Serving Raleigh, North Carolina :: The State Capital & The City Of Oaks :: Assoc. Member, NC Press Association, Triangle Press Club :: November 12th, 2010
Raleigh Gets Big Bill From California For Video Services By Olivia Barrow, The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - In 2006 the City Council decided to offer an online live video stream of its meetings in addition to broadcasting them live on Channel 11, so that people who do not have television or prefer to view the meetings via the computer could have instant access to their videos. On Nov. 29, 2006, the council entered into a contract with a California company called Granicus, Inc., paying $40,050 for setup and the first year’s payment, and $15,600 for each of the following year to set up a system for the live online broadcasting. Over the last four years, that adds up to $62,400 for just video hosting alone. In addition to installation, set up and storage, the company also provides archiving and bookmarking of the videos, so that viewers can search for and skip to different topics during the meetings instead of watching the whole meeting. However, the bookmarks are not always correct according to our own experiences using the software. During budget meetings earlier this year, Council member Bonner Gaylord has pushed for the reevaluation of contracts, especially the Granicus contract, in order to cut unnecessary spending. “Live-streaming I think is a great benefit,” Gaylord said at the time. “But if there’s a cheaper option, it makes sense to look at that.” And there is a cheaper option. Almost $40,000 cheaper. The public information office is already equipped and able to upload and stream the videos using free downloadable software, said Mike Williams, assistant director of public affairs. The initial software purchase and installation through the firm cost Raleigh $27,050, instead of less than $1,000 if the uploading were done in-house.
Many companies also offer inexpensive website hosting for videos and websites, such as GoDaddy.com, hostmonster.com, Webhostingpad.com, and others for as low as $10 per month or less with virtually unlimited storage space. Granicus charges $15,600 per year for just the hosting of videos. “The archiving and the bookmarking would be difficult to provide internally,” Williams said. By contrast, the Raleigh Telegram and RTP-TV pays its hosting company around $13 a month for hosting over nine years of television shows and videos that have been produced by the company. “We’ve had as many as 10,000 viewers in one day watch our videos,” said Randall Gregg, who is publisher of the newspaper, a television producer, and online video expert. “Why the City of Raleigh pays such an astronomical amount for simple video hosting is beyond me as I’m sure their audience is not very large.” In addition, the City of Raleigh already has a YouTube account, which hosts all of its videos for free, allows bookmarking, and even allows the embedding of videos into third party websites using easy to copy HTML codes displayed on the video page, something that Granicus does not currently offer. As the council reevaluates expensive third-party such as the Granicus contract, Raleigh Council Member Bonner Gaylord said he would like to see the funds used more efficiently in the future. The City of Raleigh’s new budget for the 2010-2011 fiscal year will only increase property taxes by 0.5% and the overall budget amount spent will decrease from 697 to 620 million dollars. As the city looks at areas in the budget where they can save money, they may have to cut services, although some may argue that the city needs to examine some of its existing contracts.
Ice Skating Rink, Winterfest Returns Downtown Dec. 4th
Most people don’t associate North Carolina with ice skating, but Raleigh’s outdoor ice skating rink proved popular last year. Photo by Raleigh Telegram.
By The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - A popular attraction in downtown Raleigh will return on December 4th. The Winterfest on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh at the City Plaza area on Fayetteville Street will kick off on Saturday, December 4th from 4pm to 11pm. Although the ice skating rink will be open through February, special events to be held on December 4th will include singing, dancing, horse and carriage rides, carousel rides, ice sculpting, Santa’s village, and more. Other fun family events during the evening include the official Christmas
Tree lighting ceremony by Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker at the square. Live music will feature the Embers, Jaron and Long Road to Love, and Christian Kane. There is no admission to attend the events, although there is a charge for ice skate rental($8 includes admission and rental) if you want to ice skate. The ice rink is operated by the Polar Ice House. Last year, the ice skating rink proved to be popular among Raleigh citizens and the skate rink remained open past its original closure date due to popular demand. Other NC cities such as Greensboro and Charlotte are now considering ice rinks following Raleigh’s lead last year.
Mr. Downtown Raleigh, Greg Hatem
Greg Hatem helped start the downtown Raleigh revival with his restaurants including The Raleigh Times, Morning Times, Sitti, Gravy, The Pit, and Duck & Dumpling. Read what he has to say about Raleigh on page 5. Photo: Telegram.
Ira David Wood To Have Heart Surgery
Icon Ira David Wood III (right) will be undergoing heart surgery and his son Ira David Wood IV (left) will take on his role as Scrooge. Photo: Little Theatre.
By Elliott West The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - Well known Raleigh icon and actor Ira David Wood III will undergo open heart surgery, causing him to miss starring in the leading role of the annual production of “A Christmas Carol” this year. Wood has been in the annual play for the last 35 years, starring as “Scrooge” every December since 1974. The play is seen by around 30,000 people each year in Raleigh and in Durham and represents the largest production of Raleigh’s Theatre In The Park. Wood told the cast and crew of the play last week that he will not be able to play the lead role due to his surgery and recovery late this year. According to ABC11 Eyewitness News, Wood told the cast that “it's gonna be tough for me to sit out a little bit and watch.” As they say, the show must go on, so the role of Scrooge will go to his son, Ira David Wood IV, who is also a professional actor. Ira David Wood IV
Raleigh Water Bills To Change RALEIGH - City of Raleigh residents and some customers in neighboring towns that depend on Raleigh for water will see some changes in their water bills. The city says that water customers will be issued a new 10-digit account number and the new number will appear at the top of each bill. According to the city, water customers must reference the new account number when paying their bill or if they have billing questions after November 1st. They will also need to send payments to a new mailing address. In addition, the city will start using three tiered water billing rates, with heavy users being charged more.
has had roles on TV shows such as “One Tree Hill” and in various films. The elder Ira David Wood is expected to return to the role next year and is also scheduled to star in other roles for the Theatre In The Park during the 2011 season. The Wood family is well known for their acting both here in Raleigh and internationally. Evan Rachel Wood, who is Ira David Wood III’s daughter, has starred in Hollywood movie roles in recent years including a critically acclaimed role in “The Wrestler” with Mickey Rourke. Based on the story by Charles Dickens and set in Victorian England, “A Christmas Carol” tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a tightwad businessman who has a change of heart when three ghosts visit him during Christmas Eve. WANT TO GO? The play can be watched in Raleigh at the Progress Energy Center downtown and also at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Tickets range from $24 to $79 depending on the seat location. To buy tickets, visit the site below and click on “A Christmas Carol”: http://www.theatreinthepark.com
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US Army Special Operations Leaders Discuss Overseas Campaigns In Raleigh
By R. Gregg, Editor The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - Leaders of the US Army’s Special Operations Command recently met in Raleigh as part of a twice annual conference to discuss their efforts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and around 56 other countries around the world. The US Special Operations Command Commanding General John Mulholland led the meetings at a local hotel and conference center. Army commanders from the Green Berets command, training, support, aviation, logistics and other areas of the SOC were in attendance. General Mulholland said that the efforts in both Iraq and Afghanistan boil down to winning the hearts and minds of the people there. “At the end of the day, this is about the people,” he said. “It’s fundamentally about respect.” Mulholland said that he believed that the US Special Operations units were “the world’s finest.” “Nobody brings the full range to special ops like we do,” he said. The general said that although there were some supply problems experienced in early deployments for overseas campaigns, the Special Operations units are now fully equipped. “The truth is the Army Special Operations has never been better equipped than today,” he said. “I’m not sure that was true ten years ago.” The general also said that the special forces has had no problems recruiting soldiers because of the type of work they do. In fact, he said that special ops are getting overwhelmed with applicants from within the military. “They’re there because they want to be,” he said. “It’s almost counterintuitive, but we’re getting more and more [applications].” General Mulholland proudly stated that among the special ops soldiers who were up for reenlistment, “every single person who was eligible to do so did.” The War In Iraq Although President Barack Obama declared the war in Iraq “officially” over earlier this year, the US Army Special Forces are still very active in the country, said General Mulholland. “In Iraq, we are not drawing down anytime soon,” he said. “It will be more of the same.” The War In Afghanistan In Afghanistan, General Mulholland said that the special forces are “extraordinarily heavily deployed” and are engaged in “intense raids...on high value targets.” In the unique type of fighting in Afghanistan, General Mulholland said that the special forces are an extremely valuable asset. “We are our nation’s most relevant force,” he said. As the United States now enters its tenth year of fighting in Afghanistan, some tactics have changed in country. Special Forces General Edward M. Reeder, who just returned from his fifth tour in Afghanistan, said that troops are transitioning away from using forward operating bases and are now staying with the local people in their own villages. “They are living amongst the population and helping them help themselves,” he said. Special operations troops are living in wooden structures within the villages
and encouraging the people themselves to organize their own defenses, “like a neighborhood watch,” said General Reeder. Reeder added that these programs have been initiated under General David Petraeus, who took over as commander of all of the forces within the country this summer. General Reeder praised Petraeus and his leadership style. “He is a brilliant soldier and tactician,” said General Reeder. “His initiatives are decisive and a game changer.” Challenges In Afghanistan Although new leadership has helped to recharge US efforts there, Reeder said that the Taliban should not be underestimated as an enemy. Familiar with the tribal politics, the Taliban are able to take advantage of conflicts between Afghan tribes, he said. “They are masters at making alliances with smaller tribes,” said Reeder. In addition, General Reeder said that there are other problems to overcome in the country such as being able to hand off duties to the Afghan troops. “There have never been enough Afghan national forces,” said the general. In addition, the country’s hardscrabble land and extreme temperatures can hinder efforts. Reeder said that there is “unforgiving terrain in the east,” and high mountains in the country. To help soldiers train, they have premission training programs at Fort Bliss, Texas to replicate the mountains of Afghanistan. Another challenge that the special forces take on in Afghanistan is the eradication of poppy fields, which the Taliban use to generate income for their war efforts. Poppies are used to make the illegal drug heroin. General Reeder said that often eradicating poppy fields helps their cause. “Counter narcotics often equals counter insurgency,” he said, although he acknowledged that as “the closer you get down to the ground,” the harder it was to tell who was involved in the production of the plants. Towards those counter narcotics efforts, General Reeder said there were US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents embedded within the Special Operations forces in Afghanistan, working together. Despite these challenges in Afghanistan, General Reeder said that the new programs initiated under General Petraeus are popular with the Afghan people. “I am very optimistic about the future of Afghanistan,” said General Reeder. World’s Toughest Job During one part of the meeting, General Mulholland reminded those present that special forces soldiers work in very tough conditions in some of the “world’s worst places.” Special operations soldiers don’t seek the limelight, he said and often can’t even discuss their missions because of the sensitive nature of their work. Despite their quiet nature, their important duties should be recognized as integral to the US efforts, he said. “As we sit here now, there are small elite teams of men...going after these very hard targets under very dangerous conditions,” said General Mulholland.
The US Army Special Operations Command recently met in Raleigh (above middle). Meetings were led by General John Mulholland (above left) who said that the SOC is heavily engaged in Afghanistan. General Edward M. Reeder (above right) has been in Afghanistan for five tours of duty and says efforts are improving there. Photos by Raleigh Telegram.
US Navy To Launch New Ship In NC Port On Nov. 20th By The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - WILMINGTON, NC - The Guided Missile Destroyer USS Gravely DDG 107 will be commissioned in Wilmington, North Carolina on November 20th, 2010 at the NC Port facilities. The ship will be the second US Navy ship to be commissioned in Wilmington, as the USS North Carolina submarine was commissioned the port city in 2009. After being upfitted since its launch in 2009, the USS Gravely started sea trials in June of this year. USS Gravely is the 57th unit of the Arleigh Burke Class of guided missile destroyers and is named for Vice Admiral Samuel Lee Gravely, Jr., USN. The USS Gravely is commanded by Commander Douglas Kunzman, US Navy. The guided missile destroyer was constructed at Northrup Grumman Corporation’s Ingalls Shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
Her keel was laid on November 26, 2007, launched on March 30, 2009 and christened on May 16, 2009. The USS Gravely has an overall length of 510 ft, beam of 66 ft, full load displacement of 9,200 tons and a mean full load draft of 33 ft. She is propelled by four 26,250 shaft horsepower General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines through two controllable reversible pitch propellers. Three 3,000 KW Allison gas turbine generators provide ship’s electrical power. Central to her sensor capabilities are the Aegis weapons Gezell Fleming portrays police detective Josephine Griggs on the big screen and system with the SPY-1D phased array Chris Westmoreland stars as psychic Dennis Claremont. Photo: DagType Films. radar for surface and air and the SQS-53 sonar for underwater. Gravely has two vertical launch missile systems containing 96 rounds of either the Standard Missile for surface-to-air, Tomahawk for land, or ASROC for underwater targets, a 5-inch/62-caliber gun system and two torpedo tubes. Gravely also has a helicopter hangar for two SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters.
Raleigh Actress Stars In Movie After Fight With Cancer
Photo: US Navy
Reprinted From DagType Films
Man Robbed After Responding To Craig’s List Posting By The Raleigh Telegram FAYETTEVILLE, NC - Detectives in Cumberland County are searching for a local woman wanted in connection with a “Craig’s List” robbery. According to the police, warrants have been issued for 21year old Veronica Jenerette of 200 Perch Drive, Fayetteville. Police say she faces charges of second degree kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and felony conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Jenerette is allegedly one of four people who attacked a man on Sunday, October 24th, who thought he was buying a laptop he saw posted on Craig’s List. “When the victim arrived at the address, located on Salmon Drive, to
purchase a notebook computer, he was beaten and robbed,” said Debbie Smith of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. “His wallet, money and cell phone were stolen, and his vehicle stripped of a stereo system.” Police say afterwards, the victim was taken to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where he was treated and later released. Police say Jenerette is described as a black female, five feet one inch tall, she weighs 130 pounds, has black hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo of a cross on her face and a teardrop under her eye. The name “Christina” is also tattooed on her upper chest. Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office at (910) 323-1500.
RALEIGH - A new film is debuting in Raleigh this month with a local actress starring in the lead role who went back into acting after her fight with cancer. The new movie from Dagtype Films titled “Foresight” focuses on a police detective who elicits some unusual help from a pyschic to solve a murder. The movie was written and directed by Raleigh resident Jon Lance Bacon, produced by Steven P. Neilson, and stars Chris Westmoreland. The movie will debut on the big screen at 7 PM on Sunday, November 14th, at the Raleighwood Cinema Grill, located at 6609 Falls of Neuse Road in Raleigh. Tickets are only $10. Actress Gezell Fleming plays the lead role and portrays police detective Josephine Griggs on the big screen. According to the producers of the film, Griggs returned to acting after battling for her health. “This was my first career opportunity after cancer,” the actress said in a released statement. “I had just grown my hair back from some very brutal chemo episodes, and I was just getting my strength back, and I really needed to be thrust back out there. It was a real shot in the arm to know that, yes, I can still do this.” Producers say that Fleming has been acting professionally for more than 25 years and acquired a love of theater when she was growing up. “As a child, I wanted to be an actress,” says the Charlotte native.
“However, I was a chronic stutterer and couldn't even say my own name.” Her life changed in high school, when she understudied the female roles in a musical. “One of the girls was out one night,” Fleming said. “I did her role, and I learned on the stage how not to stutter. I've been acting ever since.” According to Fleming, her experiences helped her identify with Josephine Griggs, the detective she portrays in “Foresight.” “My life really prepared me to play this character,” she says. “Josephine Griggs is an African American woman in an environment where she's the only one of her kind, and I've been in that situation so many times, in the workplace. I have been in situations that were very racially charged, and have had to overlook that to get a job done.” Filmed entirely in the city of Raleigh, Foresight takes viewers to a small Southern city, where someone has abducted and murdered a young girl. Raleigh residents will probably spot some local landmarks in the film, as well as some local actors including Tom McCaffery, Margeret Turner, Ted Gray, Rose Arico, Jim King, Stefani Leonard, Dan A.R. Kelly, Jane Kenan, Kippie Curtis, Jeni Owens, Gabe Wood, Lucy Burke, and David Hains as the KrispyKreme eating police lieutenant Hardee. To receive a $2 discount on tickets and to get more information, visit the DagType Films website at the Internet address below: http://www.dagtypefilms.com
Cary Football Team Loses 38 In Row
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CARY - After losing a heartbreaking 38 games in a row, the football team at Green Hope High School in Cary (above, entering stadium) will look for a new football coach after their 2009 season ended in yet another defeat by the Holly Springs High School which only won two games themselves. The Falcons had a season record of 0-11. Although parents told The Telegram that Coach Steve Katz was well-liked by the students, his record over the last four years was 1-43, prompting the change in leadership. The Green Hope Falcons may see some improvement next year as their Junior Varsity team scored some victories this season, according to parents. Photo by The Raleigh Telegram.
Krispy Kreme Burger Proves Popular At NC Fair
David’s Dumpling & Noodle Bar
The $6 Krispy Kreme sandwich consists of two doughnuts, two pieces of bacon, a slice of cheese, and a hamburger patty. Photo by Raleigh Telegram.
By The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - Although not quite a healthy choice for a meal, the Krispy Kreme doughnut cheeseburger drew world-wide attention at the North Carolina State Fair this past month. The “sandwich” consists of two sugar glazed Krispy Kreme doughnuts that serve as buns to hold in two pieces of bacon, a slice of cheese, and of course a hamburger patty. All served together, it made a big name for itself to thousands of fairgoers. According to NC State Fair officials, the unique sandwich was even featured on CNN during the fair. According to a worker at the 1853 Grille, which was serving the doughnut burger and other unique dishes inside
the Kerr Scott Building, sales of the $6 Krispy Kreme sandwich were brisk. “We’ve sold lots of them,” she said. In a presentation at another part of the fair, NC Agriculture Secretary Steve Troxler alluded to the popularity of the burger. “If the Krispy Kreme cheeseburger does not fit your fancy, then try the one pound hot dog,” he joked. As some people walked by and viewed the sandwich, the phrase “gross” was mentioned more than one time. However, a worker in the grille explained to them that the state fair is a time to experiment with unique foods and it comes only once a year. “It’s the state fair,” he said. “You’ve got to try some foods outside of your comfort zone.”
Raleigh’s CharGrill Featured In USA Today Burger Story
Visiting CharGrill on Hillsborough Street is like stepping back in time to the 1950’s as you watch your burger being made. Photo by The Raleigh Telegram.
By The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - A local landmark burger joint was recently mentioned in a USAToday newspaper article about the best burgers in America. The large three page article, which appeared in the national edition of the print newspaper on Friday, October 1st, took a look a 51 great burger joints across the United States. In the section about North Carolina, CharGrill was mentioned as the best place to get a burger in North Carolina thanks to its unique qualities. “Guests place custom orders on long, skinny, order sheets, slide them through a slot in the window and watch their burgers sizzle on a charcoal grill,” said the article. “What began in a small cinderblock building in 1959 has grown to six locations, each featuring vintage 1960’s design and music.” The company said they were happy to be mentioned in the article.
“We were thrilled and honored to be named the best burger in NC,” said Ryon Wilder, President of the CharGrill Companies. The company recently expanded with two new franchised restaurants in Cary and Durham, and two large indoor dining stores in High Point. In addition, the original Hillsborough Street location in downtown Raleigh has added late night hours. The restaurant is now open until 3am on Friday and Saturday evenings. In 1959, the restaurant chain got its start when Bruce Garner, a Raleigh entrepreneur and restaurateur, built the first Char-Gril locationl on Raleigh’s Hillsborough Street, fashioning the restaurant after Raleigh’s first fast-food hamburger grill, The Charcoal Grill. Business partners Mahlon Aycock and Ryon Wilder later bought the business and expanded the restaurant to include four locations in Raleigh and the new franchise locations elsewhere.
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Experience the great dishes that everyone has been talking about. From the open top pork & shrimp sui mai dumplings (above) to the edamame & mushroom dumplings, you’ll love these unique flavors from experienced Chef David Mao.
Mr. Downtown Raleigh: Greg Hatem Talks About Food, History, Life, & More THE TELEGRAM: You seem to have an affinity for newspapers as evidenced by The Raleigh Times bar, the Morning Times and not long ago, you even married a newspaper reporter. Please tell us how newspapers shaped your life and childhood and led to your love of photography as well. GREG: You busted me. Growing up, we always got three newspapers everyday: The News & Observer, The Wall Street Journal and our local paper, the Daily Herald. I always thought the coolest job in the world would be as a photojournalist covering news around the world. When I went to N.C. State, I was photo editor of the Technician, and there were certainly some semesters where I spent more time in the darkroom than I did in the classroom. I think it played a big part in what we’re doing today. We work really hard making sure that our buildings and our restaurants are designed not just for a culinary experience but for a visual experience. It’s almost like we’re building real-world movie sets and we all get to live in them. Of course, now, the only thing I take pictures of is my wife Samantha and our son, George Mitchell. THE TELEGRAM: You once told me that "Hargett is the target." Tell us about how your existing projects on Hargett Street in downtown Raleigh create a sum that is greater than the parts and what future projects you have planned for that area as well. GREG: In some ways Hargett Street has become our defacto Main Street. It’s probably the most active street in town right now. It connects the two squares: Nash Square and Moore Square. It’s our most pedestrian street. The impact that The Raleigh Times had all those years ago really blew me away about how one project can anchor an area for activity that goes almost 24/7. Since opening the Morning Times on one side and [another bar] on the other, we’ve also added two more restaurants, Sitti and Gravy. And...more retail spaces, many of which are on the second floor. So as you walk down Hargett Street, you can have great food, you can shop for apparel, get a haircut, a back rub, learn martial arts, do Pilates and buy art, all within a two-block area. And we’re only getting started. THE TELEGRAM: Please tell us about your projects in Durham and in New Bern including the Elks Temple building there and any future plans for those cities. Is it hard creating properties in more than one city? GREG: In Durham, we have three really cool buildings on Chapel Hill Street that were all furniture stores at one time, another recurring theme at Empire. We were so lucky to be able to purchase the Elks Temple building in downtown New Bern. It is a signature building of the downtown and the community has been incredibly supportive of our efforts to bring it back as a center of activity. Greg Hatem at his Sitti restaurant in downtown Raleigh. Photo by the Telegram.
It looks remarkably like our office building, the former Masonic Temple building at Fayetteville and Hargett streets.
Interview By Randall Gregg, The Raleigh Telegram
From a mobilization standpoint, it’s a little more difficult to work in different cities. But what’s great is these communities are so eager to work with us to bring back their downtown. The process is much more streamlined than we even deal with at home. It’s well worth the trade off.
RALEIGH - What motivates Raleigh developer and restaurateur Greg Hatem as he continues to renovate historic properties, open up new restaurants, and pushes forward successfully despite some setbacks? We talk with Greg Hatem about his past, his future, his keys to success in business, and his projects in Raleigh, Durham, and New Bern, North Carolina.
THE TELEGRAM: Who has been the biggest influence in your life and why?
For those who don't know Greg Hatem, you probably know many of his businesses or developments created through his companies, Empire Properties and Empire Eats. He is either a partner or owns outright the Duck & Dumpling restaurant, the Raleigh Times restaurant, the Morning Times coffee shop, Lebonese food restaurant Sitti, The Pit barbecue restaurant, and Gravy, an Italian cuisine restaurant.
GREG: There are many. First, my grandparents, who came to America from Lebanon without being able to speak or read English. They were able to work hard and become successful. And that success wasn’t measured by what they were able to do but by the fact that they worked hard to raise children and grandchildren to be successful in America. They taught us values as well as hard work.
In addition to many other properties, Hatem has also developed or restored many Raleigh properties including the Heilig-Levine building which is NC’s first platinum LEED-certified project, The Masonic Temple Building, 230 Fayetteville Street, The Commerce Building, the former Jillian's building, and the Elks Temple in downtown New Bern.
Secondly, my uncle who dedicated his life to medicine in China, from the 1930’s on. He showed me that no matter how bad things got, I probably wouldn’t have to live in a cave and get shot at by the Japanese. His goal was to spend one year in Shanghai to study tropical medicine.
Hatem has had his setbacks such as having to cancel plans for a luxury hotel in downtown Raleigh due to a lack of funding available during this bad economy, but he is generally regarded as one of the most successful developers and businessmen in downtown Raleigh.
By the end of his life, he had completely transformed the health care system in China and added nearly 30 years to a person’s life expectancy. He taught me that anything is possible, even if it takes a lifetime.
In this exclusive in-depth interview, we asked Greg about how he grew his businesses downtown during the years when no one went downtown, his love of travel and newspapers, his toughest project, what's missing in Raleigh, and more.
And my brother, George Mitchell. Everybody needs a big brother.
THE TELEGRAM: Greg, you were investing in the downtown Raleigh area when no one wanted to be down here and I think you once described it as the "wild west" for various reasons. What made you take chance by investing here and where do you see downtown Raleigh in the next decade? GREG: I grew up in a small town called Roanoke Rapids in Eastern North Carolina. In the 1960’s, our downtown was all we had. That’s where all the shops, all the offices were. The toy store, the five-and-dime, even the hospital where I was born was on Main Street. It all seemed to make sense then. So when I came to Raleigh, the capital city of this great state, I couldn’t understand how we let our downtown become so dilapidated. It was easy to see what it once was and it makes perfect sense to try to bring it back. As to what Raleigh will be like in the next decade, it’s a tough one. We have all these great things going for us, location, climate, being voted the “smartest city in America.” But it’s kind of ours to lose. From here forward, it’s about finding great leadership that understands how we need to grow in the future. We need to control how we grow and how we value our natural resources. We need to embrace density and affordable housing in the urban core. We need to stop the debate on mass transit and just get it done. If we’re not careful, we’re going to end up like Atlanta.
THE TELEGRAM: You have traveled around the world extensively. Please tell us about your travels and how they have influenced your businesses as well. GREG: I spent a lot of time in China from the beginning of the mid-80’s. I actually lived there in the mid-90’s. I had a company that partnered with a Chinese group that created software and had a real estate project in Northern China. It took almost 10 years from the start of the business to actually complete our vision. The reason we were successful is because we were able to create strong relationships with our other partners in China, Taiwan and Japan. At the end of the day, business really is about relationships. It’s kind of funny that our first real estate project was in China, but our real contribution has been back home in Raleigh. THE TELEGRAM: We spoke earlier about the fact that banks just aren't lending money to anyone, even companies with good track records and balance sheets. What is the problem with banks as you see it and how can it be fixed to allow entrepreneurs to grow and create jobs? GREG: Our banking system is not only a disaster, it’s an embarrassment. We are pouring all this money into making banks “too big to fail.” Most of the jobs that are created are done so by working with local and community banks. These guys are about to be regulated into extinction. This has to end and money has to start flowing back to the entrepreneurs that created this country. We could create a hundred jobs by next summer if the banks would just start lending money again.
THE TELEGRAM: Which do you like better -- restaurants or real estate and why? GREG: During a recession, it's restaurants, because you can't eat real estate. Actually, I enjoy them both about the same. In real estate, we’re trying to restore these great old buildings so people can use them again. But it’s the restaurants in those buildings that we get to really show them off. It’s fun to see that active use and all the energy created by people having a great experience in one of our restaurants. THE TELEGRAM: If you could point to one restaurant or property that you have developed as your greatest success, which one would it be and why? GREG: The Raleigh Times. At the time, the Raleigh Times building was our most challenging to date. The structure and everything about it was a complete mess. We learned so much about how to reconstruct old buildings from that project. We still use a lot of those techniques today. It also is one of the most historically significant buildings in Raleigh. By having the newspaper in that building from 1906 to 1925, we can only imagine the people that came through there, the conversations that were had and the debates that were created everyday with that newspaper. That’s what inspired us to create The Raleigh Times Bar. We really wanted to hold on to the spirit of that paper and use it as a showcase to tell Raleigh’s history. What’s also been great about it is that since we’ve been open, not only have we told a little bit of Raleigh’s history, but we’ve helped make part of Raleigh’s history when Obama visited during the campaign.
THE TELEGRAM: What is one thing that Raleigh is missing that you think should be here? GREG: Leadership with great vision. Everything falls in line after that. We’re starting to get this attitude of “We’re Raleigh and you’re not” and that’s a great prescription for disaster as we move forward. I was speaking at a conference in South Carolina and the keynote speaker, Chris Leinberger, was talking about the best cities in the Southeast. The first one he mentioned was Raleigh, simply to say that we weren’t even in the game yet. We lack the mechanisms to create all the things that we need: affordable housing, mass transit, more walkable and dense communities, all things that lead to a sustainable community. THE TELEGRAM: If you could narrow down one attribute that has been the key to your success, what would it be? What would you tell other people in business? GREG: Hard work and don’t blink. There are so many times in my personal and professional life that I was able to accomplish things that I shouldn’t have simply because I refused to give up or even entertain the idea that I wouldn’t be successful. Once you start believing that you can’t, you will certainly be right. And hard work is what separates people with great ideas from the ones with great accomplishments. THE TELEGRAM: Tell us something about Greg Hatem that most people probably don't know, perhaps an interesting hobby or unusual interest.
His visit ended up being on the front of newspapers around the world. It’s kind of ironic since the newspaper that the bar was named after has been gone for 20 years.
GREG: I am an Eagle Scout, and I consider that one of my proudest accomplishments. I think every young person should be exposed to Scouting. ::
Of course, my sentimental favorite is Sitti. Any project that has pictures of your grandmothers that honors their food and life has to be a favorite.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This interview first appeared on our RaleighTelegram.com website and was edited to fit this print edition.
North Carolina State Fair Draws Record Crowd This Year With 1.1 Million People
The NC State Fair always has great rides and those who rode this giant Ferris wheel got a birds eye view of everything that was going on below. Photo: Telegram. By Randall Gregg The Raleigh Telegram
Above, apples vie for blue ribbons. Below, a goat sculpture made by Triangle students out of old tires and the real thing at bottom. Photos: Raleigh Telegram.
RALEIGH - Despite a tough economy, the North Carolina State Fair reached a major milestone this year, as it broke the one million mark for attendance for the first time ever, says the NC Department of Agriculture. State Fair officials say that the fair hosted a record 1,091,887 people over 11 days to see events and displays that included everything from pecan pie baking contests to NASCAR driving simulators. “We were blessed with near perfect weather for the 11-day run, eight recordsetting days and three sold-out concerts in Dorton Arena,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in a released statement. “We are happy to have broken through the one-million mark, but more importantly we are happy folks had a great time when they came out to the Fair. Everywhere you looked, you saw people having fun with their friends and family. That’s what makes the Fair such a lasting tradition.” According to fair officials, the event posted one-day attendance records on both Thursdays, both Fridays, both Sundays, and Tuesday, October 19th, and Saturday, October 23rd. Tickets sold out for three concerts say fair organizers. Former Hootie and the Blowfish front man Darius Rucker sold out
his concert in Dorton Arena as did Christian acts Casting Crowns and Chris Tomlin. As usual, there was plenty of unique and interesting food this year at the fair. Grabbing national attention was the infamous Krispy-Kreme doughnut burger, which consisted of two glazed sugar doughnuts as buns, a meat patty, cheese, and two strips of bacon. Although your doctor may not approve, the unique $6 burger was featured on CNN. (See article on page 4). Other unique foods included the one pound hot dog, deep-fried Snickers bars, deep-fried Twinkies, and plenty of giant turkey legs and barbecue sandwiches. Some of the cake baking contests produced works of art that included an R2D2 cake made topped off with frosting and even a cake that honored NC classics complete with frosting-based Cheerwine and doughnut recreations. The state fair also had a big NASCAR influence with race cars on display and a new historical marker unveiled (see story on page 9) by Junior Johnson and Gov. Bev Perdue marking the spot of the former Raleigh fairgrounds track, the last dirt track in NASCAR. Students from around the Triangle created “green” sculptures out of discarded trash including an amazing goat sculpture (see left) that was made out of old tires. To see 200 of our photos from the state fair, visit: http://tinyurl.com/ncfair2010
Concerts at the fair included former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker (left) and Gloriana (right). Rucker has done well with his transition from pop to country. Photos by Andy Martin for The Raleigh Telegram.
VOTE 2010: Wake Co. Election Results
Republican challenger BJ Lawson is consoled by his children in Raleigh as he learns of the election results on election night. Photo: Raleigh Telegram.
Congressmen David Price, Brad Miller Easily Beat GOP Challengers NC Republican chairman Tom Fetzer speaks to the crowd in Raleigh on election night as he is flanked by Senator Phil Berger (left) and Representative Stamm as they speak to the crowd. Photos by The Telegram.
NC Legislature Under Republican Control For First Time In 100 Years RALEIGH - Riding a wave of voter discontent on both national and local levels especially in regards to the economy, Republican legislators have gained control of both the North Carolina House of Representatives and the Senate. The Republican majority will mark the first time since the 19th century that Democrats have not controlled at least one house in the North Carolina General Assembly. At the Marriott Hotel in downtown Raleigh, Republican leaders and voters gathered in one of the ball rooms to celebrate the victory on election night. As balloons fell from the ceiling and a band played on the main stage late into the evening, Republican leaders gathered on stage to celebrate a series of victories that gave them the majority at the legislative building on Jones Street. “Tonight we will celebrate, tomorrow the hard work of governing begins,” said Tom Fetzer, the former mayor of Raleigh and current Chairman of the NC Republican Party. The NC Republican Party appears to have over 60 seats in the NC House and over 26 seats in the Senate, enough to give them a majority in both. In an interview with the Raleigh Telegram, Fetzer cited the historic nature of the election. “We’re doing great,” said Fetzer. “This is the first time since 1898 that we’ve had control.” When asked if the Republican victories were a result of national or state government concerns by voters, Fetzer said that it was a mix. “It’s both,” he said. “People are really fed up with debt and spending.” On a state level, Fetzer said that he believed there would be a focus on returning to the basics. “I think we’ll see kitchen table economics applied to state government,” said Fetzer. “Less spending, less debt.” During statements on the stage, North Carolina Representative Skip Stamm echoed those sentiments. “We’re going to govern in a different way...in a frugal way,” he said. NC Senator Phil Berger, who will likely take over as president of the NC Senate (see separate article), said that he felt that citizens in the state were tired of one party control. “We’ve had complete one party control for a long time,” said Berger. “This turnover will have a positive effect.” The final numbers of Republican versus Democratic senators and representatives are still being decided as at least five races across the state may involve a recount. ::
Sheriff Donnie Harrison speaks to the crowd (above) while a reporter does a live broadcast (below).
RALEIGH - Incumbent Democratic Congressmen David Price and Brad Miller both easily survived challenges from Republican opponents on election night to return to the House of Representatives to represent North Carolina. Price Versus Lawson Republican challenger B.J. Lawson lost to Congressman Price with a final tally in the Fourth District of 152,501 votes to 115,715 votes, or 57% to 43%. The Fourth District includes much of the Raleigh area and the Triangle. Congressman Price has proven to be an effective campaigner and has continuously served in Congress since 1987 except for one two year term. He currently serves on the on the House Appropriations Committee and chairs the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. At the North Carolina Republican Party victory party at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Raleigh on election night, party members anxiously awaited the numbers from the election as they hoped that Lawson would defeat Price this time. “We’re just sitting on pins and needles on that one,” said NC GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer and former Raleigh mayor earlier in the evening before the final results came in. “I know how hard it is to run against David Price,” said Fetzer to the crowd later on in the evening. “I got my butt beat [when I ran against him.]” Price easily won the race this year as well. “I’m going to go back to Washington more determined than ever to bring this economy back to health, to put Americans back to work and to extend the Triangle dream for generations to come,” Price said in his victory speech in Chapel Hill, according to the Daily Tar Heel newspaper. “This has been a hard-fought campaign, with sharp differences on display both across our country and between my competitor and myself.” At the Republican Party event in Raleigh, B.J. Lawson said in an interview with The Raleigh Telegram that he was proud of the campaign that he ran. “We ran a fantastic race, supported by hundreds of volunteers,” said Lawson. Despite the loss, Lawson said that he believed voters were sending a message to Washington that government cannot provide all of the answers. “Washington cannot make us the prosperous nation that we need to be,” he said. Lawson said that he believed he had lost mainly because Price had outspent him during the campaign, especially in running advertisements on television. “In the end, it’s tough when you’re losing the air war,” he said. “There’s a reason they run negative TV ads. They work.” Just before the election, Lawson’s campaign issued a press release saying that one of their radio advertisements used a voice over by acclaimed actor Morgan Freeman. “Barbara Streisand wouldn't do it this, but Morgan Freeman doesn't have a problem cutting ads against Washington insiders or he wouldn't do it,” said Lawson for Congress Campaign Manager Martin Avila in a released statement issued on November 1st. It was later revealed that Freeman did not appear in the voice spot and Lawson’s campaign subsequently claimed to the media that it was “duped” by the advertising agency that they had paid $4,500 to create the spot. In addition, Morgan Freeman issued a statement just before the election saying that he had never appeared in the Lawson commercial and that “these people are lying...I do not support his candidacy.” When asked if that embarrassing news caused problems for his campaign since it appeared so close to the election, Lawson said that he did not think so. “It’s just a distraction,” he said. “A regrettable distraction.” Congressman Price’s campaign had called on Lawson to apologize to voters and remove the advertisements. “This is an unfortunate and desperate attempt to fool voters in the last hours of a campaign,” Price said in a statement before the election. “By using Mr. Freeman’s good name, BJ Lawson has ruined his own, and he should be ashamed.” As the election results rolled in on election night, Lawson hugged his children and shook hands with supporters. He said he would take a break and then start campaigning again for the race in 2012. “I may have to concede this election, but I will not concede my country,” Lawson told the crowd at the Republican event. Lawson told the Telegram that he hopes future efforts to redraw Congressional districts will help his efforts in the Fourth District in the future. “Gerrymandering is one of our biggest problems,” said Lawson. “The politicians are choosing the voters instead of the voters choosing the politicians.” Miller Versus Randall In the 13th Congressional District which stretches all the way from the Raleigh area west to Greensboro, Democratic incumbent Brad Miller also easily defeated his Republican challenger Bill Randall on election night. Miller received 115,116 votes while Randall received 92,586 votes on Tuesday, winning by a margin of 55% to 45%. Randall was a Tea Party favorite, defeating magazine publisher Bernie Reeves in the Republican primaries. ::
VOTE 2010: Election Results
Winner Renee Ellmers in Raleigh. Photo: Telegram.
Etheridge Loses To Republican Ellmers
Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison (far right) watches the returns roll in on election night in downtown Raleigh at the Wake County Republican celebration, as he won 65% of the votes. Photo: Raleigh Telegram.
Wake Co. Sheriff Donnie Harrison Wins Re-Election In A Landslide RALEIGH - Popular Wake County Sheriff Donnie Harrison handily won his re-election bid on Tuesday night and returns to office for another four years. Sheriff Harrison, a Republican, won in a landslide election over Democratic challenger Jay Sills by a margin of 65% to 35%. Harrison received 178,953 votes compared to 94,263 votes cast for Sills. In an interview with the Raleigh Telegram on election night, Harrison said that his campaign spoke for itself. “It’s like I said before, we would run an open campaign,” said the sheriff. “I love my job and I’m looking forward to serving for four more years and it looks like that is going to happen.”
RALEIGH - Although a recount is likely, in the latest numbers, Republican challenger and political newcomer Renee Ellmers defeated Democratic Congressman Bob Etheridge in the Second Congressional District in North Carolina on election night. According to the election results as of press time, Ellmers scored 50% of the vote compared to 49% of the vote for Etheridge. Tom Rose, the Libertarian Party candidate received around 2% of the vote. Votes may be recounted, but the official count for Ellmers was 91,924 compared to 89,829 for Etheridge and 3,419 for Rose. The race drew national attention earlier this year, when Congressman Etheridge was shown in a video to be apparently assaulting a young man who questioned him about his political record on a Washington DC sidewalk. Etheridge later apologized for the incident, but it led many to question his professionalism and temperament. Etheridge and his press office seemed to be dodging engagements with the press after the video appeared and did not return calls to this newspaper regarding the incident. In an interview on election night, NC GOP Chairman Tom Fetzer said he didn’t think the video had any effect on the campaign and that Ellmers won the race due to other factors. “I don’t know if anybody remembered that,” he said about the video. Etheridge is a farmer who had served for 14 years in Congress and Ellmers is a registered nurse in Dunn.
When asked if some of the high profile murder investigations this year such as the nationally reported Michelle Young murder case have helped or hurt his campaign, Sheriff Harrison said that his department is just focused on solving cases. “We’re going to work hard on every case,” said Harrison. “We’re not going to put anything down whether it’s a cold case or a current one.” After the results were confirmed, Harrison spoke to the crowd of supporters at the Republican Party victory party on election night at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Raleigh on Fayetteville Street and thanked people in the crowd and voters for his support.
Republicans Win Control Of Wake County Board, Promise Changes State Senator Phil
Phil Berger (left) with supporters on election night.
Berger Will Likely Lead NC Senate
Wake County Board of Commissioners candidate Phillip Matthews is congratulated by a supporter on election night in Raleigh as the GOP won all of the open seats. Election night photos by Raleigh Telegram. RALEIGH - Republicans have won control of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, as none of the Democrats won in their attempts to gain or defend seats on the board. One winner claims the election is a second affirmation for community based school assignments in Wake County. As they control the purse strings for county departments including Wake County schools, the Wake Board of Commissioners is somewhat intertwined with the controversy that has erupted on the school board regarding the recent changes to school redistricting. Amid protests by some, earlier this year the Wake County School board voted to change the student school assignments to “community schools” as opposed to “socioeconomic” factors and to end long distance busing of students. The school board then voted to change its student assignment policy again, causing complaints on both sides of the issue. As a result, the board of commissioners races featured some hotly contested campaigns this fall. In District 1, Republican incumbent Joe Bryan defeated Democratic challenger Don Mial by a margin of 53% to 47% or 144,027 votes to 125,404. In District 2, Phillip Matthews defeated Democratic incumbent Lindy Brown in a close race by a margin of 51% to 49% or 136,537 votes to 132,701.
In District 3, Democratic newcomer Steve Rao lost to Republican incumbent Tony Gurley by a margin of 52% to 48% or 141,702 votes to 128,476 votes. And finally in District 7, Republican Paul Coble defeated Democratic challenger Jack Nichols by a margin of 52% to 48% or 140,966 votes to 129,695 votes. In an interview with the Raleigh Telegram on election night, Republican candidate Phillip Matthews said that he felt that the vote to put Republican candidates on the county board is an affirmation of the original change to “community based schools” by the school board. “I think the people have voted,” said Matthews. “With this new board, another statement has been made.” Matthews said he still supports community schools assignments and that they need to let the Wake County School Board follow through on that original change “uninterrupted.” In addition to educational priorities, Matthews says jobs and the economy will be the main focus. “We’ve got to get the economy turned back around and make it easier to do business [in Wake County,]” said Matthews. He said that the board needed to address regulations or anything else that could be “holding back growth.” “We’ve got to get rid of FUD -- fear, uncertainty, and doubt,” he commented. ::
RALEIGH - With a new Republican majority in the NC Senate, Senator Phil Berger will likely take the reins as president of the chamber. Berger said that his party’s first task is to tackle the looming budget deficit for the state and to reduce the size of the state government. Senator Berger (R-Rockingham County) is an attorney who is currently serving as the Senate minority leader and is expected to potentially replace restaurant owner Senator Marc Basnight (D-Manteo) who has served as the president of the NC Senate. In an interview with the Raleigh Telegram on election night in Raleigh at the Republican victory party, Senator Berger said that leadership in both houses are “one of those things that still have to be decided” after the election, but that he expects to be one of the candidates for majority leader in the NC Senate now that Republicans have control. When asked what would be on the Republicans’ agenda now that they have control of both houses, Senator Berger said that finances and jobs were key issues to address. “The first thing we’ve got to do is balance the budget,” he said, referring to future state budget shortfalls that could reach into the billions of dollars. Berger cautioned that the state budget crisis would take time to fix. “We didn’t get in this mess in three months and it won’t be fixed in three months,” he said. When asked how the North Carolina budget problems would be fixed without raising taxes, Berger said that the Republican leaders want to reduce the size of North Carolina government. “We need a sustained, consistent effort to get back to the core functions of government,” he said. When asked what led to the Republican Party making so many gains in the NC General Assembly, Senator Berger said that he felt that people are not happy with the current economic fixes proposed by state leaders that rely on government programs. “People understand that the private sector is where the jobs are created,” said Berger. “In North Carolina, government has pushed a program where government creates jobs. People don’t believe that [anymore]. It doesn’t work.” “North Carolina spends more, taxes more, and regulates more” than it should, said Berger. Berger commented that there is finally a “recognition” that the private sector has to be allowed to lead the way in providing jobs and that North Carolina has to be more “business friendly.” With many former Democratic leaders in North Carolina such as ex-governor Mike Easley, former house speaker Jim Black, or Senator R.C. Soles in the news in past years for investigations into their conduct, North Carolina voters have sometimes grown frustrated with leadership in Raleigh. When asked how the Republicans will differ from the Democrats in terms of avoiding corruption and similar issues, Senator Berger commented that the mere act of having a new change of leadership will help. “We’ve had complete one party control for a long time,” said Berger. “This turnover will have a positive effect.” ::
Legal News Former State Senator & Law Firm Founder Passes Away At 89
Governor Bev Perdue stands with racing legend Junior Johnson at the NC State Fairgrounds as a new historical marker is unveiled, memorializing the last dirt track race in NASCAR. Photos: Raleigh Telegram. L.P. “Mac” McLendon Jr., was one of the founders of the Brooks Pierce McLendon law firm. Photo: NCBA.
State Honors Last NASCAR Dirt Track Race In Raleigh And Jr. Johnson
From The NC Bar Association RALEIGH - L.P. “Mac” McLendon Jr., senior partner of the Brooks Pierce firm in Greensboro, died in Greenville in October from natural causes. A memorial service was held on Friday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, located at 617 N. Elm St. McLendon, age 89, was the last survivor of the Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard nameplate and remained active in the firm until recent weeks. He was a 1942 graduate of the University of North Carolina and 1948 graduate of the UNC School of Law. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, where he was stationed in England. “Mac was a beloved member of our firm,” said fellow partner Reid Phillips, who practiced with McLendon for 33 years. “He taught me how to try lawsuits.” “One of his favorite clients was Southern Railway – now Norfolk Southern. They appointed him division counsel in 1980, about three years after I started, and he literally got called upon to try cases for them in all parts of the state, sometimes with lawyers of the community and sometimes not, depending on the case.” Through this experience, Phillips continued, he learned firsthand what it was that made McLendon a successful attorney. “I got to travel with him and try cases in places such as Greenville and Asheville. I wanted to learn why he was so successful, so I studied him, and finally decided that it was because he really loved people and was generally curious about them. “On voir dire – selecting a jury – some lawyers would ask questions almost as if they were going down a checklist. But Mac did it because he was really curious about the person. He established a great bond with the jurors. It really was amazing.” In addition to his representation of Southern Railway/ Norfolk Southern, McLendon was founder and general counsel of Aero, Inc. from 1968-86 and general counsel and legislative counsel of the N.C. Savings & Loan League from 1972-82. He provided volunteer leadership to Appalachian State University, Guilford College, the UNC School of Social Work and the N.C. Children’s Home Society, where he served as president. McLendon served three terms in the N.C. Senate and was a member of the Greensboro City Board of Education. He served as president of the Greensboro Bar Association in 1977-78 and as a vice president of the North Carolina Bar Association in 1966-67.
By Randall Gregg, The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - At the NC State Fairgrounds, a new historical marker was placed to mark the last National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) sanctioned dirt track race held at the state fairgrounds on September 20, 1970. The historical marker was unveiled on Wednesday, October 20th with a little help from Governor Bev Perdue and racing legend Junior Johnson, who held the lead at the first NASCAR race at the track on May 28, 1955 before the race was called for rain. He was declared the winner since the race was more than half over. “Junior assures me that he won the race,” Perdue joked. “He didn’t let the mud stop him.” Perdue praised Johnson, who is well known throughout the country both as a driver and as NASCAR team owner. “He could drive fast, he could drive safe, but he always drove to win,” said Perdue of Johnson. “He’s really Mr. NASCAR.” Johnson, who eagerly met with members of the public to sign autographs and take photos after the event, said he remembers also winning in 1963 at the dirt track in Hillsborough, NC which is no longer in operation. “I’m just glad to take part in it,” said Johnson of the unveiling of the historical marker in Raleigh. According to the NC Department of Cultural Resources, the Fairgrounds Speedway opened in 1928 when the State Fair moved to its present location, helping to boost the popularity of the sport. Indy-style cars with open wheels first appeared in the South just prior to World War I. During World War II, Sandy Nunis was a major promoter of the races and held several events at the fairgrounds. The Indy-style cars were popular for a generation, but competitor Bill France and NASCAR became dominant after World War II. Another NASCAR icon, Richard Petty, won the last race at the Fairgrounds Speedway in 1970, marking the last official race at a dirt track that was sanctioned by NASCAR. Some dirt tracks have been abandoned in the Carolinas, losing track of many places where the history of NASCAR was made. “Not here though...because of this marker,” said Perdue. “People will come from around the world to see this dirt race track.” NASCAR and racing officials were on hand for the unveiling including Andy Papathanassiou, N.C. Motorsports Association executive director; Buz McKim, NASCAR Hall of Fame historian; and Jerry Cook, former NASCAR champion and current competition administrator for NASCAR, Although the official race track is gone, every October part of the former track comes to life at the Sam Rand Grandstand track with tractor races, BMX bikes, and other motorsport events held as part of the NC State Fair.
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Editor’s Note: Some information and text in this article came from directly from the NC Dept. Of Cultural Resources.
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VIDEO: Watch our Raleigh Telegram interview with Junior Johnson from 2009 about the early days of NASCAR: raleighchannel.com/RTPTVjuniorjohnson.wmv
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Raleigh To Host Largest Tech Event In North Carolina The Ford Focus four door all electric prototype drives pretty much like a normal gas car although it runs almost silently and has a lot of torque off the line. The car simply plugs in to any wall outlet to recharge. Photo By Raleigh Telegram.
Ford Debuts All Electric Ford Focus At NC State Campus By Randall Gregg, Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - As part of a nationwide tour, Ford Motor Company recently unveiled a prototype version of its all-electric Ford Focus at NC State University’s campus and allowed members of the press to drive the vehicle on the roads. The new Ford Focus all electric version will debut in the 2012 model year and where the gas tank would normally be, instead features a plug receptacle that allows the car’s batteries to be recharged by any electrical outlets. Unlike a so-called hybrid car, this new Ford Focus protoype is 100% electric. “It does not have a gasoline engine whatsoever,” said Eddie Fernandez, a Ford spokesperson helping with the test drives. Ford will first offer a small all electric commercial van called the Transit Connect before the all electric Ford Focus appears. The all electric version will be offered in addition to the regular gas models. Charging the vehicle is simple and easy. You can either fully charge the vehicle in 12 hours or so using a regular 110 volt outlet connection or in about 6 to 8 hours if you use an optional 220 volt charging station. “We think most people will want to get a 220 volt [charging station] for their house,” said Jennifer Moore of Ford at the event.
When driving the Ford Focus prototype, we were totally impressed with the seamless integration of the all-electric drive. With the exception of the car being nearly silent, there’s not much difference between the gasoline version and the electric car. Acceleration in the car is actually very strong, as the electric drive has a ton of torque. Surprisingly for a small auto, the car really can take off from a stop quite rapidly. Inside the four-door vehicle, there is seating for four and all the comforts you’d find in a regular gasoline car such as air conditioning and climate controls. A unique instrument panel shows you how much farther you can drive on the current battery charge and also when the car is charging or using energy. For example, when you put the brakes on, that actually generates energy and actually sends back a charge to the batteries. Unlike some other hybrid cars, the batteries will be covered by a 10 year warranty, so replacement won’t be a big issue. The vehicles will be made in Michigan, with the large 23 kW batteries being produced by LG Chem in Korea. In a separate development, the City of Raleigh has announced that it will be installing charging stations at downtown locations in the near future for electric cars.
The instrument panel shows when energy is being drained and charged from the batteries in addition to how far you can drive on a charge. Of course, normal gauges such as a speedometer are there as well. Photo by Raleigh Telegram.
The largest technology event in North Carolina will be held on Nov. 17-18 at the Raleigh Convention Center (above). Photo by The Raleigh Telegram. By The Raleigh Telegram RALEIGH - With around 1,100 people attending the event last year and around 1,200 people expecting to attend this year, the Internet Summit in downtown Raleigh on November 17-18th will be the largest technology oriented event to be held in the State of North Carolina. Dozens of speakers from Internet and tech companies such as IBM, Lenovo, Red Hat, SAS, Google, Microsoft, StumbleUpon, and more will be participating in panels at the event. Topics include social media, email marketing, cloud computing, video, and more. Bob Parsons, CEO and founder of GoDaddy will be headlining the event which will be held at the Raleigh Convention Center. GoDaddy is currently the world's largest Web hosting provider and top domain name registrar. According to the company, GoDaddy currently registers, renews or transfers more than one domain name every second of every day, serves more than 8.4 million customers worldwide, manages more than 43 million domain names and employs more than 2,750 people. Go Daddy is perhaps best known for its somewhat risque TV commercials during the Super Bowl and for Parson’s larger than life persona. The tech exec enjoys riding motorcycles, writes about his trips around the world, and gives out business advice on his blog. At this year's Internet Summit, Parsons says he is ready to share his story of "Luck and Perspective" in a way that he says hopefully will inspire a whole new generation of online entrepreneurs. “I am honored to speak at this year's Internet Summit,” said Parsons in a released statement. “I'm looking forward to sharing my story with other people who are passionate about doing business on the Internet. If you think about the explosive increase in Web traffic around the world, and you look at which companies are faring well during the recession – it sure looks like the Internet is the heart of the new economy.”
Parsons is referring to a recent report which cites Internet traffic as increasing 62 percent in 2010 over the previous year. “Bob Parsons represents the type of selfmade Internet success story who we feel truly embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of the Internet Summit and we’re excited to have him as keynote for this year’s conference,” said Internet Summit Director Scott Hedrick. You can find Bob Parsons on his personal video and opinion web blog, www.BobParsons.me, which ranks in the top 1% of most the visited blogs on the Internet. Last year’s speakers included the CEO’s of LendingTree.com and the Pandora music service that is popular with iPhone users. For more information on the Internet Summit, which will draw attendees from around the world, you can visit their website with a full schedule of speakers and panels: www.internetsummit.com The event is now in its third year and is organized by TechJournal South, the business technology publication for the southeast. The publication has been able to do what large business groups such as the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and RTP Foundation haven’t been able to do -- bring large numbers of leading tech executives to the area to network and discuss ideas. DISCLOSURE: The Raleigh Telegram is a media sponsor of the Internet Summit event and the founder of this paper formerly ran TechJournal South.
Downtown Tech Hub Proposed In Raleigh RALEIGH - A group of technology executives are proposing a downtown technology hub in Raleigh, like those seen in other cities. Several tech companies are located in Raleigh such as Red Hat, Lulu.com, Fragment, and others that help to spur tech development in the capital city. For more info on the future meetings, contact the Telegram at 760-3110.
AROUNDþ TOWNþ IS SOMEWHAT PROUD TO PRESENT
Special thanks to Wake Co. Sheriff’s Lieutenant Terry Putman (above) and Deputy Kim Garey for helping us at the State Fair when our delivery vehicle was locked with the keys in it. Oops!
In addition to the ice skating, kids had fun sledding in the artificial snow at last year’s Winterfest. Photo by The Raleigh Telegram.
Congratulations to Richard on the new addition to his family! His dog Barley will be a little jealous though.
Raleigh Has Plenty Of Great Events Coming Up
STARRING RALEIGH CELEBRITIES --CLAIRE RENFROW, ACTRESS FROM “NIGHTS OF RODANTHE,” --GADGETMONKEY, TV HOST --TADDY, THE CHRISTMAS DOG --SANTA CLAUS & GOV. BEV PERDUE
WATCH IT ONLINE FOR FREE AT RaleighChannel.com/ RTPTVholidayspecial.wmv
By Jayne Kirkpatrick City Of Raleigh Public Affairs Office RALEIGH - One of the most terrific things about this time of year is the entertainment offerings. The City’s Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts is the place to enjoy this bounty. The North Carolina Symphony will fill every pore of Meymandi Concert Hall six times this month and another two times the first weekend in December. From November 1920 the symphony presents “Orchestra Showcase: Beethoven’s Eroica” with guest conductor Alexander Mickelthwate and violinist Brian Reagin. “Holiday Pops with the Broadway Tenors” is Thanksgiving weekend fare, November 26-27. December 35 the Symphony presents “Composer Portraits: Mozart” with the PlayMakers Repertory Company.
Congratulations too our faithful readers Eric and Jenn on their gorgeous wedding in the mountains. What a great looking couple!
Pinecone presents Doc Watson – “Hills of Home” with David Holt and Richard Watson in Meymandi on November 12. The next day “No Reservations: An evening with Anthony Bourdain” enlivens Memorial Auditorium and The Triangle Brass Band presents “Master of Brass and Jesses Rackley Euphonium” next door in Meymandi.
This holiday season, when you’re shopping for the person who has everything, be sure to stop by Morgan Imports, the Triangle’s most unique store, for that special gift.
Handel’s “Messiah Rocks” invades Memorial Nov. 20 and the Carolina Ballet moves into the venerable theatre Nov. 24-28 with its production of “Pinocchio” For a complete listing of performances at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts, visit their website at: www.progressenergycenter.com While you are enjoying these productions, be sure to stroll through the Betty Ray McCain Gallery, located at the entrance to Meymandi Concert Hall and take in an exhibition of sculptural work by Burton Tysinger. It’s nice to know there are still great barbershops in downtown Raleigh!
A North Carolina native, Mr. Tysinger uses varying lengths of straight, rigid and colored line segments to articulate or assemble three-dimensional images that are wall, floor or pedestal mounted. The exhibition runs through Jan. 10. Also, the next time you are in the vicinity of the Raleigh Convention Center step inside and enjoy the more than 30 new works of art on display. The Convention Center staff is partnering with North Carolina museums, galleries and art groups to bring together these works. So stroll through this gorgeous facility and take in the artistry of our state.
There were lots of fun Halloween costumes this year. See more photos here: http://tinyurl.com/halloweenraleigh
Leggett Farms Organically Grown Vegetables & Produce Selling To Restaurants & The General Public
Call 252-917-2396 www.leggettfarm.com
Winterfest Is Coming! Mayor Charles Meeker will kick off the AT&T Raleigh Winterfest on Dec. 4 in City Plaza with the lighting of Raleigh’s holiday tree. In addition to the lighting and the opening of the ice rink, the kickoff will feature a Country music headliner, performances by local groups, carriage rides and a Santa’s Village from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., with the rink welcoming skaters until 11 p.m. Last year’s inaugural Winterfest brought 15,000 to the kick-off. This year’s two-month Winterfest will offer a larger ice rink than was enjoyed throughout last year’s cold-weather celebration. The natural ice rink is located on Charter Square, which is the area immediately south of Bank of America on City Plaza on the southern end of the 400 block of Fayetteville Street. Come on – be among the more than 50,000 anticipated to celebrate the two months of Winterfest. ::
Morgan Imports offers furniture, futons, jewelry, games, beauty products, toys, lamps, bicycles, pottery, unique gifts for all price ranges, greeting cards, candles, and don’t forget our Christmas room filled with Dept. 56 miniatures, nativity scenes, and more. Located across from Brightleaf Square in downtown Durham at 113 S Gregson St, Durham, NC 27701
Call us for more info at (919) 688-1150 or visit us online at www.morganimports.com
West Jefferson Offers Spectacular Fall Colors Plus Plenty Of Interesting Sights By R.Gregg, The Raleigh Telegram
West Jefferson is home to spectacular mountain views (above) and beautiful fall colors as well as the Ashe County Cheese factory. All photos by The Raleigh Telegram.
WEST JEFFERSON, NC - Nestled in a valley among tree-filled mountains, West Jefferson offers some spectacular views along with an authentic taste of mountain life. Getting to West Jefferson from Raleigh is pretty easy. Just head west on Interstate 40, then take Highway 421 until the turnoff for West Jefferson at the intersection with Highway 221 north. This time of year, the leaves are in full “bloom” with a rich array of reds, oranges, yellows, and other colors that treat visitors to beautiful scenes as they drive down mountain roads. West Jefferson is not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway so you don’t have to go far to enjoy the scenery that this area has to offer. In West Jefferson itself, there are plenty of interesting places to visit. The Farmer’s Market held on Saturdays has a wide array of mountain crafts and food to offer. We saw homemade quilts, mountain honey, carved wooden canes, pies and cookies, fresh local vegetables, and more. At the market, you get to meet the people who actually made the products they’re selling, so it can be both a fun shopping and educational experience. In town, you can also take a tour of one of North Carolina’s largest cheese operations. Ashe County Cheese not only makes their various types of cheese in the West Jefferson factory where you can see it produced firsthand, but you can also buy just about any type of cheese you can think of in their very popular store which is open to the public. West Jefferson is one of those small towns in North Carolna that seems to have stayed the same since the 1950’s. You can still see movies at the historic Parkway theater located downtown. The main street, which is called Jefferson Avenue, still has small locally owned stores and restaurants. Stores in town sell everything from camping gear to old clocks to model airplanes and there are some very unique antiques to be found at the small antique shops there. You can also buy Amish and other handmade furniture, art, jewelry, and more. We enjoyed some apple pie and ice cream at the Good Old Days restaurant which also offers sandwiches and other food. There are also some other great restaurants in town and a welcoming coffee shop called Bohemia which has coffee, treats, and Internet access. For accommodations, a brand new Hampton Inn offers rooms not far from downtown. Of course, most people come to the area to enjoy the great outdoors. The New River has great canoeing and Mount Jefferson State Park nearby offers some outstanding views of the valleys below. For more info, visit http://www.visitwestjefferson.org
Local Homes And Triangle Real Estate Listings
Downtown West Jefferson offers antiques, crafts at the Farmer’s Market, movies at the Parkway, cheese, food, and more.
$209,900: 6513 Wooden Shoe Lane. Raleigh Close to Brier Creek/Crabtree Valley!! Master on 1st Floor 2nd*Great fenced in Backyard & Country Ft Porch for relaxing*Granite in Kitchen, Hardwoods in LR/DR/Kit, Hardwoods in U/S Bath*Mostly New Light Fixtures & Hardware*New HVAC'05 & Hot water heater '06*Smooth Top 5 burner Stove, Lots of Closets & Storage, Ceiling Fans, PRICED TO SELL QUICKLY! No HOA dues! Call Realtor Shawn "Dink" Densmore at 919-414-9166.
$299,990: 11210 Oakcroft Dr. Raleigh
Raleigh Real Estate Directory:
Price Reduction! Perfect House & Location. Trans. Craftsman Style w/Dramatic Ceilings, Gorgeous Hand Scraped Wood Floors,1st Floor Office/Bedroom, Separate Dining w/Wainscot, Beautiful Crown Molding Throughout. Gourmet Kitchen w/granite ,ENORMOUS Master Suite w/ Tray Ceilings, Sitting Area, Custom Tiled Shower, Floors & Garden Tub,2-Car Garage, Big Bedrooms. Minutes to Hwy540 & Shops. A Must See! Call Realtor Shawn "Dink" Densmore at 919-414-9166 for more info on this house.
$199,990: 832 Canyon Creek, Fuquay-Varina Huge Price Drop! USDA 100% Financing! Hard to Find Ranch! Brick Front Ranch, Over 1900sqft for under $200K!Huge Breakfast Bar, Huge Master Suite, Sun Room, Granite Countertops, Hardwood Floors, Huge Dining & Living Space ,Open Floor Plan, Covered Patio Back Yard,2-Car Garage, Utility Room. Awesome Community, HOA dues includes lawn and landscaping care. Some Closing Costs Paid. Call Realtor Shawn "Dink" Densmore at 919-414-9166 for a viewing of this property.
Shawn "Dink" Densmoreþ Realtor, Brokerþ Your trusted real estate advisor for Raleigh and Wake County. Living in Raleigh for 25 years, I can help you buy or sell your home.
$219,900: 105 Occidental Dr, Holly Springs
RALEIGH HOME RENOVATIONS Jeff Satterwhite 919-422-0274
GOCENTERLINE.COM
/ALL THE UPGRADES! Over 2500sq ft,Cul de Sac Lot, Huge Great Room, Study, Long Foyer, Eat in Kitchen w/ Granite, Hardwoods, Tile, Huge Master Bedroom w/Giant Bathroom, Walk-in-Closet, Sep. Vanity Area, Walk-in Closets, Storage, 2-Car Garage, Dining Room,100% Financing Available! Call Realtor "Dink" Densmore at 919-414-9166.