Huntersville - United States

Historic Latta Plantation is at 5225 Sample Road off Beatties Ford Road in Huntersville. For more information, call 705-875-2312 or visit www.lattaplantation.org.

• Civil War Soldier Camp: July 22-25 or Aug. 5-8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Boys and girls ages 8-12 are mustered into the Union and Confederate armies to experience life as a Civil War soldier. Re-live the war through a week of drills, battles, hikes, farm programs, and 19th century life. Campers receive several items to keep that they will use during the camp week, including a replica musket, kepi, haversack, T-shirt and more. The camp week will end with a major battle engagement that families can watch and a formal graduation ceremony. For more information, contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost is $175.

• 53rd Call To Arms Camp: July 15-18, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Advanced Civil War Camp for ages 13-14 who have graduated out of the Civil War Soldier Camp. Experience strategic battle planning, tacticals in the woods, starting a fire with flint and steel, campfire cooking, and more. For more information, contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost is $175.

• Revolutionary War Soldier Camp: July 17-20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Boys and girls ages 8-12 can re-live the American Revolution as a patriot or loyalist, during a fun-filled week of drills, battles, learning about soldier life, and more. For more information, contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312, ext. 305, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost is $175.

• Miss Jane's Academy: July 22-25 or Aug. 5-8, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This Civil War camp takes girls ages 8-12 back in time to see what life was like for women in the 19th century. Hands-on activities include spying, making fans, sewing, open-hearth cooking and English country dancing to name a few. Each girl will receive an apron, bonnet, and T-shirt to keep. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost is $175.

• Mini Farm Camp: June 4-6 or Aug. 13-15, 9 a.m.-noon. This camp is for boys and girls ages 4-5 who want to learn about farm life. Campers will meet the Latta animals, including chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, a cow, mule and horse. Each day will include hands-on farm activities, crafts, games and getting up close and personal with the animals. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost is $60.

• Jr. Farm Camp: June 10-13 or July 29-Aug. 1, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This camp is for children ages 6-8 who like the outdoors and animals. In addition to getting up close to a variety of farm animals, campers will learn and participate in farm chores, animal care, natural plants and medicines and more. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost is $100.

• Farm Camp: July 8-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This is a very hands-on camp about all things farming for ages 9-12. Campers will learn to care for various farm animals, where food comes from, how to survive on a 19th century farm and more. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost is $175.

• Advanced Farm Camp: June 24-28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. This is an intense, extremely hands-on training course in all things farming for ages 12-17. The course will include animal husbandry, historic natural farming techniques, woodworking and more. Participants should be prepared for labor-intensive work and training. This camp is designed for those with a serious interest in learning about farming, animals and agriculture, as well as those who have an interest in veterinary medicine. For more information, contact Nicole Cheslak at 704-875-2312, ext. 304, or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Cost is $200.

• Mini Pirate For a Day Camp: A one-day camp on Saturday, July 6 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Children ages 5-7 can become pirates for a day. They will learn pirate terms, pirate history, go on a treasure hunt, play pirate games and receive a bandanna to keep. The cost is $25 per camper and pre-registration is required. Registration form is at www.lattaplantation.org/latta/images/minishiplog.pdf.

Eleven-year-old Taylor Lloyd of Mooresville recently placed second in the Girl Scout Peaks to Piedmont Council's cookie dessert recipe competition. The event was held Feb. 28 at the Madeleine Dassow Girl Scout Learning Center in Colfax. She is a member of the Mooresville Girl Scout Cadette Troop 2141.

MusicalMinds, a holistic after-school program changing the lives of children through music education, has received a donation from Davidson United Methodist Church to purchase violins for 25 first- and third-grade students. MusicalMinds is a free program serving those with the greatest needs and fewest resources, in its inaugural year based at Blythe Elementary School in Huntersville.

HPRD offers Healthy Huntersville

The Town of Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a "Healthy Huntersville" initiative and is encouraging the public to take part in two upcoming free events.

March 8

Big Band concert at Mt. Zion UMC

The Lake Norman Big Band will be in concert at 7 p.m. in the Family Life Center at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Cornelius. The concert is part of the Cornelius Concert Series. The only concert in the series that requires a $5 admission fee, it is a fund-raiser to help cover costs of the series.

Robert Reis

Mr. Reis, 66, of Huntersville died Saturday, Feb 23, at his home. He was born April 27, 1946, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Walter and Dorothy Nash Reis.

He is survived by his sons, Steven and wife, Deanna, of Santa Rosa, Calif., Jeffrey and wife, Aurelie, of Santa Rosa, Calif., and Justin Charlotte; daughter, Patricia Reis of Laguna Beach, Calif.; sister, Barbara Laponza of North Olmstead, Ohio; and four grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Saturday, March 2, at the chapel of James Funeral Home with the Rev. Carl Dumford officiating. Internment was at NorthLake Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.

Ellen Simmons Howes

Mrs. Howes, 65, of Huntersville died Sunday, Feb. 24. She was born June 8, 1947, in Wilmington to the late James Simmons and Gwendolyn Rackley Jones.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Neal Howes; daughters, Heather Patton and Gwendolyn Howes; son, Jake Howes and wife, Melissa; sister, Lisa Randall; and three grandchildren.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, March 2, at First Baptist Church-Huntersville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church-Huntersville Building fund. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.

Nancy Carole Luther Lippard

Mrs. Lippard, 77, of Davidson died Sunday, Feb. 24, at The Huntersville Oaks. She was born March 16, 1935, in Statesville. She was a member of the choral organization, Sweet Adelines, and of an award-winning barbershop quartet and a comedy quartet. A gifted soprano, she has also been a member of her church choir for most of her life. She was a member of Davidson United Methodist Church.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Jesse Lippard; son, Daniel Lippard and wife, Lisa, of North Hollywood, Calif.; daughter, Amy Bearden of Charlotte; brother, Randel Luther of Dallas, Texas; and two grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Feb. 27, at Davidson United Methodist Church with the Rev. Joey Seymour officiating. Burial followed at Iredell Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Davidson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 718, Davidson, NC 28036. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.

Eunice Hastings Readling

Mrs. Readling, 91, of Cornelius died Monday, Feb. 25, at Genesis Eldercare. She was born Oct. 1, 1921, in Mecklenburg County to the late Samuel and Tinie Hastings.

She is survived by her sons, Jerry and wife, Jane, of Greensboro and Dale and wife, Shelia, of Cornelius; daughter, Alice Bost and husband, Darryl, of Mooresville; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Leary; daughter, Vickie and all nine of her siblings, all brothers. The family would like to thank the staff at Genesis for their care.

A funeral service was held Thursday, Feb. 28, at James Funeral Home with the Rev. Tim Reimer officiating. Burial followed at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Cornelius Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 279, Cornelius, NC 28031 or to the Humane Society. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.

Pruette Ross Gray

Mrs. Gray, 84, of Mooresville died Saturday, Feb. 23, at her residence surrounded by her children. She was born Sept. 5, 1928, in Anson County to the late Walter and Ola Martin Ross.

She is survived by her children, Robert Gray Jr. and wife, Allison, of Mooresville and Patricia Bruce and husband, Robert, of Mooresville; and three grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gray; and her sister, Marie Watson.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, Feb. 27, at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Fred Coates officiating. Burial followed at Glenwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mooresville High School Band Boosters' Uniform Fund, 659 East Center Street, Mooresville, NC 28115; Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625; or Children's Home Society of North Carolina, P.O. Box 14608, Greensboro, NC 27415. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home of Mooresville is serving the family.

Maryann Gardner Randall

Mrs. Randall, 75, of Mooresville died Tuesday, Feb. 26, at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center surrounded by family and friends. She was born March 18, 1937, in South Boston, Va., to the late Carlos Owen and Lavinia Hamilton Gardner.

She is survived by her children, Noble and wife, Kim, of Mooresville, Beth Williams and husband, John, of Mooresville, Christiana Turner and husband, Bart, of Savannah, Ga., Holly Reeves and husband, John, of Charlotte; brother, Carlos Gardner Jr.; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Robert Randall.

A memorial service was planned to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mooresville Museum, 132 East Center Avenue, Mooresville, NC 28115; or Fifth Street Ministries, P.O. Box 5217, Statesville, NC 28687. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home of Mooresville, is serving the family.

Sarah Louise Tanner Burnette

Mrs. Burnette, 80, of Huntersville died Thursday, Feb. 28, at her residence. She was born Oct. 12, 1932, in Charlotte. She was employed with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools as a cafeteria worker prior to her retirement.

She is survived by her children, Frank Burnette and wife, Susie, and Sherrie Henderson and husband, Don; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Burnette; and daughters, Teresa, Pat and Bonnie.

A funeral service was held Monday, March 4, in the chapel of Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home with the Rev. Paul Williams officiating. Burial followed at Sharon Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to St Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Huntersville is serving the family.

Linda Joyce Sherrill

Mrs. Sherrill, 56, of Charlotte died Friday, March 1, at the Sherrills Ford Hospice House. She was born Oct. 3, 1956, in Mooresville to Fred and Margaret Eagle Sherrill. She was employed with the City of Charlotte as an information technology professional for 28 years.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her son, Joshua Reed; and brother, Terry Sherrill. She was preceded in death by brother, Ricky Sherrill.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, March 5, at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home with the Rev. Frank Ferrell officiating. Memorials may be made to the Sherrills Ford Hospice House, 7473 Sherrills Ford Road, Sherrills Ford, NC 28673. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home of Mooresville, is serving the family.

Bryant Edward McGee

Mr. McGee of Huntersville died Friday, March 1, at his home. He was a 1974 graduate of Mooresville High School.

He is survived by his his wife, Ava McGee; father, Herman McGee; daughter Shasta Black and husband, Kenny, of Huntersville; sister, Marlene Lyerly of Stony Point; brother, Ronald McGee of Canton, Ohio; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother, Katherine Carver McGee.

A memorial service was held Monday, March 4, in the chapel of James Funeral Home with Kelly Parker officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Lake Norman. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.

Register online for special needs programs at www.corneliusparc.org or contact Trina Roeder, special needs programs coordinator for Cornelius PARC and Huntersville Parks and Recreation, at 704-892-6031, ext. 162 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

• Bowling night: Friday, March 8, 7-8:30 p.m. at Northcross Lanes for ages 18 and older. Cost is $10 for Huntersville and Cornelius residents, $15 for all others. Northcross Lanes is at 16317 Statesville Road in Huntersville.

• Special Needs AngelCare: Saturdays, March 16, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Bailey Road Recreation Center. Parents drop off their special needs child ages infant-16 for three hours of quality childcare. Special needs children and their siblings stay in a fun, safe environment with one-to-one volunteer care. Space is limited; pre-registration is required. Cost is $5 for Cornelius or Huntersville residents, $10 for all others. Bailey Road Recreation Center is at 11900 Bailey Road at Bailey Middle School in Cornelius.

• Special Needs TOP Soccer: Registration is under way through Wednesday April 10, for TOP Soccer, a community-based training and team placement program for young athletes with disabilities organized by youth soccer association volunteers of North Meck Soccer Club. The program is designed to bring the opportunity of learning and playing soccer to any boy or girl who has a mental or physical disability. The goal is to empower the thousands of young athletes with disabilities to become valued and successful members of the U.S. Youth Soccer family.

The program is open to ages 5-16 and will be held Saturdays, April 13-May 18, at Richard Barry Memorial Park at 13707 Beatties Ford Road in Huntersville. There is no fee for residents of Cornelius and Huntersville, thanks to sponsorship by North Meck Soccer Club. Non-resident fee is $40.

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- The Town of Huntersville Parks and Recreation Department is sponsoring a "Healthy Huntersville" initiative and is encouraging the public to take part in two upcoming free events.

Healthy Huntersville Crossfit will be held Saturday, March 9, at 11 a.m. at Huntersville Athletic Park on Verhoeff Drive, across from Huntersville Family Fitness and Aquatics Center. This class will teach different movements associated with Crossfit in an introductory workout. For more information, visit www.crossfitnorthlake.com or www.huntersville.org

On Saturday, March 14, Healthy Huntersville will offer Bootcamp in the Park beginning at 9 a.m., also at Huntersville Athletic Park. For more information about both classes and the Healthy Huntersville initiative, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 704-766-2220.

DAVIDSON, N.C. -- The Town of Davidson Parks and Recreation department is accepting registrations for DavidsonLearns programs beginning March 11. Register for programs online at www.townofdavidson.recdesk.com/recdeskportal/ or call 704-892-3349. Locations to be announced.

• The Evolution of the U.S. Intelligence Community: An Historical Overview with Thomas M. Rynne: Intelligence service is the organized collection and analysis of information and conduct of covert action and counterintelligence to support the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy.  After briefly examining the basic functions of intelligence, the course will look at the evolution of U.S. intelligence activity as it increasingly embodied these functions. The largely chronological approach will begin with early intelligence activity during the American Revolution and then look at how intelligence slowly developed, mostly from needs arising in time of crisis, during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Finally, examine the major organizational expansion of intelligence functions during World War II. Thursdays, April 4-May 2, 7-8:30 p.m. Cost is $60.

• A History of the World in Six Glasses with Joey Schnople: The course will be built on the book A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage. From the author: "Just as archaeologists divide history into different periods based on the use of different materials — the stone age, the bronze age, the iron age, and so on — it is also possible to divide world history into periods dominated by different drinks. Six drinks in particular — beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea and cola — chart the flow of world history. Three contain alcohol and three contain caffeine, but what they all have in common is that each drink was the defining drink during a pivotal historical period, from antiquity to the present day." Wednesdays, March 27-May 1, 7;8:30 p.m. Cost is $72.

• Preserving Local History with Grace Mitchell: Want to know more about the history of northern Mecklenburg County? You may be surprised at the many historical changes that have transformed acres of rural farmland to the thriving communities we have today. Applying historic preservation procedures, you will investigate significant sites that mark the early development of this area.  You will also learn how certain landmarks are identified and designated as "historic." The format is interactive and includes guest historians who will emphasize the growth of Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville. Wednesdays, April 3-May 1, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Cost is $60.

• Understanding the Great Divergence: Why Some Nations are Rich and Others are Poor with Fred Smith: Economic historians have spent the past several decades trying to answer two important and related questions. Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in Britain in the 18th century? What was it about Britain specifically (and Western Europe more generally) that made the Industrial Revolution possible? Why didn't it happen in ancient Rome, or China or Africa? Next, why did the advancements of the Industrial Revolution spread and take root where and when they did? Why hasn't a country such as Argentina, which has abundant natural resources, enjoyed the same level of economic prosperity as the United States, Germany or Australia? This course will introduce you to the different "schools of thought" that have arisen to provide answers to these two important questions. In particular, there will be a focus on the book Why Nations Fail and the course will include an opportunity to attend the Cornelson Lecture at Davidson College by Daron Acemoglu. Required text: Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty  by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson. Tuesdays, April 9-May 14, 7:30-9 p.m. Cost is $72.