Discover Montgomery County 2021

Discover 2021 EDITION

MONTGOMERY COUNTY

VISITOR’S & NEWCOMER’S GUIDE Local History - Community Events - Schools Government - Health - Recreation - Arts Complimentary - Please take one and enjoy!

Come grow

with us

Available educational campuses:

at Montgomery County Schools and discover the middle of the state’s best kept secret - Montgomery County!

Find us on social media!

• 4 elementary schools serving Pre-K-5 grades • 1 elementary school serving 3-5 grades • 1 primary school serving Pre-K-2 grades • 2 middle schools serving 6-8 grades • 1 brand new state-of-the-art high school serving 9-12 grades • 1 alternative school serving 6-12 grades • 1 early college serving 9-12 grades • Shared Career and Technical Education Center with Montgomery Community College

Our vision is to graduate life-ready, globally competitive students who are leaders in their community, who value diversity, and who are college and career ready.

Montgomery County Schools | 441 Page Street | PO Box 427 | Troy, NC 27371| Phone: 910-576-6511 |Fax: 910-576-2044

Please visit our website for more information | www.montgomery.k12.nc.us

22.....................................911/Register of Deeds

5....................................Geographic Information

23.................................................Senior Services

6.........................................................Newspaper

24...................................................... Health Care

8........... Sally & Dalton Morris Adoption Center

27 ................................................... Public Library

10..............Discover Uwharrie Welcome Center

28......................................................... Recreation

12.....................................Communities in School

31.......................................................... Little River

13..............................................................Schools

32...........................................Festivals & Parades

14 ................. Montgomery Community College

33............................................... Uwharrie Hiking

16.............Civic Organizations/County & Town

36.................................................................... Arts

19................................... Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

37..................................................... Glass House

20...................................... Educational Complex

38........................................................ STARworks

Contents

4................................................................. History

Staff

EDITOR/GENERAL MANAGER Tammy McQueen-Dunn ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Tammy O’Brien COPY EDITOR Debby Barden

OFFICE MANAGER Emily Eddins GRAPHIC DESIGN | LAYOUT Jess Ingram GRAPHIC DESIGN | ADVERTISING Amanda Meadows

Montgomery Herald Published by Womack Publishing Co., Inc. 341 North Main Street, Suite B - Troy, N.C. 27371 Phone: (910) 576-6051 Fax: (910) 576-1050 Submit stories: sendnews@montgomeryherald.com To advertise in our next edition email ads@montgomeryherald.com www.montgomeryherald.com Cover Photo: Dahlia Bushwick works on the glass house at STARworks in Star.

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 3

History

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, NC Montgomery County was formed in 1779 from Anson County.

1852, Troy would be incorporated by the legislature, although

The Pee Dee River originally split the county down the middle,

subsequent incorporations would occur again in 1857 and one

a fact that caused great debate over which town should be

last time in 1879. From the late 1880s to the turn of the century,

chosen as county seat. The first seat chosen was Tinsdale on

Montgomery County grew immensely, spurred by the completion

the west bank of the river, in present-day Stanly County. After

of the Aberdeen-Asheboro Railroad and the emerging textile

serving as county seat for only a short time, it was wiped out

industry. From 1884 to 1900, the population of Troy grew from

by a typhoid fever outbreak. This change would be the first

130 to 878. This period also saw the incorporation of the four

of many, as the seat would move four more times, to Blakely,

other towns, Candor, Biscoe, Star and Mt. Gilead, which make

Henderson, Stokes and Lawrenceville, all of which were burned,

up present day Montgomery County, in 1889, 1896, 1897 and

before finally settling down in Troy on October 8, 1843. In

1898, respectively. •

Town of Mount Gilead NORTH CAROLINA

HISTORICAL SITES/ATTRACTIONS The Mt. Gilead Museum Town Creek Indian Mound (Oldest State Park) National Historical Registered Downtown STANBACK MEMORIAL PARK Swimming Pool Summer Park Program Softball & Little League Fields Tennis Courts Basketball Courts Pickleball Courts Pavilions & Picnic Areas Playground with Fort Castle

ARTS Piedmont Center for the Arts Featuring Local Artisans Art Classes Frames on Main - Custom Framing Uwharrie Dance Studio

RETAIL Historic Downtown Buildings featuring Antiques, Gift Shops, Framing, Ole Timey General Store, Boutiques & Custom Made Jewelry EVENTS May Day Festival/Parade 1st Saturday in May Fall Festival on Main 3rd Saturday in October Christmas on the Square/Parade 1st Saturday in December

SPORTS Local Golf Course Hiking in the Uwharries, Canoeing, Kayaking, Boating and Fishing, Hunting For Deer, Turkey & Quail Soccer Fields

LAKE FUN Riverwild & Lily’s Bridge Marina - Lakefront Dining & Retail, Boat Rentals, Gas, Groceries All your needs for a day on the lake!

MT. GILEAD

A small town on the banks of Lake Tillery and near Morrow Mountain, Uwharrie Mountains and the Pee Dee Wild Life Refuge. Surrounded by Nature, Forest, Lakes, Rivers . . . Embedded with Culture & History.

910-439-5111 • www.MtGileadNC.com

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Geographic Information

POPULATION INFORMATION LOCATION

POPULATION

Montgomery County

27,173

Troy

3,222

Biscoe

1,734

Mt. Gilead

1,140

Star

855

Candor

819

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 5

MH

Timberwolves wrap up football season with loss at home against Mt. Pleasant; coach Benjie Brown looks back on COVID-impacted season....B8

Montgomery Herald April 7, 2021

www.montgomeryherald.com

Easter Egg Hunt

WHAT? - Eddie Craven looks on in surprise after finding an gegg during the Easter Egg hunt at Kountry Kids Preschool last week.

a Deeper

Dive

A look at the real Nancy Shiver Paxton

I retired in 2018 after 30 years in public education. I taught math at East Montgomery for the first 11 years and consider myself blessed to have started my teaching career in such a supportive place. I also taught in Sampson Co. and Moore Co. and was a district administrator in Moore Co. and Montgomery Co. I taught at Sandhills Community College for the last 8 years of my career, where I taught many Montgomery Co. students, some of whom I had taught when they were in high school. Since I retired, I have been volunteering with the Montgomery Co. Spay/Neuter Program. I married my husband, Roger, in 2000, and we live in Norman with our 4 rescue pups.

1. Who is your favorite musical artist/ first concert? I have so many from The Beatles to Jimmy Buffett to Billy Joel to The Moody Blues. I love music and I love to sing along in the car.

I can’t remember my first concert, but my favorite concerts were Jimmy Buffett concerts—just a lot of fun.

2. What is a fun fact about you/ a hidden talent you have? I have an uncanny ability to remember birthdays. I am a birthday savant.

3. What is on your nightstand? Far too many magazines and a lamp to read them by.

© 2021 Womack Publishing Co. Inc. Vol. 136, No. 14

The Voice of Montgomery County

$2.00

Search yields unusual twist

By Tammy Dunn

A unique find was discovered when Kayren Brantley and her brother opened her father’s safe following his death. It was an old ring that her father, Warren Shiver, had found on the beach one day while using his metal detector, explained her mother, Becky. And thus began a journey to find the owner that ended with a most unusual twist.

It is believed that Warren found the ring in the late 70s or early 80s.

Brantley said family members told her that her father attempted to find the owner back then, but was unable to, especially since the college associated with the ring, Woman’s College of Due West, did not even exist then.

Brantley decided she would try locating the owner, especially since she thought she had some pretty good clues since the lady’s full name, Ruby McIlwaine, was inside the ring and on one side it said 12 and on the other AB, which meant Bachelor of

RING - A ring found by Warren Shiver years ago finds its way home.

Arts. Brantley said, “I really didn’t think the ring could be that old.”

Brantley began her search by looking up the college since she was not familiar with one by that name.

Initially she thought due to the name Due West it must be in New Mexico or Arizona. That proved to be off by a bit noted Brantley. It was actually See SEARCH page A7

Manager tasked with submitting names for group

By Tammy Dunn

A request from the local ABC Board to county commissioners asking that restaurants be allowed to serve alcoholic beverages at 10 a.m. on Sundays passed, with Commissioner Kay Robinson voting in opposition. This is the second time the board addressed this issue, with the proposal failing to receive a second at the prior month’s meeting. The law surrounding this ordinance requires a second vote on the issue at the following meeting, if the vote does not pass unanimously.

The proposal originated from a lo-

cal business in the Badin Lake area that serves brunch on Sundays. It was noted customers often want to order a Bloody Mary or such with their meal; however, local law does not allow the sale of alcohol until noon. Speaking at the prior meeting was Phil Richardson, who is the manager of the two local ABC stores in the county.

Richardson noted that what helps the restaurant helps the county and that local restaurants have been hit hard due to COVID. The board of commissioners took up another long simmering issue, See NAMES page A7

Speaking for those who can’t

By Luke Brantley

NANCY SHIVER PAXTON 4. What is a food/ dish you couldn’t live without? This is boring but I would hate to give up cereal. I usually eat cereal twice a day.

5. Describe your ideal getaway. I love a good road trip with no preplanned agenda. It’s fun to stop and ask locals what there is to do in their town. I never eat at chain restaurants See DIVE page A2

The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program is a volunteer child victim advocacy program, and they are looking for volunteers in Montgomery County.

The program first began in 1983, and came under new leadership in Montgomery County last year after the county merged into a new judicial district with Stanly and Union counties.

Jon-Michael Haymond is a program supervisor for the program here in Montgomery County. He said the purpose of GAL is to be the voice of children in the courtroom.

“When any children are involved

in the abuse and neglect court system, and the North Carolina Department of Social Services files a petition for abuse and neglect with the courts and begins that process of either taking the children away from their parents and putting them in foster care, or whatever the particulars might be, the Guardian ad Litem is automatically appointed to those cases,” Haymond said. “Our role is to advocate for the best interest of those children in court.

“When these cases arise, there are a lot of people involved. There are attorneys for DSS, there are attorneys for the parents, there’s a judge, there See SPEAKING page A3

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service 620 Albemarle Road, Troy NC 27371 910-571-0656 • www.bumgarnerfunerals.com

Newspaper

Montgomery Herald, a weekly publication, serves the community of Montgomery County through coverage of events, posting of notices, and recording of history. Each week the hometown newspaper brings its readers news, sports coverage, locally written columns and editorials as well as photographs from the community they call home.

The newspaper can be picked up on Wednesday at one of the numerous locations carrying the newspaper throughout the county or you can subscribe by calling 910-576-6051 or sending a check to 341 North Main Street, Suite B - Troy,

N.C. 27371.

Uwharrie Bound is a sister publication of Montgomery Herald that focuses on life along the lakes, Badin and Lake Tillery, and in and around the Uwharrie National Forest. This free publication is a guide to events and a gem of information about outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hiking and canoeing. Newsstands throughout the county carry Uwharrie Bound. •

North Carolina Peach Festival 3rd Saturday in July • Candor, NC

Parade starts at 10 a.m.

Live Entertainment All Day!

Town of Candor

townofcandornc.com • 910-974-4221 6 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | MONT GOMERY COUNT Y

Visit Troy, NC

• Uwharrie Outdoor Festival • TroyFest - Annual 4th of July Celebration • Denson’s Creek Golf Course • Montgomery County Farmers’ Market • Movies on Main • Concerts at the TownStage Amphitheater • and much more!

Visit our website for a list of events, restaurants, shops, recreational activities, festivals and more! www.troy.nc.us

Sally & Dalton Morris Adoption Center Humane Society

By Luke Brantley Those looking to adopt a pet in Montgomery County need look no further than the Dalton and Sally Morris Adoption Center, which is located at 442 Landfill Road in Mt. Gilead.

The new facility opened in November 2020 as a result of a partnership between the Montgomery County Humane Society and the county. Montgomery County Animal Services is based in the older building next to the adoption center.

Animals come in to Animal Services, which must hold them for 72 hours. During that time, the animals are taken to the vet to be spayed or neutered and given shots. From there, animals that can be adopted are moved to the adoption center. The adoption center is a no-kill shelter, so

no animals are ever euthanized there.

The adoption center features several large kennels indoors, as well as several smaller ones for puppies and kittens. There is also a small play area inside for people to meet the animals they are considering adopting.

Outside, there is a fenced-in area with several individual fenced lots so dogs can spend some time outside, but also be kept separate. Dogs must be taken out for a walk once a day, according to state regulations. The state has many other regulations regarding cleaning and sanitization of the facilities, as well as for the safety and health of the animals that all shelters must comply with.

According to McKenzie Brady, the office manager for animal services, the adoption center has 16 dog kennels

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and eight for cats. The cats are kept in a separate space with its own ventilation system.

The adoption center doesn’t have a maximum length of time they keep each dog or cat, and tries to find all of them homes. The adoption fee for both dogs and cats is usually around $125, but can vary based on the size of the animal and the corresponding cost of spaying/neutering it and getting it the necessary shots. The costs of these procedures also vary based on the size and type of animal. For cats, the cost ranges from $35 to $50 depending on if the cat is male or female respectively. Dogs weighing fewer than 70 pounds cost between $150 and $200. Smaller dogs cost between $100-$120.

According to the humane society’s Facebook page, “The adoption process requires a few steps. Once you have chosen the animal you would like to adopt, you must

Locally Owned & Operated

Colonial LP Gas Co.

165 Lemonds Drywall Road Troy, NC 27371 LP Gas Products Sales • Service • Delivery 910.576.1404

Drew’s Gas & Go

104 Courthouse Square Troy, NC 27371 Your Local Full Service Gas Station 910.576.0033

be approved by MCHS board. Upon approval you will fill out information that includes your name, address and phone number. You will have to present your personal identification card for photocopy and payment. The charge for the animal will include a visit to the spay/neuter clinic to be fixed and a rabies shot. More information about this will be provided when you choose to adopt. Montgomery County Humane Society has the right to refuse adoption if the board sees necessary.”

Spaying and neutering animals brought into the shelter are important steps in cutting down on the number of stray animals in the county. According to statistics, one unspayed female dog can give birth to around 16 puppies in one litter. That litter could go on to produce 128 dogs, and in six years that number would be around 67,000. At those numbers, it would be hard for the animals to survive, and most would end up in shelters.

Anyone interested in adopting an animal can contact the Dalton and Sally Morris Adoption Center at (910) 5710009. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. They can be found online at https://www.facebook. com/montgomerycountyhumanesocietync/. •

PO Box 97 • Star, NC 27356

910-428-4623

www.starnc.gov Fax: 910-428-1170 Email: townofstar@gmail.com

Discover Uwharrie Welcome Center

By Tammy Dunn

Visitors and locals alike are drawn to the corner building

she has hiked many of the trails in the forest and will be able to

with its bright artwork and green awnings. They are

handle the questions of where to go and what to do, though she

curious to see what is inside this former gas station that

does admit she is always learning something new.

once housed garage tools and oil stains, a sign to its past

The welcome center is not your typical state-run welcome

life. Now, that same facility is home to a different set of

center. It is what one person described simply as fun! There is a

tools — information.

jeep, which you can climb into, sitting among some rather large

The Discover Uwharrie Welcome Center was envisioned by

rocks and via the screen in front of you, visualize that you are

Troy resident Win Dozier, who also funded and oversaw each

riding one of the OHV trails in the forest. Those trails see visitors

step of the restoration that transformed the old gas station into

and various groups come from all across the nation to ride these

a fun, interactive and informative place to learn about the

trails. Two guys from Florida recently stopped in at the welcome

Uwharries. Dozier’s motivation? To inspire the community to

center, noting they came that far just to ride the OHV trails in the

embrace what they have in their own backyard. This blueprint

Uwharrie National Forest.

also provides a greater depth of knowledge and understanding

Many of the 1.3 million visitors who come to the forest annually

of the natural and cultural opportunities that can be found in the

are looking for mountain bike trails to ride, and the trails off N.C.

Uwharries.

Highway 24/27 west are one of the most popular destinations.

On a recent afternoon Dozier was talking to a young couple

At the welcome center there is a mountain bike to ride much

from Raeford who were seeking information about hiking in the

in the same way as the jeep adventure. Additionally, there is

Uwharries. This was the couple’s second visit to the Uwharries, with

information to be shared about those trails, which are also part of

the first’s also being a hiking expedition. Not knowing anything

the Uwharrie National Forest.

about the area, the couple, along with their dog Carmen, were

The growth in kayaking has been huge these past few years.

seeking information about hiking trails. After talking with Dozier

Along with that growth there are people looking for places to put

and viewing the large trail map on display, the couple returned to

those new kayaks into the water, and the county has plenty to

their vehicle with coordinates in hand ready to hit the trail.

offer when it comes to paddling. There is Falls Reservoir, which

Dozier said this same thing happens every time he is on site,

can be accessed in the Uwharrie National Forest; also there is

noting the week before a guy from the other side of Raleigh came

the Uwharrie River, though you do need to check the water depth

by to inquire about gold panning in the area. Dozier was able to

in certain locations before putting in. Those varying depths can

give him the requested information while also sharing additional

give you a wild ride or no ride, where you literally have to drag

information as well.

your kayak over the rocks. Steady sources of water can be found

Tracy Davis, a longtime resident of the area knows the area

farther down the Uwharrie and on Little River as well. All that

well. She is owner of River Daisy, a kayaking excursion company

information, as well as an interactive kayak ride, can be found at

that has kayaks and or canoes on the river every weekend; and

the new welcome center.

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One adventure of particular interest that Dozier has created is called Passport. The folded brochure resembles a passport booklet and when you open it there are 10 locations listed inside for you to visit and take a photo.

Once you complete those stops, return to the center for your official medallion. Some of the places to visit include Jumping Off Rock, Low Water Bridge, STARworks and Town Creek Indian Mound.

Beside the huge map of the Uwharrie National Forest there is an associated computer kiosk that shows the location you choose, along with directions and other information. Dozier noted that since the forest is so spread out and with multiple entrances, this map and associated information will give individuals a better idea of where they are and how to locate where they want to be, depending on what they want to do.

Dozier said he envisions adding many more things as time goes by, but for the time being, he and Davis are welcoming people to see the ongoing project, in the hope that they too will be inspired to Discover the Uwharries. •

Pictured at top left, Roy Beaman brings the outside of the Discover Uwharrie Welcome Center to life with the bright colors and artistic design. Shown below left, is a glimpse of what you can find inside Discover Uhwarrie Welcome Center.

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 11

Communities In Schools “To the world you are one person, but to one person you may be the world.

Together We are Communities In Schools of Montgomery County.”

Shaylen Brown Executive Director Communities in Schools Montgomery County.

Communities In Schools of Montgomery County (CISMC) was organized in the fall of 2006 by the Education Committee of the 21st Century Communities Program. Founded over 30 years ago, Communities In Schools (CIS) is the nation’s leading communitybased dropout prevention organization focused on the mission of helping young people stay in school, successfully learn and be better prepared for life. We carry out this mission by connecting vital community resources with schools and the children, allowing them access to more opportunities and aid in the fulfillment of the basic needs in life.

CISMC, along with partnerships developed throughout the community, will help provide a comprehensive solution to the issues that place young people in jeopardy.

Rather than duplicating services or competing with other agencies, CISMC mobilizes existing community resources and fosters cooperative partnerships for the benefit of students and families, which in turn will benefit the community as a whole.CISMC also forms an additional support system for the school system. By joining together, we ensure a strong foundation for youth to begin building their future. CISMC will be an additional resource for the teachers and school staff and we encourage the input of teachers, counselors, principals and all school staff into programs that will be implemented. The goal is to bridge the gap between community resources and the schools, providing both the youth and teachers access to valuable resources that may have otherwise been out of reach. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the youth of Montgomery County by identifying and

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addressing the unmet needs of children and families, needs that, when left unanswered, contribute to failure or dropping out. CISMC and community volunteers, in partnership with Montgomery County Churches in Action and MCS, started the Backpack Pals program, providing food to nutritionally deprived elementary school children on weekends.

CISMC continues the Backpack Pals program and trains and assigns community volunteers to be mentors and tutors. Further programs will be introduced to help parents and families, to provide for other unmet needs of our youth and to offer additional post-secondary education guidance. With your support and participation, these programs will eventually be expanded to all Montgomery County Schools. Your partnership in this mission will result in an investment in our children and our community.

An investment can be made in any, or all, of the following ways: 1. Volunteer to be a mentor or tutor, serve our schools in other forms 2. Offer to provide services-in-kind to meet children’s needs that cannot be obtained in another way 3. Provide tax-deductible monetary support for Backpack Pals, other CISMC programs and operating expenses.

To find out more information and join in our mission to help young people stay in school, please contact: Executive Director, CISMC, PO Box 624, Biscoe, NC 27209, (910) 556-5400 ext. 1203, executivedirector@cis.org. •

Schools

Montgomery County Schools (MCS) serves the students of Montgomery County in ten different schools. The school system focuses on improving student achievement and the placement of graduates into institutions of higher learning and the workforce. Through programs such as dropout prevention, English proficiency, and intensive after-school intervention, MCS renews their commitment to extend educational opportunities to all. MCS also seeks to prepare graduates ready to enter the 21st Century by using innovative technology in the classroom and graduating self-directed leaders ready to meet the growing demands of society.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY SCHOOLS Phone: (910) 576-6511 441 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 Dr. Dale Ellis, Superintendent

STAR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 5) Phone: (910) 428-4333 302 South Main Street Biscoe, NC 27209 Janet Deaton, Principal

MONTGOMERY LEARNING ACADEMY Phone: (910) 572-1161 310 South Main Street Troy, NC 27371 Dr. Amy Reynolds, Principal

TROY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 2) Phone: (910) 576-3651 310 North Russell Street Troy, NC 27371 Dr. Maxine Brown, Principal

CANDOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 5) Phone: (910) 974-4582 414 South Main Street Candor, NC 27229 Enoc Robledo, Principal GREEN RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 5) Phone: 428-4196 129 McCaskill Road Biscoe, N.C. 27209 Carla Miller, Principal MT. GILEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADES PRE-K THROUGH 5) Phone: (910) 439-5411 102 South School Street Mt. Gilead, NC 27306 Sloan Bourgeois, Principal PAGE STREET ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (GRADES 3 THROUGH 5) Phone: (910) 576-1307 897 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 Teresa Dunn, Principal

EAST MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6 THROUGH 8) Phone: (910) 428-3278 130 Merlin’s Maze Biscoe, NC 27209 Della Ingram, Principal WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL (GRADES 6 THROUGH 8) Phone: (910) 572-9378 129 NC Highway 109 South Mt. Gilead, NC 27306 Chanda Stokes, Principal MONTGOMERY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL JOSEPH REECE BLAIR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER Phone 910-556-5500 77- Glenn Road Troy, NC 27371 Anne McLean, Principal MONTGOMERY COUNTY EARLY COLLEGE Phone: 910-898-9690 1011 Page Street Troy, NC 27371 Dr. Heather Seawell, Principal MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 13

Montgomery Community College (MCC) is a public two-

Unemployed, underemployed, or starting a new career?

year institution offering degrees, diplomas and certificates in

Montgomery Community College has classes that can equip

a wide variety of traditional and specialty areas. The college

you for work. Get your adult high school equivalency diploma or

offers financial aid and scholarships for most programs. Many

learn English as a second language, free of charge. Learn a new

programs can be taken entirely, or almost entirely online.

skill for a new career. MCC’s Continuing Education scholarships

Specialty programs include: Gunsmithing, Hunting and

make it affordable.

Shooting Sports Management, Forest Management Technology, Metal Engraving, Taxidermy, Heritage Crafts: Pottery, and Bladesmithing. The college also offers credentials in traditional fields such as business, industrial, allied health, law enforcement, education, and human service technologies. A complete listing is available at www.montgomery.edu Taking the first two years of college at MCC is a great way to save on the cost of a four-year college degree. Students can take their first two years at MCC and transfer to any of the 16 public institutions in the University of North Carolina System and many private colleges and universities with junior status.

High school students can take college classes at Montgomery Community College tuition-free through the Career & College Promise (CCP) program. Through CCP pathways, qualified high school juniors and seniors can enroll in courses that lead to a certificate, diploma, or degree, as well as provide entry-level job skills.

The college partners with businesses and industries throughout Montgomery County to provide training for the county’s

Take a class for the fun of it. MCC offers hundreds of online options as well as traditional classroom options where you can socialize with others who share your interests.

Montgomery Community College is one of four colleges in the country offering National Rifle Association (NRA) sanctioned short-term courses in gunsmithing and firearms training.

Individuals from across the country spend a few days or up to two weeks in Montgomery County taking NRA courses at MCC. MCC is located on the edge of the Uwharrie National Forest in the Uwharrie Mountains. The campus is situated on approximately 150 acres of timberland that is managed by the college’s forestry program. It’s an intimate campus with plenty of walking trails and greenspace to relax. Students experience the small class sizes and are known by name as they become a part of the extended MCC Family. Student success is the college’s primary focus.

Montgomery Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees.

workforce, often at a reduced cost. Through its Continuing

Montgomery Community College welcomes you to the area

Education department, MCC is a regional training facility for

and invites you to visit our campus at 1011 Page Street in Troy.

law enforcement, NC Department of Corrections, emergency

We look forward to seeing you! •

medical service providers, and NC prescribed fire training.

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www.montgomery.edu

Care, Compassion & Commitment

The right place... at the right time.

Please contact us to schedule a visit, and experience the care that Sandy Ridge provides.

326 Bowman Road Candor, NC 910-974-4162 www.SandyRidgeLiving.com

“We invite you to come take a tour of our facility, talk with our staff, and discover for yourself the care that sets us apart.”

Specializing in Alzheimer’s and all types of dementia.

Civic Organizations AMITY CLUB OF MT. GILEAD

254 Myrtlewood Drive Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 439-6505

BISCOE LIONS CLUB

PO Box 1037, Biscoe, NC 27209

(910) 428-4165

CENTRAL NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL OFFICE

PO Box 250, Albemarle, NC 28002

(704) 982-0141

BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL ESQUIRES

PO Box 5, Candor, NC 27229

(910) 974-4600

PO Box 403, Candor, NC 27229

(910) 974-7605

CHI SIGMA CLUB

260 Fairway Shores Road Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 439-5044

CHILD STUDY CLUB

508 Wood Street, Troy, NC 27371

(910) 576-4856

DELTA KAPPA GAMMA

PO Box 666 , Biscoe, NC 27209

(910) 428-9542

7007 Idlewild Road, Charlotte, NC 28212

(704) 731-6500 or (800) 868-0528

HALCYON WOMAN’S CLUB

1036 Browers Mill Road, Star, NC 27356

(910) 428-2247

MT. GILEAD CIVITAN CLUB

204 S. School Street Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 439-5610

MT. GILEAD LIONS CLUB

2305 Highway 109 South Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 439-4730

TROY LIONS CLUB

318 Lineberry St. Troy, NC 27371

(910) 572-2123

TROY ROTARY CLUB

PO Box 934 Troy, NC 27371

(910) 572-1110

TROY WOMAN’S CLUB

PO Box 644 Troy, NC 27371

(910) 576-0951

WEST MONTGOMERY LIONS CLUB

4396 NC Highway 109 N. Troy, NC 27371

(910) 572-2494

WOODMEN OF THE WORLD

187 Fountain Rd. Troy, NC 27371

(910) 572-2814

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

CANDOR LIONS CLUB

GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA HORNET’S NEST COUNCIL OFFICE

County & Town MONTGOMERY COUNTY

COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS Mike Criscoe, Chairman Dana Dawson, Vice Chair Dottie Robinson Mary Hassell Kay Robinson MONTGOMERY COUNTY ADMINISTRATION

(910) 576-4221

Frankie Maness, County Manager Misty Coffin, Clerk to the Board Jo Haywood, County Water System, Senior Customer Services Representative MONTGOMERY COUNTY CLERK OF COURT

(910) 576-4211

John Deaton, Clerk of Court MONTGOMERY COUNTY ADDRESSING Kyle Morris, 911 Addressing and GIS Coordinator

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(910) 576-0608

County & Town

(continued)

MONTGOMERY COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

(910) 572-1313

Robbie Smith MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

(910) 572-1313

Chris Watkins, Sheriff MONTGOMERY COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL

(910) 572-3067

Leon Everette, Animal Control Officer BOARD OF ELECTIONS

(910) 572-2024

Rhonda Johnson, Director DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES

(910) 576-6531

Stephanie Smith, Director ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

(910) 572-8175

Scott Cole (910) 572-1393 x 253

FACILITIES Jason Johnston PLANNING DEPARTMENT

(910) 572-3304

INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT

(910) 572-3304

N.C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

(910) 576-6011

Christy Haynes REGISTER OF DEEDS

(910) 576-4271

Melissa Pipkin, Register of Deeds TAX DEPARTMENT

(910) 576-4311

Vickie S. Maness, Tax Administrator VETERANS SERVICE OFFICE

(910) 576-4711

Gracia Pack SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION

(910) 572-2700

Joseph Huntley, District Conservationist

TOWN SPECIFIC INFORMATION TOWN OF TROY

TOWN OF CANDOR

TOWN OF BISCOE

TOWN OF MT. GILEAD

TOWN OF STAR

(910) 572-3661

(910) 974-4221

(910) 428-4112

(910) 439-5111

(910) 428-4623

Mayer: Craig Jones Board of Commissiners: Bruce Hamilton Wallace Jones Angela Elkins Kayren Brantley Damon Prince Town Manager: Greg Zephir Town Clerk: Cathy Maness

Mayer: Phillip Hearne Board of Commissiners: G. Layton Booker Jerry Brewer David Kellis Tim Smith Daniel Harris Town Clerk: Tammy Kellis

Mayer: Eddie Reynolds Board of Commissiners: Gene Anderson Kay Cagle-Kinch Lashonda Ryan Barry Jackson Dutch Anliker Town Manager: Brandon Holland Town Clerk: Laura Morton

Mayer: Chip Miller Board of Commissiners: Mary Lucas Tim McAuley Paula Covington Vera Richardson Town Manager: Hiram Marziano Town Clerk: Amy Roberts

Mayer: Mary O’Brien Board of Commissiners: Jennifer Fountain Aaron Russell Ray Mims Eddie Bernard Mark Maynard Town Clerk: Robin L. Hussey

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 17

Jim quick & coastline

TownStage

November 5

April 2

Liquid Pleasure April 16

April 30

2021 ConCert Series 225 SMITHERMAN ST. TROY

October 30

October 15

TREY CALLOWAY October 1

ALL SHOWS BEGIN AT 7:00 PM FREE ADMISSION CRAFT BEER, FOOD TRUCKS May 7 September17

FOR CONCERT INFORMATION

TOWNSTAGE.ONLINE LOCAL TALENT NIGHT: JUNE 25, AUG. 27, SEPT. 24 May 21

August 20

Sand Band June 4

June 18

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July 16

August 6

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Montgomery County has a countywide recycling program,

and containers scraped, and/or rinsed to remove as much of the

which is part of a statewide effort to reduce the amount of waste

contents as possible. Labels DO NOT have to be removed and

buried in landfills, including the regional Republic Services

the plastic rings left after removing bottle tops may also be left on.

Landfill (formerly Uwharrie Environmental) in Montgomery County, and to provide raw materials for industries that create new items from recyclables.

Items that should NOT be deposited in recycling containers include garbage, food, plastic bags, waxed cardboard (i.e.

Items banned from landfills statewide include aluminum cans,

juice or other drink cartons), ice cream cartons, paper plates and

plastic bottles (HDPE and PETE), electronic waste and yard waste

cups, napkins, paper towels, any type of styrofoam, DVDs or

as well as wooden pallets and used motor oil filters.

compact disks, toys, sporting goods or electronics.

The County Program is a single stream system. Residents need to separate their recyclables from household trash but do not have to separate different types of recyclables from each other.

The recyclables can then be placed in the designated containers at the County Convenience sites throughout the County.

The

clean, mixed recyclables are delivered to Republic Services

Republic

individual households.

aluminum and steel cans including empty aerosol containers; clear, green and brown glass, newspapers, magazines, mail,

Uwharrie

Environmental)

Resources for businesses needing to

recycle electronics can be found on the North Carolina Dept. of Environment website.

Many residents have found that purchasing a separate kitchen trash can works well for recycling.

North Carolina for separation and marketing.

Items accepted for recycling include numbers 1-7 plastic bottles,

(formerly

accepts electronics (TVs, computers, printers, radios, etc.) from

(formerly Uwharrie Environmental), loaded onto tractor-trailers and sent to a Republic Services separation facility in Conover,

Services

Residents may deposit their items in special recycling containers at all 12 of the County Convenience sites as well as one located on Liberty Street behind Troy Town Hall. For more information,

phone books, office paper and un-waxed cardboard which must

contact the County Administration office at 910-576-4221

be broken down and flattened.

or Republic Services (formerly Uwharrie Environmental) at

Lids should be removed from bottles and discarded, bottles

910-576-3697. •

MONTGOMERY COUNTY CONVENIENCE (REFUSE) SITES BLAINE ROAD SITE

560 Blaine Road, New London, NC 28127

(336) 461-3103

ETHER SITE

2555 US 220 Alt. N, Seagrove, NC 27341

(910) 428-2737

BRUTONVILLE SITE

421 East Vivian, Candor, NC 27229

(910) 974-3132

109 SOUTH SITE

4513 NC Hwy 109 S, Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 439-4446

SWIFT ISLAND SITE

7883 NC Hwy 73 W, Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 439-6273

PEE DEE SITE

902 C C Camp Rd., Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 439-9130

LOVE JOY SITE

3536 Love Joy Rd., Troy, NC 27371

(910) 576-4225

BISCOE SITE

243 Coggins Rd., Biscoe, NC 27209

(910) 428-2979

UWHARRIE SITE

710 Correll Rd., Troy, NC 27371

(910) 572-4224

WINDBLOW SITE

1569 Windblow Rd., Jackson Springs, NC 27281

(910) 974-3138

PEKIN SITE

209 NC Hwy 731 E, Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 439-4053

ONVIL SITE

424 Onvil Rd., Mt. Gilead, NC 27306

(910) 572-8114

HOURS OF OPERATION Summer Schedule | April 1st - October 31st Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. | 7am - 7pm Tues., Thurs., Sun. | CLOSED Winter Schedule | November 1st - March 31st Mon., Wed., Fri., Sat. | 7am - 6pm Tues., Thurs., Sun. | CLOSED Brutonville Site will be open Monday – Saturday and closed on Sunday. Swift Island & Blaine Sites will be open on Sundays from 1pm-7pm all year round.

Leaving trash while stations are closed is illegal and violators will be prosecuted.

These convenience sites are for Montgomery County residents only.

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 19

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Educational Montgomery Central High School is a brand new, state-of-

embrace the spirit of community and work to manifest our belief

the-art facility available to high school students in the district. This

through action. We seek to inspire and motivate our students

facility houses an 850-seat auditorium, dance studio, art studio,

to achievement. Consequently, we encourage academic rigor

a video production lab, world-class media center with a cyber cafe, and classrooms for band, drama, and chorus. Montgomery Central High School offers a wide array of courses in the five academic departments: English, World Language, Math, Science,

and community engagement. To facilitate rigorous, academic scholarship, our students are enrolled in demanding academic coursework. All of our high school classes are taught at the

and Social Studies. Additionally, robust offerings are available

honors-level, and all of our students enroll in college-level

to students in the Arts, Air Force JROTC, Physical Education,

classes, beginning freshman year. Nonetheless, we realize that

and AVID. Career and technical educational opportunities are

student development requires more than academic endeavor.

accessible for exploration to students beginning freshman year.

To facilitate civic and community engagement, students have

Program offerings facilitated by the faculties of Montgomery

a variety of clubs and organizations from which to choose. In

County Schools (MCS) and Montgomery Community College (MCC) are available to students in the innovative Joseph Reese Blair Career and Technical Education building.

The proximity to Montgomery Community College allows Montgomery Central High School to advance the early college

addition to these clubs and organizations, students are connected to service within the broader community, through the Phoenix Ambassadors program.

Through the completion of the Joseph Reese Blair Career

concept to all students in the county. Students have access to

and Technical Education Center, along with the consolidation

community college courses for FREE through the Career and

of the two high schools into Montgomery Central High School,

College Promise program. The goal for all students is to be career

and the close proximity of these buildings to Montgomery

and college ready possessing the knowledge and academic

Community College and the Montgomery County Early College,

preparation needed to enroll and succeed in college courses

Montgomery County has created a brand-new, state of the art

in English language arts and mathematics to complete an associate degree program. In addition, the same qualities and levels of achievement are required for success in postsecondary workforce education, the military, or directly into a job that

education complex for students. This $80 million investment will provide opportunities for students to not only complete their high school diploma, but also an associate’s degree prior to graduating high school. The proximity to Montgomery Community College

presents employment and career advancement.

At Montgomery County Early College, every individual matters, from our students to our faculty and our support staff. We

allows Montgomery Central High School to advance the early college concept to all students in the county. •

Complex MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 21

911 MONTGOMERY COUNTY 911 COMMUNICATIONS CENTER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: WHEN SHOULD I CALL 911?

A: Any emergency requiring an immediate Fire Department, Ambulance, or Law Enforcement Officer response is reason to call 911.

Q: WHEN SHOULDN’T I CALL 911?

A: Incidents not requiring an immediate response from a Fire Department, Ambulance, or Law Enforcement Officer are better handled by calling a non-emergency number.

Q: WHY DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO ANSWER A BUNCH OF QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE I AM AND WHAT MY PHONE NUMBER IS WHEN I CALL 911? DOESN’T YOUR COMPUTER TELL YOU THAT? A: 911 telecommunicators cannot send you help if they don’t know where you are and what’s going on. Although the phone number and address provided by the 911 computer are nearly always correct, even computers make mistakes. That is why the telecommunicator must confirm that information by asking the caller. Also, many times callers are requesting help at a location other than the one they are calling from. Obviously, if help gets sent to the wrong location, there will be a delay in getting help to the person in need at the correct location. That delay might simply be inconvenient, but it also could mean the difference between life and death.

Q: IF MY WATER PIPES BREAK, SHOULD I CALL 911? IT’S AN EMERGENCY, ISN’T IT? A: Although broken pipes or water leaks are something you certainly want to get fixed as soon as possible, none of the agencies dispatched by 911 provide that service. You need to call a plumber, and we cannot tell you what plumber to call.

Q: WHY SHOULDN’T I CALL 911 WHEN MY POWER GOES OUT? I DON’T LIKE JUST LEAVING A MESSAGE ON THE POWER COMPANY’S ANSWERING MACHINE. I WANT TO TALK TO A REAL PERSON. A: When you call a power company’s outage reporting line and leave a message about your power being off, automated location equipment similar to that used in 911 records your account information based upon your address and phone number. So even when all you can do is leave a message, you are also leaving valuable location information to help the power company find where the problem is. The power company uses that information, regardless of whether or not you actually spoke to anyone, to plot your location in its power grid. The problem is often somewhere other than your house, and this information helps them go directly to the source of the problem. So if you call 911, and a 911 telecommunicator calls in your service request for you, the power company gets the location of the 911 center, not your house. Then that information has to be verbally collected and manually recorded into the power company database. The final result is a slower response than you would have gotten if you had used the automated system in the first place.

Register of Deeds • Record all types of land records: deeds, easements, agreements, also deeds of trust, assignments, releases, etc.

• Maintain an index on all instruments recorded.

• Record UCC’s, any amendments, assignments, releases and terminations on UCC’s that are filed as fixtures. filings can be attached to the property or extracted from property (timber, minerals etc).

• UCC’s are now recorded in the record books with all other recordings.

• Record plats (surveys of property).

• Maintain an index to plats.

• Keep a record of all births that take place in Montgomery County.

• Keep a record of all deaths that take place in Montgomery County.

• Maintain an index to birth and death records.

• Issue certified copies of birth and death records.

• Issue marriage licenses.

• • • • • • • • • •

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Maintain an index to marriage records.

Issue certified copies of marriage records.

Record DD 214’s (military discharge records).

Maintain an index to military records.

Issue certified copies of military records.

Record assumed name, partnership and incorporation instruments. Maintain an index to assumed name, partnership and incorporation instruments.

Give oaths of office to notaries commissioned in Montgomery County.

Maintain index to notaries.

Prepare an alphabetical jury list from numbers drawn by the Clerk of Court’s Office, have list signed by sheriff’s secretary, make a copy for the sheriff and clerk.

Help any person that needs help with our records and make copies if requested.

Senior Services The Troy/Montgomery Senior Center is a multipurpose

Currently, the core services provided are: a congregate meal

facility where senior adults in Montgomery County can come

site, located at the Troy-Montgomery Senior Center operating

together to fulfill many of their social, physical and intellectual

weekly Monday through Thursday. Transportation is available to

needs. The Senior Center strives to offer programs and services

the site. Home Delivered Meals are delivered throughout the year

that will best meet the needs of the aging adults in Montgomery

from Mondays through Fridays in Biscoe, Candor, Mt. Gilead,

County regardless of economic status, race creed, education or

Star and Troy. Frozen meals are available for those county

other circumstances.

seniors residing outside the town limits. MCCOA also provides

The Troy/Montgomery Senior Center offers a wide variety

“Level I In-Home Aid” services to assist eligible seniors in basic

of programs and services including but not limited to: The

housekeeping or chore services. MCCOA co-sponsors 25

Senior Help Line, Insurance Counseling (NCSHIIP), Free Tax

community meal sites throughout Montgomery County. Contact

Assistance, Evidence Based Exercise Programs, Lunch & Learn

the office for location, days and times. Homebound seniors

Educational Programs, Annual Health Fair, Senior Games, Legal

are provided monthly “bags of groceries” in certain locations,

Aid Assistance, Internet Access, Health Screenings, Fellowship

contact the office for more information. Caregiver respite and

Lunches, Day Trips, Line Dance Classes, Alzheimer’s Family

support is available. Additionally, liquid nutritional supplements

Support & Information, ….and much more.

are available for sale at the MCCOA office at reduced rates

The Troy/Montgomery Senior Center is located at 200 Park

for seniors age 60 and over with a doctor’s orders. Other

Road, Troy, NC 27371. A North Carolina Certified “Senior

Transportation Services are contracted for senior adults through

Center of Excellence.”

“RCATS” (seniors needing that service should contact RCATS

For more information contact The Troy/Montgomery Senior Center at (910) 572-4464.

directly at 910-572-3430).

Services provided by MCCOA are available to all eligible

The Montgomery County Council on Aging Inc. (MCCOA)

seniors throughout Montgomery County. Although there is no fee

is a private, nonprofit organization serving adults ages 60 and

required for services, we ask for contributions to help assist more

over and their families in Montgomery County. Agency programs

clients. Services are not denied due to an inability to contribute.

and services are designed to promote independent living and a

For those wishing to participate or in need of services, please

dignified quality of life.

contact the Council office at 910-572-3757.

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 23

Health Care Communicable Disease • Sexually Transmitted Diseases • Testing and treatment for STDs • Confidential counseling • AIDS/HIV testing and counseling Infectious Disease • Evaluation and treatment for tuberculosis • Follow-up/investigation for all reportable infectious diseases • Lead agency in managing outbreaks

FIRSTHEALTH MONTGOMERY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital has served the emergency, outpatient and acute care needs of the people of Montgomery County and the surrounding area for more than 50 years.

Montgomery Memorial Hospital provides traditional health services including acute care for both medical and surgical patients, outpatient surgical services, imaging and other diagnostic services and an emergency department that is staffed with 24-hour inhouse physician coverage.

FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital has more than 170 employees who care for people in the Montgomery County area by providing quality health care services. The active medical staff includes family practitioners, internists, general and urologic surgeons.

Other FirstHealth services offered in Montgomery County include Center for Health & Fitness, Dental Care Center, Diabetes Self-Management Program, Emergency Medical Services, Employee Assistance Program, FirstHealth Montgomery Foundation, home health services, hospice & palliative care, mobile health services, rehabilitation services, school-based health centers and transport van services.

For additional information about FirstHealth of the Carolinas or FirstHealth Montgomery Memorial Hospital, visit www. firsthealth.org.

FIRSTHEALTH MOORE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital

Adult Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Control Program • Pap smears and clinical breast exams for eligible women over the age of 40 • Mammograms for those who meet income requirements • Education and counseling • Referrals for abnormal findings

is a 385-bed, acute care, not-for-profit hospital that serves as the referral center for a 15-county region in the Carolinas. It is the flagship hospital for FirstHealth of the Carolinas, the region’s first comprehensive health care network.

Opened on Thanksgiving Day, 1929, with 33 beds, five bassinets and a staff of 27, Moore Regional Hospital has grown to include an active medical staff of 192 physicians, a professional staff of more than 2,700 and more than 725 volunteers.

Moore Regional Hospital offers a full range of health care services to people within the five-county primary service area and 10-county secondary service area.

The sophisticated medical capabilities available at Moore Regional are usually found only in much larger metropolitan areas.

For more information, contact us at (910) 715-1000.

STANLY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER For nearly 65 years, Stanly Regional Medical Center, now part of Atrium Health, has been committed to improving the health of the communities it serves by providing increased access to quality and comprehensive healthcare services, when and where the patient needs it. A growing number of patients continue to seek Stanly Regional’s unique blend of expertise and personal attention which has been recognized nationally with quality and customer service awards.

Located in Albemarle, NC, Stanly Regional Medical Center is governed by a volunteer board of directors representing both Stanly and Montgomery counties. The 109-bed facility offers a comprehensive

24 | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | MONT GOMERY COUNT Y

list of healthcare services, including access to the latest advancements and treatments in cancer care, rehabilitation, imaging, behavioral health, orthopedics, women’s services and more.

Stanly Regional Medical Center is recognized by residents of Stanly County and the surrounding areas as an accessible and dependable source for quality care.

With more than 20 care locations in the area, including primary care, wound care, specialty care and urgent care, patients are able to stay close to home for all of their healthcare needs. In addition, Stanly Regional offers educational opportunities and enhanced community services that expand beyond the hospital setting, including diabetes management, faith-based health care and wellness programing.

As part of Atrium Health, Stanley Regional Medical Center provides local patients with the benefits that stem from being part of a comprehensive and integrated system, including access to research and educational initiatives, System-wide clinical expertise and specialized services through Levine Cancer Institute, Levine Children’s Hospital and Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute. Atrium Health works to enhance the overall health and wellbeing of all communities by putting the patients first, always and providing coordinated, high-quality healthcare when and where patients need it most.

For outstanding medical care from professionals you know and trust, visit atriumhealth.org for more information.

Health Care HEALTH DEPARTMENT SERVICES Environmental Health Services • Food and lodging, institutional and child care center inspections. for current restaurant inspections results: www. wral.com/money/612352/detail.html • Public swimming pool inspections • On-site sewage sanitation (soil evaluations, system inspections and repair consultations) • Lead investigations • Water sample analysis: chemical, bacteriological Health Education Classes • Prenatal education classes • Family planning classes • Individual and group educational classes available on a variety of health topics • Speakers available to speak to groups on a variety of health topics • Child safety seat education and installation • FreshStart Quit Smoking clinics Nutritional Services

Women Infants & Children (WIC) • Nutritional program for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 5 years of age who meet eligibility requirements • Nutritional and dietary counseling • Vouchers for nutritious foods and infant formula

• Seniors

• Nutritional education for transportation limited older adults in their homes Personal Health Services Call 572-1393 for an appointment. Walk-ins welcome as time permits.

Interpreter services available. We accept: • Medicaid • Private insurance • Personal payment based on income • Mastercard/Visa Montgomery County Health Department is a Carolina Access III provider.

Immunizations

Immunization Clinic • Available Monday—Friday 8 a.m.—4 p.m.

• No appointment necessary • No charge for childhood immunizations

• Patients may choose to deliver at either Moore Regional Hospital or Stanly Memorial Hospital Maternal Care Coordination (Babylove) • Identification and coordination of services to promote a healthy pregnancy • Assistance and support with employment, transportation, education and medical care • Community resources and emergency services Child Health

Well Child Clinics—Health Check • Physical exams and assessments (vision, hearing, developmental) for the prevention of illnesses and early detection of problems • Referrals for abnormal findings • Birth-21 years of age • Kindergarten assessments • Lead screenings (1-6 years of age) • Dental varnishing for children 6 mos. to 3 yrs.

• Child Care Health Consultant for child care centers • Health check coordination Postpartum Home Visits • Visits in clients’ homes at their convenience • Examination of new mother and infant • Assistance with breastfeeding • Education about the needs and care of the newborne • Referrals made for abnormal finding Child Service Coordination • Services for children with or at risk for chronic illnesses, developmental or emotional problems through referrals from doctors, hospitals, parents, family or friends • Coordination of services for families of program children Family Planning

Family Planning Clinic

• Annual physical exam including pap smear and breast exam for women of childbearing age • Prevention of pregnancies • Laboratory services • Referrals for abnormal findings • Education and counseling about chosen birth control method • Detection and treatment for specific problems/infections

General Clinics

Adult Health Clinic

Maternal Health

Prenatal Care Clinic • Complete prenatal care including physical exams and laboratory services • Nutritional counseling • Prenatal education classes • Parenting classes • Access to care for high risk pregnancies

• Cholesterol • Glucose • Pregnancy Test • Blood Pressure • TB Skin Test • Pap Smears • Sick Care • Physical Exam

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 25

Providing High-Quality Care AVAILABLE SERVICES • • • • • •

Well-child Checks Sports and School Physicals Sick Visits ADHD Pediatric Psychiatry Immunizations

• Nutrition Counseling • Children with Special Healthcare Needs • Care of the Premature Infant • Asthma • Diabetes

Providing High-Quality Care OUR LOCATIONS OUR LOCATIONS

SERVICES

AVAILABLE SERVICES

• Well-Child Checks Southern SevenSeven LakesLakes / Southern Pines / West End Raeford • Well-child Checks • Nutrition Counseling • Sports and School Physicals Pines 195 West Illinois AvenueWest End 155 Grant Street Raeford 116-A Campus Avenue • Sick Visits •Avenue Sports and155 School Physicals • Campus Children with Special Avenue 195 West IllinoisPines, Southern NC, 28387 Grant Street Seven Lakes, NC,116-A 27376 Raeford, NC, 28376 Needs • ADHD/ADD Raeford,Healthcare NC 28376 Southern Pines, •NCSick 28387Visits Seven Lakes, NC 27376 910.692.2444 910.673.1600 • Pediatric Psychiatry • ADHD • Care of the 910.565.1578 Premature Infant 910.565.1578 910.692.2444 910.673.1600 • Immunizations • Pediatric Psychiatry • Asthma Hours Hours Hours • Children with Special • Immunizations • Diabetes M-F 8am Hours Hours Hours M-F 7:45am - 5pm M-F 7:45am - 5pm - 5pm Needs Healthcare M-F 8:20am-5pm M-F 8:20am-5pm M-F 8:20am-5pm • CareWalk-in of the Clinic Early Bird Walk-in Clinic Early Bird Walk-in Clinic Early Bird Premature Infant M-F 7:45am - 8:15am M-F 7:45am - 8:15am M-F 8am - 8:30am OUR LOCATIONS Main Office Only • Asthma Saturday Sunday Evening & Clinic for Sick Visits 8:30am-11:30am Southern Pines M-F 5pm - 7pm

Seven Lakes / West End

Raeford

910.673.1600

910.565.1578

Hours M-F 7:45am - 5pm

Hours M-F 8am - 5pm

Early Bird Walk-in Clinic M-F 7:45am - 8:15am

Early Bird Walk-in Clinic M-F 8am - 8:30am

Grant WE 155 ARE AStreet SUPPORTIVE116-A Campus Avenue Seven Lakes, NC, 27376 HAND TO HOLD Raeford, NC, 28376

195 West Illinois Avenue Saturdays Sundays Southern Pines, NC, 28387 8am-12pm 1:30pm - 3pm 910.692.2444 Hours M-F 7:45am - 5pm Early Bird Walk-in Clinic M-F 7:45am - 8:15am

www.sandhillspeds.com

Public Library Member of award-winning Sandhill Regional Library System.

Free public access and assistance with computers. Free Wi-Fi. eResources, books, videos, audios, magazines & newspapers, local history collection.

Free meeting room space. Copy and fax service.

Book/author and special programming events.

September-May library visits to all elementary schools.

Summer Reading Literacy Program and free events for children – teens.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 215 W. Main Street, Troy • 910-572-1311 www.srls.info/montgomery Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:30 am-6 pm; Saturday 9:30 am-12:30 pm.

Branches ALLEN LIBRARY IN BISCOE 307 Page Street, Biscoe 910-428-2551 Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 2:30-6 pm; Wednesday and Friday 9:30-1 pm.

CURRIE MEMORIAL LIBRARY 138 S. School Road, Candor 910-974-4033 Hours: Monday - Friday 2-6 pm.

MOUNT GILEAD LIBRARY 110 West Allenton Street, Mt. Gilead 910-439-6651 Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 2-6 pm.

STAR LIBRARY 222 South Main Street, Star 910-428-2338 Hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday, 2-6 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 am-1:30 pm.

Pictured above (left), A look into the forest on a Uwharrie National Forest trail. Photo by Tammy Dunn. (Right) A butterfly flies over a flower. Photo by Olivia Goodwin.

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 27

Recreation No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something fun to do in Montgomery County. The wide range of facilities and programs offered allows for everyone from toddlers to senior citizens to enjoy the beauty of Montgomery County.

Certainly one of the first things that stands out about the county is the beautiful national forest.

Formed from federal lands purchased during the Great Depression, the Uwharrie National Forest is composed of land in Randolph, Davidson and Montgomery counties. Believed to contain the oldest mountain range in the world, the once 20,000 foot-tall peaks now stand around 1,000 feet. The Uwharrie National Forest is just as alive today as it was 600 million years ago when the mountains were an active chain of island volcanoes. Offering campgrounds, horse camps, biking trails, boat landings and miles of hiking trails, the Uwharrie National Forest has something for everyone, from the veteran backpacker to the family of four looking for a day out on the lake. As you plan your trip to the Uwharries, you may want to take the

A runner takes part in an event in the Uwharrie National following into consideration.

Forest.

by Tammy First Photo and foremost, youDunn. will need somewhere to camp. The

camping facilities range from your most basic cleared off piece of land, to full-service campgrounds offering electricity, showers, grills and drinking water spigots. Be careful, as some charge a fee. Once you have had a good night’s sleep, you will surely want to explore the vast wilderness. Some will choose to spend their time on Badin Lake, accessing it through the boat landings provided. Others will choose to explore the beauty of the forest on foot or on bicycle, taking advantage of either the hiking trails or the mountain biking trail system, which offers 22 miles of trails for all skill levels. Finally, for those with horses, the Uwharrie National Forest provides a full-service horse camp as well as over 25 miles of trails for all skill levels.

Outside of the national forest, there are plenty of other opportunities for you to enjoy the outdoors. Montgomery County is also home to a number of beautiful parks and recreation facilities. In Mt. Gilead, Stanback Park is a full-service park, with a playground, tennis courts, pool and a summer recreation program. In Biscoe, there is Deaton Monroe Municipal Park, with basketball and tennis courts, a playground, picnic facilities, a softball field and a swimming pool. Troy has a number of parks, baseball and softball fields, playgrounds, and picnic facilities which can be found at Peabody Softball Complex, Lowe Warner Park, Selby Brown Field, and Blair Park. Denson’s Creek Golf Course offers a great place to play a round of golf. The won’s swimming pool is located across from the golf course. Just outside of town is the Roy Maness Nature Preserve where fishing and hiking opportunities abound. Baseball facilities and parks can also be found in Star and Candor. Candor also has its own pavilion where events are held throughout the year.

To complement the wonderful facilities, Montgomery County also has a number of recreational sports teams with participation for all skill and age levels at a minimal cost or for free. There are basketball teams and Dixie Youth Baseball and Softball have leagues based in Montgomery County, with teams from tee ball to Dixie Boys. For the older boys, there is an American Legion team, which travels around the state competing with other teams. The Montgomery County Youth Football League offers football teams for kids, from flag football to tackle football. The newest addition, as far as youth sports are concerned, is soccer.

Montgomery County now boasts soccer leagues for youth and adults.

For more information about the Uwharrie National Forest, contact the District Ranger’s Office at 910-576-6391 or visit their website at www.cs.unca.edu/mfsnc. For more information about parks or local recreation programs, contact the local town hall.

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Recreation LOWE WARNER MEMORIAL PARK Page St., Troy Playground equipment, sheltered picnic area, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, walking trail, ball field, volleyball court.

BLAIR PARK Bruton St., Troy Picnic area, playground equipment.

CAPEL CENTENNIAL PARK Located on Smitherman Street, this park hosts two excellent little league fields: Selby Brown Field and Dozier Field. This park serves as the home base for a thriving Dixie Youth Baseball program and was the host for the 1997 State Championships. The newest addition to this park is an all-inclusive park for children of all abilities.

STAR PASSIVE PARK Hiking Trail, picnic area Star/Okeewemee Road PEABODY COMMUNITY PARK Rush St., Troy Playground equipment, ball fields, basketball court.

DEATON MONROE MUNICIPAL PARK Mill St., Biscoe Playground equipment, sheltered picnic area, horseshoe pits, ball field, walking trail, basketball court.

BISCOE POOL Mill St., Biscoe Hours: M-F 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 1 to 6 p.m.

Seasonal. Memorial Day until Labor Day weekend. Six racing lanes, deep end, children’s end, two diving boards. $2 per person.

Contact: 910-428-4138 STAR MEMORIAL PARK East St., Star Playground equipment, picnic shelter, putt-putt course, basketball court.

STANBACK PARK Allenton St., Mt. Gilead Playground equipment, picnic shelters, ball field, walking trail.

MT. GILEAD POOL Allenton St., Mt. Gilead Hours: M-F 1 to 5 p.m. Sat. and Sun. 1 to 6 p.m. Season: Memorial Day to Labor Day weekend. $3 per person.

Contact: 910-439-5456 FITZGERALD PARK Railroad St., Candor Playground equipment, picnic tables, gazebo, tennis court.

ROY MANESS NATURE PRESERVE Okeeweemee Road, Troy, 1 1/2 miles off N.C. 134 Fishing, hiking trails, primitive campsites.

DENSONS CREEK GOLF COURSE 1235 Hwy 134, Troy 18-hole course, Creekside Grill, ballroom, driving range, conference and meeting rooms, lessons.

TILLERY TRADITION Tradition Dr., Mt. Gilead 18-hole course on 540 acres.

Membership and general public access.

For tee times call: 1-877-472-7211.

DENSONS CREEK RECREATION COMPLEX 1235 Hwy 134, Troy 18-hole golf course, swimming pool WOODRUN MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM Supertree trail, 3.7 miles, difficulty level – easy to moderate.

Wood Run Road, 5.23 miles, difficulty level – easy. Keyauwee trail, 6 miles, rated difficult. Trailheads: 10 miles west of courthouse in Troy on 24/27 and 2 miles east of Lake Tillery.

Walker Mountain Road provides access from paved River Road and connects to Keyauwee trail.

BADIN LAKE RECREATION AREA Horse, off highway vehicle (OHV) and biking trails. 32 miles of trails. Equestrians, hikers and mountain bikes use same trails; OHV trails are marked separately. 33 total trails rated easy to extremely difficult. Distance varies from .3 to 5.6 miles. Campgrounds, picnic areas, shooting range, fishing and boating. Entrances – Mullinex Road, Reservation Road and Road 597 off Blaine Road.

Access all points from Hwy 109, Troy.

Contact: Uwharrie National Forest – 910-576-6391 UWHARRIE MOUNTAIN HIKING TRAILS Numerous locations. 3-mile trail located behind ranger station in Troy.

Birkhead Mountains Wilderness, accessible from Lassiter Mill Road off Ophir Road.

TOWN CREEK Indian Mound 509 Town Creek Mound Rd., Mt. Gilead Hiking trails, picnic tables, monuments, outdoor exhibits, museum, gift shop, special events.

Contact 910-439-6802 TROY WALKS Troy Walks is a downtown walking trail. It winds through downtown neighborhoods and along Main Street for 1 1/4 miles. It was created with the help of the Montgomery County Health Department.

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 29

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Little River The town of Star is currently developing a beautiful new passive park and important paddling and fishing access to the Little River thanks to a partnership between the town of Star and The LandTrust for Central NC, and funding provided by the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

This 30-acre property owned by the town of Star is a critical access to the Little River for paddlers and anglers alike.

Furthermore, it has beautiful mature hardwood forests, with large rock outcrops and mountain laurel and galax. The natural communities throughout this property provide a mountainous feel uncommonly found in the Piedmont. It is a noteworthy natural area located at the confluence of the West Fork and the East Fork of the Little River on Okeewemee-Star Road. These streams are classified as Nationally Significant Aquatic Habitat by the N.C. Natural Heritage program, and eight species of rare or endangered mussels have been found in the river on this property. Rare plants including Amorpha schwerinii (Piedmont

Indigo Bush) are found here, as well.

“This property is a real jewel in this region, both ecologically and aesthetically,” states Land Protection Director Crystal Cockman. “This is a truly gorgeous spot – perfect for a family picnic, where children can play on the rocks and in the river, and enjoy the beauty that this area has to offer. The Land Trust is so excited to partner with the town to protect this special place for all to enjoy.” The town of Star and The Land Trust worked together to administer the grants and acquire the property, and it is now owned by the town of Star. The site is now open for hiking, fishing, picnicking and as a canoe access point. The construction of a formal parking area is underway to make the park more accessible. Thanks to the Star Heritage Association and the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for funds for park development.

For more information about The Land Trust for Central NC, please contact The Land Trust at 704-647-0302 or crystal@ landtrustcnc.org, or visit their website at www.landtrustcnc.org.

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 31

Festivals/Parades STAR FIDDLER’S CONVENTION 1st Saturday in March East Montgomery High School, Biscoe MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE MLK Day, 10 a.m., Biscoe

VETERAN’S DAY PARADE Saturday before Veteran’s Day, 11 a.m. in Troy. Contact the Veterans Service Office at (910) 576-4711.

EASTERN WOODLANDS WEEKEND Last Weekend in April Town Creek Indian Mound, Mt. Gilead Contact Town Creek Indian Mound @ 439-6802 for information.

TROY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving Downtown Troy Contact Town of Troy @ 572-3661 for information.

TROYFEST Saturday before July 4th Downtown Troy Contact Town of Troy @ 572-3661 for information.

SHILOH CHURCH CHRISTMAS TEA 1st Saturday in December Old Shiloh Church, Troy Contact Roy Beaman @ 576-3661 for information.

NORTH CAROLINA PEACH FESTIVAL 3rd Saturday in July Downtown Candor Contact Town of Candor @ 974-4221 for information.

MT. GILEAD CHRISTMAS PARADE 1st Saturday in December Downtown Mt. Gilead Call Town of Mt. Gilead Police Dept. @ 439-6711 or 439-5111 for information.

STAR CHRISTMAS PARADE 2nd Saturday in December Downtown Star Call 428-2078 for information.

UWHARRIE NATIONAL FOREST KIDS FISHING DAY 1st Saturday in June Kings Mountain Point Contact District Ranger Office @ 5766391 for information.

STAR HERITAGE DAY 1st Saturday in June Contact Town Hall @ 428-4623 for dates and information.

BIG FOOT BARBECUE COOK OFF 2nd Saturday in October Call Troy Town Hall at 910-572-3661 for information.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service 620 Albemarle Road, Troy NC 27371 910-571-0656 • www.bumgarnerfunerals.com

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Uwharrie Hiking

Leaving Troy heading north on N.C Highway109, you don’t get far before the landscape begins to reveal the rise of the Uwharrie Mountains. The tall pines that reach toward the sky are a good indicator that you are in preserved land.

As you approach what is known as Buck Mountain, about

the mountain in a serpentine fashion. This is surely to prevent the

five miles from the city limit sign, there is a trailhead with ample

hikers from having to go straight up the mountain, which would

parking for nature lovers to park their automobiles, get out some

be very difficult. Even so, the climb gets the heart beating, the

gear and head into the forest.

sweat rolling and the legs burning.

This is a great place to walk the trail for a short way, say a mile

If it proves to be too much of a task, there’s a four-wheeling

or two, find a nice shady spot and have a picnic. If you are more

road that crosses the trail. The four-wheeler road, if followed

interested in hiking some distance, if two vehicles are handy,

to the left, provides an easier route to the top of West Morris

you can park one near the trail crossing on Tower Road before

Mountain. But it’s not part of the Uwharrie Trail and if you came

beginning the five-to-six miles from the N.C. 109 Trailhead to the

to walk the trail, well that’s like cheating.

spot where the trail crosses.

If you stick with the trail as it was originally blazed, the top of the

Once you are prepared and have both vehicles in place,

mountain eventually comes within sight. A relief for weary legs,

much of the morning should have passed. Starting the hike at

the canopy provided by the trees is the only solace, keeping you

N.C. Highway 109, you’ll find the trail begins with an easy climb

cooler than if the sun were glaring down unfiltered. The light that

and then descends as you head for Spencer Creek. The creek

trickles through looks like fingers reaching far ahead, leading the

isn’t too far in and the running water is relaxing to the ears. There

way. Feeling as if you have overcome a major obstacle having

you will encounter a wooden bridge (the only wooden bridge on

reached the top, you might feel as if civilization is nowhere close.

the trail) that crosses over the creek to an open area perfect for a

The serenity and the solitude serve notice of the sanctuary we

sandwich, a snack and a drink of water.

have in our backyard.

The open area shows evidence of previous hikers and campers.

Then a jet soars overhead reminding you that civilization is

A pile of rocks surrounds a fire pit, providing a barrier to keep the

not too far away. It’s also a reminder that the sun is making its

campfire from getting out of control. Around it are big rocks that

way across the sky and afternoon is quickly approaching. The

are perfect for individual seating and logs placed distinctly for

trail goes for some way, working the rolls of the landscape with

larger groups to enjoy the fire or just take a load off their feet.

slight ups and downs, but nothing too tiring. Then you start down

It’s wise to get some good rest here and prepare for the

a steeper slope.

upcoming climb that will test even the experienced hiker. West

Without a map for guidance, you wonder as you contemplate

Morris Mountain lies ahead and it must be conquered if you are

the two possibilities: Is Panther Branch coming near or am I

to arrive at Panther Creek. Once you are back on the trail, you

plummeting into another gorge only to have to climb back up

will see that the trailblazers did their best to wind the trail around

once again? It is the former, though it can be misleading. You first

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 33

cross a small portion of Panther Branch and when you’re on the other side, the ground is quite soft and marshy feeling.

This is not your final destination. You must cross this small body of water twice. Continuing ahead, the trail turns sharply back left across the streaming water to a campsite.

You will have covered about five miles at this point, and the distance to Tower Road is supposedly about one mile. It will be the longest mile of the day for sure.

The actual distance the hiker will walk is uncertain, but another mountain must be dealt with. With some determination, grit and a little bit of crazy on the side, you begin the final leg of this portion of the trail.

Horse Mountain is steep with some areas almost straight up. After about 45 minutes of steady climbing, you reach an area of Horse Mountain where you cut across the side facing toward West Morris Mountain. According to Marla Coulthard, whose knowledge of the trails is immense, in the fall of the year when the leaves are gone from the trees, the view is magnificent as you move across Horse Mountain near the top.

The hike is deceiving at this point. The leaves on the forest floor often look like a gravel road in the distance.

But maybe it is just the hope of seeing the gravel road where the second vehicle is parked. Exhaustion is surely causing anticipation for the end of the hike. Eventually, you do see the dusty road that marks the end of this day’s journey.

If you’ve planned ahead, there should be some type of refreshment in the second vehicle. Whether it is Gatorade, water or something of your own liking, slurping down an ice cold whatever is a good way to drive back to the 109 Trailhead for the other vehicle. •

Pictured above: (Top) get some rest at the Panther Creek campsite about a mile south of Tower Road. (Bottom) Erika Hansen, an intern with The LandTrust of Central N.C., receives assistance from Eldorado resident Marla Coulthard while crossing a small branch on the Uwharrie Trail.

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MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 35

Arts TRINITY MUSIC ACADEMY Montgomery County, although rural, has a surprisingly sophisticated interest in the arts. Montgomery County is home to the Trinity Music Academy (TMA), run as an outreach program of Trinity United Methodist Church. Each year, TMA sponsors a concert

pieces to high-end, decorative artworks. Many of the Seagrove potters’ works can be found in prestigious museums and galleries throughout the world.

But a visit to the Seagrove area provides much more than a

series, which runs from October to May, with approximately 4-5

chance to see beautiful pottery. Individual potters, working in small

concerts each season. Concerts range from the purely classical, to

studios along the N.C. Pottery Highway and the country roads of

Christmas favorites, and even the occasional John Denver concert.

the three-county area, love to talk to visitors about their work and

For more information about the TMA concert series, or how to become a member, call (910) 576-8742.

SEAGROVE AREA POTTERS

explain the techniques that go into the forming, glazing, firing and finishing of that special piece you’re sure to find.

Whether you’re a serious collector or just a casual shopper out for a fun day, you can find what you seek in the Seagrove area.

More than 100 potters are scattered throughout the rural area where Montgomery, Randolph and Moore counties come together.

Early Native Americans were the first to discover the natural clays in the vicinity, using it to make functional and ceremonial items. In the 18th century, immigrant potters, mainly English and German, migrated to what is now the Seagrove area and the pottery tradition has continued strong since then, with a few exceptions.

In the early 20th century, the industrial revolution and later Prohibition hit the industry hard. But local whiskey making operations kept some potters working until the marketing skills of Jacques and Juliana Busbee pushed Seagrove pottery once again to the fore. But the late 1920s, Seagrove pottery could be found from New York galleries to Florida garden shops.

During World War II, faced with a shortage of glaze and nonlocal ceramic materials that potters had begun using in addition to local clays, many Seagrove area potters stayed in business by turning to high-volume production of items for the country’s wholesale gift market.

As the century continued, old Seagrove pottery families were joined by newcomers who came to learn the pottery-making craft through apprenticeships. Others learned the skills in ceramic programs offered by area community colleges. The growing number of potters banded together to promote their work through exhibitions and the first area pottery map.

Today, the area is home to a diverse group of artisans turning out a wide variety of handcrafted pottery, from utilitarian, functional

Pictured above: A camper in the Uwharrie National Forest strums a guitar.

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Glass House AT STARWORKS

By Max McCaskill

At the 2018 STARworks Firefest, a sculpture of a house made entirely of glass was completed and unveiled.

Arts and the North Carolina Arts Council.

Therman Statom is a renowned glass sculptor who is known

The sculpture was designed by Therman Statom, who worked

for his life-size glass ladders, chairs, tables, constructed box-like

with STARworks staff to complete it. He also invited children from

paintings and small-scale houses, all created through the technique

Eckerd Connects to help with it by having them paint the panels

of gluing glass plates together. He studied glass art during the first

different colors. Eckerd Connects is a non-profit that works to

year of the Pilchuck Glass School in Stanwood, Washington, and

help children with everything from foster homes to achieving

then at the Pratt Institute of Art and Design in Brooklyn, New York.

their potential in school. STARworks has worked often with that

Throughout his career, his art has been installed in places such as the

organization, and Statom designed the piece to give the Eckerd kids

Los Angeles Public Library, the Mayo Clinic and the Telfair Museum

a sense of community and accomplishment. Rhonda McCanless,

in Savanna, Georgia. Recently, he has been devoting his time to

communications director for STARworks, said of the sculpture that

educational programming within the arts. The piece at STARworks is

“we hope that it inspires creativity, imagination, wonder, exploration,

an example of that.

art and a sense of community to all those who visit.” The glass house was made possible by support from the National Endowment for the

Drop by STARworks to see the glass house and other projects the artists are working on.

MONT GOMERY COUNT Y | DISCOVER MAGAZINE | 37

STARworks The STARworks Center for Creative Enterprise in Star is the home of Central Park NC, a regional sustainable development organization.

Director Nancy Gottovi shies away from the term business incubator, instead calling STARworks a business development lab.

“We use a variety of strategies to partner with our businesses,” she said. “And we are developing a number of social enterprises under our non-profit umbrella.”

One such venture is STARworks Ceramics, where they manufacture and sell local clay using clay from Montgomery, Randolph and Moore counties. Pottery supplies and equipment from other manufacturers are also available. STARworks Ceramics offers clay workshops and field trip opportunities, including a Clay Experience Workshop designed for people who are new to pottery. The two-hour class gives participants the opportunity to make a simple piece of pottery that will serve as a souvenir of the experience and the culture of the region. Workshops can be

scheduled for six to more than 60 participants.

STARworks Glass offers glassblowing classes, workshops, and demonstrations. Workshops are available for both beginners and experienced glassblowers.

STARworks is just one piece of the Central Park NC strategy, which focuses on small businesses development complementary to heritage and culture of the central North Carolina. A visitor guide and website detail the many outdoor recreation and heritage tourism opportunities throughout the region. Both feature more than 200 locally owned businesses that serve visitors to the region.

“We believe in place-based business development,” Gottovi said. “Relying on the rich heritage and natural resources of the region, we are working to develop sustainable businesses that will draw visitors from the surrounding urban areas and beyond.”

For more information, visit www.centralparknc.org, www. starworksnc.org or call 910-428-9001.

Glass Pumpkin Patch STARWORKS Glass Pumpkin Patch is held every October and features a large selection of pumpkins, gourds and seedpods that are hand-blown by STARworks Glass artists and interns.

FireFest Firefest is a two-day festival celebrating the role of fire in the creation of art.

The event includes blazing finales, demonstrations in clay, glass and metal, artist talks, live music, food trucks, beer garden and the opportunity for attendees to get their hands dirty. Guest artists have been invited to create sculptures, present their work during artist talks and participate in finale events involving fire.

STARworks is a project of Central Park NC, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the economy of the region by focusing on the sustainable use of our natural and cultural resources.

STARworks is located at 100 Russell Drive in Star, just off I-73/74 in northern Montgomery County. For more information, visit www.STARworksNC.org, call (910) 428-9001 or email contact@starworksnc.org.

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Blazing Trails

Since 1967 Montgomery Community College seeks to provide life-long educational opportunities for personal growth, while readying students of all types for existing and emerging careers.

Our campus in Troy features 134,400 square feet of facilities on 153 acres of land nestled in the hills of the scenic Uwharrie National Forest.

Visit www.montgomery.edu to start your journey.

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