Salisbury, NC: The independent bookstores of greater Charlotte are delighted to announce the return of the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl!
Beginning April 1, bookstore lovers can pick up Greater Charlotte Book Crawl (GCBC) passports at any of fifteen participating bookstores. Each visit to one of the bookstores during the month of April earns the crawler a new stamp – no purchase necessary. The ultimate goal is to visit all fifteen stores, from Salisbury to Rock Hill, before the GCBC ends on April 29: National Independent Bookstore Day.
Each “Finisher” will earn a special edition GCBC decal designed by Davidson artist Lily Clark; simply show a completed passport at any participating bookstore to collect a prize. Finishers can also submit a photo of their completed passport to be entered in a drawing for the Grand Prize: a collection of gift cards from each participating bookstore (a $300 value).
Coinciding with the GCBC is a book collection for area nonprofit Promising Pages, whose work aims to end book deserts in Charlotte. Collection bins will be at each of the locations, and GCBC participants are welcome to donate brand new or gently-used books for kids into the bins.
The Greater Charlotte Book Crawl launched in April 2022 as a way to celebrate the importance of bookstores in the literary ecosystem, to celebrate Charlotte’s unique and growing indie book scene, and to offer area readers a fun, adventurous way to connect with fellow book lovers.
“Partnering with other independent bookstores has been one of the highlights of my life as a bookseller so far,” says Alissa Redmond, owner of South Main Book Company in Salisbury. “I am working incredibly hard to have our bookmobile – a Japanese fire truck – operational by April 1 so Hazelnut, South Main’s trusty shop dog, and I can visit many of the other stores in the Crawl and raise awareness around literacy promotion in the Carolinas.”
For the full list of participating bookstores, more information about the Greater Charlotte Book Crawl, or a printable passport, please visit https://greatercharlottebookcrawl.com.
Tara Wallace and Jeff Moose at Backcountry & BeyondHeather Teeter, owner of Sweet Meadow Tara Wallace and owner of Walser Technology Group, Brad WalserBarnhardt Jewelers owner, Debbie Barnhardt and dog Abby
SALISBURY — Successful marketing campaigns can stand out for humor and emotionality, but an underlying uniqueness can go a long way.
Numerous business owners around Salisbury and Rowan County participated in an unconventional marketing strategy with Coloring My Town. The organization creates coloring books featuring caricatures of figures from around the community.
When Fullers Market owner Justin Wells learned about the coloring book concept, he was immediately intrigued. “We get a lot of the same advertising things coming through the door,” Wells said. “Nothing sounds intriguing, but we saw this come through, and it looked so different. We thought, let’s try that one. It’s different from a regular advertisement or an ad on a menu at the restaurant. You may look at those, but do they stick with you?”
Tara Wallace , Coloring My Town Southeast owner and regional sales director, explained that they print more than 11,000 copies of the coloring book and distribute them throughout the school system.
“They are distributed to every student kindergarten through fifth grade in Rowan County,” Wallace said. “We give them teachers’ guides, which have ways to utilize the books in their classroom to teach all about their community. When they are done, we have the children take the books home and enjoy them with their families.
“It’s just a fun way to bring back that community pride and involve everyone in Salisbury and Rowan County, where there are a lot of different communities that we aim to bridge together.”
The books feature pages with city officials, business leaders, and academic figures, along with facts and history.
While Wallace oversees the project from start to finish, she said delivery day takes the cake. WHEN YOU SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS, YOU SUPPORT US. THANK YOU! “
The first day I go in to meet with the school or business, they have no idea why I am there,” Wallace said. “Delivery day is a whole other story. That is when I come in, and we see the smiles. Everyone loves seeing themselves in the book. We have built these relationships with them and it is so much fun to see their reaction and thank them in person for being a part of these books.”
Designing each page takes time, and sometimes they have to go back to the drawing board.
“We take a lot of cues from the business,” Wallace said. “We ask them what they would like their business represented in there. Sometimes, if I am there, I take pictures. I see some things. We talk about the business. Sometimes, they say I don’t have a clue, so my art team will come up with ideas. We’ll send a proof to them.”
Wallace explained that there is one overarching goal with each page. “
We make it personal,” Wallace said. “Every single page on there has a personal aspect on there, whether it is about a community event, principal, or whatever it might be.”
Fun Factory owner Marianna Riley Jarrett loved the idea as soon as she heard about it. “With my new business, I wanted to do more marketing and promoting,” Jarrett said. “This fits the perfect demographic for our businesses.”
Part of the organization’s mission is to get the coloring books into the hands of kindergarten through fifth graders in area schools.
“I think it is such an interesting and cool concept,” Jarrett said. “I absolutely loved having the custom design of the facility and the personal touch with me and my kids (Waylon and Wyatt).”
Jarrett also owns Spotlight Dance Academy. She took out pages for both of the businesses.
For the owner of Sweet Meadow Cafe, Heather Hopkins-Teeter, the concept was too tough to pass up.
“My advertising budget is not very big, so I tend to keep it grassroots. But this was such an unusual and unique way to do things,” Hopkins-Teeter said. “Incorporating it into the schools was just phenomenal, so I did find the extra money to put into this because it was such a unique project.”
Hopkins-Teeter’s daughter is in the fourth grade at Overton Elementary. The cafe owner said she was excited to hear about her daughter’s reaction to receiving a coloring book with her mom in it.
Seeing a Coloring Your Town version from his hometown of Statesville appealed to Backcountry & Beyond owner Jeff Moose.
“I saw a lot of local businesses there that I knew and had a lot of experience with,” Moose said.
Translating that to Salisbury seemed like a great plan to the outdoor goods business owner.
“Honestly, we just love being a part of the community,” Moose said.
Read more at: https://www.salisburypost.com/2023/02/05/outside-the-box-inside-the-lines-coloring-book-marketing-concept-captures-rowan-county-icons/
Rather than one day, the celebration will take place over the upcoming weekend.(WBTV File)
ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) – The Salisbury Human Relations Council (HRC) hosts the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration beginning Saturday, Jan. 14 through Monday, Jan. 16.
The “Dr. King Celebration Weekend” kicks off with the return of the MLK Parade along Main St. to Martin Luther King Jr. Ave., ending at the Civic Center, 315 S. Martin Luther King. Jr. Ave. There, the HRC will host a Community Resource Fair where Rowan County residents can receive health screenings, resources from local agencies, school supplies, and other gifts from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
The Cheerwine is one of Salisbury’s most popular events.(David Whisenant-WBTV)
SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) – Cheerwine, the iconic 106-year-old cherry soda and its hometown of Salisbury, N.C., will host the annual Cheerwine Festival on Saturday, May, 20, from noon to 10 p.m.
According to a news release, the family-friendly festival will feature live entertainment from local and national bands, Cheerwine-inspired food and drinks, arts and crafts, kids activities and more. The full musical lineup and additional details will be released in the coming weeks.
The Forward 2040 plan is a comprehensive outline for growth
Titled, “Forward 2040: Salisbury’s Framework for Growth,” the comprehensive plan is a guide for the City’s urban growth over the next 20 years relating to land use, future growth, physical development, and large-scale improvements.(David Whisenant-WBTV)
SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) – A draft of the City of Salisbury comprehensive plan is now available for public review and feedback through virtual and in-person meetings, and on the city website here.
Titled, “Forward 2040: Salisbury’s Framework for Growth,” the comprehensive plan is a guide for the City’s urban growth over the next 20 years relating to land use, future growth, physical development, and large-scale improvements. The Forward 2040 steering committee developed the draft plan from residents’ vision of how the community should grow responsibly, and in a way that considers the efficient, equitable and cost-effective provision of city services.
The comprehensive plan process was initiated three years ago to address the city’s challenges and opportunities head-on, though the pandemic interrupted much of the plan’s progress. Now, the steering committee is ready to proceed with the feedback portion of the process.
The draft plan boasts 10 key themes:
Responsibly-Managed Growth
Context-Based Urban Design
Thriving, Livable Neighborhoods
Sustainable, Clean Natural Environment
Resilient, Diverse Economy
Healthy, Active Community
Equitable & Inclusive Community
Vibrant Community Atmosphere
Unique, Dynamic Downtown
Local & Regional Partnerships
“Public participation is the backbone of the Forward 2040 comprehensive plan,” said Salisbury Planning Director Hannah Jacobson. “While I am proud of the draft plan, it will only get better with feedback from this community.”
Each theme is listed separately on the webpage, each with an opportunity to leave written feedback. Other opportunities are available to review and provide feedback on the draft plan. The community planning department will host a series of in-person meetings:
Monday, December 5
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Horizons Unlimited, 1636 Parkview Circle
Thursday, December 8
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Rowan Museum, 202 North Main Street
Saturday, December 10
10:00 a.m. – noon
RCCC North Campus, Building 600 Rm 101, 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd. South
January 2023 – TBD
Livingstone College
701 W. Monroe Street
Residents also are able to engage directly with planners who helped create the plan. To sign-up to request small group or one-on-one presentations, visit //salisburync.gov/forward2040, call (704) 638-5230, or email Forward2040@salisburync.gov.
Virtual “office hours” meetings will be held via Zoom:
Friday, November 18 – Noon to 1 p.m.
Friday, December 2 – Noon to 1 p.m.
Friday, December 9 – Noon to 1 p.m.
For more information on the draft Forward 2040: Salisbury’s Framework for Growth comprehensive plan, please contact the planning department at (704) 638-5230, or email Forward2040@salisburync.gov.
The Salisbury Academy Upper School (grades 9-12) is designed to make the journey of discovering and embracing that greatness accessible for each learner.(Submitted photo)
SALISBURY, N.C. (WBTV) – Salisbury Academy has announced that the Salisbury Academy Upper School will be located at 316 Depot Street in downtown Salisbury.
According to the school, the new downtown location enhances the SA experiential education model by leveraging the community as a classroom and community leaders as educators. Salisbury Academy Upper School students will engage in authentic work daily enhanced by the wealth of resources in the community to build their life skills and personal interests.
Internships with local businesses, visits to local art and theatre centers, and connections to governmental and nonprofit agencies will all be within a few blocks of the school’s location.
The school’s website describes the SA Upper School as an “academic journey is a thoughtful, four-year progression designed to develop students in alignment with the graduate profile (above). Annual themes, such as self-discovery and civic collaboration, braid together learning across all classes and are accentuated by a signature course experience called Compass.”
In their personal and social journey, upper school students have the benefit of engagement in their personal passions, encouragement to grow to their maximum potential, and inspiration from a diverse community of learners. SA students are celebrated as individuals as they, likewise, celebrate the individuality of their peers.
The Upper School provides its students a rich student experience by developing traditions and experiences that mark movement and achievement through these important four years, according to the website. From interest and service clubs to performances, socials, and annual field trips, the Upper School will build enriching student experiences that unite the student body across and within grade levels.
SA Upper School seeks to create partnerships to complement the work of other local educational institutions. For example, dual-enrollment opportunities with Catawba College provide juniors and seniors course options ranging from highly-transferrable general education courses to specific electives addressing personal interests. Collaborations with Rowan-Salisbury Schools and other local institutions continue to develop as well.
The SA Upper School experience can be both affordable and accessible. A variety of scholarship opportunities are available. See tuition rates here.
SALISBURY — More than 120 business leaders attended the Rowan Chamber’s Power In Partnership breakfast on Thursday morning to hear Josh Barnhardt and Brett Krueger speak about the redevelopment of the Empire Hotel property. The event was held at Trinity Oaks and was sponsored by Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.
“The feedback we have had from their presentation has been fantastic,” said Chamber President Elaine Spalding. “The Empire Hotel was featured on the recent Historic Salisbury Homes Tour with one of the hotel rooms completely refurbished. They also did a pilot television show for HGTV.”
Sada Troutman, executive director of Downtown Salisbury, Inc. (DSI) introduced Barnhardt and Krueger and said she sees them out of her window every week meeting with investors, giving tours and working on the property. DSI owns the Empire Hotel and has a task force working on the transition to the developers.
Barnhardt and Krueger shared a detailed presentation on the Empire Hotel re-development. At completion, the property will include a boutique hotel with 25 luxury historic rooms; the original 1906 Grand Ballroom completely restored with seating for 200 guests; 38 apartments; a full-service spa and gym; a fine dining restaurant/bar area; and, four to six retail spaces on the first floor. Their timeline calls for the plans to be complete by the second quarter of 2023. Construction would begin shortly after that and take approximately 24 months.
“Please be patient with us. We want to restore everything back to the original historic details. As may of you know with historic preservation, it takes some time to peel back the layers of decades of neglect and previous renovation projects,” said Krueger.
“Our team is passionate about this community and we want you to be proud of the Empire Hotel once again,” said Barnhardt. He listed The Sherbert Group in Charlotte and Rowan County native Eddie Belk with Belk Architecture as the other partners in the project.
Krueger has over 25 years of construction and development experience with signature projects like the Ivey’s Hotel in Charlotte and the Windsor Hotel in Asheville.
Being a second-generation builder and having an early strong real estate sales background gave him the experience to form his own company, Corinthian Development. He excelled as one of the top builders and developers in his market producing over $70 million in homes and developments. With over a dozen developments, Krueger has directly developed properties from Charlotte, Lake Norman and Banner Elk.
Barnhardt was raised in Salisbury, where he developed a fascination with history and old buildings. His mother, Debbie Barnhardt Bassinger, owns Barnhardt Jewelers in Salisbury.
Coming from a family of entrepreneurs and construction trades he learned the value of hard work at a young age. After living in historic neighborhoods in New York City, Charleston and Charlotte he has a passion for creating distinctive downtown living spaces. His 20-year career has included international technology consulting with IBM, growing a London-based startup, and leadership positions with Bank of America and Wells Fargo before founding Iron Horse Development. He has a B.A. and MBA from UNC Chapel Hill.
The Chamber’s next PIP breakfast will be on November 17 with Hotwire Executive Sue Kelly speaking. For more information, contact the Rowan Chamber at (704) 633-4221 or info@rowanchamber.com or www.rowanchamber.com
SALISBURY, N.C., (Friday, Oct. 21, 2022) –The City of Salisbury issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to purchase and redevelop the Plaza building located in downtown Salisbury. The mixed-use seven-story building, completed in 1910, was the tallest in North Carolina when it was constructed and still serves as an iconic image of the city. Salisbury is located along the Interstate I-85 corridor and is mid-way between Charlotte, NC, and the Triad region.
The building was a gift to the city from Ralph and Anne Ketner in 1991. The Ketners bought the building and completely renovated it in 1988. The goals of the rehabilitation were to establish downtown residential and to allow for workforce housing in Downtown Salisbury. Some 30 years later, Salisbury and its downtown corridor are currently experiencing noted growth in commercial and residential development.
The City is seeking qualified and experienced developers to respond to the RFP. The building is currently occupied by tenants and houses 20 apartments, six office spaces, and three commercial businesses. While the City believes the highest and best use of the building remains mixed-use inclusive of ground-floor retail and market-rate apartments, other uses can be considered. The City is also seeking proposals for a parcel located behind the building that could serve as parking for the building’s users.
Electronically-submitted proposals will be due to Hannah.Jacobson@salisburync.gov by 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. Tours are encouraged and will be scheduled for the week of Monday, Oct. 31, through Friday, Nov. 4.
The full RFP is located on the city website at salisburync.gov/bids.
The City of Salisbury is located in the heart of the Piedmont region of North Carolina, midway between Charlotte and Greensboro. Salisbury is the county seat of Rowan County, and provides a full range of municipal services, including law enforcement, fire protection, zoning and code enforcement and water and sewer systems. For more information regarding the City of Salisbury and its services and departments, please visit us on the web at www.salisburync.gov. To receive updates regarding local initiatives, meetings, programs and events, please follow us on Twitter at @CitySalisburyNCand Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CitySalisburyNC.
Music by Steven Lutvak Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman & Steven Lutvak Book by Robert L. Freedman Directed/Choreographed by Bradley Moore Music Directed by John Stafford
Set in London in 1909, the musical comedy A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder centers on Monty Navarro, a penniless clerk who is informed after the death of his mother that he is ninth in line to inherit the earldom of Highhurst, controlled by the wealthy D’Ysquith banking family.
After the imperious ruling Lord dismisses Monty’s claim of being a relative, the eight D’Ysquiths ahead of young Mr. Navarro begin dying in natural and unnatural ways. (A single actor plays all the not-so-nice D’Ysquiths, adding to the merriment of this production.) Meanwhile, Monty is trying to woo money-minded and self-centered Sibella Hallward — until he finds himself drawn to young Phoebe D’Ysquith. How will all these convoluted storylines come together? Come find out!
Piedmont Players’ production, directed and choreographed by Executive Director, Bradley Moore and music directed by John Stafford, features a cast of 11 of the most talented people you will ever see on stage. The 2014 winner for Best Musical, don’t miss this four-time Tony Award winner!
Piedmont Players Theatre’s cast includes: Nick Culp as Monty Navarro, Paul Leopard as The D’Ysquith Family, Laura Raynor-Williams as Phoebe, Leslie Roberts as Sibella, Debbie Hubbard as Miss Shingle, and an ensemble that includes: Marc Anderson, Molly Bronson, Jean Kadela, Taylor Kroop, Jonathan Lodgek, and Dale Waters, who play more than 75 different characters throughout the show.
PRODUCERS: Cold Stone Creamery & Edward and Susan Norvell
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Friday, October 21 at 7:30 PM Saturday, October 22 at 7:30 PM Sunday, October 23 at 2:30 PM Friday October 28 at 7:30 PM Saturday, October 29 at 7:30 PM Sunday, October 30 at 2:30 PM Friday, November 04 at 7:30 PM Saturday, November 05 at 7:30 PM Sunday, November 06 at 2:30 PM Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
TICKETS Tickets: $23 for adults; $21 for seniors/students/military. Tickets are available at www.piedmontplayers.com or by calling 704.633.5471
PRESS: For more information, please visit the Piedmont Players Theatre website or contact Executive Director Bradley Moore directly at bradley.moore@piedmontplayers.com.
Music & Lyrics by Tim Rice & Elton John Additional Music & Lyrics by Will Van Dyke, Lebo M, Mark Mancina, & Jay Rifkin Book by Roger Allers & Irene Mecchi Based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor Directed by Titus Quinn Music Directed by Jenny Carrol & Laura Raynor-Williams Choreographed by Krystal Stukes
THE LION KING, JR. is based on the 1994 Disney animated feature film of the same name. The Lion King is the story of Simba, an adventurous and energetic lion cub who is next in line to be king of the Pride Lands, a thriving and beautiful region in the African savanna. When Simba’s father Mufasa is killed by his uncle Scar, though, Simba is led to believe that his father’s death is his fault, and he is encouraged to run away forever. Scar seizes power and with his already unstable mind deteriorating, the Pride Lands experiences a darkness and desolation from which only Simba can save the animals of the kingdom. Featuring classic songs from the film such as “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata,” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” The Lion King is a story and a spectacle about identity, family, and responsibility that is enjoyed worldwide by people of all ages.
Piedmont Players Theatre’s cast includes: CJ Benjamin as Simba, Kara Holt as Nala, Sari Lewin as Rafiki, Isaac Welch as Zazu, Isaiah M. Walker as Mufasa, Mary-Ellen A. Rakin as Scar, Finley Driggers as Timon, Aidan Melton as Pumbaa, Kimora Cooper as Shenzi, Asher Pethel as Banzai, Jackson Walters as Ed, Keira Coley as Sarabi, Zana Smyre-Rouse as Sarafina, and Kayla Graham, Jada Neely, Shiloh Ricks, Londyn Williams, Vida S. Mejia, Ariyana Walker, Trinity C. McCormick, Keianna Holliday, Thierry Agnant, Jamel Freeman, Teague Rowland, Thomas Freeman, Amira Priester, Daleiah Waters, Annagail Murray, June Tilley, Z’Laya Stockton as ensemble.
PRODUCING PARTNER: Bill & Shari Graham
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Friday, September 16 at 7:30 PM Saturday, September 17 at 7:30 PM Sunday, September 18 at 2:30 PM Friday, September 23 at 7:30 PM Saturday, September 24 at 7:30 PM Sunday, September 25 at 2:30 PM Friday, September 30 at 7:30 PM Saturday, October 01 at 7:30 PM Sunday, October 02 at 2:30 PM
Doors open 30 minutes prior to each performance.
VENUE The Norvell Theater 135 E Fisher Street Salisbury, NC 28144
TICKETS Tickets: $16 for adults; $14 for seniors/students/military. Tickets are available at www.piedmontplayers.com or by calling 704.633.5471
PRESS: For more information, please visit the Piedmont Players Theatre website or contact Executive Director Bradley Moore directly at bradley.moore@piedmontplayers.com.
