HAMLET – Back in the spring, the Hamlet Business Development Association (HBDA) held a talent show. It was for local vocalists to compete for a title and prize money. The proceeds from the entry fees, refreshments sold at the event and proceeds from advertising were to go towards a scholarship for a business administration student at RichmondCC.
The thought behind the scholarship was to help a local potential business owner with some school costs and perhaps that student would start their business in Hamlet. Applicants meeting the stated criteria were reviewed and the HBDA members selected one to receive the scholarship.
On Tuesday, that student, Joseph McCurdy, was presented with his prize: a $500.00 scholarship.
Joseph’s plans are to get his associate degree at RichmondCC and transfer to Fayetteville State Universtiy. His business goal is to open a fast food restaurant franchise; he currently works in that capacity in Richmond County.
Another project on which the HBDA will be working is raising money for the Opera House in Hamlet. This beautiful historic building is on Main Street; the website, cinematreasures.com, describes the opera house as having a “Greek Revival façade and corresponding interior.”
Built in 1912, the building has been remodeled and updated over the years. According to the same website, in the 1930’s , the style was changed to an Art Deco style, which is still its décor today.
If you would like more information about the Hamlet Opera House fund raising efforts or the HBDA itself, contact its president, Bernice Owens, at (910) 995-8268.
HBDA meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the rotunda of the Hamlet Depot.
