A-8 • APRIL 23, 2011 • UNION COUNTY SHOPPER-NEWS
Summer art school needs help By Cindy Taylor
Chase Buckner signs to play basketball for Walters State Community College. Pictured at the signing are: (front) brother Bryce Buckner, father Andy Buckner, Chase, mother Gina Buckner, sister Briley Buckner; (back) assistant coach Mike Johnson, Director of Schools Wayne Goforth, coach Shane Brown and Walters State basketball coach Bill Carlisle. Photo by C. Taylor
Buckner signs with Walters State By Cindy Taylor More than 50 well-wishers were in attendance April 19, as Union County High School athlete Chase Buckner signed to play basketball for Walters State Community College. Seventeen-year-old Buckner will graduate from Union County High next month, and then it’s on to
play in college for Walters State coach Bill Carlisle. “Chase earned this scholarship based on how well he played while he was here,” said Union County High basketball coach Shane Brown. “He scored and shot well, and in my two years here he has been instrumental to our program. He had other
options, but he felt Walters State was a good fit.” “This is pretty cool, and I’m glad to have an opportunity to play another two years,” said Buckner. “I like coach Carlisle and like staying close to home. I want to thank coach Brown and all the assistant coaches and my mom and dad.”
4-H’ers enjoy Nashville trip Smoky Mountain 4-H’ers Miranda Key and Rebekah Kadron went to Nashville for the 64th annual 4-H Congress. They spent time exploring the state capitol building, met state Rep. Dennis Powers and sat in on a state legislative session. The 4-H’ers enjoyed lots of special entertainment, some on the General Jackson Showboat. They also voted for 4-H Governor, Speaker of the Senate and Miranda Key and Rebekah Kadron are ready to board the General Speaker of the House and Jackson Showboat during their trip to the annual 4-H Congress. enjoyed dancing during Photo submitted the Inaugural Ball.
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A couple years ago Tom Heemstra was asked by to help with the talented program at Union County High School. Heemstra was already working on a project from his doctorate studies called Creator’s University, so this fit in perfectly with the outreach CU was already planning to have with the schools. CU is a nonprofit organization designed to be a creative think tank to help teach and inspire creativity, help students achieve their creative dreams, and help businesses with innovation and problem solving. Heemstra addressed the school board April 14 with his plan. “As you know, there is plenty of artistic talent in this county that needs mentoring and nurturing for their future success, and that is our aim,” said Heemstra. “No one really teaches creativity, but it is the fuel for the engine of innovation that our country and Union County needs.” “We want to inspire, grow, promote and launch these artistic futures to help improve the overall culture of our schools, families and communities in Union County. “We are asking for volunteers to help us for this summer during the first week of June for a summer school for creative arts type of activities. This is a pilot program for this summer with expansion planned for coming years. We are limited, of course, by the type and amount of volunteer instructors, expertise and resources we can find. Several instructors have already volunteered. We will also need instructor assistants for each course for those interested in any of these subject areas but who may have no real personal expertise or experience. The more
Tom Heemstra speaks to the Union County school board about his summer art school. Photo by C. Taylor
support we have from the community helps with the board, and Union County at large, to assist in approving and providing this needed program.” Heemstra created the acronym D.R.A.W.M.P.T., pronounced dreamt, to represent Drama-dance, Radio, Arts (pottery, drawing, painting), Writing, Music, Photography and Technology. Classes will run 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, with a 90-minute lunch break. Buses may pro-
vide transportation from three elementary schools to the high school if necessary. Scholarships will be available for students who cannot afford the $10 per day cost of the program. Curriculum will belong uniquely to teacher’s desires and influence, within reason, and submitted and approved by the committee, board or school officials. Heemstra hopes to provide great flexibility for necessary field trips and have funds from corporate sponsors. “The program will be limited by the amount of corporate and community support, both by funding and offering all the classes we would like,” said Heemstra. “Please help us and plead for help and volunteers for us and for our youth.” Applications and detailed instructions will be available on May 1 at the Board of Education office or can be requested online from mach5performance@aol. com. Sign up early, because space is limited.
REUNIONS ■ Horace Maynard High School Class of 1971 is planning its 40year reunion. Those who would like to help get things started are encouraged to contact Donna Bailey Jones, 992-1555 or ucar1@ bellsough.net, or Vickie Eastridge Keck, 910-580-4843. ■ The Reynolds family will have a reunion at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 1, in the Big Ridge State Park tea room. Come and bring a covered dish. Info: 992-3278.
GED test dates set The Union County Adult Education Center will be giving the GED exam April 25 and 26, May 23 and 24, and June 20 and 21. The test will begin each day at 4 p.m. and will be paid for by the center. The state requires each individual be given a pretest before the official GED. The pretest takes approximately two hours and should be taken two weeks prior to taking the GED. Appointments can be made for the pretest by calling Melissa Carter at 992-0805. The office also has a representative, Vickie Thal from UT, who will help fill out the financial aid forms and offer career advice. Thal is at the center on Tuesdays and is available by appointment by calling the number above.
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Dogs running loose on our highways and in our neighborhoods can cause accidents and injuries. Dogs that are kept for protection can’t always tell who is a threat and who is not. Dogs that run loose and attack other dogs can also attack a child. As a community, we can’t afford to take these kinds of chances anymore.
Union County needs an Animal Control Officer. If you agree then let your Public Officials know.
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