The Toys for Tots drive is a holiday tradition for McGuire employees. Some departments compete against each other to see which group can donate the most bikes. Every year, several collection bins overflow with gifts and are stacked high with dolls, soccer balls, remote control trucks and many other toys and treats. McGuire Nuclear Station has supported this program for several years.
"It's great to support Toys for Tots and provide all these toys and bikes for children who are not able to have a big Christmas," says McGuire employee Jerry Garver. "It is fortunate that I have a good job and can provide for my children, and this is the least I can do to help out."
Toys for Tots is one of many community drives McGuire Nuclear Station participates in throughout the year, including providing fans for seniors, coats to local families and school supplies for local schools.
Cornelius Lacrosse goes to the Xtreme
The Cornelius PARC Department has formed a partnership with Xtreme Lacrosse. Under the direction of coach John Mott, the organization has been operating in Cornelius and neighboring towns for three years offering recreational leagues for boys and girls in the spring, summer, fall and winter; clinics year-round; select teams; equipment rentals and a generous uniform program; and team helmets included with all registrations.
Registration is under way through Jan. 15 for the 2012 spring season. Players who register by Jan. 1 will have their names printed on the back of their jerseys.
Extreme Lacrosse will hold four free clinics for beginner-level boys and girls lacrosse players Saturdays, Jan 21, 28 and Feb 4 and 11 from 11 a.m. to noon at Smithville Park. It will also hold a "Lacrosse 101" session for parents at the beginning of the spring season to explain the rules of the game. This informative session will be free to everyone registered for the spring lacrosse season, which begins in mid-February. To register or to obtain additional information, visit www.xlacrosse.com.
New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge
The "polar bears" will test the water temperature in Lake Norman again on New Year's Day when the fourth annual Lake Norman Polar Bear Club New Year's Plunge and Party will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Point, located at the southern end of Brawley School Road just south of Mooresville. The event benefits SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Iredell County.
Brave, or perhaps just temporarily insane, plungers will gather on the 18th fairway at The Point Lake and Golf Club, where they will charge into the water — albeit briefly — and actually pay for the privilege all to raise money for a worthy cause.
It's also a party, with prizes for best costumes and craziest hats, music provided by Zino Productions, food and beverages — including those of the adult variety, and more. The event is open to the public with the cost for adult plungers $50, youths $20, which includes event T-shirt. A $10 youth admission does not include a T-shirt, and there is no charge for teachers and veterans to participate. Registration desk opens at 11 a.m.
After plungers get dried off and warmed up, the annual New Year's Day Polar Bear Party will be held at Lake Norman Tavern at 1468 Brawley School Road, from 4 to 11 p.m.. For $50 per person, the event includes live music with The Ethan Hanson Band, and food and beverages. Participants should RSVP at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.hope-point.org. More information is also available on the facebook group page at "Fourth Annual Lake Norman Polar Bear Club."
Green flag drops at Convention Center
The 2012 NASCAR season will begin in Charlotte, not Daytona Beach. On Saturday, Jan. 21, the inaugural NASCAR Preview 2012 Presented by Sprint will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center from 9:15 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This preseason fan event will feature driver and show car appearances, simulators, games and a chance to meet top 15 NASCAR drivers including, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Jimmie Johnson and more. The event is part of the three-day NASCAR Acceleration Weekend held Jan. 20-22, which kicks off with the NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for the Class of 2012. The class includes Darrell Waltrip, Cale Yarborough, Dale Inman, Richie Evans and Glen Wood.
Tickets cost $10 per individual event admission, $20 for a combo ticket that includes admission to both the preview event and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. A $299 VIP weekend package includes all NASCAR Acceleration Weekend events. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-800-745-3000. For a complete schedule of events in including driver appearances, visit www.NASCARAcceleration2012.com.
