World War I exhibit opens

SALISBURY — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College library will host the exhibit “North Carolina in the Great War” at its North Campus in Salisbury on Sept. 23-Nov. 14. The traveling exhibit is sponsored by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Visitors will be able to learn about North Carolina’s contributions to the war effort with soldiers both abroad and on the home front. The exhibit features information on the World War I military installations in the state and U-boat activity off the North Carolina coast in 1918.

A soldier’s uniform, complete with weapon, backpack and gear, will be on display, as well as a Red Cross nurse’s uniform including ward dress, apron and veiled cap.

Along with the exhibit, the college will host two historians to speak on topics related to World War I. Catawba College history Professor Gary Freeze will speak on “The Effects of World War I on the German Population” from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Sept. 25. Rowan-Cabarrus history instructor Nick McEntire will present “The Lasting Legacy of World War I” from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Nov. 6.

“This exhibit and the speaker events are interesting ways to put World War I into context and bring it to life for history buffs as well as those who do not know much about the war and the part that North Carolina played,” said Laurie Robb, instruction and outreach librarian. “We hope to continue showcasing topics that are of interest to our students and the public.”

For more information, visit www.rccc.edu or call 704-216-RCCC (7222).

Rowan Literacy Council receives grant

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded nearly $100,000 for youth literacy grants in North Carolina to help students and educators reach literacy goals.

The Rowan County Literacy Council received $3,000.

The money supports youth literacy programs within a 20-mile radius of a Dollar General store or distribution center across the 44 states the company serves. The grants awarded to North Carolina organizations are expected to positively impact the lives of nearly 8,000 students.

Applications for the 2020 Dollar General Literacy Foundation grant cycle will be available Jan. 2.

The foundation has awarded more than $172 million in grants to schools, libraries and literacy organizations as part of its commitment to improve literacy skills for people of all ages. The foundation was created in 1993 to honor Dollar General’s co-founder, J.L. Turner, who was functionally illiterate and never completed a formal education.

Car show coming to Carson High

Rowan-Salisbury Schools’ Career and Technical Education Department will have a car show, “Skills and Wheels,” on Sept. 28 at Carson High School, 290 Kress Venture Drive, China Grove. Proceeds will benefit Career and Technical Education programs and student organizations.

Registration is $25. Pre-register at www.cterowan.com. On the day of the show, registration is 8-10 a.m., with the show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and awards given at 2 p.m.  All makes and models are welcome, with more than 70 awards available. Multicar discounts are available. The first 100 entries get a T-shirt and goody bag.

There will also be food, vendors and drawings. The car show is sponsored by Full Throttle Stangs of North Carolina. The rain date is Oct. 5. For more information, contact Andre Gavion at 336-908-2508, or Megan Smith at 704-798-5047.