The Liberty Leader Newspaper

 Liberty Library has been renovated!
Liberty Library has been renovated!
The area between the Town Hall and the Library is now enclosed at both ends, nicely incorporating the Liberty Heritage Wall as a backdrop to the new Reading Room. The Heritage Wall, a tile mural sculpted and painted by Liberty residents in 2001, has received two awards from the NC Society of Historians. It features landmarks from the town's history. Four upholstered chairs with revolving desktops, generously discounted from Jack Cartwright Inc. of High Point, invite browsing and wireless Internet users. The entrance hall from the new Reading Room is complete with a credenza and mirror set with accent lamp. A new meeting room with a tastefully decorated seating area and antique bookcase is now available for booking (please call the library for arrangements). The existing reading area on the west side features comfortable chairs, side tables and accent lamps which enhance the floor-to-ceiling windows and Roman arches. In all, approximately 458 square feet have been added to the existing 3,400 square feet. This does not include the climate-controlled storage building which is located on the grounds. Addition of this space has allowed for uninterrupted patron use of the Internet during meetings, classes and story times which was not feasible before. The library is planning to add additional public access computers in the newly converted storage area located across from the circulation desk. The library has been in its present location since 1966. Town Manager Roger Davis was the impetus for the change. Through the years, he and his family have often been found perusing the shelves at the library. Funding for this project was provided by the Liberty Town Council and funds from a bequest to the library as recommended by the Liberty Library Advisory Board. Current members of the board are Carol Butler, Ed Butler, Warren Dixon, Brenda Shelton, Dee Stout and Carolyn Vickrey, Liberty Town Council representative. With a fresh coat of paint and recently refurbished circulation desk adding to the ambiance, the Liberty Library is truly the place to be! Susan Primm, Liberty Librarian, is thrilled with the update. “This year, 2007, marks the Library's sixty-fifth anniversary. Throughout the year, we have celebrated with family programs and events. This renovation is a very special gift to the library and the citizens of Liberty!” Liberty Librarian Susan Primm contributed to this column. Check out all the new additions.

 

 Fifth Annual Farm Fest Success
Rising Meadow Farm located at 3750 Williams Dairy Rd in Liberty is owned and operated by a great family. Ann and Ron Fay and their children Beth and Winfield Henry have made their home in the Liberty community with an active sheep farm and bed and breakfast.  As part of their contribution to the community and area farmers they have been sponsoring an annual Farm Fest. This year was another great one for visitors. Entering the gates you are greeted by a beautiful flower garden and butterflies all aflutter and then on to the cute alpaca. Other activities were live music and great homegrown food. The lines were full at all the food booths. They included homegrown apples, homemade ice cream from Homeland Creamery and oh yes, homemade lemonade by the local girl scouts.  There were hands-on demonstrations of basket weaving, yarn spinning, pottery and more. Locally raised products such as many fabrics and homemade honey to mention just a few. Crafts were in full force from jewelry made from carved woods to a full line of natural stone and gems. Alpaca, sheep and rabbit yarn products were available. All the animals kept the kids' attention as well as the hands-on projects. This is growing to be a truly great event for our area. We thank the Fay's for making Liberty their home and all the contributions they make to the community. See you next year at the Farm Fest. Do not forget they have tours and the bed and breakfast. Do not wait, another great day trip in the area.

 

 

 Local Firefighters Honored By Town
Last month the town council minutes noted that the council had decided to recognize current and retired firefighters. This event was held Saturday, September 22 at the new Liberty Fire Department, and there was a great turnout of new and retired firemen. I asked council member Tracy Beard Whatley how all this came about. She stated, "Keith Slusher and I met with the LFD members during the summer to facilitate communication between the town and the department. We expressed our appreciation for the time and work they dedicate to the town that often goes unrecognized. We asked for input regarding recruitment of new members and retention of current members, as well as any other concerns. We found out that the Town of Liberty has never recognized firefighters upon their retirement after 20+ years of service. Although there is an annual LFD banquet, this event is sponsored by the department itself, with them funding, planning, and honoring their own. Mayor Stanley then asked Keith to find a way for the Town of Liberty to express our regret for this oversight and acknowledge the service of retired and current firefighters. Retired and current members and their families were invited. Over seventy people attended the event, which was catered by Millstone Catering. The council members and the town manager served drinks to the attendees. Following the meal, Keith and Pike Johnson spoke briefly and each retired firefighter was presented with a framed certificate to recognize their service to the town." Just another great step our town is taking. The following 18 retired firefighters that were recognized by the Town: Curtis L. Arrington, Jesse L Bowman, Roy Carter, Tony Fogleman, Garland Ferguson, James T. Garrett, Oscar King, Jr., James Lankford, Jerry Light, Charlie Martin, Tommy McManus, Jr., Bobby McPherson, L. T. Smith, Randy Smith, Delman F.(Fil) York, Samuel York, Larry King, and Jackie Smith. In addition to the retired firefighters recognitiion we also are in the process of purchasing a 2001 Pumper from E M Holt Voluntary Fire Department to replace our old 1974 Pumper currently in use. This will not only be a significant upgrade to a newer more reliable vehicle as well as increase the pumping capacity from 750 GPM to 1250 GPM. Town Manager, Roger Davis stated, "I would like to give a special thanks for the Council for supporting and approving this much needed addition. I would also like to thank not only the retired firefighters for their dedicated service but also all the current members of the department for the great job they do serving the citizens of Liberty and the Northeast Fire District."

 

 

Liberty Antique Festival Another Big Hit
One of the more well-known festivals in North Carolina was held Sept 28 and 29. It is the Liberty Antiques Festival, held biannually outside of city limits of Liberty, North Carolina, and attracting celebrities, and merchants from all over the United Sates. The Piedmont Triad has always been a place where the history of the past and the people of today meet. There is no better place than the Liberty Antiques Festival. Twice a year more than 10,000 antiques lovers begin their pilgrimage to the fields of the Piedmont, NC. There, over 400 dealers from more than 25 states pack this 100 acre farm with 18-20th century furniture, paintings, pottery, glass, clocks, dolls, toys, military items, jewelry, folk art, and much more.  In 1991 Vito Sico, Mary Ellen, and Janet Hill, better known as JanMar Promotions, developed the Liberty Antiques' Festival into a national event that was recently voted best antiques show in the mid-Atlantic region. No crafts or reproductions. This one small thought has now changed the Liberty area. This great idea has brought a change the little town of Liberty. The true antiques that are essential to the shoppers' needs will be found at the Original Liberty Antiques Festival but now you can find mom-and-pop stands all over the area. Wherever you turn you will find local yard sales and people from the surrounding area who have started their own little vendor spots. The changes do not stop there. If you want the best fried chicken in the South you need to travel on Hwy. 49 North heading out of town and stop at the Liberty Ruritan Hut. They cook the best fried chicken you can find and if that does not suit your taste buds they have great barbecue also. The Liberty Chamber of Commerce held their fourth annual Antique Car, Tractor and Bike Show.  The local merchants have flourished on these days in spring and fall with numerous guests stopping in. Just a stroll down main street you will see the hustle and bustle. The town owes a great thank you to the original thoughts of Vito Sico, Mary Ellen and Janet Hill. Liberty has greatly benefited from their hard efforts. Thank you from the locals. Keep up the good work.

 

 

2007 Fall Antique Festival

Fourth Annual Liberty Chamber Antique Car Show A Hit
This year was another great turnout of antique cars and visitors to downtown Liberty. The Liberty Chamber of Commerce has been working since spring to bring another great car show. Last year they added motorcycles and this year also added tractors. This is truly growing to be a great tradition to the area. The Chamber could not do this without the help of the following organizations: The Zooland Car Club (represented by Bill Roach and Ron Johnson), Mid-State Tractor Heritage Assoc. (represented by Doug Nixon) and the Randolph County Concerned Bikers' Assoc. (represented by Anthony) all helped organize and put on this show. As you can see from the pictures the crowds came out in great force as also the exhibitors. The vendors were top notch as in years past. Just a few of them were Homeland Creamery with ice cream, Grays Chapel Girl Scouts with their fresh lemonade, M & M Concessions with breakfast and lunch (all made fresh), the Liberty Ruritan with their famous barbecue and fried chicken plates and others.  Lining the streets were every year and type of car you could imagine. A total of fifty-eight trophies were presented for first and second place. As all the locals know, the true backbone of the Liberty Chamber of Commerce is a silent secret. Executive Director Pike Johnson has always been in the background making the chamber and the board look great. This event was no different. Manning the phone for the numerous calls and dropping off registrations to the last-minute finishing touches on the trophies. Central station this year was The Coggin Agency who this year donated a large gift basket for a door prize. The owner of every car in the display was entered in the drawings. This year's winner was John Rodgers who also won two first-place trophies for his cars. The tractor club and bike club also gave away prizes. This was more than a show, it was also a reunion for many. The vehicle owners all got to catch up with each other, but it did not stop there. In the street you see fellow classmates to friends embrace in strong handshakes to hugs, for it may have been months since they saw each other. This is truly what makes a small town event. Fun was had by the vendors also, you can see in the great candid photo, the workers of Loflin Funeral home had fun while giving away free popcorn. A special thanks to all that worked behind the scenes (I apologize if I miss any) the town works for blocking the streets, to local business to opening their doors (such as the Coggin Agency and Liberty Chiropractic), Liberty School and the Liberty Early Childhood Center for the use of their bathroom (while there you could see the two new murals finished by local artists via a grant from the Randolph County Arts Guild), the police for traffic control, the chamber board, all the vehicle entries, the vendors, the public and last on the list but the origin of this all, The Liberty Antique Festival for starting a great tradition in the Liberty area. See you next year. Never know, there may be another new addition. .

 

 

 Local Christian Cartoon Artist
About three months ago at my men's Bible study group I had the honor of meeting a new Christian friend, Bruce Braun, also known as Uncle Spuzz, of Ramseur, NC. In the past two issues of the paper you have seen the artwork that goes along with scripture. This is a gift that God has allowed Bruce to provide to the world. The ones I have posted in the last two issues came from a cartoon book he has labeled , “Solomon's Toons—Kickin’ It With The Verbs.” This is just one of many cartoons he has been inspired to create. Bruce has been creating these cartoons since the 1980’s. I asked Bruce how all this came to be. He stated, “Well, these started as a way for me to get my nephew and niece into the scripture. With the cartoons I could open up a door for them to experience the Words of the Bible.” I asked him what were the steps in getting the cartoons to paper. Bruce said, “Things just pop in my head while reading scripture. I always keep a sketch pad with me and as I am reading and studying scripture a thought will come in my head. I will put something on paper and the verse I was on. I will come back later to these sketches. Some will never be used while others just transform into cartoons. “ What a great ministry for the Lord to give someone I thought. Well, that is what makes Bruce special, when he heard me say these words he quickly pointed out he is not doing anything special. It is just another tool to get people to recognize the Words of God. Bruce said, “The ministry is God's, not mine, I am just blessed enough to be used by God.” What a humble man. Well, let's learn a little bit more about Bruce. Bruce got his BA in Journalism from Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, IN. His current occupation is an event planner for Trinity Motivation in Burlington, NC. He previously was a second and third grade teacher. Bruce's hobbies should not surprise you. They are cartooning, writing and publishing children's picture books. I asked Bruce about his family. He stated, “I am Uncle to the world's greatest nieces and nephew. I began doodling an idea for a family book for a Christmas present based on a blue plastic duck that I found. The duck interestingly enough had a sticker on its bottom stamped with the number 31. My first thought was that there must be at least thirty other plastic ducks out there somewhere. As the story developed, Duck 31 turned out to be the only blue duck surrounded by thirty yellow duck brothers. Duck 31 has now been on four adventures learning life lessons with adventure five not too far from completion.” He also noted, “Solomon's Toons cartooning has emerged quite by surprise. I found in my daily reading of the book of Proverbs, I would envision an image that helped me memorize the message of the scripture. I chose the Living Bible as the version of scripture so that the young minds of my nieces and nephew could hear the message in a language that they would easily understand. My goal in presenting these cartoons is not necessarily to make a person smile or in some cases even mildly irritated. I believe that our Heavenly Father is unique in His methods to get our attention so that He can communicate to us how very much He loves us.” I asked Bruce did he have any role models and he quickly pointed out, “My role models for cartooning: Charles Schultz (Peanuts) Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes) and Walt Kelly (Pogo) and for literature: C.S. Lewis. If you want to learn more about Bruce (also known as Uncle Spuzz) visit his new website under construction at unclespuzz.com or drop him an email unclespuzz@gmail.com. I cannot wait to see where the Lord leads him.

 

Liberty NAPA Store Holds Grand Opening
Located at 420 S. Greensboro Street in Liberty is the new home for Liberty NAPA. They have been open for several months now, but this was their official grand opening to all the public and their customers. They serve the local area which includes Liberty, Staley, Siler City, Ramseur, Snow Camp, Julian, Climax and more, to mention a few locations. Speaking about serving, this day they served a lot of specials. All visitors received a great meal served from hot-off-the-grill hot dogs with all the trimming to chips, desserts and oh yes!!, let us not forget the wings from Liberty China House Restaurant. There were cool drinks and great conversation. These special days were held on Sept 14 and 15. On these great days they had awesome price savings on some of their products. While we are on the keyword serving, that is exactly what the friendly folks at Liberty NAPA do, serve the people. With a huge in-stock supply of almost all items you need, they also offer delivery. It does not stop there, if you need that just-special part, they have supplies arriving three times a day. The big thing that jumped out at me is that the old thought of it has to be more expensive here since this is a small town is totally wrong. I did some price comparisons and did you know they actually have items cheaper here than in the big town of Greensboro? Why take the drive to a large town? Stay local and save. You save gas, you save time, you save money and not only with the products, but why not pick up a meal in town which is cheaper than the big cities. Stop in and pay them a visit, you will be glad you did.