2010 Town Square Concert Series Schedule

From The Flipside...

Lunch


Shrimp salad wrap-Fresh made creamy lemon dill shrimp salad served on a wheat wrap

with mixed greens and fresh diced tomatoes.With choice of side.$8.00



$5 burger-!/4 lb. angus beef burger grilled to your liking with choice of cheese served

on a kaiser roll with lettuce, tomato, and onion. With regular french fries.



Cucumber tomato salad-With red onion, cucumber and tomato wedges

in a red wine vinegarette. Served with crackers.



Dinner

Tequila glazed tilapia with tropical basmati rice-Fillet of tilapia lightly spiced and seared then glazed with tequilla and oven roasted to perfection served over a bed of topical basmati rice with sauteed shallots,tri colored peppers,pineapple,manderine oranges and cherry tomatoes.



Pork Chop-Our house 12 oz. porter house cut pork chop seasoned with roasted garlic pepper and sauteed with shallots,pineapple,and tri colored peppers then baked to perfection and served with basmati rice and garlic green beans.

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Tonight: Open Mic Hosted by Tracy Wiebeck

Thursday - The Definite Maybes

Friday - Full Moon Pie

Saturday - MikeMickXer

Lee's Produce - 7 Days a Week Local Produce and More!

"Fiddler on the Roof" Auditions

 

Free Business Seminars from Johnston County Small Business Center

Are you looking for a new marketing strategy for your business? Have you ever though about using social media tools like LinkedIn in your marketing efforts? Don’t miss LinkedIn 101 on Wednesday, a power packed session designed to get your social media traffic kick-started.


LinkedIn 101

Are you looking for a new marketing strategy for your business? Have you ever though about using social media tools like LinkedIn in your marketing efforts? Don’t miss this power packed session designed to get your social media traffic kick-started. Don’t waste another moment online without a strategy!

Course Code: SBC 3601 44P
Dates/Days: April, 28, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1031
Instructor: Hughey
Registration Fee: Free (You are welcome to bring your lunch.)
Book: None



Other seminars next week:

How to Write a Business Plan

Fail to plan and you plan to fail. This workshop covers the basics you need to put together a business plan that will assist you with start up and funding your business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 43P
Dates/Days: April, 26, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Cleveland Center 008
Instructor: McLamb
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None

Compliance and Legal Issues in the Workplace
This course will address questions such as: What is compliance? How do new supervisors know if they are out of compliance? What legal issues in the workplace should a supervisor be concerned about? Why is documentation important?

Course Code: SBC 3601 13P
Dates/Days: April, 29, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center Discovery Room
Instructor: Michele Langley and Theresa Murphy
Registration Fee: FREE
Book: None

Cookies and Trojans and Worms, Oh My! – Keeping Your Computer Safe and Clean

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.

Course Code: SBC 3601 45P
Dates/Days: April, 29, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: Workforce Development Center 1033
Instructor: Schmieder
Registration Fee: Free
Book: None

Register by calling 209-2015.


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

Town of Clayton To Unveil New Mural June 5

The public is invited to Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library at 1 p.m. on June 5 for an unveiling of the Town of Clayton’s latest public art piece--a colorful mural depicting the life and times of Clayton.

Jim Brown of Clayton, a freelance illustrator/designer, was commissioned in February to create the work of art, which includes 44 different vignettes of historical figures and landmarks as well as representations of business, civic and cultural life.

Brown and his wife, Ginny, who is also an illustrator/designer, started working on the piece in March.

“What stands out about the mural is the wide range of subjects and the illustrator’s attention to detail,” says Suzette Rodriguez, chairman of the town’s Public Art Advisory Board, which is directing the art project. “When people see the finished work, their jaws are going to drop. It’s that impressive.”

The mural is 10 feet tall and stretches about 27 feet down the hallway connecting the library’s primary collection to the south wing. People visiting the library have been able to watch the Browns at work.

In December, the Advisory Board selected Brown for the project after reviewing applications from 12 other artists. In January, the group hosted public meetings so that citizens could offer the artist ideas for the mural’s subject matter.

The unveiling in June will include an open house of the library from 1 till 3 p.m. At this time the public is invited to view the completed mural and meet the artist. The unveiling and open house events coincide with the Millstock Music and Art Festival, an annual celebration sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts and the Town of Clayton Downtown Development Association.

Funding for the mural was provided by the Town of Clayton, Clayton Visual Arts, Hocutt-Ellington’s Friends of the Library and the Woman’s Club of Clayton.

The library mural is the Town of Clayton’s second public art project. Last year, Dorothy Demboski painted a 10-foot by 10-foot mural titled “Clayton Patchwork” on an upstairs wall of the Clayton Center.

Broken Pipeline Causes Water Emergency

A broken pipeline that supplies water to Clayton and other area towns is causing a water emergency throughout Johnston County and residents are being urged "to suspend all non-essential uses of water."

Residents are being asked to stop watering of lawns and gardens, all vehicle washing, all miscellaneous industrial uses and other non-essential uses for the next couple of days until the normal flow of water resumes.

The emergency situation extends to Four Oaks, Princeton and Kenly, as well as customers of Carolina Water Service and Aqua NC.

Johnston County Public Utilities, the town's water supplier, discovered the problem late Thursday and worked throughout the night to initiate repairs, but the water has not yet begun to flow normally.

"The Town of Clayton will do its part to conserve during this emergency situation," said Mayor Jody McLeod. "We appreciate the hard work and dedication of the repair crews and others involved in getting the problem corrected."

Residents should be able to begin normal usage again by the end of the weekend.

Recession Forces Cancellation of July 4 Event

The annual Fourth of July celebration, traditionally one of the town's largest celebrations of the year, has been cancelled for this year, a victim of the continuing recession.Town Manager Steve Biggs, with "great reluctance," told the Town Council this week that budget realities are forcing the town to "take a year off."

"We are financially stressed," he told the Council. "We are still better off than most, but this is clearly a discretionary item. We think it is an important event, but it is not part of our core responsibilities." He said the celebration should be back on for 2011 if the economy improves as expected and town revenues return to a more usual level.

"If it's either do this or keep an employee, I know which way I'm going to vote," said Councilman Bob Satterfield. A disappointed Mayor Jody McLeod took a philosophical approach. "While I'll be the first to say I don't like it, I'll also say I understand it," he told the Council.

Biggs said revenues are down more this year than expected, giving the town budget headaches that it has not previously experienced. In a time of ever expanding costs, the town has scaled back its spending in each of the last two years, and is heading that direction again this year.

Mayor Pro Tem Michael Grannis said he believes that disappointed residents will understand that required programs "are our first and foremost responsibility." Councilman Art Holder seemed to sum it up best: "I don't think we have a lot of choice."

Clayton has traditionally held the largest July 4 celebration in the area, attracting thousands of area residents with live music, games and events for youngsters, contests, traditional summer foods and the area's biggest fireworks display.

Plans for Law Enforcement Center "Impressive"

Final plans for the town's new "Law Enforcement Center" were unveiled this week, showing an impressive 19,000-sq.ft. brick building with lots of glass and high quality metal trim made of zinc.

The energy-efficient design makes extensive use of natural light and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems.

"When I saw this, I was really pleased," said Mayor Jody McLeod. "I like this plan. It will serve Clayton well for a long time." Counclman Bob Satterfield had one word for the plans: "Impressive."

Steve Schuster of design firm Clearscapes, PA, the new building's designer, said the structure, which includes extensive landscaping, should blend in nicely with other buildings in the area and add to the beauty of downtown. He said the Town Council's decision to move ahead with construction as soon as possible means "the pricing will be very attractive," taking advantage of a good construction environment.Town officials intend to seek competitive construction bids later in the spring, with construction beginning this summer. Schuster said the new building should take about a year to complete. "I'm really excited about this," said Mayor Pro Tem Michael Grannis. "It can be a great asset to this community."

After years of planning, town officials decided last year to move ahead with the project after a report from Town Manager Steve Biggs warning that the town's highly regarded police force--which a few months ago became one of the few law enforcement agencies in the country to earn full accreditation--was "bursting at the seams" in their old 5,000-sq.ft building."For the last few years, we've paid a lot of attention to our law enforcement personnel, and now we're at a point where we need to look at facilities," he told the Council.

The complex will be financed through a low-interest US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development loan. Town officials have been working over the last few years to strengthen the police department, adding programs and capabilities as well as encouraging officers to obtain advanced training. As a result, the town has what Biggs described as "a first-rate police department."

Over the last couple of years, the department added a Forensics specialist, formed a Community Action Team (CAT), added several new Neighborhood Watch programs, added a new "Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) laser radar and scene mapping device," initiated the new "Crime Stoppers" program and more officers earned their "Advanced Law Enforcement" certificates. As a result, the town is gaining a reputation for safety.

Schuster told the Council that "quality projects" like the complex and the recently opened Clayton Community Center "sets Clayton apart from other municipalities" in quality of growth.

Plans call for renovating the old police headquarters, which presently sits on a 1.18-acre site at the corner of S. Barbour and E. Second Streets. Two other buildings on the site, the old Fire Station and old Rescue building, have already been demolished to make way for the new construction. Another building, the historic "Blinson House," will be preserved and moved from the site. The town is presently seeking a partner to acquire and relocate the house.

To view final plans for the new Law Enforcement Center, please click here Law Enforcement Center plans.

Mulberry On Main - Open for Dinner - But Not For Lunch

Mulberry On Main Italian Restaurant, 217 E Main Street, announced today that they will no longer be serving lunch due to an overwhelming catering business and staff shortage. However, Mulberry on Main will still be available for catering both on-site and off-site during lucnh hours.

Mulberry on Main will remain open for dinner hours Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. For any additional information, please contact Mulberry on Main at (919) 550-7400.

CLG Town Hall Meeting with the Johnston County Board of Education Candidates

The Clayton Leadership Group (CLG) in collaboration with the Clayton News Star, and the Cooper Elementary School Parent Teacher Association (PTA) will be sponsoring a town hall meeting with the candidates for Johnston County Board of Education. This meeting will allow for the school board candidates to introduce themselves, answer questions on issues affecting the school system, and for residents to ask the candidates questions.

This meeting will be moderated by WRAL-TV reporter Stacy Davis and will be held on Sunday, April 25, at 3:00pm at CooperElementary School (849 Mial St. Clayton, NC)

Many schools in the Johnston County School system need improvement that could only be achieved with committed and accountable leadership. We encourage everyone to attend this meeting. Most importantly, please vote on or before May 4. If you have any questions or need further details about the CLG or this communication, e-mail us at: claytonleadershipgroup@yahoo.com

The CLG consists of several religious, social, and cultural organization leaders from the Clayton area. The group came about as a result of a need for the affiliated parties to communicate more frequently and be more organized on social, economic, and cultural issues that are of mutual concern to the groups that these leaders represent.

Clayton Historical Association Annual Meeting This Saturday 4/24

From The Flipside...

Weekend Features


Soup-Tomato Basil Soup-Fresh made hot soup of diced tomatoes and fresh basil pureed then simmered over low heat. Served in a bowl with side of crackers and fresh celery.

Appetizers-Angus Sliders 4 mini cheese burgers with american cheese and grilled onion on fresh baked rolls with hot relish.-$6.  Popcorn Shrimp-A basket of sweet and juicy bite size shrimp battered and fried to golden brown served with cocktail and tartar saucesa .$7.

Entrees- Tuna-Blackened Tuna steak-8 oz. Yellowfin tuna steak Rubbed with our house blackening spice and seared. Served with parmesan basmati rice and chilled green bean and bacon salad with bacon vinegerette .

-Pork-BBQ pork chop-Our house 12 oz. Porterhouse pork chop Seasoned with a roasted garlic pepper and a sweet and smokey BBQ sauce then grilled to perfection and served with beer battered onion rings and fresh made cole slaw.

-Pasta of the Day-Pink Vodka Linguini-Linguini tossed in a pink vodka cream sauce with shallots and cherry tomatoes. Served with side salad and bread.Add chicken or seafood for additional

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Tonight - Incredible. These are amazing musicians! Rick Keena Trio

Saturday - BOTH- Great music! What fun!
www.myspace.com/boththeband

Town Lot Poles Coming Down - Temporary Lights Going Up

Another phase of the demolition work will begin Wednesday at the corner of E Main Street & Lombard Street in downtown Clayton as part of the plans to get the site ready for construction of a more attractive and usable public space.

Town crews from the Electric Department will remove the existing electrical poles and install temporary lighting around the perimeter of the ”town lot” as well as the ”Main Street Commons” property behind Avent-Permenter Group, Home Towne Realty & Pier 33 Seafood which will be used as public parking during construction. The work is being performed in-house to save project cost.

”Parking will continue to be available in the front part of the ’town lot’ during this phase of demolition,” according to Bruce Naegelen, Downtown Development Coordinator. ”The Electric Department will block off areas they need to work in,” he added, ”but they will make every effort to minimize the impact on downtown customers and employees.”

This demolition work is expected to end this week and there will be periods of inactivity until the construction project begins. Town officials say they will make every effort to accomodate the needs of businesses and their customers during this time.

Actual construction of the new project is expected to begin sometime this spring and last approximately 90 days. Plans for the new space, as yet unnamed, have been in the works for some time and will go out for bid in the coming weeks.

Several views of what the space will look like upon completion are available at www.downtownclayton.org and click on “Town Lot Concept Drawings” in the right column. Please visit www.downtownclayton.org for links to this project and information about other projects and events in downtown Clayton.

New Ballroom Dance Studio Opens in Downtown Clayton

Ballroom dance has come to Clayton. Dance, Performance & Modeling Studios (DPM Studios) is a new, exciting dance studio opening this week at 468 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton. The studio will feature classes for ballroom, salsa and swing dancing. Additional classes include country western, line dancing and group fitness. Customized dance classes can be scheduled at your request.

“We love to introduce beginners to the fun, health and social benefits of dancing,” said DPM Studio owner, Raquel Williams. She has over 10 years of dance experience with partner dancing. She has 13 years of foundational background and education in ballet, tap and jazz. She also has extensive experience in instruction and choreography of individual, couples, large groups and youth dance instruction. Additionally, she has competed in several professional dance competitions in swing, country western, hustle and American and International rhythm.

“Clayton is developing as a community for the arts and DPM Studio fits right in with a different niche,” said Clayton Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen. When Ms. Williams was contemplating locations, she met with Mr. Naegelen who suggested the location on E Second Street. “Turns out it was the perfect location,” she said. The DPM facility has a 1600 square foot dance floor and a full kitchen for special events and receptions.

DPM Studio hosts a social dance every Friday from 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm. “These social dances will give the general public the opportunity to experience the fun of dancing and gives the students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in their group and private lessons each week,” said Ms. Williams. She added, “It’s a great opportunity to meet people who share a common love for dance.” The first visit to the social dance is free, and includes a free dance lesson from 8-8:30. (view video)

DPM’s staff is focused on ensuring fun, easy to understand instruction to all ages and levels of experience who wish to learn how to dance. The DPM Studio’s mission is to provide safe, fun instruction and to promote health, fitness and self improvement through dance.

You can contact Ms. Williams at info@dpmstudios.com, 919-655-5346 and visit their website at http://www.dpmstudios.com/

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA advocates and provides business improvement services in the commercial downtown district, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, Millstock Music & Art Faire, Oktoberfest and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting. For more information on downtown Clayton, visit www.downtownclayton.org/ or http://www.townofclaytonnc.org/ and click “for business” and “downtown.”

Republican Congressional Candidate Forum at Clayton Center April 19

SIDEWALK SALE SATURDAY AT FANCY THAT!!!

If you were out of town last weekend for the big Spring Cleaning sale, you have a second chance to get in on the great deals!!! Get an extra 25% off all clearance merchandise which is already 40 to 50% off. This applies to all sidewalk sale items as well!

Also an extra 25% off the already 50% off Christmas merchandise. If you havent seen it, our Christmas room is PACKED full of great items. Its not just leftovers from this past Christmas. There are lots and lots of great items that have been in storage that we were finally able to bring over! Make out your Christmas list and get on over to Fancy That and get a head start on your shopping!!!

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

2010 Clayton Town Square Concert Series Opens with “Nantucket” on May 13

Veteran rockers ”Nantucket” will open the 2010 Clayton Town Square Concert Series on May 13 at 7:00 pm. All concert dates are on Thursdays from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the Town Square at 100 W Main Street in downtown Clayton.

May 13 Nantucket w/special guest Brimstone (starts at 6:30 pm)

June 24 Craig Woolard Band

July 15 The Central Park Band - NEW ADDITION!
July 29 Band of Oz

August 19 Hip Pocket Band

Sept 16 The Embers

Organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association, the free concerts have become very popular, attracting more than 1,000 Clayton residents for each show. Debbie Romano, chair of this year’s concert series said, “We are very excited about presenting this strong line-up of performers and hope to continue to make the concerts a fun event for everyone attending.”

This will be the fourth year of the ever-popular concert series. “The concerts are so much fun and have become a monthly social event where friends of all ages gather to visit each other and enjoy the music,” according to Debbie Hammond, chair of the DDA’s Promotion Committee. “As a result, many more people from Clayton and Raleigh are discovering downtown Clayton in the process.”

Residents of Clayton are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for this “free” public concert. There are several local vendors to provide light refreshments and food. The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. will once again serve beer and wine. Concert Series updates can be found by visiting www.downtownclayton.org

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, Lucky Chicken Peruvian Restaurant, 226 E Main Street and Pier 33 Seafood & Bar, 312 E Main Street.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA advocates and provides business improvement services in the downtown district, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, Millstock Music & Art Faire, Oktoberfest and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting.

Nantucket w/special guest Brimstone
May 13, 2010
http://www.nantucketband.com/

May 13 marks the third Nantucket performance in Clayton. Nantucket is a hard rock band that formed in Jacksonville, North Carolina in 1969. The band signed with Epic Records in 1977 and released its self-titled album the following year, which featured the hit single "Heartbreaker." A new Nantucket CD is scheduled for release this spring.

Nantucket has opened and toured with for top acts such as KISS, Styx, Boston, Mother's Finest, and Journey and AC/DC. Most recently, Nantucket has opened for Heart in Virginia Beach and Raleigh.

Brimstone
May 13, 2010
www.myspace.com/brimstonerocksnc

Brimstone is a teenage 70’s cover band founded in 2008 at the 2112 Rock School in Raleigh. They are Nantucket’s opening act for the summer 2010 tour. The band's main purpose is to offer the school’s most talented students the opportunity to further develop their skills in a structured band environment. The band's mission is, through playing live shows around the state, to inspire and encourage other young people to discover for themselves how rewarding learning to play a musical instrument can be.


Craig Woolard Band
June 24, 2010
http://www.craigwoolard.com/

With the classic style of Ray Charles, the dynamics of Marvin Gaye and Rod Stewart, the Soul of James Brown, the vocal prowess of Steve Perry of Journey, combined with the passion of Sam Cook and Michael McDonald, you have “The Soul Man of Beach Music”, Craig Woolard. June 24 marks Craig’s third appearance in Clayton!

As the ambassador of Beach Music, Woolard has enjoyed a stellar career as the front man of one of Carolina’s premiere bands, the Embers. After 27 years with his former group. Woolard has taken on a new persona in what is claimed to be the South’s number one Beach Music, R&B, Top 40, Motown, 70’s & 80’s, and Rock & Roll Party Band….Craig Woolard is The Real Thing!

As for Woolard’s new band, The Craig Woolard Band, they are the “hottest band this side of the Mississippi! Their first year out in 2005, they were honored as ‘GROUP OF THE YEAR,” while Craig walked away with Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, Best Smoothie Song, and Song of the Year. Their arrangements are exciting and ever so danceable.

As a hit maker, Craig Woolard has several signature tunes. “ What You Do To Me”, and “Georgia”, to name a few. He has had FOUR #1 songs – more than any group in this industry. Their new CD, “Making Waves” went to #1 within weeks of its release. Their # 1 Hit Song “I’ve Got A Feeling” won SONG OF THE YEAR in 2006. His music and performances continuously amaze the crowds.

Band of Oz
July 29
http://www.bandofoz.com/

The legendary Band of Oz returns to the Clayton Town Square Concert Series on July 29. The Band of OZ was formed in 1967 as a part-time band playing fraternity parties and high school proms all over the South. In 1977 the band went on the road full time. Since that time the band has made an exceptional name for itself throughout the Southeast by playing the top clubs and corporate parties, and getting excellent reviews along the way. For several years the group has been a guest on most of the major beach concerts in the Carolinas, Virginia, and Georgia.

The Band of Oz is one of the most successful groups in the Southeast, and continues to get the very best reviews from the top people in the entertainment business. The band now features a full horn section to total a dynamic eight-member group.


Hip Pocket Band
August 19
http://www.hippocketlive.com/

When Hip Pocket shows up a party breaks out and the fun begins. They were named 2009 CBMA Award for Favorite New Artist. Hip Pocket has been compared to the Band of Oz in the 1980’s & Bill Deal & The Rhondels in the 70's! The Hip Pocket Band is a one of a kind variety band. They play everything from 60's soul and 80's Dance Music to today's Hot New Country and Party Rock & Roll. If Carolina Beach Music is your thing they play the Rock & Soul Classics you are looking for. This will be the first Clayton appearance for the Hip Pocket Band.

The Embers
September 16
http://www.theembersband.net/

For decades The Embers have been making music by playing a mix of rhythm and blues and heart and soul.

Rhythm and Blues became the foundation and essence of SOUL music and the Motown sound, but in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Alabama, the name that applies is "Beach Music."

A musical marvel, the EMBERS have survived disco, punk, new wave, and hip-hop and continue to take the stage as one of the most entertaining bands ever to perform. Named North Carolina's Official Musical Ambassadors, they were inducted into the South Carolina Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame. They've opened for the Rolling Stones, done commercials for Budweiser, performed for the Olympics, President Clinton's inauguration ball and created the soundtrack for endless summers.

THE EMBERS were involved in a video commercial for the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City where their captivating premier performance resulted in a return engagement for a sold out New Year's Eve show. Pepsi released a commercial performed by The Embers to the title tune Beach Music from their Beach Music, Super Collaboration Album. In December of 2007 and 2008, The Embers were invited to perform their Christmas program for our troops and their families at various military camps and bases throughout South Korea.

New Ballroom Dance Studio Opens in Downtown Clayton

Ballroom dance has come to Clayton. Dance, Performance & Modeling Studios (DPM Studios) is a new, exciting dance studio opening this week at 468 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton. The studio will feature classes for ballroom, salsa and swing dancing. Additional classes include country western, line dancing and group fitness. Customized dance classes can be scheduled at your request.

“We love to introduce beginners to the fun, health and social benefits of dancing,” said DPM Studio owner, Raquel Williams. She has over 10 years of dance experience with partner dancing. She has 13 years of foundational background and education in ballet, tap and jazz. She also has extensive experience in instruction and choreography of individual, couples, large groups and youth dance instruction. Additionally, she has competed in several professional dance competitions in swing, country western, hustle and American and International rhythm.

“Clayton is developing as a community for the arts and DPM Studio fits right in with a different niche,” said Clayton Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen. When Ms. Williams was contemplating locations, she met with Mr. Naegelen who suggested the location on E Second Street. “Turns out it was the perfect location,” she said. The DPM facility has a 1600 square foot dance floor and a full kitchen for special events and receptions.

DPM Studio will host a social dance every Friday from 8:00 pm – 10:30 pm. “These social dances will give the general public the opportunity to experience the fun of dancing and gives the students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in their group and private lessons each week,” said Ms. Williams. She added, “It’s a great opportunity to meet people who share a common love for dance.” The first visit to the social dance is free, and includes a free dance lesson from 8-8:30.

DPM’s staff is focused on ensuring fun, easy to understand instruction to all ages and levels of experience who wish to learn how to dance. The DPM Studio’s mission is to provide safe, fun instruction and to promote health, fitness and self improvement through dance.

You can contact Ms. Williams at info@dpmstudios.com, 919-655-5346 and visit their website at http://www.dpmstudios.com/

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to coordinate revitalization work in the historic downtown district. The Clayton DDA advocates and provides business improvement services in the commercial downtown district, administers incentives for downtown improvements, and organizes several special events, including the Town Square Concert Series, Millstock Music & Art Faire, Oktoberfest and the Christmas Village & Tree Lighting. For more information on downtown Clayton, visit http://www.downtownclayton.org/ or http://www.townofclaytonnc.org/ and click “for business” and “downtown.”

1st Annual Youth Artist Festival - Growing the Arts

April 17th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Local Art, Musicans, Band, Singers, Drama, Thearter and Dance students will be particpating in this event.

The arts are crucial to the education of our youth. An added burden is our weakened economy: budgets are tight and teachers struggle to stretch every dollar. There has never been a more important time to promote the arts and our school programs.

Facade Grant Presentations Made Today in Downtown Clayton

Grant presentation at 424 E Main Street: Councilman Michael Grannis, Boo Carver, Joe Fox, Herman Mitchiner, Mayor Jody McLeod

Grant presentation at 126 E Main Street: Boo Carver, Sue Mitchiner, Herman Mitchiner, Mayor Jody McLeod, Allison Mitchiner Kilpatrick; Mollie Bleu Mitchiner; Councilman Michael Grannis.

Downtown Façade Grant Project Completed at 126 E Main & 424 E Main

Two downtown façade grant projects have been completed on E Main Street. Mayor Jody McLeod presented Dorothy Parker and Herman Mitchiner with a grant of $5,000 for the improvements made to 126 E Main Street, the new home of Zoom-In Photography and Studio Bleu Hair Salon. The total costs of the façade grant project were in excess of $10,000.

A second presentation was made to Mrs. Parker and Mr. Mitchiner at 424 E Main Street, where Old Towne Supply has been located for many years. The mayor presented a grant of $1,938.91 for improvements to that building’s façade.

Mayor McLeod said he is excited the Town of Clayton is able to produce this type of grant to enhance downtown and Main Street. “It is amazing what they (Dot Parker and Herman Mitchiner) were able to do with the buildings, to have taken something old and make it new again.”

The Façade Grant program reimburses 50% of the costs of exterior commercial building improvements with a grant cap of $5,000. To date the program has shown an aggregate return on investment of $8 of private investment for every $1 of public investment.

At 126 E Main Street, the corner of Main Street and Church Street, formerly known as The Little Shop, the interior and exterior renovation project began 7 months ago in order to relocate Zoom-In Photography from E Horne Street. Façade improvements included re-painting the front façade and cleaning the brick on the west side of the building. The metal awning was replaced with a black canvas awning and the display window glass and trim was replaced. The existing signboard area was painted and three gooseneck-style lights were installed. Two additional lights were installed on either side of the entry door. Doors and trim were replaced and wrought iron planters were installed on both sides of the main door. A wrought iron fence was also added adjacent to the building.

The improvements are a dramatic change from just a few years ago when the building, vacant for many years, appeared run down and abandoned. Some minor cosmetic changes were made a couple of years ago, but with the assistance of the DDA Design Committee, Holley Carpenter of Cider House Studio developed a rendering that was presented to the property owners as a template for the current façade improvements. The project has also added a new business to downtown, Studio Bleu, a hair salon owned by Mollie Bleu Mitchiner.

The improvements at 424 E Main Street were nearly as dramatic, again, using the DDA’s Design Committee recommendations and a rendering from Ms. Carpenter. The project included the removal of an over-the-sidewalk pole-supported canopy, repainting the front, west façade and east facing wall a brick color with white trim. The upper cornice was repaired and replaced and extended above the front doors and to the western side of the building. Gutters were relocated to keep water from draining onto the sidewalk. To help break up the expanse of the front wall, the Design Committee recommended the planting of several Sky Pencil Japanese Hollies and to paint a new Old Town Supply sign directly to the building, which will replace an aluminum sign.

DDA Design Committee Chair, Boo Carver said a third façade project is underway at 427 E Main Street, the old Lipscomb Hardware building. About $3,000 still remains in this fiscal year’s Façade Grant budget for some smaller projects, but the projects need to be completed in early to mid-June. According to Ms Carver the application process is fairly simple: Complete the application, in which the property/business owner describes the proposed improvements, provides at least two cost estimates, with color and material samples and submit it to Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen, who is also available to help complete the application. He will review it to make sure the application is complete and then the DDA Design Committee reviews the application.

To review the application and process, visit Downtown Facade Grant Application. For more information, please contact Bruce Naegelen at (919) 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

From the Flipside...

Lunch Specials


$ 5 burger with L.T.O. on a kaiser with reg. fries.
$ 8 Chicken salad wrap with mixed greens and diced tomatoes on a wheat wrap with choice of side.
$ 8 Tilapia Reuben -Grilled 8 oz. fillet of tilapia served on toasted rye with swiss cheese and fresh made cole slaw. Comes with choice of side.

Soup of the Day
Red pesto Gazpacho-A blend of toasted pine nuts,basil,parsley,fresh clove garlic pureed then tossed with diced tomatoes. A refreshing soup served cold with crackers or tortilla chips.

Dinner Specials

Pasta of the Day
Pasta Carbonara-Linguini tossed in a creamy sauce of sauteed shallots, bacon, fresh peas and parmesan cheese. Served with fresh bread and side salad. Add seafood or chicken for a couple of bucks more

Steak Special-8 oz.Center cut Sirloin with Citrus parsley butter. Served with mushroom basmati rice and fresh veg.

Salmon Special-Caribbean marinated 8 oz. fillet of Atlantic salmon marinated in a sweet and spicy caribbean sauce then baked to perfection and served with Appleslaw and creamy veggie rice.

Pork Special-Maple glazed Pork steak-Our house 12 oz porterhouse pork steak pan seared then tossed in a sweet maple, soy garlic sauce and baked to perfection. Served with Appleslaw and Heirloom potatoes.

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Tonight
Open Mic with J.B. & Jason
Friday Thunderin' Blues
Saturday MikeMickXer

Poor Response to Census Will Hurt Finances

The Town of Clayton stands to lose a substantial amount of federal funding unless a low response rate here for the 2010 census can be turned around. As of March 29, only 41 percent of the census forms distributed in Clayton had been returned, one of the lowest rates of return in Johnston County.

"The town stands to lose at least $400 in federal funding for each resident that goes uncounted," said Mayor Jody McLeod. "If you do the math, you begin to see the seriousness of the problem. We've done so well financially over the last decade, it would be a shame for something like this to set us back. That's why it's so important for every single resident to be counted."

So far, the response rate in the areas around Clayton, like the Cleveland area and Archer Lodge, are topping 50 percent. The rate is 47 percent in Smithfield. So far, the participation rate across the state is 53 percent. The national rate is about 50 percent.  (READ MORE)

Grand Opening Specials: DPM Studios (Ballroom Dance) Opens in Downtown