Mountain View
Kim McKinney
Ben Heineman - World Reknown Decoy Carver and Painter Displays at the Arts & Science Council Gallery This Week
Go to the August exhibition of artist and craftsman Ben Heineman's work at the Iredell Arts Council's gallery at the Old Jail in downtown Statesville in the next week and you will leave in awe of his talent.
West Statesville Welcomes Riley's Delights - Ice Cream & More To Put a Smile on Your Face
If you're traveling in West Statesville down Sharon School Road, your eyes will probably travel towards a colorful sign for Riley's Delights. If you go in you’ll probably notice that while ice cream is the heart of their business, their vision is much bigger.
Do You Miss Live Music Festivals? Put On Your Own With Family and Friends
Last year Bob and Lisa Barber had to cancel their Mountain Shadow Music Festival, an event that they have held annually since 2014. Like so many other things, COVID made holding the festival impossible. They made up for it by going all out for this year's event.
Coronavirus Increases Among the Young in Iredell County
With new strains of the coronavirus popping up, and people getting more comfortable with relaxed guidelines, there is a concern as statistics continue to increase for the virus once again. One difference from the past surges is the fact that increases of the virus in younger people are evident.
The Billy Graham Library Is Not Quite A Library, But More Like a Biography
I have been hearing about the Billy Graham Library since before it was open, yet never made my way there until recently. I remembered that Graham himself had some issues with it being built, as he thought it would show him as what was important and not focus on the heart of his message - the world's need for God.
Statesville Park & Soccer Complex - It's Not Just About Soccer
The 70-acre Statesville Park & Soccer Complex gets a lot of activity. It's a place where you will see people of all ages involved in sports of different kinds. For most activities there is no cost, just bring your own equipment.
Autumn at Oz - A Fun Trip Down Memory Lane in Beech Mountain
When I was a little girl, my parents kept me in line for months with threats that I would not be able to watch the annual showing of the Wizard of Oz if I didn't behave. It's hard to believe there were times when watching a movie was a one-time a year shot, isn't it?
Martin Luther King, Jr. Park – A Park With a Bit of Everything
We're checking out some of Statesville's Parks during National Parks & Recreation Month. I loved going to Martin Luther King, Jr. Park when I was a girl. Back then it was called Lakewood Park, though my family always called it "the duck pond".
Cafe Pharr for a Delicious Dessert in a Beautiful, Relaxing Environment
Karen Pharr makes delicious cakes under the name of Karen's Cakes. She makes them for almost any occasion and they are works of art. Many of her weekends are spent making sure her wedding cakes (and often groom's cakes) are delivered to their destination, set up, and ready to impress wedding guests -- and more importantly, brides and grooms.
Caldwell Park Is for Tennis Players, Dogs and Others, Too
This month is National Parks and Recreation Month and I am looking into some local parks in the Statesville area. I sometimes still call Caldwell Park "the airplane park". When I was growing up, the big attraction at the park was the airplane, a Navy surplus jet fighter. It arrived in 1964, after one was also received in Mooresville. I remember climbing all over it as a child. Any time was a good time at the airplane park. I have no idea when the airplane was taken away from the park, but suspect it was sometime around the early 1970s. Maybe someone remembers the history on that and can enlighten us in the comments.
The Heart of Victory Junction Beats Again
The heart at Camp Victory Junction is beating again this summer. COVID cancelled camps last year, as it did most activities. Especially when you are dealing with kids who are sick, or have been sick, caution must override everything else. The health of the children is paramount. Most have been through enough already.
Reward Fund Set Up to Help Police Protect Statesville Children
It was less than a month ago that three children were shot in Statesville, and eight-year old Ah’Miyahh Howell died as a result of her injuries. Less than a month since our community was reminded that all of our children are not safe. Less than a month since the lives of some of our young men changed forever.
Christmas Comes In July Brings Gifts to Fifth Street Ministries
For many non-profits, funds decrease in the summer months, when people are vacationing or not in their regular routine. For many years Fifth Street Ministries has taken care of that mid-year shortfall by holding a fundraiser they call "Christmas in July".
Bigleaf Slopes Park - A Well-Kept Secret?
I had never heard of Bigleaf Slopes Park, even though it is right next to Twin Oaks Golf Course and across from the county's solid waste facility, so I must have passed it many times. It is an Iredell County park and opened in April of 2016. It's certainly not obtrusive, so you need to look out for the sign.
Mac Anderson Park in Statesville - The Park the Feet Find
July is National Parks and Recreation Month and we're checking out some of the great parks in the Statesville area. Many of Statesville's walkers find their way to Mac Anderson Park, found at 433 North Race Street. This is a particular favorite because of the two miles of walking trails located on the 35-acre piece of property, not far from Mitchell College and downtown Statesville.
Garfield Park - Check Out the Recent Facelift!
July is National Parks and Recreation Month and it's time to take a look at some of the great parks in the Statesville area. I decided to start with Garfield Park because it's gotten such an incredible face lift lately with the gorgeous new mural that's functional art for our city - it's on the floor of the basketball court. if you haven't seen it, it's certainly worth at least a drive by, even if you don't play basketball.
Kim McKinney
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I love stories of people and places and enjoy telling these stories. I live in my hometown of Statesville, NC, in the Charlotte area, and love to show how lovely life is here. More is going on than may meet the eye. I also enjoy expanding throughout North Carolina to show the places and activities and people that make me believe life is fascinating and travel as much as I can, so write about that, too. I also have a passion for justice and a special interest in accessible healthcare, including treatment for drug and alcohol dependency. I am a woman of faith, joy, laughter, adventure, and live life to the full. Follow me on Twitter at https://twitter.com/kimmckinney719 or my blog KimberleyMcKinney.com or https://kimmckinney719.medium.com.
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