Hollister Elementary an Honor School of Excellence

By Peggy R. Shearin

Hollister Elementary School is one of only two elementary schools in Halifax County (the other being Pittman) to achieve Honor School of Excellence status in 2004-2005. In the previous two years Hollister was a School of Distinction. Hollister has each year met their Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) since the beginning of this report.

How does a small school of approximately 260 students (99% American Indian and African American) with the majority of the households living below poverty level, consistently turn in outstanding performances on the ABCs? Ms. Vivian Branch, Principal of Hollister Elementary was more than happy to answer my question.

Branch stated that students know what is expected of them in the classroom and that teacher’s work hard to meet the goals set for their grade levels. Each student is treated as someone special and they are taught that they can learn and be a success. Teachers are long term, with one teacher retiring and only two new teachers coming for the 2006-07 school year. Information obtained from the NC School Report Card for last year shows that all teachers at Hollister had 4 or more year’s experience, compared to the NC State average of 77% of teachers per school with 4 or more year’s. Everyone including students, teachers and staff are part of a team working toward the same goal of achieving high marks not just on end of grade tests, but in education as a whole.

North Carolina students in grades 3-8 must take End of Grade tests to show their school's proficiency for the previous year. Hollister Elementary works hard to make learning more fun and help prepare the students for these end of grade tests. Teachers and staff of the school attend workshops and conferences throughout the year to receive new ideas for making learning fun. According to many child psychologists, teachers who make learning fun have better students and their classes consistently have higher grades, Hollister Elementary is certainly a testament to this fact.

When students graduate 5th grade at Hollister Elementary, they then move on to Eastman Middle School. Branch and her staff consistently check on the progress of these students, offering insight and ideas where needed. This is how students are made aware that just because they have left Hollister Elementary, the teachers and staff there have not forgotten them.

Discipline is not a major problem at the school, but students who may have behavior problems are handled in house. This allows the student to stay in the classroom where they can work with other students and the teachers. Only one student was suspended in the 2005-06 school year for behavior related problems. Character development is something the teachers and staff work on daily with students.

The staff at Hollister Elementary does not know if their school will reach Honor School of Excellence status for the 2005-06 school year as the math portions of the end of grade tests will be delayed until October. This is not a concern for the staff as they prepare this week to meet and greet new and returning students, along with their parents and guardians with an Open House for Kindergarten-2nd grade on Tuesday August 22 and grades 3-5 are invited on Wednesday, August 23. The beginning of the new school year will be Friday, August 25.

Sept 2006

Contributed photo

John Williams of the North Carolina Bowfishing Association harvested this 68# grass carp in Lake Gaston last Friday. The fish was 46 inches long and had a girth of 35 inches. Williams is working with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries as part of the grass carp population study in the Lake. This is part of the Army Corps of Engineers study being conducted on the Lake.

Originally published 091306

Patriots Day Ceremony honors 9/11 victims recognizes emergency services

Patriot Day and 9/11 ceremony Observer photo by Maurice Emery To the right are the American and North Carolina State flags carried by Weldon Junior ROTC. To the left is a representative group of emergency personnel. Together thy highlight the meaning of the Am Vets 101 Patriot Day and 9/11 ceremony in Centennial Park, Roanoke Rapids, NC. The event was a remembrance of 9/11 and a thank you to all the emergency service people in the area.

By Maurice Emery

ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC – It was a beautiful September day that provided a backdrop for the 5th Annual Patriots Day and 9/11 Service sponsored by the AMVETS Post 101. The gazebo at Centennial Park in Roanoke Rapids was the stage where the dignitaries gathered to honor those who gave their lives on 9/11, our fighting men and women, and all emergency services people.

“It is another opportunity to bring our community together and show our patriotism in a special way,” stated Jean Reaves, Post Finance Officer, and MC in her opening remarks. The ceremony then moved on with the presentation of the colors by the Weldon Junior ROTC. From our vantage point the meaning of the ceremony was symbolized by the view of the color guard with the American Flag approaching the assembled emergency services people as they made their way to the stage.

After the opening prayer Roanoke Rapids Mayor Drewery Beale urged those gathered to, think about what it would be like tonight if you called needing any of the emergency services and no one was there. He said that there are countries in the world where that would be the case. Talking about freedom the mayor stated, “We’ve paid a high price and we must never forget.” He then asked all the emergency services people present to stand so they could be recognized for their service.

He told the emergency services people that the City of Roanoke Rapids does care and thanked them for their service.

After his remarks Am Vets Post Commander Mike Reaves presented the Mayor with an American flag. He told the mayor that the flag contained the names of everyone who perished on 9/11.

Pasity Lassiter, Pat Vick with accompaniment on the guitar by her husband then led everyone in the singing of and “My country, 'tis of thee.” Jean Reaves then told those gathered that it was a special day set aside to recognize the local emergency responders. She then related a personal experience when she was caught in a fire unable to reach her kids and how the sound of the fire trucks gave her great relief.

Jean then thank the family members present representing Gary L Bankert Sr. from the Roanoke Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department who lost his life in a training accident in 2002.

Commander Reaves then introduced the keynote speaker, Darrick McGee North Carolina American Legion Security & Foreign Relations Chairperson a member of the Am Vets Post 101, American Legion Post 425, the Elks club and Masonic Order.

After reminding everyone of the timeline of events on September 11 and then breaking down and array of statistics that reminded everyone how tragic 9/11 was on a national and personal level. They included such things as the first aircraft striking the World Trade Center 8:46 a.m. and the Twin Towers completely falling to the ground by 10:28 a.m... Two thousand kids lost their parents; 348 firemen, almost half of all those on duty, were lost in the twin towers; 2786 to 2814 people perished at the towers (this depends on which source you use for the figures); it took 260 days to remove all the debris from the towers and the fires burned at the site for 99 days.

McGee started his speech by saying that we should use the Anniversary of September 11th as a wake up call that can not be taken lightly. He then talked about how important it was for individuals to volunteer within their community, and named several ways they could do so. McGee closed by saying “You’ve had your wake up call the first step is yours. Get involved be prepared and make a difference.”

The ceremony closed with a prayer and the signing of God Bless America.

9/11 Will be part of us forever

By Maurice Emery

Originally Published 091306

Police Issues main topic at Littleton Town Meeting

By Theresa Raymond

LITTLETON - Police Commissioner Terri Newsom asked the Town of Littleton to promote an officer and hire another during the September Town Meeting last Wednesday Night.
After Newsom gave his usual police report, he made a motion to promote Officer Vernon Jenkins to Sergeant without a pay raise. He decided to present the promotion to the board at the request of Police Chief Mike Suggs who urged the board that the promotion was needed. "We need to have someone in charge when I'm not here," Suggs explained.
The board voted and approved the promotion of Officer Jenkins without a pay raise.
Newsome then asked the board to untable the motion to hire a fourth police officer, saying he would like to vote on the issue.
Mayor Mason Hawfield expressed his concern about the new job saying having the new officer would put a crimp in the town's budget. "If we do (hire a fourth officer,) we should have no part-time officers" Hawfield stated.
Newsome said the part-time officers need to stay on for special events such as the Littleton/Lake Gaston Festival and parades. "We still need to keep part-time officers on the books," the Police Commissioner explained.
Newsom then explained how he agreed with the mayor about the budget and said if the budget was getting to tight, he'd be willing to revert to the three full-time officer's and using part-time officers to fill in on scheduling as they do now.
"If in six months, we're way in the hole, then we would have to let the new officer go," Newsome explained. "I don't want to put a strain on the budget or raise taxes. I agree with the chief that a fourth officer is needed."
The motion was originally brought to the board by Newsom at the request of Suggs at the August town meeting. The original motion was made to hire a fourth full-time police officer, with the salary coming from some of the part-time officers as they would not be used as much, if the officer was hired. The motion was tabled by the mayor at the August meeting, who stated he didn't know the particulars of the motion and would like to discuss it during a work session.
The motion was then untabled and passed with Commissioner Al Cooke abstaining from voting, which is the same as a yes vote. The officer will be hired at a starting salary of $26,000 a year.
Commissioner Billy Matthews asked the board to purchase a computer for the Waste Water Treatment Plant costing no more than $500. He also asked to accept a fax machine donated by Chief Suggs to also go in the plant. Both request were approved.
The board then voted Commissioner Betty Willis as this years delegate to the North Carolina League of Municipalities conference in October.

Mayor Hawfield then told the board of the Halifax County board of Commissioners decision to fund approximately $150,000 in restoring the Windows Fashion Resource building in Littleton with only on provision. Hawfield said Halifax County would like to receive 75% of the taxes on the building, for the first five years, once the building is turned over to the owners.

"My feeling is 100% of nothing is nothing," Willis replied to the Mayor. "If we are at least getting 25% then that's better than nothing. I say we give them the 75%."
During the meeting Willis also spoke of new stores coming to Littleton including a Family Dollar and a restaurant, and her hopes that more would follow once Windows Fashion opened for business. The Mayor noted this would be the largest employer on this side of Halifax County and hoped the growth from Roanoke Rapids would spread over to Littleton.
The board voted and passed the motion to give Halifax County 75% of tax revenue from the factory for the first five years.
Chief Suggs then spoke to the board about getting a pick up truck for the police department. He explained the truck was being donated from Langley Air Force Base in Virginia. He says the only stipulation with receiving the truck is they keep it for two years and it it be used to transport captured animals to Halifax County. Suggs also stated the truck was in good condition as it was only used to patrol the Air Base.

Michael Leonforte Memorialized, arrest made in killing

By Peggy R. Shearin

A joint federal, state and local law enforcement effort was successful in locating, arresting and charging 18 year old Montellus Burchette and 28 year old Quante Seward, both of Norlina, in the murder of 31 year old Michael Leonforte of the Warren Plains area.

Leonforte had just celebrated his thirty-first birthday at the end of August, and found out that he had been hired as a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff's Department on his birthday. He began his new job at the beginning of September. He and his wife Zheyu Qiu (known as Cynthia to friends) lived in the “Old Collins Homeplace” in Warren Plains. Returning to his home at approximately 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 5, 2006 this promising life was literally snuffed out on the road leading from Norlina to Warren Plains.

Sheriff Johnny Williams stated on Sunday that while the perpetrators may have been gang members, this was not a gang initiation, just a random act of violence. Michael Leonforte was not the targeted victim, he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and any citizen of Warren County could have been the victim.

Bobby and Peggy Allen, of Warrenton, were two of the first people to welcome the Leonfortes to Warren County and an invitation was extended by the Allens for the Leonfortes to join them for services at Warren Plains Baptist Church. The couple began to attend and it was there on Sunday, September 10th that Will Aleshire, Pastor, conducted a memorial honoring Michael and his life.

Law enforcement officers from Vance, Edgecombe, Northampton, Norlina, Warrenton, Littleton,Henderson and State Troopers from across the state were their to honor their fallen comrade. Michael's Basic Law Enforcement Class from Vance Granville Community College were also in attendance. The Norlina Fire Department and Warren County EMS were present as were many dignitaries including Linda Jones, County Manager, and Commissioner Barry Richardson.

Sheriff Johnny Williams spoke on his first impression of Michael and what a loss it was going to be for Warren County and the Sheriff's Department. He presented to Cynthia Leonforte the badge which Michael would have worn, encased with the American Flag and a large badge behind it.

Steve Roehr, a fraternity brother, spoke of Michael through tears and laughter and their years of friendship starting in college at Kettering University in Flint, Michigan. Many of Michael's fraternity brothers, some from as far away as California, traveled to Warren County present for the memorial service and show their support for his family.

Elke, a young Belgium woman, who first met Michael while he and his fraternity brothers were traveling through Belgiun read a poem in his memory. Stephen Leonforte, Michael's younger brother spoke on the love he had for his older brother.

Ellen Leonforte, Michael's mother, who has lost two other sons to tragedies, spoke of Michael's love for family and friends. How much he loved Warren County, the rural setting and how he and Cynthia had planned to start a family and put down roots here. The couple already had many friends in the area, and Cynthia was planning to stop traveling and accept a job offer with Warren County. Ellen ask that while we remember this tragedy we also celebrate Michael's life and the joy and happiness he brought to those who knew him. She closed with a poem entitled “the Dash”.

Cynthia Leonforte read an open letter to her husband. She included the happiness they had shared, the trips he had made to China to visit her prior to their marriage and the joy she found being his wife and sharing his friends and family. She thanked everyone who attended this memorial service and spoke on the love he had for Warren County, the Norlina Fire Department and how excited he was to be hired by the Warren County Sheriff's Department.

Will Aleshire, Pastor of Warren Plains Baptist Church, ended the service with a reminder to those in attendance that life is not fair, it is fragile and that while we grieve for Michael Leonforte we must remember that he is in the presence of the Lord. We should all be thankful for the love and friendships we have here on earth and except Christ as our Saviour so that we may once again see these loved ones in eternity.

Members of Warren Plains Baptist Church and friends of the family prepared and served refreshments following the service.

Local POW’s honored at Annual Ceremony

By Maurice Emery

Observer photo by Maurice Emery	Observer photo by Maurice Emery
Three former Prisoners of War were in attendance in at last Saturdays POW/MIA Remembrance Service at American Legion Post 425 in Littleton. Between the three of them they spent more than five years as prisoners. Pictured above are (l-r): Dallas Barnes, Bandy Herman and James Toffton.	“The Missing Man table” for the POW/MIA Remembrance Service reflects the emptiness families and friends feel when their loved one is a Prisoner of War or Missing In Action. Every item in this scene has a special significance. Last Saturday’s service at the American Legion Post 425 in Littleton was a reminder that some people who fight for freedom are not able to enjoy what they are fighting for.

“The sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice,” stated Horace Knight, Past Commander of American Legion Post 425 at Littleton last Saturday as part of the introduction for the The Missing Man Table for the POW/MIA Remembrance Service.

About fifty veterans, POW’s, family and friends gathered at Post 425 for the eighteenth annual POW/MIA Service. In attendance were three local POW’s. Two from World War II, and one from Korea. James Toffton spent one year in a German POW Camp. Bandy Herman spent 20 month’s, including two Christmas’, in Stalag 17B in Krems, Austria. Dallas Barns spent 33 months in several POW camps in North Korea including one near the Manchurian border.

The meaning of the table and chair was revealed prior to the ceremonies. The small table with an empty chair was placed below the podium for all to see and ponder the enormity of the meaning.

As Commander Knight read the meaning of the significance of each item of the table and chair the veterans present were reminded that “there but the grace of God go them [I].”

“The table is small symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against his or her suppressers.” Knight read. Each item, the table cloth, the rose, the red ribbon, the lemon, the salt and the inverted glass had significance in the meaning of the entire setup.

The single rose had a double meaning - signifying the blood they may have shed in sacrifice to ensure the freedom of our beloved United States of America. It also reminds us of the family and friends of our missing comrades who keep faith while awaiting their return.

The table and the chair with all its symbolism meant more than any number of words could relate. As long as the table and empty chair have to be used in a ceremony, there is a serviceman’s family and friends with an emptiness in their lives that can only be filled when their POW/MIA comes home.

Post officers, auxiliary officers and dignitaries attending the ceremony were: Edna Fitts of the Ladies Auxiliary who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance; Dorothy McNair of the Ladies Auxiliary; Alan Burtchell, Past Post 425 Commander, District Commander; Mike Reaves, Commander, Am Vets Post 101 of Roanoke Rapids; Bill Clark, Am Vets Dept. 1st CE Commander from Brunswick, VA; Helen Burtchell, President of the Auxiliary; Mary Warren, Past Commander, Past Department President; Kay Cook and Gwen Alford of Halifax County Veterans Service Office and Ed Hunt, Commander Twin County Chapter in Rocky Mount.

The first speaker of the day was Doug Hughes, Editor of the Lake Gaston Gazette, and a retired Command Master Chief who served 29 years in the Navy. Among his many medals he holds are five Navy Commendation Medals. Hughes told the gathering that he was honored and humbled to be the guest speaker. He also mentioned that he had never been shot at but he was involved with the Cuban Missile blockade.

Hughes highlighted the POW/MIA statistics from WW-I to the current Gulf war. He praised them as the men who answered the call but never enjoyed the freedom they fought for. He then went on to talk about the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command (JPAC).

The mission of JPAC is to achieve the fullest possible accounting of all Americans missing as a result of the nation’s past conflicts. He talked about the slow hard work they do in locating POW/MIA’s. “The job is slow, results are measured in 1’s or 2’s – 2 id’s per week is average,” he stated.

Hughes acknowledged the POW’s in the audience and related what many servicemen have said or felt, they are not sure how they would measure up if they had been a POW. He closed by stating that we must all continue to work together for a full accounting of our servicemen.

It was former POW Dallas Barnes that held the audience in deep silence as he related his thirty-three months as a POW in Korea. Captured on November 28, 1950 he spent his time traveling from camp to camp and learning to survive the extreme colds (-65 below zero), the worst food imaginable (sometimes bird seed), and the brain washing that most men could not overcome.

He endured sleeping in huts that had no heat and had 1” of ice on the floor; losing more than 65 pounds; and marching ten miles a night. In one camp he was in they lost 40 men a day. He closed is remarks by emotionally relating that he told his grandmother when he came home from his ordeal not to ask him questions. The emotion of what he was saying came out as he continued to reveal that he finally told his grandmother about his days in captivity. He revealed that when he was done telling his grandmother all he wanted to he said he would now forget it.

The tears in eyes showed that this man filled with the courage that most men never have to find out if they could measure up to had never forgotten what he had been through.

After Barnes moving recap of life as a POW members of the Ladies Auxiliary lit 57 candles, representing the names of the North Carolina POW/MIA’s that are still not home. The final event of the day was the annual release of the POW/MIA balloons.

Following the ceremonies a delicious lunch of fried chicken with salads and vegetables was served.

Dominion Cracks Down on Illegal Chemical Treatment

By Maurice Emery

ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC – It started with a homeowner being watchful over her surroundings. Before it was all over Dominion made it known that if they have to they will “drop the hammer” on the people or companies who do not follow the rules when they use chemicals in the lake.

On August 17th a homeowner on Pigeonroost Creek spotted an Air Boat spraying chemicals deep into the creek. She noted that the boat then moved over to Songbird Creek. The homeowner was concerned because she knew that Professional Lake Management (PLM) was in the process of treating hydrilla in the creek. She had heard at a Lake Gaston Association meeting that it was important to report people putting chemicals in the lake. She wrote down the Florida boat number and decided to report the incident to Joe Peterson at Dominion.

Although she felt like Dominion did not seem too concerned about the incident, Peterson assured the Observer that they are very concerned about who puts the chemicals in the water. Peterson put a high priority on finding out who was involved. Dominion had no record of any chemical company other than PLM reporting that they were doing work in the area.

Before Dominion found out who owned the Florida boat several homeowners on the creek noticed a lime green scum taking over the area starting where the recent illegal treatment occurred. The area illegally treated does have homes on it, is hard to get to and is heavy with hydrilla. The Lake Gaston Weed Control Council (LGWCC) along with PLM had decided not to treat the area.

Amy Payne, the secretary of the Pigeon Path Property Owners Association told the Observer that the green slime soon took over the creek and reportedly caused a reaction to a young boy that required medical treatment. She documented the growth with pictures. It was originally thought the growth was algae but it was later identified as plankton.

They learned the growth could be treated with chemicals, but someone had to pay for the treatment. The property owners were advised to let Mother Nature take its course. It was felt that after a hard rain it would be diluted and disappear. A follow-up phone call by the Observer revealed that it did go away for short period, but then started to reform.

There was some concern that the addition of chemicals from another source other than PLM would degrade the FasTest that PLM took in the water several days later. According to Chris Cheeks of PLM because the chemical sprayed was liquid it would not have any impact.

Peterson reported the incident at last week’s Lake Gaston Weed Control Council meeting. He told the council that applicators are required to notify Dominion before they treat. He also reported that they had identified the applicator and would he sending them a letter.

Dominion does have some teeth in their threat to “drop the hammer.” They can prevent the applicator from entering the lake. Peterson related that as much as Dominion does not want to take this route, they will do so to protect the lake environment. They do encourage property owners to report anyone treating the lake that they feel should not be there. Besides notifying Dominion anyone, professional or private individual, putting chemicals in the lake must be licensed to do so.

Weed Council Approves Conflict of Interest Policy

By Maurice Emery

ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC – The Lake Gaston Weed Control Council (LGWCC) took two major steps last week to eliminate a couple of hurdles they face in obtaining the weed treatment funds authorized by the North Carolina legislature. After years of receiving the funds without a contract, the North Carolina Division of Water Resources is now required, by law, to enter into a contract with the LGWCC before they can disburse any funds for weed treatment.

One of the requirements is that the council must have a Conflict of Interest Statement in its bylaws. These statements are common in most organizational bylaws that have authority to disburse funds, especially if they are public funds. To fulfill this requirement the council adopted a statement that precludes any officer or employee of the council from any involvement with the ownership or operation from any company that does business with the council.

In addition, the statement reads, “No part of the net earnings of the Lake Gaston Weed Control Council shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to its members.” This portion does allow funds be paid for “reasonable compensation” or expenses.

The second known hurdle for receiving the funds has been forced on the Weed Council by the continual delay in approving the contract for the funds. The council had hoped that the contract would have been ready in time for the entire council to review and approve it. Due to the delay and the fact that the council will not meet again until December the council passed a resolution authorizing the appropriated weed control council officers to approve and sign the contract.

In other business brought before the council they agreed to table, until the December meeting, a discussion on a report on the LGWCC retreat held July 20th. The main focus of the retreat was to discuss the responsibilities of board members and their alternates. The areas discussed ranged from the descriptions’ of roles played by members, concern over confidentiality of the discussions at meetings and dealings of the board with the public and press.

The board agreed to hire Dr. John D. Madsen, Assistant Professor of Research and Extension in the GeoResources Institute and the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, Mississippi State University,
for the 2006 assessment of the contracted noxious weed treatment for 2006. After a discussion over the number of sites to be assessed – last years assessment covered only nine sites, but this year twenty-one sites have been treated. Some members felt that the 2006 assessment should include all sites treated. In the end it was decided that for the purpose of comparison they would retain Madsen to assess the same sites as last year. It was further decided that they would look into the cost and availability of North Carolina State assessing the additional sites that were treated this year.

Chris Cheek, President of Professional Lake Management, updated the council on this year’s treatment. He reported that the final treatments were slightly delayed due to hurricane Ernesto. They planned to perform the fourth and final FasTEST this past Monday. PLM will also be sampling some hydrilla to test for tolerance and resistance to Sonar.

There was a brief discussion on the availability of last years fall satellite imagery survey from ANPC. Up to this point ANPC has made them available. The board was informed that this may be part of the missing records that have precipitated a lawsuit ANPC has filed against some former employees. Dr. Brown asked Cheeks to provide a letter of all the information they were still trying to obtain from ANPC so they can present it to them and make a final determination as to what is available and what is missing. Cheeks agreed to provide the letter.

Pete Deschenes, President, Lake Gaston Stakeholders Board, talked with the board about exploring the synergy between the Weed Council and the Stakeholders. He said they were interested in working together to identify and delineated goals and responsibilities for both organizations. He also offered the manpower of the stakeholders to assist the Weed Council.

Glen Barbour, Chairman of the Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors, updated the council on the status of the efforts to form a Lake Gaston Commission. He reported that the goal of the commission would be to benefit the property owners. This would be accomplished by the commission, if approved, serving as one voice to go to each county concerning matters of the Lake Gaston community.

Barbour reported that his initial presentation of the idea of forming a commission was well received by all the counties, but no further action has been taken at this time.

J. Rives “Judge” Manning of Halifax County reported to the board that after all the comments and accusations made by one lake paper that culminating in the paper filing a Freedom of Information Request to the board, no one called or came by to review the records. Manning told the board that he, “resented the defamation of the council.”

The meeting ended with Cheeks introducing PLM’s Lake Gaston representative, Chuck Wiley. Wiley lives in the Town of Littleton and told the meeting, “I have a whole new appreciation for hydrilla.”

LGWSC Learns About Homeland Security From USCG

By Theresa Raymond
GASBURG, VA - This months Lake Gaston Water Safety Council meeting was all about looking to the future and National Security.
Before the guest speaker gave his presentation, the nomination committee announced the nominations. The committee leader said Jack Saunders was nominated for president of the local group and Doug Cole was nominated for vice president. Nominees will be elected at next months meeting.
Boyd Strain then announced the guest speaker, United States Coast Guard Chief Boatswains Mate Jeffery S. Ryan, who spoke to those in attendance about Homeland Security and the United States Coast Guards part in protecting the nation. Ryan is the Executive Petty Officer for the USCG at Station Little Creek in Norfolk, Va.,
Ryan first apologized for not being able to speak at last months meeting, saying Ernesto was to blame. The Coast Guard had to move their vessels to protect against damage from the Hurricane and to assist with any damage the storm caused.
After a brief history of the Coast Guard, Ryan talked of the many changes made to the Coast Guard after September 11, 2001. “9/11 has caused us to move from the Department of Transportation to the Department for Homeland Security,” Ryan said. “With the move came more funding to better do our jobs.”
Since 9/11, the USCG has been in charge of inspecting all vessels’ coming into the United States. They are also responsible for protecting all ports and shorelines in the United States.
Ryan was stationed in Louisiana during the most deadly hurricanes to hit in Unites States history. His duties included recovery and after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the Coast Guard called on his unit among many others to respond. “As Katrina was making landfall, you could see a whole line of cutters 10-30 miles behind Katrina,” Ryan explained. “We followed the hurricane in.”
After the hurricane past, the Coast Guard performed over 34,000 rescue missions and helped maintain shipping in and out of the region. They also boarded and searched every vessel that came into that region after the hurricane.
Currently Ryan’s unit in Virginia performs sweeps on an average of 40% of vessels entering Virginia’s Ports. Each sweep involves boarding the ships, checking compartments, manifest, passports and paper work, and anything that looks suspicious. “We don’t want anyone entering the US with dirty bombs and such.”
Ryan complimented the water safety council and the Lake Gaston Coast Guard Auxiliary saying he was glad to see a group who cared about safety on the water. “I was impressed to see how large your group is and how large the auxiliary is on Lake Gaston,” Ryan said. “This is something that is needed for lake safety.”
Before Ryan sat down and ended his presentation, he fielded questions from the crowd.

1. When you board a ship for inspection, do you stop them or wait until they get in port?

We meet them at 12 miles out to sea. We asked that they slow their vessels and then we board. If a problem arises, then we ask the ship to stop or we follow them inland depending on the situation. Each vessel is required to give us 96 hours notice before they enter United States waters, so if a ship shows up, we make them anchor 12 miles out for 96 hours before they are allowed to enter the United States.
We can search every compartment and look at their documents. The only thing we can’t do is open anything with a custom’s seal on it. We can if a custom’s officer is with us. It is a problem we are definitely addressing.

2. How many ships come in and out of Norfolk each month?

We have about 50-60 ships in and out of Hampton Roads ports each month. We try to board about 40%, which are about 21 ships. The minimum is 5% so we’re always looking to exceed the minimum.

3. Are all these changes stemmed from the terror attacks of September 11?

A majority of the changes were implemented after September 11 when we moved to Homeland Security.

4. Is there going to be some changes to how larger vessels are inspected?

Rotterdam in Holland is the largest container shipping port in the world. We have an agreement with them and check those vessels before they ship to the US. Most European countries are in cooperation with us and we’re looking to have similar agreements in those countries, allowing us to check those larger ships just before they get underway for our ports.

Ryan then thanked the LGWSC for having him as he concluded his presentation.
LGWSC President Don Beazley reminded the group of two upcoming events where the safety trailer will be showcased On October 7 and 8, the trailer will be at the World Inboard Races in Clarksville, Va., and at Roanoke Rapids International Paper’s Family Day on October 10 from 3-7:30 p.m.
The next meeting will be a Pig Picking at Roanoke Rapids Dam on October 25 beginning with a tour at 4 p.m. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. Please bring a covered dish.

By Maurice Emery

LITTLETON – The Lake Gaston Association (LGA) has gone on record as opposing the formation of a new lake commission while at the same time recommending that the counties use the LGA for same purpose.

In a letter sent to Glenn E. Barbour, Chairman, Mecklenburg County Board of Supervisors, Larry Jolly, LGA president, promotes the idea of using the already formed, 2,000 member strong LGA as the new channeling method for the exchange of ideas and recommended legislation to the counties. Although the letter does not state this specifically that is what a Lake Commission would do.

This past June Barbour proposed laying the groundwork to form a working group to see if the counties wanted to go any further. He has spent his time since then going around to the counties and presenting his idea. He made a presentation to the LGA at their September meeting. The letter from the LGA indicates they have had at least one meeting since then.

In a telephone interview with Barbour he told the Observer, “I’m disappointed, I would have liked for them to give it more time before they took a stand.” Because there has not been a five county preliminary meeting, Barbour feels the LGA is ahead of the process.

The LGA doesn’t fit the structure of the type of commission he has in mind, Barbour told the Observer. The county officials are responsible to the Lake people as well as the county as a whole. The LGA’s proposal specifically states their position. “We believe that positions on lake issues must represent the will of the taxpayers on the lake and do not believe local government appointees can or will do that,” the letter states. The LGA’s letter presumes that they will be involved in the initial meeting(s) for creating any organization.

Barbour is hoping to have an organization where the counties will have a front row seat to see what the lake needs. He has indicated that he is trying to find a way for both sides to be involved in an organization. Barbour has stated on several occasions that one of the purposes of a commission is to have all lake issues come from one source to the county rather than several groups or individuals presenting multiple issues.

Barbour related to the Observer that he feels the LGA can be a key component in making a commission work. He added that he hopes to find a way to pool the resources and management talent to make a commission work.

Littleton Man Wins Cruise + 100 pounds of Pork from Smithfield Foods

By Theresa Raymond

(Editors note: Vernon Alston is a relative of Theresa Raymond.)
LITTLETON - Vernon Alston entered a contest for a dream deck by Smithfield Foods, but was happily surprised to learn he’d won the grand prize instead, an all expense paid cruise for ten. “I asked my son to enter me in the contest because the second prize was a dream deck,” Alston explained. “When I got the package I was surprised to find out I had won a cruise.”
Alston will officially be presented with the cruise at a special ceremony at Littleton’s Piggly Wiggly at 8 a.m. today.
The life-long Littleton resident entered the contest after purchasing a pack of ham at Littleton’s Piggly Wiggly. Alston said when he came home late one night in April, he saw a UPS package on the steps. He wasn’t sure what to make of it at first. “I opened it and read it, but didn’t know if it was real,” Alston recalled. “I waited for my wife to get home and asked her to read it. She said it was legit.”
The day after reading the contents of the package, Alston received a call from Yelena Shekhovtsova, a representative from Smithfield Foods in Smithfield, Va., who told him he had 10-14 days to fill out the forms and send them back. “I left them on the table for about 10 days,” Alston said. “Then one night I just filled it out. The lady called me the next day and said to mail it in.”
After the formalities of picking destinations, guest and dates, the deal was set in stone and Alston was presented with the all expense Royal Caribbean Cruise for ten valued at $21,000.
Along with the cruise, Smithfield Foods will also present Alston and the Union Mission in Roanoke Rapids with a surprise ‘boatload of meat’ - 100 pounds of Smithfield Lean Generation Pork each. Union Mission was chosen to receive the donation in Alston’s name based on the organizations long-standing support of the local community.
"This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to give something back to the local community by way of the food bank," said Eric Esch, Smithfield’s director of marketing in a recent press release. "It’s also a terrific surprise for our sweepstakes winner."
Piggly Wiggly Supermarket was chosen for the presentation because it is where the Alston family regularly shops and where they purchased the winning product, a Smithfield Spiral Sliced ham. The winner was chosen randomly from approximately 25,000 entries as Smithfield's Grand Prize Winner.
Alston lives in Littleton with his wife, Carolyn, of 15 years. Alston has two sons and two daughters, who live in the local community as well as six grandchildren. He is the son of the late Raymond Alston and the late Elizabeth Alston, who were also life long Littleton residents. His stepmother, Oria Bell Alston lives in Littleton as well.
Union Mission has been serving the community around Roanoke Rapids for fifty-six years, through a range of programs including a food pantry, prepared foods, an emergency shelter, clothing store and a long-term recovery program. The organization feeds hundreds of people every week and served almost 10,000 individuals in the second quarter of this year, alone. Union Mission will use the food donated to give back to the community through their community food pantry and prepared foods programs as they have done over the past five decades.
Smithfield Foods is an international food company with operations throughout the United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Europe and Asia. In addition to Smithfield’s more than 50 brands of high-quality pork, beef and turkey products, the company also offers more than 200 gourmet food products.
Smithfield Foods has delivered a 24 percent average annual compounded rate of return to investors since 1975. With sales of $11 billion, Smithfield is the leading processor and marketer of fresh pork and processed meats in the United States, as well as the largest producer of hogs. For more information, visit www.smithfieldfoods.com.