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FRESHMAN 15: New college students work to avoid weight gain. 1C CRIME AND PUNISHMENT: Eden woman sentenced to prison for killing cyclist. 2B
Wednesday August 25, 2010 City Editor: Joe Feeney jfeeney@hpe.com (336) 888-3537
DEAR ABBY: Woman’s longtime affair causes lingering pain. 3B
Night City Editor: Chris McGaughey cmcgaughey@hpe.com (336) 888-3540
Ready for departure Longtime Piedmont Triad International Airport director announces retirement BY PAT KIMBROUGH ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
HIGH POINT – The longtime leader of Piedmont Triad International Airport announced Tuesday that he will retire at the end of September. Ted Johnson, who joined the airport in 1968 and has served as executive director since 1993, said he felt the time had come to slow down and pursue new things after accomplishing several major goals, including the
opening of the FedEx Corp. cargo hub last year. He said having other major projects finished, such as construction of a new entrance and exit interchange for the airport and a new runway, also played into his timing. “They were kind of my milestones. When I got that complete, I was ready to step back a little bit,” said Johnson, 70. “I’ve worked all my life and it would be nice to get in a few years of doing some things you just want to do.”
The Piedmont Triad Airport Authority will take up the matter of naming JohnJohnson son’s successor when it meets next month, said Chairman Henry Isaacson. “I’d give him an A-plus if I had to give him a report card. He just has done an excellent job. He served the airport well,” Isaacson said of Johnson. “He was nonpolitical, and he was always attentive to his job and very focused on what was in the best interest of the airport.” Johnson helped guide the FedEx project through a
more than 10-year regulatory-approval process that included legal challenges from foes who questioned whether aircraft noise from the overnight sorting operation would degrade the quality of life and hurt property values of residents in some parts of north High Point and other areas near the airport. Advocates eventually won out, and the $300 million project is touted as a major economic development engine for the region. Johnson’s tenure was also beset by challenges, including flat passenger traffic at the airport in recent years. PTIA officials have continuously worked to recruit new airlines, but a shortage
of discount carriers, as well as the general state of the economy, have made it difficult to compete with airports in Raleigh and Charlotte, Isaacson said. “He did a good job with the airlines. He did a good job with our tenants. He brought the HondaJet project, Timco, Cessna and our other tenants along. There were just all kinds of challenges during his tenure,” Isaacson said. Johnson said he looks forward to spending more time on his farm in Jamestown, visiting with his seven grandchildren and pursuing volunteer opportunities.
Do you know anyone who deserves some extra attention? You can submit names and photographs of people who could be profiled in the daily “Who’s News” column in The High Point Enterprise. Send information to: Who’s News, The High Point Enterprise, P.O. Box 1009, High Point, NC 27261. E-mail versions with an attached color photograph can be sent to whosnews@hpe.com.
ENTERPRISE STAFF REPORT
HIGH POINT – The American Furniture Hall of Fame Foundation has adopted a threeyear plan to preserve the furniture industry. A four-point plan was adopted by the board at a session earlier this year, according to the AFHA. The four points are: • Publishing its oral histories: The foundation has conducted nearly 40 oral histories of industry leaders and is in
the process of publishing each history in a hardcover book for sale to the industry and public. • Soliciting memorabilia: The AFHA is doing a memoralbilia call “before it is lost,” according to a press release. It seeks digital scans of company history books, photographs, advertising and marketing materials for use by researchers and visitors to its website. • Developing a Wall of Fame: The organization is in discussion to develop a timeline that includes innovations and developments in retail, manufacturing and marketing to be shared with the public in a historical exhibit and on its website. • Updating its website: FurnitureDealer.net has donated its services to create a website that will “capture the stories of our industry in words and pictures,” according to the organization. Historical photos and stories from the industry will be displayed. The AFHA also will hold its 22nd American Furniture Hall of Fame induction banquet on Oct. 17 during the fall High Point Market. Actress Jane Seymour will serve as the host.
Lori Hunter was appointed interim associate vice chancellor of enrollment management at North Carolina A&T State University. Her background includes serving as a senior administrator in higher education, a manager in the corporate sector and entrepreneur.
pkimbrough@hpe.com | 888-3531
AFHA to chronicle furniture industry
American Furniture Hall of Fame will hold its 22nd American Furniture Hall of Fame induction banquet on Oct. 17.
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SONNY HEDGECOCK | HPE
Mary Jane Akerman, chairwoman for the Thomasville Coalition on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, which is sponsoring the Family Fit and Fun Fair, talks about the upcoming event.
Thomasville agency hosts annual Fit and Fun Fair BY DARRICK IGNASIAK ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
THOMASVILLE – An event aimed at bringing families together and teaching families about the effects of substance abuse will be back for the fourth year this weekend. The fourth annual Family Fit and Fun Fair will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday at the Thomasville PACE Community Park, 8 Memorial Park Drive. Admission is free with a canned food donation that will go to Cooperative Community Ministry. “It’s free,” Mary Jane Akerman, chairwoman for the Thomasville Coalition on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, said of the event. “It’s fun. It’s family. I think it’s going to be a great time.” Aurelia Sink, CCM executive director, said the food contributions from the event come at a time when her organization has a “great need.” “Usually this time of the year, we are running low on food, which we are, so that will be good,” she said.
WANT TO GO?
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What: Family Fit and Fun Fair. When: Saturday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Where: Thomasville PACE Community Park, 8 Memorial Park Drive. Admission: Free with canned food donation.
“We appreciate the support of the community.” The event, hosted and created by the Thomasville Coalition on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, will consist of a drunken driving demonstration by the Thomasville Police Department, while the Thomasville Fire Department will be handing out safety information. The Thomasville Medical Center also will conduct a mini health fair, with blood pressure screenings, Akerman said.
YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR NEWSPAPER.
New to the event will be a scavenger hunt, which will consist of teams of five, through downtown Thomasville, with the top team getting $500 to go to a favorite Thomasville charity. Teams are asked to wear some kind of uniform. Akerman said those wanting to participate in the scavenger hunt should call the Thomasville Parks and Recreation at 475-4280. The event also will consist of performances by the Thomasville High School marching band and the choir from Friendship Baptist Church. At 7 p.m., contemporary Christian music artist Shawn McDonald will be performing at the park’s amphitheater. “He is a well-recognized Christian artist that we have gotten as sort of the capstone for the evening,” Akerman said. “Last year, we had Phil Stacey, who was the American Idol finalist several years ago.” dignasiak@hpe.com | 888-3657
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INDEX CAROLINAS COMICS NEIGHBORS NOTABLES OBITUARIES
2-3B 5B 4B 6B 2B