Published 12:00 am Sunday, December 29, 2013

The Rockwell High School class of 1950 celebrated its 63rd reunion Sept. 27 at Ryan’s Family Restaurant with 18 class members and 15 guests present.
President Norman File welcomed everyone and recognized special teacher Jean McCombs, who was presented with a flower. He also remembered Betty Hoffman Arey, who has died since the last reunion.
Norman and others shared information about class members who were sick, and cards were signed to send to those who were unable to attend. Sherri Wolfe made group pictures for each class member.
Norman asked the blessing and everyone enjoyed a buffet meal and reminisced about their times together at Rockwell High.
The planning committee for the reunion included Norman File, Betty Rose Setzer, Martha Arey and Betty Morgan. They will also plan next year’s reunion, which is set for Sept. 26, 2014.
Those attending included Peggy Agner Troutman, Frances Beaver Holshouser (Phillip) and daughter Sherri Wolfe, Robert Lee Beaver (Sue), Angelo Brady Wagoner and daughter Debbie, Virginia Burr Alexander, Pete Connor, Frances Eagle Hand, Eula Mae Eller Artz and daughter Eva Millsaps, Peggy Eller Daniel, Norman File (Effie), Jenette Goodman Driggers, Ernest Hoffner (Judy), Peggy Holshouser Thomas (Joe), Rozelle Jacobs and daughter-in-law Denise, Martha Lentz Salerno, Bill Lyerly (Beth), Betty M. Morgan, Betty Rose Peeler Setzer (Jake), Johnny Arey, Martha Surratt Arey (Lonzo) and special teacher Mrs. Jean McCombs.
The Arc of Rowan recently announced the winners of its annual Festival of Trees.
1st place — Salisbury Academy’s “Candy Land”
2nd place — Salisbury Pediatrics Association’s “Monster’s Inc.”
3rd place Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s “Angels We Have Heard On High”
4th place — Food Lion’s “Santa Paws Tree: Taking Care of Our Furry Friends”
5th place — Moose Pharmacy’s “Jolly Olde St. Nick”
Best Traditional Tree —
Sponsor: Wells Fargo; Decorator: Rowan County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Association
Best Non-Traditional Tree — Sponsor: Salisbury Pediatrics Associates; Decorator: Salisbury Pediatrics Associates
Best Tree Decorated by Children — Sponsor: KATTRAKS Professional Website Design and Hosting; Decorator: Salisbury Academy
Best Creative Christmas Tree — Sponsor: Moose Pharmacy; Decorator: Salisbury Rowan Sr. Games & Silver Arts
Best Community Minded Tree — Sponsor: Delhaize America Store Development Department; Decorator: Alpha Kappa Alpha
Best Disabilities Awareness Tree (tie) — Sponsor: Blake and Linn Evans; Decorator: North Rowan Elem K-5 PACCS Class
Sponsor: Dyke & Deborah Messinger; Decorator: Rowan County Parks & Rec. Thursday Club
Sponsor: Dr. & Mrs. Donald Jackman; Decorator: The Carter House
Sponsor: Salisbury Motor Company; Decorator: Rowan County Parks & Rec Friday Club
The 2014 Festival of Trees is already in the planning stage and is scheduled to be held the first weekend in December.
Those interested in being a sponsor, decorator or volunteer, can call The Arc of Rowan office at 704-637-1521.
The Outkast Kustoms Minitruck Club recently made a donation to The Arc of Rowan in memory of Megan Cummings.
The club held a car/truck show and bake sale in November and donated all the proceeds to the organization’s Summer Day Program.
As requested by Outkast Kustoms Minitruck Club, the funds will be used to provide scholarships for children with autism to attend program next summer.
The Arc of Rowan Summer Day Program provides a secure, positive environment that meets the physical, social, emotional and educational needs of children ages 5 – 21 years old with intellectual and other developmental disabilities. It also provides support for families by offering a quality program.
Learn more by calling The Arc office at 704-637-1521.
Iota Psi Chapter of Beta Sigma Sorority held its annual covered dish Thanksgiving dinner for members Nov. 19.
President Vicki Lippard and chapter sisters surprised member D. Anne Nance with a candlelight and yellow rose ceremony to bestow The Order of the Rose.
Nance was pledged to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in May 1997. She has served as chapter president, vice president, recording secretary, treasurer and City Council representative.
Her honors include Woman of the Year, Valentine Queen, Alpha Omega Nominee 2007, Alpha Omega 2007, Pace Award and Founder’s Award.
Receiving The Order of the Rose is an honor designed to express the gratitude and esteem of a chapter or city council for an active member.
Nance has been noted for her fidelity to the ideals of Beta Sigma Phi, her industry and for her loyal devotion to the organization throughout her whole time of membership.
To quality for The Order of the Rose, a member must hold either an Exemplar, Preceptor, Laureate or Master degree and have been active for 15 years.
Nance received a certificate from the International Office in Kansas, her pin and a single yellow rose from each chapter member.
She and her husband, Rocky, live in Cleveland.
Ritual table, candles and roses were set up by Vice President Karen Smith assisted by member Gladys Joyce.