Financial Fitness Fair Brings Options for Consumers

Local financial experts will be fielding questions at the Financial Fitness Fair on March 5th. In response to economic uncertainty, NC Cooperative Extension Service is organizing this event to connect the public with financial service providers and agencies that provide support during challenging economic times.

“Anyone who wants to do more with their money should come,” says Leigh Guth, Cooperative Extension agent. “Many people are rethinking their investment and savings strategies, while others are trying to prepare for unemployment.”

Experts will also be talking about foreclosure prevention and how to get youth started on a healthy financial path in addition to investment strategies in today’s market.

Financial information booths will be open from 2:00pm until 8:00pm at the James Warren Citizen Center, 115 West Main Street in downtown Lincolnton. Exhibitors include banks, investment advisors, insurance companies, mortgage brokers, county agencies, and financial and family counselors.

Educational seminars will occur hourly and include:
3pm Energy Conservation for the Home Jim Burke, Extension
Stress Management Vickie Johnson, Pathways
4pm Small Business Survival Brad Rivers, Gaston College
Reverse Mortgage Jeff Creed, Wells Fargo
5pm Pulse of the Market Jody Rhyne, Rhyne Financial
6pm Savvy Shopping Melinda Houser, Extension
Building a Financial Home Chris Rhyne, Rhyne Financial
Insurance Basics Neil Rhyne, Watson Insurance
7pm Money Matters for Youth Tammy Scruggs, 5/3 Bank
Foreclosure Prevention Cher Lineberger – mortgage broker
Scott Schneider – Consumer Credit Counseling

The Financial Fitness Fair is free and open to the public and sponsored by NC Cooperative Extension, Lincoln County Partnership for Health, and Senior Health Information Program (SHIIP). For an updated schedule or more information check http://lincoln.ces.ncsu.edu . For more information, contact Leigh Guth, North Carolina Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent, at (704) 736-8461.

"The Price is Right for Fighting Child Abuse" This Friday

The Lincoln County Coalition Against Child Abuse (LCCACA) will be holding its 3rd Annual "The Price is Right for Fighting Child Abuse" at the James W. Warren Citizens Center, 115 West Main Street, on Saturday February 28.

Mike Milholland's alter-ego, Mob Marker, will host the event. In addition to classic The Price is Right games, fabulous prizes and the Showcase Showdown, the event will also feature a 50/50 drawing and other entertainment. The show starts at 7:00 p.m. but doors open at 5:30 p.m. Come early for dinner in the upstairs cafe, pre-show entertainment and a silent auction and stay late for a live auction after the show.

Tickes are $10 and can be purchased from Nationwide Insurance, Caremor Family Pharmacy, WoodMill Winery, Carolina Furniture Mart, Miller Sherrill Blake Eagle CPA PA, or by calling Kathy Davis at (704) 740-8313 or Karen Cook at (704) 736-1155.

Proceeds from the event will benefit LCCACA. For more information, call (704) 736-8456 or email imape4kids@charterinternet.com.

Buddy Collins Honored as Main Street Champion

(L to R): Secretary of Commerce J. Keith Crisco, Collins, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce Cleveland Simpson. Photo by Garry E. Hodges.


On Thursday, January 29, 2009, Buddy Collins was honored as a 2008 Main Street Champion at the North Carolina Main Street Annual Awards Dinner in Statesville, NC. Collins was selected for this special recognition by the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton and the North Carolina Main Street Center in appreciation of his exceptional contributions to the downtown revitalization process. Along with Champions from 35 other communities, he received a certificate commemorating his designation, presented by NC Secretary of Commerce J. Keith Crisco, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Cleveland Simpson, Main Street Assistant Coordinator Teresa Watts, and Office of Urban Development Director Liz Parham.

"Main Street Champions are the people who take on the early tasks, the pioneers who go where others often fear to tread, who step forward when others are stepping back, who make the tough calls and those risky investments. They embody the term 'community leader,' and they do this because they love their communities. There would be no Main Street successes without Main Street Champions," said Parham.

In nominating Collins for the honor, DDA testified to his volunteer efforts and leadership in the organization, having served as 2007 Chair of the Economic Restructuring Work Group and 2008 Chair of the Board of Directors. Collins' extensive volunteer record includes his work as Barbeque Coordinator of the Lincolnton Hog Happenin', help with events including the Main Street Gala and SWAT Team projects, and the organization of his signature event, the VIP Fish Fry. Main Street is a downtown revitalization program for smaller towns based on economic development within the context of historic preservation.

The North Carolina Main Street Program, which provides technical assistance to its communities, is part of the Office of Urban Development in the Department of Commerce's Division of Community Assistance.

DDA of Lincolnton Receives Three NC Main Street Awards

(L to R): Secretary of Commerce J. Keith Crisco, Collins, Brinson, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce Cleveland Simpson. Photo by Garry E. Hodges.

The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton has been honored with three 2008 Main Street Awards from the North Carolina Main Street Center. The awards were presented at the Annual North Carolina Main Street Awards Dinner, held in Statesville, NC on January 29, 2009. Awards were presented in 13 categories representing each area of the Main Street Four Point Approach: Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring, and Promotion. Buddy Collins Past-Chair of DDA and Main Street Champion, and Lynn Brinson, Business & Community Development Assistant, accepted the awards for Best Innovation, Best Downtown Special Event and Best Promotional Item: Graphics on behalf of the organization. NC Secretary of Commerce J. Keith Crisco, Assistant Secretary of Commerce Cleveland Simpson, Main Street Assistant Coordinator Teresa Watts and Office of Urban Development Director Liz Parham presented the awards.

"High-tech Hobnobbing: Downtown Lincolnton's Social Networking Initiative" was recognized with the award for Best Innovation. The project involved creating profiles on various social networking sites, including Facebook (visit Hog Happenin' on Facebook here), MySpace, and BikerOrNot.com; posting to Craigslist; establishing a Downtown Development blog, and creating "Video Business Highlights" of downtown businesses that are hosted on YouTube. A unique aspect of the project is that each facet was managed by a different DDA volunteer or staffperson.

DDA also received the Best Downtown Special Event recognition for "Independents Days: Celebrating Downtown Lincolnton's Locally Owned Independent Businesses." The event was held July 1-14, 2008 and included the "Shop Local Challenge" that encouraged citizens to shop locally first and keep track of items that were not available for purchase in downtown, and the "Find Your Independents Scavenger Hunt" in which participants searched for unique items that could be purchased in downtown's locally owned businesses. Businesses participating in the scavenger hunt donated prizes that were awarded to a participant whose completed game card was drawn at random.

In promoting the 2008 Lincolnton Hog Happenin', DDA introduced a new concept in promotional items with a pocket-sized flyer measuring slightly larger than a business card. The flyer contained information about the event in a convenient distribution size, which proved useful as event organizers and volunteers handed out thousands of the cards at barbeque and motorcycle events across the southeast. Conceptualized and designed by DDA, this "Hog Happenin' Pocket Promoter" was recognized by the NC Main Street Program as Best Promotional Item: Graphics.

"Communities across the state have had great success restoring their downtown business districts to their former prominence as a center of economic, social and cultural activity," said Crisco. "The NC Department of Commerce provides technical assistance, but it is the local community that leads this transformation, and those that have excelled at this important endeavor deserve to be recognized."

DDA's recent recognitions are nothing new for the organization. It received the Best Downtown Special Event award in 2002 for Hog Happenin' and again in 2005 for Upstairs Downtown: RS Reinhardt Loft, as well as the award for Best Economic Development Incentive Plan with the City of Lincolnton for the Substantial Building Rehabilitation Grant.

Ferguson Wins Dream Date

Jamie Ferguson was selected as winner of the 2009 Downtown Dream Date at a random drawing held Wednesday, February 11.

Each year, the Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton organizes the retail promotion with the assistance of downtown businesses who donate gifts to be awarded to the winner. The contest is open for everyone 18 and older and can be entered at most downtown businesses.

Ferguson entered the drawing at Hi-Lites. This year's prize package included Valentine's Day dinner for two at Court Street Grille, a bouquet of flowers from Drum's Florist & Gifts, and gifts from the following businesses: 36th Street Bakery, Café & Catering; Belk of Lincolnton; Color Me Pretty; Dancer's Edge Dance Studio; Fatz Café; Fausto Coffee Shop; Good Neighbor Shop; Heavenly Paws Grooming; Hi-Lites; House of Trophies & Engraving/Classic Art & Framing; Kate McCall; Lighthouse Christian Book Store; Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio/Studio 220 Salon & Spa; Personal Artist Studio; Rising Sun Pottery; Stroup's Jewelers; Tindall's Professional Photography; Touch of Class Salon; and Tres Chic & The Shoppes on Main.

Above: Becky Sain, Manager of Hi-Lites
of Lincolnton, with Downtown
Dream Date winner Jamie Ferguson
Right: Ferguson with her Downtown
Dream Date prizes

Valentine's Deals at Downtown Restaurants

Still trying to decide where to take that special someone for Valentine's Day? Why not bring him or her to downtown Lincolnton for a special dinner at a couple of Lincolnton's most popular dinner spots. Court Street Grille and 36th Street Bakery, Cafe & Catering will be offering special Valentine's Day dinners this Saturday.

Court Street Grille will offer a romantic evening in its lower dining room which will include a basket of warm baked bread with infused olive oils for dipping, followed by a fresh, crispy salad topped with your favorite dressing. For your entree, you will have the choice of Prime Rib with roasted vegetables or Salmon topped with Feta cheese and a tangy island salsa with roasted vegetables on the side. Your evening will conclude with a decadent dessert for two. This romantic dinner is offered at $59.99, and reservations can be made by calling (704) 732-3242. The main dining room will be available for a more casual dinner on a fist come first served basis.

36th Street Bakery, Cafe & Catering will also host a Valentine's Day dinner for two or more at its Court Square location. For $79 per couple (not including tax and gratuity), you will receive a mixed green garden salad; choice of Prime Rib with red bliss or Salmon with wild rice, julienned squash, fresh baked bread and beverage; chocolate-dipped strawberries and cheese cake for dessert; and your choice of a bottle of Cabernet, Merlot, or Chardonnay. The dinner is available by reservation only and seatings will be at 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For more information, or to make a reservation, call (704) 735-1117.

Neighborhood Tours - North Cedar Street

The Lincoln County Historical Association (LCHA) staff will begin leading neighborhood tours on Saturday, April 11, 2009, with North Cedar Street as its first location. Guides will discuss architectural styles and distinct architectural features while providing associative history on each building. The tour will begin at the Lincoln Cultural Center at 10:00 am and end at the intersection of North Cedar Street and Dixon Street. LCHA is implementing this program because so many people have requested it. Please plan to meet at the Lincoln Cultural Center with your walking shoes and questions. The tour will be rescheduled if inclement weather dictates. Contact LCHA at (704) 748-9090 or at lcmh@bellsouth.net with any questions you may have.

Auction This Saturday

Looking for something “different” to do in downtown this weekend? Auctioneer Mike Milholland may have just the ticket with a personal property auction to be held at the former location of Lincoln Athletics, 111 East Main Street.

Items to be auctioned include furniture, local memorabilia, a 1950’s Lionel train set in original boxes, and paintings by local artists. A more comprehensive listing (and photos) of available items can be found by clicking here, or at auctionzip.com .

The auction will be held this Saturday, February 7th, at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 704-634-2397.

Downtown Art Stroll A Success

Hundreds - possibly reaching into the thousands - turned out for the first-ever ARTstroll Downtown Lincolnton Friday night. The event - a grassroots effort coordinated by a group of volunteers, artists, businesses, and public organizations - featured not only works of art, but also music, wine tastings, and refreshments. Many downtown businesses extended their hours for the event, including Freedom Church, which featured live pottery demonstrations by local potter Robert Hovis, and The Last Picasso: A Garden of the Arts distributed one-of-a-kind paper hats to strollers.

For additional coverage of the art stroll, visit local media Web sites including the Carolina Scoop, Lincoln Times-News, and Lincoln Tribune.

DDA to Host Ewa Powell at ARTstroll

The Downtown Development Association (DDA) is proud to host photographer Ewa Powell at the ARTstroll Downtown Lincolnton, on Friday, January 23, 2009. Her work will be featured in the Business & Community Development/DDA office, located at 114 East Main Street.

Powell has spent the last three years visiting furniture, textile, and hosiery factories that are in the process of closing their operations to either move to China or to go out of business completely.

According to Powell, the objective of her explorations was to capture, " The apocalyptic feeling of the spaces...the absence of the people who ran the plants, and the artifacts they failed to clean up...the sheer enormity of the spaces and objects left behind...the legacy of what is left...the silence."

Since Powell was not granted permission to photograph many of the spaces, the photos were taken using a hand held camera and available light - giving the works what she describes as a "quick, rough feel."

Everyone is invited to visit the DDA office to meet Powell and view her works. The ARTstroll will run from 5:30 - 9:00 p.m., and will feature more than 70 artists in 15 downtown Lincolnton locations. The event is free and open to the public; walking tour maps will be available at the event and select stops will feature live music and refreshments. For more information on the ARTstroll Downtown Lincolnton, including a listing of participating artists and locations, visit www.artstroll.org.

Studio 220 Holds Grand Opening

Lincolnton welcomed the newest addition to downtown Tuesday evening, at the Grand Opening of Studio 220 Salon & Spa. The event, sponsored by the Lincolnton-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, attracted many downtown merchants, customers, and supporters who came out to wish owners Amy and Jarrett Brown the best in their new endeavor.

Studio 220 Salon & Spa is an extension to the Browns' other downtown business, Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio. Studio 220 is located next door to Merle Norman, with a convenient walkthrough connecting the two businesses. Studio 220 is a full-service salon and spa, offering hair cuts, color, perms, and updos; waxing; facials; brow tinting; and more. For more information about Merle Norman and Studio 220, be sure to check out their Video Business Highlight, located on the right of this page.

Lincolnton Celebrates MLK Day

Many gathered in downtown Lincolnton Monday to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The day's f estivities, coordinated by the Coalition of Churches and the M artin Luther King Committee, included breakfast at the Lincoln Cul tural Center followed by a youth program and a march to Court Square where testimonies to Dr. King's legacy were given by members of the crowd.

The East Lincoln High School "Show Band of the Carolinas" provided music for the event.

Art Stroll Downtown Lincolnton Slated for Jan. 23

The Art Stroll Downtown Lincolnton - a collaborative effort of professional and local artists, downtown businesses and property owners, and select city and county agencies - has been scheduled for Friday, January 23, 2009. The event will be held from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. and will feature the artwork of 70+ artists in 15 downtown storefronts-turned-art galleries.

The free event will feature original paintings, pottery, fine art photography, woodturning, and sculputre. Maps to guide strollers through the galleries will be provided, and refreshments and live music will be available in select locations.

The Downtown Development Association of Lincolnton is proud to host local artist Ewa Powell at its offices located at 114 E. Main Street.

For a Friday night out that is just a little bit different from your normal routine, put on your strollin' shoes and head to downtown Lincolnton for the first-ever Art Stroll Downtown Lincolnton. For more information, including a listing of participating artists and venues, visit www.artstroll.org.

A Special Thanks

As my internship comes to an end, I would like to express how much I have enjoyed working with the members of DDA, Business Owners, and Community Members during my internship and would like to thank everyone for their time working with me. I look forward to volunteering for the Downtown Development Association and Downtown Lincolnton in the future!

Merry Christmas!

-Candace Helms

On the 25th day of Christmas shop downtown at Rising Sun Pottery

For the artisans or pottery lovers on your holiday list, shop at Rising Sun Pottery located at, 209 South Academy Street.

Rising Sun Pottery offers hands on instructional classes in pottery making, studio rental space for the emerging or experienced potter, retail/wholesale sales of clay, tools and equipment, kiln and equipment repair service, and an art gallery of beautiful pottery and other clay creations for sale. The gallery includes traditional and non-traditional pottery pieces.

Rising Sun Pottery studio offers both day and night pottery classes. Classes are taught year round by experienced potters. The classes are tailored to the knowledge and skill level of the student. The studio provides an excellent place to learn pottery making skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Studio & Gallery hours:
Tuesday 10 am - 4 pm & 5:30 - 9:30 pm
Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm & 5:30 - 9:30 pm
Thursday 10 am - 4 pm & 5:30 - 9:30 pm
Friday 10 am - 5 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday Closed
Monday Closed

For other times please call for an appointment

For more information or to set up a class for you or a loved one this holiday season call 704-735-5820

On the 24th day of Christmas shop at the great hair salons in downtown

This holiday season, give the gift of beauty and style with a gift certificate from one of the great salons in downtown. Anybody on your list would love to be treated with the services each salon offers.

Services can include hair cuts, hair styles, coloring, hair extensions, perms, hair straightening, shampoo sets, highlights, and waxing.

Also don’t forget about the great selection of hair care products each salon carries. These can make great gift baskets and stocking stuffers!

In addition to great hair care services Color Me Pretty, Shear Options and A Touch of Class, offers an assortment of accessories for sell in store including fashion jewelry and fashion handbags.

A Touch of Class Hair Salon 317 E Main St (704) 735-7100
Walk-ins Welcome

Technique Styling Salon 108 Court Sq (704) 735-7255

Specializes in perms and hair relaxers

Shear Options Salon & Day Spa 302 S Academy St (704) 732-6042
Manicure, Pedicure, and Massage options available

A Cut Above 318 E Sycamore (704) 735-3502
Specializes in facials including Microdermabrasion facials, Anti-Aging facials, and Seaweed facials. Accommodates Walks-ins

Color Me Pretty 109 E Main Street (704) 732-0270
Specializes in beauty products and accessories

Visit the great hair salons in downtown to get beautiful results at affordable price!!!

On the 23rd day of Christmas shop downtown at Catawba River Trader

Catawba River Trader located at, 110 E Water Street, specializes in antiques that will make a special gift for anyone on your shopping list.

Catawba River Trader has a great selection of antiques, collectibles, an assortment of vintage pieces, and home furnishings and decor.

You will find many pieces of North Carolina crafts and southern pottery, primitive furniture, tools, dishware, clocks, decorative items, bottles, baskets, carvings… you name it, they have it or if they don’t have it they will find it.

Catawba River Trader has very nice service and great prices. You will always find quality and selection in the store along with knowledgeable staff and locals. The staff will assist you with all of your collecting and antique questions.

For a gift that holds value shop at Catawba River Trader.

For more information call 704-735-1155

On the 22nd day of Christmas shop downtown at Stroup’s Jewelers

At Stroup’s Jewelers you will find that perfect gift for that special someone during the Christmas holiday season. Stroup’s Jewelers located at, 315 E Main St, specializes in diamond retail, diamond appraisals, in-store jewelry repairs, and watch service & repair.

Stroup’s Jewelers offers a great variety of products including diamonds, gemstones and a complete line of 14K Jewelry, amongst other great jewelry selections.

Along with the great selection of jewelry, you will find friendly and satisfactory service that include estimates, watch battery replacement, watch repair, cleaning services, Goldsmith on staff, diamond specialists’ appraisals, and in store jewelry repair.

Don’t forget to make your wish list at Stroup’s Jewelers to remind your loved ones what you want for Christmas this year!

For more information call (704) 735-7112

On the 21st day of Christmas shop downtown at Fausto Coffee

For the coffee lovers on your shopping list visit Fausto Coffee, located at, 116 Court Sq NE. Fausto Coffee specializes in gourmet coffee and espresso bar that offers the finest espresso around! Owner, Chafin Rhyne says, "Fausto's Italian flair for winning is immortalized and brought to life with every cup of gourmet coffee we brew."

Fausto Coffee offers a great selection of gourmet coffees you can purchase along with other great gifts including Fausto merchandise. Come in for the featured Organic Fausto Coffee in 12 oz. bags or Whole Bean Fausto Coffee in 12 oz. bags for only $9.78! You can also enjoy a fine selection of pastries and other baked goods.

Also available are gifts certificates so your family and friends can enjoy the great coffee shop atmosphere, where free WiFi is available and you can always catch the news while enjoying a morning espresso.

For more information call (704) 735-1746

On the 20th day of Christmas shop downtown at North State Books

This holiday season shop at North State Books located at, 109 Court SQ SE. North State Books is an antique bookshop that specializes in Southern Literature and North Carolina history.

At North State Books, you will be able to find a book for everyone’s interest. The shop sells books in all fields of interest, including Civil War, military history, hunting and fishing, nature and science, textbooks and home schooling, religion and philosophy, old favorites and first editions, juvenile collectibles and children, etc.

Prices are reasonable and service is courteous. If you can’t find the book you are looking for in store, the staff will find it and mail orders are promptly processed.

So whether you are looking for an out of print, rare, used, or new book, shop with North State Books for a special gift.

For more information call 704-732-8562