Page 29 - Burke County NC 2023

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College Construction Trades “When we looked at the golf course, what we didn’t
Center to Open As a result of this funding, we will be realize was that along with the course came the
Western Piedmont Community College has community,” shared Claudia. “The nicest people are
a construction project underway that will able to offer training in high-demand here. There are so many people who have moved
advance initiatives in teaching for important construction careers with family here and say the same.”
construction trades. sustainable wages in a state-of-the-art
facility equipped with the latest tools Their newest chef is a local here in Burke County and
The Golden LEAF Foundation’s Board of Directors trending in construction training. he’s making a name for himself as he reinvigorates
awarded $1.5 million through the Community- the menu at Papa’s Grill in the clubhouse that’s
Based Grants Initiative to Western Piedmont – Sandy Hoilman, Vice President for reminiscent of a Southern homestead.
Community College to assist in the construction Administrative Services
of a 30,000-square-foot Skilled Trades Solution Western Piedmont Community College Claudia added, “For the avid golfer, we are
Center – with labs and classroom space to house the continually making improvements to be the most well-
construction trades program. “ kept and nicest golf course that is open to everyone.
People who come out here – everybody plays
together. That’s our vibe here. Everyone is treated like
This regional project will support the training needs
of students from Burke, Alexander, and Catawba a member.”
counties in the careers of carpentry, masonry, Holderegger, an electrician who worked on the Silver Creek has clinics for beginners and a group for
electrical technologies, HVAC, plumbing, and green courses, closed on the purchase of Silver Creek Golf women who want to come out and play.
construction principles. The new innovative center
replaces the college’s 70-year-old facility. Club, an 18-hole, par 72 Tom Jackson championship
course that includes 170 acres with five sets of tees to “I think that our goal has always been for this to
The new center will be on the main campus adjacent accommodate and challenge golfers of all skill levels. be a community center for community events.
We’re surrounded by the beauty of the Appalachian
to the Duke Energy switching station near Burkemont foothills,” added Claudia.
Avenue and will be connected off College Drive. The course underwent renovations while it stayed
wpcc.edu open to the public. It now features Bermuda fairways, Silver Creek is available for private rentals, including
immaculate bent grass greens, a sophisticated weddings, rehearsal dinners, and fundraisers.
Grass Is Greener at the Golf Course irrigation system, and concrete cart paths, all Keep an eye out for the next innovation: Claudia is
At the beginning of the global pandemic, Melissa surrounded by breathtaking views of mountains, a chiropractor and envisions a practice onsite that
and PGA professional Wesley Jones, and Claudia ponds, and streams. Silver Creek is open to the public specializes in chiropractic care for golfers.
Holderegger-McCormack and John McCormack- year-round. screekgolf.com

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