New percussionist

Percussionist Fred Dunlap III has joined the teaching staff of the Salisbury School of Music, 213 S. Main St., and is accepting new students.

“I enjoy working with beginning and advanced students of all ages,” says Dunlap, “and look forward to discovering and cultivating their musicianship and performing skills.”

The Salisbury School of Music Artistic Director Marc Hoffman says, “We are delighted to have Fred join us at the school. I have had the pleasure of working with Fred and he is a consummate musician and performer. Fred brings great teaching skills and is an asset to our staff.”

Dunlap received a bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University and is pursuing a master’s in instrumental performance from the University of Mississippi.

He has taught in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Cabarrus school systems, and is an adjunct professor at Johnson C. Smith University. He performs all over the region with orchestras, theater groups and, from time to time, national touring recording artists such as The Extraordinaires, Gary Burnside and The Bill Perry Trio.

In 2012, Fred was selected soloist performer for the Black History Month Celebration.

For more information on classes and scheduling at the school, visit www.salisburyschoolofmusic.com, or call 704-640-6564.

The Salisbury School of Music offers private and group instruction in vocal and instrumental music for all ages, and classes in a variety of music topics. All classes emphasize music theory along with technique in order to develop the whole musician. All instructors are professional musicians and experienced teachers, most with advanced degrees in music.

The studio is located on the second floor of the historic Meroney Theater.

Alzheimer’s education for businesses

The Home Instead Senior Care office serving Cabarrus and Rowan counties is launching a new campaign designed to make the community more Alzheimer’s friendly. Through the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business program, the Home Instead office will provide free training to local businesses to help equip employees with information and resources needed to welcome families who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.

In a recent survey of Alzheimer’s caregivers, 74 percent reported that they and their loved ones have become more isolated from the community as a result of the disease. Furthermore, 85 percent reported that they feel a reduced quality of life due to isolation.

“For many caregivers, the unpredictable nature of the disease can make going out in public with their loved one intimidating,” said Jena Hare, co-owner of the Home Instead office serving Cabarrus and Rowan. “Our research shows that family caregivers might be reluctant to frequent public places because of the behaviors that could be associated with the disease.”

According to Alzheimer’s Disease International, the number of people with dementia worldwide is expected to grow to a staggering 75.6 million by 2030 and 135.5 million in 2050.

“Given the statistics, most businesses that deal with the public will be serving people with Alzheimer’s and their families,” said Hare. “It’s critical that local businesses start working now to build Alzheimer’s friendly communities to better serve their customers with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.”

Local businesses can work directly with the local Home Instead office to coordinate an in-person training. An interactive, online version of the training also is available at AlzheimersFriendlyBusiness.com. Once the training is successfully completed, businesses will receive a window cling with the Alzheimer’s Friendly Business designation. The designation will be valid for two years.

For more information about the program and to access additional resources, please visit AlzheimersFriendlyBusiness.com or call 704-788-3399.

Sasha’s birthday for Faithful Friends

The Stitchin’ Post Gifts, a gifts, ladies’ apparel and accessories shop located at 104 S. Main St. in downtown Salisbury, will be celebrating the birthday of Sasha, the store’s kitty, Saturday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A portion of the day’s sales will be donated to Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary.

The party will feature giveaways, drawings, prizes, cupcakes and lemonade. Sasha T-shirts will be available for purchase. All sales benefit Faithful Friends.

Those who bring a donation of pet food or supplies will receive a special gift from Sasha.

Faithful Friends will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the group.

For more information, contact the store at 704-637-0708, visit their website at www.spgifts.com, facebook: facebook.com/spgiftsnc or Sasha’s Facebook Page facebook.com/sasha.kitty1.

Hobby Lobby grand opening

Hobby Lobby Stores Inc., a privately held national retail chain of craft and home decor stores, opens in Salisbury with a ribbon cutting ceremony and official grand opening celebration on Monday, Sept. 7, at 9 a.m.

The Salisbury store is Hobby Lobby’s 22nd location in North Carolina. Shannon Rizzo is the store manager of the 55,000 square-foot retail facility building located at 125 Tingle Drive, Suite 400, near Interstate 85 and Julian Road in the Shoppes at Summit Park.

The store’s grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is open to the public. Local dignitaries, ambassadors from the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce and other business leaders will attend the celebration.

“We feel blessed for the fantastic opportunity to be a part of this community. Our goal is for customers to experience the exceptional service, selection and value Hobby Lobby offers as we continue to expand nationwide,” stated John Schumacher, assistant vice president of advertising.

Store hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. All Hobby Lobby stores are closed on Sunday.

Riley promoted at Chandler Concrete

Congratulations to Phillip Riley who has been promoted to Building Supply Sales at Chandler Concrete & Building Supply in Salisbury. He has been with Chandler for 18 months and began his career delivering building supplies.

Phillip began his education at North Rowan High School. After graduation, he attended Rowan-Cabarrus Community College for one year. He then transferred to Appalachian State University and received his Business Administration degree. Following that, he attended Catawba College, where he received his BBA in Business Administration.

Phillip is native to Rowan County and makes his home in Spencer.