The Shalom Project announces The Big Chill annual fundraising event Sunday July 17th, 2016, 3-6pm Grace Court Park

"Ice Cream and Music Lovers alike will enjoy Winston-Salem’s biggest National Ice Cream Day event, “The Big Chill”, featuring dozens of homemade ice cream samplings from participating community organizations and talented musicians from our city. The fun filled, family friendly festival, presented by The Shalom Project, will run from 3pm until 6pm at Grace Court Park on Fourth Street with all proceeds going to support the programs and initiatives of The Shalom Project.

The day’s events include fun for all ages. Live music will performed by Laurelyn Dossett, The Matt Kendrick Trio and Nishah DiMeo.  A kids fun area will have games and activities hosted by the Summer Non Profit Interns of Wake Forest University’s Pro Humanitate Institute. Local foodie celebrity judges, Michael Hastings of the W-S Journal, Ciska Weber owner of Café Gelato and Janis Karathanas of Providence Restaurant and Catering, will judge their favorite flavors.  Homemade ice cream will be sampled, presented by many community groups and religious organizations as well as the newly opened Providence Restaurant. And this year, we are happy to announce that Publix Super Markets has signed on as a corporate sponsor, not only making a generous first time donation but also bringing their delicious ice cream to share. Community leaders will be sitting on blocks of ice making calls to get donations in before they get too cold.  

“We are excited for another successful event on a beautiful summer day to raise funds and awareness for the work of The Shalom Project and are grateful to our friends who are participating in the event. We are hoping for a large turnout from the community to share the fun with” says Lynn Brown, Exec. Director of The Shalom Project. The Shalom Project continues its work of challenging the cycle of poverty in Winston-Salem through its various programs that assist with basic needs, the Circles program that trains and mentors families as they work their way out of poverty, and its Peter's Creek Community Initiative, working to revitalize Peter's Creek Parkway through lobbying for change and improvements along this busy thoroughfare and main artery of our city.

For more information call 

Marsha Strauss or Laurie Kenyon, The Shalom Project , Phone: 336-721-0606

- A Press Release

WAKE FOREST HISTORY INSPIRES NEW NIKE FOOTBALL UNIFORM DESIGN

Demon Deacons new Nike Football uniform draws inspiration

from historical architectural landmarks on campus

Wake Forest unveiled new football uniforms today (May 5).  The Demon Deacons’ new Nike Football uniform design balances a similar blend of modern flare with traditional craftsmanship.

The new uniform design takes cues from the school’s rich history, campus architecture and the Demon Deacon mascot. The black and gold uniform features a new custom number font honoring the university’s founding in 1834. The numbers feature angled notches at 18 and 34 degrees, top and bottom respectively.

The jersey sleeves feature a new pattern providing an unmistakable connection to Wake Forest’s history. Drawn from the University Shield and the wrought-iron architectural details that punctuate the campus, the graphic forms a stylized “W.” Its arching branches are suggestive of growth and collaboration — keys to success as Coach Dave Clawson enters his second season with the Demon Deacons.

The jersey collar references the Demon Deacon mascot, adopted by the university first as a term to describe the football team’s play in the 1920s, and then introduced as a physical presence at games by students two decades later. Further graphic details include the words “Deacon Tough,” symbolic of the program’s fighting spirit, embroidered on the back of the neckline of the jersey, and Wake’s “WF” logo on the hip of the pant.

At home, the team will wear black jerseys with gold trim, paired with gold pants. Away, the Demon Deacons will dress in a crisp, all-white uniform. A third, all black look rounds out the trio of new uniforms.

Founded in 1834, Wake Forest University is one of the oldest and most respected educational institutions in the United States. Elements of the school’s rich history and tradition are seen in both its academic and athletic legacy, as well as physically throughout the campus. Architectural landmarks on campus, built almost two hundred years ago, reflect the craftsmanship of the era. Even the university address, 1834 Wake Forest Road, reflects the school’s founding year.

Be Part of the Winston-Salem Open! Ball Person Tryouts July 18 and 19

"The Winston-Salem Open will hold tryouts for ball persons July 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and July 19 from 10 a.m. to noon.  The tryouts are open to the public and will be held at the Wake Forest University Indoor Tennis Center at 100 West 32^nd Street (adjacent to BB&T Field).

Candidates for ball persons must know how to keep score of tennis games, be able to move quickly, be willing to endure lengthy tennis matches in the sun and work well with others on a team.  Ball persons must be 13 years old by December 31, 2014 (proof of age required) in order to qualify.

All applicants are asked to attend a minimum of three of the two-hour training sessions  

July 30; August 4, 6, 11, and 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wake Forest University Indoor Tennis Center.  Additionally, applicants must be available for the entire Winston-Salem Open tournament and qualifying rounds August 16 through 23.

“The primary role of ball persons is to retrieve tennis balls when they are out of play.  Ball persons play very important roles in each match.  Our ball persons have been an integral part of the Winston-Salem Open in past years,” said Winston-Salem Open tournament director Bill Oakes.  “Being as a ball person is a great way to get involved in tennis, see the competition up close and have some fun at the same time, but it’s also a serious commitment.”

“All applicants must be mature, have good hand-eye coordination and exhibit outstanding citizenship,” Oakes added.  “I also want to stress that ball persons must be willing to attend the training session and be available for possible work during the entire tournament.  There are no exceptions to these rules.”

Applicants are asked to wear appropriate athletic clothes to the tryouts and cannot wear shoes with black soles.  Ball persons serve as volunteers, and there is no fee to apply

About the Winston-Salem Open

The Winston-Salem Open, an ATP World Tour 250 event with a total purse of $625,000, will take place from August 16-23, 2014, with qualifying set for August 16. The tournament will be the final men’s event of the Emirates Airline US Open Series and is the week prior to the US Open.  For more information on the 2014 Winston-Salem Open, please go to WinstonSalemOpen.com. 

About the Emirates Airline US Open Series

Now in its 11^th season, the Emirates Airline US Open Series continues to serve as a true regular season of hard-court tennis, linking eight summer tournaments to the US Open.  Last season, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams took home the biggest paychecks in tennis history - $3.6 million – after winning both the US Open and the Emirates Airlines US Open Series titles.  For more information about the Emirates Airline US Open Series visit EmiratesUSOpenSeries.com.

About The ATP
The ATP is the governing body of the men's professional tennis circuits - the ATP World Tour, the ATP Challenger Tour and the ATP Champions Tour. With 61 tournaments in 30 countries, the 2014 ATP World Tour showcases the finest male athletes competing in the world’s most exciting venues. From Australia to Europe and the Americas to Asia, the stars of the 2014 ATP World Tour battle for prestigious titles and Emirates ATP Rankings points at ATP World Tour Masters 1000, 500 and 250 events, as well as Grand Slams (non ATP events). At the end of the season only the world’s top 8 qualified singles players and doubles teams, based on their performance throughout the year, will qualify to compete for the last title of the season at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals. Held at The O2 in London, the event will officially crown the 2014 ATP World Tour No.1 presented by Emirates. For more information, please visit ATPWorldTour.com."

A Press Release

“A Glimpse of Africa: Five Cultures from the Continent”

Museum of Anthropology Showcases Cultural Diversity in Africa

"Wake Forest University’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA) has opened a new long-term exhibit entitled “A Glimpse of Africa: Five Cultures from the Continent,” which explores the remarkable cultural diversity found in Africa. The selected artifacts, ranging from ceramics to textiles, offer an in-depth examination of five African cultures: Bamileke of Cameroon; Baule of Cote d’Ivoire; Kuba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; Tuareg of the western Sahara and Zulu of South Africa. Although the artifacts, which vary in age, focus on traditional ways of life, several pieces provide insight as to how tradition can be transformed through internal and external influences.

Who: Museum of Anthropology student employees curated the exhibition: Austin Brown, a junior philosophy major; Chris Rinker, a second-year Divinity School student; and Olivia Whitener, a junior anthropology major. Each student wrote an overview of their chosen cultural groups, and selected and researched artifacts from MOA’s extensive African collections.

What: The five cultures featured in the exhibit showcase the diversity of Africa, a continent that is home to more than 3,000 distinct ethnic groups and 2,000 recognized languages, which represents more than 25 percent of all spoken languages in the world. The artifacts on display include ceramics, textiles, baskets, masks, weapons, personal adornment and other objects from daily life. 

Where: Wake Forest's Museum of Anthropology

Cost: Free and open to the public.

About Wake Forest University
Wake Forest University combines the best traditions of a small liberal arts college with the resources of a large research university. Founded in 1834, the school is located in Winston-Salem, N.C. The University’s graduate school of arts and sciences, divinity school, and nationally ranked schools of law, medicine and business enrich our intellectual environment. Learn more about Wake Forest University at www.wfu.edu."

A Press Release

Tickets to Winston-Salem Open Available Beginning June 9

Additional 10 Percent off Tickets until July 1

Courtside Box Seats Already Sold Out

"Tickets to the 2014 Winston-Salem Open at Wake Forest University go on sale to the public June 9.  The Winston-Salem Open will be held August 16-23, 2014 at the Wake Forest Tennis Complex adjacent to BB&T Field.  Ticket pricing and package details are now available at winstonsalemopen.com. 

Everyone who purchases tickets to the Winston-Salem Open on June 9 will receive a free “collectible credential,” which includes early admission to the stadium during the tournament, exclusive autograph sessions, behind-the-scenes special tours and eligibility for seat upgrades.

The Winston-Salem Open is offering several enhancements to this year’s tournament, including new seating that features more leg room for box seats.  The tournament eliminated all “bench seating” last year.  Also like last year, there will be no additional fees to the ticket price, parking will be free again this year and all box seats are padded for comfort.

“Our fans have been incredibly loyal and supportive during the first three years of the tournament.  To thank them, we are offering ten percent off all ticket purchases until July 1,” Winston-Salem Open tournament director Bill Oakes said.  “I urge fans to get their tickets as soon as possible in order to secure the best seats.  All courtside box seats are already sold out through pre-orders.”

“Two-time Winston-Salem Open champion and Triad native John Isner as well as fan favorite Tommy Robredo have committed to play the Winston-Salem Open,” he added.  “I anticipate that we will have another blockbuster group of competitors at this year’s tournament that fans will generate a strong demand for tickets.  Stay tuned for more player announcements soon.”

Tickets will be available beginning June 9 online at winstonsalemopen.com, by calling (336) 758-6409 or in person at the Wake Forest ticket office located at Bridger Field House at BB&T Field.

About the Winston-Salem Open

The Winston-Salem Open, an ATP World Tour 250 event with a total purse of $625,000, will take place from August 16-23, 2014, with qualifying set for August 16. The tournament will be the final men’s event of the Emirates Airline US Open Series and is the week prior to the US Open.  For more information on the 2014 Winston-Salem Open, please go to WinstonSalemOpen.com. 

About the Emirates Airline US Open Series

Now in its 11^th season, the Emirates Airline US Open Series continues to serve as a true regular season of hard-court tennis, linking eight summer tournaments to the US Open.  Last season, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams took home the biggest paychecks in tennis history - $3.6 million – after winning both the US Open and the Emirates Airlines US Open Series titles.  For more information about the Emirates Airline US Open Series visit EmiratesUSOpenSeries.com"

A Press Release

Wake Forest University and Arts Council Announce 2014 Lifelong Learning Summer Course Schedule

"Wake Forest University and The Arts Council of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County will be launching the first course in their summer Lifelong Learning collaborative program next week and have four more courses scheduled  to run into early August.   While the courses are open to persons of all ages, they are particularly attractive to seniors who want to explore new areas and keep their minds sharp without seeking or worrying about grades and course credit.

Dr.  Ananda Mitra, Professor of Communications at Wake, will kick off the program on Tuesday, May 27 with “Our Digital World,” an introduction to the Internet in general, web-based applications, interpersonal applications, and interpersonal communication tools such as blogs, podcasts, and chat rooms.  3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. May 27, June 2,  5,  9 and 16.

Four other courses are scheduled and registration is still open.  Inquiries are welcomed at lifelonglearning@wfu.edu or 336.758.5232.  There is detailed information at lifelongwake.wfu.edu.

Dr. Peter Kairoff, Professor of Music, will teach “Secrets of the Great Composers: From Bach to Debussy.” Mondays, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  July 7, 14, 21, 28 and August 4.  This course provides an opportunity to delve into the music of five great classical composers and discover how their compositions are crafted and how their music reflects the times =in which they live.

Dr. Neal Walls, Professor of Divinity, will teach “Jerusalem: City of Three Faiths.” Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5.  Jerusalem has figured prominently in the history of great religions of the world and the archeology of the city is a fascinating trip through the centuries.

Dr. Bradley Jones, Professor of Chemistry will teach “Sherlock Holmes and the Science of Deduction,” a course for those intrigued by the world’s most famous detective, Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., July 8, 15, 22, 29 and August 5.  The original writings of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle will be used as the guide for development of the skills of observation and deduction. Each session ends with a group activity designed to mimic one of Sherlock Holmes’ famous deductions.

Dr.  Omaar Hena, Professor of English, will teach Literature and Vulnerability.” Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., June 3, 10, 17, 24, and July 3.  Participants will explore the ways in which writers, from Shakespeare’s era to the present, questioned the powers of art to represent human suffering and imagined more robust conceptions of meaning and community. This is a journey through a diverse group of authors across history who nonetheless connect to one another by questioning the power of art in times of crisis.

All courses are taught at the Milton Rhodes Center for the Arts, 206 N  Spruce Street, Winston-Salem."

A Press Release

Fine print in agreement to sell coliseum allows for removal of Joel name

Lawrence Joel

UPDATE: City Manager Lee Garrity and City Attorney Angela Carmon disputed the characterization in this blog post of language in the restrictive covenant as a "loophole." They confirmed that the agreement gives the city the power to approve the termination of a so-called "memorial term." That action, under the agreement, would lift restrictions against removing the Joel name and veterans memorial name from the marquee sign and the stone facade.

Garrity, via e-mail: "During the many public meetings we had on this important issue, we heard from some veterans and some supporters of Lawrence Joel that expressed concerns about the current Joel memorial. Concerns about the order of monuments, a desire for a statue to Lawrence Joel on the plaza, a missing plaque from the original coliseum and others were voiced. Because of these concerns, we very purposely added the clause you refer to below. That clause gives us the option, with approval of city council, to build a new memorial. Although there is no plan to do such, we wanted to make sure the veterans, the Joel family and community reserved such a right.

ORIGINAL POST: The Winston-Salem City Council will consider a proposal to sell Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum to Wake Forest University and Bowman Gray Stadium to Winston-Salem State University tonight.

One of a handful of items of contention has been whether Wake Forest University would agree to retain the name Lawrence Joel, a Winston-Salem native who won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his valor during an intense firefight in Vietnam, and the words "veterans memorial" on the coliseum. The university previously agreed to keep Lawrence Joel's name in the lobby and on the plaza memorial flanking the entrance of the facility, but wanted to reserve naming rights to defray the cost of maintenance.

Then, the university reversed course, and made an agreement publicized by the city more than a week ago to keep the Lawrence Joel name and veterans memorial designation on the coliseum facade and marquee sign on University Parkway as part of any potential transfer of ownership.  

A Declaration of Restrictive Covenants and Conditions prepared by City Attorney Angela Carmon includes a significant loophole governing the preservation of the Lawrence Joel name. The declaration essentially states that the names "Lawrence Joel" and "veterans memorial" will remain on the marquee sign and the rectangular stone facade above the facility entrance during a period referenced as "the memorial term."

The "memorial term" language appears to give the city, as grantor (or seller) of the property, the ability to lift the restrictions on the university, as grantee (or buyer), at any time.

To wit:

The grantor has agreed in writing to end the Memorial Term, in the event that Grantor and Grantee have agreed on an alternative way to memorialize Lawrence Joel and war veterans. In the event of a termination pursuant to the previous sentence, Grantor shall on request from Grantee, confirm such termination in an instrument in recordable form, which Grantee may cause to be recorded in the Forsyth County Registry.

City Manager Lee Garrity deflected questions by stating in an e-mail to YES! Weekly that "the terms are fully explained in the declaration." Hopefully council members have taken a hard look at the proposed deal before they cast their votes. 

Lawrence Joel name to remain on coliseum

The name of Lawrence Joel, a Vietnam war veteran who earned the Congressional Medal of honor for saving the lives of at least 13 soldiers during a 24-hour firefight, will remain on both the coliseum facade and marquee, according to an agreement between the city of Winston-Salem and Wake Forest University.

Biography here.

Press release:

Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Name to Remain
on Coliseum Building and Marquee

        Winston-Salem and Wake Forest University officials agreed today to keep the Lawrence Joel name and veterans memorial designation on the coliseum facade and on the marquee as part of any sale of the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum to Wake Forest.

        This is in addition to Wake Forest’s previous agreement to name the lobby and the adjacent veterans’ monuments as the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Lobby and Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Plaza.
        Wake Forest University has agreed to include these provisions into recorded deed restrictions approved with any sale. The restrictions would apply to the permanent sign at the current main entrance, to any replacement marquee and to the current coliseum building, where Joel’s name is carved in the stone facade above the box office.
        Joel, an Army medic during the Vietnam War, was the first living African American to receive the Medal of Honor for heroism in battle since the Spanish American War. He also received a Silver Star. The veterans memorial outside the coliseum recognizes all Forsyth County veterans killed service to their country.
        The city has the right to consider future enhancements to the veterans memorial and to explore other ways to recognize Lawrence Joel’s and all veterans’ contributions to Winston-Salem, either at the coliseum or as a stand-alone memorial. Wake Forest has agreed to donate up to one acre at the coliseum site for this purpose if the City Council elects to create an new veterans memorial. Wake Forest may pursue naming rights, but the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial designation will remain on the facade and marquee.
        Mayor Allen Joines said, “The Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial name will continue to be etched in stone at the coliseum, and the recognition that the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Lobby and Plaza remains on this property illustrates the city’s and Wake Forest University’s commitment to the heritage and legacy of Mr. Joel and our veterans.”
        Council Member and Mayor Pro Tempore Vivian H. Burke, who voted to name the coliseum for Joel in 1986, said, “I have made it clear that the city’s commitment to addressing concerns about how Mr. Joel will be recognized was unwavering and would not be compromised. I am pleased our voice has been heard.”

Winston-Salem council moves toward sale of coliseum and stadium in racially divided vote

City Manager Lee Garrity and former Alderman Virginia K. Newell

Voting along racial lines, a narrow majority of Winston-Salem City Council directed staff to move forward with the sales of Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum and Bowman Gray Stadium today.

The proposed sale of the two city facilities to separate universities yokes together two transactions that tap into an undercurrent of racial division, while satisfying and antagonizing a complicated mix of constituencies — on one hand offloading the coliseum to Wake Forest University in a deal that could downgrade the name of an honored black native son, and on the other handing off the stadium to Winston-Salem State University and discomforting predominantly white car-racing fans who patronize the facility.

Councilwoman Wanda Merschel, who represents the Northwest Ward, made the motion during a committee of the whole meeting today to bring the proposed sale to council for consideration at its next meeting on May 20. Councilwoman Molly Leight, who represents the South Ward, seconded the motion. Council members Robert Clark and Dan Besse, who respectively represent the West and Southwest Wards, also supported the measure.

Mayor Pro Tem Vivian Burke and Councilman Derwin Montgomery, respectively representing the Northeast and East Wards, abstained, while Southeast Ward Councilman James Taylor Jr. voted in opposition. North Ward Councilwoman Denise D. Adams was not present for the vote.

"Most of the pain of selling the coliseum has to do with potentially losing the name Lawrence Joel," Leight acknowledged. 

Joel was an African-American Army medic and Winston-Salem native who won the Congressional Medal Honor during the Vietnam war for saving the lives of at least 13 American soldiers during a firefight with Viet Cong forces in Bien Hoa province in 1965. Joel was recognized for crawling across the battlefield with a plasma bag under enemy firefight, self-medicating himself after getting shot twice during a 24-hour firefight.  

The meeting was attended by former Alderman Virginia K. Newell, who made the motion in 1986 to name the coliseum after Joel, and Martha Wood, a former mayor who also played a role in honoring the Army medic.

"The black community looks at it as something good that we have given the city," Newell told City Manager Lee Garrity in the hallway outside a committee room in City Hall after the vote. "Make them keep the name."

Garrity responded, "They want the naming rights."

Wood urged council members to reconsider their decision in an e-mail today.

"If the city council is willing to forfeit this community war memorial and sell the right to change the name of Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, then you have an obligation to the citizens to present simultaneously a plan that will preserve with dignity, honor and in perpetuity a significant memorial to our veterans and Lawrence Joel, who earned the country's highest military honor.

"As we embark on our centennial celebration," Wood added, "it's appropriate to reconsider with care and diligence where and how the current proposals lead us."

As part of any potential sale of the coliseum, Wake Forest University has agreed to retain the name "Lawrence Joel veterans memorial" in the main lobby and two outside plazas that flank the entrance, and to maintain information about Joel on the facility's website. Otherwise, the university would receive all other naming rights for the facility.

As part of the vote today, council has directed staff to look into whether the university would agree to retain Joel's name on the electronic marquee sign on University Parkway.

Wake Forest University Athletics Director Ron Wellman told YES! Weekly last week that the only way the university can make the deal work is through the sale of naming rights to a corporate sponsor considering that the facility loses money and needs significant capital improvements such as a new HVAC system.

The city has appraised the coliseum at $33.1 million. After deducting $8 million for operating savings, $14.3 million for capital needs avoidance, $1 million for events and lease commitments, and $1.8 million for deed restrictions, the city is offering the facility for a purchase price of $8 million. That's roughly the amount that the city needs to pay off the debt on the building.

"We are not going to be profitable with this coliseum," Wellman told council members tonight. "We view this as an investment in our growth. It is an investment in our basketball program."

In contrast, Winston-Salem State University has agreed to a restrictive covenant requiring the name Bowman Gray to be retained at the stadium. Gray, who was white, was the former president and chairman of RJ Reynolds Tobacco Co. 

Unlike the coliseum, the stadium breaks even. The city appraised the stadium at $9.9 million. After deducting $2.5 million for capital needs avoidance, $1.7 million for environmental factors, $750,000 for event and lease commitments and $750,000 for deed restrictions, the city is offering the facility to the university for $4.3 million.

Council members leaning towards the sales offered different rationales for unloading the properties.

"The original question is, why are we considering selling the coliseum?" Besse said. "The truth is that we're looking at it because it's eating up $400,000 of taxpayers' money every year."

Clark said, in contrast, that if he ultimately votes for the sale of the coliseum and the stadium, it will not be because of money.

"Should we be in the coliseum business?" he asked. "Should we be in the stadium business? My gut feeling is that it's not our core business. The university is not going to earn a profit off of this, but it benefits them because it helps create the total college experience for their students. They can make the improvements without us having to go to the taxpayers. Wake Forest University has to go tap their alumni for the new HVAC."

Merschel said she is eager to see both Wake Forest University and Winston-Salem enhance their respective brands through televised sporting events at the coliseum.

Taylor drew the strongest line, stating that the coliseum should retain Joel's name if the city sells it. But Wellman gave no indication that the university was willing to budge on that point.

When asked after the vote what level of commitment he would need from Wake Forest University to the Lawrence Joel name, including marquee sign placement and reference during televised sporting events, Taylor didn't hesitate.

"All of it," he said.