Snacks, drinks and a big foam finger: The Super Bowl is coming this Sunday, Feb. 3, and one contending player learned the game right here in Garner.
Starring in Super Bowl XLVII is cornerback Chris Culliver of the San Francisco 49ers, formerly of the Garner High Trojans, playing under Coach Nelson Smith.
As the 49ers take on the Baltimore Ravens for the championship title, here’s what Culliver recalled for Cary Magazine earlier this year about his time in Garner:
“Coach Smith told me to be a center of gravity person. He kept telling me, there’s opportunity there, I just need to take advantage of it. I did. … He definitely taught me a lot, whether it was on the field, off the field, whether it was in class; he kept me on the right line.
“He told me not to give up on myself, or my teammates as well. Just being a young boy growing up, on a personal level, it was real good having Coach Smith as a coach.”
Smith has since retired from coaching to become Garner High’s athletic director. But we know that like us, he’ll be watching.
Culliver photo courtesy of the San Franciso 49ers.
Foodies
Can’t wait for the game? Check out Game On, tonight — that’s the theme of this year’s Cooks for Books. This battle of the chefs also features local TV sports anchors Mandy Mitchell, Jen Daniels and Todd Gibson, lending a hand in the kitchen!
Sample and vote on Super Bowl-inspired entrees and more, all to benefit the Garner Educational Foundation.
For tickets and information, click here.
History Buffs
Pilots, Picture and Purpose on Friday, Feb. 1 offers a chance to meet and greet African-American pilots from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and hear their experiences. Following that session is a free showing of the action-packed film Red Tails, which brings the story of the Tuskegee Airmen to life. The drama features actors Cuba Gooding Jr.
For more info, click here.
For the Kids
It’s Groundhog Day in Garner on Saturday, Feb. 2 — will Mortimer see his shadow?
Find out at this free event at White Deer Park, featuring games, crafts, live animals and fun for the family. And of course, get Mortimer’s how-long-till-spring prediction first hand!
Click here for details.
ChamberSoul
It’s a Supper Club dinner and a show with singer-songwriter Shana Tucker and her cello on Saturday night, Feb. 2, at the Garner Performing Arts Center.
Compared by critics to Joni Mitchell for her uniquely individual music, Tucker’s sound has been said to blur the lines of classical, jazz, folk, R&B and soul. Her debut CD, SHiNE, was released last year, and Tucker has since performed in Las Vegas and New York City, including with Cirque du Soleil’s Ka.
Dinner is by Raleigh’s Prime Smokehouse. For tickets and information, click here.
For more event listings, see our Social Calendar at www.carymagazine.com/social-calendar.
