Celebrating Adoption Day
"The happiest two hours of the year" is one way that we have described Adoption Day. Seeing the children and parents that have come together to form a new family is so exciting. This year there were ten families and twleve children that took part in this recognition from Cleveland and Lincoln counites. It was obvious there were new haircuts, new dresses and shirts as well as instructions to sit still in the courtroom! Words of encouragement were shared from an adult who was adopted more than fifty years ago, Mr. Peter Finn, and words of appreciation were expressed from Judge Wilson, Judge Paksoy and Karen Ellis the Director of Cleveland County DSS. A reception was held with cake and ice cream allowing the Judges and social workers to congratulate the families.
Hog Happnin' a Huge Success
What do you get when you mix Halloween and a competition BBQ event? Lots of fun! The Cleveland County fairgrounds was the site for the Hog Happnin' which drew 54 BBQ teams from the southeast, 260 classic cars and trucks from across the state, 50 motorcycles, 50 crafters and thousands of hungry people. Starting on Friday night, Halloween, with Trick or Treat, a costume contest for children and adults, and a Taster's Choice contest the weekend was filled with good fun and good food. On Saturday entertainers graced the stages while people enjoyed walking around in the sunshine to see the cars, purchase small Christmas gifts and have a meal of BBQ. For months the event planners, Lloyd Williams Jr, Lloyd Williams III, Jerry and Joyce Gardner, Robert Queen, Jim Holland, Rick and Lisa Washburn, Ronnie Whetstine, Ed Howard, Jennipher Harrill and Eddie Kee have worked on the details to ensure a safe and successful event. They did a great job! Also, a big thanks to all of volunteers who worked on Friday and Saturday. It takes many people and many hours of work to make it happen.
For additional photos and list of winners go to:
Carl Fortenberry Wins Volunteer Award
Carl "Teddy Bear" Fortenberry was one of the five winners, world wide, of the Stover Award for Volunteerism given by the EATON Corporation. Mr. Fortenberry has been very involved over the years in raising money for the Ride for the Children sponsored by the Windjammers Motorcylce Club which benefits CHCC at Christmas with gifts and a monetary donation. In addition, he raises money for the seniors at North Shelby School to go to the beach each year and he volunteers with Special Olympics.
Several months ago Mr. Fortenberry was visiting in the CHCC and inquired about summer activities for the residents of the group homes. He expressed concern when told finances were tight for the summer program. When he won the Stover award he also won a check for $1250 which he then donated to CHCC for summer activities for the group home residents! Our sincere thanks go to Mr. Fortenberry for his continued interest and commitment to the boys and girls served by CHCC.
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