Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars 2013 will hit the GEM Theatre with a March 15 opening night and conclude with a finale on Saturday, March 16 when four judges present one of the eight teams with the coveted “Mirror Ball” trophy. Both shows are scheduled to begin at 7:30pm, with the Saturday finale also streaming via a live feed at Velo Vineyard presented to accommodate the sell-out.

Dancing in eighth position on the contest roster are Lynn Whittenburg and Trey Pierson. This high-spirited team has named itself “Thick and Lynn” and with Pierson claiming that the best is always saved for last, this duo is expected to wrap up the show with a final shot of humor and energy.

Whittenburg is a 1989 graduate of Calhoun High School and attended the University of Alabama, but returned to Georgia and completed a Bachelor of Science degree from Berry College. A formidable athlete, she has worked in the fitness industry for the last decade. She currently manages the local Firehouse Gym and works as a personal trainer. Whittenburg studied dance under local dance legends Helene McCall and LaRae Pennel. She is the daughter of Lamar and Linda Whittenburg.

Pierson is employed with Source One Sample as the Shipping, Collation and Inventory Manager. He also is a co-owner of Velo Vineyard. He has been married for 25 years to Monica Pierson, who is employed with Calhoun City Schools. Trey and Monica have two children. Their twenty-two year old son Duke is enrolled at Dalton State College and will enter its nursing program this fall. Eighteen year old daughter Molly will finish her career at Calhoun High School this year as a Top Five Honor Graduate before heading to the University of Georgia in Athens.

Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars is a joint fundraiser, with all profits benefiting the GEM Theatre and United Way of Gordon County. Each of the eight teams is competing in two capacities: as fundraisers and as dancers. Their fundraising efforts are limited only by their imaginations.

Team supporters may make online donations at www.gordoncountyunitedway.org until right before the finale. Online donors must make a minimum pledge of $5.00, with Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted. Those wishing to make personal donations may do so by offering their payments to United Way Director Vickie Spence at her office in the Calhoun Depot. Credit cards, cash and checks are accepted at that location. Supporters may also present their donations directly to their favored team. Donations will be collected during the Friday and Saturday shows.