Living Legends of Gospel To Perform at The Clayton Center Nov. 6

Seventy years into an phenomenal career and still led by one of their original members, The Blind Boys of Alabama thrill audiences with their remarkable, soulful interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary rock music.

The Blind Boys of Alabama – including frontman Jimmy Carter, one of the three founding fathers of the group – appear at The Clayton Center on Saturday, Nov. 6, at 8 p.m.

“It is a privilege to present The Blind Boys of Alabama,” Heidi Stump, executive director of The Clayton Center, said. “They have had an enormous influence on several generations of audiences, and their shows cover everything from gospel to soul and R&B and even rock-and-roll.”

The Blind Boys first came together as youngsters at the Alabama Institute for the Negro Blind in 1939. The group appeared for nearly 40 years almost exclusively on the black gospel circuit and their recordings, dating back to 1948 with their hit “I Can See Everybody’s Mother But Mine,” are widely recognized as being influential for many gospel, R&B and rock-and-roll artists.

Unlike some of their old-time gospel music brethren, the Blind Boys eagerly embrace popular music, bringing their deep, soulful gospel sound to mainstream audiences. They have formed friendships with an impressive array of musicians who span a wealth of genres. Lou Reed, John Hammond, Toots Hibbert, Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles, Ben Harper, Randy Travis, and Bonnie Raitt are among those featured on the Blind Boys’ most recent CD Duets (Saguaro Road Records).

The Blind Boys have amassed a notable array of honors in the last decade alone. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2007 and are the recipients of two Grammy nominations, five Grammy Awards, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Piedmont bluesman John Dee Holeman appears with the Blind Boys.

Tickets for the Nov. 6 show are $27.50, and may be purchased through The Clayton Center Box Office, located at 111 E. Second Street in downtown Clayton, from 10 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, by phone at 919-553-1737, or online at http://www.theclaytoncenter.com/.

The third show in The Clayton Center’s Palladian Series is Songs and the Season, Friday, Dec. 3, performance by Kathy Mattea. Tickets are $29.

Governor Bev Perdue's "Set Government Straight" Initiative

Although not specifically downtown-related, anything to reduce government "clutter"is probably a good thing. Read on!

The Governor has announced an initiative to suss out outdated and nonsensical regulations in state government. Business resource advisors and business owners can share their concerns about current regulations with the Governor’s staff at setgovernmentstraight.nc.gov.

Comments may be submitted anonymously.

Following is the press release about the initiative form the Governor’s Office dated Wednesday, October 20th.

Governor Stops New Rulemaking Unless Absolutely Necessary
Perdue asks citizens to point out regulations that “defy common sense”

RALEIGH – Gov. Bev Perdue today issued a directive to her cabinet secretaries and a request of Council of State members: do not create any new rules unless they are absolutely necessary. In addition, she announced a larger plan to set government straight by soliciting input from citizens, local governments, community groups, businesses and state employees who recognize antiquated, outdated or frustrating rules in need of reform or elimination.

“I am calling on the people of this state who come into contact with state government to talk to me. Tell me what isn’t working for you when you go to a state agency for a permit, or a license, or any other project that falls under state regulation,” said Perdue. “My rule is the ‘plain common sense rule’ – if a regulation is needed, make sure it’s efficient for the user, transparent to the public and has real value for North Carolina citizens.”

The Governor signed Executive Order # 70 laying out a three-fold plan:

1. Direct cabinet secretaries and request council of state members to stop creation of any new rules unless absolutely necessary;

2. Require all new rules proposed by cabinet agencies to be reviewed by the Office of State Budget and Management and justified by the requesting agency; and

3. Solicit input from citizens, community groups, local governments, businesses and state employees on rules and regulations that should be reviewed, eliminated or consolidated.

Speaking at Perry Harrison Elementary School in Pittsboro, Perdue unveiled a new website where citizens can submit their suggestions, http://www.setgovernmentstraight.nc.gov/.

Every single suggestion will be reviewed by officials in North Carolina’s Office of State Budget and Management. Rules selected for further review will be sent to the appropriate state agency and to outside experts who can provide guidance as to if and how the rule could be changed.

Perdue pointed to the school’s playground as an example of a state rule that defied common sense. Because of a regulation that governs childcare facility playgrounds but does not apply to public schools, children enrolled in after school programs that operate in a school were not allowed to play on the school’s playground. “Because of a silly rule, when the bell rang, the same playground these kids were on all day long suddenly wasn’t good enough,” Perdue said.

She also gave examples of rules that would prohibit building wind turbines off shore and that would slow general contractors’ ability to take on new projects and hire more people.

VIDEO: Last Day of Clayton Farmers Market with Deborah Hooker

A short video with Clayton Farm & Community Market President Deborah Hooker providing a brief overview of the Farmers Market's second season and promo of the upcoming Holiday Markets

Clayton Farmers Market - Holiday Markets

Tickets On Sale for DDA 2010 Annual Awards Dinner - Nov 8

Tickets are available for the Clayton Downtown Development Association's 2010 Awards Dinner on November 8 at the Clayton Steakhouse.

The event begins with a social hour at 5:30 pm and program and dinner at 6:30 pm.

Tickets are just $25 per person and include a dinner choice of steak, chicken or tilapia, with beverage and dessert.


The 2010 “Think Downtown” Awards categories include:

• Outstanding Downtown Business

• Outstanding New Downtown Business

• Outstanding Staff Person within a Downtown Business or Organization.

Other recognitions will include two facade awards, DDA Volunteer of the Year and the announcement of Clayton’s 2010 NC Main Street Champion, who will also be recognized at the NC Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in Shelby on January 27.

The DDA’s Organization Committee Chair, Betsy Grannis said, “This is our opportunity to publicly recognize the people and businesses that are making a difference in downtown Clayton.”

Highlights of the program will include a brief review of DDA’s accomplishments this past year, recognition of outgoing DDA members and a Silent Auction. A social time with a cash bar will begin at 5:30 pm.

Guest speakers will be:

• Clayton Town Manager Steve Biggs, who will discuss two downtown construction projects: the Town Lot Project at Lombard & Main and the new Clayton Law Enforcement Center project.

• Teresa Watts, Assistant Director of the NC Main Street Center will briefly discuss the NC Main Street Conference which will be hosted in Clayton in January 2012.

Last year’s event was a “smashing success,” said DDA Chairman, Ed Knight, and he expects the dinner to be sold out again this year, too.

Tickets for the DDA Annual Awards Dinner are available. All DDA board members and committee members will have them for sale and they are also available at these locations:

Awards & Engravables, 327 E Main Street
Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street
Fancy That, 120 E Main Street.
Main Street Jewelers, 236 E Main Street

For more information please contact Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org or 553-1545 x5403

Photo from the 2009 Awards Dinner

Clayton Town Lot Project Update

Be sure to check out the video and updated photos on the Clayton Town Lot Project - it's almost complete!

US 70 Corridor Study Public Forum - Tuesday, November 9

The Town of Clayton and its consultant, The Wooten Company, will hold a public forum on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM in the Council Chambers at The Clayton Center, 111 East Second Street.

The public forum will consist of stations for citizens to visit to receive information and to provide comments regarding a proposed corridor and interchange study of the US 70 Bypass around Clayton. The study involves suggested land use and development standards for the corridor which are intended to preserve the environmental, scenic, and transportation qualities of the facility.

After this public forum the Clayton Town Council will consider the draft at its workshop meeting on November 15, 2010; and the Clayton Town Council will hold a public hearing on December 6, 2010.


The draft document is available for review in the Planning and Inspections Department located in Room GS 202 in The Clayton Center, 111 East Second Street and on the Town’s website.

This is an open meeting and citizen participation is desired.

Interact Club Haunted House This Friday & Saturday

Be sure to check Downtown Calendar for more details

(scroll down on the right side)

Residents Cut Their Hair for Cancer Research

Hundreds of residents crowded into downtown Saturday afternoon to watch local bankers, businessmen, public officials, firemen, policemen and other community leaders get their heads shaven to raise money for cancer research.

In all, more than six dozen got a chance to see what they look like bald, in solidarity with those fighting the dreaded disease.

The event blew past its goal of $25,000 before the first hair hit the ground, and organizers quickly adjusted their expectations to upwards of $40,000.

"What a great event," said Fire Chief Lee Barbee as he watched fireman after fireman lose their hair. "We're not exactly sure how much money will come in, but it's looking good."

Perhaps the biggest commotion occurred when Town Councilman Bob Satterfield took his seat in the barber chair. The Councilman had promised to shave his trademark mustache if donations in his name topped the $1,000 mark, which happened in less than a day once word got out. The crowds rushed in to see his hair go, then moved in even closer with cameras flashing as the facial hair went away, too.

"I don't mind my hair so much, but I've had this mustache for 35 years," Satterfield said. "I feel naked--totally naked."

Full article

Will Clayton succeed on parking?

Editorial From the Garner-Clayton Record, October 20:

For those who don't know, Clayton has gone the way of Smithfield, moving parking violations to civil from criminal court. We hope that Clayton fares better than Smithfield.

In the county seat, the move has been disastrous, at least for merchants, who rely on turnover in parking spaces to generate sales.

The last time we checked, Smithfield was holding scores of unpaid parking tickets worth thousands of dollars. The town says it would be financially irresponsible to pay a lawyer to collect the meager fines.

Clayton leaders say they will take a different approach. Instead of a lawyer, the town, when it has a good number of unpaid tickets, will send an employee to the courthouse in Smithfield to file claims in small-claims court.

And what if that tack fails? The town says it will employ a little-known state program that pretty much allows government to extract money from anyone who owes it.

We would encourage Smithfield leaders to keep an eye on Clayton's experiment.

As it is now, Smithfield police seldom issue parking citations because doing so is literally a waste of time and taxpayer resources. In the meantime, downtown shopkeepers are helpless as inconsiderate motorists hog valuable parking real estate for hours at a time.

Clayton can be a cocky town, so perhaps it's overly confident about its ability to cheaply collect parking fines. But if Clayton is right, then Smithfield owes its downtown merchants a new approach to parking enforcement.

Senate hopefuls to square off Thursday night

The two candidates competing for the Johnston County State Senate seat will square off on Thurs. Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at The Clayton Center in a community forum to discuss their campaign platforms with the public.

Incumbent Republican Sen. David Rouzer and Clayton Mayor Jody McLeod, a Democrat, will respond to questions posed by moderator Bruce Mildwurf, an award-winning reporter with WRAL TV 5 who has been the recipient of several awards including the prestigious Alfred I. du Pont-Columbia University award.

Audience members will also have the opportunity to challenge the candidates with questions from the floor.

Rouzer, a resident of the McGee’s Crossroads community, has held the seat since 2008, which represents Johnston county and a portion Wayne county. It has been a decade since a democrat has held the District 12 position. McLeod, a life-long resident of Clayton and owner of Annie V’s florist, has served as mayor of Clayton since 2004.

The Clayton-News Star is sponsoring the forum.

Homecoming Parade Correction and Town Lot Project Update

CORRECTION: Clayton High School Homecoming Parade is Thursday, Oct 21, not Friday as previously reported in yesterday's Downtown Clayton Insider...



ALSO: The WESTBOUND lane of E Main Street will be closed today from Lombard to Church Street due to a street-bore under Main Street from the Town Lot project. Westbound traffic will be re-routed down Lombard to Second to Church and back to Main Street. This should be a day-long experience.

DPM Studios Commercial

Public Invited to Submit Nominations for 2010 DDA Awards

Annual Awards Dinner November 8 at Clayton Steakhouse

Nominations from the public are being sought for the 2010 “Think Downtown” Awards to be presented at the Clayton Downtown Development Association's 2010 Awards Dinner on November 8 at the Clayton Steakhouse. The event begins with a social hour at 5:30 pm and program and dinner at 6:30 pm. The award categories include:

• Outstanding Downtown Business

• Outstanding New Downtown Business

• Outstanding Staff Person within a Downtown Business or Organization.

The DDA’s Organization Committee Chair, Betsy Grannis said, “This is our opportunity to publicly recognize the people and businesses that are making a difference in downtown Clayton.”

All you have to do is complete the Nomination Form then mail it, fax it or email it. Nominations must be received by the DDA no later than Friday, October 29. The nomination forms are available online “2010 Downtown Awards Nomination Form” and they are available at:

• Awards & Engravables, 327 E Main Street

• Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street

• Fancy That, 120 E Main Street.

• Main Street Jewelers, 236 E Main Street

• Clayton Chamber of Commerce, 301 E Main Street.

• The Clayton Center (reception desk), 111 E Second Street

• Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library, 100 Church Street

Other recognitions will include two facade awards, DDA Volunteer of the Year and the announcement of Clayton’s 2010 NC Main Street Champion, who will also be recognized at the NC Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in Shelby on January 27. Past recipients are Barry Woodard, Joyce Blackley and the late Margaret Ritchie.

Highlights of the program will include a review of DDA’s accomplishments this past year, recognition of outgoing DDA members and a Silent Auction. A social time with a cash bar will begin at 5:30 pm.

Guest speaker will be Clayton Town Manager Steve Biggs, who will discuss two downtown construction projects: the Town Lot Project at Lombard & Main and the new Clayton Law Enforcement Center project. Teresa Watts, Assistant Director of the NC Main Street Center will briefly discuss the NC Main Street Conference which will be hosted in Clayton in January 2012.

Last year’s event was a “smashing success,” said DDA Chairman, Ed Knight, and he expects the dinner to be sold out again this year, too.

Tickets for the DDA Annual Awards Dinner are available. All DDA board members and committee members will have them for sale and they are also available at these locations:

• Awards & Engravables, 327 E Main Street

• Clayton Steakhouse, 307 E Main Street

• Fancy That, 120 E Main Street.

• Main Street Jewelers, 236 E Main Street

For more information please contact Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org or 553-1545.

2009 Award winners were:

Outstanding Downtown Business – Fancy That Gifts
Outstanding New Business – Mulberry on Main Italian Restaurant
Outstanding Individual in a Business – Thad Avent, Avent-Permenter Group
DDA Volunteer of the Year – Lyn Austin
Best Façade Improvement Under $10,000 – 321-327 E Main Street
Best Façade Improvement Over $10,000 – 104 N Fayetteville Street

Clayton High School Homecoming Parade Friday - Main Street Will Close

Clayton High School will hold their annual homecoming parade this Friday, October 21, 2010 closing Main Street from 4:15 pm to 5:15 pm.

The parade route will leave Clayton High School and travel north along

Fayetteville Street, east

on

Main Street, south

on Lombard one block, then west on

Second Street

before traveling back to the high school south along

Fayetteville Street

. 

The parade will likely will be much shorter in duration than the one hour.  Law enforcement escorts will handle traffic as the parade moves along the route, closing sections of roadways temporarily as the parade progresses. 

Adjacent streets will remain open as alternate routes.

N.C. Native Jon Reep To Open Eighth Palladian Series Last Comic Standing Winner, Star of Dodge “Hemi” Commercials

The Clayton Center’s eighth Palladian Series opens on Saturday, Oct. 23, with a performance by comedian Jon Reep, the Hickory, N.C., native and season five winner of the popular NBC reality series Last Comic Standing.

Reep began his career in the mid-1990s as a student at North Carolina State University, performing at Charlie Goodnight’s Comedy Club in Raleigh. After graduating from NCSU in 1997, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. His acting credits include the pot smoking farmer “Raymus” from the movie Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, and the dim-witted cop “Gerald Bob” from the ABC sitcom Rodney. But Reep is probably best known from the popular Dodge Truck ad campaign as the “Hemi guy” – the redheaded hillbilly in the Dodge Ram commercials who leans out of a beat-up car and utters the now famous line, “That thing gotta Hemi?”

Reep’s high-energy stand-up act is a testament to his small-town Southern upbringing in Hickory, N.C. A master storyteller, he weaves tales of growing up in Hickory with hilarious anecdotes about family and friends. He also muses about his life as a “Metro Jethro” living the big city in Los Angeles. A Metro Jethro is a Southern boy who takes the good parts of small town life and adapts them to big city living. However, things we find endearing in the Deep South don't always jive with big city sensibilities, providing the basis for his wildly funny and entertaining comedy.

Over the past decade, Reep has performed at the prestigious Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, and he was invited back to perform in the “Best of the Fest” as well as in a gala show with the legendary John Cleese of Monty Python fame. Reep also has appeared on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend and the special Comedy Central Presents, as well as TBS’s Pit Stop Comedy, NBC’s Late Friday, and CMT’s Comedy Stage and Comedy Club.

Heidi Stump, executive director of The Clayton Center, said, “Jon Reep is a wonderful performer to kick off the 2010-11 season. His brand of humor is something we all can relate to. Our audience is very excited to see his show live.”

The 8 p.m. performance is presented by Music City Artists. Tickets are $25. Season tickets to each of the six shows in the Palladian Series also are available. Season ticket packages are $135.

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.

The second show in The Clayton Center’s Palladian Series is the Saturday, Nov. 6, performance by The Blind Boys of Alabama, with John Dee Holeman. Tickets are $27.50.

Biggest Field Ever For Clayton High Band Classic

by Jim Green, Clayton News Star

Clayton High School will have the largest field ever for its 23rd Annual Band Classic on Saturday.

A total of 21 bands from all across the eastern part of the state will compete in the event, which gets underway at Comets’ Stadium at 1 p.m. and end around 10 p.m.

As host, the CHS Marching Comets will not compete. They will perform in exhibition at 9:15 p.m.
 
Read Full Story
 

Music at The Flipside!

FlipSide Events 10-11 - 10-16-10


10/11 - Football trivia w/Chris 7:30 pm Prizes

10/12 - Open Mic w/ Tracey Wiebeck

10/13- Trivia w/ Jason Heart

10/14 - Johnny Orr Band

...10-15 - Neglektyd Toyz Band

10-16 - Joe Bell & the Stinging Blades Band

Clayton Youth Theater Announces Audition Schedule for "Our Town"

Clayton Youth Theater is pleased to announce AUDITIONS for its February 2011 production:
"Our Town" by Thornton Wilder.

Friday, November 12   6:00pm
Saturday, November 13  1:00pm

The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second St. Clayton, NC 27520

Eligibility: Participants must be in 7th-12th grade during the 2010-2011 school year.

Note: We will also cast 2-4 boys (age 8-12) to fill the roles of Wally Webb, Joe Crowell, and Si Crowell.

To audition, students must prepare and memorize a monologue from Our Town.

The monologues and other audition material can be downloaded at http://www.claytonyouththeater.com/

Clayton Youth Theater is also THRILLED to announce that in August we will be presenting ...

West Side Story - Auditions will be held in May 2011, with the show on August 5-6, 2011!

1st Street Christmas Market at Eye of the Eagle Art

The Eye of the Eagle Art is looking for those (local) who:

1 - make handmade (no kits) dolls, toys, wooden toys, musical instruments for kids and adults, doll cloths, cloth books for toddlers and babies and so on for the Toy Shop.

2 - make handmade (no kits) Christmas Ornaments and decorations for the Christmas Shop

3 - make homemade back goods, old fashion from scratch would be great, Christmas cookies, breads, candies and so on for the Bake Shop. These of course need to be individually wrapped for sale.

For more information click here.

We are also looking for Singers, bands, performers, to perform Christmas music or put on Christmas plays, reading to the children and so forth, during the 1st Street Christmas Market. Call Donna at 919-221-0452 for more information about the performing.

Town to Enforce Parking Laws Downtown

Acting in response to complaints and a perception of widespread non compliance, the Town Council decided this week to begin a "determined" effort to stop parking violations in the downtown area.

The move is based on both safety concerns and the need for proper traffic flow, said Mayor Jody McLeod.

"We need to have a little more control," the Mayor said. "We have a problem, and we need to do what we can to help."

Police will begin immediately giving out "warning tickets" to violators---a practice that will continue until the end of the year. But, beginning Jan. 1, anyone still parking improperly downtown will be given a "notice of violation" which carries a $25 penalty that must be paid within five days. Anyone who fails to pay within that period will be charged a $25 "delinquency" fee.

The Council also adjusted the parking ordinance to give town laws "more teeth" in dealing with violators. Parking violations will no longer be considered criminal acts subject to fines. Instead, violations will be handled as a civil matter subject to penalties. The change means the town can go to civil court to collect unpaid penalties.

The change from criminal to civil also means the town can hold on to penalty funds. In previous years, parking fines went to the state.

The adjustments were intended to be responsive to Council instructon, Biggs said.

Clayton Halloween Events & Activities

In Clayton, Halloween has historically been observed on the date it falls on the calendar, and this year it is a Sunday. Neighboring municipalities that observe Halloween on the date it falls on the calendar include Selma, Garner, Zebulon, Raleigh, and Wake Forest.

The Town of Clayton Parks and Recreation has two special events for our young citizens:

Halloween Fun Ride on Friday, October 22 for ages 12 & under ($5/child, parents ride free with each paid child): Meet Halloween characters, play games and win prizes as you ride around the trail at the park at Clayton Community Park.

Halloween Parade on Friday, October 29: Trick-or-Treaters will be treated by Main Street businesses as they make their way to the Town Square for games, activities, and more treats. The route begins at parking lot on Main Street and Lombard Street and ends at the Clayton Town Square.

Below is a resolution that was included in the Council’s September 20th agenda packet and is slated for the October 4th agenda for action. The intent of the resolution is to provide safety tips and guidelines for persons who choose to partake in Halloween activities.

TOWN OF CLAYTON  RESOLUTION URGING RESIDENTS TO OBSERVE  A SAFE AND COURTEOUS HALLOWEEN

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Town Council of the Town of Clayton that residents who desire to participate in traditional Halloween Trick-or-Treating observe certain safety, courtesy and common sense guidelines to protect participants and preserve the peace for non-participants. And, be it resolved that the Town Council suggests the following guidelines:

That Halloween Trick-or-Treating should take place on the actual Halloween holiday, Sunday, October 31, 2010, and should be restricted to children under the age of 13.

That all children taking part in Trick-or-Treating should be clothed in safe costumes, featuring materials that can be seen in the dark by motorists and masks that do not obstruct the children’s vision.

That all children or groups of children taking part in Trick-or-Treating should be accompanied by a responsible older person who can protect the children from harm.

That Trick-or-Treating is conducted during reasonable hours, preferably between early evening and 8:30 p.m.

That those who choose not to participate in Halloween indicate so to others by leaving their porch lights off; and, that participants respect the wishes of those who choose not to participate in Halloween by not visiting homes where porch lights are off.

That children Trick-or-Treat in their own neighborhoods, visiting only familiar homes.

That parents and/or guardians inspect collected treats carefully before children consume them.

That suspicious activities or collected treats that show signs of tampering be reported immediately to the Clayton Police Department.

That persons over the age of 12 wanting to participate in Halloween by wearing a costume should not wear masks.

Clayton to get 85 new Novo Nordisk jobs - Triangle Business Journal

Clayton to get 85 new Novo Nordisk jobs - Triangle Business Journal

Clayton Law Enforcement Center Construction Begins

Construction crews last week began clearing the property for the new Clayton Law Enforcement Center, which is expected to be under construction for about a year.

The 19,000-sq.ft. brick building will feature lots of glass and high quality metal trim made of zinc. It's energy-efficient design makes extensive use of natural light and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. A model of the complex is available for viewing at the Clayton Center and click here for the Law Enforcment Center Plans.

Large Crowd Helps Re-open All Star Park

More than 100 residents crowded into All-Star Park & Pavilion for official dedication ceremonies Sunday afternoon and heard praise from town officials and community residents alike for the facility and the community cooperation that made it possible.

Community resident Janet Richardson, whose Mt. Vernon Christian Church Dancing Angels provided entertainment for the assembled crowd, called the upgraded park "a special place."

"It's a blessing," she told the crowd. "It's a blessing that we know our children can come here to play."

Town Councilman R.S. "Butch" Lawter said the project "is unique in the amount of community involvement we've had."

"I remember when I first moved here, this is the first park I came to with my daughters," Lawter said. "I look at it now, and it's amazing. I hope that this will be a place where many happy times will be shared."

Full Article on All Star Park Dedication

What's in the small business bill for you? - Triangle Business Journal

How about if you are a sole proprietor, you can deduct your health insurance premiums or if you are looking for a micro loan, you now can get as much as $50,000, rather than $25,000. There are a lot of other provisions in this bill that could open up some financial doors for you. Read more:What's in the small business bill for you? - Triangle Business Journal

Chamber Ribbon Cutting - The Loft Hair Lounge

The Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at The Loft Hair Lounge, 316 E Main Street this morning, as a new member of the Chamber. Cortney Trasti opened The Loft last August and has two other hair stylists, Dee Norris and Adi Coor. They are located on the second floor above Main Street Seafood Restaurant, with entrance in the rear of the building. 359-6246.  (photo above - l-r Jim Godfrey, Executive Director, Clayton Chamber; Cortney Trasti, Adi Coor, Dee Norris)

October 2 - Clayton Oktoberfest Has Been Cancelled...

Please note that the Clayton Oktoberfest, originally scheduled for this Saturday, has been CANCELLED. Organizers are looking at resuming the event in 2011, but it will not happen this weekend.

JUST ADDED: Restaurants in Downtown Clayton Blog

We've just added a new blog - Restaurants in Downtown Clayton - so you can quickly check hours, menus and links to downtown Clayton's seven restaurants! The web address is http://restaurantsindowntownclayton.blogspot.com/ but you can also access it by clicking on the link in the "Helpful and Interesting Links" column to the right!

"Cash Flow Management for Small Business Owners" - SBA Monthly Web Chat

The Small Business Administration will host their monthly web chat on Thursday, September 30, 2010, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

************

The SBA’s monthly web chat will highlight advice and information on how small businesses can effectively manage cash flow. Participants can learn more about issues that impact cash flow and how to make projections that work.

WHO: Julie Brander, small busines

s mentor and coach, and past chapter chair of SCORE New Haven will host the September web chat on “Cash Flow Management.” Brander will offer tips and advice on effective cash flow management for your business, and answer questions about how to plan and prepare for the future and for changes in the market.

WHAT: SBA’s web chat series provides small business owners with an opportunity to discuss relevant business issues online with experts, industry leaders and successful entrepreneurs. Chat participants have direct, real-time access to the web chats via questions they submit online in advance, and during the live session.

WHEN: September 30, 2010,

1 p.m. ET

Brander will answer questions for one hour.

HOW: Participants can join the live Web chat by going online to http://www.sba.gov/, and clicking “Online Business Chat.” Web chat participants may also post questions before the September 30th chat by visiting
http://web.sba.gov/livemeeting/Sep10/

To review archives of past web chats, visit online at http://www.sba.gov/tools/monthlywebchat/index.html

Blinson House Makes Way For Clayton Law Enforcement Center

For the past year, the Town of Clayton has tried to save the Blinson House, 317 E Second Street by offering incentives for private property owners and developers to move the house to an empty parcel within Clayton's Historic District. There were no takers.

The house was on property the Town purchased some years ago in anticipation of expanding the Clayton Police Department. Design of the new Clayton Law Enforcement Center was completed recently, and construction is getting ready to begin. Because the initial financing arrangement for the CLEC was with US Department of Agriculture, which is federally-funded, the State Historic Preservation Office required the Town to preserve the building. The Blinson House was a contributing structure to the Clayton Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If the Town could move the house to another site within the historic district, then everything would be fine. The problem was limited inventory of appropriate vacant property, where a relocation and renovation would make sense.

Town staff worked agressively to find a property owner interested in the building and consulted with Preservation NC to help develop a package and locate potential owners to no avail. Recently, the Town Council approved a financing package through a local lender which would actually help pay-off the project sooner and cost a little less than the USDA financing.

So, last week a demolition crew arrived and took down the Blinson House to make way for the Clayton Law Enforcement Center.

Town Lot Project Update

For the latest update and some photos of the Town Lot Project at Lombard & Main Street, visit the project blog at http://claytontownlotproject.blogspot.com/

All-Star Park Dedication Ceremonies Oct. 3

Official dedication ceremonies for the upgraded All-Star Park and Pavilion on Front Street have been scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 3 from 4 to 6 pm, and everyone is invited.


Mayor Jody McLeod, Parks & Recreation Director Larry Bailey, Town Councilmen and other community leaders will be on hand for formal ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Festivities will also include performances by local youth, activities on the basketball court and refreshments. (MORE)

Just What Is A "Small Busineess"? and Other Frequently Asked Questions

What is a small business? How many small businesses are there? What share of net new jobs do small businesses create? These are questions the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy receives on a daily basis. To respond to these and other pressing queries, Advocacy has updated its Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).  The Frequently Asked Questions is located at http://www.sba.gov/advo/stats/sbfaq.pdf.

The one-pager, front and back, is begging to be push-pinned to workspaces for anyone who wants a quick reference guide on the status and role of small businesses in America.

But not to leave you hanging. . . Advocacy usually defines a firm as small if it has fewer than 500 employees; 27.5 million businesses were estimated for 2009 and almost all were small; and smalls create 65 percent of the net new jobs.

Town Seeks Volunteers to Staff Information Desk at The Clayton Center

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."

Already, members of several arts related and civic 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.

Those interested should complete this form and submit to Larry Bailey, Parks & Recreation Director at lbailey@townofclaytonnc.org. Volunteers should plan to attend a volunteer training on Monday, October 18 from 3-5pm.

Perfect Day for the Clayton Harvest & Music Festival

The Clayton Harvest & Music Festival, sponsored by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce on Saturday was a bit different than in the past, but retained a lot of the same activities. The Farmers Market was moved to W Main Street, adjacent to the Town Square where the market usually resides on Saturday mornings, while a stage, beer garden and vendors were located on the Town Square. 120 or more antique cars were on display on Main Street from Fayetteville Street to Church Street and up the side roads.

School bands, athletic performances and other activities took place in the Clayton Mart parking lot and then the more than 150 vendors of all types lined both sides of Main Street almost to Smith Street, where there was another stage with performances all day. A petting zoo with Noah's Ark Ministries was a great hit, and there were contests such the Hot Dog Eating Contest across the street from Jone's Lunch Cafe. Music was also ongoing at The Flipside all afternoon and evening. Of course, the carnival rides are always a big hit and they were locatred behind HTR/Main Street Seafood/Avent-Permenter Group building next to the Town Lot which is under construction. No official estimate of the number of attendees is yet available.

Of course, the Clayton Idol Competition, emceed by WQDR's Marty "the One Man Party" Young was a great hit at the West Stage (Town Square) with 10 finalists - 5 in the 5-11 year old age group and 5 in the 12-18 year old age group. Taylor Leopold, a 16 year old singer songwriter, is the 2010 Clayton Idol. She performed an original song "Missing You". Jordan Hines won the younger age group competition; Mackenzie Roberts won the older group competition.

2010 Clayton Harvest & Music Festival Schedule & Map

DDA To Present Near-Final Draft of Updated Downtown Master Plan to Town Council September 20

The Town Council will get a first look at the "near-final" draft of the updated Downtown Master Plan to incorporate their comments in the final version. Boo Carver, Design Committee Chair for the Downtown Development will introduce the presentation. In a letter to the Council, Ms Carver said, "The DDA has reviewed this document and feel this is a good, useful tool to move downtown Clayton forwwrd with public and private investment."

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.

DRAFT MAPS 2010   Section 1 Design    Section 2 Architecture

Stuff 4 Office Expands to Larger Space on Main Street

Ben Griffin opened Stuff 4 Office in the spring of 2008 at 417 E Main Street. Two and a half years later he was bursting at the seams in his 500 square foot storefront and needed more space. That opportunity presennted itself recently when the space at 421 E Main became available and he moved in.

Stuff 4 Office, 421 E Main Street has computer supplies, computers, repairs and Fed Ex mailing. (800) 383-9043.

From The Flipside...

FlipSide Lunch and Dinner Specials...


Lunch-
Michael Angelo Pizza with Ham,Salami,and pepperoni with Mozzarella and shaved Parmesan cheeses.Your choice of sauce Pesto,Garlic oil,or Marinara.$8.50

$5 Angus 1/4 lb. Burger with lettuce,tomato,and onion on a Kaiser with reg. F.F.

Turkey Panini-Sliced Turkey breast with Gouda cheese and fresh sliced tomatoes on a hearty white bread toasted in a panini press.Served with choice of side.$7.50

Dinner-
Caribbean Glazed Seared Tuna-8 oz steak of Yellowfin Tuna seasoned and seared then topped with a Caribbean glaze. Served with Coconut Basmati rice and fresh veg.$14

Maple BBQ Ribeye-12 oz. Ribeye steak seasoned and grilled to your liking then topped with a Maple BBQ glaze.Served with beer battered onion rings and fresh veg.$14

Sherry Cream Angel Hair with Grilled Chicken-A Sherry cream sauce with shallots,fresh cherry tomatoes,and thyme.Tossed with Angel Hair Pasta and Grilled Chicken.$13 Served with side salad and bread.

Events

9/14 - Open Mic w/Tracy Wiebeck - 9:00 PM

9-15 Open Mic Coffee Mill

9/16 - Karaoke, DJ Ray - 9:00 PM

9/17 - Mister Mustard Band - 9:00 PM

9/18 - Harvest Fest
       1-4 PM- 50/50 Band
       6-8 PM Johnny Orr
       9 PM Till Close - Will McBride Band

9/20 - We are having a special St. Jude's Benefit
      6- 8PM Johnny Orr
      8-10 PM Brad Benson
     10 - Close Under Lair Band

Living Legends Headline Eighth Palladian Series at The Clayton Center - Tickets Now Available!

Tickets for individual shows to the 2010-2011 Palladian Series went on sale September 8 at 10am. The upcoming Palladian Series promises to rival even the most successful of The Clayton Center’s past seasons.


Heidi Stump, executive director of The Clayton Center, said, “The 2010-2011 lineup is an exciting assortment of entertainment. This year’s artists are truly legendary, and we are thrilled to offer our audience the opportunity to see them perform locally.”

The eighth Palladian Series opens on Saturday, Oct. 23, with the “Hemi Guy,” comedian Jon Reep. Winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing and star of the popular Dodge hemi commercials, Reep fashions himself a “Metro Jethro” – a small-town Southern man who lives a big city life and who delights in the humor he finds in both worlds. Reep is presented by Music City Artists.

The world renowned Blind Boys of Alabama perform on Saturday, Nov. 6. The five-time Grammy winners are praised for their remarkable interpretations of everything from traditional gospel favorites to contemporary spiritual material by songwriters such as Tom Waits, Ben Harper and Eric Clapton.

The 2010-2011 Palladian Series also brings back to Clayton audience favorite Kathy Mattea in her holiday show, Songs and the Season, on Friday, Dec. 3. The show – an intimate, acoustic reinvention of Mattea’s hugely popular Christmas albums – is a spiritual performance that brings joy and reverence to the holiday celebration.

“Kathy Mattea performed a sold-out show here in spring 2009,” Stump said. “Our patrons loved her, and she was very impressed with The Clayton Center audience. We are extremely fortunate that she is returning to perform her special holiday presentation.”

The Palladian Series continues in 2011 with the sixth annual Blues Bash on Friday, Jan. 21. Blues Bash VI: Superharps showcases legendary blues harmonica player James “Superharp” Cotton. Sixty-five years into his career, Cotton continues to thrill audiences with his own, high-energy brand of blues harmonica. Appearing with Cotton is the Tad Walters Trio.

Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanual – one of the greatest living acoustic guitar players – comes to Clayton on Saturday, Feb. 26. Recognized internationally as the elite of the elite, Emmanuel’s unforgettable showmanship, flawless guitar skills and voluminous repertoire dazzles audiences worldwide.

The 2010-2011 Palladian Series wraps up on Friday, April 1, with the incomparable vocal stylings of Dianne Reeves. The multi-Grammy Award winning Reeves is just as comfortable singing jazz standards as she is crooning contemporary pop favorites. Her clear and powerful voice is reminiscent of jazz greats Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

The Clayton Center also presents a bonus show on Sunday, March 13. Colin Hay, former frontman for ’80s sensation Men At Work, has garnered a new generation of fans in his two decades of solo work. Hay’s performances intersperse his classics — “Down Under,” “Overkill” and “Who Can It Be Now?” — with recent releases and with stories drawn from his often unbelievable experiences over the past 30 years.

All shows in the 2010-2011 Palladian Series begin at 8 p.m. in the renovated and historic 600-seat auditorium at 111 E. Second St. in downtown Clayton, located about 15 miles east of Raleigh.

Season tickets for the Palladian Series are $135. Tickets to individual performances are Jon Reep, $25; Blind Boys of Alabama with John Dee Holeman; $27.50; Kathy Mattea, $29; Blues Bash VI with James Cotton and Tad Walters Trio, $25; Tommy Emmanuel, $25; Colin Hay, $22; and Dianne Reeves, $27.50.

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/.

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

Clayton Harvest & Music Festival Sept. 15-19 Has New Look

The annual Clayton Harvest Festival, coming up Sept. 15-19, has a new name and a new look this year. The event is sponsored by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce.


The new name is Clayton Harvest & Music Festival. The new look includes live music at various locations, an additional event stage, a petting zoo and a beer garden. But, one thing that should remain the same is the huge crowds the Festival brings downtown. Last year's Festival attracted more than 18,000 people, and even larger crowds are expected this year.

"The Festival is always the biggest event of the year, and we look forward to it all year long," said Mayor Jody McLeod. "This is shaping up to be the best one we've ever had."

The carnival comes to town Wednesday, Sept. 15 ushering in a week of games, music, the annual Clayton Idol competition, an antique car show and the huge Saturday Arts & Crafts Fair downtown.

"The Clayton Harvest and Music festival is a place where you can stroll and be happy, where you can listen to music, look at art, find a one of a kind masterpiece, catch up with old friends and enjoy traditional carnival games and rides," said Festival Committee Chairman James Lipscomb."Our focus for this and future festivals is to promote inclusiveness and celebrating the talents and diversity of our community. We have retained all the beloved features of past festivals and added several new venues."

A new addition this year that's expected to draw a crowd is the Gospel Sing Friday evening which features music from eight local congregations. This year's Festival will also feature a hot dog eating contest, pet trick demonstrations presented by the Johnston County Animal Protection League, a martial arts demonstration and beer and wine gardens at the East and West stages.

Though not officially part of the Festival schedule, beach music greats The Embers will be in concert Thursday evening, Sept. 16 at Town Square as part of the Town Square Concert Series. The Coffee Mill and Flipside will feature both indoor and outdoor performances on Saturday, Sept. 18, adding to the abundance of musical options.

Festival Schedule:

Wednesday, Sept. 15
• Carnival from 5 -11 pm

Thursday, Sept. 16
• Carnival from 5 -11 pm

Friday, Sept. 17
• Carnival from 5 -11 pm
• Gospel Sing at 6:10 pm at the West Stage

Saturday, Sept. 18
• Carnival Rides & Games – All Day
• Vendor Craft Show – 9-5
• Antique Car Show – 9 -5
• Clayton Idol Finals Competition – 1-3 – West Stage
• Hot Dog Eating Contest –Earp’s Stage
• Hot Dog “Dog” Toss Contest – Earp’s Stage
• Pet Trick Contest – Earp’s Stage
• 50/50 Raffle
• Petting Zoo
• Beer Gardens
• Food of all types
• Music & Entertainment All Day (See schedule below)

West Stage – (Main & Fayetteville Streets)
10:00 Clayton School of Dance
10:15 Carolina Dance Productions
10:30 Bruce Naegelen (Folk)
11:30 Crossroads Church Youth Performance
11:45 Paul Bomar Quartet (Jazz)
12:45 Signs of Victory
1:00 CLAYTON IDOLS FINALS
3:00 Dance Art
3:15 Vintage Fresh (Rock)
4:15 50/50 Raffle Drawing
4:30 Mary Selvidge (Country)
5:30 Rhythm with A Reason
5:45 Addison Prophet (Acoustic Alternative Christian)
6:45
7:00 Central Park

East Stage – (Main Street IFO Kristoff Law Firm)
10:15 Fashion Show by Maurices
1l: 30 DPM Dance Show
12:15 Greg & Rodney (Classic Rock)
1:30 Sayer McShane (Motown/Blues)
2:45 The Will McBride Group (Funk/Pop/Latin)
4:00 Clayton Youth Theater

Clayton Mart Parking Lot (Main Street)
9:00 CHS Marching Band & Color Guard
9:30 Clayton Middle School Band
10:00 Riverwood Middle School Band
10:30 Revolution Self Defense Demonstration Show
11:00 Premier Athletics
11:30 Corinth Holders HS Band
12:00 Nicks Flippin’ Kids
12:30 World Taekwondo
1:00 W. Johnston HS Band

Sunday, Sept. 19
• Carnival from 1 - 5 pm

For more information, call the Clayton Chamber of Commerce at (919) 553-6352 or http://www.claytonchamber.com/

2010 Oktoberfest in Clayton Has Been Cancelled

The 2010 Oktoberfest scheduled for October 2 at Town Square in downtown Clayton has been cancelled due to financial considerations.

Business Destination Marketing Workshop with Jon Schallert Oct 13

The Clayton Downtown Development Association is participating in a workshop with marketing expert and small business strategist Jon Schallert on Wednesday October 13 from 8:30 am – 3:15 pm in downtown Wake Forest. The workshop is being hosted by The Wake Forest Downtown Revitalization Corporation.

The topic of the workshop will be ”Increasing Sales and Profits As A Destination Business” It’s not about tourism, but rather how to make your business a destination for customers.

According to Clayton Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen, the Denver-based Schallert is an engaging speaker with a proven record of helping turn a single-owner business into a destination for customers. Mr. Schallert was a keynote speaker at the 2010 NC Main Street conference and, Naegelen said, ”he had small business owners and those of us who work with small business absolutely mesmerized with his methods, process and results.”

There will be a three-hour presentation followed by a 90-minute marketing roundtable for participants. Althought the cost of the workshop is $125 per business and includes breakfast, The Clayton Downtown Development Association is offering to bring up to10 downtown business owners to the workshop for just $50 each including transportation.

Ed Knight, Chairman of the CDDA said, ”We feel Mr. Schallert’s presentation will provide important guidance to help our downtown businesses succeed and that is why the CDDA is willing to subsidize the registration fee.”   REGISTRATION FORM

For more information and to sign up, contact Clayton Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at (9190 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org Deadline for signing up is October 1.

Embers to Close 2010 Town Square Concert Series Sept 16

Beach music legends, The Embers will close out the final performance of the Clayton Town Square Concert Series on Thursday, September 16.

This will be the first Clayton appearance for the Embers.

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. 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/

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.

Jewelry Design Studio Expands to Storefront in Downtown Clayton

John & Jovi McFadden opened a work space for their jewelry business in an upstairs office in downtown Clayton last January waiting for the perfect storefront to come along. That opportunity came when Stuff 4 Office moved to a larger space just a couple of strorefronts away. John and Jovi sealed the deal and opened their new shop on September 7.

Jewelry Design Studio, 419 E Main Street offers handmade designs in solid gold, silver and other semi precious metals and gemstones.

They are excited to be in their own storefront and John said they have already experienced great walk-in traffic.

Hours are Monday-Saturday 11:00 am - 6:00 pm. (919) 553-7582 and on the web at http://www.jewelerjohnstudio.com/

Sugar Pea Boutique Opens in Downtown Clayton

Sugar Pea Boutique at 227 E Main Street in downtown Clayton opened this past Saturday. Owners Crystal Braxton and Holly Lee said opening day was terrific with a lot of people visiting the store and buying things. The store features boys and girls clothing from infant to 7 years old along with a selection of accessories and gifts.

Here's what the ladies have to say about their new store: video

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/.

Downtown Clayton Still A Draw - (Garner Clayton Record)

Despite the recession, downtown added eight businesses in a year.


BY SARAH NAGEM - Staff Writer  (Garner/Clayton Record)

When James Fawcett decided to open a restaurant, he scoped out spaces in downtown Apex and downtown Raleigh. But in the end, he chose the heart of Clayton for his eatery, Main Street Seafood. "We liked the small-downtown feel of the place," said Fawcett, 43, of Durham.

Fawcett isn't the only small-business owner who has recently set up shop in downtown Clayton. The town gained eight new downtown businesses between July 2009 and June 2010, according to the Clayton Downtown Development Association. Some say the growth is a sign that Clayton's core is weathering the storm of the recession that has shuttered many small businesses.

Along with Fawcett's restaurant, the new downtown tenants include three hair salons, two computer stores, a dance studio and a batting-cage company, said Bruce Naegelen, the downtown development coordinator.
(FULL ARTICLE)