Alexander County Now
August edition features interview with new Superintendent
ALEXANDER COUNTY, NC (August 1, 2014) — The August 2014 edition of “Alexander County Now” is available for viewing on the county’s YouTube channel and on the Government Channel (Charter channel 192 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99). “Alexander County Now” is a monthly news program dedicated to coverage and promotion of events, people, business, history, and community information for citizens and visitors of Alexander County.
This month’s show features an exclusive interview with the new Superintendent of Alexander County Schools, Dr. Jennifer Hefner. Other segments include: the 69th Annual Alexander County Agricultural Fair set for September 2-6; August is “Art Appreciation Month”; a moment in Alexander County History; the “Alexander County Business Spotlight” featuring Pollard Raceway Park; and upcoming events planned in August.
If viewers are watching the show on YouTube (www.YouTube.com/AlexanderCountyNC), they can use the time markers below to skip to the segment they wish to watch.
0:38 — This month’s episode features the exclusive 45-minute video interview with the new Superintendent of Alexander County Schools, Dr. Jennifer Hefner. Dr. Hefner was appointed to the top post at the July 29 meeting of the Alexander County Board of Education. In the interview, Dr. Hefner recalls her education and subsequent employment with the local school system, where she started as a teacher assistant and bus driver, advancing through the ranks as a teacher, principal, associate superintendent, and now, superintendent. Learn all about Dr. Hefner in this extensive interview.
46:40 — Rick Lail, Fair Chairman for the Taylorsville Lions Club, provides an in-depth look at the 2014 Alexander County Agricultural Fair set for September 2-6. The 69th annual event will feature rides, games, food, talent show, a backyard grill-off, animal shows, exhibits, music featuring MercyHeart and Shook Lane, and much more. Bring your friends and family to the Taylorsville Lions Club Fairgrounds, located at 170 Fairgrounds Road in Taylorsville (off NC Hwy. 16 South).
51:39 — August is “Art Appreciation Month” across the nation. Pete Woods, Executive Director of The Hiddenite Center, and “Miss Mel” Hager, Children’s Librarian for the Alexander County Library, explain how the arts support the local economy. The Hiddenite Center is offering numerous classes, exhibits, and performing arts events throughout the month. The local library system held a “Recycled Art Show” on July 26, and those unique pieces of art are on display at the library throughout the entire month of August. Visit www.hiddenitecenter.com and www.alexanderlibrary.org for more information.
55:20 — This month’s segment on “Alexander County History” recalls the days of slavery in the 1850s-1860s. Marie Chapman gives an in-depth look at that period of the county’s history, as written in the comprehensive history book, “Alexander County Treasures.” A limited number of copies are available for a cost of $53.45, which includes sales tax. Those interested may purchase a copy by mail by sending a check to: Alex History Group LLC, PO Box 279, Taylorsville, NC 28681. Or the book may be purchased at The Taylorsville Times (24 East Main Avenue, Taylorsville), Taylorsville Savings Bank (Taylorsville, Hiddenite, and Bethlehem branches), Custom FrameCrafters, and the Alexander Ancestry Association. For more information, call (828) 632-2532.
58:00 — This month’s “Business Spotlight” features Pollard Raceway Park, located at 74 Bandit Street (off NC Hwy. 90 East). Owner Larry Pollard opened the go-kart track approximately 14 years ago, and has made some recent improvements to the go-kart track to make the racing even more exciting. The track is open to the public on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and on Sunday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. And don’t miss the “Thursday Night Thunder” event held every Thursday, with competitive racing for 20 laps for only $12. The track opens in the spring every year and runs through October, but its operation is weather-dependent. The track also hosts private parties, even in the winter months, when possible. For more information, call (828) 632-0966.
1:07:16 — Learn all about the many activities and events that are happening in August in Alexander County, including an artist reception at The Hiddenite Center on August 3, the Alexander County Garden Club meeting on August 14, a “CROP” scrapbooking workshop at The Hiddenite Center on August 16, a round in H&H Arena’s $10,000 roping series on August 16, a lawnmower race at the fairgrounds on August 16, a “Summer on the Square” concert on August 17, a benefit cruise-in on August 23, “Dancing at the Beach” event at The Hiddenite Center on August 23, a free business seminar at the CVCC Alexander Center for Education on August 28, the Governor’s 5K Race on August 30, the “Walking Dead” paintball event at Command Decisions Wargames Center on August 30, a month-long art exhibit at The Hiddenite Center, and the Alexander County Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning.
“Alexander County Now” is a monthly news program dedicated to coverage and promotion of events, people, business, history, and community information for citizens and visitors of Alexander County. For more information, contact Gary Herman at (828) 632-1378 or glherman@alexandercountync.gov.
In addition to Alexander County’s YouTube Channel (www.YouTube.com/AlexanderCountyNC), the program airs three times daily throughout the month on the Alexander County Government Channel (Charter Communications channel 192 and AT&T U-Verse channel 99) at 8:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. A new episode will air at the beginning of each month.
Chad Ritchie, of the Alexander County Information Technology Department, serves as the videographer and editor for “Alexander County Now,” while Gary Herman, of the Alexander County Economic Development Corporation, is the main host of the show. Ritchie and Herman combine to produce and direct the show, while numerous other county employees and agencies contribute to the program.
