Fall Book Sale at Library Saturday, Sept. 11

Thousands of books and DVDs will be on sale at very low prices Saturday, Sept. 11 at the downtown Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library as part of the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale.

Both new and used children's books will be on sale, too.

Proceeds from the event—planned for 8 am to 2 pm—will go to buy new books.

"We always have great books, books of all types," said Director Betty Coats. "It's always good, and it's going to be good this time, too."

Oftentimes, residents walk out of the Library on book-sale day with a large grocery bag full of books at a price cheaper than what one book would cost at a bookstore. This year the books, which are also sold individually, are going for $12 a bag.

Most of the books in the fundraising sale are duplicates that the Library doesn't have room to keep, though some have been donated by residents especially for the book sale as a way to help the Library raise money.

"People continue to donate books," Coats said. "We've been very lucky over the years to have wonderful support from the community. We've had good support this year, too."

Activities for children are also planned.

People from all over the area have crowded into the Library for sales like this over the last few years, taking thousands of books home with them and raising thousands for library activities.

The atmosphere has been similar to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange as frenzied people crowd the aisles, carrying books, DVDs and videotapes by the armload. Children of all ages move in and out with painted faces, adding to the carnival atmosphere.

“Hip Pocket Band” Town Square Concert Cancelled on Sept 9

Embers Still on for September 16

The Clayton Town Square Concert on September 9, featuring The Hip Pocket Band has been cancelled due to a scheduling conflict with a band member. The concert, originally scheduled for August 19 was rescheduled to September 9 due to weather concerns.

The Embers will perform from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm on September 16 as scheduled and will be the last concert of the 2010 concert series which is organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association.

Clayton Downtown Development Association Releases FY09/10 Downtown Statistics

Downtown Clayton showed a net gain of 8 new businesses and 19 new jobs from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 according to statistics released by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. There was one business expansion; three facade improvements and two buildings were renovated. Private investment in downtown, including property purchases and improvements totaled $987,027. There was $1,113,704 in public investment, which includes local, state, federal funds and grants.

Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen said there were only four businesses that closed in downtown in the past fiscal year, which is the fewest number of businesses closed since 2005/06 when statistical tracking began. He noted that three of those businesses closed because of personal circumstances. Naegelen said, ”The numbers show, again, that downtown Clayton has a reasonably stable business environment.”

During the past fiscal year, for every public dollar invested in downtown Clayton $.89 was invested privately, but the water/sewer/curb/gutter improvements to Second, Barbour and Church streets, accounted accounted for $875,000 of the $1.1 million in public investment.

Leslie Hubbard, chair of the DDA’s Economic Restructuring committee said, ”There has been less private investment this year than in the past, but the cumulative investment ratio still shows over the past four years that for every public dollar spent, $5.50 in private investment is made in downtown.”

DDA Chair, Ed Knight said the message to property and business owners, current and future is that, ”The Town of Clayton continues to value the importance of downtown with its project investments, including the recent Second Street project, but also the current Town Lot improvements at Lombard & Main and the upcoming Law Enforcement Center.”

The DDA keeps track of these statistics each year as one measurement of economic development in downtown Clayton. These statistics are also provided to the NC Main Street Center to help provide a statewide picture of downtown development. Other economic development measurements include an annual survey of downtown retail and service businesses and market analysis.

Children’s Boutique To Open Sept 4 in Downtown Clayton

Clayton and area residents will soon be able to buy children’s clothing locally. Holly Lee and her sister Crystal Braxton, along with their mother, Jeanne Bagwell will open Sugar Pea Boutique at 227 E Main Street in downtown Clayton on Saturday, September 4. The store will feature boys and girls clothing from infant to 7 years old along with a selection of accessories and gifts.

“As mothers ourselves we wanted a boutique nearby with cute, trendy clothes at a price that we wouldn’t mind paying ourselves,” said Holly Lee.

Co-owner and sister, Crystal Braxton said, “Being from the area and always frequenting downtown Clayton, we thought it was the perfect spot and we love the hometown feel.”

All three agreed that starting their own business in this economy is very scary, but their mother and co-owner, Jeanne Bagwell said, “With the support from the Clayton Development Association, our landlords, (Ernest and Joyce Blackley) and all the local business owners, the process has been very comforting. We think this experience will be great.”

“This is exactly the type of store we are trying to attract to downtown Clayton. There is a need for quality clothing stores in Clayton, especially for children and Sugar Pea Boutique will help fill that niche,” according to Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen.

You can contact Holly and Crystal at sugarpeaboutique@yahoo.com or by calling (919) 359-1610. Be sure to visit their website at http://www.sugarpeaboutique.com/.

Clayton Receives 2010 National Main Street Accreditation

Clayton and the Clayton Downtown Development Association have been accredited as a 2010 National Main Street Program.

North Carolina Main Street evaluated the organization’s performance during 2009 and determined it met all ten performance standards and criteria required to be named an accredited National Main Street Program and for meeting the commercial district revitalization standards set by the National Main Street Center.

The Clayton Downtown Development Association, Inc. (www.downtownclayton.org) 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.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation (www.PreservationNation.org) is a nonprofit membership organization bringing people together to protect, enhance and enjoy the places that matter to them.

Established in 1980, the National Trust Main Street Center® helps communities of all sizes revitalize their older and historic commercial districts. Working in more than 2,200 downtowns and urban neighborhoods over the last 30 years, the Main Street program has leveraged more than $48.9 billion in new public and private investment. Participating communities have created 417,919 net new jobs and 94,176 net new businesses, and rehabilitated more than 214,263 buildings, leveraging an average of $27 in new investment for every dollar spent on their Main Street district revitalization efforts.

Labor Compliance Posters Are Free! Don't Pay For Them!

Some of our local businesses have been contacted by companies selling Labor Compliance posters - and are pretty persuasive in their pitch. JUST SAY NO! These compliance posters are free through the NC Department of Labor. 

NCDOL requires all businesses in North Carolina to post a copy of the North Carolina Workplace Laws Poster in a conspicuous place where notices to employees are customarily posted. The poster, printed in two sections, contains information on some of the laws that NCDOL enforces, including occupational safety and health laws, wage and hour laws, and employment discrimination laws. Both the occupational safety and health section and the wage and hour section were updated March 2009.


In addition to the North Carolina Workplace Laws Poster (English / Spanish), businesses in North Carolina may be required by other state and federal agencies to post notices to employees about other workplace laws.

As a public service, you may download each of these posters individually or in a group on the NCDOL website. 

For more information on the federal poster requirements, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's Poster Advisor page.

Please contact the individual agencies with questions about their poster.

Community Showcase - Announcement of The Clayton Center Lineup and Concert This Friday

Stop by the Clayton Downtown Development Association booth and recieve a FREE "Think Clayton. Think Downtown" totebag!

Volunteers Needed for Town Information Desk

Town officials are looking for volunteers to help staff the Town Hall Information Desk at The Clayton Center left vacant by budget cuts.


Primary responsibilities include welcoming and directing visitors to the proper departments in both Town Hall and The Clayton Center and providing general information about the community.

"There's a need to have somebody there during the day," said Parks & Recreation Director Larry Bailey. "There's still a lot of new people coming into town who don't know much about the town or where things are. Once we get a group of volunteers, we'll try to match their schedules."

Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to call Bailey at 553-5777 for more information.

Already, members of several arts related and civid groups have come forward to volunteer. Officials hope to be able to staff the Desk with volunteers from 10 am to 2 or 3 pm each weekday.

The Desk has been empty for the last few weeks due to staff reductions forced by the scaled-down 2010-2011 town budget that cuts spending substantially but continues to hold the line on taxes. The final figure was even less than the already austere proposal suggested by Town Manager Steve Biggs. Among the final cuts was the town's long-published monthly newsletter to residents and the Information Desk staff.

"This will be a tough year," Biggs said.

Some projects are continuing as planned, including the new Law Enforcement Center, the "Downtown Plaza" project at Main and Lombard Streets and the upcoming street improvement project. But other normal spending patterns have been disrupted, including support for local non-profit agencies that depend on town money for improved services.

One department, the Parks and Recreation Department headed by Bailey, is expanding its operations this year despite cuts to its budget, mostly due to opportunities offered by the newly opened Clayton Community Center.

Staff reductions this year included 11 full-time positions and two part-time positions. In addition, three full-time employees are working reduced hours. Raises were eliminated for the second straight year. While the cuts, especially to staff, are painful, Biggs said the town must continue what he called "a demonstrated commitment to financial strength."

Matthews Motors Named Carolina Independent Automotive Dealer Association's Quality Dealer of the Year!

Steve Matthews, owner of Matthews Motors in Clayton, has been named the Carolinas Independent Automotive Dealer Association’s Quality Dealer of the Year for 2010. The award was presented at the CIADA’s annual meeting in Myrtle Beach, S.C.


Matthews will represent CIADA next June in Las Vegas, Nev. where the National Independent Automotive Dealer Association will select its winner.

Matthews from chosen from a list of nominees from the Carolinas. The winner is not chosen because he sells the most cars or has the most impressive showroom. The winner must exemplify integrity and honesty while conducting ethical business practices and be involved in the community. The staff at Matthews Motors prides itself on standing behind the vehicles they sell and the customers they serve.

“I’m excited and humbled,” Matthews said. “It’s the highlight of my career. Being the best of the best is something you strive for.”

Matthews opened his used car lot on U.S. Hwy 70 in Clayton in June 1994. He started out with three cars and boat, and his wife and young child at his side. Today the business has grown into a 7,500 square foot full-service facility and employs 17 full time workers.

Matthews is a strong supporter of the local schools, civic organizations and his church. He is also deeply involved in Clayton Area Ministries’ food pantry, where his wife, Dale, serves as director. The Matthews have two teenage children, Tyler and Morgan.

TONIGHT'S TOWN SQUARE CONCERT RESCHEDULED TO SEPT 9

THE TOWN SQUARE CONCERT SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT, FEATURING "HIP POCKET BAND" HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED TO THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9.

After much consideration and consultation the Clayton Downtown Development Association felt this was the best decision due to the unsettled nature of the weather forecast.

So, there will be two back-to-back concerts next month:
- September 9 with the Hip Pocket Band
- September 16 with the Embers

Hope to see you then!

DDA To Participate in Community Showcase August 27

The Clayton Downtown Development Association will participate in the Community Event Showcase on August 27 at The Clayton Center. Join us as we share news about our upcoming special events in Clayton and find out about many of the upcoming events in your area!


The showcase will feature community and civic groups who will chat with event-goers about upcoming activities in the Clayton area; we will be joined with other organizations including: Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Parks & Recreation, Clayton Youth Theater, Clayton Visual Arts, Clayton Farm and Community Market and Clayton Mid-day Rotary Club. The evening also will feature a concert by Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos, the official release of the Center’s 2010-2011 season lineup, giveaways, door prizes, light refreshments and a cash bar. The first 100 people to purchase tickets also receive tickets to a private wine tasting event.

The mojo kicks in at 6 p.m. when the Community Event Showcase opens. Showcase participants will have giveaways throughout the evening. The Clayton Center also will sponsor several door prizes. The grand prize is two season tickets to the 2010-2011 Palladian Series, which runs from October through April. The total value of the ticket package is $270.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in The Clayton Center Auditorium following the release of The Clayton Center’s eighth season.

Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos is a popular zydeco/Cajun flavored blues band. Nicknamed “The Zydeco Chef,” the multi-talented Melton cooks on stage as well as in the kitchen as owner of Durham’s Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse restaurant. He’s a classic blues harmonica musician who is backed by a talented band that gets its audiences out of their seats and on their feet before they know what hit them. When Melton describes the Wicked Mojos’ music, he says, “There's zydeco, of course, and Cajun and blues, and New Orleans jazz and funk. But as far as what we're playing, I call it Mojo Music."

Tickets to the event are $15. Each ticket includes admission to both the showcase and concert. For more information about the Clayton Center Season Kick-Off & Community Event Showcase, call The Clayton Center box office at 919-553-1737, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Don’t delay, buy your tickets now!

Tickets may be purchased at the box office, located at 111 E. Second St. in downtown Clayton, about 15 miles east of Raleigh, or by phone, or online at www.theclaytoncenter.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 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.

DDA Schedules Review of Updated Downtown Master Plan on Monday

A draft of the updated Downtown Master Plan layout will be available for review on Monday, August 23 at 10:00 am and 6:30 pm at The Clayton Center in Room GS223. The presentation will be the same at each session with the same opportunity for feedback.


The Downtown Master Plan concentrates on the commercial district of downtown from Robertson Street to US 70 Business. Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen said, ”The master plan provides a general framework for the development of downtown and to provide reasonable certainty and predictability for investors.” He added, “The architectural and design guidelines are also being updated and will help shape growth in a way that preserves Clayton’s character.”

This past spring about 25 downtown business and property owners, as well as others attended two workshops to provide input into updating the 9 year old plan. Mr. Naegelen said there aren’t many significant changes in the layout, but the feedback was very helpful.

If you are planning to attend either workshop, please contact Mr. Naegelen at 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

HIP POCKET BAND to Perform at Town Square Concert on August 19

When Hip Pocket shows up a party breaks out and the fun begins! Although they are not a beach band, they were named 2009 CBMA Award for Favorite New Artist. The group plays everything from Black Eyed Peas, Zac Brown, Josh Turner, Prince, Wild Cherry, George Michael, Keith Urban, Jackson 5, and Delbert McClinton.

They will perform this Thursday at the Town Square Concert Series from 7 pm – 9 pm. This will be the first Clayton appearance for the Hip Pocket Band.

Sponsors of the 2010 Town Square Concert Series are: The Town of Clayton, Clayton Downtown Development Association, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Time Warner Cable, Clayton News Star, Clayton Steakhouse, Four Oaks Bank, Hometowne Realty, and Talecris Biotherapeutics.

Residents of Clayton are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for this “free” public concert, but coolers are not permitted. 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 http://www.downtownclayton.org/

And don't forget, The Embers will close out the series on September 16!

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 Main Street Seafood Restaurant, 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.

For more information on the concerts and downtown news and events, visit www.downtownclayton.org. Or by calling (919) 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

"Greening Your Business" Workshops Next Week At Small Business Center

The Small Business Center at JCC will offer the first of two fall "greening your business" seminars next Wednesday from 11am - 2:00pm here at the Workforce Development Center. These will be great for existing businesses or new entrepreneurs seeking sustainable business practices! And of course they are FREE!!!

Greening Your Business

Want to join the green wave sweeping the business world, but not sure where to start? Learn the principles and practices to start your business on the path to becoming more sustainable by adopting a triple bottom line approach that addresses people, the planet, and profit. Discover assessment tools, hear about local businesses successfully embracing this approach, and develop an action plan.

Course Code: SBC 3601 24F

Dates/Days: August, 25, 2010 (W)

Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

Instructor: Norton

Registration Fee: Free (You may bring your lunch.)

Book: None



The Business Benefits of Green

Engaging in green business practices is good for the environment, but what are the other benefits to business owners? Attorneys with Ward and Smith, PA, experienced in business tax, government contracts, and environmental regulations and compliance will discuss green business benefits, including green business values and sustainable development; green finance; and green government.

Course Code: SBC 3601 30F

Dates/Days: November, 17, 2010 (W)

Course Times: 11:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Workforce Development Center 1032

Instructor: Andrews, Norment & Wang

Registration Fee: FREE (You may bring your lunch.)

Book: None

Genealogist uncovers Clayton mill's history, troubles

CLAYTON -- Most folks nowadays probably don't know that crossing Mulberry Street toward the west side of town once meant entering a different community entirely.

That's what genealogist and longtime Clayton resident John McPhail discovered while typing up 1930 census data for the Johnston County Heritage Center. The 80-year-old document listed Liberty Mills as a separate place within Clayton Township. It was home to many prominent Clayton families, whose members all had now-unheard-of mill jobs, such as doffer.

Digging into the Heritage Center archives turned up more about textile maker Liberty Mills and the village surrounding it. It opened in 1907, and the area was later referred to as Cotton Mill Hill and Bartex as the company name changed. McPhail also found photos from the Library of Congress documenting child labor at the mill.

Read more: http://www.newsobserver.com/2010/08/16/630774/genealogist-uncovers-mills-history.html#ixzz0wlD0RnwB

Farmers Market Wants to Know its Customers

The Clayton Farmers Market, which brings about 250 people to Town Square each Saturday for farm-fresh food and crafts, wants to know more about its customers and intends to start asking.

The information could be a great help with marketing, said Market Board Chair Deborah Hooker.

"The Board's current big Project is to find out where, generally, our customers are coming from, how they found out about the market, what they think of the market, what they'd like to see at the market in terms of products and events, and so on," Hooker said. "We are drafting and refining a survey now, which we hope to begin conducting on-site, on the Square, beginning this Saturday or next, to find out those things." (full article)

New "Available Properties in Downtown" Link

We've updated the "Available Properties in Downtown Clayton" listing with a new look and location. You can access it under the "Helpful & Interesting Links" column to the right or directly at http://downtownpropertylisting.blogspot.com/

Either way, we hope it's helpful and informative and that you'll share it with folks you know who are looking to invest in downtown Clayton by buying some property or starting a business.

If you are a downtown business owner or property owner and would like to help market your property here, please send the pertinent information and a photo to bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

Facade Grant Article

Here's an article about facade grants in Clayton & Garner from the Garner-Clayton Record

Downtown Business News

Some things are happening in downtown Clayton - The Flipside is now open on Mondays for lunch and dinner! Stuff 4 Office has moved a couple of doors to 421 E Main Street to a larger space. They're still in "move-in" mode, and decorating but are open and operating. Moving in to their old space will be Jewelry Design Studio at 417 E. Main St. ( Beside Jones Lunch) They are currently located at 333 E Main Street in a second floor suite. They will be offering more services and hand-crafted one of a kind jewelry. Starting Sep. 01,2010 store hrs. will be from 10:00AM-6:00PM.Sugar Pea Boutique will be opening at 227 E Main on September 1 and offer trendy clothes, gifts for boys and girls. Downtown has to say goodbye to Cider House Studio, 436 E Main Street. Holley & Brandon Carpenter have relocated to a home-based office, but Holley will remain a volunteer on the DDA's Design Committee, providing design guidance and her wonderful renderings of what our downtown buildings can look like!

"Fiddler" This Week at The Clayton Center

It's Show Week! Don't forget to get your tickets to ...

Fiddler on the Roof

Friday, August 6   7:30pm

Saturday, August 7   2:00pm & 7:30pm

The Clayton Center

111 E. Second St.

Clayton, NC 27520

For tickets call 919-553-1737.

(Tickets will also be available at the door.)

$11 Adults; $6 Students

(*Price includes $1 service fee per ticket)

For more information about CYT visit http://www.claytonyouththeater.com/

Feel The Mojo At The Clayton Center - 2010-11 Season Release & Community Event Showcase Is Aug. 27

The Clayton Center celebrates the 2010-11 Palladian Series in style on Friday, Aug. 27, with an event guaranteed to get your mojo going.

The Clayton Center Season Kick-Off & Community Event Showcase will feature a concert by Mel Melton & the Wicked Mojos, the official release of the 2010-2011 season lineup, giveaways, door prizes, light refreshments and a cash bar. The first 100 people to purchase tickets also receive tickets to a private wine tasting event.

“We are excited to release the new performing arts season, and we’re really excited about this event.” Heidi Stump, executive director, said. “There are so many things going on right here in Clayton. We want to highlight these special events so people can take advantage of these opportunities. This is a fun way to do that.”

The mojo kicks in at 6 p.m. when The Clayton Center opens its doors to the Community Event Showcase. Civic and community organizations, including the Downtown Development Association, Clayton Chamber of Commerce, Clayton Parks and Recreation Department and Clayton Youth Theater, will be present to talk about their upcoming activities. Showcase participants will have giveaways throughout the evening.

The Clayton Center also will sponsor several door prizes. The grand prize is two season tickets to the 2010-2011 Palladian Series, which runs from October through April. The total value of the ticket package is $270.

The concert will begin at 8 p.m. in The Clayton Center Auditorium following the release of The Clayton Center’s eight season.

Mel Melton & The Wicked Mojos is a popular zydeco/Cajun flavored blues band. Nicknamed “The Zydeco Chef,” the multi-talented Melton cooks on stage as well as in the kitchen as owner of Durham’s Papa Mojo’s Roadhouse restaurant. He’s a classic blues harmonica musician who is backed by a talented band that gets its audiences out of their seats and on their feet before they know what hit them. When Melton describes the Wicked Mojos’ music, he says, “There's zydeco, of course, and Cajun and blues, and New Orleans jazz and funk. But as far as what we're playing, I call it Mojo Music."

Tickets to the event are $15 plus service fees. The first 100 patrons to purchase a ticket also will receive admission to the private wine tasting event. Wine tasting participants will vote for their favorite wines of the evening. The most popular wines will be served by The Clayton Center during the Palladian Series.

Light refreshments also will be served, and a cash bar will be open in the main lobby.

For more information about the Clayton Center Season Kick-Off & Community Event Showcase, call The Clayton Center box office at 919-553-1737, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.

Tickets may be purchased at the box office, located at 111 E. Second St. in downtown Clayton, about 15 miles east of Raleigh, or by phone, or online at www.theclaytoncenter.com.

Popular artists presented in past seasons at The Clayton Center include Kathy Mattea, Ricky Skaggs, Johnny Winter, Jesse Cook, John Pizzarelli, Doc Watson, Eileen Ivers, Riders In the Sky, the Harlem Gospel Choir and David Sedaris.