Archive - Dec 2011 - Outlook

Just Imagine

December 29, 2011

Just imagine flying across the nation on Christmas Day. Just imagine 12 nights in Burbank, Calif. Just imagine working six of those days under pressure, on deadline, with no pay. Just imagine being part of the 2012 Rose Parade in Pasadena.

Just imagine what it feels like to see float No. 56 round the magic corner.

“Just Imagine” is the theme for the 123rd Rose Parade, and Conover resident Michael Paysour will be in Pasadena for the third year in a row as a float decorator.

Paysour, 59, is a retired teacher who taught U.S. history and civics at Fred T. Foard High School.

Images in ‘Conover' enlighten, entertain

December 15, 2011

Lifelong Conover resident Don Barker spent many years behind a camera as a photographer for The Observer News Enterprise. Photography was also his hobby, along with history — especially area history.

In 2007, Barker wrote “For the Love of the Game,” which reports the history of the Newton-Conover Twins baseball team.

Barker’s “Big Time for a Dime” delivers a history of movie theaters in the Catawba Valley.

Barker’s recently released book “Conover” is the newest addition to Arcadia Publishing’s popular “Images of America” series.

‘The Lettermen’Ready for Newton Concert

December 9, 2011

In addition to a history of unparalleled love songs from The Lettermen, here is another constant: Tony Butala, original and founding member.

Butala remained with the popular vocal group for its 50-plus year career. As the only founding member in the trio (Butala, Donovan Tea and Bobby Poynton), Butala, 73, said as long as there is a Lettermen group, they will be singing good, quality and positive harmony music that the whole family can enjoy.
How has the trio managed to keep the sound, the genre and popularity?

“Because I am the lead on most of the hit records,” he said candidly.

Art + Poetry + Books = Bethlehem Branch Library

December 2, 2011

Amidst the growing community of Bethlehem and off the beaten path of N.C. 127 North, Bethlehem Branch Library offers an engaging blend of books and art.

The library, part of the Alexander County Library, opened five years ago on Rink Dam Road.

Through the efforts of the Bethlehem Branch Friends, the small library expanded last year and added a children’s section.

Bud Caywood, president of Friends, Bethlehem resident, artist and poet, said the new area is called “the gallery.”