New Year Greetings from Purna Yoga East

As you approach the new year take time to reflect on the year past. Remember the moments when you felt aligned with your true purpose. Those moments may be simple times such as holding your grandchild or reading with your children before bed, enjoying a walk with your dog on a brisk morning, resting in Shavasana or feeling gratitude as you sip a warm cup of tea. Those moments may also have been major life changing events such as changing jobs, shifting relationships or committing to a new resolve. Whether the moments were grandiose or modest they represent times when you were most connected with and listening to your soul. It might have been a joyful experience or an uncomfortable one as you grew closer to living your true purpose.

As you approach 2010 ask yourself what vision do you wish to hold for the new year. Take the lessons learned from 2009 and apply them to your dreams for 2010. Commit to what is really important in your life and know that you can create a life that is both fulfilling and joyful by being conscious of your choices. What one focuses upon expands, so be aware and deliberate with your focus.

At Purna Yoga East we invite you to join us in 2010 to explore ways in which to maintain your focus and create health, well-being and joy in your life.

By investing in classes at Purna Yoga East you are giving yourself not only the time to support your physical health and well being, but time to soothe your nervous system and calm your mind from outer distractions so that you can hear the soft whispers of your hearts calling and stay focused on your new years dreams.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Warmly,

Catharine

NEW CLASS OFFERINGS, CLASS TIMES and INSTRUCTORS!

Check out the new schedule and enroll in a class at http://www.purnayogaeast.com/. Classes begin the week of January 4th! Weve added eight new classes and four new instructors to our fabulous teaching staff. Give a call if you are not sure which class is right for you! 919-270-4892.

New Year's Eve at the Flipside

New Year's Eve


Appetizers

Angus Beef Sliders with BBQ grilled onions and cheddar cheese

Clam Chowder soup

Shrimp Cocktail puffs - shrimp wrapped in a pastry dough and deep fried.

Hamachi (sushi grade tuna) Napoleon with a sesame wasabi drizzle.


Featured Entree's

Copacabana Salmon - Atlantic salmon fillet spriced with a tequila lime pepper and served over a bed of greens and topped with a house made black bean salsa

Bacon wrapped center cut sirloin served with an hierloom potato medly and a baked apple

Spinach portobello linguini with shallots, roasted garlic, tomatoes, pine nuts and fresh spinach tossed in a white wine broth.

(our regular menu will also be available)

Johnny Orr and Southstation will be taking us into the New Year...2010

No Reservations Required. We will be seating upstairs and down)

Redevelopment Plan for Town Lot Revised - Project Should be Complete by June

RICK MERCIER 23.DEC.09
Clayton News Star


The town is moving forward with a revised redevelopment plan for the municipal parking lot at the corner of Lombard and Main streets and hopes to complete the $400,000 project by the end of June, Town Manager Steve Biggs said.

Ashley Grady with Raleigh-based G2 Design recently finished an update of the design concept for the lot, which includes a parking loop with 30 angled spaces, a plaza with landscaping and areas for public art fronting Main Street and a grassy, landscaped area on the back side of the property. [more]

Final Week of Christmas Shopping - Do It Downtown!

Final Week of Christmas Shopping

Think Clayton. Think Downtown!

In the final days of your Christmas shopping, keep it local and shop at the many businesses in downtown Clayton!

Downtown businesses offer a diverse and unique selection of gift ideas and specials, and they'll remember your name the next time you come in!

There's more in downtown Clayton than you might think, including 7 restaurants!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Clayton Christmas Bucks Winner Announced!

Alice Benson of Clayton is the lucky winner of the $1,000 Clayton Christmas Bucks shopping spree. The promotion, sponsored by The Clayton News-Star and 24 Clayton businesses, was devised to keep Clayton dollars in Clayton. From Nov. 30 through Dec. 12, shoppers registered to win the shopping spree at participating businesses. Each business had two drawings for preliminary winners, who received $50 in Clayton Christmas Bucks (CCBs) to be spent at the sponsor's business.

All the preliminary winners' names were put into the grand prize drawing and, of course, Alice was the fortunate winner. In all $3,400 in CCBs were given away to Clayton shoppers.

The key to the contest is that the Clayton Christmas Bucks can only be spent at participating sponsors. Downtown Clayton businesses that participated are Main Street Jewelers, North Carolina Paper, Blackley's Printing, Tre Colori Italian Gourmet Foods and Gifts, Fancy That, T.R. Lee Gas and Oil Company, Mulberry on Main, Clayton Steakhouse, Jones Lunch, Elmore Furniture, Clayton Residential Rentals, Clayton Food Town, Doggie Do'z, Purses Unlimited and Shears Hair Studio and Colour Bar.

From the Flipside!

Weekend Dinner Features

BBQ rubbed Center Cut Sirloin cooked to prefection with Bleu cheese mashed potatoes and veggie

Porterhouse Pork Chop with a spicy curry sauce and served with couscous

Penne broccoli Alfredo served with a side salad and bread
________________________________________

It's going to be a DANCE weekend!!!

Tonight
D. Martini & The Highballs
www.myspace.com/dmartiniandthehighballs

Saturday
Joe Bell & The Stinging Blades
www.myspace.com/joebellandthestingingblades
_______________________________________

December 26th
DL Token
www.myspace.com/dltoken

NEW YEAR'S EVE
Johnny Orr & Southstation
www.myspace.com/southstationband

"America's Got Talent" Finalists To Perform in Clayton

"Voices of Glory," the popular trio who were among the top 10 finalists on America's Got Talent, perform at The Clayton Center, Saturday, Jan. 16, in a fundraiser to benefit the local Kids Café of Clayton program.

The Voices of Glory -- Michael, Avery, and Nadia of Highland, N.Y. -- are the siblings whose unique style of singing harmonies won America over during their run to the finals during season four of the popular television talent show. The group started singing together in 2007 after their mother was seriously injured in a head-on car collision. She was in a coma for months, and the three children serenaded her while she was hospitalized. Their mother eventually came out of the coma, started rehabilitation and is doing well.

Kids' Cafe is an after-school program for students at Cooper Elementary School that provides local students with hot meals, tutoring, mentoring and workshops for parents.

The benefit concert also will feature gospel recording artists C3 Chozen. Tickets for the 7 p.m. show are $15, plus service fees in advance; $20 plus service fees at the door.

From the Flipside...

Lunch Specials


$5.00 "brother can you spare a dime" burger with lettuce, tomatoe and onion and regular fries. Your choice of cheese.

Pulled BBQ chicken on a kriaser with lettuce and tomatoe, american cheese and your choice of a side.

Dinner Features

8oz. Center Cut Sirloin lightly spiced and grilled and topped with a medly of carmelized onions, blue cheese crumbles and a balsamic drizzle. Served on a ciabatta roll with mixed greens and tomatoes. Your choice of a side.

Linguine with red or clam sauce. Served with a side salad and bread.

12oz. Porterhouse pork chop with a brown sugar cinnamom apple glaze. Served with hierloom poatoes and a veggie, with bread.

________________________________________

Tonight Open Mic with Tracy Wiebeck hosting. Thursday: Karaoke

Friday  D. Martini & The Highballs

Saturday  Joe Bell & The Stinging Blades

Gift Cards make a fantastic gift. So does wonderfully delicious, LOCALLY roasted, organically grown COFFEE!!!

Order wonderful, affordable, gift baskets now from The Coffee Mill

Schedule that Holiday cartering now, or private party. Give us a call. We can work out a great package for you! morgone@mindspring.com   553-0123

Clayton Christmas Parade One of the Largest Around!

The 2009 Clayton Christmas Parade was held this afternoon and had 196 entries! The parade began at 3 and ended before 5 - great job by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce!

Purna Yoga East proudly announces the first graduating class from The College of Purna Yoga

Eight aspiring yoga teachers entered the program in September and attended over 200 hour of training in yoga poses, breathing techniques, anatomy, nutrition, poetry and meditation techniques. The students were required to write book reports, complete anatomy homework, learn the alignment and safety points for all the yoga poses including the contra indications for the poses as well as the physical benefits for each of the poses and memorize poetry. Purna Yoga East is the only studio in Johnston County that is registered with the Yoga Alliance to train yoga teachers.

They were required to attend all classes, sit for a 2 hour final written exam, as well as teach a yoga class to evaluate their knowledge base and abilities to lead a safe yoga class before being able to graduate.

Catharine Eberhart, E-RYT 500 and director of Purna Yoga East, led the training. She also teaches a 500 hour level yoga teacher training program at Yoga Centers in Bellevue, WA. She was so impressed and inspired by the talent and commitment of this group of students. They were wonderful students and are delightful people. It made teaching a joy.

We are lucky to have such a caring, professional group of yoga teachers in Clayton who will share the gifts of yoga with their students as well as keep their students safe!

Seven of the graduates have committed to teach at Purna Yoga East beginning this winter!

Pictured from L to R: Susan Myers, Anna Woodson-Williamson, Phyllis Harris, Hank Harris, Catharine Eberhart, Valerie Sayre, Tonia Bowen, Bobbie Ginnane and Lara Perry

12 Days of Christmas at Right Angles Framing & Art

Right Angles Framing & Art is celebrating some of the 12 days leading up to Christmas. We've extended our hours leading up to the 25th for your shopping convenience.

Monday-Friday 10 AM - 6 PM (Tues nites till 7)

Saturday 10 AM - 3 PM

Beginning on Friday, the 11th, we'll offer ALL gold custom frames at 1/2 price until we close at 6:00. ( There's still time for custom framing. The elves are working overtime! )

On Saturday, the 12th, we'll offer ALL silver custom frames at 1/2 price until we close at 3:00.

Different gift items will be offered at deep discounts each day along with refreshments.

To see what the next day's offering will be, call us (553-2486) or stop in daily, or visit us on Facebook at Right Angles. Remember, we sell a lot of one of a kind items. Quantities are very limited.

We appreciate each and every one of you who support our small, locally owned business!!!!  Right Angles is located at 401 E Main Street in downtown Clayton.

Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival Returns To Johnston County

The Southern Arts Federation’s third annual Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival will screen at The Clayton Center on Saturday, Feb. 6, beginning at 1 p.m.
The festival spotlights short films created by filmmakers living and working in the Southeast and presents a dozen short films selected for their artistic merit by a panel of media arts professionals. The 2009-10 selections range from fiction and animation to experimental and documentary by filmmakers from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee.

The Clayton Center in Clayton and the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield are collaborating to present the Short Circuit Film Festival.

Heidi Stump, Executive Director of The Clayton Center said, “We are excited to be co-hosting the Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival for the third time. The festival was well received in the past, and we hope to reach an even wider base of film lovers this year.”

Jessica Meadows Hammett, Executive Director of the Ava Gardner Museum stated, “This cross-county partnership demonstrates the benefit of collaborative efforts between organizations and the Ava Gardner Museum is eager to help present these entertaining films to Johnston County residents.”

The three-hour film festival has been traveling the region since November. Tickets for The Clayton Center screening are $2.50, plus service fee. Tickets may be purchased at The Clayton Center Box Office located at 111 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton, by calling 919-553-1737, ext. 2, or online at http://www.theclaytoncenter.com/

Southern Arts Federation (SAF) is a non-profit regional arts organization founded in 1975. SAF creates partnerships and collaborations; assists in the development of artists, arts professionals and arts organizations; presents, promotes and produces Southern arts and cultural programming; and advocates for the arts and arts education. The organization works in partnership with the state arts agencies of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. For more information on the Southern Arts Federation and its programs visit www.southarts.org.

For a complete list of films and the festival schedule visit the Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival.

Ways to Enjoy A "Greener" Christmas Holiday!

Local artist Kirk Adam shared this article with us...

Greetings,

Here is a helpful article for us all to try!

While the twelve days of Christmas may bring much joy and happiness, lots more garbage is generated in the process. Some studies suggest that 20% more waste is generated during the holidays than any other time of the year. But that doesn't have to be the case.

"With more Americans concerned about preserving the environment, a 'green Christmas,' rather than a 'white' one, is becoming top-of-mind for many this holiday season," says Tommy Linstroth, a sustainable expert for the national public television show, Farmers' Almanac TV. "Many consumers are realizing that some of the extras they're purchasing are just filling up landfills, so they are looking for ways to make their holidays more earth-friendly."

To help make your 12 days of Christmas more environmentally sensitive, try these 12 "green" tips and hints from Farmers' Almanac TV and Farmers' Almanac, one of the nation's oldest brands promoting resourceful and sustainable living.

12. Get Energy Saving Lights. When decorating the house and tree, buy strings of LED lights, which look the same as conventional incandescent bulbs, but last longer and use 80 to 90 percent less energy. Plus, they put off much less heat, so you won't burn your fingers if you touch a bulb.

11. Point Out Both The Trash and Recycling Bins. When your holiday guests come over, make sure you point out where the recycling bins are – and insist that they use them.

10. Make Compost From Your Tree. Instead of tossing your holiday tree out on the curb for the garbage service to take, find out where you can have it chipped up for mulch or compost. Or, you can purchase a living tree that can be planted outside after the holidays are over.

9. Gift CFLs. For the man or woman who has everything, try gifting a pack of compact fluorescent light bulbs. Most people say they'll switch to these energy-saving bulbs once their current ones run out. So why not save them a trip to the store?

8. Recycle Office Paper for Packing Filler . Don't bother with expensive packing material for those fragile gifts. Instead, try using paper from an electric shredder as filler.

7. Send the Very Best with E-Mail . Stay in touch with friends and family with an e-card or personalized e-mail this holiday season. They will appreciate your thoughtfulness and appreciate your concern for sparing the trees.

6. Microwaves Save Energy. Cooking a big holiday dinner? Use the microwave or pressure cooker whenever possible. These appliances cut the cooking time and save energy.

5. Recycle Last Year's Cards for Stickers. Use last years cards to create "to" and "from" stickers. Just cut out pictures of cherubs, angels, trees, religious motifs, snow scenes, etc. from last year's holiday cards and write the names of the giver and receiver. Then glue or tape to your packages.

4. Gift Recipes, Dress-up Clothes, and Other Recycled Products. Instead of buying something new, think about recycling things that have value to the recipient. Compile a book of favorite recipes for the cook on your list, or create a box of dress-up clothes for young kids.

3. Go Organic. Cooking a Christmas bird or steak? Be sure to choose organic foods for your holiday dinner. Organic, free-range fowl and grass-fed beef is easier on the environment, and your dinner will taste spectacular!

2. Use Paper Bags for Gift Wrap. Wrapping paper doesn't have to come in rolls! Dressed up brown paper bags, or even newspaper, make fine wrapping paper, and most people are more concerned with what's inside than what's on the paper!

1. Break Out the Good Stuff. Entertaining guests? Use metal flatware and realglasses and dishes rather than disposable options. They look better, your guests will appreciate it, and you're not creating any waste

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/home_garden/a/make-your-12-days-of-christmas-more-green

Pizazz Needs Your Donations!

Pizazz, the resale store in Clayton, is in need of gently-used clothing and furniture. Donors will receive a tax receipt upon donating.

Pizazz helps to fund programs and services for Harbor, Inc., Johnston County’s shelter for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and displaced homemakers. In 2008, Harbor served over 2900 individuals; 515 were children.

Harbor offers 24/7 telephone crisis intervention, transitional housing, and a 14-bed shelter. Individual and group counseling and children’s programs are also offered. Court assistance and hospital companionship for victims are services of Harbor.

Donations for Pizazz may be dropped off at the store’s location, 132 E. Main Street, Clayton.

From the Flipside...

Lunch Specials

$5.00 "Recovery" burger with lettuce tomato, onion and your choice of cheese with regualr fries.

Chicken on ciabatta bread with goat cheese, tomatoes, mixed greens and pesto aoili

Dinner Features

Our house Center Cut Sirloin with a bourbon glaze served with hierloom potatoes and fresh veggies

12oz Porterhouse cut Pork Chop seared then finished in the oven topped with a spiced goat cheese and homemade apple chutney
served with a starch and fresh veggie

Linguini primavera - veggie mix with a butter, white wine broth and served with a side salad and bread
________________________________________
Open Mic Tonight - Tracy Wiebeck hosting

Wednesday - Trivia Night @ 8:00pm

Friday - DREAD34 with Blue Marble Beat opening
Saturday - The Fifty/50 Band

New Year's Eve with Johnny Orr & SouthStation

Gift Cards make a fantastic gift
Order wonderful, affordable, gift baskets now from The Coffee Mill

Schedule that Holiday cartering now, or private party. Give us a call. We can work out a great package for you! morgone@mindspring.com 553-0123

Clayton “Christmas Village & Tree Lighting” A Success!

About 4,000 people attended Clayton’s Christmas Village & Tree Lighting on Thursday night in downtown. The weather was perfect with a near full moon rising in the eastern sky. They came for the tree lighting which concluded the evenings activities, but also to visit more than 25 businesses that were open with special treats and activities; the live nativity, and enjoy the entertainment that included dance performances, choruses from area elementary schools, hand bell choir, and jazz band.

Celebrity Guest host Melanie Sanders, NBC-17 news anchor, was escorted by Ed Knight, President, Downtown Development Association, through the crowded downtown streets visiting the businesses and helping judge the Doggie Christmas Costume Contest (& Parade). Ms. Sanders also hung out with Santa Claus, and along with Mayor Jody McLeod, the trio followed the Clayton High School Marching Band from Lombard & Main to the Town Square in a horse-drawn carriage.

Mr. Knight welcomed the audience to the Tree Lighting Ceremony and introduced the Mayor, Ms. Sanders and Santa Claus as they departed the carriage in front of the stage. Once on-stage, Mayor McLeod sang “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” which can be viewed by visiting www.downtownclayton.org.

The Storefront Decorating Contest winners were also announced and brought to the stage to receive a plaque which will be displayed in their businesses for the next year. The winners are:

Best Overall – Signage of the Carolinas, 218 W Main Street
Most Traditional – North Carolina Paper Company, 114 W Main Street
Most Creative – Awards & Engravables, 327 E Main Street
The Grinch Award was given to Hair on Main, 401 E Main Street for having no decorations!

At about 8:35, Mayor McLeod, MS. Sanders, and Santa Claus led the crowd in the count-down to light the tree and then the Clayton High School Chorus performed several selections to close the evening.

About 30 dogs participated in the Doggie Christmas Costume Contest, organized by Doggie Do’z (113 E First Street). Photos of the parade, entrants and winners can be viewed at www.downtownclayton.org. The results for 2009:

First Place: Buzz, a Welsh Terrier owned by Sarah Hale
Second Place: Halo, a Chihuahua owned by Susan Moore
Third Place: Oliver, a Yorkshire Terrier owned by Faye Lankford

The 2010 Christmas Village & Tree Lighting takes place on December 2.

2009 Doggie Christmas Costume Contest Winners

About 30 dogs participated in the 2009 Doggie Christmas Costume Contest, which took place during the Clayton Christmas Village & Tree Lighting on December 3. The contest & parade were organized by Doggie Do’z (113 E First Street).


First Place: Buzz, a Welsh Terrier owned by Sarah Hale



Second Place: Halo, a Chihuahua owned by Susan Moore




Third Place: Oliver, a Yorkshire Terrier owned by Faye Lankford

2009 Storefront Decoration Contest Winners

A highlight of the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting is the annual Storefront Decorating Contest, which encourages downtown businesses to decorate their windows to create a Christmas holiday decoration destination for for downtown Clayton. Downtown Clayton has a highly decorated downtown, but the anonymous judges could only select three:

Best Overall: Signage of the Carolinas, 218 W Main Street





In the photo, Linda Adams received the new plaque which will be passed from winner to winner each year. (Left to right: Mayor Jody McLeod, Melanie Sanders, NBC-17 News, Linda, Santa)


Most Creative: Awards & Engravables, 327 E Main Street






Most Traditional: North Carolina Paper Company, 114 W Main Street



(Photo: Joyce Haynes receives the winners plaque. Flanked by Mayor Jody McLeod, Melanie Sanders, NBC-17 News, and Santa)


Some businesses did not decorate and are subject to receiving "The Grinch Award" and this year's recipient was Hair on Main, 401 E Main Street.

3rd Annual Christmas Village & Tree Lighting Another Success!!

Last night's Christmas Village & Tree Lighting was another success with close to 4,000 people in attendance!

Highlights included:


celebrity guest host, Melanie Sanders, evening news anchor from NBC-17;

Mayor Jody McLeod singing "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year," (video)

musical performances by area schools



Clayton High School Chorus (video)

Live Nativity



Doggie Christmas Costume Contest & Parade




and more than 25 downtown businesses open with refreshments and good cheer!

More photos will be posted soon!

Blinkie's Will Be Available in Downtown Thursday Night!

The ever-popular Christmas Tree Blinky will be available during the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting for $1.00 each. The Clayton Downtown Development Association will have them on sale only at the Information tents at Lombard & Main and at the Town Square. There is a limited supply so be sure to get your Blinky!

Christmas Village & Tree Lighting Schedule - UPDATED

Clayton Youth Theatre Presents "Pippin" Feb. 19 & 20

Two dozen young students from all over the area are putting in a lot of extra work over the holidays this year, getting ready for the Clayton Youth Theater's production of the play PIPPIN, which is scheduled for three performances in February at the Clayton Center.

Nearly 40 students auditioned for a part, the most ever for a Youth Theater production.

The play will be performed Friday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 pm and then again Saturday, Feb. 20 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.

Twelve students from Clayton High School will be in the production, along with five from West Johnston High School, two from Riverwood Middle School, two that are home-schooled, one from Cooper Elementary School and one from Cardinal Gibbons High School.

A fairy tale with a twist, PIPPIN is the story of a young prince who longs to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He seeks it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of loveless relationships, and the intrigues of political power, but ultimately finds it in a most unlikely place.

From the Flipside...

Tuesday is Open Mic with JB & Jason hosting.
Everyone is welcome.
________________________________________
Tuesdays and Wednesday
5:00 to 6:30
!!!Early Bird Special!!!
15% off any Entree' (including dinner features)
Dine In Only
Wednesdays - 1/2 price wine by the glass night!
________________________________________

Thursday
Karaoke

Friday Saturday
Mister Mustard Left on Franklin

December 11th: Dread34 with Blue Marble Beat opening

Party with us on New Year's Eve - Johnny Orr & SouthStation
Schedule that cartered event now. A small gathering to a large reception, we can provide you with a complete package.
Give us a call: 553-0123

CHRISTMAS CONCERT: JIMMY AYCOCK PERFORMANCE TO BENEFIT CLAYTON HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION

In December, NC’s first state icon and renowned pianist, Jimmy Aycock adds The Clayton Center to his list of venues.

Jimmy Aycock will perform a Christmas Concert entitled Snow Tunes and Show Tunes at The Clayton Center on Sunday, December 6th, at 4:00 p.m. This concert benefits the Clayton Historical Association.

Mr. Aycock has had a notable career as an educator in the North Carolina public school system (including Johnston County) that spans 40 years, touching the lives of over 40,000 students with music. His career as a pianist and composer spans an impressive 50 years. Jimmy Aycock’s lifelong commitment to music and education was rewarded when he achieved the honor of becoming North Carolina’s first state icon.

Mr. Aycock and his band will be joined in this concert with a special appearance by the Piney Grove Missionary Church Youth Choir.

Tickets for the December 6th Aycock concert are $10 (General Admission), plus service fees. Tickets are available at The Clayton Center Box Office(located at 111 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton), by phone at 919-553-1737, and online at www.theclaytoncenter.com.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Clayton Historical Association (CHA). The mission of the CHA is to preserve and share the history of Clayton and to recognize and preserve the historic properties of Clayton, North Carolina. The Clayton Historical Association is funded in part by the Town of Clayton Cultural Arts Fund. For more information, contact claytonNChistory@gmail.com.

Christmas Village & Tree Lighting UPDATE #1 - Traffic Detour

The Clayton Christmas Village & Tree Lighting is this Thursday, December 3 with activities starting at 6:00 PM. The Tree Lighting ceremony will begin at 8:15 pm at Town Square and the tree will be lit at 8:30 pm sharp!

E Main Street will be closed on December 3 from 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm from Smith Street to N O'Neil Street. Traffic will be detoured around downtown via Smith Street from the east and S. O'Neil Street from the west.

From West Main Street: Traffic will be routed south on S O'Neil Street to W Horne Street and right onto S Fayetteville Street to Hamby Street; Left onto S Lombard Street and right onto E Second Street to the end at E Main Street.

From US 70/East Main Street: Traffic will be routed to Smith Street and left onto S Lombard Street to Hamby Street; From Hamby Street right onto S Fayetteville Street, left onto W Horne Street and right onto S O'Neil Street with a left onto W Main Street or straight onto N O'Neil Street.

Please note that E Second Street from Lombard to Fayetteville will be open only to local traffic due to water/sewer improvements.

Any vehicles parked on E Main Street (from Smith Street to O'Neil Street) after the 5:30 pm road closure will be towed.

Handicapped Parking will be available at the Town Square via the O'Neil Street entrance

As with most special events, parking can be difficult to find adjacent to the event, so please plan to walk several blocks. However, here are some additional areas to try:

E First Street from O'Neil Street to Church Street
E Front Street from O'Neil Street to Fayetteville Street

Lee's Produce Has Christmas Trees & Santa Visits!

Lee's Produce at 401 W Main Street has the best selection and the most Christmas trees in Clayton! Prices start in the low $30 range and there is a $5 off coupon in the Clayton News Star. Lee's Produce also has Hot cider, cooked collards, candy and shelled pecans. They are open Monday-Friday form 8:00 am - 8:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am - 7:00 pm.

Santa Claus will visit Lee's Produce on Saturday, November 28 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm and Saturday, December 5 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Lee's Produce - also offers local dairy products and produce. 550-8425



And check out their new sleigh!

Think Clayton Think Downtown on Black Friday and Beyond!

Shop downtown at locally owned and operated businesses this holiday season and support the local economy and community! Here are a few:

Fancy That Gift Boutique
120 East Main Street
(919) 550-2946

Fancy That Gifts & More is open from 6 AM to 6 PM on Black Friday. They will be giving away free gifts for the first 20 customers! We will also be serving muffins and mimosas, and coffee, in the morning! There will be great deals all day but extra super specials from 6 AM to 8 AM!

(photo: some early morning customers!)

Primal Elements holiday soaps are now in! Fancy That just received a new shipment of quilted make-up bags, duffle bags, and lunch totes! Pouchees (purse organizers) should be in by Friday! If you have not already purchased your Elf on the Shelf, get them while they last! Once they sell out of what is in stock, there is a wait-list to get more! More everyday gifts will also be arriving over the next few weeks!

Upcoming Dates: For your holiday shopping convenience, during the month of December Fancy That will be open until 8 pm every Thursday and Friday and from 1 pm to 5 pm on Sundays.

December 3rd- Clayton downtown tree lighting
December 3rd - 5th- Christmas Shoppe

Fancy That offers custom gift baskets, holiday wrapping and local delivery!

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Purses Unlimited Inc.
420 E Main Street
550-1021

Receive a coupon for $10.00 off any purchase of $55.00 or more on FRIDAY ONLY! $5.00 off any purchase of $35.00 through Christmas.

-------------------------------------------------------------------
Lee's Produce
401 W Main Street
(919)550-8425


A great variety of the Best Christmas Trees in the state as well as local produce and much more.









-------------------------------------------------------------------
Elmore Furniture
225 E Main Street
(919) 553-6294
www.elmorefurnitureco.com

Sealy Mattress Sale Two Weeks Only!
Holiday Home Sale - Best Home Furnishings

--------------------------------------------------------------------
Awards and Engravables, Inc
327 E. Main Street
P:(919)553-1711
F: (919)553-1712
www.awardsandengravables.com

Awards and Engravables will be collecting nonperishable food items for Clayton Area Ministries. Items can be dropped off at the store from 9:30am - 5:30pm Monday through Friday and they will be delivered. This is from now until December 23!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

2009 Clayton Christmas Village & Tree Lighting Schedule

Here's the schedule of events and activities for the Tree Lighting on December 3. Be sure to check back for updates!

Schedule of Performances/Activities

6:00 pm Business Open House Begins Downtown
6:00 pm Doggie Costume Contest at Doggie Do’z, 113 E First St
6:00 pm Live Nativity at Fancy That!, 120 E Main St
6:15 pm Doggie Parade up Main Street To Cider House Studio, 436 E Main St
6:15 pm Lipscomb Day Care Chorus at Main Street Stage
6:20 pm Awarding of Doggie Costume Prizes at Cider House Studio, 436 E Main St
6:30 pm River Dell Elementary Chorus at Main Street Stage
6:30 pm Horne UMC Handbells and Choir at Blackley’s Printing, 229 E Main St
6:30 pm Scott McCreery, Clayton Idol Winner at Chamber of Commerce Steps, 301 E Main St
6:45 pm Riverwood Elementary Chorus at Main Street Stage
7:00 pm West Clayton Elementary Chorus at Main Street Stage
7:15 pm Cooper Elementary Chorus at Main Street Stage
7:30 pm Turning Point Dance Studio at Main Street Stage
7:30 pm Clayton Middle School Jazz Band at Town Square
7:35 pm Youth Choir New Trinity MBC at Main Street Stage
7:50 pm Clayton School of Dance at Main Street Stage
8:00 pm Clayton High Marching Band marches to Town Square for Tree Lighting!
8:15 pm TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY at TOWN SQUARE
• DDA Chair Edward Knight - Welcome & Introductions at Town Square Stage
• Welcome from Mayor Jody McLeod and NBC-17 News Anchor Melanie Sanders Welcome
• Storefront Decoration Winners
• Clayton High School Chorus
8:30 pm Christmas Tree Lighting

Entertainment and events will be provided throughout the evening at various locations:

• Doggie Costume Pet Parade begins at 6:00 pm at Doggie Do'z 113 E First St. (553-5959 for more info)
• Pet photos with “Santa Paws” from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Cider House Studio (436 E Main St) $5 donation to benefit the Johnston County Animal Protection League. (Sponsored by Robinson Animal Hospital)
• Clayton Historical Association will provide holiday refreshments at 307 E Main St. (Clayton Steakhouse)
• Clayton Visual Arts will feature their Annual Wee-Masterpiece Ornament Exhibit & Sale inside the Chamber of Commerce (301 E Main St.)

From The Flipside...

Lunch Specials

Tortilla Soup (yum yum...really delicious!)
$5.00 Stimulus Burgers (while supplies last...)
Grilled Chicken Parmesan on a ciabatta roll with your choice of a side.

Dinner Features

3 Cheese Mac and Cheese baked with ham and peas...cheddar, mozzarella and pepper jack with bread and a side salad
Grilled Center Cut Sirloin Steak with hierloom potatoes and fresh vegetables with bread
Tuesdays and Wednesday
5:00 to 6:30
!!!Early Bird Special!!!
15% off any Entree' (including the above dinner features)
Dine In Only
Wednesdays - 1/2 price wine by the glass night!
CLOSED THURSDAY
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Don't forget to pick up some freshly roasted (locally), organically grown...fair trade coffee from us!
Thanksgiving is not complete without a great cup of coffee.
________________________________________
Tuesday Night: Open Mic with Tracy Wiebeck hosting.
Great Fun all around...come and join in...bring an instrument

This Saturday - Thundern' Blues
December 9th - Trivia Night
December 11th - Dread34

Schedule that cartered event now. A small gathering to a large reception, we can provide you with a complete package.
Give us a call: 553-0123

Princeton turkey to get presidential pardon :: WRAL.com

Princeton turkey to get presidential pardon :: WRAL.com

“Christmas Village & Tree Lighting” Planned for Downtown Clayton on December 3

On December 3, just a week after Thanksgiving, downtown Clayton will be transformed into a Christmas Village with decorated storefronts, holiday shopping and a merry attitude!

This is the third year that Clayton’s Main Street will close for 2-1/2 hours of music, holiday cheer, business open house and the traditional tree lighting on the Town Square. “Christmas Village & Tree Lighting” will be from 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm on December 3, organized by the Promotion Committee of the Clayton Downtown Development Association (CDDA).

The Tree Lighting ceremony will end at 8:30 pm this year due to comments from the public. “The event ended a little later last year so people would have more time to arrive and enjoy the festivities,” according to CDDA President Ed Knight. “But the overwhelming sentiment was that it was just too long, so we’re returning to an earlier close so the young children can enjoy the event before bedtime.”

Dance and choral performances by local students, local churches and others, the live nativity as well as the Tree Lighting ceremony are the main focus of the event. But, Mr. Knight noted, “The main focus is to bring the activities to the street and let people in Clayton know about the wonderful opportunities available in downtown Clayton.” All of the downtown restaurants will be open that night.

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod will be the Master of Ceremonies and he will be accompanied by celebrity MC, Melanie Sanders, evening news anchor at NBC 17, who will stroll through downtown with the mayor prior to the Tree Lighting ceremony.

Another celebrity guest, Santa Claus, will be in downtown Clayton all night and will eventually make his way to the Town Square in a horse-drawn carriage for the Tree Lighting!

Dance and choral performances by local students, local churches and others, the live nativity as well as the Tree Lighting ceremony are the main focus of the event. But, Mr. Knight noted, “The main focus is to bring the activities to the street and let people in Clayton know about the wonderful opportunities available in downtown Clayton.” All of the downtown restaurants will be open that night.

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod will be the Master of Ceremonies and he will be accompanied by celebrity MC, Melanie Sanders, evening news anchor at NBC 17, who will stroll through downtown with the mayor prior to the Tree Lighting ceremony.

Another celebrity guest, Santa Claus, will be in downtown Clayton all night and will eventually make his way to the Town Square in a horse-drawn carriage for the Tree Lighting!

The Clayton High School Players Proudly Present Guys and Dolls

Relive the magic of the streets of New York City as the Damon Runyon classic Guys and Dolls takes the stage this weekend November 19, 20 and 21, 2009 at the Clayton High School Auditorium.

Nearly 60 years after the original musical production appeared on Broadway, this inspiring and timeless story will be performed for you right here in Clayton.

It’s not just a feel-good story, either – it’s a feel good night. Those who purchase tickets are asked to join the mission to support local food pantries by bringing your canned goods to any of the performances.

Come out and see how these kids have poured their hearts into creating a special and entertaining performance for the community.

Tickets:

Adults: $10

Clayton High School Students and Children 12 and under: $6

Don’t wait to get your tickets – seating is limited.

You can get your tickets in the school office.

Local Authors, Illustrators at Library Saturday

This Saturday, Nov. 21 is "Local Authors and Illustrators Day" at the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library featuring five authors and two illustrators who will be signing books and meeting the public.

All seven--who between them have an impressive collection of children's books, novels and non-fiction--are from Clayton or surrounding communities.

"I really didn't realize how many authors and illustrators we have in the area," said Historian Pam Baumgartner. "We expect that each one of them will bring in different people, so we hope to have a crowd."

The authors are: Lisa Pelton, Jodi Grubbs, Judith Hoffman and Evelyn Lemar. The illustrators are: Dale Hardin and Rebecca Anne Honeycutt

The event is scheduled for 10 am to 2 pm.

The Library usually has events of this type in conjunction with their semi-annual book sale but decided earlier this year to split them into two events.

For more information, please give the Library a call at 919-553-5542.

Right Angles Custom Framing & Art

Right Angles Custom Framing and Art
401 E. Main St.
Clayton, NC 27520
919-553-2486
Janet Lowry owner
Kelly Ryder side kick

Locally owned and operated,custom picture framing, glass replacement, mats cut on site ready made frames in standard sizing(8x10, 11x14), Italian inlaid wood frames

Tom Gallo sports prints, military/vet prints, photography prints

Original art: Gail O'Neil, Jani Prete, Janna Williams

NC pottery: Lori Anderson
also, jewelry, raku pottery ornaments, mobiles by Linda Adams, hand made scarves, beautiful hand made tables, clocks

you name it...we probably have it!

closed Mon
Tues: 10-7
Wed-Fri.: 10-6
Sat: 10-1
or call for an appointment

Fancy That! Holiday Open House this Saturday & Sunday

Please join us for our Holiday Open House for specials, refreshments and free gift with purchase of $50 or more!

THIS Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Another important event to mark on your calendar is November 27th, Black Friday! Fancy That will be open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM!!!!!!! We will be serving muffins and mimosas for the early birds, and of course coffee!

And yet another date to remember- Thursday, December 3rd will be Clayton's Third Annual Christmas Village and Tree Lighting starting at 6:00 PM with downtown business open house, storefront decorating contest, visit from Santa Claus, live nativity scene, doggie costume contest, live music and ending with a community tree lighting on the square at 8:30 PM.

Also, check out the attachment for information on the Holiday Shoppe featuring works by Jana Williams and Jan Homestead!! (December 3rd-5th)

Remember that Fancy That offers a large assortment of gift ideas, ornaments and decor along with free gift wrapping and personal shopping help. Don't forget to come fill out your wish list to get what you want for the holiday season or any other upcoming events! The wish list is also great for long-distance family and friends as they can call and pick something out for you from your list, pay by phone, and we will wrap it up and deliver or ship it! We are also offering a gift wrapping service this holiday season. For a fee, you can bring in any gift from anywhere (other than DeWaynes ) and we will wrap it up special for you! In most cases, we ask that you leave your items to be gift wrapped and picked up at a later time as it is a busy season for us.

Elf on the Shelf, along with Elf Activity Book and Elf Skirt, are due in by Thursday in time for this weekend's Open House!

For the UNC fan in your life, we have Roy Williams book "Hard Work: A Life On and Off the Court." Make sure you come get one for a great holiday gift!

Also on the way are Primal Elements holiday soaps!! If you have not tried this soap yet, you are missing out!

Hope to see you all this weekend!!!!

ps. Milo will be dressed up for the holidays and he would love to see you!!

--
Fancy That Gift Boutique
120 East Main Street
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2946

From the Flipside...

Lunch Specials

$5.00 Stimulus Burgers - lettuce, tomato, onions..your choice of cheese and regular fries - $5.00

$6.00 Grilled Cheese Sandwich with your choice of either a bowl of chicken noodle soup or Chili

$7.00 Pesto Chicken on a Ciabatta roll with provolone cheese, tomato, mixed greens and roasted red peppers.
Your choice of a side.

Dinner Features

Pasta - Fettucini tossed with portabella mushrooms, roasted garlic, tomatoes, bell peppers and shallots in a pink
vodka cream sauce. Served with a side salad and bread.

Steak Feature - Bourbon glazed 8 oz. Center Cut Sirloin served with heirloom home fries & a veggie

Tuesdays and Wednesday
5:00 to 6:30
Early Bird Special
15% off any Entree' (including the above dinner features)
Dine In Only
Wednesdays - 1/2 price wine by the glass night!
________________________________________
Open Mic Tonight - 8:30Karaoke Thursday
MikeMickXer on Friday
energizing rockabilly, reggae, funk, blues, R&B and rock & roll
Schedule that cartered event now. A small gathering to a large reception, we can provide you with a complete package.
Give us a call: 553-0123

From Purna Yoga East - Mini Yoga Session!

December Mini-Yoga Session 3 weeks of Restorative Yoga Classes designed specifically to relieve holiday stress and support the immune system!. Only $36.00!

Visit www.purnayogaeast.com for more information. All levels and new students welcome.

We're also hosting visiting Certified Purna Yoga Instructor Anna Woodson-Williamson for Sunday and New Year day workshops on SLEEP YOGA called Yoga Nidra! Check out the information at the website. Holiday gift certificates are in! Give the gift of health and well-being for massages or yoga classes. Gift certificates can be purchased in any amount.

Purna Yoga East, 107 E First Street, downtown Clayton

Town Seeking Partner on House Relocation

The new Law Enforcement Center project in downtown Clayton has created a great historic preservation opportunity for an enterprising preservationist. The Town owns a historic former residence, “The Blinson House” at 317 E Second Street, adjacent to the existing Police Station. The home was acquired by the Town in preparation for expanding the Law Enforcement Center, planned for July of 2010. Because the home is considered a contributing structure in the Clayton Historic District the Town is seeking a partner to acquire and relocate the house rather than have it demolished. (more details)

Governor Announces Talecris' Clayton Expansion

Governor Beverly Perdue announced this morning that Talecris Biotherapeutics will add 259 jobs as part of a $269 million expansion in Clayton. The announcement was made at the Clayton Center. The expansion will occur over the next several years.

The company, based in Research Triangle Park, will get nearly $5 million in state incentives. The incentive package comes with a requirement that the company keep its nearly 2,300 jobs in the area.

North Carolina Commerce Department officials say Talecris' new jobs in Clayton will pay average annual salaries of $51,000.

The company says it wants to meet increasing demand for its drugs made from blood plasma.

Governor Beverly Perdue Announcement

Remarks by Talecris CEO Larry Stern

Remarks by Talecris VP Operations Mary Kuhn

Remarks by Johnston County Chair, Wade Stewart

Remarks by NC Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco

Closing remarks by Clayton Mayor, Jody McLeod

From the Flipside...

Weekend Dinner Features

Kobe Beef Parmasan burger - an 8oz. Kobe burger topped with marinara sauce, povolone and romano cheese. Served on a ciabata roll with your choice of a side.

Pasta Feature - Roasted Garlic Primavera with fettucini, side salad and bread

Center Cut Sirloin with a bourbon glaze and mixed hierloom potatoes with veggies.
Served with bread.

Sauteed Sherry Citrus Glazed Tilapa served with veggies and citrus fruit sprinkled with pink peppercorns. Served over basmati rice and veggie.


Tonight
Johnny Orr and SouthStation

Saturday
Over The Hill

Interested in hosting a cartered gathering? From just a coffee bar with breakfast items, to lunch or dinner, we can help! Give us a call 553-0123

DDA Names Margaret Ritchie as Clayton’s 2009 NC Main Street Champion

The Clayton Downtown Development Association announced at its Awards Dinner Monday night that the former editor of the Clayton News Star, the late Margaret Ritchie, was named Clayton’s 2009 NC Main Street Champion.

Each of the state’s active Main Street programs is given the opportunity annually to recognize a local Main Street Champion. Ms. Ritchie was selected for this special recognition by the DDA in appreciation of her support to the downtown revitalization process. As editor, she championed and challenged efforts made to revitalize downtown Clayton and on a personal level, she was a leading voice for public art in Clayton.

Mayor Jody McLeod said, “Margaret was indeed a champion of Main Street in Clayton. Her efforts to educate her readership on the importance of downtown Clayton were very successful even among the skeptics.”

Ms. Ritchie’s name will join past recipients Barry Woodard and Joyce Blackley, on the Clayton Main Street Champion plaque that is displayed in the Town Manager’s outer office.

A certificate commemorating this honor will be presented posthumously to Ms. Ritchie at the NC Main Street Annual Awards Dinner which is being held in New Bern on January 28, 2010.

In recognizing Ms. Ritchie for this designation, the Clayton Downtown Development Association offered the following:

The late Margaret Ritchie loved Clayton and was a vigorous supporter of downtown. Margaret passed away in August, but she has left a legacy for the future.

As editor of the local newspaper for a decade, she challenged and championed the efforts made to revitalize downtown Clayton.

She played an essential role in establishing an arts scene in town; she helped found Clayton Visual Arts 10 years ago and led it for eight years.

When the Downtown Development Association initiated a Public Art Vision, Margaret served on the planning committee. Their efforts led to the development of a town-appointed Public Art Advisory Board.

Margaret also served on the steering committee that transformed the old Clayton Elementary School into a performing arts center, known as The Clayton Center.

When doubters in town government worried about the high cost of renovating the old school, she said, “Clayton Elementary School can be saved to further the growth of downtown’s historical preservation effort and to serve the people of Clayton again, as it has for many, many years.” She continued, “Searching for liabilities and cost factors without considering the countless possibilities of that building – even its cost-saving possibilities – shows only a lack of foresight and confidence in the future.” The Clayton Center, a premier performance and meeting center now in its sixth year, has brought nearly 80,000 people to downtown.

Founding CVA, championing efforts to complete the Clayton Center and her support of downtown, Margaret was truly a Main Street Champion.

“Main Street” is a downtown revitalization program for smaller towns based on economic development within the context of historic preservation. Clayton has been a “Main Street Community” since 2006. The North Carolina Main Street Program, which provides technical assistance to its communities, is part of the Office of Urban Development in the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Assistance.

DDA Announces Awards at Dinner Monday Night

About 65 people attended the Clayton Downtown Development Association's Annual Awards Dinner Monday night. Female gospel group C3 performed several songs and got the place buzzing before the program began. Gina Moreland, chair of the Clayton Public Art Advisory Committee gave a presentation on Public Art in Clayton. The DDA recognized several businesses and individuals for excellence and their commitments to downtown Clayton in time, advocacy and resources. Also recognized were outgoing and incoming board members. Be sure to check out the article in this week's issue of the Clayton News Star.

2009 Best Façade Improvement Over $10,000 - 104 N Fayetteville St.

The new home of HTR Commercial Realty was residential until earlier this year. The partnership undertook a complete rehabilitation of the house, keeping as much of the original materials and layout intact.
A formal driveway, parking and underground utilities and landscaping enhances the new paint colors. Repair to the roof, porches and walls included replacing rotten wood and repairing the original windows. Many of the balusters on the porches were being held together by paint, but the owners replaced them with wood reproductions. (Photo - left to right: Paul Flaherty; DDA Chair, Ed Knight; Brack Wilson, Elaine Wilson)

2009 Façade Improvement Under $10,000 - 321-327 E Main St.

The original shingles from the 1969 canopy, in front of Awards & Engravables, Beddingfield Drug Company, Connie’s and Flowers By the Neuse, were removed and replaced with a metal seam covering; the poles supporting the canopy were painted a cream color; the dark wood façade was painted a cream color, bringing more attention to the building and businesses located there. Also, an old sign from a long ago business was removed from above the canopy. (photo l-r: Walter Rasor, Beddingfield Drugs; Jeme Avent, DDA; Rob Baker, Awards & Engravables; Ed Knight, DDA Chair; Larry Belvin, General Precision)



2009 Outstanding Individual in a Business or Organization - Thad Avent, Avent-Permenter Group

The nomination for Thad noted that he has been in business for 12 years, provides “incredible” customer service and his staff says he is the ‘hardest working man in Clayton.’ In addition, he has been a sponsor of the Town Square Concert Series since the beginning, and contributes additional resources to help improve the downtown experience.


2009 Outstanding New Downtown Business – Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant

This award recognizes a business that has opened or located to downtown Clayton in the past 24 months. The nomination noted that Mulberry on Main, “brings customers to downtown Clayton, provides excellent customer service, provides a consistent product of excellent quality, is well-managed and works creatively to promote the business.” Additionally the restaurant owners, Jerry & Bernadette Gubitosi participate in all downtown activities and events.




2009 Outstanding Downtown Business – Fancy That Gifts

This award recognizes a downtown business that has been in business 3 or more years. The qualities attributed to this nominee include: being a successful boutique that has become a downtown destination; is an advocate for downtown Clayton; cross-promotes other downtown businesses and restaurants; relocated to a larger space a year ago, which made way for another retail business downtown; and treats customers as if they are neighbors. Owner Debbie Hammond also makes it a point to be visible at downtown functions as a volunteer. (photo: Debbie Hammond (l); Ed Knight, DDA Chair)

2009 Volunteer of the Year – Lyn Austin

This award recognizes an individual who through their volunteer efforts has championed the downtown experience. The DDA’s nominee for Volunteer of the Year guided the DDA’s Promotion Committee for the past several years holding committee meetings at her house, which included a social time with home-cooked treats and developed the successful Town Square Concert Series and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting. As a board member, Lyn has been an active participant in DDA meetings, planning retreats, and training opportunities at the local and state levels and she brings several perspectives to downtown issues.








2009 NC Main Street Champion – Margaret Ritchie
The DDA’s choice for 2009 NC Main Street Champion, Margaret Ritchie, played an essential role in establishing an arts scene in Clayton; Helped found and chaired Clayton Visual Arts; Served on the steering committee that transformed the old Clayton Elementary School into a performing arts center known as The Clayton Center. As editor of the Clayton News-Star, Margaret Ritchie used the editorial page to challenge and champion efforts to develop an arts community and stimulate the development of downtown Clayton. Although Margaret passed away earlier this year, she has left a legacy and was truly a Main Street Champion. Holding the NC Main Street Champion plaque that is displayed at The Clayton Center are Margaret's daughter, Lynne Fish (l) and Margaret's best friend, June Lioret. (photo by Rick Mercier)

Clayton is a North Carolina Main Street Community, and each year the Main Street program honors persons who have made extraordinary contributions to their local downtowns. The designation of Main Street Champion was determined in September by the DDA board. A certificate commemorating this special honor will be presented at the Main Street Awards Dinner in New Bern on January 28.

Special Presentation – Elton Pittman, Pittman’s Jewelers

Elton Pittman, who is closing his jewelry store after 62 years, was recognized for his longevity. Former DDA Chair and longtime downtown business owner, Joyce Blackley, and current DDA Chair, Ed Knight, presented Mr. Pittman with a framed copy of a recent news article chronicling the story of his business.









Outgoing DDA Members

Elton Pittman. Although the plaque he received indicated his service began in 1989, Elton was involved in the various iterations of the DDA since the beginning. Chairman Ed Knight said that Elton’s historic perspective has helped the DDA on many occasions.












Beth Williams has been on the board since 2005, when she owned and operated Flowers by the Neuse Florist, which she sold at the beginning of the year. She served as secretary and most recently as Treasurer. Beth also served on the Promotion Committee.















Lyn Austin –As a board member she took the Promotion Committee to a new level. Chairman Ed Knight said if something needs to be done, Lyn gets it done, and that he will continue to look to her for guidance and support. (Photo l-r: Betsy Grannis; Lyn Austin; Ed Knight)








Incoming DDA Members

There were eleven (11) applicants for the DDA this year with only five seats open. Two of the 11 applicants were from current board members and they were re-appointed for another term. Betsy Grannis is chair of the Organization Committee, which organized this event. Leslie Hubbard is chair of the Economic Restructuring Committee, which helped launch the Clayton Farmer’s Market. Three new members, in alphabetical order, are: Debra Austermuehle, co-owner of Main Street Jewelers; Debbie Hammond, owner of Fancy That Gifts and Margaret Lee, Clayton resident. (photo left to right: Boo Carver, Ed Knight, Jeme Avent, Michael Sims, Debbie Hammond, Betsy Grannis, Margaret Lee, Debra Austermuehle, Richard Rairigh, Leslie Hubbard.)