GREENSBORO GYMNASTICS INVITATIONAL

"Flip Force Gymnastics & Flip force Booster Club in Kernersville, NC is proud to host the 6^th Annual Greensboro Gymnastics Invitational (GGI) at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center February 6-8, 2015! 

We will host over 1900 athletes from 9 states in one of the largest gymnastics and power tumble & trampoline events on the East Coast.  Many of our competing athletes are State, Regional and National Champions in their individual sports.

Additionally, this is our second year serving as a qualifying event for the Nastia Liukin Cup.  The qualifying event will occur on Saturday, February 7^th with the winner moving on to the championship in Dallas, Texas on March 6^th.  

We are also proud to announce that the GGI has teamed up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Piedmont.  Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported 1-to-1 relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.  GGI will be donating $1 per admission ticket sold to the organization. 

Cost of admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-10 and free for 5 and under."

- A Press Release

Reynolda House Museum of American Art Announces $5 Million Campaign with Leadership Gift from Reynolds American Foundation

'Reynolda at 100’ will Position Museum for Next Century

"WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Jan. 30, 2015) – Reynolda House Executive Director Allison Perkins last night announced a $1 million commitment from the Reynolds American Foundation to the museum’s campaign, Reynolda at 100.

More than 50 donors and friends of the museum gathered in the historic 1917 Reynolda House reception hall for the private event announcing the $5 million capital campaign and the leadership gift from the museum’s long-time supporter the Reynolds American Foundation. In announcing the campaign, Perkins acknowledged the foundation’s gift and the importance of others like it to ensure the future of Reynolda.

“For nearly 100 years, Reynolda has fostered a community where all are welcomed and inspired to learn,” she said. “The vision behind this extraordinary historic site and museum has been supported by Mary and Charlie Babcock, Barbara and Nik Millhouse, and Wake Forest University over the course of two generations. Now, it’s our turn. It’s our community’s turn to help launch the next century of Reynolda; and the Reynolds American Foundation has set the bar.”

Alan Caldwell, director of corporate and civic engagement for Reynolds American Inc., and executive director of the Reynolds American Foundation, added that Reynolda House is a true asset to the community.

“This is our house, too,” he said.  “As the home of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company’s founder, employees feel a special connection to Reynolda House and the role it continues to play in our community.”

“There aren’t many places you can go in Winston-Salem where you can’t see the transformational role Richard Joshua Reynolds played in making this city what it is,” said Susan M. Cameron, president and chief executive officer of Reynolds American Inc.  “Perhaps nowhere is his presence more strongly felt than in his own home. As the successor in the role he created 140 years ago, I take special pleasure in the Reynolds American Foundation’s investment in keeping the house and museum vibrant for its next 100 years.”

The campaign called Reynolda at 100 is timed to end with the estate’s centennial and the museum’s 50^th anniversary, both marked in 2017. The campaign will help pay for a variety of essential projects and endowment to support the museum’s continued commitment to excellence into the next century, serving visitors and scholars of all ages. To date, Reynolda House has raised 83% of its $5 million goal.

“Reynolda House is a powerful place that encapsulates some of the most beautiful aspects of living in Winston-Salem—strong families, important history, beautiful art, and lush green spaces,” said Dianne Blixt, co-chair of the Reynolda at 100 campaign and president of the museum’s Board of Directors. “There is no other Reynolda, and we know that. My husband, Chuck, and I have great trust in the possibilities Reynolda holds for its next century; we consider our gift to Reynolda House as a gift for future generations.”

Campaign fundraising priorities fit into three distinct funding categories: Funds for the Future ($2.5 million), Preserve Our Place ($2.3 million), and Celebrate our Centennial ($200,000). Projects include capital improvements like restoration and preservation of the historic landscape; critical updates to heating, ventilation and cooling systems; a catalog featuring new scholarship on the museum’s collection and new tools for sharing the Reynolda story throughout the estate using technology and signage; and a series of public events planned to celebrate the centennial.

One campaign project is already nearly complete: the restoration of the indoor pool house. Started in June 2014, the restoration is the first since Mary and Charlie Babcock added it along with other indoor recreation in 1937. During the restoration, the glass framework has been replaced, deck tiles and pool tiles have been cleaned and brought back to their original colors, the birdcages have been repaired and restored, and the electrical and plumbing systems have been repaired and replaced where needed. The pool will reopen this spring and be available for students in the museum’s Summer Adventures camps and for private events. A blog and photo series document the project on the museum’s website reynoldahouse.org, searchable by #ReynoldaPool.

In September 2014, Reynolda House started another significant capital project—restoration of the historic landscape surrounding the house. The project focuses on areas of the landscape adjoining the historic house and will include using original planting plans to restore beds, partial restoration of the vista toward the Lake Katharine Wetlands, and clearing understory and extensive pruning. Creating a pedestrian link from the historic house to Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University and Reynolda Village is also a major goal of the project.

The museum’s campaign is part of Wake Will: The Campaign for Wake Forest, announced in 2013. Reynolda House formally affiliated with Wake Forest University in 2002. The museum’s campaign co-chairs are Blixt, president of the museum’s Board of Directors, and Tom Lambeth, former president of the Board of Directors.

Donations to Reynolda at 100 may be made on the Wake Will website at wakewill.wfu.edu/reynolda-house. Named giving opportunities exist within the museum’s campaign. Businesses and corporations interested in being involved in the museum’s campaign should contact Stephan Dragisic, director of development, at 336.758.5595.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art is one of the nation’s premier American art museums, with masterpieces by Mary Cassatt, Frederic Church, Jacob Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe and Gilbert Stuart among its collection.  Affiliated with Wake Forest University, Reynolda House features changing exhibitions, concerts, lectures, classes, film screenings and other events.  The museum is located at 2250 Reynolda Rd. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the historic 1917 estate of Katharine Smith Reynolds and her husband, Richard Joshua Reynolds, founder of the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. Reynolda House and adjacent Reynolda Gardens and Reynolda Village feature a spectacular public garden, dining, shopping and walking trails. For more information, please visit reynoldahouse.org or call 336.758.5150. Connect at Facebook.com/rhmaa or @CurateReynolda."

- A Press Release

Number of Homes Sold Increase 13% in Guilford County

"Sales of existing, single-family homes in Guilford County increased 13.4% in December 2014 compared to the same month in 2013.  A total of 437 units sold in Guilford County in December 2014 compared to the 385 sold in December 2013.  The number sold was also higher by 1.8% compared to the level of sales recorded in November 2014, according to monthly figures prepared by Dr. Donald Jud of Jud & Associates for the Greensboro Regional REALTORS® Association.

The seasonally adjusted average home price in Guilford County in December 2014 was $186,323, a 1% increase over November 2014’s average of $184,539  Existing home prices in this cycle bottomed in February 2012 and have since risen 23.2%.  

In December 2014, the Time on Market (TOM) was 90.5 days, 3.4% less than it was in December 2013.  Over the past 12 months the TOM has fallen and the spread, which shows the ratio of selling to listing prices, has risen, indicating less discounting in the market.

Last month, the inventory/sales ratio, which indicates the number of months to clear the current inventory of homes on the market, was 5.6 months, 3.4% less than the previous month.

“While the decision to own a home is a personal one, for people with good jobs and strong credit, today’s low mortgage interest rates and continued affordability make now a good time to buy a home,” said Kevin Green, president of the Greensboro Regional REALTORS® Association. “Remember, all real estate is local, so it’s important to work with a Greensboro REALTOR® who is familiar with your desired community.”

The Greensboro Regional REALTORS® Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support its members in their business pursuits by promoting the highest professional ethics and being the primary provider for quality services, education and real estate information in the market area."

- A Press Release

GCS Recognized Statewide for Public Relations GCS takes home 15 NCSPRA Blue Ribbon Awards

"Greensboro, N.C. – Guilford County Schools is recognized statewide for its work in sharing the stories of the district and its students. The North Carolina School Public Relations Association (NCSPRA) held its Blue Ribbon Awards Brunch Friday which recognizes organizations around the state for outstanding publications, websites, multi-media and more.

“It’s a privilege to support the great work that our educators and employees are doing on behalf of our students and their families, says Nora Carr, GCS chief of staff, and speaker at the event. “We are grateful to our peers for this recognition.”

The GCS team took home awards in the following categories:

Annual Report

-       Annual Report: We Rise

Electronic Media

-       2014 GCSTV Retirement Feature

-       National School Lunch Week

-       One Day Without Shoes

-       Senior Success 2014: Millia Edwards at the Academy at Smith

Excellence in Writing

-       Brighter Futures

-       NC partners with black colleges to boost teacher ranks

-       Storm Damage

Marketing Campaign

-       2014 Celebration of Excellence

-       2014 Magnet and Choice Fair

-       2014 State of our Schools

-       GCS Faith Partnership Summit

-       Guilford Parent Academy’s Family Fun Day

Website

-       Back to School Web Site

-       Graduation Web Site

NCSPRA’s mission is to build support for public education through well-planned and responsible public relations.

About Guilford County Schools

Guilford County Schools, the third largest school district in North Carolina, serves nearly 72,200 K-12 students at 127 schools. With approximately 10,000 employees, the district’s mission is to graduate responsible citizens who are prepared to succeed in higher education or the career of their choice. Guilford County Schools is a national leader in providing specialized schools and instructional programs designed to meet the educational needs of a culturally diverse citizenship. For more information, visit the district’s website at www.gcsnc.com."

- A Press Release

GYC’s Third Annual Fashion Show Set for February 6

"The Greensboro Youth Council (GYC) is hosting its third annual Fashion Show at 7 pm Friday, February 6 at the Caldcleugh Multicultural Center, 1700 Orchard St. Admission is $3 at the door. This year’s theme, “Alice in a Greenerland,” is a spinoff of the well-known story Alice in Wonderland. The show features unique components, such as recycled materials used to design the set and in the fashion wear for the models. Other clothing featured is provided by the fashion show sponsor, Plato’s Closet. For more information, contact the Greensboro Youth Council 336-373-2740 or visit www.greensboroyouthcouncil.com."

- A Press Release

February 14th French Toast Brunch at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market

"The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market, 501 Yanceyville Street, will host a Valentine’s French Toast Brunch on Saturday February 14, 2015, 8 am - 11:30 am in the Harvest Room which will be transformed into a French cafe.

Start the morning with the one you love as local chefs, Mary Lacklen and Lynn Wells, serve delicious French Toast made with LOAF Bakery challah bread, Massey Creek Farm eggs, and Homeland Creamery milk (available at LOAF Bakery), all of which can be found at the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market. A variety of toppings with be available such as chocolate syrup from Black Mountain Chocolate, a tea-infused syrup by Tea Hugger, honey provided by Quaker Acres Apiaries, strawberry citrus reduction, syrup, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa, or maple syrup.

Brunch patrons can sample Black Mountain artisanal chocolates. 

The price of the French Toast Brunch and tasting is $5.00 per plate and is first come, first served with proceeds to benefit the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market.

One can enjoy French bistro music provided by local musicians Neill Clegg, Jr. and Jim Carson from 8 am - 10 am followed by Eric Landsperger (ukulele) from 10 am - 12 pm.

There will be a free scavenger "hunt for hearts" where kids can win fun prizes.  Kids of all ages will enjoy caricature artist, Erik Huffine, who will be available to create a memorable keepsake drawing for a $10 sitting fee.

The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market is the one-stop shop for your Valentine's Day needs with fresh flowers, jewelry, sweet treats, candy, potted plants, fresh vegetables and meats, bread, and so much more produced with love locally within 100 miles!

The Greensboro Farmers Curb Market operates year round on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and seasonally, (April 22nd thru Dec. 30th) on Wednesday 8 a.m. to 1 pm.

About the Market

The Greensboro Farmers Market, Inc. (GFM) operates the Greensboro Farmers Curb Market on behalf of the City of Greensboro. GFM is a “501c3” nonprofit.

GFM provides greater Greensboro with opportunities to purchase and learn about local food and setting. GFM encourages and supports the growth of local foods and artisan goods businesses to improve greater Greensboro’s economy, support better health through healthy eating and build social and community connections.

www.gsofarmersmarket.org"

- A Press Release

Police respond to suspecious package at Red Lobster

"On Jan. 30 at 10:43am Winston-Salem Police Officers responded to the Red Lobster Restaurant, 1609 Westbrook Plaza Dr., on a reported suspicious package.  A small black suitcase was located lying in the natural area in front of the business.  The suitcase was not present when employees first arrived at the business. The suitcase had what appeared to be a white or gray wire hanging out of the suitcase with no other markings.

Upon arrival, the area was blocked off and personnel at the restaurant were evacuated.  The business was not open, so there were no customers present. Personnel with the Hazardous Materials Squad responded as well as EMS and fire department personnel.  It was later determined that the suitcase was actually empty except for a clothes hanger which was protruding from the side. At this point the restaurant was opened for business. 

The owner of the suitcase was never identified.   It appears to have been inadvertently left at this location."

- A Police Report

Tickets for NCAA Women's Swimming and Diving Championships on Sale Feb. 2

"Greensboro, N.C. (Jan. 28, 2015)  North Carolina State University and the Greensboro Aquatic Center are proud to host the 2015 NCAA Division I Women's Swimming and Diving Championships Thursday-Saturday, March 19-21.

Join us this spring as the best collegiate swimmers and divers from across the nation come to Greensboro for their chance to become a champion.

All-Session tickets for the 2015 NCAA Division I Women's Swimming and Diving Championships at the Greensboro Aquatic Center will go on sale Monday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. at www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets, charge-by-phone at 1-800-745-3000 and the Greensboro Coliseum box office.

All session tickets books are $70 for adults and $55 for children/seniors (age 12 and under/ age 60 and above). Single-session tickets, if available, are scheduled to go on sale March 9.

There are only a limited amount of tickets for this event, so get yours today before it's too late! Visit NCAA.com and greensboroaquaticcenter.com for more information and updates."

- A Press Release

GEORGE FOUTS RECEIVES HIGHEST HONOR FROM STATE BOARD

George Fouts

"JAMESTOWN, N.C. — The State Board of Community Colleges has announced George Fouts as the recipient of the I.E. Ready Award, the highest honor bestowed on an individual by the Board. Named for Isaac Epps Ready, the first state director of the North Carolina Community College System, the award was created in 1983 to recognize individuals who have made significant, statewide contributions to the establishment, development or enhancement of the North Carolina Community College System.

Fouts of Jamestown, N.C. served two terms (1991-1994; 1997-2001) as executive vice president at Guilford Technical Community College. He retired to pursue teaching Development Education as an adjunct instructor (2002-2010) at GTCC and became the grant coordinator of the Developmental Education Initiative (2009-2010), a three-year effort (2009-2012) to make developmental education more effective and efficient in order to help underprepared students get on the completion track.

A teacher, mentor and leader, Fouts’ career in the N.C. Community College System and his major contributions span more than 40 years.

"It has been my good fortune to work for a System that provides an opportunity for so many North Carolinians to improve their lives and, in doing so, to improve the future of our state," Fouts said.

One of Fouts’ most significant contributions at GTCC was his expertise and guidance in the grant application process for Completion by Design (CbD), a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation initiative to increase graduation and completion rates among young, low-income students nationwide. As a result of his involvement, North Carolina became one of only three states to receive the competitive grant in May 2011.

Shortly after, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation named Fouts as senior partner for the cadre of North Carolina community colleges participating in Completion by Design. He became a nationally recognized consultant, who guided each institution in adopting a culture dedicated to student completion as well as counseled and empowered presidents and their teams to carry out CbD’s mission. His leadership and expertise were critical to the administration of CbD – both statewide and nationwide. Fouts retired from the position in 2013.

“George helped the colleges see the interconnections between CbD and all of their student success initiatives,” said GTCC President Dr. Randy Parker. “The implementation of Completion by Design is the crown jewel in George’s lifelong contribution to the founding principles of the North Carolina Community College System.”

A native of Thomasville, N.C., Fouts’ career in the N.C. Community College System began in 1973 as an instructor of English and philosophy at Western Piedmont Community College and eventually became executive vice president in 1983. He went on to serve as interim president of Mayland Community College and Roanoke-Chowan Community College, which he effectively led through particularly challenging times.

In 1989, he became special assistant to the president of the N.C. Community College System and coordinated the implementation of goals recommended by the Commission on the Future of the N.C. Community College System, creating much of the standardization that marks the System today.

“The work that our community colleges do is vital to ensuring that North Carolina has a skilled workforce,” said State Board Chair, Dr. Linwood Powell. “The recipients of these awards embody the foundation that North Carolina’s Community College System was built on – providing opportunities for education to all North Carolinians, taking students from where they are, as far as they can go.”

Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the NC Community College System. GTCC serves more than 40,000 students annually from five campuses and a Small Business Center. Learn more at www.gtcc.edu.

- A Press Release

An Evening of Romance in High Point

"Spend the most romantic evening of the year with the High Point Arts Council and High Point Ballet. Whether you are a fan of Frank Sinatra, the Era of Swing, the romance of the Tango, or the emotional 1940s, An Evening of Romance is sure to touch heartstrings.

The event consists of a 3-course dinner buffet, dancing, and performance by the High Point Ballet. Featuring the work of award-winning choreographer and artistic director, Gary Taylor, High Point Ballet’s performance is sure to delight. The show features “Love and Marriage” a piece which won acclaim when last performed at the Southeastern Regional Ballet Association Festival 2014 in Montgomery Alabama. Several other highly intricate and acclaimed pieces will complete the program including "Don’t Sit under the Apple Tree," and the ever popular swing dancing. Plus, what would a night of romance be without the Tango!

And what is an Evening of Romance without decadent food? Plain & Fancy is catering the event and the menu includes a salad, Chicken Wellington, Peppercorn Encrusted Roast, sauteed vegetable medley, potato gratinee, and of course lots of chocolate with Chocolate Dipped Strawberries, Red Velvet Trifle, and Chocolate Ganache Mousse.

An Evening of Romance is on Saturday, February 14, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at the Centennial Station Arts Center, 121 S. Centennial Street, in downtown High Point. Cost is $40 per person plus a cash bar. Call the High Point Arts Council at 336-889-2787 ext. 21 by February 10 to make reservations. Tables may be reserved for two, four, six or eight."

- A Press Release

Call to Artists for Train Artwork

"The High Point Arts Council invites visual artists to enter their artwork in an exhibit that will open on February 22, 2015 in the Sidetrack Lobby & Gallery in the Centennial Station Arts Center. This exhibit is in celebration of the Pullman train car that is in front of the facility and its 100th birthday. The theme is "Trains, Trains, and More Trains." Any medium will be accepted as long as it fits within the theme.

Whether you're an amateur or a professional, or if it's a first work of arts, this is a great opportunity to share it with others. There is no charge to enter this exhibit. In honor of the Pullman train car's 100th birthday, artists that wish to sell their artwork will receive 100% of the sell price! Artists should make sure that the back of each piece is marked with their name, address, telephone number, title of piece and the sale price.

On February 22, there will be an opening reception at 2:00 p.m. with performances beginning at 3:00 p.m. by the Arts Council and its affiliated arts organizations. This event is free and open to the public.

Artwork should be delivered to the Arts Council on Monday or Tuesday, February 16 or 17, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Arts Council is located in the Centennial Station Arts Center, 121 S. Centennial Street in downtown High Point. The exhibit will run from February 22 - March 22. For an application or more information, contact Travis Compton at the High Point Arts Council at 336-889-2787 ext. 26 or rtcompton@highpointarts.org."

- A Press Release