FARMINGTON – With grateful hearts many members of the Farmington community honored Laura Mathis, or “Miss Laura,” with a reception on Sunday afternoon, June 28.

Mathis has been the driving force behind the growth at the community center (FCC) over the past 12 years, including attaining 501(c) (3) status for the Farmington Community Association – which in turn allowed the association to be a United Way Partner Agency, preparing the way for the satellite Senior Center site, the Teen Gathering Center and the Growing a Healthier Future afterschool program.

Mathis has been instrumental in the development of the 65-acre Farmington Nature Park and improvements to the center. Under her direction, the community came together and renovated the old Farmington High School cafeteria into the beautiful banquet hall facility it is today, which is enjoyed by many as a place to hold special events.

Eagle Heights Church has adopted the FCC as its home and has weekly services there.

Her touch is seen in every area of the facilities, from the senior and youth gardens to the kiosk leading to the nature trail to the children’s nature projects decorating the meeting room.

Mostly, she has left a lasting impact by caring for the Farmington community and beyond, and being a friendly face that has blessed so many people of all ages that have had great experiences at FCC.

Her last day as executive director of Farmington Community Center was June 30.

Melanie Cooke of Oak Grove Church Road, Mocksville, is the new executive director. Cooke has experience in organizing events, business management and volunteer coordination. She is completing her bachelor’s of Christian Ministries degree, and has had a focus on running youth camps for the past four years. She is active with the Davie Craft Association and her church.

Thanks to the Farmington Ruritan Club, the American flags will be flying along Farmington Road and beyond this week as we celebrate the birth of thjis nation.

Every Tuesday evening, there is a bicycle ride leaving the FCC at 6 for cyclists of all abilities. Also on Tuesday evenings, there is a line dance class starting at 6:30. Each weekday, the satellite Senior Services site is open to all Seniors from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. On Thursday evenings, the Piedmont Future Filmmakers meet at 6:30. Each Sunday, Eagle Heights Church has its’ services starting at 9:30. The Davie County Coon Hunter’s Club meets regularly at the “hut” and the Clover 4-H Club also meets at FCC.

The Farmer’s Market has local produce available each Saturday morning under the shelter.

The Teen Gathering Place is meeting on each first and third Saturdays from 6-9 p.m.

There is a Bluegrass Band Night at least one Friday night of each month.

Softball and baseball practice and games are abundant at the Farmington field, and people are walking the Nature Park trail in search of exercise and bird watching, fishing, or just to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

• The 6th Annual Tour of Farmington cycling event is scheduled for Sept. 12. This event drew 160 cyclists last year and local cycling enthusiasts have grown to appreciate it. More information is available at www.active.com.

• The first Fire/Rescue Squad Chili Cook-Off is also happening on Sept. 12, in conjunction with the Tour of Farmington. This judged event is open to fire departments, rescue squads, sherriff’s and police departments, as well as to restaurants and the public. More information will be coming on this event.

Visit www.farmingtoncc.org to see all upcoming events.