Birdie: By Mike Martin, the voice of the Pinecrest Patriots, for organizing the caravan to Fayetteville's Terry Sanford High School last Friday night to cheer on Pinecrest High's beleaguered varsity football team. Martin's successful effort sparked the idea for the school's cheerleaders to host a pep rally Thursday for the team's game with perennial football power Scotland County. Here's hoping the momentum for high school sports continues to build -- not just at Pinecrest but at Union Pines and North Moore as well.

Birdie: By Curtis Dean, the Raleigh real estate developer, for restoring the Jefferson Inn to its former grandeur. The landmark downtown Southern Pines Hotel has crumbled from years of neglect. Dean has poured $2.5 million into the project and promises to open the boutique hotel by Nov. 1. The restaurant and bar should open its doors by early 2007. Viva The Jeff!