Acknowledging Bloom’s contributions

What a wonderful day it was for Lenoir and Caldwell County when Janet Bloom agreed to come here as executive director of the James C. Harper School of Performing Arts. When she arrived in October 2005 the school was only a dream. She organized the school, recruited faculty and students, and secured a location. An accomplished violinist and experienced music educator, she knew what to do and how to do it. Students of all ages, from very young children to adults studying music for the first time, were ready for a new adventure when the school opened in January 2006.

It was begun in temporary quarters at St. James Episcopal Church, Later, in the summer of 2008, Janet supervised the move to a building belonging to College Avenue Baptist Church where the school had its own campus. In addition to offering private and group lessons on various instruments, the Harper School has sponsored the Harper Band (a community band of adults) and several smaller ensembles, including the Harper Youth Wind Ensemble.

In June 2008, Janet led a delegation of Harper School students and their families and other Harper School fans to Tampa, Florida, where they represented the City of Lenoir and went wild when Lenoir was named the #1 All-American City.

Janet’s spirit, with her love of music and her intense desire to make it available to others, has been at the heart of the Harper School. It will be sorely missed. We know that good things are in store for Janet whatever she does.

Jim and Lucy McCarl

Lenoir

Thanks from Baton Ruritan

The Baton Ruritan Club wishes to thank everyone who supported the fundraiser held on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2009, at the Greene Walking Park. Money raised from the sale of BBQ chicken along with donations received from the public will be used to help with medical expenses for a construction worker who was injured in a work-related accident. Injuries sustained in the accident will possibly result in a permanent disability. A long hospitalization and rehabilitation will result in extensive medical expenses for the victim and his family. The Baton Ruritan Club is happy to help in a small way toward this cause. Thanks again to all members of the club who helped with the BBQ and to everyone who contributed money to this project.

Harold Earley

Baton Ruritan Club president