River District leaders honored as STEM All-Stars

Students learn about water purification at the 2011 STEM Outdoor Learning Fair

Dr. Cindy Moss, Alisa Wickliff and Edna Chirico recognized for K-20 STEM Outdoor Learning Fair

Edna Chirico, the River District executive director, and two members of its K-20 Learning World Team, Alisa Wickliff and Dr. Cindy Moss, have received Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) All-Star Awards for their work with students in the Catawba River District.

The awards, presented June 7 at Discovery Place, recognize teachers, administrators, staff and community partners who have made significant contributions to help students grow and learn by participating in science, math, engineering and technology programs and activities.

STEM Fair served hundreds of students

Chirico, Moss and Wickliff were instrumental in creating the inaugural K-20 STEM Outdoor Learning Fair last fall at the U.S. National Whitewater Center for more than 300 elementary-school students. Groups of students moved between a dozen hands-on science activities set up under tents around the whitewater rapids. Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx drew loud cheers at the end of the program when he asked the students, "Where are our future scientists?"

Wickliff is assistant director of the UNC Charlotte STEM Center. Moss recently retired from her position as Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools STEM director to join Discovery Education. She now is director of global STEM initiatives, responsible for designing, developing and implementing comprehensive STEM initiatives worldwide. At the June 7 event, Moss also received the 2012 Michael C. Jackson Distinguished Service Award, given by the NC Science Leadership Association in recognition of her great service to science education.

Importance of STEM

STEM education includes programs focused on building science, technology, engineering, and math knowledge and skills. STEM is important because many employers worldwide seek workers with knowledge in these subjects, and this trend is expected to continue.

Chirico and Wickliff will be leading the Catawba River District’s second K-20 STEM Outdoor Learning Fair on Sept. 28 at the Duke Energy Explorium. The K-20 STEM Outdoor Learning Fair serves 5th graders from the River District’s participating schools including Gaston County’s Catawba Heights Elementary and Ira Rankin Elementary and CMS schools Mountain Island Elementary, River Oaks Academy and Whitewater Academy.            

About The Catawba River District

The River District is a regional organization committed to sustainable community and economic development for a 16,000-acre area including portions of Mount Holly, Belmont and northwest Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Since the River District’s founding in 2008, numerous community and education partners have responded to district’s vision and the opportunity to transform this area into a model for “green” community and economic development, education and regional cooperation.    

The River District is a vital part of the Charlotte region’s watershed and includes the US National Whitewater Center, the North Carolina Educational Forest, and parts of the Carolina Thread Trail.  

Let the partying resume!

Too Much Sylvia will perform in downtown Belmont on Friday

4 events in next 3 days are filled with free music and more

The River District music scene is full to overflowing this weekend with everything from R&B and jazz guitar great James Tootie Hogan to ‘80s pop to “Acoustic Americana.” And get this – all of the performances are free! Here are the details.

Whitewater River Jam

7-10 pm Thursday – The every-Thursday party at the U.S. Whitewater Center features Red June on June 14. The Asheville band calls its style of music Acoustic Americana. River Jam offers free music and a chance to enjoy fun activities and a beautiful sunset over the Catawba with friends and family. The patio at the River's Edge Bar and Grill is the place to be. Paddle, bike, run or ride before the show and stay to enjoy the music. Parking is $5. Cost for food, beverages and most activities except the Thursday Night Bike Ride (if you bring your own bike and helmet; visit usnwc.org for details).

• CLICK for more River Jam details.

Friday Night Live  

7-10 pm Friday – Grab a chair and come to downtown Belmont for the every-other-Friday free concert and fun. The featured band this week, Too Much Sylvia, is a Charlotte institution whose pop renditions have entertained crowds for 21 years.  

• CLICK to learn more about Sylvia (scroll to the bottom of the page to watch their demo, emceed by Elvis).
• CLICK to keep up with the latest Friday Night Live news.

Juneteenth Celebration

James Tootie Hogan grew up in Mt. Holly

2-10 p.m. Saturday – Belmont’s Juneteenth celebration will take place in Stowe Park (MAP) in downtown Belmont and feature local entertainers, artifacts, a variety of vendors and a fish fry. The event commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. One of our region’s greatest musicians, jazz and R&B guitarist James Tootie Hogan, will lead the festivities.  
Hogan has performed with many of the top beach, pop and R&B bands of the ‘70s and ‘80s (or should we say that they appeared with HIM). He’ll perform contemporary jazz and blues starting at 6 p.m. 
Earlier in the day, drummer Kennon Knight will perform at 2 pm and organize a drum circle. This event is free and open to everyone. 

• CLICK for more Juneteenth details.

Brew Stash Bash

Starting at 1 pm Saturday – The Whitewater Center cranks up a second musical event on Saturday with its inaugural Brew Stash Bash, held on Belmont Abbey Island in the Catawba River. Sample dozens of Carolina craft beers and hear performances by the Farewell Drifters, Brown Bird and Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons. The music is, of course, free. Beer will cost $5 for four samples or one pint.

In addition to food from River’s Edge Bar & Grill, specialty nachos (Kickin’ Baja Chicken, Aloha BBQ Pork and Thai’ed Up Tofu) will be available from a festival style food station at the base of the footbridge to Belmont Abbey Island.

• CLICK for the latest list of participating breweries and other Beer Stash Bash details.

Get your hands dirty for our kids!

Whitewater Middle School students with one of their young gardens

Come Thursday to Whitewater Middle and learn how you can help nurture student gardens this summer

OK, school’s out, the kids are home for the summer, and the schoolyard gardens at Whitewater Middle and Whitewater Academy need your help!

The Catawba River District invites you to a Farm to School Volunteer Meeting this Thursday at 6 pm at the schools, 1520 Belmeade Drive near the entrance to the Whitewater Center.

We already have more than 30 volunteers to keep the gardens going this summer and invite you to join the group. You don’t even need gardening experience – just time to donate this summer and a willingness to learn.

At Thursday’s garden-bedside meeting you’ll:

1. Learn how these new gardens are helping our students strengthen their knowledge of math, science and healthy diets.
2. Hear about plans to support community agriculture in the River District.
3. Help build a volunteer schedule so plants get the care they need.
4. Get your hands dirty as we weed and water the tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and other plants growing here.

This is a great chance to learn more about gardening from the experts at Rivendell Farms while supporting our student gardeners. They and their teachers have put many sweaty hours into creating the raised-bed gardens, planting seedlings and tending the beds.

With your help, the students and teachers will come back in August to vibrant and productive vegetable gardens full of produce to pick!

We will meet on Thursday at the Whitewater Middle School garden area at the back of the main parking lot. Come in your gardening clothes and bring water to drink. 

• Directions: CLICK for directions to the school.
• To learn more: Contact Edna Chirico at echirico@catawbariverdistrict.org or 704-562-8847.
• Future meetings: The Farm to School Volunteers will also meet 6-7:30 p.m. July 12 and Aug. 19 at the school.

Get your free music and hot summer nights here!

Whitewater River Jam, Belmont’s Friday Night Live series keep us rockin’  and boppin’

June 1, 2012 – Where is the free-outdoor-music center of the Charlotte region?

Catawba River District!

Belmont has cranked up its Beach Music-themed Friday Night Lights series for another summer.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center is offering free performances every Thursday evening with its Whitewater River Jam Series, plus special weekend events like the Brew Stash Bash on June 16.

The only disappointment: The Mount Holly Nights has been canceled for 2012 after a rain-soaked 2011.

Here are details.

 

Whitewater River Jam

U.S. National Whitewater Center

Come 7-10 p.m. Thursdays through September for free music and a chance to enjoy fun activities and a beautiful sunset over the Catawba with friends and family. The patio at the River's Edge Bar and Grill is the place to be. Paddle, bike, run or ride before the show and stay to enjoy the music. Parking is $5. Cost for food, beverages and most activities except the Thursday Night Ride (if you bring your own bike and helmet; visit usnwc.org for details).

 

Friday Night Live

Downtown Belmont

Good times, good music and a big party in the street every other Friday from May 18 to Sept. 7. Dates and performers: May 18, The Catalinas; June 1, Voltage Brothers; June 15, Too Much Sylvia; June 29, The Tams (Fireworks) Part Of Red, White & Belmont; July 13, The Embers; July 27, Band Of Oz; August 10, Coming Up Brass; August 24, Hip Pocket; September 7, Chairmen Of The Board. Sponsored by Belmont Downtown Merchants Association Information:

Mount Holly Nights

Mount Holly’s street concerts won’t take place this summer. Carol Featherstone with Mount Hollydays, the hosting organization, said poor weather last year led the group to cancel the 2012 program. CLICK to read her message and leave your own.

Brew Stash Bash

U.S. National Whitewater Center

On Saturday, June 16 the U.S. National Whitewater Center will host the inaugural Brew Stash Bash, a Carolina craft brewery tasting with performances by the Farewell Drifters, Brown Bird and Cory Chisel & the Wandering Sons. The music portion will be set up like a Whitewater River Jam and remain free and open to the public.

The craft beer tasting begins at 1 p.m. on Belmont Abbey Island and features North and South Carolina craft breweries. Sampling tickets will be available for purchase on Belmont Abbey Island ($5 for 4 tickets). Each ticket will be good for one sample of beer, or 4 tickets can be used to redeem a full pint.

In addition to food from River’s Edge Bar & Grill, specialty nachos (Kickin’ Baja Chicken, Aloha BBQ Pork and Thai’ed Up Tofu) will be available from our festival style food station at the base of the footbridge to Belmont Abbey Island.

Check the Catawba RiverViews Calendar

Here is a great way to learn about upcoming activities ranging from hikes to community events. Have something that you think belongs on the calendar, too? EMAIL editor Rich Haag or call 980-875-7528.

Summer camps at Latta Plantation

Historic Latta Plantation near Mountain Island Lake

Programs at historic plantation let kids explore Civil War, Revolutionary War and early plantation life

June 1, 2012 – Historic Latta Plantation on Mountain Island Lake is offering several summer camps for youngsters through teenagers who like history, farms and life before electricity. Latta Plantation is a restored Southern farm within Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. The plantation address is 5225 Sample Road, Huntersville. Just take the park’s main road to the farm.

CLICK to learn more about the camps and to register, or contact Matthew Waisner at 704-875-2312.

Farm Camp

• June 18-22, July 16-20 and Aug 13-17
• 9 am-4 pm $200

This is an intense, extremely hands-on training course in all things 'farming' for ages 12-17. The course will include animal husbandry, historic natural farming techniques, woodworking, and much, much more! Participants should be prepared for labor intensive work and training. This camp is designed for those with a serious interest in learning about farming, animals, and agriculture, as well as those who have a future interest in veterinary medicine.

Junior Farm camp

• For ages 6-8
• July 30-aug 2, 9 am – 1 pm $100

This camp is for boys and girls ages 6-8. If your child likes the outdoors and animals, they will love this experience! In addition to getting up close with a variety of farm animals, campers will learn and participate in farm chores, animal care, natural plants and medicines, and much more!

Revolutionary War Soldier camp

• 9 am-3 pm July 23-26
• $170 – choose British or Patriot

Boys and girls ages 8-12 can relive the American Revolution as a Patriot or Loyalist, during a fun filled week of drills, battles, learning about soldier life, and much more!

Civil War Soldier Camp

• For ages 8-12
• 9 am-3 pm June 25-28, July 9-12 and Aug. 6-9; $175, Union or Confederate

Boys and girls ages 8-12 are mustered into the Union and Confederate armies to experience life as a Civil War soldier! Relive the war through a week of drills, battles, hikes, farm programs, and 19th century life. Campers receive several items to keep that they will use during the camp week, including a replica musket, kepi, haversack, t-shirt, and more. The camp week will end with a major battle engagement that families can watch and a formal graduation ceremony.

53^rd Call to Arms Camp

• For ages 13-14
• 9 am-3 pm June 18-21 $175

Advanced Civil War Camp for 13-14 year olds that have graduated out of the Civil War Soldier Camp. Experience strategic battle planning, tacticals in the woods, fire starting with flint and steel, campfire cooking, and much more!

Miss Jane’s Academy

• For girls ages 8-12
• 9 am-3 pm June 25-28, July 9-12 $175

This Civil War camp takes girls ages 8-12 back in time to see what life was like for women in the 19th century. Hands-on activities include spying, making fans, sewing, open-hearth cooking, and English Country Dancing to name a few. The girls will have a great time taking a horse drawn covered wagon ride through the nature preserve. Each girl will receive an apron, bonnet, and t-shirt to keep.

Help Lake Wylie have a July 4 blast

Annual fireworks program seeks donations for big lakeside display

June 1, 2012 – Fireworks displays are among the most “democratic” events you can imagine. Everyone within miles gets to see and hear them.

The annual July 4 display by the Lake Wylie community is also democratic in how it is funded – quietly by individuals, groups and businesses that like to help celebrate our nation’s birthday.

The show’s organizers invite you to be part of that latter group this year.

Catawba RiverViews recently received this request from Biff Virkler, a member of the Lake Wylie Marine Commission who also is chair of the Lake Wylie Fireworks Committee.

Dear Rich,

Please help us raise the money required for the Lake Wylie Community 4th of July Fireworks display.  We raise $25,000 each year for this great display that is totally funded by individuals and business in the Lake Wylie Community.  The fireworks display starts at dusk, around 9 PM, and is professionally staged off the property of Camp Thunderbird.  This is an annual tradition on Lake Wylie that has thrilled families for generations.  No public money is used for this celebration.  All donations are from people who love Lake Wylie and this annual celebration of our nations Independence.

Please put this on your calendar and help us raise donations.

Best regards,

Howard "Biff" Virkler

Lake Wylie Fireworks Committee Chairman

How to donate

If you’d like to help with the fireworks display, here’s how to contact Biff. EMAIL Biff or call him weekdays at 704-587-3934. Or mail donations (payable to Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund) to: Camp Thunderbird Fireworks Fund, One Thunderbird Lane, Lake Wylie, SC 2971

See the big show on July 4

The annual Lake Wylie fireworks show will take place shortly after dusk on July 4 from the shoreline of Camp Thunderbird, just south of the Buster Boyd Bridge (NC 49). MAP

Best Viewing: The Buster Boyd Bridge Boat Landing, T-Bones on the Lake outside deck, Rey Azteca deck at Lake Wylie Plaza Lake Wylie Italian and Pizza on patio at Lake Wylie Plaza

Farmers markets and canning classes abound

Opening day 2012 in Cramerton - from Cramerton Facebook

Get your pick at three weekly markets, then learn how to preserve with help from these classes

June 1, 2012 – The Catawba River District is blessed this summer with three weekly farmers markets in the district or close by.

For those of us wanting to set by this bounty (or the bounty of our own gardens), we also have some upcoming classes on food preservation, such as hot-water and pressure-cooker canning.

We even can get a sneak look at what the local food vendors will bring to market in the coming week, thanks to each market's Facebook page.

Here are the details.

Enjoy it fresh

Belmont Farmers Market – 6:30-9:30 Fridays through autumn in the empty lot in downtown Belmont. Get details on FACEBOOK. You can EMAIL market manager Kevin Cline or call him at 704-747-2323

Mount Holly Farmers Market – 8 am-noon Saturdays at 130 S. Main St. Get current details on FACEBOOK. You can EMAIL market manager Leigh Brinkley or call her weekdays at 704-372-8666

Cramerton Farmers Market – 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays at the Town Center 8^th, 9^th and Center streets. Get details on FACEBOOK. You can EMAIL market manager Cristy Busler or call her weekdays at 704-824-4337

Preserve more for later

The Gaston and Mecklenburg offices of the NC Cooperative Extension are offering classes in food preservation, both hands-on and on line.

The Gaston Extension offers classes in Gastonia at the Lucile Tatum Center, 959 Osceola St., and in Lincolnton at the James W. Warren Citizens Center, 115 W. Main St. Upcoming classes include the basics of pressure canning, the basics of canning (hot-water bath) and pickles.

CLICK to view the full schedule and get registration details. Contact for many of the Gaston classes is Linda Minges.  EMAIL Linda or call 704-922-2127 to learn more.

The Mecklenburg Extension is offering “The Summer Home Food Preservation Institute,” beginning with the on-line free course, Basics of Home Food Preservation on June 4 and concluding with Canning and Preserving the Harvest on July 22. Locations and costs vary by class.

CLICK for details and to register. Call 704-336-2082 for more details and to register by phone.