Food and Features

For six weeks in November and December, A Novel Experience bookstore in downtown Zebulon, held the “Good Books, Good Cause” book drive to help the local library update and refurbish its collection. Customers could purchase “wish list” items at reduced prices and include a personalized bookplate. [Full story »] 

Former Pike County Pirates kicker Andrew Chau joined the celebrations as his new teammates – the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – earned the trophy Dec. 31 against the University of Southern California at the Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas. [Full story »] 

When Heidi Dawson heard the news about the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., she knew she had to reach out to help.

She took time off from teaching horseback riding at Magnolia Farms Equestrian Center in Concord and traveled almost 18 hours before arriving at the small town where so many young lives had been cut short by a 20-year-old gunman. [Full story »] 

Members of the Pike County Kiwanis Club did some extra shopping this year as they provided gifts for all the children in foster care in the county. [Full story »] 

American Legion Post 197 wants to memorialize millions of U.S. veterans with a mural to be painted on the walls of the Pike County Community Memorial Building. The contest is open to all citizens of Pike County and design ideas must be submitted by Jan. 4. The winning design will earn the artist $100. [Full story »] 

The Pike County Arts Council will hold the annual Candlelights and Christmas Concert Saturday, Dec. 8 at Concord United Methodist Church. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. and feature a variety of songs with Christmas favorites performed by soprano Alison Kirkland of Williamson, flutist Nellie LaBerge of Concord, pianist Rick Massengale and violinist Sonia Squires. [Full story »] 

The fire safety house owned by Pike County Emergency Services recently got a makeover and will be able to teach many more generations of children about the dangers of house fires. It was purchased with a grant from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Fire Prevention and Safety program in 2003. Each year, every kindergartener at Pike County Elementary school takes a trip through the safety house.

“It’s an awesome, purpose-built tool, a mobile classroom. It has almost everything we need to teach kids about fire safety,” said deputy fire chief of operations Randy Snyder. “Hands down, it beats a video any day and greatly reinforces learning, which leads to retention. The alternative is something we obviously can’t show them - a live fire.” [Full story »] 

A Lifsey Springs resident recently uncovered a piece of the area’s history when he started clearing bushes and trees from a large memorial sign at the former Lions Club Youth Center at the crossroads of Old Lifsey Springs Road and Highway 109. [Full story »] 

In honor of past and present veterans, Pike County American Legion Post 197 will present its annual Veterans Day program Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. on the courthouse square. The Veterans Day program will feature a demonstration and explanation of the meanings behind the 13 folds in burial flags. [Full story »] 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and survivor Saralyn Stephens Horne of Concord is well aware of how the disease can change lives. She discovered a lump in her breast in 1978 during early stages of cancer. Ten years later, another cancerous spot was found during a mammogram. [Full story »]