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Historic Cliffside powerhouse imploded as part of Duke Energy’s modernization …

Posted on October 7, 2015 by

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct.6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ –As Duke Energy demolished one of the last vestiges of the historic coal-fired Cliffside Steam Station in Mooresboro on Tuesday morning, Reno and Betty Bailey knew the memories collected over the past 70 years by those who lived near the plant would live on.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct.6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ –As Duke Energy demolished one of the last vestiges of the historic coal-fired Cliffside Steam Station in Mooresboro on Tuesday morning, Reno and Betty Bailey knew the memories collected over the past 70 years by those who lived near the plant would live on.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — As Duke Energy demolished one of the last vestiges of the historic coal-fired Cliffside Steam Station in Mooresboro on Tuesday morning, Reno and Betty Bailey knew the memories collected over the past 70 years by those who lived near the plant would live on.

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For decades, Cliffside station was the center of a thriving village, and the couple’s website contains memories from many of the people who lived there.

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Duke Energy demolished the station’s retired powerhouse as part of the company’s decommissioning program to modernize generation and dismantle older plants no longer in use.

Duke has completed six implosion events at retired sites in the Carolinas since 2013. (For more information about the company’s decommissioning program, visit duke-energy.com/coal-decommissioning.)

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Duke has completed six implosion events at retired sites in the Carolinas since 2013. (For more information about the company’s decommissioning program, visit duke-energy.com/coal-decommissioning.)

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Duke has completed six implosion events at retired sites in the Carolinas since 2013. (For more information about the company’s decommissioning program, visit duke-energy.com/coal-decommissioning.)

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The station began operating in 1940 and units 1 through 4 were retired in 2011. Its original four units were replaced with cleaner, more efficient units. The company added unit 5 in 1972 and unit 6 in 2012. Both are now part of the James E. Rogers Energy Complex.

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The Baileys and others who lived in the community have done their best to preserve a time when life was simpler and neighbors were closer. So, hearing about the implosion of the site’s historic powerhouse surprised them.

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“It’s another landmark going away. I’m sure that the people who worked over there hate it more than I to see it go,” said Reno.

Remembering a simpler time

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Remembering a simpler time

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Remembering a simpler time

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on remembercliffside.com, a site dedicated to preserving the memory of the small town in western North Carolina, just outside of Shelby.

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9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on remembercliffside.com, a site dedicated to preserving the memory of the small town in western North Carolina, just outside of Shelby.

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For 13 years, the couple has worked most weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on remembercliffside.com, a site dedicated to preserving the memory of the small town in western North Carolina, just outside of Shelby.

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Reno, 80, injured his left hand years ago, so he does most of the clicking needed to manage the site. Betty, 82, does the typing. Reno taught himself the basics of web programming with online video tutorials in the late 1990s.

http://www.duke-energy.com/about-us/stories-reno-bailey.asp

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http://www.duke-energy.com/about-us/stories-reno-bailey.asp

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You can read their story here: http://www.duke-energy.com/about-us/stories-reno-bailey.asp

https://youtu.be/x4i6ZQBpoKg

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https://youtu.be/x4i6ZQBpoKg

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View video footage from the implosion here: https://youtu.be/x4i6ZQBpoKg

https://youtu.be/EEkJeo7DGE0

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https://youtu.be/EEkJeo7DGE0

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View video interview with Reno Bailey here: https://youtu.be/EEkJeo7DGE0

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dukeenergy/albums/72157659131999368

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https://www.flickr.com/photos/dukeenergy/albums/72157659131999368

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View historic photos and photos from the implosion event today here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/dukeenergy/albums/72157659131999368

About Duke Energy
Duke Energy Carolinas owns nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas, renewable and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides approximately 20,000 megawatts of owned electric capacity to about 2.5 million customers in a 24,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.

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About Duke Energy
Duke Energy Carolinas owns nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas, renewable and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides approximately 20,000 megawatts of owned electric capacity to about 2.5 million customers in a 24,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.

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About Duke Energy
Duke Energy Carolinas owns nuclear, coal-fired, natural gas, renewable and hydroelectric generation. That diverse fuel mix provides approximately 20,000 megawatts of owned electric capacity to about 2.5 million customers in a 24,000-square-mile service area of North Carolina and South Carolina.

Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

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Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

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Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.

Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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SOURCE Duke Energy

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Tagged with: Charlotte

Neuse River bass hitting topwater flies

Posted on October 7, 2015 by

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Local guide offers tips for fishing the Neuse

Brian Cope
12 hours ago | Mobile Reader | Print

Courtesy EJ Stern

Fall weather is invading the Raleigh area, but it hasn’t pushed anglers like EJ Stern completely out of the area’s rivers. Stern, of Raleigh Flyfishing Guide service, said it won’t last much longer, but that right now, wet-wading is the way to go, especially in the Neuse River.

Stern has been catching a variety of species, with largemouth bass and bream making up the bulk of his catches. While the recent rains will impact the fishing on the Neuse for several days, the water levels have been low, so this shouldn’t hurt the fishing.

The Bedford section of the Neuse has been one of Stern’s hotspots, and he said longer casts are necessary here because these fish are sometimes easily spooked. Stern said this section gets the most fishing pressure in the river because of a nearby paddling operation, but he said that slows down this time of year, making it a great place to fish.

“The bass seem to be in groups instead of solitary, and I am finding them with two, three, or four other fish with them,” said Stern, adding that anglers should minimize false casting, make long casts, and try to avoid stirring up much silt which will disturb fish that are downriver. Using a longer leader is also helpful for anglers, he said.

“In some spots that you know consistently hold good-sized fish that spook easily, try staying out of the water and fish these areas from land,” said Stern, who added that many anglers in the Triangle-area have no idea just how good the local river fishing is.

“We’ve got so many fish per square mile in these rivers, and every logjam holds up to a dozen fish or more,” Stern said.

Foam hoppers have been working well for Stern, and he has also been using streamers at times. For wet-wading, Stern suggests anglers wear an old pair of tennis shoes with grippy soles. Water sandals like Keen’s Newport H2 are also good for wading, as they have good grip, fit securely, and provide toe protection.

With cooler days ahead, Stern said anglers will need to pull on the waders soon, but for now, he said wet-wading is still his pick. “The first step into the water is cool, but you get used to it really quickly,” he said.

For anglers who want to get on the water with Stern but have never tried flyfishing before, he said that’s not a problem. “Many people are intimidated by flyfishing, but I can teach them all they need to know to fish our local waters with a short lesson. People get the hang of it quickly, especially when wading, which gets you away from tree branches and other obstructions,” he said.

To book a trip with Stern or find out more about fishing the Raleigh area, visit Raleigh Flyfishing.

-For another take on flyfishing in North Carolina, visit here.

Tagged with: North Carolina

J.Crew Mercantile to open first-to-market store at Park Road Shopping Center

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ –EDENS, one of the leading real estate developers in the country, announced today that J.Crew Mercantile will open at Park Road Shopping Center in early 2016. The location will be a first for the Charlotte market and will occupy the space next to Blackhawk Hardware.

–>CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ –EDENS, one of the leading real estate developers in the country, announced today that J.Crew Mercantile will open at Park Road Shopping Center in early 2016. The location will be a first for the Charlotte market and will occupy the space next to Blackhawk Hardware.

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — EDENS, one of the leading real estate developers in the country, announced today that J.Crew Mercantile will open at Park Road Shopping Center in early 2016. The location will be a first for the Charlotte market and will occupy the space next to Blackhawk Hardware.

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J.Crew launched J.Crew Mercantile earlier this year, combining the brand’s signature style with a new standalone shopping concept. Currently, there are only two open locations of the concept. At Park Road, the store joins other growing fashion brands including Onward Reserve and Julie’s.

Lyle Darnall, managing director for EDENS. “Partnering with J.Crew Mercantile is an important step toward bringing in more national retailers for Park Road and the entire Charlotte market.”

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Lyle Darnall, managing director for EDENS. “Partnering with J.Crew Mercantile is an important step toward bringing in more national retailers for Park Road and the entire Charlotte market.”

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“We have instituted a number of changes over the past few years at Park Road and brought in a number of exciting new names in dining and retail,” said Lyle Darnall, managing director for EDENS. “Partnering with J.Crew Mercantile is an important step toward bringing in more national retailers for Park Road and the entire Charlotte market.”

Atherton Mill and Kenilworth Commons in the Charlotte area.

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Atherton Mill and Kenilworth Commons in the Charlotte area.

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In addition to Park Road Shopping Center, EDENS owns and operates Myers Park Center, Atherton Mill and Kenilworth Commons in the Charlotte area.

About Park Road Shopping Center: Initially opened in 1956, Park Road Shopping Center has long been one of the most popular and storied retail centers in Charlotte. EDENS has worked to preserve the center’s sense of place and close community ties, while enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere and diverse merchandising mix. Anchored by Harris Teeter, Blackhawk Hardware, Michael’s and Regal Park Cinemas, the center is also pedestrian-friendly, making for a perfect day with the family.

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About Park Road Shopping Center: Initially opened in 1956, Park Road Shopping Center has long been one of the most popular and storied retail centers in Charlotte. EDENS has worked to preserve the center’s sense of place and close community ties, while enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere and diverse merchandising mix. Anchored by Harris Teeter, Blackhawk Hardware, Michael’s and Regal Park Cinemas, the center is also pedestrian-friendly, making for a perfect day with the family.

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About Park Road Shopping Center: Initially opened in 1956, Park Road Shopping Center has long been one of the most popular and storied retail centers in Charlotte. EDENS has worked to preserve the center’s sense of place and close community ties, while enhancing the family-friendly atmosphere and diverse merchandising mix. Anchored by Harris Teeter, Blackhawk Hardware, Michael’s and Regal Park Cinemas, the center is also pedestrian-friendly, making for a perfect day with the family.

About EDENS: EDENS develops, owns and operates community shopping centers in primary markets across the country. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the company has built an institutional-quality portfolio of more than 120 retail centers. EDENS has regional headquarters in Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Columbia, SC. For additional information about the company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edens.com.

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About EDENS: EDENS develops, owns and operates community shopping centers in primary markets across the country. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the company has built an institutional-quality portfolio of more than 120 retail centers. EDENS has regional headquarters in Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Columbia, SC. For additional information about the company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edens.com.

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About EDENS: EDENS develops, owns and operates community shopping centers in primary markets across the country. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the company has built an institutional-quality portfolio of more than 120 retail centers. EDENS has regional headquarters in Boston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Miami, Houston and Columbia, SC. For additional information about the company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edens.com.

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SOURCE EDENS

Dixie Dawn Concert

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“Who’s Gonna Fill their Shoes”? That is the question on the minds of David Johnson and the legendary country band, Dixie Dawn, as they kick off the Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music’s Fall Concert Season on Saturday night, October 3rd at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium. The doors open at 7pm and this much anticipated Dixie Dawn concert begins at 7:30pm. Johnson and the band always pick a theme for their special JSMHM yearly performance, and with the lost this past year of some of Country Music’s biggest stars, they decided to pay tribute to many of their musical heroes.

Johnson, who lives down the mountain in beautiful Purlear, said of the show – “The theme this year is based on the song ‘Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes’ by George Jones, who ironically passed away himself not long ago after lamenting the loss of so many country artists over the last few years.” Johnson went on to explain, “One stage and one show couldn’t hold the special people and songs that have given America its history of classic country music since the inception of the Grand Ole Opry. But we have picked out some of the ones that we liked best and I’ll bet the audience will know almost every word of the songs. There will be songs by Ray Price, George Jones, Buck Owens, Patsy Cline, Faron Young, Little Jimmy Dickens and many others.”

Dixie Dawn formed in 1981, and is comprised of the “faithful five” – Darrel Bryant, Billy Smith, Ronnie Black, Kevin Rash and Johnson. In its heyday, the group enjoyed playing at premier tourist attractions in North Carolina as well as opening for top names in country music, such as Alabama and the Oak Ridge Boys. Dixie Dawn was the house band at a family-style entertainment establishment and they were favorites at Merlefest in Wilkesboro for several years. Although they’ve played some of everything, the band now only plays the music they love; classic country, gospel, bluegrass, and 50’s rock and roll.

With their diverse musical show filled with medleys, comedy, great playing and singing, they put on a show that continues to have a following of loyal fans from all over the South. JSMHM director Rodney Sutton stated – “The Dixie Dawn concert is consistently one of our best attended shows each season. David Johnson and his band mates never disappoint our audiences and no two shows are ever the same.”

As they often do, Dixie Dawn has invited a young emerging artist to join them for this JSMHM show. Retha Davis is from the Catawba area and is the daughter of Benny and Barbara Benfield (known in gospel circles as The Benfields). Johnson stated, “Benny Benfield gave me one of my first professional jobs working with him on television for the Bill Hefner Country Style Roundup on WBTV in the late 1960’s. His family and mine have always been close particularly in the music scene. I watched Retha grow up and have enjoyed hearing her sing with her family for years. Dixie Dawn has done an annual Christmas Show with the Benfields in the Statesville area for about the last 20 years or so. Last Christmas we invited Retha to come be with us on a future show and this JSMHM concert on Saturday night worked out. She will be singing a Patsy Cline song or two, and even a couple of songs ordinarily associated male artists like Hank Williams and Keith Whitley.”

“As far as Dixie Dawn goes, we play in different groupings several times throughout the year but not as much as the entire country band. So the theme show that we do annually for JSMHM is always a treat for us to see our mountain friends and to share our first love of vintage country music from the 50’s 60’s and 70’s”, Johnson added. JSMHM director Rodney Sutton exclaimed, “Mountain Home Music is excited to return to Blowing Rock for many of our Fall Concerts. Joe Shannon always loved to present this Dixie Dawn performance at the Blowing Rock School Auditorium, and David Johnson has played there so many times over the years, that he says it fills like returning home.”

This concert is supported by the following private sponsors: Bob Goddard and Bonnie Guy, T. C. Farthing Family, Dr. E. Frank and Tara Hancock, Lynn Hubbard, Merida H. Steele – In Honor of John H. Steele, and The Estate of Joe Shannon. . Business sponsors include; Advanced Realty, Boone TDA, The Dulcimer Shop, The Mast General Store, Mountain Times Publishing, and WETS-89.5FM. Joe Shannon’s Mountain Home Music is also proud to be included as a site on the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina(BlueRidgeMusicNC.com).

Tickets cost $18 in advance and $20 at the door. Student tickets are $10. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.mountainhomemusic.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the Mast General Store (Boone and Valle Crucis), Fred’s Mercantile on Beech Mountain, Stick Boy Bread Company(345 Hardin St, Boone), and Pandora’s Mailbox and the Dulcimer Shop, both in the Martin House on Main Street in downtown Blowing Rock.

The Blowing Rock School Auditorium is located at 130 Sunset Drive, Blowing Rock, NC. Directions and more info can be found at the JSMHM website – www.mountainhomemusic.com/

Tagged with: Blowing Rock NC

Western Carolina University hosts conference on community roles in tourism …

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Western Carolina University has announced it will hold a conference to discuss downtown community roles in regional tourism, according to a press release from the university. The November 10 meeting — the third annual tourism-themed conference to take place at the college — will be held at the Ramsey Regional Activity Center from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The conference, titled “LEAD:Tourism,” will focus on how healthy downtown districts in communities across western North Carolina impact overall tourism in the region and can boost economic prospects for each community.

Tourism and development experts will share their experiences and insights into successful community development and how to capture a piece of the growing tourism market in the region. Information on how to access grants and other community development funding will also be touched on.

“Much of the tourist spending and activity in Western North Carolina revolves around small rural towns,” says Steve Morse, director of WCU’s Hospitality and Tourism Program and organizer of the conference, in the attached press release. “To attract tourists, many small towns have enhanced and developed their main streets and surrounding areas to increase tourist spending that supports new business, jobs and significant investment in rural downtown districts.”

Last year’s conference drew an estimated 200 attendees, including representatives from chambers of commerce and economic development officials from across the region. The upcoming conference will feature presentations from U.S. tourism and destination marketing expert Berkeley Young; community economic development expert Becky Anderson, founder of HandMade in America; Liz Parham and Sherry Adams from the N.C. Main Street Center; former Georgia Main Street director Billy Parish and George Brown, dean of WCU’s College of Fine and Performing Arts, among others.

The tourism conference is part of a series of events spawned from the inaugural LEAD:WNC summit in 2014, in which community development leaders gathered to discuss the future of sustainable economic and community development.

The cost to attend this year’s LEAD:Tourism conference is $99 and includes lunch and a customized tourism economic fact sheet pertaining to your town or community. Sponsors for the conference include Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Duke Energy, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Nantahala Outdoor Center and Smoky Mountain Host.

For more information on the 2015 LEAD:Tourism conference or to register to attend, check out wcu.edu/academics/edoutreach/conted/profdev/TourismConference.asp, contact the Division of Educational Outreach at 828-227-7397 (toll-free at 800-928-4968) or see the official press release below.

Press release:

WCU to host Nov. 10 conference on role of WNC downtowns in tourism industry

CULLOWHEE – A conference at Western Carolina University on Tuesday, Nov. 10, will focus on the impact that a healthy downtown district can have on attracting tourists and boosting the economy of the 26 westernmost counties of North Carolina.

Presented by the WCU College of Business, the third annual tourism-themed conference will be held in the Ramsey Regional Activity Center beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding by 4 p.m.

Titled LEAD:Tourism, the conference is expected to attract elected and appointed government officials, representatives of tourism and economic development organizations and chambers of commerce, and owners and operators of private sector businesses in the hospitality and tourism industry.

The most recent tourism conference drew approximately 200 attendees, including chamber of commerce and economic development officials from across Western North Carolina.

“Much of the tourist spending and activity in Western North Carolina revolves around small rural towns,” said Steve Morse, director of WCU’s Hospitality and Tourism Program and organizer of the conference. “To attract tourists, many small towns have enhanced and developed their main streets and surrounding areas to increase tourist spending that supports new business, jobs and significant investment in rural downtown districts.”

Conference attendees will hear tourism and main street development experts share their experiences and success stories in developing local authenticity of communities and towns and capturing the growing tourism market in small towns, Morse said. Attendees also will learn about resources and grants available through the N.C. Main Street Center in the N.C. Department of Commerce, he said.

Topics will include the things tourists are looking for in downtowns, economic development strategies for downtown revitalization, best practices for small town main street development, turning local assets into community pride and tourist spending, understanding the economic power of authenticity, and the role of the creative arts in downtowns.

Among the scheduled speakers are U.S. tourism and destination marketing expert Berkeley Young; community economic development expert Becky Anderson, founder of HandMade in America; Liz Parham and Sherry Adams from the N.C. Main Street Center; former Georgia Main Street director Billy Parish; and George Brown, dean of WCU’s College of Fine and Performing Arts.

The conference also will repeat a popular attraction from previous events, when attendees received customized “tourism economic fact sheets” with detailed analysis on the impact of tourism on the economies of counties across WNC. The fact sheets are compiled by a senior-level tourism business analysis class in hospitality and tourism taught by Morse.

This year’s tourism conference is part of a series of “spin-off events” from the inaugural LEAD:WNC, a one-day summit convened in 2014 by WCU to discuss solutions leading to sustainable economic and community development. Launching an annual conference of regional leaders and thinkers to work collaboratively on solving regional issues was among the pledges made by WCU Chancellor David O. Belcher in his March 2012 installation address.

Cost of attendance at the LEAD:Tourism conference is $99 including lunch and free customized tourism economic fact sheets. For information or to register, visit the website tourism.wcu.edu or contact the Division of Educational Outreach at 828-227-7397 (toll-free at 800-928-4968).

The event is sponsored by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, Duke Energy, the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area, Nantahala Outdoor Center and Smoky Mountain Host.

Tagged with: North Carolina

Asheville tourism bureau doesn’t report how it spends money

Posted on October 7, 2015 by

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — The agency that promotes tourism in Asheville has a $9 million budget of public money, but doesn’t have to reveal how it spends a lot of that money.

Asheville Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Stephanie Brown told the Asheville Citizen-Times reports (http://avlne.ws/1O5it80 ) that the salaries and bonuses of agency employees are not public record.

Brown says the bureau employees are workers on contract from the private nonprofit Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, so even though they handle public money, they aren’t considered public employees like the city manager, police officers or firefighters.

North Carolina Press Association attorney Amanda Martin says it is appalling that so much money can be spent without reporting, itemizing or accountability.

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Information from: The Asheville Citizen-Times, http://www.citizen-times.com

Tagged with: Asheville

Man shot in downtown Raleigh dies – WTVD

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A man shot in downtown Raleigh Tuesday evening has died, according to police.

The shooting happened around 6:45 p.m. at New Bern Avenue and Hill Street.

An eyewitness reported hearing a shot and seeing a person stumbling while another person ran away.

Police said the victim, 30-year-old Joshua George Ayalogu, was taken to WakeMed, where he later died Wednesday morning.

At this point, no arrests have been made. The RPD’s Homicide Unit is leading the investigation of the case.

Anyone with information that might assist detectives is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP or visit raleighcrimestoppers.org for text and email reporting options. CrimeStoppers pays cash rewards for anonymous tips that help solve cases.

Tagged with: Raleigh

UTC Aerospace Systems Celebrates 200th A380 Landing Gear Delivery

Posted on October 7, 2015 by

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ –UTC Aerospace Systems today welcomed Airbus to its landing gear production facility in Oakville, Ontario, to celebrate two program milestones. As the supplier of the body and wing landing gear for the Airbus A380, the event commemorated the pending delivery of the 200^th shipset of gear. It was also an opportunity to recognize the upcoming delivery of the first shipset of main landing gear for the A350-1000 program. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ –UTC Aerospace Systems today welcomed Airbus to its landing gear production facility in Oakville, Ontario, to celebrate two program milestones. As the supplier of the body and wing landing gear for the Airbus A380, the event commemorated the pending delivery of the 200^th shipset of gear. It was also an opportunity to recognize the upcoming delivery of the first shipset of main landing gear for the A350-1000 program. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — UTC Aerospace Systems today welcomed Airbus to its landing gear production facility in Oakville, Ontario, to celebrate two program milestones. As the supplier of the body and wing landing gear for the Airbus A380, the event commemorated the pending delivery of the 200^th shipset of gear. It was also an opportunity to recognize the upcoming delivery of the first shipset of main landing gear for the A350-1000 program. UTC Aerospace Systems is a unit of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

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Senior representatives from Airbus were on hand to acknowledge the relationship with UTC Aerospace Systems, which has led to the successful achievement of these milestones, and to thank the employees for their contributions to these key programs. In support of the event, Airbus provided an overview of its business activities, participated in a QA session and presented employees with special mementos marking the occasion.

th set of A380 landing gear,” said Frank Karakas, vice president of Airbus programs for UTC Aerospace Systems’ Landing Systems business.

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th set of A380 landing gear,” said Frank Karakas, vice president of Airbus programs for UTC Aerospace Systems’ Landing Systems business.

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“As a long-standing supplier on the A380 program, we very much appreciate Airbus taking the time to join us in celebrating this important milestone and to personally acknowledge the efforts of our employees. We are pleased to honor this relationship by commemorating the delivery of the 200^th set of A380 landing gear,” said Frank Karakas, vice president of Airbus programs for UTC Aerospace Systems’ Landing Systems business.

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“We are equally excited to celebrate the upcoming delivery of the first set of main landing gear for the A350-1000 aircraft, a program that will continue to strengthen our ongoing relationship with Airbus,” affirmed Karakas.

Oakville facility. I am happy to come here and thank the employees for their hard work on all of our programs, to recognize their dedication to the A380 program, and to celebrate reaching this important first milestone on the A350-1000 program,” said Sean Black, senior director Head of A350 XWB U.S. Program, Airbus Americas.

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Oakville facility. I am happy to come here and thank the employees for their hard work on all of our programs, to recognize their dedication to the A380 program, and to celebrate reaching this important first milestone on the A350-1000 program,” said Sean Black, senior director Head of A350 XWB U.S. Program, Airbus Americas.

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“The UTC Aerospace Systems team is a strong supplier to Airbus, particularly in the Oakville facility. I am happy to come here and thank the employees for their hard work on all of our programs, to recognize their dedication to the A380 program, and to celebrate reaching this important first milestone on the A350-1000 program,” said Sean Black, senior director – Head of A350 XWB U.S. Program, Airbus Americas.

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As a leading provider of landing gear systems for commercial aircraft, UTC Aerospace Systems has been supplying the body and wing landing gear for the A380 since the outset of the program. At 19 feet tall, the body landing gear is the largest gear aboard a commercial aircraft and with 2 body gears and 2 wing landing gears supplied per aircraft, a shipset comprises 20 wheels. The company is now leveraging its expertise to design and manufacture the main landing gear for the A350-1000, the latest version of the Airbus A350 XWB family of wide-body jetliners.

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UTC Aerospace Systems designs, manufactures and services integrated systems and components for the aerospace and defense industries. UTC Aerospace Systems supports a global customer base with significant worldwide manufacturing and customer service facilities.

Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website at www.utc.comor follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

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Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website at www.utc.comor follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

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United Technologies Corp., based in Farmington, Connecticut, provides high-technology systems and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website at www.utc.com or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/utc-aerospace-systems-celebrates-200th-a380-landing-gear-delivery-300155018.html

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http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/utc-aerospace-systems-celebrates-200th-a380-landing-gear-delivery-300155018.html

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SOURCE UTC Aerospace Systems

Aiken, Dollar and ASM’s Reba Moretz honored by Appalachian’s Alumni Association

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Laura Aiken, left, Reba Moretz and Nelson Dollar have been honored by Appalachian State University’s Alumni Association. Photo by Marie Freeman / App State

Laura Aiken of Apex, N.C. Rep. Nelson Dollar of Cary and Reba Moretz of Boone have been honored by the Appalachian Alumni Association at Appalachian State University for their distinguished careers and service to the university.

Aiken ’98 ’00 received the association’s Young Alumna Award, Dollar ’83 ’85 received the Distinguished Alumnus Award and Moretz ’52 ’53 received the Outstanding Service Award during an event held Oct. 1 at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts on campus.

Young Alumna Award

Laura Aiken has distinguished herself through her service to Appalachian, her community and those she assists through her work as a healthcare professional.

Aiken is a patient experience advisor for Press Ganey Associates (PGA). She works with healthcare professionals to improve patient experiences and outcomes in PGA’s hospitals and physician practices. Aiken also has had a distinguished career in other healthcare positions. She was director of Advocates for Health in Action, a collaborative housed at WakeMed Health Hospitals. She also served as a cardiac rehabilitation specialist with WakeMed.

She was included in the Triangle Business Journal’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2010 in recognition of her work in the healthcare industry.

Aiken has chaired the N.C. Alliance for Health Executive Board and N.C. Action for Healthy Kids, been a board member of N.C. Child and the Poe Center for Health Education and a committee member of Eat Smart, Move More.

Aiken served Appalachian as a former president of the Alumni Council and ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees, as president of the Triangle Appalachian Alumni Chapter, and as a member of the Board of Visitors.

She also serves Appalachian as a member of the Beaver College of Health Sciences Advisory Council and as a member of the Health, Leisure and Exercise Science Advisory Board.

Aiken has a bachelor’s degree in health promotion and a master’s degree in sports management from Appalachian.

Distinguished Alumnus Award

Nelson Dollar is in his sixth term as a member of the N.C. House of Representatives. He is senior chairman of the House Appropriations Committee and vice chairman of the Finance Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. He also has held leadership positions on the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee for Health and Human Services, the State Personnel Committee and the UNC Board of Governors’ Nominating Committee, among others.

Through his leadership on the House Appropriations Committee, Dollar was instrumental in securing funds to plan and design a building for Appalachian’s Beaver College of Health Sciences.

Dollar has been recognized by AARP for his commitment to support services for seniors and family caregivers and by the National Alliance on Mental Illness North Carolina as its 2014 Legislator of the Year.

While at Appalachian he served as president pro tempore of the student senate. While a graduate student at Appalachian, Dollar was a member of the Graduate Student Senate.

Among his honors, Dollar was named Legislator of the Year in 2009 by the State Employees Association of North Carolina and a Top Ten Most Effective Legislator by the nonpartisan North Carolina Center for Public Policy. He also was recognized by the North Carolina Free Enterprise Foundation with a Top Ten Business Ranking.

Dollar has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social sciences from Appalachian.

Outstanding Service Award

Reba Moretz all but grew up on Appalachian’s campus. Her father was Dr. Wiley F. Smith, who taught at Appalachian from 1936-1964 and was the Department of Psychology’s first chairman.

She has known every president or chancellor of the university from Dr. B.B. Dougherty to current chancellor Dr. Sheri N. Everts.

As co-owner of Appalachian Ski Mtn., Moretz has hosted numerous events at the ski resort to benefit the university and the Alumni Association. She has spent countless hours providing guidance to university boards and committees. She was a member of the Appalachian State University Board of Trustees for eight years.

She and her husband, Grady, are founding members of An Appalachian Summer Festival, and she served on the festival’s Advisory Committee for three years. She has served on the College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board and was a member of the chancellor search committee in 2004. She currently serves on Appalachian’s Board of Visitors.

Together, the Moretzes have financially supported 40 different areas of the university, including The Appalachian Fund, Yosef Club, Appalachian Athletics, Alumni Memorial Scholarship, Chancellor Installation Fund in 2005 and 2015, Dr. Wiley F. Smith Psychology Endowment and the Appalachian Collection in Belk Library and Information Commons.

Moretz also has been a leader in advancing the state’s tourism industry. She and her husband were honored as North Carolina Tourism Leaders of the 20th Century in 2000, and she has been

honored for her work with N.C. High Country Host.

Moretz has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in music from Appalachian.

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Weather impacts North Carolina leaf watching – WTVD

Posted on October 7, 2015 by

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It is the time of year when the leaves begin turning a vibrant red and yellow. People from all over the country make their way to the mountains of North Carolina to see a colorful vista. However, this year the wind and the rain have been a factor, knocking off some of the most colorful leaves in the trees of the high country.

Dr. Howard Neufeld is a professor of Biology at Appalachian State University. He says it is mostly the higher elevation trees that have been affected.

“I would say maybe 20 percent of the leaves came down on the trees that had already started turning. Those are mostly birches and the tulip poppers which are the yellow trees,” he explained.

Neufeld says areas in the lower elevations, like Boone and Blowing Rock may actually benefit from the rain.

“There is still a lot of green out there on the hills, so I think there is still the potential for a lot of color change,” he said. “I think we escaped it by having the storm come early enough, and now we have this nice, cool, sunny weather. That is the perfect condition to bring out some of those reds.”

Neufeld predicts the next two weekends will be great for leaf watchers in and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

It may take a few weeks for the lower elevations to show peak color.

For more information on Dr. Neufeld or to receive weekly reports, visit his facebook page here.

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