Friday, July 31, 2009

Art Car Event - September

8-1-09 Clayton Farm and Community Market Newsletter



Written by Amber Southerland Polk and edited by the CFCM Board

Email claytonmarket@earthlink.net with any questions, comments, article contributions or to get your own weekly copy delivered to your inbox. The Clayton Market is located at the Clayton Town Square at the corner of Main and O’Neil Street in Downtown Clayton. We are open every Saturday, April-October 8am-1pm.

New Vendor: The Clayton Market Family is pleased to welcome our newest vendor T&L Farm. T&L is a USDA Certified Organic farm, so all their produce is certified organic. For their first day they will be bringing watermelon, heirloom and cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and several other products. Please join us in welcoming our first certified organic vendor this Saturday.

The Last of the Blueberries: Smith’s Nursery has announced they will be bringing the last few flats of blueberries this Saturday. They expect them to sell out quick, so come early if you are in the market for some fresh blueberries. Attached is a beautiful picture of blueberries ripening on a bush at Smith’s Nursery. They will also be bringing cantaloupe, squash, zucchini; and maybe field peas and chili peppers. If you need something to brighten up your kitchen table, they will also bring fresh Sunflowers.

Call for 2010 Clayton Market Board Members: The board will soon be taking applications for 2010 board members. There will be a formal application and job description to follow. We would love to have you!

Upcoming Event August 8: Jennifer Holt from Happy Hollow Farms will bring her program called “Quick and Easy Composting.” Jennifer will show us how to create healthy compost from garbage around the house. So mark your calendar for next Saturday, your plants will thank you for it.

Call for August Events: We are still in need for events the last two weeks in August. Can you teach us how to garden, reuse things around the home, save money, or be better stewards of our environment? Do you sing, dance, play an instrument or all three? Would you like to get a youth or civic group together and hold old school game contests or face painting? Well get in touch with us and share your skills with the rest of Clayton. We never charge for any event, and are happy to let you promote your business or organization for your time and efforts.

Vendors:
Riverman’s Mushrooms
Smith’s Nursery
Sunday Morning Farm
T&L Farm

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Flowers by the Neuse and Connie's Get A Little Brighter

New Look
The front of Flower's by the Neuse Florist and Connie's Hairstyling at 321 E Main Street got brightened up a bit with some new paint covering the dark wood facade that had been in place for many years. The paint is an additional improvement to the new metal roof on the pole-supported canopy that stretches down the sidewalk to Beddingfield's Drug Company and Awards & Engravables.

Old Look

KB Land Surveying Opens Office in Downtown Clayton


KB Land Surveying moved its office in May from NC 42 to 410 E Main Street in downtown Clayton. Kraig Blim has been a surveyor since 1997 but opened his own business in 2007. He offers commercial and residential surveying services and has licenses in five states, including North and South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia. For more information contact Kraig by calling (919) 359-0030

Amanda’s Hairbraiding Moves to Storefront at 232 E Main Street


Amanda’s Hairbraiding has moved to 232 E Main Street in downtown Clayton. Since December 2008, she operated her salon from a second floor office at 316 E Main, but with an increase in business, she needed more space.

Amanda’s provides all types of braids, weaves and twist. They do braids for women, men and children and for all types of hair. Hours are Monday 12 Noon to 6:30 pm; Tuesday to Thursday from 9:30am to 6:30pm and Friday to Saturday 8:30am to 7pm.

Call 386-0557 for an appointment!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Clayton Steakhouse Thursday Professional Hour (and a 1/2!)

ZYDECOPIOUS Headlines August 20 Clayton Town Square Concert


The next show in the Clayton Town Square Concert Series is Zydecopious, a hot, swinging Zydeco band guaranteed to make your feet happy on Thursday, August 20 at the Town Square in downtown Clayton.

Their name means "ample amounts of zydeco," and that's what this band promises dancers and listeners alike. Their debut in December 2006 at The Flipside in Clayton, followed by a special performance at Yancy's in Raleigh, prompted raves from all who experienced the band's unique sound.

Zydecopious offers up not only tunes that zydeco aficionados and dancers have come to know and love (such as "Have Mercy," "I'm Comin' Home," "My YaYa," "Born in the Country," "Midland Two-Step," "Give 'em Cornbread"), but it also plays songs that reflect the heavy R&B-tinged music of Louisiana and the other Gulf Coast states, such as "Baby Please Don't Go," "Diddie-Wah-Diddie," and "Iko-Iko." And always expect some surprises, as some popular hits of the past get the zydeco treatment (remember Peggy Lee's "Fever" from 1958 and Mongo Jerry's "In the Summertime" from 1970?).

Zydecopious is the Triangle's only local zydeco band. It includes Kenny Shore on frottoir; Tracy Wiebeck on bass; Mike Davis on guitar; Leo Briere on accordion; Ed Mezynski on Drums, and Mick Voiland on organ. They all invite you to listen, enjoy, tap your feet, and, most definitely, DANCE!

Refreshments available at the Town Square include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks, homemade ice cream and Italian ice. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Several downtown restaurants offer pre-concert dinner specials, including The Flipside at 408 E Second Street, Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street, Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant, 217 E Main Street as well as Festejos Mexican Grill, 905 E Main Street and Lucky Chicken Peruvian Restaurant, 226 E Main Street.

Major sponsors for the concerts include, the Town of Clayton, Downtown Development Association, Clayton News Star and Time Warner Cable & Clayton Steakhouse.

Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Johnston Health and Novo Nordisk.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton at 100 W Main Street between S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. The final show in the series will be Band of Oz on September 17

For more information call (919) 553-1545 and for updates check the Downtown Clayton blog at www.downtownclayton.org.

Tech Star Computers Opens at 200 E Main Street in



The latest retail outlet in downtown Clayton is Tech Star Computers at 200 E Main Street, on the corner of E Main and Church. Durant ”Duke” Gibson opened the shop a couple of weeks ago and has been keeping busy with sales and repairs since day one. ”There is a market for good quality, lowcost computers,” he said. Although he sells new computers, most are used computers generally from large companies that have upgraded their equipment. According to Mr. Gibson, each computer is refurbished and tested and comes with a warranty.

The store is open Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm and on Saturday’s from Noon to 6:00 pm.

Contact Mr. Gibson and Tech Star Computers at (919) 798-4115.

Monday, July 27, 2009

EYE OF THE EAGLE ART GALLERY IN DOWNTOWN CLAYTON, NC IS SEEKING ARTISTS TO EXHIBIT NOVEMBER THROUGH DECEMBER 2009.

The Eye of the Eagle Art Gallery in downtown Clayton is seeking artists to exhibit in “The World’s Largest Tiny Art Show!” The exhibit will open November 1 2009 and feature Art Pieces no larger than 6 x 6 and the exhibit will close on December 31, 2009

The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2009. The opening reception for the artists will be November 6, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

There will be two receptions in December: December 3, 2009 – from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm – Tree Lighting in the Town Square and Christmas Village that evening, December 12, 2009 – from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Clayton Christmas Parade that Day!

The mission of The Eye of the Eagle Art is to support the arts, the artists both professional and emerging, and bring the arts alive in the community.
Please contact the Eye of the Eagle Art to obtain an application or get more details about this opportunity.

The gallery and art center is located at 131 E First Street, Clayton, NC 27520. Gallery Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

You can call 919-585-2461, email art@eyeoftheeagleart.com or visit the website.

For more information contact:
Donna Pfledderer
131 E 1st Street
Clayton, NC 27520
Center 919-585-2461
Mobile 919-221-0452
art@eyeoftheeagleart.com

From the Flipside...

We've got a fantastic weekend in store coming up!!!

This Friday Mark Horney from Turner Wine Imports is going to be hosting a wine tasting in The Coffee Mill, this Friday July 31 at 6:30.

It is FREE, but we'd really appreciate getting an RSVP if you intend on coming. Mark needs to make sure he has enough wine on hand, and we need to make sure we put out enough cheese and what not. RSVP please: 553-0123 or morgone@mindspring.com

Music wise what a really really really great weekend it's going to be!

Friday Night is

Johnny Orr and Southstation
www.myspace.com/johnnyorrmusic

Saturday Night

Blue Marble Beat
www.myspace.com/bluemarblebeat1

Friday, July 24, 2009

Clayton Chamber Seeks Contestants for the 2009 Annual Clayton Idol Competition

The Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce is searching for talented singers to participate in the 2009 “Clayton Idol” competition. The competition will take place over a several day period during the Harvest Festival, which is September 16th – 20th this year.

The event, will be divided into two age groups: 5-11 year olds and 12-18 year olds. Cash prizes will be awarded.

Participants of the competition must be available to perform in a preliminary audition between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15th at The Clayton Chamber of Commerce. Finalists will be chosen based preliminary performances. Finalists must be available to compete in the finals competition on Friday, September 18th, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the Harvest Festival main stage.

For more information about the “Clayton Idol” contest or to obtain a registration form, contact the Chamber office at 553-6352 or send an e-mail to kimm@claytonchamber.com.

Clayton Farm and Community Market Newsletter for July 25, 2009

Written by Amber Southerland Polk and edited by the CFCM Board

Email claytonmarket@earthlink.net with any questions, comments, article contributions or to get your own weekly copy delivered to your inbox. The Clayton Market is located at the Clayton Town Square at the corner of Main and O’Neil Street in Downtown Clayton. We are open every Saturday, April-October 8am-1pm.

Calling All Home Tomato Gardeners for the 1st Annual Top Tomato Contest this Saturday: Market Money will be given out to the winners. Market Money can be spent at any Clayton Market vendor. Please register between 8:00am-9:30am. Judging will begin at 10am sharp. Prizes will be awarded, however irresistible tomatoes eaten by our guest judges can not be returned.

Top Tomato Categories for 2009:
I. Appearance (the swimsuit portion of the contest):
Biggest tomato
Ugliest tomato
A tomato that resembles something other than a tomato

II. Taste (talent competition)
Best grape tomato
Best cherry tomato
Best tomato sandwich tomato
Best tomato grown by the youngest grower
You may enter in more than one category. No entry fee required. Tomato fame awaits!

Cleveland Cake and Coffee Co. has new Flaxseed and Spelt Breads: Rich writes in: “We will have a couple exciting new breads I have been formulating over the past weeks. I now have healthy bread options with Flaxseed. I will have a Flaxseed Rye bread and a Flaxseed Sourdough this week. I am also working on a Spelt bread made with 100% organic spelt flour from right here in North Carolina! I should have it mastered by market time but will have only a limited supply. We will also have Sourdough and whatever else we do on a whim as usual.”
See you there,
Rich & Jen

So I know what flaxseed is. It’s a seed containing high levels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids, and it is really growing in popularity due to its health benefits. However, I had to ask Rich about Spelt. Turns out it is an ancient grain related to wheat that has been used since medieval times. Spelt carries its own impressive list of health benefits and according to Wikipedia, Some people with a wheat allergy or wheat intolerance can tolerate spelt. So come on out and try Cleveland Cake and Coffee’s new arrivals!

Happy Tunes Kazoo: Oh I have found the best present for the grandkids ever! Get them a homemade bamboo Kazoo from Riverman’s Mushrooms. This is a welcome change in a world where everything costs a fortune, is made in a far away country with questionable ingredients, and breaks as soon as you get it home. David handcrafts his kazoos for strength and says if you wear out the paper, just cut you off a new piece of wax paper and you are good to go again. Happy Tunes Kazoos sell for around $10 each. I have included a picture of David and his kazoo, but for the full effect, you have to drop by the market and hear him play.

Clayton Pet Sitter Caught Marketing the Market:
Sandi Kellman, a local pet sitter, wanted to participate in last weeks challenge to hang up the newsletter at her business, but since she goes to her clients, she printed out copies of the newsletter and left them for her client’s owners to find once they returned home.
Sandi wrote in to the market: “Hi. I have been coming to the market since it started and was so happy when I heard that it was actually going to happen! I think buying local is the best way to go for everyone considered. The farmer, myself, the environment...can you tell I'm a 'green' freak! I bring my own bags and all :) I just wanted to say what a great job you guys are doing.”
Learn more about Sandi and her pet sitting at www.loveofanimals.net.

Heads up Clayton Businesses: if I see the newsletter hanging up at your business I might just give you a shout out in an upcoming edition that currently reaches over 500+ local households! Maybe I’ll even send some volunteer spotters out in the community on the lookout for the newsletter. So print it out, put it up, and let’s grow our businesses together!

Market Thanks: John Spencer was a huge hit last week. He has even offered to perform for us again later in the year. If you would like for John to play for you, he can be reached at johndspencer9@peoplepc.com.
Special thanks to Tim and Alison Cockrell for volunteering at the market last Saturday.

Refrigerator Pickles sent in by Adair Pickard
2 quarts sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 large onion sliced
2 Tablespoons salt

Put cucumbers and onion in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Cover with ice cubes and let sit 1 hour. Rinse and Drain well. Put into quart or pint jars and cover with hot liquid below.

1 ½ cup sugar
1 cup vinegar
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon mustard seed

Mix together and heat almost to a boil. Pour over cukes/oinion and allow to cool on counter. Put on lids and place in refrigerator. Will last many months if kept refrigerated.
Do you have a recipe you would like to share? Email it in.

Upcoming Events: August is wide open. Email me if you have an event, music or demonstration you would like to share with the market. We love learning about new things or hearing new music and it’s a great promotional opportunity for local businesses, not for profits, and musicians.

Vendors for July 25
• Riverman’s Mushrooms
• Seasonal Selections
• Flying Fork Bakehouse
• Cleveland Cake and Coffee Co.
• Toad Song Farm
• Sunday Morning Farm

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Fancy That! Mega Sale Friday & Saturday

From the Flipside!

Lunch Specials
$5.00 - 1/2 Sandwich with choice of side. Ham and Swiss or Turkey and Provolone

$7.00 BBQ Chicken Pizza - $6.00 Chicken Finger Sandwich

Dinner Features
Jerk Seasoned Salmon fillet grilled to your liking and topped with a pineapple pico de gallo and served with saffron rice and veggie

Check out our Steak Features - Kitchen Specialities: either the Omaha N.Y. Strip or the Center Cut Sirloin
Grilled to perfection and set off with a chimichiro sauce and served with saffron rice and veggie

Ask your wait person about the Pasta of the Day!
________________________________________

Calender Event
July 31st
Mark Horney of Turner Wine Imports will be hosting a wine tasting

Friday 7/24 Music
Vintage Fresh

Saturday 7/25
Full Moon Pie

Sunday, July 19, 2009

CVA - ART CAR EVENT

Clayton Visual Arts invites the community to participate and create Clayton’s first artcar. September 18, 29, 20 Harvest Festival
Main Street Parking Lot
Join in and help create a bottle cap car! Car and materials will be provided

Start saving all your bottle caps for this project. Plastic and/or metal pop bottlers, water bottles, beer bottles, milkcartons, juice cartons, wine bottle corks, any caps whatsoever. You can bring your bottle cap collection to the project site or drop your caps off at the following collection points: The Clayton Center, Clayton Steakhouse, Paupers Books & More

Small Business Center Seminars - August 2009

Below are the FREE business seminars for the end of July and August! Hope you can attend some of them!!

Do More with Less: Improving Your Efficiency with Computer Shortcuts
(Eric Schmieder, Director of Web Services & Online Marketing, Johnston Community College, Presenter)
Thursday 6:00-9:00pm 7/23/09 Room 1031, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
Ever wonder how some people get so much done on a computer while others seem to endlessly hunt for the right menu, toolbar button, or key on the keyboard? Become one of the tech-savvy individuals who let the computer improve their efficiency and speed up their work. You will learn keyboard shortcuts, multiple methods for navigating Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office applications, and simple configuration and process changes that can make your life with a computer much more rewarding. The time you spend in this seminar will come back to you time and again in savings later. Don’t miss these tips!!


Advertising and Marketing (Jess McLamb, The Roper Group, Presenter)
Monday 6:00-9:00pm 7/27/09 Room 1032, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
Develop a marketing plan for your business that works and does not break the bank doing so. Learn steps and tips to successful marketing.

Planning Under the Business Life Cycle
(Anne Britt, Consolidated Planning, Inc, Presenter)
Monday 6:00-8:00pm 8/3/09 Room 1032, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
Anne Britt has 30 years experience helping individuals, families, and businesses organize their financial world; protect their assets, income and lifestyle; and focus their resources to help them achieve their financial goals. This class covers start-up or emerging businesses thru the growth and maturity stages to exit/transfer. Planning considerations include:
- selection of business entity: sole proprietorship, Sub-S, C-Corp, LLC
- what benefits to offer to whom and when
- using legal and tax experts to protect against unforeseen liabilities
- how to make the best use of an accountant
- retirement planning.

The 12 Steps to Start Getting Appointments and Stop Cold Calling! How to Ask for the Appointment and Get It.(Chris Morrissette, forfreeandforfun.com, Presenter)
Wednesday 9:00am-12:00pm 8/5/09 Room 1032, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
Come learn the 12 easy steps to make an appointment with anyone. Stop wasting your time. Cold Calling doesn’t work, but you still need to make sales appointments. This seminar has a Parking Lot Guarantee! You will walk out to your car at 12pm, grab your cell phone, call your next prospect and have an outline that will dramatically increase your ability to make an appointment with that person.

Cookies and Trojans and Worms, Oh My! – Keeping Your Computer Safe and Clean(Eric Schmieder, Director of Web Services & Online Marketing, Johnston Community College, Presenter)
Thursday 6:00-9:00pm 8/6/09 Room 1032, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
Is your computer running slower than it used to? Are you getting strange errors and warnings from the programs you use? Are you afraid to go online? Do you just want it to work? Learn what things you can do to protect your computer from malicious attack, what things you do daily that can slow down a computer, and how you can keep your machine properly maintained and protected with little to no technical knowledge.

10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business (Jess McLamb, The Roper Group, Presenter)
Monday 6:00-9:00pm 8/10/09 Room 8, Cleveland Center
This workshop will give you an overall understanding of the steps you need to take to make your dream venture a reality.

Why Do People Act Crazy at Work?(Mike Collins, The Perfect Workday Company, Presenter)
Wednesday 11:00-2:00pm 8/12/09 Room 1032, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
Do you believe that some people act crazy at work? Absolutely! A variety of stressors in today’s workplace combine to create more difficult people. In this session you will learn:
 The four reasons why more people are crazy at work
 Who are the crazy people at work and how to deal with them
 How to make difficult people more accountable
 Who are “problem” people and who are simply annoying
 Why you can’t tell someone they have a “bad attitude”
 Why it comes down to how they work and how you work
 How to keep crazy people from making you crazy

Web to English Translation: Effectively Communicating with Your Web Developer (Eric Schmieder, Director of Web Services & Online Marketing, Johnston Community College, Presenter)
Thursday 6:00-9:00pm 8/20/09 Room 1032, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
Does talking to your web developer leave you questioning whether they learned English in high school? Are you left unsure of whether the language barrier challenges will eliminate any hope of getting the online image you are hoping for? Get familiar with some of the common terms and concepts in the web design industry. Learn where to find answers to become an educated consumer of these services. Explore some of the different types of web sites and marketing approaches used online and how these can be aligned with your business plan.

From Losing My Job to Owning My Job(Doug Cockrell, KS Bank, Presenter)
Monday 6:00-9:00pm 8/24/09 Room 1032, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
This seminar is a hands-on way to learn more entrepreneurship. It encourages participants to think like an entrepreneur while learning about small business management. By the end of the seminar each participant will have created a plan for how to pursue their entrepreneurial goals.


Creative Marketing for Artists, Part I: How to Plan Your Prosperous Marketing Palette
(Barnsley Brown, Spirited Solutions, Presenter)
Tuesday 6:30-8:30pm 8/25/09 Room 8, Cleveland Center
Come find out why marketing your work is as exciting and creative as the process of making art! Learn the top ten marketing methods of over twenty-five artists—painters, sculptors, folks artists, jewelry makers, musical instrument makers, theatre artists, writers, crafters, etc.—who make their livings from their art. You’ll come away with a palette of bold, bright ideas and a plan to implement them. Become a marketing expert in this fun, invigorating seminar!
Sponsored in partnership with the Johnston County Arts Council.

Taking the Guesswork Out of Recognizing Substance Abuse in the Workplace(Sherry Harris, Carolina Center for Drug and DNA Testing, Presenter)
Wednesday 10:00-12:00pm 8/26/09 Room 1032, Workforce Dev Center, Clayton
Are you observing dilated or contracted pupils, slurring of speech, or behaviors that previously have not been exhibited by an employee? If so, drugs and/or alcohol may be involved. Take the guess work out of suspecting an employee with a drug or alcohol problem. Learn the warning signs of substance abuse and the signs of impairment. Learn the appropriate approach to act on your suspicions and how to prevent substance abuse in the workplace. This is a great session for managers, supervisors, human resource professionals, safety officials, and designated employer representatives.

To register for these seminars, contact Rosa Andrews at 919-209-2015 or rsandrews@johnstoncc.edu or register through the SBC website at http://www.johnstoncc.edu/sbcregistration.aspx
http://www.johnstoncc.edu/smallbusinesscenter.aspx


Rosa S. Andrews
Director of Small Business Center and Occupational Licensure
Business and Industry Department
Johnston Community College
135 Best Wood Drive
Clayton, NC 27520
919-209-2015
919-359-1176 fax
rsandrews@johnstoncc.edu
For the current Small Business Center Seminar Schedule go to http://www.johnstoncc.edu/sbcseminars.aspx

Friday, July 17, 2009

Town Square Concert Photos & Video - Legends of Beach July 16 2009


The Legends of Beach featuring Jackie Gore, performed last night at the Town Square Concert Series in downtown Clayton, NC.

There's a number of photos on the Downtown Clayton, NC Facebook page and here's some links to some video snippets of last night:

Legends of Beach 1

Legends of Beach 2

Legends of Beach 3

Legends of Beach 4

Legends of Beach 5

Legends of Beach 6

Legends of Beach 7

Legends of Beach 8

From the Flipside

Weekend Dinner Steak Feature

Choice of Omaha N.Y. strip or a Sirloin Au Pauve crusted with pepper and grilled to perfection, served with a green peppercorn sherry cream sauce and grilled veggies and safron rice

Check out our Pasta of the Day
Baked Stuffed Shells - shells stuffed with an herb ricotta and covered with a vodka cream marinara and mozzarella cheese and bake to perfection

Saturday
It's ALWAYS a party when this band plays. Come party with us!!!

The Fifty/50 Band

Mark your calendars
Mark Horney of Turner Wine Imports
will be providing a wine tasting on July 31st

Clayton Farm and Community Market Newsletter for July 18, 2009

Written by Amber Southerland Polk and edited by the CFCM Board

Email claytonmarket@earthlink.net with any questions, comments, article contributions or to get your own weekly copy delivered to your inbox. The Clayton Market is located at the Clayton Town Square at the corner of Main and O’Neil Street in Downtown Clayton. We are open every Saturday, April-October 8am-1pm.

Produce: Produce is in full swing at the market. We have cantaloupes, watermelon, all kinds of tomatoes, squash, cucumbers, potatoes, corn, okra, garlic, mushrooms, beans and several herbs. So come on out to the Clayton Market this week and stock up on fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

Market the Market: I’ve started attaching a word file of the newsletter. Try printing it out and hanging it up where customers, co-workers or that friend who never checks her email can read it. Heads up Clayton Businesses: if I see the newsletter hanging up at your business I might just give you a shot out in an upcoming edition that currently reaches over 500+ local households! Maybe I’ll even send some volunteer spotters out in the community on the lookout for the newsletter. So print it out, put it up, and let’s grow our businesses together!

Music at the Market: John Spencer will be playing at the market from 10am-1pm this Saturday. John is from a musical family in Henry County, VA and was brought up in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. His mom played piano and the family would gather together and harmonized in gospel music. They also sang and played on the front porch for the entire neighborhood. John taught himself to play Guitar at age 11. By the time his family had their first TV, he was on it!
At age 14 John started with his 1st group, Terry Martin & The Bombers. John says they are a great rock & roll group and he still loves to play those songs, which are now considered classic rock.

John will be doing traditional and classic country, classic rock & roll and some gospel. He may even have a surprise change in pace at the end! John can be reached at johndspencer9@peoplepc.com.

Now is the Time to Become a Clayton Market Vendor: So you’re not the type who jumps into anything. You’ve been reading this newsletter for months now trying to decide if you want to become part of the Clayton Market Family. Well now’s the time!

Contact us at Claytonmarket@earthlink.net because the newsletter readers are constantly emailing me asking for more crafts, produce, meats, eggs and local products! Wouldn’t you just love to be the one to grant their wish? Also, if you know someone with local, handmade products you would like to see at the market, encourage them to get in touch with us.

Lavender Crafts: I was really impressed with the lavender crafts from Toad Song Farm. They have beautiful lavender baskets, wands and heating pads. The Lavender hand salve went fast last week and the lavender lotion and oil smells really good. I have attached a picture of a pretty lavender basket.

How to Make Farmer Friends: Do you need A LOT of tomatoes for canning or your restaurant? Are you having a cookout that requires a grill load of corn or a 5 gallon punch bowl of watermelon? Would you like to get your hands on a large amount of honey to replace sugar in your baking? Do you need a standing order of cookies every Monday or cake every Friday? Could your storefront really use some sprucing up with a large amount of daylilies, hosta or Japanese Maple Trees? Well come make some farmer friends! Just go right up to your friendly Clayton Market vendor, tell them what you need, and be amazed at how friendly and willing to help they are. Why I wouldn’t be surprised if they invited you back to their farm to pick up your bulk items sometime later in the week or have it ready to go next Saturday at the market. Either way, they would be happy to take your bulk order and cut out those middlemen altogether!

Calling All Home Tomato Gardeners for the 1st Annual Top Tomato Contest Next Week: It’s time to start singing to those tomatoes! Only one week to go!
Please register between 8:00am-9:30am. Judging will begin at 10am sharp. Prizes will be awarded, however irresistible tomatoes eaten by our guest judges can not be returned. If you or your local business is interested in sponsoring this event please contact claytonmarket@earthlink.net.

Top Tomato Categories for 2009:
I. Appearance (the swimsuit portion of the contest):
Biggest tomato
Ugliest tomato
A tomato that resembles something other than a tomato

II. Taste (talent competition)
Best grape tomato
Best cherry tomato
Best tomato sandwich tomato
Best tomato grown by the youngest grower
You may enter in more than one category. No entry fee required. Tomato fame awaits!

Thanks to the Clayton Fire Department: The Smoke House safety trailer was a big hit last Saturday. I even learned a few new tips myself. For example, most of us know you should designate a family “meeting place” in case of a house fire. This assures everyone goes to the same spot and can easily be accounted for. However, did you know the most popular answer, the mailbox, is not a safe meeting place for your family? Turns out this often puts young children in the way of incoming fire trucks and emergency response vehicles. I learned that the across the street neighbor’s yard or front porch is a much safer meeting place. We hope to have the Clayton Fire Department back in the fall for more safety tips and more Smoke House exploration.

Upcoming Events: Contact claytonmarket@earthlink.net if you have an event or activity you would like to bring to the Market.

• July 25: Top Tomato Contest

August is wide open. Email me if you have an event, music or demonstration you would like to share with the market. We love learning about new things or music and it’s a great promotional opportunity for local businesses, not for profits, and musicians.

Vendors for July 18
• Riverman’s Mushrooms
• Seasonal Selections
• Smith’s Nursery
• Cleveland Cake and Coffee Co.
• Toad Song Farm
• Sunday Morning Farm

Thursday, July 16, 2009

What Clouds?! Concert Series Still On!

Although there have a been a few clouds and sprinkles, the concert with Legends of Beach is STILL ON for tonight at 7 pm at the Clayton Town Square!!

So come on out!!

Eye of the Eagle Art Fence Mural


Eye of the Eagle Art, 131 E First Street on July 4 unveiled their new fence mural painted by Clayton artist Penny Evans. Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen interviewed Penny and gallery co-owner Donna Pfledderer and here's the video!

Professional Hour & 1/2 at Clayton Steakhouse Tonight

Ladies Night at Paint It Red This Saturday!

LADIES NIGHTSATURDAY, JULY 18
7:00-UNTIL....

Paint It Red
553-8317
115 East First St
Clayton, NC

Learn how to enjoy a sweet summer vacation with your partner! Just as much fun as Disney, but a fraction of the price... Send the kids to the neighbors house and spend the night in with your partner!!

FUN!!!

must be 18 years or older to attend.......

please contact Tracie for pre-orders or for orders if you cannot attend!

Passiondelight@rocketmail.com Jodi (390-4630)

Monday, July 13, 2009

Sales Tax Holiday Set For August 7-9

North Carolinians can save money by purchasing items like clothing, school supplies and computers during the state’s sales tax holiday that begins on Friday, Aug. 7 and runs through Sunday, Aug. 9.

- Clothing, footwear, and school supplies of $100 or less per item
- School instructional materials of $300 or less per item
- Sports and recreational equipment of $50 or less per item
- Computers of $3,500 or less per item, and
- Computer supplies of $250 or less per item will be exempt from sales tax.

The holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7 and lasts until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9.

Note: the specific types of items that are exempt from sales tax are defined in detail for the holiday. Items are not exempt from sales tax just because they are required by a child’s school or sports team.

Go to http://www.dor.state.nc.us/taxes/sales/salestax_holiday.html for more details on the 2009 sales tax holiday, including a technical bulletin that specifies the items that are exempt from sales tax.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Clayton Farm and Community Market Newsletter for July 11,2009


Written by Amber Southerland Polk and edited by the CFCM Board

Email claytonmarket@earthlink.net with any questions, comments, article contributions or to get your own weekly copy delivered to your inbox. The Clayton Market is located at the Clayton Town Square at the corner of Main and O’Neil Street in Downtown Clayton. We are open every Saturday, April-October 8am-1pm.

Produce Spotlight: Seasonal Selections will have tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, squash (yellow and Zucchini), watermelons and cantaloupes. Our weekend feature is going to be shucked corn bagged and on ice ready to cook. We will also have Roma Tomatoes on sale at a fantastic price.

Clayton Fire Department offers Free Fire Safety at the Clayton Farm and Community Market Saturday July 11th from 8am-noon: The Clayton Fire Department will bring The Smokehouse Safety Trailer July 11th to the Clayton Farm and Community Market. This trailer is designed to teach kids what to do in a fire emergency. Paul Zais starts kids out in the upstairs bedroom of this mini mobile home, and right after he explains what to do in an emergency situation, the bedroom starts to fill up with “bubblegum flavored” smoke! Paul then leads the kids down the steps, checking the doorknob first, and they actually practice escaping from a smoke filled home. You can preach to your children the importance of fire safety, but nothing sticks in their mind like actually escaping from a smoke filled room. How do I know? I can vividly remember successfully escaping from the same Smoke House Trailer at Clayton Primary School in 1988!
The Clayton Fire Department will also bring fire engine #5, the newest engine on the line with its full crew to answer any questions. A recruiting officer will be on hand to talk to anyone interested in joining these fine men and women. There will also be information on the Code Red program. Code Red is an alert system that individuals of Clayton city limits can sign up for to be notified of any national or Clayton emergency.
So parents, bring your children by this free program at the Clayton Farm and Community Market on the corner of Main and O’Neil Street for an education they won’t forget in an emergency…even 21 years later!

Volunteer opportunities: Set up and take down volunteers needed for this Saturday. If you are available for either, please email claytonmarket@earthlink.net and let us know. The market can’t run without volunteers.

We are also looking for a volunteer to post Top Tomato Contest Flyers in a few locations around town. This is a perfect job for someone needing a few volunteer hours.


Love your Farmers Market Contest: Vote for the Clayton Market online at www.care2.com/farmersmarket/ Top prize is $5000 for the market and they even have prizes for the top recruiters. Right now the Durham Market is winning. So go out there and show your love for Clayton!

We never get tired of hearing about how much you love us, so send an email telling us why you love the Clayton Market and we will include it in an upcoming edition of the newsletter.

Calling All Home Tomato Gardeners for the 1st Annual Top Tomato Contest July 25th. Please register between 8:00am-9:30am. Judging will begin at 10am sharp. Prizes will be awarded, however irresistible tomatoes eaten by our guest judges can not be returned. If you or your local business is interested in sponsoring this event please contact claytonmarket@earthlink.net.

Top Tomato Categories for 2009:
I. Appearance (the swimsuit portion of the contest):
Biggest tomato
Ugliest tomato
A tomato that resembles something other than a tomato

II. Taste (talent competition)
Best grape tomato
Best cherry tomato
Best tomato sandwich tomato
Best tomato grown by the youngest grower

You may enter in more than one category. No entry fee required. Tomato fame awaits!


Upcoming Events: Contact claytonmarket@earthlink.net if you have an event or activity you would like to bring to the Market.
• July 18: John Spencer, musician.
• July 25: Top Tomato Contest

Vendors on 7-11-09DD&J’s Old Fashioned Kettle Corn
Riverman’s Mushrooms
Seasonal Selections
Smith’s Nursery
Shamrock’s Buzzy Bees
Flying Fork Bakehouse
Cleveland Cake and Coffee Co.
Toad Song Farm

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

From the Flipside...

Lunch Specials

$5.00 Burger
A fresh batch of Gazpacho has been made....yummie!! Salmon and shrimp salad over a bed of mixed greens
Asian Citrus Curried Chicken Wrap

WOW!!! Some really great lunch specials are available!!!

Dinner Features

Stuffed shells with an herbed ricotta cheese, hot Italian sausage and meatballs. Also, Brats are available served with potato salad and kraut.

Dinner Features
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Early Bird Special
15% off any Entree' from 5:00 to 6:00 (dine in only)
(Wednesdays enjoy a glass a wine for 1/2 price)

Open Mic Tonight with J. B. & Jason hosting

This Saturday we've got Valentino & The Piedmont Sheiks

Have you been in the coffee shop lately? New research on alzheimers is showing some new, and interesting, effects of coffee consumption. Plus...remember...it is better to support locally owned, and operated, businesses than some corporate giant from out of town. Think locally.......

Thursday, July 02, 2009

On-Time Construction Opens at 423-425 E Main Street


”Opening an office on Main Street in downtown Clayton is like going full circle,” according to Manly Turner. His new general contracting office for On-Time Construction is in the same building as the old Foster Barnes Hardware Store, where his father and uncle worked as a young man.

Mr. Turner has now consolidated several construction offices into 3000 square feet of space most recently occupied by Shelton Furniture at 423-425 E Main Street. Mr. Turner is a general contractor for new residential construction, renovation and remodeling.

Since moving into the new location a couple weeks ago, Mr. Turner said he’s had people stop in thinking they were an antique shop because they’d see the larger than life Blues Brothers figures in the window. ”They’re just a good conversation piece,” he said.

For more information about On-Time Construction, call (919) 359-0300.

Legends of Beach Headline Next Town Square Concert - July 16



The next show in the Clayton Town Square Concert Series is Legends of Beach, an all-star cast in the beach music industry, on July 16 at the Town Square in downtown Clayton.

Sometimes history does repeat itself. In this case we’re talking about the History of Beach Music and some of the people who actually helped make it happen. The roots of The Legends of Beach go back to 1958 when the legendary Jackie Gore decided to put one of the premier beach music groups together.

What followed was one success after another with that generation… and generations to follow.

Legends Jackie Gore and keyboardist/arranger Johnny Barker each wrote songs that would help shape what was to come in the genre. Jackie’s “I Love Beach music” from 1979 and “Summertime’s Calling Me” written by Johnny in 1975 have become beach music classics.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg… so to speak. Gerald Davis, nationally known as an award winning producer, musical director, bassist, and vocalist, has been a major influence in creating the sound of “I Love Beach Music” and countless other beach music classics. The collaborations of Barker and Davis were responsible for numerous beach music awards in the 80’s and 90’s and together raised the standard of excellence to new heights.

Lead vocalist Mark Black’s resume as a writer/performer/producer stands on its own. While fronting the band that Jackie left for 11 years, his reputation grew quickly on stage as a dynamo on lead vocals and sax. With his own home studio, Mark produces music for the Legends of Beach and clients like The Discovery Channel.

Jeff Grimes decided to settle down from the sometimes gruesome road and open his own recording studio in Goldsboro NC. Having preformed nationally with the Jimmy Castor Bunch, Jeff has been a mainstay in beach music since the early 90’s. His talent is heard daily on guitar, sax, and vocals on beach music stations throughout the South.

Drummer, Glenn Edwards, is the newest addition to this legendary sound, and has spent the last several years playing drums with the Fabulous Shades and the legendary rock group, Nantucket.

The sound of live horns is the icing on this cake! Of course only the best will do here, and that is The Rusty Smith Horns. Rusty not only plays trumpet, but writes and arranges the charts and directs the horn section comprised of only “A List” players. His resume includes the Temptations, Four Tops, Spinners, The Charlotte Symphony, Louise Mandrell, and on and on.

Then it’s all brought together by sound engineer, Steve Davis. With over 30 years in the business, Steve is well known as a no compromise professional, delivering the mix that is powerful, yet detailed with every nuance coming from this incredibly talented group.

So as you see, The Legends of Beach is comprised of an all-star cast in the beach music industry. Their website is www.legendsofbeach.com

Refreshments available at the Town Square will include pizza, hot dogs, beer, wine and soft drinks, homemade ice cream and Italian ice. Although folding chairs and blankets are encouraged for people to sit on, coolers are not allowed.

Major sponsors for the concerts include, the Town of Clayton, Downtown Development Association, Clayton News Star and Time Warner Cable & Clayton Steakhouse. Contributing sponsors include Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Johnston Health and Novo Nordisk.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton at 100 W Main Street between S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets.

Future shows in the series include: Zydecopious on August 20; and Band of Oz on September 17.

For more information call (919) 553-1545 and for updates check the Downtown Clayton blog at www.downtownclayton.org.

Coffee Mill Gets New Face


The Coffee Mill, 105 S Lombard Street, has recently received a new coat of paint! The awning as painted last year by local artist Walter Day.


This what the building looked like before the new paint!

East 2nd Street Yoga Moving to 107 E First Street


There will be a name change as East 2nd Street Yoga and Massage owner Catharine Eberhart moves her studio from a business based out of her home on Second Street and The Clayton Center for the past 6years in downtown to a storefront at 107 East First Street.

Beginning Monday, July 6, all classes and massage therapy will be held at Ms Eberhart’s new location at the corner of Fayetteville and East First Street, where Censored Skate Shack was located for several years.

Ms. Eberhart said she will continue her regular classes and programs of yoga and massage but expects to add speciality classes for seniors and youth, gentle yoga, meditation classes and specialty workshops to work with back pain and shoulder and neck pain. The studio is equipped with The Great Yoga Wall and all the necessary yoga props.

She will also offer a Yoga Alliance 200 hour teacher training this fall. Ms. Eberhart said, ”there are a lot of people teaching yoga who don’t have the training – but at our studio, Clayton has some of the very best.”

People can register online to join classes at any time and request massage therapy appointments at www.east2ndstreetyoga.com The studio is open by appointment and during classtimes. For more information call (919) 270-4892 or email info@east2ndstreetyoga.com.

Paint It Red Parties & Internet Cafe Schedules Holiday Events


Paint It Red Parties & Internet Cafe, 115 E First Street, has scheduled a series of events over the next several days.

Saturday, July 4
Fun-N-The-Sun Day
sprinklers, slip-n-slide and outdoor games starting at 3:00...Free to the public. Best seat in town for the fireworks on the big red front porch, under the fans with great ice tea, smoothies and milkshakes...

Monday, July 6
Ice cream social
($3.00 per person)
Build your own sundae!
Starting at 3:00

Tuesday, July 7
Tie-Dye Day
($3.00 per person, please bring an item to be dyed)
bring your own white piece of clothing and be ready for a messy, good time...Starting at 3:00...

Paint It Red will be open until 11:00 pm on July 4th and until 7:00 pm Tues-Sat....

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Pizzaz Needs Summer Clothing for Women


Pizzaz Thrift Store at 131 E Main Street is in need of gently used summer clothing for women. We could use shoes and jewelry as well. Donations at the Clayton store have dropped significantly recently.

The hours beginning July 6, 2009 will be Monday - Wednesday 11 - 4, Thursday and Friday 11 - 6 and Saturday 10 - 5. Store phone number is 550-1915

The store is operated by Harbor Inc., a private non-profit that began in 1984 to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Johnston County.

Clayton Visual Arts Reception Thursday July 2 at The Clayton Center


Clayton Visual Arts invites you to meet Ann Campbell of West End
Artists' at the monthly artist reception Thursday, July 2, 6:00-7:30 p.m. at
The Clayton Center Gallery, 111 East Second Street, Downtown Clayton

Exhibit runs July 2-31, 2009; gallery open 9-5, Mon.-Fri.

The piece to the right is entitled "Silhouette in Pink"

Contact information
ddemboski@nc.rr.com
919-585-6131
Clayton Visual Arts
P.O. Box 698
Clayton, North Carolina 27528

EYE OF THE EAGLE ART HOSTS JULY 4 ART RECEPTION AND MURAL UNVEILING FOR ARTIST PENNY EVANS


The Eye of the Eagle Art in Downtown Clayton will host an opening Art Reception and unveil a mural painted by artist Penny Evans on July 4, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Evan’s paintings and sculptures are vibrant, whimsical and full of life… life as she sees it. The artist states, “The world of art is a wide open space and I'm here to paint it.”

The artist has also been working on a mural at Eye of the Eagle which will officially be unveiled at 6:30 pm during the evening’s festivities. Evan’s paintings and sculptures will be on exhibit during the month of July 2009.



Evans is the oldest of five girls and was born into a family of artists in Goldsboro, NC. Art has been a part of her since she was young and has been a part of her family for many generations - continuing with her son and expectedly beyond. Evans trained at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, well after starting a family. She now lives in Clayton, NC and works for the State of North Carolina.

“From finger-painting a portrait to finger-clicking a mouse, I've never been limited by format boundaries. I am most often in my home-studio painting, sculpting or simply “creating” my feelings into something tangible.”

The gallery and art center is located at 131 E First Street, Clayton, NC 27520. Gallery Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

You can call 919-585-2461, email art@eyeoftheeagleart.com or go to www.eyeoftheeagleart.com for further information. The mission of The Eye of the Eagle Art is to support the arts, the artists both professional and emerging, and bring the arts alive in the community.

Fun for the Family and Fireworks on July 4th



The annual Independence Day celebration at Municipal Park on Stallings Street will kick off Saturday, July 4 at 4 pm with fun, music and games, building up to the area's best fireworks display at 9:15 pm.

(click here for a printable flyer)

4 pm

Here's the schedule:

* Family Field Events -sack races, relay races, 50 yd. dash, water balloon toss, egg toss, egg & spoon race

* 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament - Under 18 Division - Adult Division

* Horseshoe Tournament - Men's & Women's Division


5 pm

* Youth QuickStart Tennis Clinic - Ages 10 and under (5 to 7 pm)

* Clayton Fire Department Spray Down

* Free Watermelon

* Children's Games (5:00-8:30 pm)


6 pm

* Bingo


7 pm

* Free Ice Cream

* 7-9:00 pm - "The Main Event Band" (bring your blanket or lawn chair)


9 pm

* Raffle Drawing

* Sponsor Recognition

* National Anthem



9:15 pm

* Area's Best Fireworks Show


Patriot Sponsors
Town of Clayton
Four Oaks Bank & Trust
McDonalds
Wake Heart & Vascular
The Wooten Company

White Sponsors
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
Best Buy
Crescent State Bank
Lorie Paulk Photograpphy

Blue Sponsors
Hudson's Hardware
Bojangles
PPC Financial Group
Novo Nordisk