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

From The Flipside...

Lunch
$5 burger with Lettuce, Tomato, and Onion served with reg. French Fries.

$8 Chicken salad wrap-Fresh homemade chicken salad with crisp celery, red onions and sweet red grapes served on a wheat wrap with lettuce and tomato.

$10 Seared tuna wrap- 6 oz. steak of yellowfin sushi grade tuna lightly spiced with a roasted garlic pepper and seared. Then sliced and served on a wheat wrap with mixed greens and diced tomato with a fresh mango salsa. Comes with choice side

Soup of the Day
Sweet Cream Sherry Crab Bisque-

Dinner
$15 Pork Chop-Gingered Pork Chop with Orange Sauce-Our house 12 oz. Porter House cut pork steak spiced with ground ginger and pan seared tossed with sauteed shallots and fresh squeezed orange juice then baked to golden perfection.Served with basmati veggie rice and fresh broccoli.

Pasta of the Day
Cajun Pasta-Linguini in a peppery creamy sauce of basil,thyme,black,white and crushed red pepper,scallions,swiss and parmesan cheeses.Served with side salad and bread. Add your choice of chicken or seafood for an additional charge.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays
EARLY BIRD DINNER SPECIALS

15% OFF Dinner Entrees and/or Dinner Features   5:00 to 6:30

Wednesdays

1/2 price Wine by the glass or bottle

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Tonight - Open Mic with Tracy Wiebeck hosting
Thursday - Karaoke with KJ Greg
Friday - some funk, pop, jazz with Will McBride Group
Saturday - Final Four on the Big Screen

The Flipside Restaurant  408 E Second Street  downtown Clayton  (919) 553-0123

New Downtown Clayton Gateway Sign Unveiled

The first gateway sign into downtown Clayton was unveiled this morning. The new sign is located as you turn onto E Main Street from US 70 Business. The mayor, members of the Town Council, Downtown Development Association, Chamber of Commerce and other members of the business community were in attendance.

Just before the sign was unveiled, Mayor McLeod told the crowd, ”When you live in a community for a long period of time you assume everyone knows where their downtown is, but with the influx of so many people in our area, we want to make sure everybody knows where downtown is.” (video)

The Downtown Development Association's Design Committee developed the final concept about six months ago, and following various testing to determine the best place to locate the sign, construction began about 8 weeks ago with local companies doing all the work. Joyce Blackley was chair of the DDA when planning for the sign began and said she was delighted the sign was completed. “This sign is very important to our businesses downtown and we thank the mayor and our town officials for making this day possible.”

Current DDA chair, Ed Knight recognized past Design Committee chair, Jeme Avent for her committee’s efforts in designing and help in determining where the sign is located. Other members of the Design Committee include current Chair, Boo Carver, Holley Carpenter of Cider House Studio, Jeme Avent of Avent-Permenter Group and Joyce Blackley.

In attendance at the unveiling were, Mayor Jody McLeod, Town Council members, Art Holder, Bob Satterfield and Michael Grannis, DDA members Ed Knight and Boo Carver, Chamber of Commerce President Wanda Markuson, and interim director Jazz Woodward, downtown business owners Courtney Trasti and Dee Norris of The Loft. Charles Bryant and Ann Duck of Suburban Real Estate, Century 21 on US 70 business also joined the festivities.

The Town of Clayton contracted with Signage of the Carolinas, a downtown business, to lead the project. They teamed with All American Iron Works, another downtown business, for the wrought iron framework and Atlantic Stone in Benson for the stonework.

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.

Photo: front row l-r): Charles Bryant, Ann Duck, Dee Norris. (second row l-r): Skip Browder, Town of Clayton Planning Director; Town Councilmen Bob Satterfield and Art Holder; Mayor Jody McLeod; Joyce Blackley, Blackley’s Printing; Councilman Michael Grannis; Courtney Trasti, The Loft; Boo Carver, DDA Design Committee chair; Ernest Blackley; Ed Knight, Chair, DDA; Wanda Markuson, President, Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce and Jazz Woodward, Interim Director, Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

AM Stretch at Purna Yoga East

Folks are showing up for the AM Stretch classes offered at Purna Yoga East on Tuesdays and Thursdays mornings from 6:00-6:45 am. After a good stretch to prepare the body for the day the students head off to work at local businesses and schools or back home for a relaxing morning. Town residents and people who work in the downtown area are also enjoying the Lunch Stretch classes from 12:00-12:45 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

For more information call 919-270-4892 or visit http://www.purnayogaeast.com/

Purna Yoga East now offers ongoing yoga classes 7 days a week! Day and evening classes are available for all levels of students especially those who feel stressed out, stiff, achy, tired or have no flexibility! Classes at Purna Yoga East are for all ages, shapes and sizes-you don't have to be a pretzel to do yoga!

Always A Hit…REP brings Patsy Cline to Clayton: Musical Production Staged for March 27 & 28

The Raleigh Ensemble Players Theater Company (REP) will bring the popular musical production Always...Patsy Cline, to The Clayton Center on Saturday, March 27, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 28, at 4 p.m.

Considered one of the most produced musicals in American theatre, Always...Patsy Cline by Ted Swindley, is based on his 1988 country-imbued musical jukebox that chronicles the true story between Patsy and her friendship with a groupie from Houston named Louise Seger. Seger, who ultimately befriends the star in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, continues a correspondence with Cline until her untimely death in a plane crash in 1963. The show's title is inspired by Cline's letters to Seger, which were consistently signed "Love ALWAYS... Patsy Cline."

"Always...Patsy Cline" is a look at a star's unforgettable sound and the legacy that still endures to this day. The musical play features 27 of Patsy's unforgettable hits including Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Walking After Midnight.

The REP production is directed by Maggie Rasnick and features ensemble members Canady Vance Thomas and Susannah Hough. The Triangle Theatre Review said of the REP production, "[Always...Patsy Cline] provides a splendid showcase for the bodacious singing and acting talents of Canady Thomas in the title role of the Country-Music-Hall-of-Famer, as well as a fabulous forum for Susannah Hough...to put on a veritable clinic in comic acting."

Tickets for the REP performances are $20 plus service fees. All seats are General Admission. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 919-553-1737, at The Clayton Center Box Office from 10 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at http://www.theclaytoncenter.com/

“Always...Patsy Cline” is an addition to The Clayton Center schedule, which annually presents a season of national professional touring performances. All shows are held in the 600-seat renovated historic auditorium at 111 E. Second St. in downtown Clayton, located about 15 miles east of Raleigh.

The Raleigh Ensemble Players Theatre Company is Raleigh’s nationally recognized theatre company and the Triangle’s oldest producer of powerful, provocative and penetrating theatre. For 28 seasons, REP has entertained, challenged and inspired area audiences with its unique brand of storytelling and are happy to be a vital part of the energy and excitement of Downtown Raleigh in their new home at 213 Fayetteville Street.

Call To Artists for Millstock Music and Arts Faire - 2010

The 10th Annual Millstock Music & Arts Faire will be held June 5, 2010 from 10am-6pm in Downtown Clayton. All artists wishing to have a booth at the Faire can contact Clayton Visual Arts by e-mailing godesign@earthlink.net or by calling Gail O'Neil at 919-553-6188. The booth fee is $35 and the deadline to turn in your application for the juried show is April 15, 2010. Only fine arts and crafts will be considered.

Last year's Millstock had its best art showing to date and this year's Millstock committee has placed an increased focus on several key areas in an effort to grow the festival and attendance. These areas include expanding the festival toward Main Street, increasing the number of artists, incorporating hands-on art activities for children and adults, and adding to the amazing musical talent for which Millstock has become famous.

John Pizzarelli Celebrates The Music of Duke Ellington

Singer/guitarist John Pizzarelli, a master in the art of reinventing jazz classics, celebrates the music of Duke Ellington in his Friday, March 26, performance at The Clayton Center. Pizzarelli and his band members will perform selections from his latest CD, Rockin’ in Rhythm: A Tribute to Duke Ellington, along with classic standards from the great American songbook.

Combining the enduring work of Ellington with Pizzarelli’s own musical achievements, Rockin’ in Rhythm features new arrangements of “In a Mellow Tone,” “East St. Louis Toodle-oo/Don't Get Around Much Anymore,” “C Jam Blues,” “I Got it Bad and That Ain't Good,” and “Cottontail/ Rockin' in Rhythm,” among others. All About Jazz said, “Mainstream jazz is a demanding mistress, and Pizzarelli manages her with grace and wit. This recording is an accomplishment of the most rarefied order.”
Considered one of the great jazz guitarists and vocalists performing today, Pizzarelli is always fresh and engaging. His smooth vocals, masterful instrumentals and easy, winning way with people, make him an audience favorite.

The Pizzarelli performance is the fifth in The Clayton Center’s Palladian Series. Tickets for the 8 p.m. show are $25 plus service fees and are available through The Clayton Center Box Office, located at 111 E. Second St. in downtown Clayton, or by calling 553-1737, ext. 2. Box Office hours are 10 a.m. until noon and 1-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets also can be purchased online at www.theclaytoncenter.com.

The 2009-2010 Palladian Series culminates with an April 10 performance by Mike Farris and The Roseland Rhythm Revue. Other popular artists presented in past seasons at The Clayton Center include Kathy Mattea, Johnny Winter, Jesse Cook, Jim Brickman, Doc Watson, Eileen Ivers, Riders In the Sky, the Harlem Gospel Choir and David Sedaris.

Clayton Library to Hold Book Sale on Saturday

The Hocutt-Ellington Library will hold its spring Book Sale tomorrow (3/20) from 8:00 am - 2:00 pm. Hundreds of books will be on sale by the bagful! Helping prepare for the sale tomorrow are Clayton High School students (ffrom left) Rachel Mitchell, Job Coach Julie Wile, Courtney Dixon and Chastity Mitchell.

Downtown Clayton Gateway Sign to be Unveiled Unveiled WEDNESDAY, MARCH 24 at 10:30 am

The official unveiling of the Downtown Clayton gateway sign has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, March 24 at 10:30 am at E Main Street and US 70 Business. Mayor Jody McLeod will be joined by other elected officials, Downtown Development Association members and the DDA’s Design Committee for this long anticipated event. The public is invited to attend.

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.

Local artists receive Achievement in Art Awards.

Young artists participating in Creation Station art program recently received Achievement in Art Awards and gold medals at the spring ceremony held at Eye of the Eagle Art center in downtown Clayton. Family and friends were in attendance to support their accomplishments. In addition to creating individual weekly art projects and drawing portfolios, the artists teamed up for eight weeks to create a group art project to donate to WakeMed in Clayton. The next 6-week session of Creation Station begins May 6. The class time is 6:15-7:15pm. The fee is $68 and includes all supplies. To enroll your child in Creation Station, please email creationstation3@aol.com or call 550-8135. The artists are pictured with their awards and medals from left to right: (front row) Daniel Cooke, Ellie Salter, Preston Bye, Joe Palmer; (back row) Emma Kilduff, Kevin Wensley, Bethany Tillerson, Jeff Palmer (Not pictured is Marisa Andino).

Demolition Work Begins on Clayton’s “Town Lot”

The demolition phase of work is being done 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. The work is being performed by in-house forces to save project cost. Town crews are removing the crepe myrtles that lined the sidewalk and are pulling up granite work that was installed by Ashley Horne at the turn of the 20th century. The removal of the granite requires extra care since it is over 100 years old and will be reused in the new project. The demolition work is expected to end on Thursday and there will be a period 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 in April or May 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 by the end of March. Temporary parking is being developed adjacent to the existing lot just to the west behind Hometowne Realty, WR Starkey and Pier 33 Seafood.

Several views of what the space will look like upon completion are available here.  A project blog is being developed to keep information current along with photographs of the work in progress and guidance about customer parking.

From The Flipside...

This is going to be a great week! As the weather turns warmer let's have lunch on the patio...maybe even dinner...yikes!!!

Don't forget Tuesdays & Wednesdays "Early Bird Special"  5:00 to 6:30 15% off any entree or dinner feature

Wednesdays  1/2 price wine by the glass...all day!
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Tonight we've got Open Mic with Tracy Wiebeck hosting! Bring your stuff and let's hear it. Lots of fun!

Wednesday is Trivia Night  Everyone has had a blast with this. Come join in.

Thursday is Karaoke with KJ Ray

Friday a night of good ole rock n' roll Full Moon Pie

Saturday We are so very honored to have these, not only beautiful, but amazingly talented women back!
The Wells Family!

The Flipside is located at 408 E Second Street in downtown Clayton. (919) 553-0123

Think Clayton Think Downtown Advertisement

From The Flipside...

Weekend Dinner Features
Pasta - Penne broccoli Alfredo with scallions and cherry tomatoes. Served with side salad and bread

Seafood - Jerk rubbed tuna: yellowfin tuna rubbed with a jerk sauce and seared. Served over a bed of greens and topped with mango salsa

Steak - Chipotle BBQ Sirloin: center cut sirloin smothered in a sweet and spicy BBQ sauce and served
with bleu cheese mashed potatoes and fresh steamed broccoli

Chicken - Tropical chicken- Spicy, smokey seasoned chicken breast pan seared then baked to perfection and served with a veggie basmati rice blend of white corn, scallions, tomatoes, tri colored peppers and shallots. Then topped with mango salsa and served with bread
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Tonight we're gonna dance dance dance!!!   D. Martini & The Highballs

Saturday   Get ready to shake that booty!!!   MikeMickXer

Arbor Day Celebration Planned at Clayton Community Center

The Town of Clayton will be recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a Tree City USA. Johnston Assistant County Ranger, Doug White will present the Town with Tree City USA Award. As part of the ceremony, Mayor Jody McLeod will read a proclamation naming March 19, 2010 as Arbor Day in Clayton.

Arbor Day, which means simply “Tree Day,” was the idea of J. Sterling Morton. In 1872, Morton helped start a new holiday in Nebraska dedicated to tree planting. It is estimated that more than one million trees were planted on the first Arbor Day. Morton's idea quickly spread and today Arbor Day is celebrated in all 50 states and in many other countries. Actual dates of the event differ for each area depending on planting times. North Carolina celebrates Arbor Day on the first Friday following the 15th of March, which this year is March 19th.

The public is invited to attend.  For more information about Arbor Day, visit http://www.arborday.org/.

Three Artists Featured at Clayton Center

The work of three area artists--Fiber Artist Valarie Jean Bailey and Painters Marriott Little and Cherri Sterling--is on exhibition at the Clayton Center during March. The exhibition is free and open to the public. A "meet-the-artists" reception, sponsored by Clayton Visual Arts, is scheduled Thursday at 6 pm at the Center and all are invited to attend.

Bailey, a Clayton resident for more than a decade, has been designing, exhibiting and teaching the art of traditional and contemporary quilts and folk crafts for more than 35 years. She says she finds inspiration "from the flowers and trees that are abundant in Clayton."

Little, a Raleigh native who began painting at the age of 10, has won more than 50 awards for her watercolor, oil, pastels and acrylic paintings. Her work ranges from traditional subjects to more intuitive and subjective abstraction.

Sterling, who lives in Pikeville, has the unusual ability to draw and paint with both hands simultaneously. Her techniques were developed by working on her own over the years, without the benefit of an art lesson.

Town Praised at "State of Clayton" Seminar

Nearly 200 of the area's leaders in business, industry and government came together here Friday to explore the moves and decisions that have turned Clayton from a sleepy southern village into one of the strongest and most desirable small towns in America.

They wanted to know how, during an economic downturn, a small town can continue luring multiple new industries to town, continue spending millions on infrastructure while trimming its operating budget, get credit rating upgrades from both of the country's leading bond rating institutions and get ranked in the nation's top 10 for affordability and quality of schools.

"What makes Clayton so successful?," asked NC Dept. of Commerce Asst. Sec. Katharine Neal. "I'll tell you. Communities have to have the basics in place. Clayton has all the pieces. You have to have the things in place that Clayton has worked hard to have in place." (full story)

VIDEO CLIPS OF SPEAKERS (in order of appearance):
Wanda Markuson, President, Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce
Jody McLeod, Mayor, Town of Clayton
Leo John, Special Reports Editor, Triangle Business Journal

Steve Biggs, Town Manager, Clayton
Jackie Ring, Johnston Medical Center
Tim Hamm, Talecris Biotherapeutics
Bobby Lewis, NC DOT
Katharine Neal, NC Department of Commerce

The "State of Clayton" Special Section was published in the Triangle Business Journal's February 26 edition.

From The Flipside

Lunch

5$ burger with L.T.and O choice of cheese and reg. F.F.

8$ Buffalo Tilapia-8oz.tilapia fillet battered and fried then tossed in our house buffalo sauce. Served on a kaiser with lettuce, tomato, onion and choice of sauce and choice of side.

Soup of the day
Southwestern style chicken soup with corn, tomato, red onion, green onion, sweet bell peppers, in a broth style soup.

Dinner
Sweet and spicy Asian chicken-Tender white meat chicken cut into bite size pieces lightly dusted with flour then sauteed in olive oil and tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce served with rice and fresh steamed brocolli.

Pasta of the day
Feta and spinach linguini-in a white wine broth.served with bread and side salad.
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Tuesday & Wednesday

Early Bird Special - 5:00 to 6:30
15% off any entree or dinner feature

Wednesdays
1/2 price wine by the glass...all day!

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Tonight: Open Mic with JB & Jason hosting
Thursday: Karaoke with KJ Greg
Wednesday: Jodi wants to show a movie.....
Friday: The Rick Keene Trio
Saturday: Great Big Gone

408 E Second Street in downtown Clayton
Hey, want to host a private party? Or maybe you are planning a special gathering. We can set you up here, or cater the occasion. Give us a call....553-0123

Steady Progress in Downtown - Editorial

An editorial from the February 24, 2010 edition of the Clayton News Star:

The town’s recent announcement that Clayton has been selected to host the N.C. Main Street Conference in January 2012 is further confirmation that downtown revitalization efforts have come a long way in the past few years. (more)

JCC Holds Free Business Seminars in March

From Losing My Job to Owning My Job
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.
Course Code: SBC 3601 25P Dates/Days: March, 01, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A

The ABC’s of Starting a Business
Starting your own business may seem like an overwhelming task, but it really is not that hard if you take it step by step. This workshop is an in-depth walk through on the mechanics of developing a business concept, feasibility, licensing, and the written plan, plus the financial projections by line item. This workshop is a must for those starting their own business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 14P Dates/Days: March, 02, 2010 (T)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024B

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 09P Dates/Days: March, 08, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

Sell to the Federal Government Now!
Do you want a share of over $5 billion in military and other federal purchases in North Carolina every year? Your existing business can sell to federal government agencies including military installations, EPA, Agriculture, Coast Guard, VA and others right here in North Carolina and across the country. Federal business is booming. It's for you; you can do it, and the Military Business Center (NCMBC) can help! Learn how the government buys and where your business fits!
Course Code: SBC 3601 26P Dates/Days: March, 10, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 10:00am - 12:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

10 Steps to Starting Your Own Business
This workshop will give you an overall understanding of the steps you need to take to make your dream venture a reality.
Course Code: SBC 3601 27P Dates/Days: March, 15, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Cleveland Center 008

Using Social Media to Market Your Business
Are you looking for a new marketing strategy for your business? Have ever though about using social media tools like Facebook, MySpace, Linkedin, or Twitter 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 28P Dates/Days: March, 17, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm Location: Cleveland Center 008
Registration Fee: $20.00 This seminar is co-sponsored with the Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce. Lunch is included. To register for the session, call the Chamber at 919-773-8448.

Web to English Translation: Effectively Communicating with your Web Developer
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.
Course Code: SBC 3601 29P Dates/Days: March, 18, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2012

Tax Implications for Starting Your Small Business
Get your business off on the right foot by complying with North Carolina tax laws from the beginning. Learn about topics ranging from the proper registration of your business to how to handle complicated withholding challenges to how to pay the right amount of property taxes. This seminar, taught by the NC Department of Revenue, will give you all the information you need on your state tax obligations, freeing up your time to focus on growing the business.
Course Code: SBC 3601 30P Dates/Days: March, 22, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2024A


Taking the Guesswork Out of Recognizing Substance Abuse in the Workplace
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.
Course Code: SBC 3601 31P Dates/Days: March, 24, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 9:00am - 12:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

Do More with Less: Improving Your Efficiency with Computer Shortcuts
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! Don’t miss these tips!!
Course Code: SBC 3601 32P Dates/Days: March, 25, 2010 (Th)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 2012

Fifteen Common Mistakes That Will Undermine Any Business
Opening and operating a small business normally involves a great deal of time and a substantial financial investment. During this two-hour seminar, you will learn the fifteen most common mistakes made by entrepreneurs that ultimately undermine their business. Regardless of whether you are opening or operating a business, this seminar will prove to be invaluable in helping you form a legal, profitable, and growing business!
Course Code: SBC 3601 33P Dates/Days: March, 29, 2010 (M)
Course Times: 6:00pm - 8:00pm Location: Public Safety Services Complex J1210

The Perfect Workday
What would be a perfect workday for you? Can you describe it? If you could set and meet your priorities, work more effectively with the people around you and move closer to a balanced life, wouldn’t that come close to a perfect workday? Join us to understand how much time you really have; plan on purpose and plan with a purpose; set and track priorities; confront and handle the information avalanche; and get it done and still have a life!
Course Code: SBC 3601 34P Dates/Days: March, 31, 2010 (W)
Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

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

Downtown Clayton Gateway Sign Nearly Complete

You  may have noticed something happening as you turn onto E Main Street from US 70 Bus lately. The makings of a gateway sign for downtown Clayton is slowly coming into formation. The Downtown Development Association's Design Committee developed the final concept about six months ago

And following various testing to determine the best place to put the sign, construction began about 6 weeks ago with the footings, and then the columns

and then the sign frame:

and now the stone columns:

 

Some lighting will be installed, and then The Sign! The DDA and Town of Clayton will have an unveiling and everyone will be invited, so stay tuned!  

From The Flipside...

Weekend Dinner Features


Fillet of snapper with a vodka citrus cream sauce. Served with basmati rice and fresh steamed brocolli

Fillet of red snapper with crab meat crumbles, baked to perfection and served with basmati veggie rice and fresh steamed brocolli

Filet mignon Oscar - perpared with crab meat and Hollandaise sauce and with fresh steamed asparagus and heirloom potatoes

Filet Mignon with a shitake mushroom demi glaze and served with fresh steamed brocolli and heirloom potatoes

Pasta of the Day - Southwestern Style mac & cheese with pepperjack cheese, cheddar cheese, scallions and cherry tomatoes. Served with a side salad and bread.

Tonight
Mistard Mustard
classic acoustic rock from the 60's & 70's
www.myspace.com/themustardjar

Saturday night:
Bomb Sniffin Dawgs
classic rock n' roll
www.myspace.com/bombsniffindawgs

We can cater your next special event or host a private party. Give us a call: 553-0123 or morgone@mindspring.com

The Flipside
408 E Second Street
Clayton, NC     (919) 553-0123

NC Main Street Center Names Clayton Host City for 2012 Annual Conference

Clayton has been selected to host the North Carolina Main Street Conference January 25-27, 2012. The announcement by Liz Parham, Director of the Office of Urban Development and the North Carolina Main Street Center, was made at the closing session of the 2010 annual conference in New Bern.

”We are honored and delighted that Clayton was chosen to host this important conference in 2012,” said Ed Knight, President, Clayton Downtown Development Association. ”This will be an opportunity to show that downtown and all of Clayton is a great place to invest.”

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod agreed. “The conference is a huge opportunity for Clayton and we will be calling on numerous groups to make it a positive and memorable experience for attendees, businesses and citizens alike,” he said.

Clayton Downtown Development Association had submitted a proposal in the competitive process to secure the conference that involves educational and recognition events for the 61 Main Street towns and cities, as well as the 28 Small Town Main Street communities across North Carolina. The 2011 conference will be held in Shelby, NC.

Most of the conference activities in 2012 will be held at The Clayton Center, a historic complex housing a performing arts auditorium and meeting facilities, located in the heart of downtown Clayton. Attendees will also have plenty of opportunity to tour, shop and dine in Clayton’s vibrant downtown as well as visit other area attractions.

The 2010 NC Main Street Conference explored the theme of ”Downtown: The Key to Recovery” with 20 different presentations on a variety of topics that have been tested in different communities. More than 400 registered attendees came from organizations like the Clayton Downtown Development Association, as well as from private firms and local governments.

Based on economic revitalization within the context of historic preservation, the Main Street program was created by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to share an effective downtown revitalization strategy which they had developed for smaller towns. Since the program began in 1980 with 5 communities, combined public and private investment in North Carolina Main Street downtowns totals more than $1.4 billion dollars. Clayton has been a Main Street community since 2006.

The North Carolina Main Street Program provides technical assistance, education and networking opportunities to its communities. The program is part of the Department of Commerce’s Division of Community Assistance.

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

STATE OF CLAYTON EVENT: What Does a Fast-Growing Town Do During an Economic Slowdown?

What does a fast-growing town do during an economic slowdown?" That's the theme of the Triangle Business Journal event at The Clayton Center on February 26 from 8-9:30 am.  (register here)

Clayton has chosen to double down on public infrastructure spending. This 14,000-resident town is spending millions on parks, street improvements and public facilities. Will those investments pay off? Is Talecris Biotherapeutics' $250 million expansion only a first of many new additions?

The State of Clayton event will explore that and other business and economic development issues at this panel event.

* Friday, February 26, 2010

* The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second Street, Clayton, 27520

* 7:30 AM registration and continental breakfast

* 8:00 - 9:30 AM program

* Cost: $25

Panelists:
* Steve Biggs, Town Manager

* Jackie Ring, Chief Operating Officer, Johnston Medical Center, Clayton

* Mary Kuhn, Executive Vice President of Operations, Talecris Biotherapeutics

* Bobby Lewis, Division 4 Engineer, North Carolina Department of Transportation

* Katharine Neal, Assistant Secretary, NC Department of Commerce

Have an interest in Clayton? Or simply looking for new business opportunities? This event could inject some fresh ideas. So, go ahead and sign up. REGISTRATION

From "The Flipside"....

Friday Night - a great time with FULL MOON PIE


______________________________________

Join us on Saturday Feb. 13th for a special Valentine's Day dining experience.

We will have two seatings 5:30 and 7:30

We have booked live music for Valentine's Day Dinner on Sat. night

12 string guiartist Uriah Nash will be performing from 6-9

Please call for reservations: 553-0123

MENU

Includes : your choice of appetizer, entree, and dessert

Appetizers: Scallop Brochettes over a green bean salad-scewered sea scallops tossed in a herbed olive oil & seared. Served over a chilled green bean & bacon salad

Spicy Bruschetta-crustinis with peppered fresh mozzarella & roasted red pepper bruschetta

Seared Hamachi Salad-sesame seed crusted 6 oz. yellow fin tuna steak seared & served over a romaine lettuce salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, & country croutons with asian dressing

Entrees:
Mandrian orange sherry cream snapper-8 oz. snapper fillet baked ina mandrian orange sherry cream sauce served with basmati rice & fresh steamed asparagus

Apricot brie stuffed chicken breast-8 oz. chicken breast stuffed with apricots, brie cheese, & shallots. Baked to perfection & served with basmati rice & fresh steamed asparagus

Wild Mushroom ravioli with asparagus cream sauce-served with side salad

Filet Mignon- with horseradish crust-8 oz filet mignon topped with a blend of butter, fresh horseradish, & bread crumbs. Cooked to your liking & served with a blend of tri-colored fingerlings & sweet potatoes with fresh steamed asparagus with shitake mushrooms demi glaze-

8 oz. filet mignon cooked to your liking & topped with a shitake mushroom cabernet demi glaze served with served with a blend of tri-colored fingerlings & sweet potatoes with fresh steamed asparagus
with brie-

8 oz. filet mignon spiced with our roasted garlic pepper & cooked to your liking then topped with melted brie cheese. Served with a blend of tri-colored fingerlings & sweet potatoes with fresh steamed asparagus

Desserts:

Old Fashioned Strawberry Shortcake-a three layer pound cake with real whip cream & strawberry filling between each layer

Swiss Chocolate Chalet Cake-Swiss chocolate cheesecake, a layer of white chocolate mousse & then a layer of chocolate cake

Carrot Cake-six layers of incredibly moist carrot cake with smooth cream cheese icing studded with pecans & fresh coconut

Make this Valentine's Day special!!         Please call for reservations: 553-0123

Clayton Farm & Community Market Has A Website!

The Clayton Farm & Community Market has a new website and email address: info@clayton-farmers-market.org

Opening Day for Season 2 is April 10, 2010!!

Create a Special Valentine's Day Memory

Celebrate Valentine's Day with dinner and a show. The romantic music of the Destino Tenors is the perfect complement to dinner on the town. Downtown restaurants as well as Skylines Cafe in Southern Village Shopping Center will be open with Valentine specials before the show this Saturday, Feb. 13. Skylines also is offering a special Valentine's package: Dinner for two PLUS two tickets to see Destino for $99 (does not include gratuity). Limited availability--call Skylines at 919-550-7619 to reserve your package!

After dinner, head to The Clayton Center to listen to the music of Canadian classical crossover sensation Destino. The international tenor trio performs their unique blend of operatic classics and contemporary soft pop as part of the 2009-2010 Palladian Series. Great seats are still available, so it's not too late to treat your loved one. Tickets, $22 plus service fees.

Youth Theater Presents PIPPIN Feb. 19, 20

The Clayton Youth Theater has scheduled three performances of its winter musical, PIPPIN, at The Clayton Center in February. The first performance will be Friday, February 19 at 7:30 pm, followed by two performances Saturday, February 20 at 2 pm and 7:30 pm.

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 the flesh, and the intrigues of political power, but ultimately finds it in a most unlikely place. A fairy tale with a twist, PIPPIN will leave audiences pondering their own "corner of the sky."

Led by Director Nikki Dyke, Music Director Ann Meigs and Choreographer Dawn Dees, the cast and crew consists of 26 area students in grades 7-12, representing 8 public schools and the homeschool community--Clayton High School, West Johnston High School, Garner Magnet High School, Cardinal Gibbons High School, Smithfield-Selma High School, Clayton Middle School, Riverwood Middle School and Cooper Elementary.

CAST
LEADING PLAYER - Jordan Clifton
PIPPIN - Justin Ryals
CATHERINE - Ashlyn Biggers
CHARLES - Ian Garnish
FASTRADA - Jordyn Johnson
LEWIS - Kibre Ethridge
BERTHE - Victoria Callus
THEO - Nicholas Kraft - Friday and Saturday evening shows
THEO - Luke Parkis - Saturday matinee

BAND OF PLAYERS
Kristen Bagley
Alexis Crocker
Michael Marshall
Jordan Monk
Jessica Rogers
Jonathan Royal
Brandon Spencer
Hailey Spencer
Amelia Ubinas
Sydney Williams

CREW
Hannah Craig
Denim Patrowice
Muhammad Amin
Padmanabh Phadke
Victoria Peach
Tiffany Ryan

Tickets can be purchased by calling The Clayton Center box office at 919-553-1737 or visiting http://www.theclaytoncenter.com/.

The Youth Theater's work is supported by the Town of Clayton through a recent $10,000 grant from the Cultural Arts Grant Committee. The CYT also received funding help for PIPPIN from the Johnston County Visitors Bureau.

Founded by Dyke in 2007, and adopted by the Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation, the Clayton Youth Theater was established to showcase the talents of area middle school and high school students, while bringing high quality productions to the community. The CYT presented its inaugural production, Little Shop of Horrors, in the summer of 2007. PIPPIN is the theater’s fifth production.

“The Clayton Youth Theater is small, but mighty," Dyke said. "We need more kids to get involved, we need larger audiences, and we need contributions from businesses and individuals to fuel our growth. Clayton is ready for this.”

For further information about the Clayton Youth Theater, please visit http://www.claytonyouththeater.com/.

Film Festival Organizers Offer New Twist on ‘Dinner and a Movie’

Independent film aficionados who don’t get their fill of the discussion scheduled to follow the third annual Short Circuit Traveling Film Festival at The Clayton Center on Saturday, Feb. 6, can continue the conversation over dinner at a local restaurant with the filmmaker panelists appearing at the festival.

Film festival organizers have arranged for interested audience members to join the panelists for an informal dinner in the café at Mulberry on Main immediately following the film screenings and discussion. Diners can purchase their meals from the restaurant’s regular menu and enjoy the company of the panelists and other film enthusiasts.

Heidi Stump, executive director of The Clayton Center, which is presenting the film festival along with the Ava Gardner Museum of Smithfield, said, “We thought local patrons would enjoy talking with professional independent filmmakers in a more informal setting than the question and answer discussion will provide. We hope that people will take advantage of this opportunity to get to know the panelists.”

Three contemporary independent filmmakers are scheduled to participate in the panel discussion. They are K. James Peterson, Todd Tinkham and Camden Watts.

The 2009-10 Short Circuit Film Festival is sponsored by the Southern Arts Federation and spotlights 12 films by filmmakers from Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee. The featured films span the genres of animation, narrative, experimental and documentary.

Tickets for film festival are $2.50, plus service fees. 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/.

The 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 http://www.southarts.org/.

Jones' Lunch Featured on "Tarheel Traveler"

Jones' Lunch Cafe, 415 E Main Street, was featured on WRAL TV's "Tarheel Traveler" last week. Check it out here. Way to go, Curtis!!

Clayton Chamber Names Small Business & Citizen of Year

Congratulations to the Clayton Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet last night.

Winner of the Small Business of the Year, Morning Glory Inn, owner Betsy Grannis

and Citizen of the Year, Michael Sims for his work with the Kids Cafe.

Among their other volunteer work, Mike & Betsy are also on the Clayton Downtown Development Association! Congratulations to both!

Etta May's One-Woman Show Tonight!

The reigning Queen of Southern Sass – Etta May – returns to Clayton TONIGHT (Friday, Jan. 22) with her new one-woman, two-act show, Dr. Etta (Family Specialist).

If you’ve ever seen Etta May before, you haven’t seen her like this. Dr. Etta is a unique, original, one-woman show that everyone – parents, grandparents and teenagers alike – can relate to on many levels.

Staged as a seminar, the performance takes a hilarious and heartfelt look at the breakdown of the American Family, in a style that is uniquely and unequivocally Etta May. Part stand-up comedy, part theatre, Dr. Etta (Family Specialist) will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.

Star of the wildly popular tour “Southern Fried Chicks,” Etta May is a favorite of The Clayton Center audience. The “Chicks” sold out the Center last year and performed before a Standing Room Only crowd.

“Etta May is always a hit when she performs here,” Heidi Stump, executive director of The Clayton Center, said. “Her comedy resonates with a wide audience. This particular show blends her distinct style of stand-up comedy with a new take on theatre.”

A seasoned performer with a huge fan base, Etta May is among the winners of the prestigious American Comedy Awards title “Stand-Up Comic of the Year.” A favorite of XM & Sirius radio’s comedy channels plus the syndicated Bob & Tom show, Etta May is a regular on Country Music Television and has appeared on Oprah, Comic Strip Live and MTV and as a guest commentator on CBS Sunday Morning.

Tickets to Dr. Etta (Family Specialist) are $20 plus service fees. A group rate for purchases of 10 or more tickets is available. Tickets may be purchased by phone at 919-553-1737, at The Clayton Center Box Office, 111 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton, from 10 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or online at www.theclaytoncenter.com.

Other popular artists presented in past seasons at The Clayton Center include Kathy Mattea, Johnny Winter, Jesse Cook, Jim Brickman, Doc Watson, Eileen Ivers, Riders In the Sky, the Harlem Gospel Choir and David Sedaris.

New Downtown Clayton Gateway Sign Under Construction

A long-anticipated gateway sign welcoming people to downtown Clayton has begun to take shape. The new sign, located at E Main Street and US 70 Business, is expected to be completed in early February.

From The Flipside!

 Tonight

Open Mic: Tracy Wiebeck hosting. Everyone is welcome!

Tuesdays & Wednesdays

Early Bird Specials - 5:00 to 6:30 15% off all dinner entrees (including nightly features) Dine in only.

Wednesdays

1/2 price wine by the glass

Thursday

Karaoke

Friday

BOTH

Saturday

MikeMickXer


http://www.myspace.com/theflipside1

Community Mobilizing to Help Haiti Survivors

Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod put out an urgent call Wednesday for donations of money and supplies for the survivors of Tuesday's massive earthquake in Haiti, including four Clayton residents who are there on a medical mission. The Mayor said community leaders worked through the day to secure a plane that he hopes will be given permission to fly directly to the devastated area to deliver as much as it can carry."Fly the plane in, and fly the plane out, that's what we want to do," McLeod said. "We're looking at a 48-hour deadline."  (read more)

2010 Johnston FRESH: A Local Food Fair, February 27th

The Clayton Farm & Community Market, also known as the Clayton Farmers Market, is sponsoring Johnston FRESH: A Local Food Fair on February 27 at The Clayton Center in downtown Clayton. This is an opportunity for Clayton residents and others to learn more about locally grown food and meet local farmers.

At Johnston FRESH: A Local Food Fair, you will have a chance to talk to local gardening experts about simple ways to grow food in your own yard and community. Local farmers will have booths at which you can ask questions about local farming and get information about local products and farming practices, and even buy a subscription to a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, which provides you a weekly box of fresh local produce, eggs, and meats.

A screening of “FRESH: the Movie" will be a highlight of the event. It is about the modern food production system, but it is also about farmers who are doing things differently by growing food and raising livestock sustainably, humanely and profitably. Fresh focuses on alternatives to the industrial food model that offer people more choices & better food and farmers more freedom & greater return on their blood, sweat & tears. It will be shown at 6:00 pm.

Make an evening of it. Come downtown and have an early dinner at one of our great restaurants, then walk over to The Clayton Center.

2010 Johnston FRESH: A Local Fresh Food Fair 5pm - 9pm, Saturday, February 27th.

Admission to The Clayton Center Lobby to talk to farmers and ranchers is free.

Movie tickets for FRESH: the Movie are $5 plus service charge, and are available online at http://www.theclaytoncenter.com/ or by calling the box office at (919) 553-1737.

For more information contact claytonmarket@earthlink.net. You can also become a fan of the Clayton Farm & Community Market on their Facebook Page.

From The Flipside...

Lunch Specials


$5.00 Burger $6.00 Grilled Cheese & Soup $7.50 Cuban Sandwich

Dinner Features

Teriyaki Sirloin - center cut sirloin with a delicious teriyaki marinade with red onions and portobella mushrooms, angel hair pasta with a Pink Vodka cream , bread and salad

Appetizer Feature - Seasame seared tuna with tempura green beans and a mango salsa.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays

5:00 to 6:30
Early Bird Special - 15% off any dinner, or feature, entree.  (dine in only)

Wednesdays - 1/2 price wine by the glass
________________________________________

Entertainment

Tonight - Open Mic with Tracy Wiebeck hosting. Come one come all....

Wednesday - Trivia Night

Saturday - the return of our favorite zydeco dance band - ZYDECOPIOUS

http://www.myspace.com/theflipside1

Clayton Foodtown Cooler Sale!

Clayton Food Town (421 E Second Street) begins their "Cooler Sale" tomorrow through January 16!

From The Flipside...

Weekend Dinner Features

James Bond Sirloin - Our house Sirloin lightly seasoned with roasted garlic pepper and topped with bleu cheese crumbles. Served with hierloom potatoes and veggie

Angel Hair pasta with butter, garlic, shallots, white wine, capers and lemon with brocolli. Served with bread and a side salad

Madiera Salmon - a salmon fillet dredged in seasoned flour and sauteed in olive oil with butter, shallots, mushrooms, chicken stock, madiera wine and finished with lemon . Served with wasbi mashed potatoes and grilled veggies

Tuna Boat - a Hamachi tuna steak rolled in olive oil and coated with a blend of spices, seared, then sliced and fanned over a leaf of Romaine and topped with a mango salsa
________________________________________

Tonight
Valentino Trio with Special Guest - Blues Legend, Tad Walters.

Saturday
D. Martini and The Highballs, rock-a-billy at it's BEST!!!!

Mark your calendars...Zydecopius January 16th

Need an event cartered? Give us a call 553-0123 - 408 E Second Street, downtown Clayton

Fundraising Lunch for Partnership for Children of Johnston County Jan 25

Don't miss this benefit luncheon for the Partnership for Children of Johnston County offered by Clayton Steakhouse and Parrish, Pulleyn and Young Wealth Management on Monday, January 25th. Clayton Steakhouse is offering an exclusive menu and seating times of 11am or 12:45 pm. Tickets are $12 and are in limited quantity and need to be pre-purchased. A snow date has been set for February 8th. Call 202-0002.

How About Some Italian For Lunch?

Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant, 217 E Main Street in downtown Clayton, is now open for LUNCH! Monday-Friday, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Here's the lunch menu.

Buon appetito!!