The General Store Cafe News
March 19, 2003
It Isn?t the Town, It?s You


If you want to live in the kind of a town
That?s the kind of town you like,
You needn?t slip your clothes in a grip
 And start on a long, long hike

You?ll find elsewhere what you left behind,
For there?s nothing that?s really new,
It?s a knock at yourself when you knock your town;
It isn?t your town-it?s you.


Real towns are not made by men afraid,
Lest somebody else gets ahead.
When everybody works and nobody shirks
You can raise a town from the dead.

And if while you make your stake
Your neighbor can make one, too,
Your town will be what you want to see,
It isn?t your town- it?s you.
R.W. Glover

Happy Belated St. Patrick?s Day !

Blast Internet Services Provides Pathway for General Store Caf? to offer Cyber Caf?!

Starting this week the General Store Cafe has set up an internet station for public use. For a limited time this station will be free to use by store patrons, after which it will cost $2.00 per half hour to help us recover the cost of the equipment.

If you have your own laptop or PDA with 802.2 WiFi access - you can come in and enjoy the connectivity for free courtsey of Blast Internet Services.

Vance Remick, General Manager and co-owner of the General Store, says, "People expect something like this in a big city, but they are surprised to find it in Pittsboro. I think the message is that we are a no-back-woods-town." He adds that The General Store Caf?'s well known music series may soon be available as streaming video and audio via the Store?s website at thegeneralstorecafe.com . "This has opened up a world of possibilities for us."

Blast CEO Lyle Estill explains, "Blast has a long history of putting its technology to work for the community good. This is a natural extension of service for us. We also see wireless as a competitive alternative to DSL, which is still not available in many parts of Chatham County. The General Store is a test run for us. Next, we will set up an antennae for downtown Pittsboro businesses. We think there is a great opportunity for us to compete with the phone company on high speed Internet access."

Needed: Suggestions for Entertainment on Tuesday Nights

The General Store Caf? is interested in developing Family Night Tuesdays providing such entertainment as storytellers, theater, comedy, or games! Please email us at [email protected] if you have ideas of how we can provide this. All suggestions welcomed! We want to make Tuesday nights an enjoyable evening for all!

Let us fulfill your Catering Needs!

Call us at (919) 542-2432 or email us at [email protected] if you would like us to suggest some delicious dishes for your event!

Feel the Passion! Learn to Dance Salsa with award winning Guillermo H. Escobar and Melissa Stausburg tonight at 8:00pm

Come join us at the General Store Caf? tonight as Guillermo H. Escobar and Melissa Stausburg, winners of the Salsa Competition in Acapulco Mexico of 1999, teach salsa dancing starting at 8:00pm every Wednesday night. Learn this seductive dance from these award winning performers!

Guillermo and Melissa have performed at Fiesta del Pueblo, Chapel Hill, Apple Chill, and Fiesta Internacional Raleigh. Additionally, they have assisted in Salsa Congress in LA, NY, Miami, and DC in competition workshops and performance. Both are also instructors of Salsa Aerobics at the Metro Sport Athletic Club in Durham.

Tonight, Wednesday, March 19 - Chamber of Commerce Open House featuring Mike Germano (jazz, rock and acoustic) (6:00-7:30 pm)

All Chamber members are welcome to join us at the General Store Cafe for fine Hors d'oeuvres and wine. The Chatham County United Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven service organization committed to enhancing the economic vitality of Chatham County. The General Store Cafe is featured in the December issue of the Chamber's newsletter. For details on becoming a new member, or for more information, please contact the Chamber office at 919-742-3333 (email: [email protected]) We are proud to be a member! Regardless of membership, all are welcome to dine and enjoy the wonderful music of Mike Germano, singer/ songwriter of adult contemporary music that includes jazz, rock and acoustic.

Mike Germano, is a singer/ songwriter of adult contemporary music that includes jazz, rock and acoustic. Germano will perform from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Enjoy his smooth voice and voice range from baritone to tenor. His well played guitar parts tend to be finger style or syncopated rhythms with a penchant for "jazz chords." The melodies are simple, strong and memorable and define the songs. This blended mixture of jazz, rock, and acoustic with a light focused vocal over the top creates a unique genre of music that is not easily categorized, but crosses over to several audiences.

Monday March Madness Breakfast Coupon

Check out our coupon available in the Chatham County Line for winter and spring, advertising a Buy one Breakfast get one free! Coupon is only valid during the month of March on Mondays! Choose from an assortment of delicious breakfast plates! Huevos Rancheros, Belgium Waffles, Breakfast Burrito, 3 Egg Omelet, and the GSC Basic Breakfast Plate! Don't miss the most important meal of the day, join us for a hearty breakfast!

Design a new Logo for The Chatham Arts! Winner Receives dinner for two!

The Chatham County Arts Council is changing its' name to "The Chatham Arts," and needs a new logo to go with the new name! The new logo should reflect the great diversity of the Chatham art community. Please submit as many entrees as you like.

The General Store Cafe will proudly hang them up for everyone to pick and choose their favorites! More details to come regarding how the logo art will be judged. Winner receives a free dinner for two at the General Store Cafe!

Extended Store Hours, Extended Store Hours--Read All About It!

Though we have extended our hours a couple of months ago, people are still asking about our new hours. If you haven?t heard already, to recap......

We are now open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:30am to 8:00pm, Thursday and Friday from 7:30am to 10:30pm, and on Saturday from 9:00am to 10:30pm, though on Sundays we are still closed.

During open hours we serve breakfast until 11:00am, hot lunch until 3:00pm, deli items until 6:00pm and dinner from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Thursday through Saturday we have live music from 8:00pm to 10:00pm.

Hello Neighbors !

(this is a new, recurring section of the newsletter where we highlight local people, businesses and events. For starters we are introducing a few store related items, but in the coming weeks we aim to highlight events and people that have an impact on the community).

Happy Birthday Rosie!

Rosalia is the wonderful cook for the General Store Cafe during the day. She makes all that great Mexican food that we love so much. Rosie and her husband have two children, Brenda, 6, and Brandon, 4. Originally from Gurrvero, Mexico, Rosie and her family have made Pittsboro their home for the past seven years. She claims to have turned 29 on March 5, 2003 and we dare you to say she looks a day older. We wish Rosie a Happy Birthday and many more to come with us!

Meet the Owners and Meet the Staff!

(the store is currently owned by Bjorn, Alyson, Vance, Joyce, Farzin and Roya, and over the comning few weeks we will be introducing them one-by-one and also highlight some of the wonderful staff that make the store possible)

Introducing Vance and Joyce Remick

New ideas and exciting changes, General Store owners, Vance and Joyce Remick, can't implement them fast enough! The store has an energy of its own, and Vance and Joyce are committed to feeding that energy by continuing to enhance the look, feel and operational flow of the store. Vance describes the store as his canvas of art. He says, "My vision keeps changing just as a painting changes, once you begin to paint-it's almost as if you are being molded by the will of the store. Things happen, people make suggestions, and you just know what you have to do next."

Since assuming the role of General Manager in October, Vance has increased the store?s hours, expanded the menu, introduced the ever-popular Burrito Bashes, and fixed some of the staffing shortfalls. Joyce has also worked hard to bring order and warm ambience to the caf?. Now when you enter the store, a welcome sign, placed next to a bouquet of flowers will greet you, instructing you to make your order at the counter. In the evenings, table candles are lit to provide a charming mood; and the seasonal decorating of the caf? is also Joyce's handiwork. An antique hobbyist, Joyce displays various antique furniture pieces throughout the store, which bring a pleasant homey feel to the caf?. In addition, to providing an inviting atmosphere, Joyce also books the music performances.

If the Remick's could bottle their energy and sell it, they could be millionaires. In addition to running the caf?, they both have their own businesses. Vance is a retail store designer and has sites on the web at

www.retailstoredesign.com and www.4shelving.com. You can view his most recent work at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheville where he created their retail space. Joyce is an independent Shaklee Distributor, helping people live healthier lives (www.shaklee.net/remick).

Joyce and Vance are Chatham residents and owners of a restored 1890's farmhouse with 3 acres. Married for 30 years and parents of five children, and grandparents of three grandchildren, the Remick?s are proud of their large clan. Three of their children live with their families on Nantucket Island. You may have seen their daughter Jana's colorful, polar fleece hats in the retail section of the cafe (her logo is Nantucket Cabin Fever!). Zac, their oldest grandchild, just competed in Colorado in the Junior Olympics in Freestyle Skiing. Two other daughters, Maia and Erin, have both performed at the cafe, playing guitar and singing songs they have written. Maia is currently working on an upcoming CD. Erin will be playing a gig at the Sage Cafe at Warren Wilson College on April 26th, where she is a freshman.

The Remick?s are excited about their journey with the General Store Caf?. They?re not quite sure what?s in store for them, but they are enjoying the ride along the way. Vance explains, "Things happen, people make suggestions, and you just know what you have to do next." So, what are the Remick?s working on next? Currently, the owners are trying to expand the retail section of the store by placing the office space upstairs. Though the kitchen has recently been changed around to provide a smoother, operational flow, the big plan is to expand the existing kitchen so that a wider variety of dishes can be offered and can be served more quickly. When this is achieved, the store will be ready to move to wait staff?at least on weekend nights. Of course, money doesn?t flow as fast as the improvement ideas to implement everything at once.

Vance says, "What is important to me is that people recognize and appreciate that there is passion and love in the General Store Caf?, and that they enjoy the experience." The Remicks aren't the only ones dedicated to the store. Local artists, the staff, and many customers are also passionate about being a part of the General Store Caf? history and improving it by contributing ideas, suggestions, or just offering support. The General Store Caf? is certainly a moving canvas with many artists - the Remick's are just providing the paint!

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THIS WEEK's MUSIC EVENTS !

Wednesday, March 19 - Mike Germano (jazz, rock and acoustic) (6:00-7:30 pm)

Mike Germano, is a singer/ songwriter of adult contemporary music that includes jazz, rock and acoustic. Germano will perform from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Enjoy his smooth voice and voice range from baritone to tenor. His well played guitar parts tend to be finger style or syncopated rhythms with a penchant for "jazz chords." The melodies are simple, strong and memorable and define the songs. This blended mixture of jazz, rock, and acoustic with a light focused vocal over the top creates a unique genre of music that is not easily categorized, but crosses over to several audiences.

Wednesday, March 19- Salsa lessons and dancing with Guillermo H.Escobar and Melissa Stausburg, Starting at 8:00 pm

Learn this seductive dance from these award winning performers! Winners of the Salsa Competition in Acapulco Mexico of 1999, Guillermo and Melissa will teach salsa dancing at the General Store starting 8pm every Wednesday night. Guillermo and Melissa have performed at Fiesta del Pueblo, Chapel Hill Apple Chill, and Fiesta Internacional Raleigh. Additionally, they have assisted in Salsa Congress in LA, NY, Miami, and DC in competition workshops and performance. Both are also instructors of Salsa Aerobics at the Metro Sport Athletic Club in Durham.

Thursday, March 20 ? The Mahlon Hoard Trio (Jazz) 8:00-10:00pm

Jazz with Mahlon Hoard Trio featuring Rick Lassiter on Bass, Ian Davis on Drums and Mahlon Hoard on Sax.

Friday, March 21- Eric Byassee & Emily Waszak (country/folk) 8:00-10:00pm

Eric Byassee grew up in Chapel Hill, and after graduating with honors from Berlee College of Music in Boston and then spending 3 years as a session musician in Nashville, he is back home performing and writing songs in the town he loves. He has a new solo album being released on Austin's Lilly Records in late spring.

Emily Waszak is a 23 year old singer/songwriter born and raised in Chapel Hill. After attending college at Warren Wilson and UNC, she spent a year in Nashville, TN, honing her songwriting craft and learning from some of the best in the business. Now she has moved back to town with a renewed zest for writing and performing her unique brand of country/folk music.

Saturday, March 22- Brown Mountain Lights (blue grass, honky tonk, blues, pop) 8:00-10:00pm

The Brown Mountain Lights is comprised of three Triangle music veterans brought together by a love for the many styles of Americana music. Their repertoire consists primarily of original compositions with some carefully selected covers and reflects their love of roots music, with a combination of styles from bluegrass and honky tonk to blues and twangy pop. The outcome is a pungent mix of sharp songwriting, three part harmonies and jangly guitars.

Jef Hart (guitar and bass) and Janet Place (guitar, mandolin) contribute the lead vocals and songwriting talents while Greg Bower (lead guitar) provides vocal harmonies. The Independent called Hart one of the "key characters" in the development of the Triangle's all-country scene and he has been one of its' mainstays for over 15 years with The Hanks, The Ruins and the Panther Branch Boys. Place collected numerous Washington Area Music Award nominations while a member of the seminal D.C. twang group "The Slim Jims" before moving to the area in 1995 and forming the Kickbacks, a bluesy roots music band. She was referred to as "one of the best vocalists on the scene today" by Southern & Rockin' Magazine and possesses a voice that the News and Observer called "a cross between Patsy Cline and Etta James". Bower, who the Independent described as an "all-country expert", provides the hot guitar licks and was formerly with the late lamented Balooka Ru. The Brown Mountain Lights have recently appeared with Buddy and Julie Miller, the Mary Janes and the Domino Kings and appear regularly at The ArtsCenter, Six String Cafe, Bynum General Store, The Cafe, Pittsboro General Store Cafe, Puckett's (Charlotte) and the Garage (Winston-Salem).

This Week's Evening Menu, Thursday through Saturday Evening:

    Entrees
  • Blackened Tuna served atop a bed of Lettuce with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Sauteed Vegetables
  • Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast served with Rice Pilaf and Sauteed Vegetables
  • Salmon Marinara - Salmon in a Fresh Homemade Marinara with Parmesan served over Pasta
  • Indian Platter - Saag with Fresh Cheese, a Rich Tomato Daal, and Curried Vegetables served over Rice Pilaf
    Quesadillas
  • Chili Roasted Chicken Quesadilla
  • Scallop Quesadilla
  • Jerk Chicken Quesadilla
    Burritos
  • Jerk Chicken Burrito
  • Chili Roasted Chicken Burrito
  • Salmon Burrito with Red Onions, Shitake Mushrooms, White Rice and Cheese
  • Scallop Burrito
  • Spinach Burrito

...and more in-store specials of the day and soups of the day - see the board in the store for more details !

Chatham and Orange March Events Calendar!

This is a new section of the newsletter where we highlight some of the many upcoming events in Chatham (and some in Orange) in February. Check out What's Happening! If you have an upcoming event you want us to highlight in this newsletter, please email [email protected] . Please title and date your event. All entries must have no more than 200 words. Do not submit attachments. All entries are left to the discretion of the GSC to edit as necessary.

Saturday, March 22, - Endor Iron Furnace Historical Hike (10:00 a.m. to Noon)

Local historian Ed Patterson reprises this popular trip to Lee County's most compelling historic landmark. He will share the story of the Endor Furnace and the unlikely industrial history of this would-be "Pittsburgh of the South." Endor Iron Furnace is near the Lee County community of Cumnock, north of Sanford. To register, for more information and for directions, visit the Triangle Land Conservancy (TLC) website at www.tlc-nc.org or call (919) 833-3662.

Sunday, March 23- Candlelight Vigil for Peace at the Pittsboro Courthouse 7:00-8:00pm

As apart of candlelight vigils worldwide, there will be a rolling wave of candlelight gatherings that will quickly cross the globe. Bring your candle to stand for peace! Spread the word!

Saturday, March 29- Pat Humphries and Sandy Opatow in Concert! 8:00pm

Called the "true spirit-child of Woody Guthrie," activist musician and award-winning songwriter, Pat Humphries will perform with Sandy Optatow on March 29, 2003. Doors open at 7 p.m.; concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit Family Violence and Rape Crisis of Chatham County.

The concert will take place at the Pittsboro, N.C. campus of the Central Carolina Community College in the multi-purpose room. For more information, please contact Louise Omoto Kessel at 919-542-5599 or email [email protected] or call Andrea Galeucia at FVRC at 919-542-5445.

Pat's songs are sung at peace and justice events around the world and have been translated into seven languages. In May 2002, Pat and "Swimming to the Other Side" were featured on NPR's All Things Considered. To learn more about Pat Humphries please visit her website: www.PatHumphries.com

Sunday, March 30- Spring Awakening Retreat (9am - 4pm)

Spring is the time when all nature awakens, bringing its energy outward from its Winter lull. The creative power stirs in the fields and meadows. All things begin to sprout and grow in the full splendor of earth and sky. Join us in this renewal of energy and explore the awakening of your own nature. Lunch, yoga, meditation, and more. This retreat can be part of the Stress Melter Getaway Package offered by Rosemary Bed & Breakfast. For more information, please contact Windsong Retreat Center at (919) 542-2611 or email [email protected]

Sunday, March 30 - Art Auction - Fearrington Barn

Chatham County Arts Council is hosting its First Annual Art Auction on March 30. Art Preview and Silent Auction begins at 3 p.m. with the Live Auction beginning at 4 p.m. Your auctioneers are Pam Smith and Gary Phillips. Over 80 artists from Chatham County and the surrounding area are contributing work to this auction to benefit the Arts Council. Check our website www.chathamarts.org for a listing of those artists to find your favorites. Liz Tedesco will provide musical entertainment and refreshments will be available. A $5 admission fee provides you with a catalog of the art and the artists and the opportunity to bid in these auctions.

Sunday, March 30 - Dinner for the Arts - Market Cafe at Fearrington

Our 2nd annual Dinner for the Arts at Fearrington will follow the Art Auction beginning with a 6 pm reception featuring fine food from the Market Cafe and the music of Liz Tedesco. An elegant gourmet meal prepared by Graham, the Fearrington Chef, will begin at 6:30 and hosted by some very special guests: Beverly Perdue, Lt. Governor of North Carolina; Lisbeth C. Evans, Secretary NC Department of Cultural Affairs and Mary Regan, Executive Director NC Arts Council. Music will be provided by Triology. Please check the website www.chathamarts.org for ordering tickets.

How are we doing?

The General Store Caf? appreciates any feedback, suggestions or comments you may have as to how we can fulfill your expectations. Email suggestions to . Your comments are important, please allow 24-48 hours to receive a response.

The final word!

BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DELI & DINNER:
The caf? is open Monday - Wednesday 7:30 am - 8:00 pm (breakfast 7:30am - 11:00am, lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, deli items 3:00pm - 6:00pm, dinner 6:00pm - 8:00pm), Thursday and Friday 7:30am - 10:30pm and on Saturday 9:00 am - 10:30 pm.

DINNER & MUSIC :
Thursday - Saturday we have live music from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm to go with your dinner!

How to get here: 39 W Street, Pittsboro is next to the downtown traffic circle, just across from the Pittsboro courthouse. Phone: (919) 542-2432

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