Roy Stewart & “Thick As Thieves” Scheduled for May 24 Town Square Concert

Roy Stewart & “Thick As Thieves” will take to the stage in the next installment of the Town Square Concert Series on Thursday, May 24. It’s a free, outdoor concert from 6 pm – 8 pm.

Roy Stewart and Thick as Thieves started their musical journey in 2003. They formed during the winter of 2003 and struck out immediately into the NC club scene. The band started on a strong note but soon lost the wind from its sails when front man, Roy Stewart decided it was time to try his hand in Nashville, Tennessee. After a brief stint in Nashville he soon realized that his heart and soul was still with his newly found project, Thick as Thieves. In 2005, after recovering from a brutal Nashville experience Roy and his band recorded the remainder of an original CD project, YOU CAN'T WIN EM' ALL. Now with CD in hand and a new country rock n' soul format this band is ready to take on the world.

The free concert is sponsored by the Town of Clayton and Downtown Development Association, with major support from Caterpillar, NovoNordisk, Time Warner Cable and Clayton News Star. Additional support comes from Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hometowne Realty, Hudson’s Hardware, Matthews Motors, McLaurin Funeral Home, Morning Glory Inn, and Trueline Surveying.

The Triangle Brass Band will perform on June 21 as part of the Town Square Concert Series. The Nantucket concert that was rained out on April 19 will be rescheduled for later in the summer.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For more information call (919) 553-1545 and for updates check the Downtown Clayton blog at www.downtownclayton.blogspot.com.

“Main Street Vision Forum” Planned for Tuesday

Residents and business people from throughout the Town of Clayton are invited to participate in the “Main Street Vision Forum” on Tuesday, April 24 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at The Clayton Center. The public is invited but everyone needs to register ahead of time so there are adequate materials and nametags.

The forum/workshop will be facilitated by NC Main Street Director, Rodney Swink and Assistant Director, Meg Dees. During the forum, participants will be divided into groups and develop lists of downtown Clayton’s strengths and weaknesses. From those lists, the participants will develop individual and group vision statements which will be shared at the end of the workshop. From that, the Downtown Development Association (DDA) will synthesize the best themes and ideas to forge a single vision statement for downtown Clayton.

The DDA is hoping between 75 to 100 people will participate in the Vision Forum. DDA Chair Joyce Blackley said this is a very important event in that DDA’s future plans of work and NC Main Street’s future assistance will be based on the visioning that takes place at this event. She said, “Downtown Clayton is the social and cultural center of the whole town and belongs to everyone in town, so we really need participation from residents and property owners from throughout Clayton.”

At a special meeting in late February, DDA members developed a broad list of stakeholder groups that they would like to have represented at the forum: residents and property owners from throughout town, representatives from civic organizations, arts and cultural groups, educational community, industry, civic leaders, church leaders, high school youth, commercial and residential real estate agents, bankers, accountants, attorneys, and town staff, especially from public safety, utility and public works departments.


Mrs. Blackley added that, “We want input and participation from native residents to newcomers and from all the different cultural communities within Clayton. We are reaching out to all these groups in town.”

Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen said one of those groups is “One Body, One Voice, which generally meets in the Council Chambers the last Tuesday of the month. OBOV organizer Michael Williams agreed to partner with us because the Vision Forum fits the goals of the organziation. Williams said, “We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with DDA in this awesome event. We believe that unity in the community will bring about growth and opportunity for all”. Naegelen added, “We are expecting a large number of people from ‘One Body, One Voice’ to participate.”

An activity leading to the Vision Forum was “Picture Downtown.” This activity involved 36 volunteersfrom throughout the community using disposable cameras to photograph aspects of the downtown that they “like” and “dislike” as a means of developing a record of design issues. The photographs will be on display during the Vision Forum, then used in design training and in informing the public about the downtown effort.

The Vision Forum will be followed later in the spring by a Design Workshop. It will introduce property owners and local officials to the Main Street philosphy of design rehabilitation and the system they use to provide design assistance. This will also be a public workshop.

If you would like to participate in the Main Street Vision Forum on April 24, please contact Joyce Blackley at (919) 553-6813 or Downtown Development Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen, at (919) 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org. It is very important that all participants pre-register for this event.

Nantucket Concert in the Square Rained Out!

A beautiful day turned into a rain out as rock group Nantucket and special guests Machine Gun prepared to perform at Clayton's Town Square last night. Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen expressed disappointment as the light rain, which began around 5 pm, just never stopped, "As the cliche goes, 'you can plan for a lot of things, but not the weather." About a hundred people showed up with umbrellas, caps and coats hoping the rain would stop, but it never did. Naegelen said a date will be worked out to bring Nantucket back to Clayton sometime this summer. The next Town Square concert in the series is scheduled for May 17 with an act to be announced, and The Triangle Brass Band is scheduled for June 21.

The photograph shows Nantucket performing during their soundcheck earlier in the day - when it wasn't raining!

"NANTUCKET" to Kick Off Clayton's Town Square Concert Series April 19

Get ready to rock like 1978! North Carolina’s own “Nantucket” will be kicking off Clayton’s 2007 Town Square Concert Series on April 19 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The concert is a wonderful way to relax with the family and friends after work, according to Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen. He added, “It’s also a great opportunity to have dinner at one of the great local restaurants and visit the other shops and businesses that are available downtown.”

Nantucket has issued five albums from 1978 to 1984 and songs like “Heartbreaker,” “Born in a Honky Tonk” and “Timebomb” are sure to evoke youthful memories for many. All but one of the original band members are still together: Larry Uzzell, Tommy Redd, Eddie Blair, Mike Uzzell and Mark Downing continue to play the music that made them famous. During their career Nantucket shared the stage with AC/DC, Kiss, Charlie Daniels, Molly Hatchet, Black Oak Arkansas, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Humble Pie, Cheap Trick, Jimmy Buffett, Ted Nugent, Elton John and many more.

The free concert is sponsored by the Town of Clayton and Downtown Development Association, with major support from Caterpillar, NovoNordisk, and Clayton News Star. Additional support comes from Avent-Permenter Group, Clayton Glass & Mirror, Hudson’s Hardware, Matthews Motors, McLaurin Funeral Home, Morning Glory Inn, and Trueline Surveying.

The Town Square is in downtown Clayton and sits between West Main Street and S. O’Neil and Fayetteville streets. For more information call (919) 553-1737 and for updates check the Downtown Clayton blog.

Former Good Day Cafe to Open as GOOD TIMES CAFE & TAVERN April 7

The name was devised before they knew the building existed, but The Good Times Cafe & Tavern is destined to open at 217-219 E Main Street by April 7. The story can be found in Friday's Herald. Come back to the Blog for updates and the Downtown Clayton Insider will have more later in the week...

A Rainy Arbor Day Celebration in Clayton

It was a small but interested group that celebrated a rainy and cold Arbor Day at All Star Park on Friday, March 16. Students from Cooper Elementary and Riverwood Middle School attended the ceremony organized by the Downtown Development Association to celebrate the planting of 8 trees at All Star Park on Front Street and 8 trees at Municipal Park on Stallings Street. Town Councilman Michael Grannis read an Arbor Day proclamation as follows:

"Whereas, In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees, and;

Whereas, this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with the planting of
more than one million trees in Nebraska, and;

Whereas, Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world, and;

Whereas, trees can reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce life-giving oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife, and;

Whereas, trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel
for our fires, and beautify our community, and;

Whereas, trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal, and;

Whereas, trees soften the urban environment and create a sense of peace and tranquility.

NOW, THEREFORE, LET IT BE PROCLAIMED by the Town of Clayton that March 16, 2007, be recognized as “Arbor Day” and I urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and I urge all citizens to plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations."

Following the remarks, arborist John Sugg told the group about the benefits of trees and, in the rain, showed the students how to plant a tree. Due to the weather, the students didn’t have much opportunity to actually plant the trees, but did take turns shoveling some of the dirt around one of the trees.

In attendance were students: Anthony Carswell and brothers Mark and David Germann of Riverwood Middle School; Brook Boatright and Steven Carswell of Cooper Elementary School. 5th grade teacher Susanna Hamilton from Cooper School and parents Donna Boatright and Sandy Germann. DDA member Ed Knight and his wife, Veda also were in attendance. Pastor Lacy Simpson of First Missionary Baptist Church had been scheduled to make remarks, but an emergency out of state kept him from attending and Pastor Frank Saunders of St Augustine African Methodist Church sent remarks of his support for the planting project, but was out of town due to a previously scheduled meeting.

Community Vision for Public Art Forum Scheduled Thursday, March 29

The Town of Clayton is exploring public art opportunities throughout the community and seeks input from the public. A Community Vision for Public Art Forum will take place on Thursday, March 29th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. in the Clayton Center, with refreshments beginning at 6:00 pm.

“The input received from this community forum will help shape a planning document to be used in developing future public art projects in the Town of Clayton,” according to Project Coordinator, Bruce Naegelen. It is envisioned that this project will act as a springboard for a broad-scale public art master plan for the Town of Clayton as well as strengthen the community’s understanding of public art. The visioning is a first step in the development of a master plan, a process which can take several years.

The forum is open to the public and will include a brief slide presentation on public art by consultant Laura Coats of Morrisville, NC. There will be several activities during which participants will be able to provide input on public art opportunities throughout Clayton.

Mayor Jody McLeod said “As a goal of the Town Council, this project will go a long way toward developing a direction for a public arts policy and program development for the town of Clayton.” Mayor McLeod added, “We’re grateful for the continued support of the North Carolina Arts Council and the N.C. General Assembly in our community and for this project in particular.” Clayton Visual Arts is also contributing monetary resources to the project.

In July, 2006 The Town of Clayton was awarded $3,000.00 from the North Carolina Arts Council for the Community Vision for Public Art Project. In October, the Public Art Planning Committee began working with Ms. Coats, to help develop a public art plan for Clayton.

The Clayton Public Art Planning Committee is comprised of Jody McLeod, Mayor, Town of Clayton and owner, Annie V’s Floral Company; Lyn Austin, President, Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation; Margaret Ritchie, Chairman of Clayton Visual Arts; Editor of the Clayton News-Star, and part-time artist; Joyce Blackley, President, Clayton Downtown Development Association and owner, Blackley Printing Company. Jessica Meadows, Executive Director, Johnston County Arts Council. Heidi Stump, Director, Clayton Center and former cultural arts director for the Town of Cary; Also on the committee are Clayton artists Kelly Sari, whose work includes the Town Mural on the east side of the Barbour Building in downtown Clayton; Walter Day and Cheryl McCardle and Leslie Barranco, a past chair of the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce and owner of Pancho’s International Foods. Clayton Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen, is the project coordinator and grant administrator.

For more information on the Community Vision for Public Art Project, contact Bruce Naegelen at 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

The North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, awards grant money each year to provide diverse arts experiences for citizens in all 100 counties of North Carolina. To be eligible for Arts Council funds, organizations must produce programs of artistic merit that encourage community involvement. Grants require that matching funds be raised by the applicant organization.

Clayton Historical Association Appoints

Clayton now has its own historical association. On February 20, nine interested Clayton residents were appointed as the founding Board of Directors of the newly formed Clayton Historical Association. President, Porter Casey Jr.; Vice President, Barker Edwards; Treasurer, Kimberly Laney; Secretary, Judy Edwards; also, Mary Thomas-Compton; Timpla Stewart-Casey; Noury Buttry, Jackie Smith; and Michael Grannis have agreed to serve staggered terms.

The mission of the Clayton Historical Association (CHA) is to preserve and share the history of Clayton and to recognize and preserve the historic properties of Clayton, North Carolina. CHA's president, Porter Casey, Jr.
said one of the first orders of business is setting up a membership database. "We want to identify the long-time and new residents of Clayton who have an interest in our history and culture and to begin scheduling some programs." He added, "One of our goals is establishing a Clayton Historical Museum to display and share the Town's history."

The Association has created the following Committees, Historic Preservation and Home Committee, Chaired by Mary Thomas-Compton; Membership Committee, Co-Chaired by Jackie Smith and Noury Buttry; Fundraising Committee Chaired by Timpla Stewart-Casey; Finance Committee Chaired by Kimberly Laney; and Administrative Committee Co-Chaired by Porter Casey and Barker Edwards. For more information about becoming involved in one of these committees or for membership in the Clayton Historical Association, please contact Porter Casey at 919-553-5334 or by email at claytonnchistory@gmail.com.


Photo: The new Clayton Historical Association Board of Directors, Bottom Row from Left to Right, Vice President - Barker Edwards, Noury Buttry, Jackie Smith, Timpla Stewart-Casey, President - Porter Casey; Second Row Left to Right, Mary Thomas-Compton, Secretary - Judy Edwards, Michael Grannis, and Treasurer - Kimberly Laney.

Clayton Arbor Day Planting Ceremony at All Star Park on March 16

The landscape of All Star Park will become a little fuller with the planting of eight trees at the park on Front Street during Clayton’s Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony at 3:00 pm on March 16.

Clayton was recently named Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forestry.

The event is being organized by the Clayton Downtown Development Association. DDA Chair Joyce Blackley said, “This is a great opportunity to help improve the environment, and provide some future shade for the children and parents who use All Star Park and we hope a lot of folks will turn out for the ceremony.”

According to Charlie Yokely, Planner for the Town of Clayton, the eight trees to be planted at All Star Park are five Bald Cypress and three Downy Serviceberries. Six Eastern Redbuds, a Red Maple and a Red Cedar will be planted at Municipal Park on Stallings Street.

The Arbor Day ceremony will begin at 3:00 pm with remarks from local dignitaries and then the planting of the trees will commence with participation from those attending.

Seventh graders Mark and David Germann, will assist Town of Clayton Public Works staff to complete the planting of the other trees. Mark and David are members of the Riverwood Middle School Beta Club.

The public is invited to attend this ceremony and learn more about the program and enjoy the new trees!

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

Downtown Clayton Calendar of Events: March 2007

Remember, it is always best to call the venue or contact number for the latest updates!

Thursday, March 8
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Karaoke 9 pm - Mid

Friday, March 9
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Amy Steinberg (folk-rock/comedy) 8:00 pm

Saturday, March 10

THE CLAYTON CENTER 111 E Second Street, 553-1737 Jesse Cook – SOLD OUT!

THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123 The Nightbirds Band (blues/rock) 9pm - Mid

Tuesday, March 13
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Open Mic 8:30 pm

Thursday, March 15
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Karaoke 9 pm - Mid

Friday, March 16
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Valentino & The Piedmont Sheiks
(foot-stompin’blues) 9pm - Mid

Saturday, March 17
THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123 Coty Rivers Band (acoustic rock) 9pm - Mid

Tuesday, March 20
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Open Mic 8:30 pm

Thursday, March 22
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Karaoke 9 pm - Mid

Friday, March 23
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Brothers’ Grimm (rock/twang) 10 pm

Saturday, March 24
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Vaughn Penn w/Josh Pepper 9 pm
$8.00 cover
Tuesday, March 27
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Open Mic 8:30 pm

Thursday, March 29
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Karaoke 9 pm - Mid

Friday, March 30
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: Joe Bell & Stinging Blades (R&B/Soul/Rock)
9:30 pm

Saturday, March 31
 THE FLIPSIDE 408 E Second Street, 553-0123: House Concert: Sam Anderson 8-10 pm
-TICKETS ONLY-

“Stress Management: Preventing Job Burnout” Workshop

The Clayton Downtown Development Association is sponsoring the third in its series of workshops aimed at small business owners and staff throughout Clayton. Christy Hawley will present “Stress Management: Preventing Job Burnout” at The Clayton Center on Tuesday, March 13 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.



Christy is a counselor at Clayton Counseling Services and is currently pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She received her MA in Community Counseling from Campbell University in 2006 and also has experience as a High School Teacher, School Counselor, and Stress Manager.

The major topics Ms. Hawley will discuss are:

- Sources of stress: Recognize the early warning signs of stress as well as psychological and physiological effects of stress

- Ways to reduce stress: Eliminate procrastination; avoid needless stress, and 10 signs that it is time to simplify your life.

- Developing a positive mental attitude: Learn to relax and take control of your life and develop strategies to improve self-esteem.

- Learn the benefits of following a healthy routine: Develop an exercise routine and ways to improve sleep and eating habits for stress reduction and prevention.

Participants will be given a stress evaluation and Ms. Hawley will also facilitate a relaxation exercise on deep breathing and guided imagery.

This workshop is sponsored in conjunction with the Johnston County Small Business Center. The fee for this workshop is $5.00 per person and to register please contact Bruce Naegelen, Downtown Development Coordinator at 553-1545 or bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

Applications for Downtown Façade Improvement Grant

Applications for the new Façade Improvement Grant Program for commercial buildings in downtown Clayton are now available in the Planning and Inspections Office in The Clayton Center. The matching grant program will provide an incentive to commercial property and business owners to upgrade the exteriors of their buildings. The Town Council recently approved the development of a $5,000 Façade Grant fund for this fiscal year.

Mayor Jody McLeod said, “The first impression a visitor has of a town is often the appearance of downtown. We have a great downtown, but there are signs and buildings that need some sprucing up. This program will provide an incentive for that to happen.”

The Clayton Downtown Development Association developed the program and eligible projects include façade improvements, brick or wall surface cleaning, painting and repair of exterior walls, signage or lighting installation and repair, awning repair or replacement, and window or door repair and replacement. A complete list is included with the application, which is available in the Planning & Inspections Department at The Clayton Center, 111 E Second Street. Applications are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligible applicants may apply for up to $1,200 in matching funds with the applicant providing 75% of the project cost. For example, an applicant with a $5,000 façade improvement project could receive a $1,200 reimbursement through the grant program.

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

Downtown Clayton Parking Report

Downtown Clayton's parking issue is not the number of spaces (there's plenty) rather it's where they are, the condition and who can park. Two good overviews were provided in news articles in the Herald on Friday, Feb 16 and the Clayton News Star in today's edition (Feb 21).

The Town Council was presented with the report on Monday evening (Feb 19) and made generally positive comments. The Downtown Development Association will use that document as a tool for planning parking, streetscape and other improvements in downtown Clayton.

CLAYTON DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION BEGINS DOWNTOWN MARKET ANALYSIS WITH SURVEYS

Downtown Development Association’s Economic Restructuring Committee reviews survey distribution assignments. (l-r) Brad Carroll, Mary Lytle, Committee Chair, Samantha Muncy and Frank Price.

Clayton Downtown Development Association has begun work on a downtown market analysis and the first step is with surveys of downtown merchants and business owners. The surveys are pretty comprehensive and will provide a good assessment of the economic condition in downtown Clayton.

Quite simply, a downtown market analysis is the process of documenting details about the downtown’s current condition, exploring changes occurring in the marketplace, verifying what consumers want from downtown, discovering what businesses the downtown market will support, and creating a downtown business development strategy.

Analyzing the survey results and other information, the DDA will be able to make better decisions in determining strategies and programs to help strengthen existing businesses and recruit new businesses that have a chance to succeed in downtown. Distribution of these surveys has already begun. The committee hopes business owners will complete and mail the surveys by March 1.

According to Samantha Muncy, chair of the DDA’s Economic Restructuring Committee, the individual survey information is confidential, anonymous and no one locally will see any of it. Ms. Muncy said that, “The individual surveys will be sent directly from the business owner to a NC Main Street staff member who will compile and help analyze the information.” She added that, “Other than a North American Industry Classification number (NAIC) the forms themselves have no indication of the identity of the specific business.”

There will also be a survey of consumers at various shops throughout downtown Clayton. The customers are asked to complete the 2 page survey at the store and turn it in to the owner or clerk who will hold them until the end of the survey period which is March 1.

The DDA’s Economic Restructuring Committee is comprised of Ms. Muncy, as chairperson; Don Johnson, Director of the Johnston Community College Small Business Center; Brad Carroll, Patriot State Bank; Mary Lytle, Accounting Advantage; Frank Price, civil engineer and chair of the Clayton Planning Board; and Lyn Austin, Clayton Cultural Arts Foundation.
Once they have a detailed picture of the downtown’s economy, the Economic Restructuring Committee will shape a business retention campaign that includes providing assistance and training to existing businesses and helping them expand.

Next they will shape a recruitment campaign to complement existing businesses and buildings downtown. Recruitment will target businesses that people want and that the market will support. With their market analysis in hand, Clayton Downtown Development Association will have a better chance of bringing business prospects downtown.

If you would like to get involved with the Economic Restructuring Committee or want more information on the downtown market analysis, call Samantha Muncy at 553-7431 or Downtown Development Coordinator Bruce Naegelen at 553-1545.

Downtown Clayton Businesses Named 2006 Business of Year by Chamber of Commerce

Downtown Clayton businesses The Coffee Mill and The Flipside were named 2006 Small Business of the Year Tuesday night by the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce. Owners Jodi Sager and Cliff Morgan accepted the award presented by Michael Grannis.

Coffee Mill, Flipside and Morning Glory Inn Recognized by DDA

DDA President Joyce Blackley presented two awards Tuesday night during the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce’ Installation and Awards Dinner. The 2006 Downtown Commitment Award is given to the owners of a downtown business that has shown a persistent and enthusiastic passion for downtown Clayton. The award winners have demonstrated a consistent commitment to cultivating a sense of place and retaining the culture and history of Clayton. Mrs. Blackley noted that the business was started in downtown Clayton because of the historic nature of the building and that the small-town atmosphere would support their vision of a business that people could connect to. The Coffee Mill celebrates its seventh anniversary this month and The Flipside, celebrates its fifth year. The vision of owners Jodi Sager and Cliff Morgan is being realized as the Coffee Mill has become a community gathering spot and The Flipside provides good food and the only live music in Clayton featuring up and coming local, regional and national touring acts every week. The Coffee Mill and The Flipside are a great asset to downtown Clayton and Jodi and Cliff were thanked for their commitment to downtown Clayton.

The next award was The 2006 Main Street Champion Award goes to an individual or individuals who are involved with the downtown development program and whose work has had a positive impact on downtown Clayton. For the past three and a half years, the Morning Glory Inn has been the only overnight accommodation in Clayton. Innkeepers Betsy and Michael Grannis have hosted numerous people overnight at the bed and breakfast and hosted countless events during the day and evening. Mrs. Blackley said Betsy has been very active in the local community as a board member of the Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce; the Woman’s Club of Clayton, and as a member of the Downtown Development Association’s Economic Restructuring Committee. Mrs. Grannis has recently been appointed to the DDA Board and now serves as the Chair of the Organization Committee. Mr. Grannis served as Chairman of the DDA until his election to the Town Council last year. He has been an advocate for downtown Clayton since his arrival in town and helped lead the discussion toward a more concerted effort to revitalize downtown Clayton.

Business.gov Provides Federal Forms for Employers Facing January Tax Reports Helps Businesses Save Time and Money on Tax-Related Tasks

Each January businesses bear responsibility for preparing W-2s and other tax-related employer tasks, an especially challenging duty for small businesses with fewer resources than larger businesses. Self-employed business owners also face their final estimated tax payment in January. Business.gov, the official business link to the U.S. government, provides federal form searches so visitors may quickly find and download U.S. federal tax forms and guides.

“January may be a stressful time for a business owner, and one of Business.gov’s goals is to ease the burden of federal compliance on businesses and make it easier to comply with regulations,” said SBA Administrator Steven C. Preston.

The Business.gov Web site will save businesses time and money in locating the forms and guidance they need as well as searching the government for compliance resources. Failure to comply with employer tax requirements and reporting may result in fines, legal action or business closure. The estimated cost of compliance with the federal tax code for businesses is over $102 billion nationwide. Business.gov provides compliance searches to locate specific tax forms and other compliance related documents to reduce this cost.

Grant F. DeMeritte, Tax Compliance Manager, Howard Hughes Medical Institute added, “Business.gov provides a great search engine for easily finding federal forms you need along with the correct federal agency. It is truly a one-stop resource for business compliance.”

Businesses can log onto www.business.gov and get direct access to the U.S.
Government’s Official Hub for Federal Forms by searching by form number or keyword in a catalog of 5,400 business and citizen forms. For example, businesses can search for W-2 forms, wage and tax statements, or employment eligibility verification and W-4 forms. Visitors may also view how-to topics on federal and state taxes in the Business Resource Library located on the site, such as how to apply for a tax ID number.

Business.gov is managed by the U.S. Small Business Administration in partnership with 21 other federal agencies and is part of the President’s Management Agenda. Originally launched in 2004, the Web site provided information on starting, growing, and managing a small business. The new compliance focus is designed to better meet the needs of the business community.

Citizens Informational Workshop on Pedestrian Underpass - Front Street to Downtown Commercial District

WORKSHOP
Thursday
January 18, 2007
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

CHARETTE
Thursday
February 1, 2007
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Mt. Vernon Christian Church Fellowship Hall
300 North Lombard Street

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will hold a Citizens Informational Workshop on January 18, 2007 and a Charette on February 1, 2007 at the times and place indicated above.

NCDOT proposes to provide a Pedestrian Walkway Underpass in the location generally between Smith and Church Streets. This project is in coordination with the North Carolina Railroad Company (NCRR) and the Town of Clayton. The underpass will improve safety and provide better connectivity in the central Clayton area for the convenience of area residents. The walkway underpass will provide a separate pathway and insure the safety of pedestrians by not exposing them to trains. It is expected that this underpass will be a vital link in Clayton's pedestrian walkway system. The underpass is part of a comprehensive program of railroad crossing safety initiatives in Clayton, which also includes the closure of three railroad/highway at-grade crossings and other highway safety improvements at railroad crossings.

Citizen participation in both events is greatly encouraged. The purpose of the workshop is for NCDOT representatives to provide information, answer questions, and accept written and verbal comments regarding the proposed pedestrian underpass. The charette is an informal meeting to develop ideas and concepts on the function, aesthetics and specific location of the proposed underpass. We will engage & interact closely with the public to gather detailed input. Public input from these meetings is important, and will be used in the decision making process. Interested citizens may attend at any time during the above mentioned hours.

Anyone desiring additional information may contact Mr. Jamille Robbins, 1583 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1583, by phone (919) 715-1534, by fax (919) 715-1501, or by email jarobbins@dot.state.nc.us.

NCDOT will provide auxiliary aids and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act for disabled persons who wish to participate in this workshop. Anyone requiring special services should contact Mr. Robbins as early as possible so that arrangements can be made.

Organizational Meeting for Clayton Historical Association

Clayton residents who are interested in preserving and promoting the history of Clayton are encouraged to attend an organizational meeting from 6:30 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, January 9 at the Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library. The library is located at 100 S. Church Street in downtown Clayton.

If you are interested, please call Betty Coats at the Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library, 553-5542 or Bruce Naegelen at 553-1545 or via email at bnaegelen@townofclaytonnc.org.

Christmas Eve Open in Downtown Clayton!

For those last minute shoppers a few stores in Downtown Clayton will be open on Christmas Eve:

Fancy That! Fine Gifts at 227 E. Main Street will be open on Sunday, December 24 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. They will also have a Christmas Clearance Sale on Tuesday, Dec 26 from 9 am - 7pm


Main Street Jewelers at 236 E Main Street will be open on Sunday, December 24 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm


Southern Silks & Wicks at 436 E Main Street will possibly be open on Sunday, December 24 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm


Censored Skate Shack at 107 E First Street will be open from 10-7 on sat. and 12-5 on sunday.


The Coffee Mill will also be open until 4:00p.m. on Sunday, the 24th, for some fresh roasted coffee beans, or any other last minute goodies for Christmas!


Merry Christmas everyone!