Bob and Pat Barker join the fun on a mechanical bull at a company picnic in May to celebrate 40 years in business for the Bob Barker Company.
Fuquay-Varina Downtown organized a Cash Mob at Stephens Hardware during the summer. Area residents turned out to spend cold hard cash at the local store but wasn't enough to change the Stephens brothers' plans to close.
Phyllis McLeod retired as Fuquay-Varina High School's Dean of Students after 26 years with the school.
James Mountford was named Fuquay-Varina High School's new athletic director.
It is hard to believe that another year has begun. To celebrate the arrival of the New Year, we’re going to take a look back.
Our first publication of 2013 will include some of the most popular stories from the past year based on those most viewed on our website, www.fuquay-varinaindependent.com.
We hope you will enjoy this look back at the year and we encourage you to continue sharing stories with your community through your community newspaper, the Fuquay-Varina Independent.
Happy New Year!
“Crowds of FVAA supporters fail to convince town commissioners to continue support of the non-profit”
Originally ran Aug. 8, 2012
Fuquay-Varina’s Board of Commissioners learned just how passionate local families are about sports. Commissioners voted 3-2 to begin a town-run youth sports program and end its long association with the Fuquay-Varina Athletic Association, a non-profit program, starting with the winter 2012 season. Since the town’s decision, both the FVAA and town youth programs have had many participants in their winter sports.
“Groundbreaking held for $30 million apartment project”
Originally ran June 25, 2012
This year brought substantial growth in Fuquay-Varina, like the construction of a $30 million mixed use—apartments and commercial—project on the north side of town, fronting on US 401. Villages at Marquee Station will be located on a 25-acre tract at the intersection of Highway 401 and Mill Creek Road. Plans call for one, two and three-bedroom “luxury apartments” in three-story buildings. A total of 265 units is planned. Developers hope to have the first apartment units ready for occupancy shortly. The apartment complex will be located on property once home to the Cairo Drive-in Theater; hence the name Marquee Station. One street within the complex is called Cinema Drive.
“Decision is final; Stephens is closing after 78 years”
Originally ran Aug. 1, 2012
Although the Stephens brothers reversed their decision to sell or close the family hardware store by the end of 2011, the Varina landmark closed its doors for good in August. Stephens Hardware, as it was generally known in the community, had added a building supply business and a separate building for lighting fixtures and supplies when it reached its peak sales record of $95 million in 2007. At that time Stephens had 94 employees. Then came the recession and a virtual halt to new home building. The company closed its building supplies business and the lighting store. The continuing economic slowdown hurt other sales as well. The store was founded in 1934 by the late Isaac Stephens.
“Bob Barker Company turns 40”
Originally ran May 9, 2012
In 1972 Bob Barker started a business in the back of a barber shop selling kitchen supplies to restaurants and jails. Forty years later, the Bob Barker Company has grown into the nation’s leading detention supplier and the worldwide leader delivering innovative supplies and services to correctional and rehabilitation customers. Barker also made a move into a different field this year, he published his book, “I’m In Cells: The Captivating Story of Bob Barker and the Bob Barker Company” that came out during the summer.
“Tattoo parlor to open on Main Street”
Originally ran Feb. 22, 2012
Amid much opposition from surrounding businesses, Jimmy Bissette opened 401 Tattoo on Main Street near the Ennis Street intersection earlier this year. Bissette’s business is just further than 900 feet from the Fuquay-Varina Presbyterian Church, which would have been prohibited because it falls within a 1,000-foot rule. However, he received approval for a variance from zoning law requirements. Bissette has been doing tattoos for six years. He also does freelance work in murals and signs, like those for My Back Porch and Flowers on Broad Street.
“FVHS Dean of Students retires”
Originally ran Oct. 3, 2012
After 26 years at Fuquay-Varina High School, dean of students Phyllis McLeod left her post this fall. She came to FVHS as the school’s advancement counselor in 1986 and changed positions in 1993. Throughout her tenure, McLeod received many accolades. She obtained her National Board Certification the first year it was offered to counselors in 2004. McLeod retired to travel and volunteer in the community and her church.
“Chamber of Commerce hosts first State of the Town breakfast”
Originally ran April 25, 2012
Following in the footsteps of other towns in Wake County, the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce held its first State of the Town breakfast at Joyce and Family Restaurant. The breakfast was encouraging with talk of growth throughout Fuquay-Varina. And it has been proven true with the openings of businesses like Anna’s Pizzeria and Big Lots and events like the Revitalization Association’s cash mobs. The Chamber followed up with another State of the Town breakfast this fall.
“FVHS names new Athletic Director”
Originally ran Aug. 8, 2012
The former sports marketing teacher varsity men’s and women’s soccer coach, James Mountford, stepped into a new role this school year at Fuquay-Varina High School. The 1995 FVHS attended Barton College where he played soccer. He led the 2010 FVHS men’s soccer team to a Conference Championship and in return was named the 2010 4-A Men’s Soccer State Coach of the Year.
Post a Comment
