Hundreds pound the pavement for charity Saturday
Athletes hit the streets during two major charitable events Saturday morning to raise money to benefit children and families both locally and on a continent across the Atlantic. The fifth annual Jetton Road Triathlon continues to enjoy growth in both participation and giving, and the Run Wild 5K & Wild Child Fun Run in Birkdale nearly doubled its first-year's proceeds to help children orphaned by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
Keep tri-ing
From a married couple giving birth to the idea of holding a charity triathlon based in Jetton Park to last Saturday's fifth running of the event, Wakeman Charities Inc. has surpassed $125,000 raised for local charities.
Sheila and Jeff Wakeman played host to hundreds of athletes, volunteers and spectators for the 750-yard swim, 20-kilometer bike and five-kilometer event based at Jetton Park and staged within the park and along Jetton Road in Cornelius. Proceeds from this year's event will benefit Hope House Foundation of Huntersville and The Brookstone School in west Charlotte.
"This race builds community spirit and really gives people in our community a chance to come out and celebrate active lifestyles and charitable organizations in our area that really need our help," says Jeff Wakeman. "As the event reaches its fifth year, I have both been especially proud of how the people in the area have united together for the greater good of the community and to support the local charities."
The event regularly fills up with participants without advance promotion. This year, the race attracted participants from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. In fact, the female and male winners were Kellie Darmody and Tyler Jordon, respectively, from the Naval Academy.
"My husband and I created this event because we are both athletes and know how valuable health and fitness is for a community," says Sheila Wakeman. "This triathlon offers a unique combination of sports and distances that can be achieved by both novices and seasoned athletes alike. Over the past five years, we have welcomed first-time participants as well as triathlon veterans to the sport. We have been fortunate to have many volunteers and sponsors that keep coming back to support the event, the charities and the athletes."
Hope House provides transitional housing, support and services for single, unaccompanied women with or without children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness for as long as a six-month stay providing support and services. Since opening in 2009 it has served more than 56 homeless individuals. Within this stable living environment, goals of Hope House residents can be pursued and include personal responsibility for taking care of the house, encouraging self-sufficiency through employment and educational objectives, and working towards affordable longer-term housing.
The Hope House is monitored 24/7 by trained community volunteer women who are scheduled and trained by the director. The volunteer program is called RAYS of Hope (Resident Advisors at Your Service). Each resident is assigned a case manager to assess and track individual goals and objectives weekly.
Brookstone School is a private, non-profit K-6 school founded in 2001 serving low-income children and families. Located in West Charlotte, Brookstone draws its student body ages 5-12 from the surrounding area and other economically challenged neighborhoods around the city of Charlotte. It provide academics and emphasizes the attributes for a successful life: character, responsibility, service, self-reliance and faith. Current enrollment is 103, 87 percent of whom qualify for the federal lunch program. The long-term vision is to serve 300 students in grades K-8.
Running wild
Meanwhile, in the nearby Birkdale neighborhood on Saturday, the Run Wild 5K & Wild Child Fun Run to benefit the Huntersville-based African Children's Project included Olympian Anthony Famiglietti, who finished first with a course record 15:09. Claire Naisby was the first female to finish at 19:40. Most importantly, though, with 711 registered runners and walkers, the event raised more than $30,000 for the African Children's Project.
The event was sponsored by 32 local businesses and churches, including signature sponsors Omega Sports and Funny Bone Embroidery. Another 30 local businesses contributed prizes for the event.
This year's event raised nearly doubled last year's event, which netted more than $18,000 to help pay for construction of the non-profit's first family-style home for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS in Kenya.
The African Children's Project, a 501(c)(3) organization run by volunteers in the Lake Norman area and in Embu, Kenya, seeks to provide caring, family-style homes for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Mooresville residents Jason and Amy Yon and their two children will move to Embu in August to oversee the development of the property and to establish the orphan care ministry. For more information, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.africanchildrensproject.org" www.africanchildrensproject.org or HYPERLINK "http://www.yonfamily.net" www.yonfamily.net.
Rural Hill Center's first wedding
The Cultural Center and May Davidson Hall at Historic Rural Hill in Huntersville, which was decked out in festive decor for a party planners gathering last month, was designed in part to increase the working farm's attractiveness as a host to a wider range of year-round events, including weddings. And this Saturday the new facility will host its first marriage ceremony when Caroline "Carly" Suddreth and Joshua David Morris exchange vows with more than 200 guests in attendance. The couple met through mutual friends in a pickup soccer game at Appalachian State University and selected the site to match their desire for a rural-inspired celebration.
The Center is modeled after historic barn architecture and has complete modern amenities including a full-service kitchen. It can be set up for rustic, casual, traditional and formal events to provide an indoor/outdoor setting for all types of gatherings. For more information, call 704-875-3113.
Long locks
Cancer has touched the lives of many members of the family of 12-year-old Melissa Long of Huntersville, and she has seen them all go through the hair loss phase of cancer treatments. That's why she embarked on a goal of growing her hair specifically so she could donate it to Locks of Love, a charity that accepts donated hair to make wigs for those whose hair is temporarily robbed by treatment and can't afford hairpieces. Melissa recently made her donation and had her hair cut by Katie Pazmino of Hair Classic Salon. The Bailey Middle School student is the daughter of Jill and Tom Long of Huntersville.
Rough Draft next Concert on the Green
DAVIDSON, N.C. -- The next Concert on the Green in downtown Davidson will be held Sunday, May 19, featuring dance/variety band Rough Draft. Concerts on the Green are regularly held the first and third Sunday evenings of the month on the Davidson Village Green.
Obituaries for May 16, 2013
Thomas Carden Ball
Mr. Ball, 51 of Huntersville died Monday, May 6, at Hunter Village Nursing Home in Huntersville. He was born Feb. 27, 1962, in Chicago, Ill., to the late Edward Hyde Ball and Rosina Bagley Ball.
He is survived his brother, John Ball. In additional to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Nina. A funeral service was to be held in Chicago. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Huntersville is assisting the family with local arrangements.
Sofia Elizabeth Tabaka Komarnycky
Mrs. Komarnycky, 86, of Cornelius died Tuesday, May 7, at Novant Health Charlotte. She was born June 30, 1926, in Ukraine to the late Alexander Tabaka and Caroline Tiermann Tabaka. Along with her husband, the late Bohdan Komarnycky, they owned and operated several resorts, a condo rental company and a furniture manufacturing company.
She is survived by her daughter, Marie Komarnycky; three grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A funeral mass was held Wednesday, May 15, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Queensbury, N.Y. Burial followed at Evergreen Cemetery in Lake George, N.Y. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Huntersville is assisting the family with local arrangements.
Grace Lucero Hoag
Mrs. Hoag, 82, of Gastonia died Tuesday, May 7, at Gaston Memorial Hospital in Gastonia. She was born May 6, 1930, in Denver, Colo., to the late Joseph and Theresa Lucero.
She is survived by her daughter, Christine Gorham and husband, Richard, of Huntersville. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Hoag.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 25, at 11 a.m. at James Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be private at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Orondaga Hill, N.Y. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
Beverly Cross Bradford
Mrs. Bradford, 86, of Huntersville died Wednesday, May 8, with family by her side at The Pines at Davidson. She was born in Charlotte to the late Walter and Clara Smith Cross. Along with her husband, she had been co-owner of Hiawassee Dairy Farms and co-owner and bookkeeper for family businesses 3B Hardware in Huntersville and Bradford Properties of Huntersville.
In 1958, she was named Woman of the Year by the Ramah Home Demonstration Club where, under her leadership as president, she founded the Mothers' March on Polio in 1957. She led fellow members in fund-raising drives for the American Heart Association, Cancer Crusade and the Christmas Seal sales to fight tuberculosis. She was president of the Mecklenburg Farm Bureau Women and was a long-time member of Ramah Presbyterian Church, where she taught children's Sunday school, served in the Women's Circle and was a troop leader for the Boy Scouts
She is survived by her children, Cecil Bradford III and wife, Cynthia, of Huntersville, Beverly Woods and husband, Ben, of Huntersville, Smith Bradford and wife, Cindy, of Hopewell, Va., and Melanie Frear and husband, Bob, of North Redington Beach, Fla.; brother, Walter Cross of Davidson; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Cecil Bradford Jr.; grandson, Robert Frear; and sister, Wanda Gaston. A special thanks to all the staff of The Pines at Davidson and Hospice of Lake Norman for their compassion and care of Mrs. Bradford and family.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 18, at Ramah Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends immediately following in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charity of donor's choice. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
Bertha Osborne Ballard
Mrs. Ballard, 85, of Davidson died Friday, May 10, at the Novant Health Huntersville. She was born Feb. 16, 1928, in Mecklenburg County to the late William and Elvetta Arnette Osborne. She was a life member of the Long Creek Chapter 151 Order of Eastern Star and a member of Hopewell Baptist Church and the Homemakers Sunday School Class.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Ballard; son, Jeff Ballard of Davidson; sister, Ellis Kelly of Mooresville; and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by son, Steve Ballard; sisters, Lucille Stutts, Margaret Purser, Madelene Kennerly, Willie Mae Meadows and Lena Swaim; and brother, Billie Osborne. The family would like to express its thanks to the staff and caregivers at Olde Knox Commons and to neighbor Kim Little.
A funeral service was held Tuesday, May 14, at Hopewell Baptist Church with the Rev. Samuel Pierce officiating. Burial followed at the Mount Zion Community Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hopewell Baptist Church Building Fund, 18841 Davidson-Concord Road, Davidson, NC 28036. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
James Ozias Ropp
Mr. Ropp, 70, of Cornelius died Saturday, May 11, at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House of Huntersville. He was born in Bloomington, Ill., to Lidabelle Dever Ropp and the late Cornelius Ropp.
He is survived by his wife, Harolyn Ropp of Cornelius; daughter, Christina Dowell and husband, Robert, of Mebane; a son, Douglas Ropp of Charlotte; sister, Cornelia Cramer of Gibson City, Ill.; and two grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, May 15, at Mt. Zion Community Cemetery in Cornelius. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
Rough Draft next Concert on the Green
DAVIDSON, N.C. -- The next Concert on the Green in downtown Davidson will be held Sunday, May 19, featuring dance/variety band Rough Draft. Concerts on the Green are regularly held the first and third Sunday evenings of the month.
LNMommies, Duke host family carnival
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- LakeNormanMommies and the EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station present a Family Carnival Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event features activities, food, games, performances, prizes and more. Hosted by McGuire Nuclear Station, the event is free and open to the public, rain or shine.
LNMommies, Duke host family carnival
By Staff
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- LakeNormanMommies and the EnergyExplorium at McGuire Nuclear Station present a Family Carnival Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event features activities, food, games, performances, prizes and more. Hosted by McGuire Nuclear Station, the event is free and open to the public, rain or shine.
Attractions include a magic show by Twist the Balloon Man, a live reptile show by Cold Blooded Reptile Encounters, science demonstrations by Rocket Ryan, and a visit with characters from Carolina Renaissance Festival. Music is provided by Little Dreamer Productions. Main stage performances by Cheer Explosion, Expressions Dance Studio, Grand Central Academy of the Performing Arts, and Rock University will continue throughout the day.
Burn Bootcamp will host field activities and games on the lawn and there is a bounce house for kids. Additional carnival games and activities are provided by more than a dozen vendors, including crafts with Pre-K Birthdays, photos by SnookySmiles, face painting by Bird Nest Boutique, and more.
Attendees can get up close and personal with cars and trucks in the touch-a-truck area, which features the Coca-Cola Discovery Truck and vehicles from the Cornelius Police Department, Huntersville Police Department, Huntersville Fire Department and North Mecklenburg Volunteer Rescue Squad. The Community Outreach and Awareness will host car seat and baby proofing demonstrations by A Safe Child; chair massages will be provided by Ballas Chiropractic and representatives from Earth Fare, Habitat for Humanity and Novant Health will be on hand.
The prize tent will feature gifts that represent a wide variety of products and services ranging from photography to house cleaning, personalized artwork to Carowinds tickets, and fitness memberships to auto detailing. Ice cream, drinks, hot dogs, and more will be available for purchase at the Bruster's Ice Cream truck.
Information about the carnival is updated daily at www.lakenormanmommies.blogspot.com. The Energy Explorium at McGuire Nuclear Station is at 13339 Hagers Ferry Road in Huntersville.
Hearts for Heroes Fun Days May 17-18
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- Independence Hill Baptist Church in Huntersville will host its 24th annual Hearts for Heroes Fun Days Friday and Saturday, May 17-18. The weekend begins Friday night with a barbecue dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. Cost for barbecue is $8 and drive through service is available. There will also be a silent auction from 4 to 6:45 p.m. and a live auction that begins at 7.
Obituaries May 10, 2013
James Harris Smith
Mr. Smith, 70, of Mooresville died Monday, April 22, at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville. He was born Jan. 23, 1943, in Neptune, N.J., to the late Wardel and Ann Boyer Smith.
Youth cycling at Fisher Farm
DAVIDSON, N.C. -- Charlotte Youth Cycling League will offer a morning of mountain biking on Saturday, May 5, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at Fisher Farm in Davidson. Registration is open to anyone 14 years or younger who owns a bike and wants to experience the fun of racing in an encouraging, safe environment. All skill levels from beginner to advanced are welcome and children younger than 6 can participate at no cost.
Founded in 2012 by area cycling enthusiast Mike Long and a consortium of Charlotte cycling shops, Charlotte Youth Cycling is working to make one of the country's most popular sports more accessible for youth in the region.
