Hickory

Bookstore: The Friends of Hickory Public Library recently held the grand opening for a new ongoing book sale area at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. The Friends Corner Book Store is open daily during regular library hours. Customers can buy books on the honor system using the cash box in the store. Paperbacks are $1, children’s paperbacks are two for $1 and hardcover books are $2 each.

The bookstore also offers gift baskets that include books and small gifts for all occasions and all ages for $10. The group is accepting orders for holiday and themed baskets priced at $15 each. Orders can be placed at Hickory Public Library locations.

Gaston

New athletic director: Terry Radford has been selected as athletic director at the new Stuart W. Cramer High School in Cramerton. Currently, he is athletic director at Hunter Huss High.

Radford will take over on Jan. 22. Cramer High will open in the fall of 2013 with grades 9-10. Eleventh grade will be added the following year and 12th grade will be added in 2015. The class of 2016 will be the first graduating class.

Radford will be responsible for developing and supervising the new school’s athletic programs.

The school will serve up to 1,200 students, feature a 1,500-seat gymnasium and a 3,000-seat stadium.

Flu shots: Gaston County Health Department officials are urging people, especially those at risk for complications, to get flu shots.

Shots are available at doctors’ offices and pharmacies across Gaston County, including the main Health Department, at 991 W. Hudson Blvd. and the Highland Health Center at 609 N. Highland St. Appointments are not required. Flu shots cost $30, and pneumonia shots are $79.

For more information call 704-853-5258 or go to www.gastonpublichealth.org.

Burke County

Blue Christmas: The annual Blue Christmas Benefit Concert for the Alzheimer’s Association of Western North Carolina will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Old Rock School, 400 Main St. W., Valdese. This year’s concert features local musicians Bobby Denton, the Harris Brothers, Jonathan Birchfield, Jaret Carter, David Wiseman, Ron Shuffler, Jim Ashton, Greg Simmons, Ross Sermons, David Withrow and the Moore Brothers.

Tickets are $10 and are available at the door or in advance by calling 828-879-2129.

Caldwell County

Ghost in the Machine: “Ghost in the Machine,” a collection of black-and-white photographs by local photographer Jack Daulton, is on display through February 2013 at the Wine Cellar and Bistro, 128 Main St. N.W., Lenoir. The exhibit features images of abandoned factories in Lenoir, Granite Falls and surrounding counties. The Wine Cellar and Bistro is open for lunch Tuesday-Friday and for dinner Wednesday-Saturday.