Rutherford Weekly

The Forest City Recreation Center was a buzz recently with approximately 45 special needs children and young adults, one-on-one volunteers and a group of dedicated staff. Arriving early in the morning, the campers and volunteers were checked in and then received instructions for the day camp from director Nikki Brock. Seated on the gymnasium fl oor, Brock called the roll and made sure all students and campers were present before the day's activities began. After check-in, everyone went to the pools for swimming and later had snacks provided by the Pilot Club of Rutherford County. Every day except Friday, campers and volunteers were transported by Rutherford County Schools buses for activities away from the center. On Monday, nearby Florence Baptist Church hosted the camp for a movie and fresh popcorn. Tuesday the campers went bowling at Autumn Lanes and Wednesday they traveled to Running B Ranch for a favorite activity — horseback riding. Volunteers, sometimes two or three at a time, assisted the campers on the horses and walked the short trails with them. Thursday was Skates & Stuff with campers and volunteers making trips around the rink. Friday was swimming at the recreation center and a dance party. Serendipity's icee truck arrived for the camp and lunch was a McDonald's Happy Meal on Friday. The cafeteria staff at Forest City Dunbar School provided lunches for everyone before they were transported back to the recreation center where the camp concluded each day. For the past 53 years Camp Harmony has been a signifi cant part of the lives of special needs children and young adults and the one- on-one volunteers in Rutherford County. The global pandemic canceled the camp for two years. When Camp Harmony returned in 2022 after the pandemic, the camp partnered with the Rutherford County Schools (RCS). Instead of the traditional two week camp, the camp had to be reduced to one week due to summer school schedules of some of the campers and volunteers. Camp director Nikki Brock said, "Camp Harmony is rewarding to the campers as well as the volunteers, but I feel that myself and our staff are the most rewarded. To see the relationships and the smiles are what means the most and keeps us looking forward to camp each and every year." Assisting Nikki with the 2023 camp were Cindy Canipe, Beverly McGinnis, Kim Frances, Angie Melton, Barry Melton and Carrie Wood. "I want to say thank you to everyone for sharing your kids with us this year from volunteers to campers and I want to give a big shout out to all that took their time out and came and helped me and Nikki this year. We could not have done it without any of you guys," said volunteer staff member Cindy Adair. Cindy also thanked all the other assistants who donated their week to the camp. "We couldn't pull this off without you guys being there and doing anything we need you to do. Love to you all and let's get ready for next year," Cindy added. Volunteer leader Angie Melton said, "I've been blessed to work with this great group of campers, volunteers and everyone else who helped with Camp Harmony. Such a wonderful group of people we have in our community. It's been the best week. God has truly blessed me." Dede Canedo Hollifi eld's son Aiden was among the campers. "Thank you for what you do for my kiddo and all the kids of Rutherford County," DeDe said. Karen Kennedy posted this note on social media about her camper son, Nathan."Nathan had so much fun. Thank you all for helping him have adventures and for loving and caring for my son." Abigail Thompson,14, returned to Camp Harmony again as a volunteer. "I really enjoy volunteering at Camp Harmony. It was a learning experience for both the campers and the volunteers. It was fun to meet new people," she said. Abigail said her camper was very friendly and had a refreshing personality. "We enjoyed all the activities," she added. ISSUE NO. 28 • July 13, 2023 ISSUE NO. 28 • July 13, 2023 • • RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 RutherfordWeekly.com • 828-248-1408 WE WILL BUY WE WILL BUY YOUR CAR TODAY! YOUR CAR TODAY! ©communityfi rstmedia A U T O S A L E S www.mooresautos.com t 345 South Broadway, Forest City 828-245-8067 N.C. TRACTOR & FARM SUPPLY 299 Railroad Ave., Rutherfordton • 828-288-0395 Mobile: 828-429-5008 • mf1dpshehan@gmail.com SALES • SERVICE • PARTS IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! IF YOU BUY ANYWHERE ELSE YOU WILL PAY TOO MUCH! PROUDLY SERVING RUTHERFORD, CLEVELAND, GASTON, LINCOLN, POLK COUNTIES AS THE AREAS HOMETOWN MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER. Great Selection Great Selection Our 31 st Year • Over 25,000 Weekly Readers Article by Jean Gordon. Photos Contributed. Camp Harmony - Camp Harmony - a summer favorite and life changing camp for so many a summer favorite and life changing camp for so many A smiling Kim Francis with a camper at Autumn Lanes. A happy camper at Autumn Lanes. A camper searches for her perfect bowling ball. Several volunteers help a camper skate. Volunteers standing close to this camper during a short horse ride at Running B Ranch. Movie time at Florence Baptist Church where fresh popped popcorn was provided for campers and volunteers. Our Summer Around Your Home Edition!

• Cover