Down-East Patriot

Williamston Rotary Hears About Tax Assessment Coming

2008-08-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

Glinda Fox (shown below), President of the Williamston Rotary acted as Master of Ceremonies for today's meeting. One of the first topics covered was planning for the coming Rotary Golf Tournament which will be held Thursday, September 18th at the Roanoke Country Club in Williamston.

Teams who are interested need to contact the Rotary to get on the schedule.

The program for the day was by Russell Overman (below), Martin County Manager. Russell explained some of the details of the coming re-evaluation that will happen to all Marin County property in the coming year. He desribed some of the consequences of the fact that some property re-evaluations were missed during the last re-evaluation during 2001. As a result the property value increase is going to be significant for those properties.

Russell also talked about he need for businesses to accept responsbility to make sure all assets are listed, and talked about some recent situations where the business failed to list property. There is a statue of limitation but it is quite long, and just getting by one year does not mean you will not have to pay the tax, and penalties, at a later date. He showed some of the new tools which are allowing the county to do a better job of finding listings that are being intentionally left off by businesses in the assumption that as in the past, it will not be caught.

There were a lot of questions and the program ran late because of the interest.

Martin County Shrimp Tees

2008-08-07T04:34:00.000-07:00

Robersonville Country Club
Robersonville, NC
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Two Tee Times—8:30 AM and 1:30 PM

Tickets Include:
All you can eat SHRIMP and the fixins’,
$25 / Ticket
5 for $100

Purchase your tickets @
Martin County Chamber of Commerce
Clarks Pharmacy, Travel & Tourism, & Village Pharmacy
CRAIG WOOLARD BAND

Ashley Dews Smith
Executive Director
Martin County Chamber of Commerce
(P) 252-792-4131
(C0 252-412-5715
(F) 252-752-1013
martinchamber@embarqmail.com

Bill Daughtridge Receives Boy Scout Award

2008-06-11T05:54:00.000-07:00

San Diego, California was recently home to the 2008 National Annual Meeting of the Boy Scouts of America. Rocky Mount Representative Bill Daughtridge, a member of the East Carolina Council, received the prestigious Silver Antelope Award.

Representative Daughtridge, accompanied by his wife Partha, attended the annual meeting as members of the 2008 Executive Committee from North Carolina. In a letter to the review board, Nick Boddie wrote “Bill is a man of great integrity who exemplifies the values of the Boy Scouts of America in every way.” Bill started in Scouting as a Cub Scout and later earned his Eagle Scout in Troop 11, Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He continued to serve the organization and recalls one of his fondest memories is a five-day kayak trip through four ecosystems with his Eagle Scout son, Gray, who would later guide at the Pamlico Sea Base.

The National Court of Honor annually bestows the Silver Antelope Award.

Representative Daughtridge was the only Scouter from North Carolina to receive the award. It is granted to registered Scouters of exceptional character for outstanding service to youth. Representative Daughtridge continues his involvement in Scouting as a member of the Southern Region Board, and has served as Area President, and member of the Council Charter Review Committee and Eagle Scholarship Selection Committee. He speaks to Boy Scouts across the region, is a constant encouragement to organizational leaders, and is a proponent of character development for our youth within his legislative role at the State House.

Representative Daughtridge is the Republican candidate for North Carolina State Treasurer.

Jack Sawyer Addresses Al-Pam Conservatives

2008-06-06T04:16:00.001-07:00

This month's Al-Pam Conservative Club meeting was held inPlymouth. The speaker was Jack Sawyer, the Republican candidate for Secretary of State. This is one of the nine powerful Council of State positions that are directly elected statewide by the people of North Carolina. Who holds the office will be very critical in the coming years.

Jack Piland (shown above), Vice Chairman of Al-Pam, introducted Mr. Sawyer to the group.

Jack Sawyer (shown above) gave an excellent presentation, on the position, its importance to the people of North Carolina, and his credentials for the job.

Biotechnology In Eastern NC

2008-06-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Today there was an exciting meeting held in the Vernon James Research Center in Plymouth NC. The Biotechnology In Eastern NC partnership . . . between various citizen groups and the North Carolina Biotechnology Center . . . drew an excellent attendance.

Jordan Whichard, Publisher of the Greenville Daily Reflector, is Chairman of the Advisory Committee holding the meeting, and he gave welcoming comments, along with Dr. David Peele, Vice Chairman of the Committee and President of Avoca, Inc, a leading bio-tech firm from our area.

The opening presentation was made by John Chaffee (shown below), Director of the Eastern Office of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center. It was titled "Where are we today? 29 Months and 29,000 miles later."

Mr. Chaffee noted that the group had been established in 2006 with 25 member advisory committee using 16 strategies and 5 action teams. There were 4 ambitious goals established;
Establish internationally recognized marine bioscience consortium (and Center of Innovation), Create a framework to develop or attract world class biotech companies to develop, grown and process crops in northeastern NC, Establish BioEast Alliance region as a premier location for biomanufacturing, Advance drug discovery and CTs.

The next presentation was by Vann Rogerson (shown above), President of the North Carolina Northeast Commission, and he spoke on "Potential for expansion of the plant biotechnology sector".

He was joined in the presentation by Nick Oberlies (shown above), Director of the Natural Products Laboratory, RTI International.

The next presentation was done by Ken Perry (left below), Operations and Facilities for Bertie County Schools, Dr. Chip Zullinger (center below), Superintendent of Bertie County Schools, and Carol Atkins (right below), Executive Director for Educational Programs of Bertie County Schools.

[An earlier article about this Ag-Science High School can be found here.]

Dr. Zullinger, with Ken and Carol's assistance, gave a presentation entitled, "Responding to the Challenge & Opportunity, An Agricultural High School." Based on the interest and enthusiasm of the people present for the topic, this was clearly the highlight presentation of the meeting.

Dr. Zullinger spoke of how his interest was tirggered by Benjie Forrest, Agriculture Education Coordinator for NC State, asking him why there was no agriculture teacher in our Bertie County High School. Bertie County is almost totally dependent on Agriculture, with 75% of our county's individuals income being derived from agriculture. This is much higher than the vast majority of North Carolina's counties. It is clearly unusual that a county like Bertie has no focus on Agriculture.

Carol atkins explained how Shaw University and NC State were assisting in putting together some thoughts on how this Ag-Science High School could be made to happen, under a program that provides a curriculum that would be a joint high school and college, with graduates getting credit for the first two years of college s they graduate from high school.

Shaw University has also brought plans to place a $5 million bio-fuels production lab to Bertie County, so that efforts can be made to work out how to move bio-fuels forward, without contributing to world hunger in the process.

The empty former Southwestern Middle School in Bertie County is a perfect location, since this school is capable of handling 900 students, and is in nearly perfect condition. Since, though empty, it is still being maintained, it really adds no costs to Bertie County to use if for this new high school.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has offered seed money to get the high school up and runnning. As noted, NC State is providing assistance with the curriculum.

Though there are some in the black community that can only see the dark side of their previous involvment in agriculture, an Ag-Science High school in a predominately black community like Bertie County seems highly appropriate since George Washington Carver was truly the inventor of ag-science in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. George Washington Carver was one of the world's half dozen greatest scientists of the last century.

This will be the first ag-science high school in North Carolina, and its potential is truly awesome.

Closing remarks were made by Norris Tolson (shown above), President of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

During the meeting, one of the most interesting handouts was something that I have never received in a meeting before. It was a soil sample (shown below) . . . yes, dirt . . . from the "black lands" of our area.

Because my mother is an avid gardener, I gave it to her to use for some of her flowers. It was an interesting handout though, indicating why Eastern North Carolina has so much potential for ag-science.

Christmas Banquet Al-Pam Republican Club

2007-12-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

The Al-Pam Republican Club's Annual Christmas Banquet was held on Thursday night at the Vernon James Center, in Plymouth, NC. For Eastern North Carolina it was a major milestone. The leaders who have organized this club are changing Eastern North Carolina politics. Who would have expected such a huge turnout of Republicans in this land of socialism and democrats.

The event was an evening full of fun, cheerfulness, and fellowship. As predicted it was a great opportunity to meet candidates from across the state.

Guests included: Bill Graham, candidate for Governor; Ginny Smith, wife of gubernatorial candidate Fred Smith; Greg Dority, candidate for Lieutenant Governor; Joe Johnson, candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction; Les Merritt, State Auditor; Bob Crumley, candidate for Attorney General; Bill Daughtridge, candidate for State Treasurer; Bob Edmonds, Supreme Court Justice; Dean Stephens, candidate for US Congress, District 1; and Joe McLaughlin, candidate for US Congress, District 3. Never in Eastern North Carolina has there been this great a turnout of Republican candidates.

The list of candidates was truly spectacular and their presentations to the attendees was extremely encourgaing. This is a group of people who represent the best of America and our state.

The featured keynote speaker for the evening was Mr. Paul Chesser. Mr. Chesser is the associate editor of the Carolina Journal. Mr. Chesser has written many articles that have appeared in the The Washington Times, The Washington Post, The Raleigh News and Observer, and The Charlotte Observer. He has been a guest on the Today Show, and many weekly radio shows.

His address entitled, "The Source of Peace in Our Time of Trouble" was inspirational and in keeping with the reality that things are looking up, for America and for the Republican Party with its themes of education, security and freedom.

For those interested in this great new organization, the Al-Pam Republican Club, or who wish to attend future events, please contact President Chris East at (252) 793-9547, (252) 793-2743, or (252) 714-6889. Mr. East can also be reached by email at al-pamrepublicanclub@hotmail.com

Weapons Of Mass Destruction Facility For North Carolina Dedicated

2007-11-20T07:45:00.000-08:00

At 1:00 PM yesterday, North Carolina held a dedication ceremony for the two new buildings composing the Weapons of Mass Destruction center for the 42nd Civil Support Team. This is an impressive new North Carolina facility that everyone in the state and the nation is praying will never be needed. Two buildings compose the new facility, the Admin Building (below), and the Garage (second picture below).

The facility is located at the Greenville Airport. The dedication ceremony was held inside the garage where a sort of auditorium facility had been set up for the day. Invited guests (below), band (second picture below) and the 42nd Civil Support Team (third picture below) were already gathered when I arrived. The band was playing some great patriotic and marching music.

There was an area set up at the end of the facility with charts depicting significant information about the 42nd Civil Support Team and the new Weapons of Mass Destruction facility that was being dedicated to help them perform their role. The charts were very helpful (all 5 shown below).

The officials for the event entered in two groups, one group sitting in a special reserved section (shown below) and the other sitting in the area indicated as the dais (second picture below).

Present for the Ceremony were (shown above from left), Greenville Mayor, Don Parrott, State Representative Edith Warren, State Representative Marian McLawhorn, Secretary of the NC Department of Crime Control and Public Safety Brian Beatty, Major General William Ingram - Adjutant General, State Command Sergeant Major Steve Boyles, Lt Colonel Chris Johnson, Lt Colonel Danny Mills - Commander of the 42nd Civil Support Team, and First Sergeant Wayne Stroud. Not present this day was Brigadier General David L. Jennette, Jr., Army Forces Commander.

After introduction of the dignitaries, first speaker was Mayor Don Parrott.

Secretary Brian Beatty, N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety spoke about the role of the Civil Support Team and its critical nature during any event that presents the possibility that Weapons of Mass Destruction are used.

The first Military representative to speak was Lt Colonel Danny Mills, the Commander, 42nd Civil Support Team.

Keynote Speaker for the event was Major General William Ingram, Jr.

At this point, everyone adjourned outside for the ribbon cutting service itself.

The four people chosen to cut the ribbon were (from left above in both pictures) Lt Colonel Danny Mills, Major General William Ingram, Secretary Brian Beatty and Mayor Don Parrott.

There were a great number of people of interest in the group who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. Michael Sprayberry, Deputy Director and Operations Chief of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control & Public Safety (shown on left above), Betty Jo Shepheard, Regional Director for Senator Richard Burr, Janet Bradbury, Regional Director for Senator Elizabeth Dole, and Brigadier General Bud Martin, Commanding General of the Joint Task Force.

The end of the event was an opportunity for everyone to visit with old friends and people they often talked with but rarely got to see. If it were not for the sobering topic being discussed, it would have been a great event. We all need to pray that this facility is never needed.

Windsor High School -Together Again September 29th, 2007 Bob Martin Center in Williamston

2007-10-21T06:49:00.000-07:00

by Cleo I. Warlick - Windsor High School Class of 1952

The Windsor High School Lions were roaring again on Sept 29. For five wonderful hours our school was alive in the memories of 300+ teenagers-at-heart. There were hugs, laughs, tears of happiness, and also tears of sadness for those we were missing.

Although our hair is thinning and gray (if we allow it ),wrinkles have crept across our once smooth faces, our 24 inch waistlines have long gone, and our steps may not be as lively, our aches and pains were forgotten as we looked back to those cherished days and treasured friendships, and those smiles we once knew were still there

Old athletes were bragging about exploits on the football field, baseball diamond, or basketball court. The 1930 football team still holds the NC High School record for most points scored in a game and widest winning margin, 142 -0, against Creswell, and the 1948-1952 girls' basketball teams won five County championships in a row.

One student was glad to see a fellow first grader who had hit him in the head with her metal lunch box on the first day of school when he stole a kiss behind the "cloak room" curtain. She said she wouldn't do it now.

After the cheerleaders led everyone in singing the fight song and Alma Mater, Rev. Carroll Tarkington of the class of 1947 gave the benediction and a prayer of thanks for the years we shared at dear old Windsor High and a joyful reunion with the friends of our childhood, many of whom we thought we would never see again. It had been a very special night for us all!

Check out the photos and remember the memories!

Windsor Lions: Still Roaring AFter 80 Years

2007-10-21T06:30:00.000-07:00

by Cleo Warlick - Windsor High School Class of 1952

Over three hundred former students of Windsor High School and their spouses from as far away as Texas and as close as across the road from where the school once stood are gathering this weekend, September 29, at the Bob Martin Agriculture Cen¬ter in Williamston for a gala celebration to reconnect with long lost - but never forgotten friends from our carefree teenage years and to reminisce about those treasured moments we shared so long ago.

Windsor High School was completed in 1926, and the first graduating class was the Class of 1927. Known members of that class were Eunice Byrd, Elizabeth Cooper and Mary Haste.

The oldest surviving student, Araminta Sawyer Blowe, Class of 1928, will be attending. Basketball - boys and girls - was played in a tobacco warehouse at first and later over at a store on Granville Street. Baseball was played in the field behind the school, and the first football game was played in September 1928 in a field al the end of Granville Street.

The inexperienced Lions, many who had never played football, were defeated 70 to 0 by Williamston. Members of that inaugural team were: Pat White, Hampton Brett, Paine (Payne) Spivey, Philip Waters, J.I I. Matthews, John Shimer, Alvin Byrd, Buck Harden, Wood-row .Johnson, Edward Pierce, Wheeler Cooper, Charles Hobbs, Perry Dickens and Johnny Walker.

Later teams excelled, and the 1950 Lions were undefeated. Possibly earlier ones were undefeated also, but there are no survivors left to brag about it. Some of our older alums tell of having to pick up volunteers at times on the way to games to have enough for a team. Even the Marines helped out.

There was no cafeteria, and those near enough, walked home for lunch. Many others would bring a sausage biscuit and sweet potato. Sandwiches were not a popular lunch in those days.

Chapel was held in the auditorium on Fridays, and classes would enter to a rousing march on the piano, seniors first and given the front row.

In 1941 a gym was added, a home ec building, a mechanics shop, and in 1947, a lunchroom, and a building for the gram¬mar school classes, which had been on Queen Street by the railroad tracks.

The skating rink, a favorite, was left behind when the old building, known as the Windsor Graded School, built circa J908, was deserted. We were happy to leave those basement toilets!

The first annual was published in 1947, named WINOCA (for Windsor North Carolina), and in 1953, with support of Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Earl Moore and other Band Boosters Club members, a band was formed, the first since Miss Whitley's famous first grade rhythm band, which consisted of tambourines, triangles, bells, sticks . . and I don't remember what other instruments were used to bang out a tune.

The last class graduated in 1963, as with consolidation and the completion of Bertie High School, Windsor High School faded into history. For a while, it was used by Martin Community College as a Bertie Campus. When it was no longer in use, there were hopes of restoring the main building so that there would be an auditorium for community use. Removal of asbestos was stated to be a problem but we all had survived that asbestos in good health.

Sadly, the building was partially destroyed by fire before any plans could materialize, and those in power in the County government at the time wanted it torn down rather than selling it to a restoration group composed of Alumni and community. But the sights, sounds, and even the smell remain a vivid memory still for all who walked those hallowed halls.

So, if you think there has been a breakout at the nursing homes, and the old folks are running amok all over town, it's just us high school kids, our parents no longer around to rein us in.

. . . . . . . . . . Go Lions!

Down East Republicans Get Report From Raleigh

2007-09-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

Article and photo by Bill Tarpenning - September 28th, 2007

Washington, NC - The Down East Republican Club met Thursday, Sept. 27, in Washington. The featured speaker was Jeff Mixon, legislative analyst for the John William Pope Civitas Institute, a public policy organization that offers conservative solutions to the state’s pressing issues.

Mixon refers to himself as “a spy at the legislature along with conservative cousins the John Locke Foundation and Americans for Prosperity.” Mixing humor, irony and disgust he detailed instances in which the will of the majority of the legislature was thwarted by the actions of an “oligopoly of liberal leaders who are, in fact, dictators over the legislature.”

“The death penalty is a prime example,” he said. “The people of North Carolina overwhelmingly support the death penalty as do most members of the legislature. Unfortunately, the leadership opposes the death penalty, but were afraid to bring it before the legislature. Enter the Medical Society, whose leadership also opposes the death penalty and proposed to revoke the license of any doctor attending an execution. The governor and the leadership used this as a pretext for stopping all pending executions, calling it an issue for the courts. Fortunately the courts will soon decide and end the road block. Statistics show that murders rise at an alarming rate in states that abolish or set aside the death penalty.

“The Defense of Marriage Amendment had 90 sponsors in the House. It finally got out of committee and reached the floor where it was sure to pass overwhelmingly, Except that it was sent to another committee where it died.

“The Private Property Amendment that would prohibit the taking of private property and giving it to another non-government entity somehow got out of committee and passed the House with a sure majority in the Senate. That was before it was sent to the Ways and Means Committee of the Senate which hasn’t met for four or five years. Ways and Means is referred to as the ‘Bill Prison’ and its warden is Senator Mark Basnight.

“The Senate is the center for prodigious fund raising, so there’s lots of cash to dump into the election coffers of members who toe the line. The next election will see a big change in the Senate’s membership. A number of liberals are leaving and we don’t know yet who will replace them. There could be a flip in 2008. With only 50 senators it’s easier to make a change in majority. In the past, the Senate had a geographic make-up - that is one senator for every two counties. That was the way until the ‘one-man-one-vote’ court case in which demographics determined district boundaries. Somehow the court failed to take into consideration the U.S. Senate which still has geographic, i.e., state boundaries with two senators per state.”

Mixon spoke of the “parade of convicts” out of the legislature led by former Speaker Jim Black, “You hear the defense that he didn’t take the money for himself, to fatten his pocket book, just used it to keep his party in power. Well, that’s no defense. What he did was stage a coup. No guns, but a coup no less.

“There are a number of pressure groups at the legislature, not the least of which is the business lobby. When the land transfer tax idea came up, they went along with the wishes of the home builders and realtors, and pushed for a sales tax increase instead, figuring that would spread the burden and also get some tax money from illegal aliens. The leadership, liberals all, fought the hard ‘anti-business, punish the rich’ fight.

“The alliance of members of the left was never more evident than in support of the School Violence Act, known as the ‘bully bill’. No one likes a bully, but it seemed a kind of silly thing to turn into state law. The minority agreed to go along, and then, at the last minute, the liberals decided they needed to define just who might not be bullied. Sure enough the list had to include anything that had to do with sexual preference, sexual orientation or anything of that ilk. The gay community touted this as a tremendous achievement and the state provided an identity to a new victim group.

“Do you remember the governor’s veto of the $40 million handout to Goodyear to bribe them to stay in North Carolina? He really sounded sincere when he spoke about corporate welfare. We felt secure. No one had ever overridden a veto in North Carolina. Well, it turned out to be a three-card-monty game where the media and public were suckered in, and the $40 million turned into $60 million in a special session of the legislature, and we never knew what hit us. That sort of business is why the budget has increased 44 percent in the last five years.

Finally, Mixon outlined what was happening with elections; “We’ve gone from a time where you had to have a good reason to get an absentee ballot, to anyone could get an absentee ballot for any reason, to three weeks of early voting, to same day voting and registration. We already have public financing of judicial campaigns and now they have pushed though public financing of three Council of Government positions; Insurance Commissioner, Education Commissioner, and Auditor. These are called pilot programs. You know what pilot programs are, don’t you? They are little programs just waiting to get bigger.”

Mixon said that things look dark for conservatives because of a lack of unity: too many causes are not embraced across the conservative community. He encouraged cooperation and education of voters and community leaders. The Civitas Institute offers publications and programs for newly elected officials, community leaders, undergraduate and graduate students, and candidates. For more information, visit www.nccivitas.org.

Bill, Thanks for the article. If anyone has questions or reaction, they can reach Bill by email at btarpenning@gotricounty.com or by phone at (252) 944-5181.

As for things looking dark for conservatives, I wonder how many are listening to Fred Smith. When Super Patriot Lee Greenwood talks about what a great man Fred Smith is, and how steadfast he is in his views, I can't understand why anyone is worried about the conservative cause. It just seems to me they are not willing to believe anymore. That is sad. There are great conservative leaders out there if they would just listen.

Marcus Kindley Speaks At "Conservatives Arise"

2007-09-27T23:49:00.000-07:00

Marcus Kindley, Chairman of North Carolinians For Legal Immigration PAC, spoke on “Illegal Immigration in North Carolina” at Conservatives, Arise! (CAPAC) on Tuesday night. The meeting was at Lee's Country Kitchen on the corner of Whichard’s Road and Old Creek Road in Greenville.

Joe Sturz (shown above) was master of cermonies for this event.

Judy Colbert (shown above) spoke of local actions for the right to life movement and their concerns about actions by Planned Parenthood.

Chairman Marcus Kindley (shown above) of North Carolinians For Legal Immigration said, “We will endeavor to move away from the xenophobic and sensational outcries fostering misunderstanding and hate speech and instead move forward in providing better education to the public along with offering solutions to our immigration problems.”

North Carolinians For Legal Immigration serves as an Immigration think tank with the goal of looking for ways to help resolve the questions surrounding illegal immigration in North Carolina and the Nation.

The NCFLI works to find legislators and community leaders who wish to work to solve this problem and not overlook it. To this end the NCFLI will support those who work toward the common goal of providing safe and legal methods to immigration in North Carolina.

Mr. Kindley spoke about the costs of the illegal immigration problem and the need to get more people to understand the consequences for our criminal justice system and our health system if something is not done soon to end the excessive nature of the problem.

You can reach the NCFLI web site by clicking on the title above or by clicking here.

CAPAC is a non-partisan political action committee that meets every fourth Tuesday to learn about and discuss the issues of the day. The public is invited to attend.

Handful Of NC Counties Asking Voters To Approve Land Transfer Tax

2007-09-21T07:37:00.000-07:00

by Staff - September 20the, 2007 - Associated Perss (heraldsun.com)

Fast-paced growth, stress on aging infrastructure and Medicaid costs have led 16 counties across North Carolina to ask voters to approve new land transfer taxes.

The number of counties asking for the referendum is larger than the Associated Press says. As one example, they missed the local county of Washington which is asking their citizens to enact the tax. One of the jokes going around Washington County is a take off on comments by one of the County Commissioners when the referendum was authorized. The "Land Transfer Tax" is not a tax according to this commissioner.

As usual you have to wonder at the arrogance of someone who tries to pass a tax and then lies to the citizens claiming that a tax is not a tax. What does this idiot think it is?

Fred Smith Statewide BBQ Tour In Martin County

2007-09-06T23:48:00.000-07:00

Wednesday at noon Senator Fred Smith was at Deadwood, in the community of Bear Grass in Martin County (near Williamston). This is a unique facility and you should visit their web site to see all they have to offer. It is a great recreation of the wild west.

The Fred Smith Statewide BBQ Tour is not the typical sweep through and meet VIPs tour of other Gubernatorial candidates. This is appreciated by the people who want to get to know him. Fred is personally signing his autobiography for anyone who comes out and he loves to talk to people. He will be coming to your area and if you want to meet this man so many want to see be our next governor, all you have to do is take a couple of hours from your schedule. Fred will be in your area soon.

The BBQ Wednesday was in the main restaurant at Deadwood called the Smokehouse Grill (shown below).

What brings the people out? Fred Smith's story is about the values of hard work, honesty, loyalty and the qualities that made America great. From his mother, a teacher and his father,a coach-- he learned two important lessons - If you work hard and get a good education, you can acheive the American Dream!

Fred always spends time while things are getting organized talking with the people who come out, and as noted above, signing his autobiography (shown below).

This day, Greg, from WITN TV (Greenville) was there for their coverage of the event. After he interviewed Fred, he took a few moments to get some crowd shots.

The expected crowd was about 30, however as news of these events is starting to spread the crowds are getting bigger. At Martin County over 60 people showed up to jam the restaurant.

Republican Party Chairman Dwayne Baker started the event, welcoming everyone and acting as Master of Ceremonies.

Robbie Park, minister from Memorial Baptist Church in Williamston, gave the invocation and blessed the food.

Local singer Lori Wynn gave a beautiful a cappella rendition of the national anthem.

Fred, waiting to go on, is listening to all the activities (shown below).

Patsy Miller of the Williamston Women's Club (shown below) introduced Fred to the gathered crowd.

Senator Fred Smith spoke of his love for our State of North Carolina, and his belief that government is out of touch with what the majority of people want. He talked about the things that make us great and the things that help us enjoy the freedom of our great nation America. Though I have seen him make a powerful speech in a more formal environment, these talks are always low key and personal. It is part of what makes them such a great connection between Fred and the people who come out.

Afterwards Fred always takes time to finish signing autographs and talking with those who came to meet him. Fred really lives the theme of his autobiography, "The difference between good and great is a little extra effort.

Fred's comments about the day can be found on his web site. Fred touches on some of the sights we saw in our beautiful state as the convoy went from Martin County at noon to Halifax County for dinner.

The Martin County stop on the Fred Smith Statewide BBQ was a resounding success thanks to all the great people who came out.

Down East Republican Club Hosts Bob Crumley

2007-08-24T23:39:00.000-07:00

Last night Bob Crumley, leading contender for Attorney General of North Carolina, was the keynote speaker at the Down East Republican Club in Washington North Carolina. Bob is well respected and has already garnered an impressive list of endorsements from leading Republicans and Conservatives in our state.

Bob spoke about the importance of the Attorney General to returning integrity to our current rampantly corrupt political system. Check out his web site for details of his campaign - http://www.bobcrumley.com/

After Bob spoke, there was an excellent presentation by Buzz Cayton about the coming Free Movie, "A More Perfect Union" on September 18th, 2007 - 7:00 PM at Mount Olive College in Washington, NC.

This movie is in support of the "Miracle of America" course to be taught at Mount Olive College, which will start September 25, 2007 and continue for 5 Tuesdays. It is a study on the U.S. Constitution and the founding fathers, taught through video presentation by Cleon Skousen.

Both presentations were, as usual, excellent and covered material that is important to the Down East Republican Club members. Don't miss next months meeting!

Easley Supports New County Taxes

2007-08-16T05:03:00.000-07:00

There is an article posted on the Inner Banks Eagle about the attempt by North Carolina to raise your County taxes. It is politics so we posted the article in on the "Eagle". However some have asked me to make people who read the Patriot blogs aware of the article since it will affect so many middle class people who don't know they may have the value of their homes seized by government. Click on the title above to see what is being proposed.

Williamston Rotary Golf Tournament 9th Annual Charity Event September 20th

2007-08-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Williamston Rotary Club has announced their 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament for Thursday September 20th. Shotgun start tee off at 1:00 PM at the Roanoke Country Club in Williamston.

Proceeds for the event will benefit various local charities as selected by the Rotary Club.

The price is $50 per individual player and includes green fees, cart, refreshments and cookout after the golf. (Soft spikes required)

This is always a great event!

Please contact Wayne Fox at the Williamston Holiday Inn, (252) 792-3184 to sign up.

If your business would like to sponsor a hole, the Rotary Club is seeking Hole Sponsors at $50.00 per hole. An appropriate sponsoring sign is placed at the tee off. The club will have the sign made. Contact Williamston Rotary Club, P.O. Box 1106, Williamston, NC 27892 or Wayne Fox as noted above.

Conservatives Arise! Group Hears From Dale Folwell

2007-07-26T04:04:00.000-07:00

When you go to listen to people who are running for public office, you rarely hear a story that is really unique. Tuesday night at the dinner in Greenville for the Conservatives Arise! PAC, Dale Folwell told a story that got everyone laughing. The background to the story is the number of investigations going on into political corruption where lobbyists have paid for lavish meals and other fancy benefits to our elected officials. The background is impacted by the new lobbying law which makes it unlikely that anyone in the legislature will take anything because of the uncertainty of what is legal in this new enviroment.

One of the best stories going around is about State Representative Dale Folwell, who is well known for refusing PAC money, and for being a frugal individual. He is one of the few representatives who still eats free! How does he do it? Dale frequents one of the local sandwich shops and hangs around talking until someone he knows shows up to get in line. Following them through the line, when Dale gets to the cashier, he gives his friend a two for one coupon to give to the cashier so that Dale gets his sandwich free.

The story was first reported in the Winston-Salem Journal in a article by Paul O'Connor "From fancy fare to meat and potatoes".

This is the type of man we need for State Treasurer, which is the office Dale is running for.

Another story about Dale involves one of the bills he worked hard to get passed. The State of North Carolina has for quite some time spent hundreds of thousands of dollars each year notifying people whose insurance has lapsed by mail . . . . asking them to mail in their license tag. Of course it is clear most of them already knew about this from their insurance company. The mailing notice did nothing to stop people from driving . . . because no tags ever got mailed in. With a minor change in the law requiring three computer systems to share information, the police now have this information promptly when they check a license tag. The police can therefore seize the tags themselves, stopping the people from driving uninsured. The cost is a fraction of the previous useless process and resulted in 29,000 tags being picked up the first year. The secondary result is fewer North Carolina citizens being damaged financially when these uninsured motorists get involved in accidents.

Dale Folwell has a knack for finding cost effective improvements to government like this. It seems to stem from a natural attitude of being frugal. It also helps that he is very smart with the kind of common sense ability that you find in someone whose background includes being a motorcycle mechanic among a number of other blue collar jobs.

Later Dale got an advanced degree in accounting and worked as a financial consultant, so he has the technical knowledge to go with his common sense.

Dale was a wealth of knowledge about the workings of the North Carolina legislature Tuesday, and everyone came away from the evening quite impressed.

Lucia Peel Presents Roanoke River Partners

2007-07-25T05:14:00.000-07:00

The speaker at the Williamston Rotary club yesterday was Lucia Peel, who spoke on the camping platforms that are available through the Roanoke River Partners.

Lucia was very appreciative for the recent article by by Diane Daniel in the Washington Post called "Swamp things". Click here for the link to that article. The article describes the beauty of the Roanoke River and some of the delights of using the many camping platforms that have been built on the river by the organization.

Click on the title above to go to the web site for the group to reserve your platform!

Williamston Baseball Tournament A Great Success

2007-06-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Williamston has had their new baseball center, called the Godwin-Coppage Park for a year now, and it is a great facility for kids to play baseball and softball.

The facility has a great picnic area (shown below) which allows groups attending games, or simply having a special outing, to enjoy getting together.

It also has a great children's park (shown below) so that families can bring their youngest along and know that they can enjoy the day's outing as well, even if too young to be 'in to' baseball yet.

The facility has something most of the baseball parks in our area do not have, paved parking. When you arrive, the crowd parks around the outside of the four great parks in the center of the facility, and follow the paved walkways into the baseball area.

All four parks are immaculately prepared and well cared for.

I was here to day to visit with a friend who had two grandaughters playing for the Washington All Stars (Beaufort County) against the Pamlico County All Stars.

As I arrived, the game was just getting organized. All the fields were in use. A huge crowd was there to watch the events.

This weekend's two day tournament was put on by the NCUSFA, the North Carolina - United States Fastpitch Association.

They had divisions for 8 and under, 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under, 18 and under.

All of the girls were having a great time, and as would be expected of an All Stars team, they were really talented.

A huge crowd of parents, grand parents, aunts, uncles, friends and neighbors had driven in from all over Eastern North Carolina to enjoy the event and watch these girls compete.

Starting Tuedsday, an even bigger tournament is being played at the same facility. The Babe Ruth League, District 2, Girl's Softball, is having an all week tournament, with games every night at 5:00 PM, and finishing up next Saturday starting at 10:00 AM.

Local civic groups provided concessions for the teams and their families. Behind is the very nice central admin building that provides much nicer restrooms that we often see.

All in all, the day was a great success and I am sure the final day of the tournament will be just as much fun. Martin County has a facility they can be very proud of.

Joe McLaughlin To Speak At Down East Meeting

2007-06-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

Press Release

Joe McLaughlin, Onslow County Commissioner and candidate for U.S. House in North Carolina’s 3rd district, is welcomed as the guest speaker at the Thursday, June 28th Down East Republican Meeting. This seat is presently held by Republican Congressman Walter Jones.

Dinner begins at 6:00 PM and the meeting starts at 7:00 PM.

Joseph R. McLaughlin was born September 16, 1954 in Wilmington, Delaware, where his father was serving in the United States Coast Guard. Joe was the youngest of five children and grew up in various East Coast ports where his father's duties as an officer brought the family.

Joe has been married for 24 years to the former Sherrill Ann Baucom of Charlotte, NC. Sherrill is a Registered Nurse at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC. They have 3 children, with son Matt being a recent graduate of N.C. State University and daughters Colleen and Caitlin students at White Oak Public High School.

McLaughlin received a Presidential Appointment to the United States Air Force Academy from President Richard Nixon. McLaughlin graduated from the Academy, but a vision impairment precluded him from flying so he volunteered for and received a commission in the United States Army as an Infantry officer. His first duty assignment following graduation from Ranger School was service as an Infantry platoon leader in the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Over a decorated military career, Joe served in a wide range of command and staff assignments in infantry, airborne and mechanized units in Georgia, California and Korea and Washington, D.C.

Joe also earned a Masters of Science (Joint Command, Control and Communications) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (three oak leaf clusters) and the Master Parachutist Badge. Upon his retirement in 1994, Joe settled in Jacksonville, NC where he works as a financial advisor.

McLaughlin is currently serving his second term on the Onslow County Board of Commissioners and is now seeking the Republican nomination for North Carolina's District 3 Congressional seat.

The political discussion topic for club members and attendees is “North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional Seat”.

The meeting is open to the public. All citizens are invited and welcome to attend. This meeting takes place at Frank’s Pizza on Highway 264 in Washington. Dinner begins at 6:00 PM and the meeting starts at 7:00 PM.

Contact Al Klemm at 944-5068 for information.

Al-Pam Republican Club

2007-06-06T08:17:00.000-07:00

The Al-Pam Republican Club met this evening in the Golden Skillet Restaurant on U.S. 64 in Plymouth, North Carolina to hear an update of some of the problems with our legislature. Chris East (shown below), President of the Al-Pam Club, calls the meeting to order and leads the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The perspective on conservative issues was provided by keynote speaker J. Nelson Dollar, 36th District Representative (shown below).

He spoke about the his view of the problems with the number of so called "conservative" democrats that have made it into the legislature during the last election cycle. Neslon believes that though they claim to be conservative, their voting record proves the claim is not honest. They are all voting as liberals, especially when it comes to selecting their leadership. Even if they are honest in stating their beliefs (questionable according to Nelson), they are not conservative when backing a liberal leadership team that sabotages everything that conservatives believe in.

As usual, the Al-Pam Republican Club drew a good audience from Washington County, and some of the leadership of adjoining counties as well.

“Salute the Troops”

2007-05-20T00:14:00.000-07:00

The Businesses and Friends of Veterans in Martin County had an “Armed Forces Day” event to “Salute the Troops” yesterday. The purpose was to honor all Martin County Veterans and active duty soldiers.

It was held at the Farmers Market. It was a beautiful evening when I drove up to the Farmer's Market in Williamston.

At the entrance they had military vehicles and a number of current military personnel to tell people about their duties.

Inside they had military speakers, patriotic music and most especially BBQ.

This was not a political event, only to honor all our veterans on “Armed Forces Day", but was organized by the Martin County Republican Party.

The people that were most important are the soldiers who are currently serving us in this time of war. This war against Islamofascism is a long term war and there is no question it will go on for decades. This will test our nation's strength and commitment to freedom as much as any war we have ever fought.

To start the event, local Boy Scout Troop #29 provided the color guard and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Scout Zack Bennett.

Mrs. Ruth Bake led the singing of the National Anthem.

Dr. David Brown, Minister of First Christian Church of Robersonville gave the invocation.

The crowd was very polite and no one moved to start eating until all of the opening comments were finished.

Through an open door at the back of the large room it was fascinating to watch the horses in a field at Martin Community College which is behind the Farmer's Market.

Master of Ceremonies, Dwayne Baker, Chairman of the Martin County Republican Party, started the speakers portion of formal ceremonies after all had a chance to eat.

First action of the evening was reading letters from our elected officials. Betty Jo Shepheard (below) read a letter from Senator Richard Burr.

Lareo Reddick read a letter from Congressman G.K. Butterfield.

Mr Reddick also presented the Republican Party with a flag flown over our nation's capital from Congressman G.K. Butterfield to thank them for holding the event to honor our troops.

Rachel Baker read a letter from our senior Senator, Elisabeth Dole.

Theodosia Robinson, Martin County Office of Veteran Affairs then presented some heartfelt remarks, about the services of her office, and her personal appreciation for the troops. She ended her comments with a powerful poem in honor of our troops.

Next was Sam Bullock, Post Commander of American Legion Post #131, from Hamilton, NC for his tribute to the troops.

A couple of highlights from the evening were the moving patriotic songs of local star Lori Wynne.

When she started "Stand up America", everyone stood up.

Keeney Teeter, Post Commander of AMVETS of Williamston came next, for his tribute to the troops.

The troops that were present were clearly moved by the outpouring of appreciation and paid attention to everything being said.

Dot Williford, former Republican Chairman of the 1st Congressional District, gave the introduction of the evening's keynote speaker, Colonel Nelson Leggette (retired), U.S. Army Air Corps, who served in World War II.

Colonel Leggette shared a number of stories and anecdotes, including one discomforting story about a sixth grade teacher who attended a recent event. She walked up to him, looked at a sign that announced him as a World War II vet, and asked, "What is World War Eleven?"

Most of his stories were much more uplifting and he ended his presentation with a listing of all the wars our nation has fought. It is a long toll of conflicts that have repeatedly made the difference between being free and living under the rule of others. Our freedom is ours, solely because of the willingness of some to fight for us all.

God Bless America's Soldiers.

Joe McLaughlin Opposes Walter Jones

2007-05-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Joe McLaughlin started a two day tour through the 3rd Congressional District of North Carolina to launch his candidacy to represent that disctrict. Joe will oppose Walter Jones, the incumbent, in the Republican Primary next year.

Joe's first stop was in Greenville, at the Veterans Memorial in the Town Park behind the Courthouse, and the pictures included here are from that stop. Other locations inclulded New Bern, Beaufort, Moorehead City, Jacksonville, Wilson and Goldsboro.

Rumors of the growing opposition to Walter Jones have been rampant in recent weeks. Some of the reasons were covered in the speech Joe McLaughlin gave at the various stops.

Joe McLaughlin, "I'm here today to tell you . . . that I am officially announcing my candidacy for the United States Congress. "

"I seek the Congressional seat currently held by Walter Jones. This has been a tough decision . . . . . but the man we sent to Washington over 13 years ago is someone I no longer recognize."

"Walter Jones' willingness to vote with the liberals against virtually every major anti-terror piece of legislation has made him a poster boy for the left. In fact the liberals justify their positions by pointing to our own Congressman."

"In recent weeks, Walter has again sided with the left by voting to deny reinforcements for our troops in combat, to establish a schedule for surrender and to override . . . [the] veto of this declaration of defeat."

My own frustration with Walter Jones started because he keeps touting his dedication to Christianity, something that he always puts in every speech. However it is starting to wear thin for those of us who think Christianity in our nation is important. Someone who keeps having to remind us that he is a Christian is perhaps forgetting that such bragging was an act that Jesus himself spoke against. I don't trust Walter Jones any more. I don't know how anyone can.

If you have any questions, you can contact Joe McLaughlin by calling (252) 723-8958.

Joe McLaughlin Bio

2007-05-08T07:39:00.000-07:00

Joseph R. McLaughlin was born September 16, 1954 in New York City where his father was serving in the United States Coast Guard. Joe spent his youth traveling while his father’s duties as an officer carried him to several East Coast ports.

Joe has been married for 24 years to the former Sherrill Ann Baucom of Charlotte, NC, who is a Registered Nurse at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville. They have 3 children, with son Matt being a recent graduate of N.C. State and daughters Colleen and Caitlin, both attending White Oak High School.

Joe received a Presidential Appointment to the United States Air Force Academy. Joe graduated from the Academy and, due to vision requirements to fly, volunteered for a commission in the United States Army. His first duty assignment was the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg. Over a decorated military career, Joe served in a wide range of command and staff assignments in infantry, airborne and mechanized units in Georgia, California, Korea and Washington, D.C.

Joe also earned a Master of Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California and was a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, Kansas. Upon his retirement in 1994, Joe settled in Jacksonville, NC where he works as a financial advisor.

Joe is currently serving in his second term on the Onslow County Board of Commissioners and is now seeking the Republican nomination for North Carolina’s District 3 Congressional seat.

Bill Daughtridge For Treasurer

2007-04-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

State Representative and Candidate for North Carolina State Treasurer Bill Daughtridge was the guest speaker at last night's Conservatives, Arise! Political Action Committee (CAPAC) in Greenville, NC.

Daughtridge is president of The Daughtridge Group which encompasses Daughtridge Gas Company, a provider of propane and fuel oil for residential, commercial and agricultural customers in the Rocky Mount, Roanoke Rapids and Greenville areas; Daughtridge Oil Company which operates convenience stores and car washes across Eastern North Carolina, the Auto Care Express Mall and Citgo Express Lube in Rocky Mount; and Tharrington Parts which supplies tobacco barn parts for the Eastern Seaboard.

While serving in the Legislature, Daughtridge has been appointed co-chair of the Joint Select Committee on Economic Development, former chairman of the House Commerce Committee, and currently serves on the House Finance Committee. In addition to legislative duties, Daughtridge serves on the North Carolina Economic Development Board, the Defense and Security Technology Accelerator Advisory Committee, and as President of the Boy Scouts of America’s Area Seven (NC and VA).

Daughtridge is a Morehead Scholar from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he received his BS and MBA degrees. Daughtridge and his wife, Partha, live in Rocky Mount and have two children.

In Bill's presentation he focused on the issues of state efforts to fix the current Medicaid funding inequities for poor counties and the power of the Treasuer to correct many current abuses in spending and waste.

Above, Rachel Sturz, acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event. Below, Ken Jones made a special presentation on research he has conducted on tools to promote the group's activities in the Greenville area.

CAPAC is a non-partisan political action committee that meets every fourth Tuesday to learn about and discuss the issues of the day. The public is invited to attend. No reservations are necessary.

Down East Republican Club Thursday April 26th

2007-04-22T20:18:00.000-07:00

The Down East Republican Club will hold their monthly meeting Thursday, April 26th, at Cliff’s Seafood on Highway 17 in Chocowinity. Dinner is at 6:00 PM and the meeting starts at 7:00 PM.

The meeting will feature Beaufort County Tax Assessor Bobby Parker.

Bobby Parker began his career with the U.S. Geological Survey, National Mapping Division, Eastern Mapping Center, in Arlington, Va. in 1962. He retired from the U.S. Geological Survey in April, 1993, with 31 years of service.

Bobby began his second career with the Beaufort County Tax Administration in April, 1993, as a Real Property Appraiser, and received his certification as a N.C. Department of Revenue Real Property Appraiser in 1994. Parker was appointed to the position of Beaufort County Tax Assessor in 1997, by the Beaufort County Board of County Commissioners and received his certification as a North Carolina Department of Revenue Tax Assessor in 1997. In 2006, Parker received the designation of Tax Assessor from The N.C. Association of Assessing Officers.
Bobby Parker was born and raised in Beaufort County. Parker attended Beaufort County Public Schools. Bobby is married and has four children.

The political discussion topic for club members and attendees is “Beaufort County Property Taxes”.

Dotoratos And Hammond In Concert

2007-04-20T06:34:00.000-07:00

Pianist Gary Hammond and violinist Ray Dotoratos gave a beautiful concert at the Martin County Auditorium last night.

As usual the great volunteers from the Martin County Arts Council and the Bertie County Arts Council were there early, setting up and preparing the concession stand. The ladies in the picture above are Michele Early, Judy Overton, Marie Robertson and Christine Farrior. The concession stand pictured below was staffed by the Relay for Life Team from Aulander.

The Bertie County and Martin County Arts Councils joined forces to bring these two musicians of international renown to our area for a local concert of a quality we rarely see. Even the New York Times, noted for its excellent coverage of the arts, has raved about the performances of these two musical artists.

Marie Robertson, Christine Farrior and Betty Constable introduced the concert and the two musicians.

As part of this visit to our area, the two musicians presented a concert for students at Southwestern Middle School in Windsor the same morning. These talented musicians have performed in New York, Washington, DC, where they performed at the White House, and countries all across the globe.

For this evenings performance they opened with a Handel Sonata, and also covered works by Rachmaninov, Beethoven, Still and Chopin.

During intermission, local patrons caught up with friends and talked about the music.

At the end of the concert the artists covered some more contemporary music from Gershwin, Bernstein and Copland. The skill of the two musicians was well displayed and it was a great evening of music that we rarely get to hear.

This was the first joint venture between Bertie and Martin Counties. Hopefully it will not be the last. A special thanks to both groups for a great evening of music.

Justice Orr Speaks To Down East Republicans

2007-03-30T04:44:00.000-07:00

The Down East Republican Club met last night in the large party room at Cliff's Seafood. Bob Orr, former Supreme Court Justice and candidate for governor was the guest speaker. The meeting date was moved from their normal date due to the Beaufort County Republican Party Reagan Day Dinner last week.

Justice Robert F. Orr retired from the N.C. Judiciary on July 31, 2004 after eighteen years of service to the citizens of North Carolina. He practiced law in Asheville prior to being appointed to the bench by Governor Jim Martin in 1986. He spent almost ten years as a member of the Supreme Court and eight years on the Court of Appeals. Justice Orr was elected four times statewide by the voters of North Carolina — twice to the Court of Appeals and twice to the Supreme Court.

Justice Orr is currently the Executive Director and Senior Counsel for The North Carolina Institute for Constitutional Law, a nonprofit, public interest legal organization based in Raleigh. He serves as an adjunct professor at the UNC School of Law, where he teaches a seminar on the North Carolina State Constitution. Previously, he taught at the N.C. Central School of Law and the Campbell University School of Law.

Judge Orr spoke to the group of the issues he thinks will be important in the coming campaign for Governor and his positions on those issues.

All citizens are invited and welcome to attend Down East Republican Club meetings. The meetings usually take place in the large party room at Cliff’s Seafood on Highway 17 in Chocowinity. If you have any questions or wish to join, contact Al Klemm by phone at (252) 974-2121 or email at al@theklemms.com

Reagan Day Dinner Features Senator Fred Smith

2007-03-17T23:47:00.000-07:00

The Annual Beaufort County Republican Party "Regan Day Dinner" was a rousing success. It featured presumed Candidate for Governor Senator Fred Smith as keynote speaker. Candidate for State Treasurer Representative Bill Daughtridge also spoke to the enthusiastic crowd of Republicans. The theme of both candidates was the reality that a return to the principals of conservatives is all it takes to go back to winning elections.

Republicans stand for individual freedom. Our foray into big government conservatism has foundred on the contradiction that big government and individual freedom are never compatible. It is the contradiction that we must get rid of. Big government is not the Republican way.

Before we get to this night's speeches lets set the stage of how the event went. There are always a number of early arrivers for these events. They are the people who know everyone and want to catch up with their friends before the serious business gets started. Above is the lobby at the Beaufort County Community College building where the event was held.

One part of the serious business is eating. At this event North Carolina based Keyzer's Catering provided a meal of steak and shrimp that was truly outstanding. A common feature of these meals is the normal complaining about the food, but tonight it was completely reversed as everyone was truly impressed and could not stop raving about the food.

Laura and Kalissa (above) were two of the Keyzer's Catering staff who worked hard to keep everyone well fed and glasses filled to the brim.

One nice part of these events is always the lovely ladies who come out. Above, Iris Falkson, Rachel Sturz, Lynda Foreman and Del Stutzman.

As the formal event starts, (from the left above) Tomp Litchfield, Fred Smith, Hope Van Dorp, Gene Geesey, Bob Edmunds and Jack Piland are the dignataries who fill the dais. Hope Van Dorp, (at the speakers stand) Beaufort County Republican Party Chairman starts the event off with a welcome.

Derek Davis offered a prayer of thanks.

Our national anthem was sung beautifully by Jenni Sickert.

Gene Geesey, Finance Chairman, served as Master of Ceremonies. As is traditional for these events, Gene told a few jokes. This evening of course all the jokes were about democrats.

Jack Piland, Beaufort County Republican Party Vice-Chariman, made the introductions of special guests to the event.

Tomp Litchfield, Jr.then proceeded with the introductions of the planned speakers.

Erin Gray, above, read a letter from Bill Graham who was a no show for this event.

The first speaker was Judge Bob Edmunds of the NC Supreme Court. Judge Edmunds spoke eloquently of the need to retain a conseravtive majority on the State Supreme Court. At this point the majority is down to a single vote.

As an example of this importance, lower courts in North Carolina ruled that the Constitutional requirement that taxes be spent for what they were collected could not be enforced. They threw out of court some NC tax payers who had sued to enforce our Constitution. Only the conservative majority on the NC Supreme Court protected us by insisting that it was ridiculous for a court to rule that our Constitution could not be enforced by the people for whom it was written and for whom the protections were intended.

He also noted that the Court elected next year will ultimately determine the next redistricting of the legislature. Since the constant Republican majority vote for House and Senate within our state has not resulted in the majority of the House and Senate being Republicans, at some point we will have to get the courts to block the ongoing gerrymandering by the democrats that give them more seats even though more people vote for Republicans.

The importance of good government being based on sound tax policy and ethical implementation of our tax laws was the theme of Candidate for State Treasurer Bill Daughtridge. Bill is the Representative from the Rocky Mount area who is the only Republican representative from Northeastern North Carolina. He is a strong conservative who understands the importance of a strong Treasurer to assure that government abides by the fiscal rules that exist for the protection of the tax payer.

Tomp Litchfield, Jr. then introduced Keynote speaker (above) Senator Fred Smith. A lot of Fred's bio is becoming well known. His parents worked in an orphanage and Fred was raised there as well, learning first hand how many people have a tough start in life and the importance of making sure they get a chance too. One anecdote that I had never heard before was that Fred, a two way football player at the positions of offensive guard and linebacker, won the most valuable player award in the Shrine Bowl the year he graduated from high school. Fred went on to win a football scholarship at Wake Forest. Fred was a successful lawyer before he became a very successful farmer and developer.

Fred pealed off his coat and came down to the floor level to give his speech. Fred was clearly extremely popular with this crowd, and got a standing ovation. His speech was about winning. One of his early points, "We have to win, we can't get anything passed when our bills are assigned to committees that never meet." This was a reference to the unethical practice of Senator Marc Basnight, the democrat President Pro Tem of the NC Senate.

Fred proclaimed, "I am tired of democrats believing the strength of this state is big government. We need to empower people . . . not empower more bureaucrats."

Fred believes that this "love" of government leads to bad ethics too. He spent a few minutes talking about the importance of replacing the number of democrats who, like former Speaker Black and former Congressman Frank Balance, " . . Parade across TV in handcuffs." This parade is not finished. There is something slimey at work when you think of our former Speaker, democrat Black, taking bribes in restaurant bathrooms. These criminals must be sent home by Republicans who take back government for the people.

What we need is more positive efforts of regular people, like the 12,000 North Carolinians who recently went to Raleigh to support the Defense of Marriage and the bill Senator Jim Forrester has advocated for so long. Fred lauded that as the kind of grass roots efforts he is proud of.

Fred repeated, to make this happen Republicans need to get back to our principals and get back to winning.

The evening ended with an emotional and moving rendition of "God Bless America", played first on the harmonica and then sung by a crowd filled with the passion of the moment.

It was a great night.

Rotary Sponsors Trip To South Korea

2007-03-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

Williamston Rotary is a small club but always has a very good turnout of their members. Their activism is also signified by the constant high quality of their speakers at the weekly luncheons.

Don King was the speaker for today's Williamston Rotary Club luncheon. Don spoke to us about the District 7720 Group Study Exchange between South Korea and the United States. Don was part of a group of Americans who spent a month in Korea. A group of Koreans will be coming to America in exchange.

Before he started his presentation, Don passed around some literature on Korea and a book about the capital city, Seoul.

Don's presentation was a made by PowerPoint and included many of the pictures the group took on their trip.

One of the highlights of their trip was the DMZ zone, shown above, indicative that a state of war still exists all these many years later. It is easy to forget that the Korean war has really never ended.

This visit to foreigh countries is an important program that Rotary has long sponsored. One of the final slides in Don's presentation was that of the group that accompanied him on the trip.

Don is a Professor at Pitt Community College and served as the Instructor / Advisor on the trip for Rotary. He is an accomplished speaker and made the presentation quite interesting.

At the end of the service, Dr. Bill Gray of the Williamston Rotary thanked Don and presented him with some complimentary peanuts as a thank you for an excellent event.

The Imperial Center - Rocky Mount

2007-03-08T03:16:00.000-08:00

I spent the day in Rocky Mount and had an opportunity to visit the recently expanded Imperial Center. It is an impressive experience. The Center includes the Children's Museum, Science Center, Planetarium, Art Museum and the new Library. Following are some of the pictures I took on the site visit to the Art Museum.

There are not many who are aware that Rocky Mount has this impressive facility for its citizens.

North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen Visits Martin County

2007-03-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Williamston Rotarians had a visit from an “outstanding” teenager on Tuesday when Ciara Newman, Miss North Carolina’s Outstanding Teen, was the club’s guest speaker. Ciara is currently on a campaign to visit and do community service in all 100 of North Carolina's counties.

Newman, an 18-year-old senior at North Henderson High School in Hendersonville, NC, and the daughter of Gary and Paula Newman, was crowned Hendersonville’s Outstanding Teen last February, and then won the state title in Raleigh in June. While many people may not yet be familiar with the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, most are well aware of the program’s “big sister,” Miss America, the world’s largest provider of scholarships for women and a tradition since 1921.

Following her speech to the group, Newman was presented with a bag of local peanuts, a gift from Dr. Bill Gray, retired dentist and program chair for the club. Shown with Dr. Gray (middle) and Ciara Newman (right) is Tiffany Ervin (left) from the Hendersonville Rotary and Ciara's escort during this visit.

Ciara represented the Tarheel State in the 2006 Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, Fla, in August. In September, she set a personal goal to visit every county in North Carolina during her year of service. Martin County became number 58, and with another 10 already on her schedule, that means only 32 more to go!

Navy Still Targets Washington OLF Site

2007-02-27T14:47:00.000-08:00

by Cal Bryant - February 26, 2007 - Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

The OLF battle continues.

Despite last week’s release of its Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) on the construction of an Outlying Landing Field in eastern North Carolina, opponents of the U.S. Navy’s plan to construct an Outlying Landing Field (OLF) in Washington and Beaufort counties have vowed to continue the fight.

Meanwhile, local officials in Bertie and Gates counties are keeping a close eye on this issue, one that has brewed since 2002.

Washington and Beaufort Counties want the OLF someplace else. Other counties want the OLF someplace else also, just not their counties. The concern is that Washington and Beaufort may win and then the Navy will be looking at them. There is a word for this. They call it NIMBY. That means Not In My Back Yard. It is a problem with the placement of trash yards, sewage plants, prisons, airports, roads . . . etc. The Washington and Beaufort County people are convinced that their reason for wanting the OLF someplace else are valid. NOTHING the Navy (or Bertie, Gates, Perquimans, etc) says will ever convince them the place the Navy wants the OLF is a good place.

The Navy may or may not be right that the place they selected is a good place. However the motivations of the people opposed to the OLF will not change and they will never concede the Navy is right. With this awareness, it is hard to see how anything other than actually constructing the OLF will resolve this issue. When it is built the controversy will end. Until then everyone will continue their NIMBY campaign.

If you wish to express your opinion you can do so at the public hearings on this issue:

Bertie County High School - Tuesday, March 20

Perquimans County High School - Wednesday, March 21

At each location an information session will occur from 4:30-6:30 PM followed by the formal public hearing from 7-10 PM.

This Is Sad - But This Is True

2007-02-25T04:40:00.000-08:00

A large sign on one of the Marine Bases in Iraq proclaimed:

America is not at war
The U.S. Marines are at war
America is at the mall

Our troops remember what this war is about . . . . we were attacked by an enemy called Islamofascists. They are the radical element of Islam that is dedicated to restoring the Caliphate to world domination and forcing everyone to either convert to Islam or be a slave. In Islam non-Muslims are referred to as dhimmis, slaves . . . and dhimmis have no rights.

This war is being run with a new attitude never tried before . . . we are at war but civilians are not being asked to sacrifice. Only our troops are being asked to sacrifice. If the troops are brought back from Iraq before we win this war, how long do you think it will be before nuclear bombs are going off in our cities?

Happy Birthday President Ronald Reagan

2007-02-06T00:30:00.000-08:00

Why do we love Ronald Reagan? Quotes like "How do you tell a communist? Well, it’s someone who reads Marx and Lenin. And how do you tell an anti-communist? It’s someone who understands Marx and Lenin."

There are so many things that were good about Ronald Reagan that it is hard to single out his greatest contribution to America. However as much as he is loved for other things, his defeat of communism in the Soviet Union was the top.

Republicans Look At Taxes

2007-02-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Press release from the Al-Pam Republican Club

The Al-Pam Republican Club held it's February 1st meeting at the Golden Skillet in Plymouth, NC. A large attendance was on hand as President Chris East opened the meeting.

East began with a list of announcements regarding current events.
References were made to the Dare County Lincoln-Reagan Dinner as well as the Reagan Day Dinner for the counties of Camden, Currituck, Pasquotank, and Perquimans.

East then introduced the speaker for the evening, Mr. Dallas Woodhouse.

Woodhouse is the communications and grass roots director for the Americans for Prosperity. Americans for Prosperity work for the people of the US to advance each individuals right to economic freedom, and reducing size of social government is essential to ensure individual liberty and prosperity to each North Carolinian. Mr. Woodhouse stated that "in a nutshell, Americans for Prosperity is an advocacy group that fights for the people, are free market fundamentalists, are against all tax increases, and are for free market education."

Recently, the AFP have been trying to reduce the number of "earmarks" in the federal budget. "Earmarks" are inserting pork-barrell products into the federal budget just before being passed and are never voted upon. The AFP have been working against 3 huge earmarks. A 500K grant for a municipal swimming pool in Peoria, Ill; 500K grant to a midwest university to study waste in federal government; and a 400K grant for a teapot museum in Sparta, NC, in which we paid for in state taxes due to our democratic run state legislature. President Bush stated in the State of the Union address that "he wants to make sure all earmarks are public and voted upon.

Dallas then stated that there are 100's of millions of dollars proposed in state tax increases right now in Raleigh. There is a 1/4 cent scheduled to go off of the state sales tax in July. In December, Gov. Easley (D) said "it may not be wise to follow through with the cut as scheduled. The budget can absorb the loss in revenue but here's the question, do we really want to?" He then stated that, "there are all kinds of possibilities for that money." In a statement made by Senator John Kerr (D-Pitt) in the Wilson Times, he stated that, "Raising taxes is the only way to meet the needs of NC. We'll do what's right, but it's going to take some taxes. It is true that 1 billion dollars of taxpayer money is going to Google to relocate in NC."

Another iniative that is being pursued by the AFP is a Taxpayers Bill of Rights. The AFP have successfully passed this in Colorado. If the Bill fo Rights had been in place last year, it would have limited the growth of state government to 5.5% or about 970 million dollars. Instead, it grew 10.0% to 2 billion dollars.

The AFP are also trying to remove the cap on charter schools. Charter schools are public schools that are built with private funds. Essentially they do not require property tax increases to build. Charter schools promote competition and new ideas to students. There are currently over 100 operating. Woodhouse says that the good thing about charter schools is that "if it does not do well, they shut it down immediately. Which is the opposite to a public school, If a public school in failing, we don't shut it down, we just give it more of the taxpayers money."

The AFP are opposed to the lottery. "It has caused a structural deficit in the budget. Local governments have been encouraged to raise county taxes to account for the shortfall in lottery money. The lottery as analyzed to begin with is only leading to higher taxes," stated Woodhouse.

Lastly, Woodhouse spoke about the latest craze in state government. There is a proposal to ban smoking statewide in public places. The AFP believe that this issue should be left up the property/business owner and not be infringed upon by the state government. Ultimately, it boils down to the state legislature trying to impose heavier social laws on citizens.

The meeting was then closed after East stated that the next meeting will be on March 1st in Camden County. For more information, contact Chris East at (252) 793-9547 or al-pamrepublicanclub@hotmail.com and check out this web site americansforprosperity.org

Republican Club Meets In Plymouth

2007-01-26T22:58:00.000-08:00

The Al-Pam Republican Club will be holding its February first meeting at the Golden Skillet in Plymouth, NC. The Golden Skillet is located on Hwy. 64 E. The meeting will begin at 6:30 PM.

The speaker for the evening will be Mr. Dallas Woodhouse of Raleigh. Mr. Woodhouse is the Director for the Americans for Prosperity of North Carolina. Prior to joining the Americans for Prosperity of North Carolina, Woodhouse spent a decade as a news reporter in Raleigh, including 7 years as a political reporter with the NBC Television Station. Dallas has also worked in Communications and Marketing with both the United States and North Carolina Departments of Agriculture.

For more information on the Al-Pam Republican Club contact President Chris East at (252) 793.9547 or email Chirs at al-pamrepublicanclub@hotmail.com

Beaufort County Has Triple Ribbon Cutting

2007-01-14T04:32:00.000-08:00

Beaufort County's "Committee of 100" sponsored a triple ribbon cutting ceremony for 3 new manufacturing businesses setting up in Washington, NC. With all of the focus on manufacturing companies shutting down and moving overseas, this is impressive news for North Carolina, and especially Washington.

With the water orientation of this town on the western edge of the Inner Banks, that two of them are new boat companies is good news for the region. These owners see boating as a growth industry for our Inner Banks area.

The three companies opening their new business sites are Brooks Boatworks, X.S. Smith and Egret Boats.

X.S. Smith is a manufacturer of Greenhouses, another growth industry for North Carolina.

The three ribbon cutting ceremonies were held one after the other on Friday afternoon, and ended with a "Committee of 100" fund raiser featuring our local Oysters. Following are some of the photos from the events.

Roger Brooks Is Presented North Carolina Flag By Donna Phillips - Senior Economic Development Manager Of North Carolina Department Of Commerce - Brenda Daniels, Tommy Thompson And Tim Ivey Look On

Roger Brooks - President Of Brooks Boatworks - Shows Off His Factory

Lesha And Roger Brooks Cut Ribbon At First Ceremony Of The Day - Brenda Daniels And Tommy Thompson Look On

Tommy Thompson - Executive Director Of Beaufort County Economic Development Commission - Addresses Portion Of Large Crowd That Attended All Three Events

Arthur Williams Holds North Carolina Flag For Donna Phillips As She Presents It To Skip Smith On Behalf Of Governor Easley, Tommy Thomspon Watches

Second Ribbon Cutting With State Representative Arthur Williams (Left End Of Ribbon) Helping Skip Smith (With Scissors) - President of XS Smith

Inside The Factory At XS Smith

Final Ribbon Cutting - At Egret Boats

What Egret Believes Is The "Rolls Royce" Of Flat Boats

Details Of The "Rolls Royce" Inside The Egret Boat Factory

Egret's Big 29 Foot Boat In The Mold

Oyster Roast Ends The Day

Rites Of Passage

2007-01-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

Onslow County is one of the fastest growing parts of this great state of North Carolina. Home to Camp Lejeune for the U.S. Marines, it is heavily influenced by military culture. People there just seem to be more in tune with the important things in life. It is interesting that the motto on the Family Crest of the man Onslow County was named for is "Semper Fidelis", the same as the Marine Corps motto. Dedication to country and family is normal. When you are risking your life for such intangible concepts as patriotism, it tends to focus you on the important and make you think about what they mean. Focus on the important seems natural there.

Entry To Onslow County Museum

Maybe that is why Onslow County has a great museum that focuses on the history of their area and the history of man. I heard about a really impressive exhibit they had down there on the passages of life. Though a little out of our normal coverage area, I wanted to see what it said. I am glad that I did. Lisa Whitman-Grice, Museum Director, and Patricia Hughey, Manager of Collections, have created an excellent exhibit.

Geologic History, Part Of The Standard Exhibits Of The Library

Onslow County is on the far southern end of the Inner Banks area. I live near the far northern end of the Inner Banks. Though I dawdled a little in my drive down U.S. 17, it was a only little over two hours from Colerain to reach the Museum in Richlands, just West of Jacksonville. I got to their museum late in the afternoon.

The first thing I saw upon entry to the museum is a great little exhibit on model trains. Not surprising. Model trains are popular with everyone and you have to have things that attract people to get them to come to museums. Other museums might take a lesson on doing things that attract.

Rites Of Passage: Life's Defining Moments

The Onslow Museum regular exhibits are quite impressive. One neat touch is a neon sign from the old Iwo Jima Theater in Jacksonville. The legend is that the first movie played there was "The Sands of Iwo Jima." This is appropriate with the local Marine Corps presence. More people should be aware of what happened at Iwo Jima as it is an important symbol of our nation. [Click here for our recent Patriot Blog article on "Flags of our Fathers" about Iwo Jima]

The Onslow County Museum also has a special section for temporary exhibits they call their "Changing Gallery". It was here that they had put up their "Rites of Passge" exhibit that brought me. It is an impressive attraction to draw visitors.

Some Of The Numerous Stages Covered

The exhibit is a great balance between items that document the symbolism of the passages from one stage to another stage that we all go through, and some well written explanations of what these different "passages" mean.

One Of The Most Important Of Mankinds "Rites Of Passages", The Symbolism Of Marriage

Wedding Dresses For The Marriage "Passage"

"Passage" To Manhood For Patriots

Cyrus B. Glover's Cast Iron Coffin, Symbol Of Our Final "Passage"

I think that museums serve an important purpose for our lives when they do more than simply document history. This is an exhibit that has lessons for how we live today. "Rites of Passage" is quite impressive. I don't have room in the article for all the pictures that I took that have interesting information. I recommend you go see for yourself.

Some Special "Rites of Passage" Exhibit Memorabilia

As I pulled out of the parking lot to leave, there was a great sunset visible from the little park that fronts the museum. It was a nice ending to a very special visit. I recommend the Onslow Museum to everyone. Especially for the months left of the "Rites of Passage" exhibit. It is very well done and worth the time.

Goodbye To "Passages" For This Day

Martin Community College - Digital Photography

2006-12-31T13:22:00.000-08:00

The winter schedule of classes at Martin Community College has been released. One highlight of the winter classes are the extremely popular Digital Photography classes, which have been scheduled for both Martin and Bertie Campuses. These classes allow you to quickly learn all the skills necessary to be rated a digital photography expert.

Digitial Photography classes require keyboarding, mouse and Windows XP basic skills.

Title: Digital Photography
Hours: 33 -- Dates: to be determined for each campus, but the starting week is expected to be the week of January 11th through the 15th and day and evening classes are planned.

Instructor - Dean Stephens

You have a digital camera and though you have figured out how to take pictures with it, you need pointers in making those photos professional quality. This class will teach you how to use your camera, manage a library of photos and edit photos for effectiveness and quality.

The class will meet once a week. The evening classes will be from 6:00-9:00 PM. The day classes will be from 9:00AM-12:00PM. There will be 11 class sessions for a total of 33 hours credit. For more information or to pre-register for the Williamston classes, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248. For the Windsor classes please call Minnie Hoggard at (252) 794-4861.

Happy Thanksgiving, And Now On To Christmas

2006-11-26T15:47:00.000-08:00

Traditionally we put up our Christmas decorations on Thanksgiving weekend. This year, the house looks pretty good. I hope this will be a good Christmas Season. During a time of war, it seems that family and friends mean more than ever. Hold all yours close and pray for our troops overseas.

Christmas Decorations Are What Set The Mood

And God Bless you all.

16th Annual - STAMPEDE IN THE PARK

2006-11-04T06:12:00.000-08:00

Last night was opening night for the Martin Community College "STAMPEDE IN THE PARK", eastern North Carolina's premier rodeo.

Senator Bob Martin - Eastern Agricultural Center

This event is annually promoted by Ken Treadway Rodeo as a part of the Oklahoma City based International Professional Rodeo Association Championship Series. The STAMPEDE IN THE PARK rodeos are organized by the Martin Community College Foundation.

Rodeo Organizer - Martin Community College Foundation

This year the Martin Community College Foundation dedicated the event to 18 year board member, Elton Hardy, who has worked dilligently to create over 15 endowments for the foundation. Mr. Hardy has served as both President and Vice President of the Foundation. He also served on the committee that first recommended holding the professional rodeo that has become this great annual event. Elton is a life-long resident of Martin County.

Inside The Bob Martin Center - Waiting For The Stampede To Start

The Opening Parade - A Spectacle Everyone Loves

This year the Rodeo made a special presentation of the flags of our four branches of service, and honored all the veterans who have served our nation in recognition of the ongoing sacrifices being made during this time of war.

United States Marine Corps Flag

Promoter Ken Treadway Was Everywhere Keeping Things Moving

Gary Trammell is one of the very best rodeo announcers, and also designs and maintains web sites, including his own web site where he promotes the careers of of rodeo personnel.

Announcer Gary Trammell Keeps The Crowd Informed

The opening of this years "Stampede in the Park" featured the introduction of the recently elected "World Champion Bucking Horse", Lone Wolf. Rodeo stock companies like the "Ken Treadway Rodeo" company are very proud when the rodeo participants elect one of their animals to be the best in a category. It is quite an honor.

World Champion Bucking Horse - Lone Wolf

The traditional opening event for rodeos is always Bronc Riding. There are two events for Bronc Riding, one with saddles and one bareback.

Bronc Riding

The next event at this year's rodeo was Steer Wrestling.

Steer Wrestling

Calf Roping

At intermission, I went looking for the President of Martin Community College. She is always working to make this event a great success, and I wanted to thank her. I found her helping out in the hospitality suite.

Dr. Ann Britt, President Of Martin Community College, With Hazel Whitfield

The Concession Stands Had Great Chili Dogs This Year

Intermission was ended by a trick rope demonstration.

The Trick Rope Demonstration Ended With A Spectacular Flaming Rope Exhibition

Next up was what they traditionally call the "Boot Scramble", since the winners win a pair of cowboy boots. This is where a calf with a ribbon tied to his tail is turned loose and the goal is to chase it down. The winner is the first person to grab the ribbon and pull it free. This year the normal two events was expanded to three. Usually the event is held for the boys and girls from the audience who are between the ages of 6 and 12. This year they added an event. A boot scramble for "Mommas". All three events were fun and as always, humorous, watching people try to grab the ribbon. Those calves can really run.

Boot Scramble For Girls

Boot Scamble for Boys

Boot Scramble For Mommas

After the audience settled down and everyone got back in their seats, the rodeo participants took over with the next event, the ever popular Barrell Racing.

First You Have To Negotiate Around 3 Barrells

Then You Race For The Finish Line

An MCC Student Tries Her Hand

Steer Roping Is The Team Event Of Rodeo

The final event of the rodeo is always Bull Riding. The reason is simple. Bull Riding is the most popular event because it is the most spectacular event. Staying on a 2000 pound bull for 8 seconds has got to be as tough as anything man ever tries to accomplish.

Bull And Rider Explode From The Chute

One Cowboy Headed For The Dirt

Audience Members Tried Their Hand At Riding The Mechanical Bull

Making The 8 Seconds On 2000 Pound Bulls Is Impressive

And then it was over. Nobody dashes for the exit. People dawdle and stop by the many vendor stands to buy cowboy hats and cowboy boots, T-shirts and various other mementos of the night. Everyone is talking about the night. Rodeos are absolutely the most fun you can have. See you next year.

Smoke On The River - Washington, NC

2006-10-29T13:10:00.000-08:00

Though it does not have the same level of popularity as the Summer Festival, this weekend's "Smoke on the River" Festival in Washington, NC on the famous Washington "river walk" is quite an event.

It was a beautiful fall day, even though quite windy.

Here are some pictures from this years festival.

Boat Display By The River

Crab Art

The Festival Midway

River Walk Behind The Festival Midway

People Came From Quite Some Distance To Shop, Bonnie And James Jordan Are From Merry Hill, NC

There Was Continuous Live Music

Senate Candidate Ron Toppin Greets Voters In Front Of The Republican Party Tent

The Republican Party Was Out In Force To Meet Voters

Run in conjunction with the river event, the Down-East Rods & Classics car show was one block over on Main Street. Here are a few of the great autos on display.

Car Show Beginning

Main Street In Washington

Sports Cars

Classic Cars

Hot Rods

Special Production Cars

And Of Course - Corvettes

Scuppernong River Festival Has A Beautiful Day

2006-10-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

The Fifteenth Annual Scuppernong River Festival was held yesterday, and it was a magnificent event. It started in the morning with a parade from the school down to the river.

This year Columbia was blessed with an absolutely magnificent fall day.

McClees Restaurant In Columbia North Carolina

While we were waiting for the event to get started we walked down Main Street and found a great place to eat breakfast. It is called McClees Restaurant. It is an amazing little place that I would never have expected to find in a small town like Columbia. The place was packed and not just because of the parade. The food was great and the people were extraordinarily nice. (We went back after the parade and the all you can eat Soup and Salad bar for lunch was equally impressive. Two visits and two great meals is not bad.)

Kim, Claudia And Toni Were Swamped And Yet Kept Grinning Through It All

After breakfast we walked down to the school to see the parade forming up. After visiting with people in the parade, we walked back to near the county courthouse to watch the parade and take photos of it.

The following are some of the highlights of the parade.

The Parade Was Led By The United States And North Carolina Flags

The Uncle Sam Figure Strode Tall

Veterans Groups Rode In Honor

High School ROTC Marchring Plattoon

The First Of A Long Line Of Fire Engines From Local Fire Brigages

Morotcycles Composed A Huge Contingent In The Parade

The National Park Service Advertised Red Wolves

The First Of Several Bands

Every Band Had Majorettes

The Cub Scouts Marched Proudly

Columbia Is Farming Country

There Is Always A Corvette In Every Parade

Drummers Kept The Beat

The Red Hat Ladies Were Having A Blast

After The Parade The Crowd Flooded Main Street

Ron Toppin, Candidate For North Carolina Senate District #1 Was One Of Several Poplticians Who Were Out Talking With Voters

It was a GREAT event. Don't miss it next year.

Stampede In The Park

2006-10-14T04:35:00.000-07:00

The 16th Annual Stampede In The Park Rodeo will be held Novermber 3rd and 4th in the Bob Martin Agricultural Center in Williamston. Put on annually by Martin Community College, this is the premier rodeo in eastern North Carolina. The Show starts at 7:30 PM both nights.

Friday November 3rd And Saturday November 4th

For more information contact Robert Bonner at (252) 792-1521.

Colerain's Famous Seagull Cafe Fall Season In One Week

2006-09-27T04:26:00.000-07:00

The Seagull Cafe will open in one week for its traditional Fall Season, Wednesday, October 4th. The hours of operation are (as usual) from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. The Seagull is only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays.

Perry-Wynns Fish Company, Inc.

They specialize in Salt Herring, Trout, Shrimp & Oysters.

Herring Plate

My Personal Favorite Dishes, Shrimp and Oysters

The Seagull Cafe is a favorite place for the many farmers and workers in the area.

The view from the Seagull shows the Chowan River at its best. The small Cafe is located by the river near the end of River Road, close to the Colerain Beach Club.

Chowan River In Fall Colors

The Seagull Is Not Open For Sunrise, But The View Then Is Also Spectacular!

The trout is prepared incredibly and they make the most delicious shrimp you will ever taste. The cooks are simply the best.

Delores Forehand (Chef) And Betty Peale Are Part Of The Great Seagull Staff

Mike Perry and Linda Wynn are always on hand to welcome everyone to a unique dining experience. Don't miss it!

The Seagull Cafe is affiliated with Perry-Wynns Fish Company, Inc.

Campaign Rally In Washington, NC

2006-09-23T23:11:00.000-07:00

The election is getting closer and that means that campaigning is heating up. This weekend a tradtion of campaigning in Washington, NC was continued. Political parties set up tents next to a park on the Pamlico River and hand out free hot dogs and Bar-B-Que for citizens to listen to their positions. This rally was by the Republicans, and featured the Republican U.S. Representative Walter Jones. All local candidates were there with their supporters.

Campaign Rally Next To Park In Washington

Candidates and their supporters fan out into the park to drum up business for the free hot dogs and Bar-B-Que.

Ron Toppin Hands Out Literature - The Lady Turned Out To Be The Mother Of A Soldier In Iraq - Her Son Volunteered And Had Just Arrived In Iraq Last Week After Training In California

These Men Heard Ron Talking With The Soldier's Mother And Had Lots Of Questions On His Views About Iraq And Protection Of Our Borders

End Of The Day And 3 Candidates Pose For Pictures - Al Klemm, Ron Toppin And Hood Richardson

Inner Banks Scenic Parkway Well Received By Commissioners

2006-09-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

Inner Banks Scenic Parkway

A group of Inner Banks citizens are so excited by this proposal that they are taking on the task of communication of the concept to all of the government entities affected. They are also forming a group of eco-tourism interested parties to take over promotion of the idea to the NCDOT and state government. This group is called the Inner Banks Scenic Parkway Task Force. So far they have presented their plan to Hertford County and Washington County last week, and yesterday presented to Gates County, Beaufort County and Bertie County Commissioners.

In all cases, the presentation was positively received. Everyone agrees this is a great idea and needs to move forward.

Gates County Commissioners And Management

Beaufort County Commissioners

Bertie County Commissioners And Management

Craven County Commissioners

You can see an updated proposal on the Inner Banks Scenic Parkway Task Force web site by clicking on this link http://scenicparkway.blogspot.com or on the title above.

The final presentation to county governments is as follows:

Monday - October 2nd @ 7:30 PM - Pamlico County (Rescheduled)

The group also will be presenting to the Northeast Partnership and the 2 RPO's for the area in Hertford and Washington.

Anyone who is interested in environmentally friendly development for the Inner Banks is invited to join in this worthy cause at the task force kickoff meeting, October 7th at 5:00 PM at the Golden Corral in Washington, NC.

Map To Golden Corral 10-07-06 Meeting

Click on the map for a larger version

Inner Banks Scenic Parkway Presentations

2006-08-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Ron Toppin has proposed a great new transportation artery for the Inner Banks of North Carolina. His original proposal is shown on his campaign web site at http://www.rontoppin.com/inner_banks_hwy.htm.

You can see an updated proposal on the web site http://scenicparkway.blogspot.com

Inner Banks Scenic Parkway

A group of us are so excited by this proposal that we are taking on the task of communication of the concept to all of the county governments affected, and forming a group of eco-tourism interested parties to take over promotion of the idea to the NCDOT. This group is called the Inner Banks Scenic Parkway Task Force.

The schedule of presentations to county governments is as follows:

Tuesday - September 5th @ 9:00 AM - Hertford County
Tuesday - September 5th @ 6:00 PM - Washington County

Monday - September 11th @ 11:00 AM - Gates County
Monday - September 11th @ 3:00 PM – Beaufort County
Monday - September 11th @ 7:00 PM - Bertie County

Monday - September 18th @ 8:30 AM - Craven County
Monday - September 18th @ 7:30 PM - Pamlico County

Anyone who is interested in environmentally friendly development for the Inner Banks is invited to join us in this worthy cause.

Congressman Walter B. Jones Addresses Hyde County Chamber

2006-08-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Hyde County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Congressman Walter B. Jones as featured speaker.

Community Leaders On The Dais Included, Linda Mayo (Left End With Back Turned), Beatrice Emment, Tim Spears, Millie Lilley, Congressman Walter B. Jones, Steve Bryan, Carolyn Williford (Behind Podium), Mitchell Newman, Dianne Pugh And Alice Keeney

Congressman Jones used as his theme for the speech, what separates him from the Republican Party and Republican leadership. He focused initially on two issues. 1. Republicans are wasting money and continued spending will be a disaster for the county. 2. Invading Iraq was wrong and Donald Rumsfield should be fired.

Congressman Walter B. Jones, Republican

He next went into great detail about the need for immigration reform and defense of our borders. "We should not give amnesty to people who came here illegally."

Packed Room, With Numerous Local Leaders, Including Senate Candidate Ron Toppin At The Font Table

Another topic covered in detail was to protect the rights of people of faith. He spoke of his efforts to re-instate Captain Jonathan Sturbach, Chaplain, who was fired for praying in the name of "Jesus Christ" in services for a fallen soldier who was a Christian.

Bruce Freske, Accepting Award For Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

A highlight of the day was the presentation of the "Good Neighbor Award" from the Chamber of Commerce to the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge, honoring their participation in a significant local event, the annual Hyde County Trail Ride. This event, started by Mark Dodge, has gained significant exposure and popularity, generating $17 thousand in contributions for local charities and attracting over 250 entrants last year.

Americans For Prosperity Promote Good Tax Policy

2006-07-28T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Down-East Republican Club welcomed Francis X. De Luca of the Americans For Prosperity (AFP) to their meeting last night. The AFP and the AFP Foundation is a non-partisan tax payer organization that is promoting the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights for North Carolina citizens.

Mr. De Luca talked about the serious problem that we have with the current legislative body here in North Carolina, since the only way to return to freedom is to reduce spending. Our legislature does not seem to understand that. Even though we started this year with a $2.4 billion surplus, our current legislature has spent almost all of it. Only just under 5% was used to reduce taxes.

Francis X. De Luca, Americans For Prosperity

This is the largest increase in spending in North Carolina history. The sad part is that much of this was spent to increase ongoing commitments, such as major hiring of new personnel, 1,400 more than the 4,000 incease that was already planned. As a result, next year we will be over $1 billion short, and unless fiscal discipline is different than this year, a major tax increase will be required.

In addition, Mr. De Luca noted that the legislature issued another $600 billion in new bonds.

With all of that, the legislature did nothing to solve the Medicaid crisis for the counties, and they have actually rigged it so that the counties will be forced to raise taxes next year to solve the problem. This is not a good time in North Carolina for the taxpaying citizens.

Gag Order Issued In $1 Million Lawsuit

2006-07-26T05:34:00.000-07:00

by Eugene L. Tinklepaugh - July 20, 2006 - Washington Daily News

Superintendent responds to allegations of abuses in spending, and power

A judge issued a gag order in a case pending against Beaufort County and involving a $1 million school-funding dispute.

The gag order, issued during a pre-trial conference Wednesday, means attorneys involved with the case can’t talk about it. A call to the civil clerk’s office confirmed the judge’s order, which also applies to the clerk assigned to the case when it is heard in court.

The conference was held to hear a motion for trial. The gag order prevents either side, including the clerk, from discussing details of that motion, whether the motion was granted or whether a continuance was granted.

The trial, scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. today for jury selection, may be postponed if the judge allows the request for a continuance made by the county’s special counsel in this case.

Brenda Edwards, the clerk in court Wednesday, said she didn’t know if the judge’s gag order applied just to the conference or is to be upheld throughout the trial. The order was not available at the close of the courthouse’s business hours Wednesday.

This is extraordinary. Once group of elected officials (BOE) is suing another group of elected officials (County Commissioners) over the issue of whether they first group is getting as much of the taxpayers money is they DESERVE. That is right. The BOE seems to think that spending more money than over a dozen countries who are doing a better job than they at edcuating children cannot be due to the fact that the BOE is incompetently spending the money they get. No. They don't have as much as they want so it automatically means the problem is that they deserve more money.

Martin Community College - New Computer Courses

2006-07-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Fall Schedule of classes at Martin Community College has been released, and there are a great number of technical classes which people have been requesting. Highlight of the computer classes are the extremely popular Digital Photography classes, which this year have been scheduled for both Martin and Bertie Campuses. Here are the courses that I will be teaching, including the digital photography classes.

All classes require keyboarding, mouse and Windows XP basic skills.

Title: Introduction to Excel 2003 (MARTIN CAMPUS)
Hours: 21 -- Date: August 31, 2006
Instructor - Dean Stephens

Explore state-of-the-art spreadsheet power with Excel. Review how commands and icons used in Excel join with planning and designing worksheets.

The class will meet on Thursday Nights from 6:00-9:00 PM, beginning on August 31, 2006 and ending on October 19. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Title: Introduction to Access 2003 (MARTIN CAMPUS)
Hours: 21 -- Date: September 6, 2006
Instructor - Dean Stephens

Explore the basics of Access and learn to create a database table, along with basic forms, queries and reports to get information out of the database.

The class will meet on Wednesday Nights from 6:00-9:00 PM, beginning on September 6, 2006 and ending on October 25. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Title: Desktop Publishing Using Word 2003 (MARTIN CAMPUS)
Hours: 21 -- Date: September 11, 2006
Instructor - Dean Stephens

Word has become one of the most popular computer programs, and as a result it has expanded to be used by many as a Desktop Publishing program. This course will focus on use of Word in Desktop Publishing and requires that the student already know the basics of writing letters and creating and editing documents in Word.

The class will meet on Monday Nights from 6:00-9:00 PM, beginning on September 11, 2006 and ending on October 23. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Title: Digital Photography (MARTIN CAMPUS)
Hours: 33 -- Date: September 12, 2006
Instructor - Dean Stephens

You have a digital camera and though you have figured out how to take pictures with it, you need pointers in making those photos professional quality. This class will teach you how to use your camera, manage a library of photos and edit photos for effectiveness and quality.

The class will meet on Tuesday Nights from 6:00-9:00 PM, beginning on September 12, 2006 and ending on November 15. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Title: Digital Photography (BERTIE CAMPUS)
Hours: 33 -- Date: September 12, 2006
Instructor - Dean Stephens

You have a digital camera and though you have figured out how to take pictures with it, you need pointers in making those photos professional quality. This class will teach you how to use your camera, manage a library of photos and edit photos for effectiveness and quality.

The class will meet on Tuesday Days from 9:00 AM until 12:00 Noon, beginning on September 12, 2006 and ending on November 15. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Summer Festival Shows Off Washington

2006-06-11T21:56:00.000-07:00

The Summer Festival in Washington North Carolina is a great way to kick off the vacation season. The Festival does what is planned and shows off this beautiful town.

Best Entry Is Through A Small Park Area Typical Of The Beauty That Is Washington, NC

As You Approach The "Midway" You See The Line Of Tents For The Vendors

Then You Hit The Main Walk - And The Crowds Are With You

Novelties Are Everywhere You Look

The Cool Quiet Of Riverwalk Is Only Feet Away From The Festival Area

All Kinds Of Groups Set Up To Greet The Crowds, And All The Retail Places Are Welcoming Too

Washington North Carolina is a great place to visit. The Fesitival is over, but Riverwalk is still there. Come on down!

Republican Men Host Fred Smith

2006-06-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

Fred Smith was the keynote speaker at last night's Beaufort County Republican Men's Club in Washington, NC. He gave a moving testimonial about his plans if re-elected as State Senator, and he spoke movingly of the state of the Republican Party in North Carolina.

Ron Toppin, Fred Smith And Hood Richardson (With Grandaughter)

Senator Smith's opening line set the tone for his speech and his positions, "We must Chart a new course in our state, government must reflect our state's conservatism." Senator Smith is clearly concerned about our people and our state. He was not ambivalent when he said, "I am a businessman. I have to make sure that 700 people get a paycheck. That means I have to deal with reality, not political opinion."

Senator Fred Smith

Senator Smith talked passionately about the lessons he learned from Ronald Reagan, "millions of private citizens want government to treat their tax money with respect."

He spoke about the trends in the state that bode well for Republicans. "Our state is moving from a democratic state to a repubilcan state. In the past two years over 80,000 voters have moved away from the democrats."

He spoke of his frustrations with the 2.4 billion dollar surplus that the democrats spent wastefully. You could sense his mood from the tone when he said "NONE of the surplus was used to take Medicaid off the backs of county government."

He was most moving when he talked about his personal history, growing up in the orphanage where his parents worked and taught, the joy of athletics and competition, serving his country as a officer in the Army, becoming a lawyer and finally a famer and businessman. He has an inspiring personal story.

There Was Very Good Turnout For Last Night's Event

In the close of his speech he tied back into his personal story as he spoke about creating jobs and knowledge workers for our state:

"Famers understand if you are going to create a crop you must prepare the conditions, the land, the seeds, the machinery . . . "

"If we are going to create jobs we must prepare the conditions, reduce regulation burden, reduce taxation, reduce delays in permits, provide roads rather than steal transportation taxes to fund pork for special interests. . . "

There was overwhelming approval of the speech and he received rousing applause. Fred Smith's charisma definitely connected with this audience.

After Senator Smith's speech, Joel Raupe, Ron Toppin and other local candidates adressed the audience with comments on their campaigns.

Check out coverage (on the Inner Banks Eagle) of another of Fred Smith's recent speeches at the North Carolina State Republican Convention where he was the keynote speaker.

Proposed Rule Changes Would Tangle The Web

2006-05-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

By Michael Socolow - May 9, 2006 - The Baltimore Sun

Congress wants to change the Internet.

This is news to most people because the major news media have not actively pursued the story. Yet both the House and Senate commerce committees are promoting new rules governing the manner by which most Americans receive the Web. Congressional passage of new rules is widely anticipated, as is President Bush's signature. Once this happens, the Internet will change before your eyes.

Call your representative and protest this change. Call Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole and protest this change. Call now! This is quite possibly the most dangerous law that has been proposed by congress this year. As usual, because it is popular with BIG corporations, major elements from both parties endorse it. However your ability to receive the same content from the World Wide Web will be taken away if this becomes the law of the land. There will be a big brother in the network hubs of the Giant Communication Corporations who will sell access to your computer, and you get no part of the revenue or any say in who they sell it to.

$400k Lumina Foundation Grant to MCC

2006-05-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE FROM MARTING COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Studied by National Social Policy Group

Bertie County is served by Martin Community College. MCC is the smallest of four community colleges in North Carolina and among the smallest of 35 colleges nationally that have received $400,000 Lumina Foundation funding.

The others in North Carolina are in Goldsboro, Durham and Greensboro. Each site endeavors to demonstrate various interventions that can improve both enrollment access and the success rate of students.

“Lumina has awarded MCC a $400,000 grant and has reviewed our undertakings by sending us two specialists from a national research organization focused on social policy,” announced Academic and Student Services Dean Phyllis Broughton.

Dr. Susan Gooden (left) and Kasey Martin (right) are shown with Dr. Mary Cauley at Martin Community College as they review activities linked to MCC's $400k "Achieving the Dream" grant from Lumina Foundation

“They were here April 26 and 27 meeting with administrators, faculty and staff to study our activities being undertaken as part of MCC’s ‘Achieving the Dream’ (AtD) initiative.”

“The annual review is conducted on behalf of Lumina Foundation to learn from progress the college is making,” noted MCC’s grant coordinator Dr. Mary Cauley. “The funds are to be allocated over four years, with prospects for renewals. It’s a big deal for a small college.”
The New York office of MDRC, known from 1974 to 2003 as Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation, gathered feedback using analysts Dr. Susan Gooden and Kasey Martin from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Dr. Jon Wiggs, chair of the Department of College Transfer and Developmental Education, put the social policy concern in perspective. He observed, “The Lumina grant addresses the role of the 1,200 community colleges in the U.S. regarding underserved groups.”

“Our local two-year institutions enroll more than 11.5 million students, nearly half of all undergraduates. Plus, community colleges attract high proportions of low-income, minority and first-generation students.”

Don Schork, chair of MCC’s AtD Data Team, explained, “The key measures are percentages of students (a) moving from remedial to credit courses, (b) enrolling and completing gatekeeper courses, (c) completing courses with a C or better, (d) re-enrolling from one semester to the next, and (e) earning certificates, diplomas and/or degrees.”

MDRC is seen as a source of objective, unbiased evidence in fields where emotion and ideology often dominate public debates. From welfare policy to high school reform, its research has frequently helped to shape legislation, program design, and operational practices across the country.

“Within a few weeks the college will receive feedback from these two analysts, as well as from those other analysts visiting other institutions around the country,” concluded Wiggs. “The information will then be shared throughout the community with civic, social and service agencies, and with media. We are trying to continuously improve the quality of related MCC services.”

Artists Perform April 26th

2006-04-24T05:27:00.000-07:00

The Martin County Arts Council in Williamston, NC presents violinist Ray Dotoratos & pianist Gary Hammond who will perform a variety of enjoyable music of classical and popular selections on Wednesday, April 26, 2006 at 7 p.m. at the Martin County Auditorium in Williamston, NC. Ray and Gary have performed at the White House, Carnegie Hall and the Lincoln Center.

Ray Dotoratos - Violin

Gary Hammond - Piano

They will be also performing their 3rd season for the Gastonia Community Concert Association in Gastonia, N.C. on April 28, 2006.

Tickets for the Williamston performance are $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased by mailing a check to the Martin County Arts Council, PO Box 1134, Williamston, NC 27892. Pre-purchased tickets will be held and reserved for you to pick up at the door. If you prefer to have your tickets mailed, please send a pre-addressed envelope for mailing. The Martin County Auditorium has 1200 available seats - so large groups can be accomodated and are encouraged.

Richard Burr Speaks At Williamston Rotary

2006-03-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

Senator Richard Burr was the speaker today at the Williamston Rotary Club. The turnout was impressive, with almost every major local official coming to hear Senator Burr speak.

The Luncheon Was Well Attended

Tom Volk, President of the Rotary club delivered the opening remarks and then turned the meeting over to Leon Allen to introduce Senator Burr.

Tom Volk, Rotary President

Senator Burr gave an impressive speech. This is not surprising since Senator Burr is a man of passionate beliefs. His speech covered a range of topics, health care, medicaid financing, tobacco, lagging growth in rural areas, energy policy, the off shore drilling moratorium, etc.

Leon Allen Delivers The Introduction

When he spoke of medicaid financing he made one comment that got quite a laugh. First he commented on the fact that North Carolina was the sole state that still required counties to fund a portion of medicaid. He then cautioned that he had to be discreet with his comments on this since the press was present. After a pause he said, "This is insane". So much for discreet.

Senator Richard Burr

Senator Burr concluded his speech with some powerful stories. Richard and his wife try to dine together as often as possible, and on one recent occasion when she came up to Washington, their dinner was at Walter Reed Hospital with some of our troops. Before the meal, they visited with some of the recent arrivals back from Iraq. The first soldier they visited had lost his lower left leg and his left arm from the elbow down. He also had bad shrapnel wounds on his left torso. As they were about to leave the soldier asked him if Senator Burr could help him with a favor. When Senator Burr said he would try the soldier explained that they had some great prosthetics at the hospital and he would soon be nearly as good as new. He wanted to know if Senator Burr would help him get approval to "get back to his unit in Iraq"?

There was a long silence. This is our next generation. Our nation has no shortage of men and women of courage and commitment, who understand as well as any the importance of what our nation stands for and what we are accomplishing in Iraq. If there was a dry eye in the room, it sure wasn't mine.

Greenville Choral Society Concert - Press Release

2006-03-09T22:36:00.000-08:00

Martin County Arts Council
Sponsors the Greenville Choral Society Concert Choir
in Upcoming Concert

The Martin County Arts Council will sponsor the Greenville Choral Society Concert Choir and the Chamber Chorale on Sunday, March 26th beginning at 3:00 PM

The concert location is the Martin County Auditorium on the campus of Williamston High School. The high school and auditorium are located on the west side of US Hwy 17 Bus. between US 64 & 17 overpass and downtown Williamston.

The concert highlights songs from “The Golden Age of Broadway” and features baritone Dr. John Kramar a member of the ECU Music Faculty. There are selections from Oklahoma, South Pacific, Brigadoon and My Fair Lady among others.

The Greenville Choral Society Concert Choir has been performing for over thirty years. Members come from a wide range of occupations – medical, business, education, judicial as well as retirees. Dr. Daniel Bara from ECU is the present artistic director and conductor.

Performances held outside of Greenville are a special treat for the regional community.

Advance tickets are $5.00 – Tickets sold at the door are $7.00 each

Tickets can be purchased at MAST Pharmacy (across from Martin General Hospital) or from a Martin County Arts Council Member.

To order by mail for pickup at the door: Send a check payable to “MCAC” for the total number of tickets (at $5.00 each) to:

“Golden Age” Tickets
Martin County Arts Council
P.O. Box 1134
Williamston, N.C. 27892

Be sure to include the name of the person who will pick up the tickets at the auditorium.
(Please mail your ticket orders no later than Thursday, March 23.)

2006 Martin County GOP Convention - March 9th

2006-03-08T14:57:00.000-08:00

The 2006 Martin County GOP Convention is tomorrow evening (March 9) at the Hitchin Post Restaurant, Hwy.17, Williamston, NC. The schedule for the event is as follows:

6:30 - Registration
7:00 - Guest Speaker - N.C. State Auditor Les Merritt
7:30 - Meal to be served (ordered Dutch earlier in evening from menu)
8:00 - Convention Business (organize precincts, elect delegates)

Call or email Martin County GOP Chairman Alvin Lewis for additional info:
alvinrlewis@email.com
(252) 792-4191

Plymouth High Threatened With Closure

2006-03-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

Several Schools In East On Poorly Performing List

March 5th, 2006 - Associated Press (WITN TV)

RALEIGH, N.C. -- A state judge has warned that unless 19 of the state's poorly performing high schools start doing better, he'll order them closed unless the state makes sweeping changes, including replacing principals at the schools.

"Superintendents and principals have run out of room and run out of time," Wake County Superior Court Judge Howard Manning Jr. said in a 17-page letter to state Superintendent June Atkinson and State Board of Education Chairman Howard Lee. "The state is clearly and ultimately legally responsible."

On the list of schools to be closed are Bertie County High, Hertford County High, and Plymouth High School in Washington County.

One quote from the article is appropriate to our current local school problems at all levels. "Those schools also would be required to begin reform plans modeled after the small-school approach promoted by the state's New Schools Project."

Large consolidated schools have the highest failure rate. More and more people are noting that the education establishment fascination with large schools is losing support among people knowledgeable about the problems.

Why are our educational leaders still promoting consolidation here in the Inner Banks?

Windsor's Irish Souper Bowl - Coming Soon!

2006-02-21T07:13:00.000-08:00

Great night - Great food - Great Art - Great Music!

The Bertie County Arts Council is having its annual Irish Souper Bowl on March 11th at 6:00 PM. This special St. Patrick's Day event is the highlight of Windsor.

The Hunt Family Fiddlers will once again provide entertainment!

Hunt Family Fiddlers

The event features, as always, an authentic Irish Dinner of corned beef and cabbage, potato soup, homemade bread and dessert. This is a great way to get in the mood for Saint Patrick's Day. Each participant will receive a hand painted ceramic bowl created by Bertie County Arts Council members! The bowls are on display at the Bertie County Arts Center, 124 S. King Street, Windsor, NC, and as always are spectacular.

Some Of This Years Bowls, On Display In The "Art Center" Window

These Unique Hand Made and Kiln Fired Bowls Are A Special Memento

The Irish Souper Bowl begins at 6:00 PM, on March 111h, 2006. The location will be the Bertie Senior Center on School Street in Windsor. Tickets are $25 for adults and $12 for children age 8 and under. Anyone interested may contact BCAC by telephone at (252) 794-9402 , or email to bertiearts@earthlink.net.

Fight The Navy Or Flights Overhead For N.C. Farmers

2006-02-13T14:54:00.000-08:00

By Kate Wiltrout - February 13, 2006 - The Virginian-Pilot

WASHINGTON COUNTY, N.C. — Two years ago, when a group of North Carolina farmers refused to accept Navy plans for an outlying landing field on soil their families had tilled for generations, nobody gave them much of a chance.

They were ordinary citizens from two of the state’s poorest counties taking on the military during wartime.

Fast forward to 2006.

The empowered farmers have effectively stopped the Navy in its tracks – at least for now.

This is a troubling issue. Those who wish to stop the OLF have a great deal of justice and righteousness on their side. However they also have the problem of national security for a nation at war on the other side. At least one concern is the potential for damage to the nation if we lose the ability to train our pilots.

It can be said that the Navy has botched this whole issue. The failure of the Navy to anticipate the fervent opposition to the OLF based on loss of farming lifestyle and risk to the environment is typical of military leaders. We have the best military in the world. Partly that is because they focus on their jobs. They usually do not try to do politics. And as usual, when they get involved in politics, they mess up.

At least one reason they should have known not to go to Washington County is the prior experience of Weyerhauser. Weyerhauser only got to build a plant that has been a boon to the area, after they moved the location out of Washington County, into Martin County.

The NIMBY brigade is aided in their anger by the economic issues, that Virginia Beach - Chesapeake gets all the benefits and Washington County takes all the noise. There is simply something unfair about such a one sided solution. It will be interesting to see if after the current study, the Navy can craft a more politically acceptable answer than the one they came up with last time.

Brigadoon - A Fantasy!

2006-02-12T17:39:00.000-08:00

The Martin Community Players are well into rehearsals for their Winter Musical. Marie Robertson, President of the Martin Community Players announced they are producing the fantasy-romance-musical play, "Brigadoon" written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. The play was originally produced on Broadway in 1947. It was also made into a movie in 1954 starring Gene Kelly as Tommy Albright, Van Johnson as Jeff Douglas and Cyd Charisse as Fiona Campbell.

Large Stage Dance Numbers Create A Broadway Production Feel

The Brigadoon plot: Two Americans on a hunting trip in Scotland become lost. They encounter a small village, not on the map, called Brigadoon, in which people harbor a mysterious secret, and behave as if they were still living two hundred years in the past. The fantasy offers great opportunities for music and dance to liven up your evening.

Lisa Duke (Fiona McLaren)

Melissa Green (Jane Ashton)

Many of our local stars are bringing the play to life while enjoying the singing and dance of a classic American musical play. Randy Alexander is Archie Beaton, Dwayne Baker is Mr. Lundie, Earle Barnard is Andrew McLaren, Ada Brown is Meg Brockie, Ed Corey is Charlie Dalrymple, Kent Dickerson is Tommy Albright, Lisa Duke is Fiona McLaren, Gary Gardner is Angus McGuffie, Dean McCall is Jeff Douglas, Melissa Green is Jane Ashton and Emily Tadlock is Jean McLaren.

Randy Alexander (Archie Beaton)

Kent Dickerson (Tommy Albright)

Gary Gardner (Angus McGuffie)

Ada Brown (Meg Brockie)

Ed Corey (Charlie Dalrymple)

Earle Barnard (Andrew McLaren)

Emily Tadlock (Jean McLaren)

Andy Weaver is Director, Michael Stephens is Music Director, Lauren Luckert is Choreographer and Erik Matamoros is Technical Director.

The Martin Community Players production of Brigadoon will be presented Thursday March 16th, Friday March 17th and Saturday March 18th. Don't miss it.

Andy Weaver (Director)

For further Information call Andy Weaver – (252) 792-3660

Lauren Luckert (Choreographer)

Martin County Auditorium, the location for the play, is located right off of Hwy 17 S at Williamston High School.

Everyone Is Having Fun With Brigadoon

Martin Community Players has been providing live theatre for Martin County and the surrounding areas for 27 years. This play is produced to benefit their on-going efforts to enliven our community through the arts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR INNER BANKS!

2005-12-31T00:31:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 2005 - Welcome 2006

It Looks Like It Will Be A Great Year!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2005-12-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

T'was the night before Christmas . . .

. . . and not a creature was stirring around Colerain . . . on the Chowan River . . . in Bertie County, North Carolina. The family is gathering tomorrow though, and it is the best time of the year.

God bless you all!

Brigadoon Auditions

2005-11-30T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Martin Community Players announce auditions for their Winter Musical. This Winter they are producing the fantasy-romance-musical play, "Brigadoon" by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe. The play was originally produced on Boradway in 1947. It was made into a movie in 1954 starring Gene Kelly as Tommy Albright, Van Johnson as Jeff Douglas and Cyd Charisse as Fiona Campbell.

The Martin Community Players production will be presented March 16th, 17th & 18th.

The plot: Two Americans on a hunting trip in Scotland become lost. They encounter a small village, not on the map, called Brigadoon, in which people harbor a mysterious secret, and behave as if they were still living two hundred years in the past.

Cast Needed is 50+ Members – Men, Women, & Children – All Ages

Auditions will be held at the Martin County Auditorium from 7:30 – 9:00 PM :

Tuesday - December 6

Thursday - December 8

Friday - December 9

For further Information call Andy Weaver – (252) 792-3660

Martin County Auditorium is located right off of Hwy 17 S at Williamston High School.

Martin Community Players -- providing live theatre for Martin County and surrounding areas for 25 years.

MAS*H

2005-11-18T06:56:00.000-08:00

The Martin Community Players put on the play M*A*S*H, by Tim Kelly (based on the book by Richard Hooker) in their ongoing efforts to provide live theatre for our area. The location was the Martin County Auditorium. The play was directed by Andy Weaver with Sound Direction by Michael Stephens.

Freedom Is Not Free

The performances of M*A*S*H were dedicated to the men and women who serve and have served in all branches of the Armed Forces as well as the personnel of Fire & Rescue. We honor them for the freedom that we all enjoy, courtesy of their courage and commitment. The Williamston Fire Department Color Guard presented the colors.

Honoring Our Troops

Patriotic music was performed at intermission.

Local Heroes

There was a picture collage of area men and women who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces on display at the performances.

Captain "Duke" Forest (Hank Bowen) And Captain "Hawkeye" Pierce (Dean McCall)

The play covered many of the same characters that we became familiar with from the movie and many years of the TV show of the same name.

Lt. Colonel Henry Blake (Gary Gardner)

The Story is familiar, but the feelings are new when watching it on the stage. Like all stage events, it allows our own imaginations to take over. And some of the characters acquire new images due to the necessities of dramatizing action required by the "stage".

Corporal "Radar" O'Reilly (Julius Andrews)

The major reason for live theater though is the opportunity to see some of our own local stars, and M*A*S*H had them in abundance.

Mitzi (Emily Tadlock), Fritzi (Amie Henkens) And Miss Razzle Dazzle (Charlotte Elks)

Hope you were there. If not, you missed a great time.

Stampede In The Park

2005-11-05T03:56:00.000-08:00

The 15th Annual Stampede In The Park in Martin County happened this weekend, and it was fantastic. Rodeo is the most American of all events. It takes us back to the days when our nation was being founded. The cowboys that are the stars of the event worked in the West, but the shows that made Rodeo famous took place in the big cities of the East. Places like New York and Boston were homes to the most famous of the Rodeos. This is where these Western Stars came to show off the amazing skills that they used to build an empire in a wild land.

The Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center Is An Impressive Home For The Stampede

Martin Community College and the Martin Community College Foundation put on a great show when they bring the Rodeo to our community. The Ken Treadway Rodeo organization provided the cowboys and the animals, and ran the show, and as usual they did a great job. However it is Martin Community College that we really need to thank.

Ken Treadway Rodeo Company Produces The Event For Martin County

As usual the show was kicked off by the parade of the Cowboys, led off by a native American rider carrying the American flag. The parade is a worthy spectacle to start the event, and shows off the people and horses that will remain the stars all through the evening.

Some Broncs And Some Cowboys, Waiting For The Event To Start

Ken Treadyway spent a few minutes telling us about the Rodeo business. He has a ranch in South Carolina, and raises the animals for his Rodeo, as well as others. As the Rodeo got under way it is clear that Ken is a hard working promoter, and he was everywhere getting things set up and making sure that things went smoothly.

Ken Treadway Personally Helped To Move Horses And Bulls Into The Stalls To Set Up The Rodeo

After the parade of the cowboys (and cowgirls) the first event was Bareback Bronc Riding. It was an exciting event, and the skill it takes to stay on one of these wild horses is very clear.

The Grand Parade Of Cowboys Finished With Our National Anthem

Next event was Steer Wrestling. They start that event with two cowboys chasing a steer, one to herd it close and the other to jump off and wrestle a 2,000 pound animal to the ground. I will pass on doing it, but it is impressive to watch it done.

This Is How Cowboys Have Always Made Their Living

Next the cowboys got back on the wild horses, this time with saddles for the Saddle Bronc Riding. The final event before intermission was calf roping.

Tough Job - Steer Wrestling - No Fake Wrestlers Here

After Intermission, we had the children's boot scrammble, Barrel Racing and Team Roping.

Calf Roping Requires You To Tie Its Legs

The final event was Bull Riding, and it deserves to be last, because it is the best. These animals are simply awesome and frightening creatures, and the cowboy who climbs on the back of a bull is displaying the courage and skill that has always made the Rodeo a popular American spectacle.

Senator Fred Smith Visits Windsor

2005-09-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

Very soon after North Carolina U.S. Senator Richard Burr was in Windsor to check on progress at the Bertie Memorial Hospital, North Carolina State Senator Fred Smith paid us a visit as well. Senator Smith's purpose was to check on status as well, but this time the status was the growth of the Republican Party in Eastern Carolina.

North Carolina State Senator Fred Smith

Party leaders from 3 local counties, Bertie, Hertford and Martin, were on hand in Windsor to hear an animated presentation from Senator Smith on the growing importance of Eastern Carolina to the future of the Republican Party. Though there is not a single Republican office holder in the region, the party sees that changing in the coming years.

Though the purpose of this visit was party building, there is rumored to be another long term goal as well. This impressive and self made business success, a former lawyer, is considered by many Republicans to be the ideal candidate for Governor of the State of North Carolina. Raised in the orphanage that his parents worked in, his humble beginnings have helped Senator Fred Smith become a likable and charismatic leader.

He is a former star athlete, won a football scholaship to Wake Forest and continues his interest in sports and physical fitness through the athletic clubs that are a part of his business empire.

Though he was given a very complimentary article in the Charlotte Observer last month, while discussing TV presence the paper did have to say that Sentor Smith has a "slightly nasal voice". It did not come across that way face to face, but TV is always an interesting medium. It is highly likely that you will see him on TV so you can judge for yourself.

Official Meeting Is Over And Conversations Continue All Over The Room

The meeting was well attended by all 3 counties, and further meetings are already in the works. Most attendees were impressed with Senator Smith's grass roots credentials. Unlike many of the very successful and wealthy candidates who get into politics, Senator Smith has paid his dues along the way, starting his political career as a County Commissioner.

Newspapers are saying that Senator Fred Smith has a "plain name". However there is nothing else plain about Fred Smith.

Digital Photography Class - September 22nd

2005-08-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

Martin Community College Continuing Education has announced a new course in the hot topic area of Digital Photography. The course will provide training in digital photography equipment, software, printing, and will cover the internet and email use for commercial applications such as advertising, customer relations, sales and photojournalism. Course topics will include storage, photo editing, digital imagery, use of light and basics of photojournalism.

The instructor for the class will be W.A. "Dean" Stephens. Textbook will be "Complete Digital Photography" by Ben Long. Trial versions of photo editing software are included with the textbook.

The class will meet on Thursday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, beginning September 22nd and continuing until December 15th.

Registration fee is $60. Senior Citizens are exempt from the registration fee.

For more information or to register for the class, call Denotra Cherry at (252) 792-1521 Extension 248 or email Walter Whitfield at wwhitfield@martin.cc.nc.us.

Martin Community College - New Courses Scheduled

2005-08-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Title: SERVSAFE Recommended
Hours: 20
Date: September 13, 2005

SERVSAFE is a course designed to certify the food handler in proper sanitation precautions in food service. The course will deal with the study of infection and illness, proper food handling techniques, personal hygiene, and personal safety. The instructor for this class is Tanya Wynne, Extension Agent with Martin County Extension Center. The class will meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00-8:00 p.m., and begin on September 13 and ends on November 15. The registration fee is $55.00. Senior citizens 65 years of age or older do not have to pay a registration fee. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Title: GAINING THE COMPETITIVE EDGE Service First
Hours: 15
Date: September 12, 2005

This course introduces the students to the philosophy of quality service. Its focus is to provide a candid, insightful exploration of quality service-what it means; strategies for implementation; and their profound, far reaching economic and political implication for businesses and industries vying for successes in this “Age of Quality Service.” Sandra Jones will be the instructor for this class. The class will be offered on two different sessions to accommodate both morning and evening students on Mondays at10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and 6:00-9:00 p.m. The class will begin on September 12th and end on October 11. The registration fee is $55.00. Senior citizens 65 years of age or older do not have to pay a registration fee. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Title: PLAY PIANO BY CHORDS IN JUST HOURS
Hours: 4
Date: September 19, 2005

This non-classical approach to learning piano eliminates complicated note-reading and replaces it with a cord method of playing that’s easy and quick to learn. You’ll be playing piano in just hours! The 4-hour workshop for beginners is easy, fun and fast-paced. It’s packed with lots of musical excitements, and will equip you to play your favorite song quickly. Individual keyboards are provided for workshop. No prior piano training required. Instructional book required: “Play Piano by chords in Just Hours” (includes audio tapes) price $20. Books can be purchased at the MCC Bookstore, prior to workshop. The registration fee is $35.00. Senior citizens 65 years of age or older do not have to pay a registration fee. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Title: SPANISH FOR PROFESSIONALS
Hours: 20
Date: October 4, 2005

This course will prepare students to have conversations with Spanish speaking individuals. Topics include basic fundamentals of grammar, oral comprehension, various dialects, and basic conversations. (For business/industry/agency personnel). The class will meet on Tuesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m., beginning October 4 and ends on December 6. The registration fee is $55.00. Senior citizens 65 years of age or older do not have to pay a registration fee. For more information or to pre-register for this class, call Denotra Cherry at 792-1521, Ext. 248.

Title: MAKING THE HOME OWNERSHIP DREAM COME TRUE
Hours: 8
Date: September 6, 2005

North Carolina is one of six states chosen to pilot a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to boost rural homeownership rates by increasing financing for new home construction. By partnering with local financing agencies in California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas, USDA hopes to increase the number of affordable new homes for low-to-moderate income rural families. Loans guarantees from the USDA will enable lenders to offer 30-year fixed rate construction loans that will finance 100 percent of the cost of building a new home-including lot, construction costs, closing cost and interest payments, while the house is being built. To assist in home buyer’s education, Martin Community College in-conjunction with Elizabeth City State University will hold an 8 hour seminar for, which consists of four weeks. The session will begin on September 6.