenomenal, but this is only the beginning. We are about to venture out into a world of new opportunities and experiences. There is so much more to be accomplished, and it can’t be done by standing by and watching.”

The Stanly County Democratic Women will meet Thursday, May 17, at 6 pm at the Stanly County Public Library Meeting Room in downtown Albemarle.

The guest speaker will be Budd Barro, Gov. Perdue’s Western Chief of Staff. He will talk about what’s happening in Raleigh and how it relates to NC women and families.