Monday night, the Huntersville Town Board of Commissioners provided the support needed to boost HFFA's preparations to host the 2012 Amateur Athletic Union National Diving Competition in July.
Following a brief presentation by Dee Jetton, executive director of HFFA, the board voted unanimously to approve a contact with AAU and approve capital improvements to the facility's diving well to meet AAU competition standards.
Approval of the acquisition and installation of two new diving boards, carrying an estimated price tag of $33,646, was the biggest remaining hurdle for HFFA to clear in order to host the eight-day competition, scheduled for July 21-27.
Other details and special hosting arrangements were worked out with AAU officials in November and December, and the last details of the agreement are expected to be finalized in the next few days.
The event will draw young divers from across the country. Competitors in age divisions from 9 to 20 will take part in the event, which will feature one practice day and six to seven days of competition.
Visit Lake Norman and Visit Charlotte have agreed to provide the $8,000 bid fee for the event, which is expected to have a substantial economic impact throughout the north Mecklenburg region. According to Jetton's report to the board, using conservative estimates that do not include guest and spectator spending, the event will have a direct economic impact exceeding $500,000.
In addition to approving the contract and authorizing the expenditures needed to add the two diving boards, the Huntersville Town Board also endorsed the creation of an advisory body to help organize community-wide fundraising for the event.
The goal is to raise enough money to purchase and install two additional diving boards, which will enhance HFFA's ability to more efficiently facilitate this summer's event and make it more attractive as a host location for future diving competitions.
Because HFFA is a town-owned facility, and since contributions to HFFA would have to be made through the town, the endorsement from the board was required before the fundraising campaign could begin.
— Lee Sullivan
Quarterly test next week for nuke sirens
Sirens located around McGuire Nuclear Station in Huntersville will be tested Wednesday, Jan. 11, at approximately 11:50 a.m.
No public action is required during this three-minute test. By testing the sirens, state and county officials and Duke Energy ensure the sirens are operating properly. This full-cycle siren test is performed once each quarter. County emergency officials are responsible for sounding the sirens.
Hearing a siren does not mean to evacuate. The siren sounding is a signal for residents to tune to a radio or TV station in their area that would carry an emergency alerting message. County officials would use these stations to provide information to the public.
Last holiday hoorah at Zootastic Park
Although the holiday is over, and 2012 is undeniably under way, Zootastic Park, one of the region's more unique attractions, wants to stretch that holiday feeling for a little bit longer.
The park's operators say, given the difficult economy, they want to give back to the community for its support of the zoo throughout the year. As a final present under the tree, Zootastic is holding over its "Wonderland of Lights" spectacular for one last time.
One of the largest holiday lights displays in the area, Zootastic will flip the switch back on Saturday, Jan. 7, from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission to the display is free.
With more than 1.5 million lights along the two-mile drive, the display concludes with a computerized light show in Zootastic's "Western Town." After viewing the lights, visitors are invited to enter the zoo to visit the animals. There will also be opportunities to have pictures taken with Zootastic's baby tiger cub, ride a pony and more.
The Christmas Wonderland of Lights is located off I-77 at Exit 42 between Mooresville and Troutman. From I-77 North, turn left off the exit ramp and then right on Ostwalt-Amity Road. Zootastic Park is one mile further on the left.
The park will open for its pre-season on March 3. For more information, call 704-245-6446 or 888-966-0069 or visit www.zootasticpark.com.
NMRW to examine political psychology
The psychology behind politics will be the primary topic of discussion at the next North Mecklenburg Republican Women's dinner meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10.
Timothy Daughtry, a business consultant and author, will be the featured speaker at the meeting, which will begin with registration at 6 p.m. at NorthStone Club, 15801 NorthStone Drive in Huntersville.
Daughtry is the co-author, along with Gary Casselman, of Waking the Sleeping Giant: How Mainstream Americans Can Beat Liberals at Their Own Game, scheduled for publication in March.
Admission to the NMRW is $20 payable by cash or check at the door. Following the registration and reception period, the buffet dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Studying the Bible with a literary eye
George Ramsey, the Kristen Herrington Professor Emeritus of Religion at Presbyterian College, will lead four sessions on the literary artistry of biblical storytellers Sundays through January, at Davidson College Presbyterian Church.
This series will examine a variety of biblical narratives with an eye to how appreciation of literary technique assists in grasping the theological import of the texts.
Held in the church's Congregation House, the series will convene Sundays on Jan. 8, Jan. 15, Jan. 22 and Jan. 29, at 9:45 a.m. in room B. For more information, call the church at 704-892-5641.
— Staff
