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Community Schools SOS

There is a public meeting being put on by citizens trying to further the cause of community schools in Bertie County.

This meeting will be held in Windsor, at the Council on Aging Senior Center on Thursday, January 5th, 2006. The meeting time is 5 PM.

Please do not give up. Our voice can be heard by the Department of Justice and by the court. Come find out how.

Parents of children at Aulander, Askewville and J.P. Law Elementary Schools this meeting is of upmost importance to you.

Save Our Schools!



The following map shows the location of the meeting on Thursday, January 5th, 2006 at 5:00 PM. Click on the map for a larger version that you can print out.

Bertie County Council on Aging Senior Center
103 School Street, Windsor, NC 27983

BOE Ignores Bertie Citizens

Letter to the Department of Justice from the Bertie County Board of Education (by their attorney on their behalf)

Ms. Kym Davis Rogers
Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division

Re: United States v. Bertie County Board of Education
United States District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina
Case Number 2:67-CV-632-80
Proposed Desegregation Plan

Dear Kym:

The Bertie County Board of Education met on December 15,2005, in special session to discuss this matter. At this meeting, the Board developed a proposed desegregation plan that it directed me to communicate to you. That plan is as follows:

1. At the close of the 2006-2007 school year, the Bertie County Board of Education will close JP Law Elementary School and Askewville Elementary Schools. The attendance zones for all elementary schools will then be redrawn to accommodate these students into the remaining four schools: Aulander, Colerain, West Bertie, and Windsor Elementary Schools. Declining enrollment in the district has created sufficient capacity to accommodate all of its elementary students at these four facilities.

2. At the same time, the Board of Education reserves the right to keep both JP Law and Askewville Elementary Schools open to students for an additional two years, or until the close of the 2008-2009 school year, if, at the end of the 2006-2007 school year, there are sufficient funds identified and specifically earmarked for the construction of a new elementary school. If that occurs, the Board of Education shall close JP Law, Askewville, and Aulander Elementary schools at the end of the 2008-2009 school year, shall re-draw the attendance lines for the elementary schools and shall open the new school to students at the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

To be clear, it is the Board of Education's intent that the Board of Education retains the sole discretion to determine which of these scenarios is selected. The Board of Education presents this as a package to the Department of Justice and, if this proposal meets with the Department's approval, as a package to the court.

If any portion of this plan is found to be unacceptable, either to the Department of Justice or the court, it is our intent, on behalf of the Board of Education, to request additional time for the Board of Education to develop an alternative plan. It is neither the Board of Education's intent nor desire to seek an order that would in any way compel the Bertie County Commissioners to finance the construction of a new elementary school or that would require the Board of Education and County Commissioners to place the construction of a new elementary school at a higher priority than any other project that the Board of Education and County Commissioners may consider.

Once you have had an opportunity to review this proposal, please contact me to discuss.

Sincerely,
THARRINGTON SMITH. L.L.P
Carolyn Waller

I suspect the people of Bertie County have a few questions about this letter:
1. Why has the BOE refused to meet with the Board of Commissioners as Rick Harrell requested, BEFORE they sent this letter?
2. When does the BOE plan to ever demand Unitary Status to get us out of this case, something they once again simply ignore in this letter?
3. Why is the BOE of Bertie County insisting that Bertie County is still discriminating against minorities and must be "desgregated" by court action?
4. Why is the BOE so adamant that community schools MUST be closed that they charge forward and refuse to investigate any alternative except closing the schools?
5. Does the attorney for the BOE really think that in a letter opening negotiations with the attorney for the DOJ (an entity that the attorney has never appeared to influence) that language like "the Board of Education retains the sole discretion to determine which of these scenarios is selected" will impress either the DOJ or the citizens of Bertie County that the BOE will fight for what Bertie Citizens have indicated they want?
6. What chance is there that additional time can be secured when the BOE appears intent on moving forward with no delay?

If you have other questions you would like to ask the BOE, please eMail me now! We have to move fast to stop the BOE and the DOJ.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

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!

Bertie Citizens Denounce Board's Decision

By Cal Bryant - Wednesday, December 21, 2005 - Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

WINDSOR - As Bertie County officials discuss the future of its public school system, they know one thing for certain. The public favors keeping small, community schools open. {emphasis added}

The citizens of Bertie County had their say here Monday afternoon during a joint meeting between the Board of Commissioners and Board of Education. That meeting was arranged in order for the Commissioners to receive an update on the steps the School Board is taking to satisfy a federal court order pertaining to a desegregation plan.

Following a detailed explanation of the desegregation history of Bertie schools, as presented by School Board attorney Carolyn Waller, the Commissioners, speaking through their board attorney Lloyd Smith, were inquisitive over where the money would come from if the federal court approves the second of two options approved last week by the School Board.

Read the entire article written by Cal Bryant by clicking on the title above.

Merry Hill Meet And Greet

The Oxley Hill Missionary Baptist Church put on a warm and hospitable event for the Merry Hill community last night. The event was enthusiastically created by Reverend Vonner Horton. After meeting Reverend Horton, I cannot imagine she would do anything less than enthusiastically. She is a very charismatic person with an energy level that is impressive.

Merry Hill Crowd Gathers

The purpose of the event was for the Merry Hill Community to meet and get to know the elected public officials of Bertie County who represent Merry Hill. The event was a very relaxed and comfortable environment where the people from the community and the county officials were able to mingle and talk. The people of Merry Hill were very warm and welcoming to all of us who were visiting.

The Oxley Hill Baptist Church Provided A Great Meal

From Left, Greg Atkins, Ricky Freeman, Rick Harrell And Kelvin Outlaw

Reverend Horton was the hostess, and talked with great passion about Merry Hill and her feelings about the service the public officials invited were providing to the community.

Reverend Vonner Horton, Oxley Hill Missionary Baptist Church

The Reverend then introduced the public officials who each spoke to the community and answered questions.

Rick Harrell, Chairman, Bertie County Board Of Commissioners

Ricky Freeman, Member, Board Of Education From Merry Hill

Gregg Atkins, Sheriff, Bertie County

Two local citizens also spoke to the group about the campaign to save the community's local school, John Paige Law Elementary.

Kelvin Outlaw, Merry Hill

John Davis, Merry Hill

It was a great evening. This is exactly the kind of event that more of our communities Here in Bertie County need to conduct. Thank you Reverend Horton!

A Win / Win For Bertie County Education

There is a WIN / WIN for Bertie Education if we want it.

If we can keep community interest in education anywhere near the level seen at the 12/19 joint meeting between the County Commissioners and Board of Education, we can significantly change public education for the better in Bertie County. Nothing short of our democracy and quality of life here is at stake if we do not. I thank each of you for being present on 12/19, no matter which side of the debate you were on.

There were many passionate comments made from both sides of the debate; however, I want to share some thoughts based on what I thought was a pivotal comment made by past Board of Education Chairman, Reverend Gary Cordon Sr.

Reverend Cordon noted the Board of Education has to consider all children, not just those at the smaller schools of J.P. Law and Askewville. He made the argument that students at the larger schools at Colerain, West Bertie, and Windsor were also being bused and because of those schools larger size, their students did not get the benefits of a smaller community school. He appeared to be using this as an argument to justifiy why we might have to ask some students at Askewville and J.P. Law to give up a smaller school and ride the bus a little longer. I put myself in Reverend Cordon’s shoes and admit I could understand how he could feel this was a fair course of action. However, his statement kept ringing in my ear, ringing until the middle of the night when my respectful reply became clear.

Here it is.

Reverend Cordon, thank you for providing me the clarity. To be fair to all students, we need to develop a facility plan and begin implementation to give our stakeholders what they want at the elementary school level. What they want is community schools. The board of education has the hard task of providing that on a limited budget. However, I think we all heard clearly that the County Commissioners and public are willing to spend monies that are planned and reasonably timed to achieve our desires. Let’s fix J.P. Law and keep our six elementary schools open. Once we are out from under the desegregation case, we will have the flexibility to draw school lines to balance out the size of our schools. We can then make them as small as possible and at the same time get them large enough to be fiscally viable. Then we can add to or remodel schools as needed or if the county approves and has the money build new schools in these communities. This will not be possible under the rigidity of a desegregation case that forces requirements on us that are decades old and outdated.

During my days as a senior manager in industry, I learned the best plans are those energetically supported by the folks who will implement, pay for, and use them. I do not think the citizens of this county will fail the board of education, if you lead us in the direction our passion points to. The Board of Education has a unique opportunity to bring this county together on education in a way not seen for many years. This does not demean the course of action you originally chose. There are always many ways to an end. However, I believe a choice which keeps all our community schools open and (as soon as possible) economically sized will give this board of education a proud history. You will be remembered as the board that ended a 37 year old desegregation case, provided community schools for all, and brought us together by your willingness to listen and compromise.

I know I am asking for another hard decision. We elected you to implement our wishes and I am hopeful and confident you can find reason in these words. Thank you for listening.

There is a WIN / WIN for all of us I believe.

John H. Davis
113 South Wheeler Drive
Merry Hill, NC 27957

Phone (252) 482-1592

PS - I remind everyone there is another public meeting being put on by citizens trying to further the cause of community schools in Bertie County. This meeting will be held in Windsor, at the Council on Aging Senior Center on Thursday, January 5, 2006. The meeting time is 5 PM.

Joint Meeting On BOE Actions

Revised Tuesday 12/20/2005 at 11:51 AM.

Tonight the meeting requested by the Bertie County Board of Commissioners to try and understand what is happening in the desegregation case that is still going on after 37 years was held before a packed audience in the Senior Center. This was the first time the County Commissioners had been briefed on the desegregation case by the Board of Education. In addition to understanding the desegregation case status there was a desire among members of the public to try and understand why the Board of Education (BOE) was insisting on closing at least 2, if not 3 of our community elementary schools. Rick Harrell requested the BOE start with their presentation, which was done by the attorney on behalf of the BOE.

From Left, Zee Lamb, County Manager, Lloyd Smith, County Attorney, County Commissioners, Norman Cherry, Rick Harrell (standing), L.C. Hoggard And Wallace Perry

Since the issue for which everyone was present was the current happenings in the case, there was some confusion when the attorney for the BOE started the presentation off with ancient history. The attorney went back and covered exhaustive detail of desegregation cases, starting with details from the early 1950s, years before the case impacted Bertie County directly. Further details leading up to the original case against Bertie County back in 1967 were provided. The attorney argued persuasively that the original order against Bertie County was justified. However since no one is contesting that, the point of time spent on this background argument was not clear.

When the attorney finally got to more recent happenings, there was little evidence presented to support the BOE's argument that the Department of Justice (DOJ) was demanding that we close Askewville and J.P. Law. The only rationale provided was that funds would be required to satisfy the DOJ poor facility issue at J.P. Law and the DOJ will insist we increase the black student ratio at Askewville from 58% up to 71%. To date the Department of Justice has only communicated with the BOE attorney, and the recent order of June of this year does not present the 58% ratio at Askewville as a temporary solution.

The attorney briefing thus appeared to leave us exactly where we were before the meeting started. The attorney insisted that the BOE has looked at many scenarios, but only two were presented as acceptable to the BOE. 1. Close Askewville and J.P. Law Elementary Schools. Or 2. Close Askewville, Aulander and J.P. Law Elementary Schools and build a consolidated school for 450 students. In their recent press release, not a word was mentioned about getting Unitary Status. The BOE attorney said during today's meeting that if we reached agreement with the DOJ it was hoped that Unitary Status ending the case would happen the following year. This seemed to make the case that Unitary Status is not a condition of the current negotiations with the DOJ, but something the BOE hopes the DOJ will grant if we close JP Law and Askewville.

There was one comment by the BOE attorney that "the racial composition of every school must reflect the racial composition of the whole system". However it was pointed out from the floor that in a recent ruling the Supreme Court reminded district courts "the constitutional command to desegregate schools does not mean that every school in every community must always reflect the racial composition of the school system as a whole." This discrepancy was not explained, but it needs to be.

The concern of the members of the Board Commissioners focused on the apparent continued insistence by the BOE that a new elementary school be built, even while there are clearly competing requirements for funds that are more urgent. Lloyd Smith, County attorney said "Option two is disconcerting to the Commissioners. The county doesn't want its hands tied (by the courts)."

Merry Hill Grandmother Opposes Closing J.P. Law

When the meeting was opened up for public comments, there was a long series of people who made the point that the public overwhelmingly favored the BOE coming up with more alternatives that don't involve closing the community schools. From Wood Farless (representing the Farm Bureau) to John Davis (local education advocate), mothers of students, former teachers, farmers, fathers of students, all spoke in opposition to closing the schools and building consolidated schools that are not wanted. John Stallings said, "I watched the recent court hearings held before the education committee on cable channel 18. The parents of Bertie County overwhelmingly indicated they wanted the elementary schools to stay in their local communities."

The consensus of opinion from the public on this night was that none of the three schools should be closed. Everyone agreed J.P. Law should be fixed. The issue with Askewville had already been settled by making whites the minority in the school. There was no understanding among the public comments as to why Aulander should even be in the discussion as it does not appear that the Department of Justice had even raised Aulander as an issue. Why has the BOE? There was also no public understanding of why the previous order of this past June was already assumed to be inadequate by the BOE attorney and that a more stringent quota percentage for Askewville was needed. There was no understanding of why Unitary Status was not immediately sought.

The BOE attorney argued that the June order was merely a temporary solution, but reading the order does not say that at all. The only evidence that the DOJ wants additional actions on Askewville is the BOE attorneys claim that this has been secretly communicated to them. One question asked was why the BOE did not let the DOJ say this for themselves.

John Davis spoke that we needed to protect community schools and the rights of voters to vote on new school construction. His concern was the Heery report taken literally can lead the DOJ or judge to perceive the schools as in much poorer condition than is really the case. He is concerned that allowing the Heery study to be viewed “as gospel”, will likely result in a court order to close the schools. The judge could also order a new school be built if he perceives the remaining four schools will be overcrowded. That will require raised taxes.

As the response to suggestions from the public were met by a BOE refusal to consider any action except the two alternatives to close schools, comments from the crowd became more hostile. Ceicil Davis commented on the habit of the BOE attorneys to laugh whenever there was applause in support of keeping the community schools open. Ceicil then left the meeting apparently in anger. The attorneys, it was noted, stopped laughing at support of community schools thereafter. The applause in support of community schools continued on a regular basis.

Henry Spruill Opposes Closing Aulander Elementary

Several commented that the point of a public hearing was to get input to be acted on. The BOE was responding to all comments that the decision had been made and no other alternatives would be considered. Mayor Bob Spivey summed up everyone's feelings accurately when he said to the BOE that it was clear the people of Bertie County believe the issue of Askewville was settled, and that closing J.P. Law, Askewville and Aulander, our three best schools, was overwhelmingly opposed. The people clearly wanted J.P. Law to be fixed and Askewville lines fixed if needed so we could get Unitary Status. He did not understand why the BOE was simply rejecting that input.

Even when Rick Harrell requested that the BOE meet with the Commissioners to discuss other options, the initial response seemed to indicate that they would meet but did not consider changing their course of action a possible response.

Michael Williams Asks For BOE To Consider The Future Of Our Kids

Michael Williams was persuasive when he asked the BOE to "Think about the future". He summed up the feelings of most when he said that this desegregation case should have been ended long ago. He expressed concern that the "spirits of our people are important too" and further integration should not be handled in a fashion that left more animosity between the races.

Opposition To School Closings Was Nearly Unanimous

It is clear we have near unanimity between black and white parents that they do not want their community schools closed. The opposition to the BOE is not an issue of race and they should not try to imply that it is.

BOE Members From Left, Ricky Freeman, Seaton Fairless, Superintendent Dr. Collins-Hart, Melinda Eure And Gary Cordon Sr.

Toward the end of the meeting, Gary Cordon Sr., made an argument that some of the current students in other schools were being bused long distances. He also noted that some students were in larger schools and thus did not get the benefits of community schools. He argued that justified making the students in the 3 schools being closed be bussed long distances and put in large schools "to be fair". Only two people in the large audience applauded his statement. It would appear from his comments that he was conceding the superiority of community schools which is itself an interesting position considering his vote.

However, Mr. Cordon’s comment is not without merit. When we have Unitary Status the BOE will have much more flexability to “be fair to all” by providing more community schools that provide the best balance in student education, spending, travel time, and community involement. The current court case does not allow for this to happen. We need to keep our schools open and close the court case. Then we can come together for the sake of all our children.

It was announced at the end of the public discussion that another public meeting is planned for January 5, 2005 at 5 PM by some of the opponents of the BOE actions. This meeting will continue efforts to defend our community schools, stop the BOE planned community school closings and stop a new consolidated elementary school from being built, wasting tax payer dollars. All parents and taxpayers who wish to help with this effort are invited to attend. It will be held in the same location as today's meeting, The Council on Aging Senior Center.

The first goal will be to end the desgregation case that keeps the Department of Justice interfering in our schools. That goal requires we obtain what the courts call Unitary Status for our school system. Hope to see you on January 5th, 2006 at 5 PM.

Bertie School Board Rescinds Motion

By Cal Bryant - December 17th, 2005 - Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

WINDSOR - The Bertie County Board of Education has changed its mind.

Exiting a closed session here Thursday afternoon, board members voted to rescind their majority decision on December 5 regarding the proposed desegregation plan and instructed the board’s attorney to develop another proposal and present it to the Department of Justice by the deadline of January 15, 2006.

The new motion includes two options. (1) To close John P. Law and Askewville elementary schools at the end of the 2006- 07 school year; or in the alternative, (2) if funding becomes available by the end of the 2006-07 school year, to close Aulander, John P. Law and Askewville elementary schools at the close of the 2008-09 school year and construct a new elementary school with a capacity of 450 students and to open that school at the start of the 2009-2010 school year.

I disgree with Cal's characterization and do not believe the title of this article accurately reflects what the Bertie County Board of Education is doing. Link to the Inner Banks Eagle for my thoughts and opinions on the ongoing school issues.

"The Chosen One" - A Great Musical For The Season

The Carpenters Shop Church is presenting, FREE to the public, a simply awesome musical for the Christmas Season. This uniqe and highly professional presentation uses music, authentic costumes and live animals to accentuate the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Tonight was the first showing, and it was a very special night.

The Virgin Mary And Joseph, Make Their Way To Bethlehem

This truly enjoyable event covers all the highlights that we have come to know; the birth in the stable, the shepherds in the field, the heavenly chorus, the three wise men, the joy of the season, the togetherness when a family relives the telling of the tale....

Baby Jesus Is Born And Wrapped In Swaddling Clothes And Laid In A Manger

Shepherds In The Field Guard Their Flock (Some Strange Looking Sheep!)

A heavenly Chorus Announces The Birth To The Shepherds, And Guides Them To The Manger

When The Shepherds Find The Young Child They Sing Of Their Adulation

Young Dancers Symbolize The Joy Of The Season

Throughout The Musical, A Family Shares The Joy Of Christmas By Telling The Story Of Christ's Birth

Three Wise Men Bring Gifts To The Future Messiah

There are two more nights to see this great event. Tomorrow (12/19) and Tuesday (12/20) at 7:00 PM at the Carpenters Shop Church. Click here for a map to the church.

The Curtain Call Had The Entire Cast Receiving A Huge Ovation

BCAC Events - Monday and Tuesday

WINDSOR - Bertie County Arts Council is offering children and adults two evenings of fun this week.

The first comes Monday, December 19th at 6:30 PM at Windsor Community Building with "Spend An Evening With Santa", when children of all ages will get a chance to whisper in the jolly man's ear what they want for Christmas. This event has always been held at the Arts Council, but the gathering has grown until more space was needed.

This year the Largest Elf from the North Pole will help Santa entertain children and if time allows, either Santa or Mrs. Claus may read a Christmas story to children. Santa usually brings his dog to visit children. This event is open to the public and is free. Refreshments will be served.

The second event will be Tuesday evening, December 20th at 7:30 PM at the Bertie Senior Center (behind YMCA). when BCAC's first Youth Show Choir performs a concert of Holiday Music.

Seventeen children from public, private and home-schooling classes auditioned to be included in this performance. They have been rehearsing for the concert with retired music teachers Fonda Sanderlin and Marsha Smithwick, both of Windsor, since September.

Refreshments will be served. An entrance fee of $2 for adults and $1 for children will be accepted at the door.

Bertie County Schools Discussion Moved To 'Inner Banks Eagle'

I am opposed to closing John Paige Law Elementary School in Merry Hill. The reason is that I believe in community schools. I believe that school consolidation has been used all over this nation to the detriment of our children. This school should not be closed. How is that partisan?

I believe the history of discrimination has to be ended. I do not believe there is any reasoned argument that Bertie County government is discriminating against minorities, nor has it for years. I also believe that the races must learn to work together for a better society for all. How is that partisan?

I abhor the use of our unelected federal judges to rule local governments. That has been the practice all over the nation for most of the last 35 years under desegregation cases. Bertie County is one of the last 3 counties in North Carolina where a federal judge is being used by forces within our education community to order actions that the people of Bertie County would not and do not support. Why is this case still active? Why are we not allowed to decide within our local community how to educate our children? How is a belief in representative democracy partisan?

One of the most fascinating aspects of life is how different people perceive things differently. I have been assured by numerous people (all of them my opponents) that all of my beliefs above are in fact partisan. If they believe that ..... then that perception must be dealt with, even if I disagree with their conculsion.

It has been my policy and intent since I started the Patriot Blogs for our local area, that the Patriot Blogs would be used just for public information and community service. Only the Inner Banks Eagle would have my political thoughts and personal opinons. Therefore as a courtesy to my opponents I have moved all my articles about the Schools and Board of Education issues over to the Inner Banks Eagle.

This is not over. The discussion will continue. See you there.

West Bertie Christmas Party

For quite a few years there has been a traditional Christmas Party for the art students at West Bertie Elementary School in Lewiston. It is always put on as a combination Christmas Party and Formal Tea Ceremony. This year the Guest of Honor was Mr. Warren.

The Tea Party Was Very Formal, Including A Very Formal Doorman

The Childen invited to the party are always chosen because of their outstanding performance in art class. The Children invited this year were Alicia, Courtney, Dajawn, Darius , Gwenite, Hajee, Hope, Kierra, Leah, Nalishia, and Tramara.

When You Entered The Party, There Was An Official Greeter

As Guests Arrived They Were Treated Like VIPs

Guests Were Seated At One Table, From The Left, Stan Warren, Gloria Bryant, Shirle Minten and Charles Smith

Guests Filled Both Sides Of The Table, On This Side From The Left, Carol Atkins, Mary Barnes, Ms. Whitney, Officer White And Kim Brown

Teacher Ali Van Norman Was The Hostess, And Was Dressed For The Occassion In Ceremonial Dress

Kids Were At The Next Table, And Took Turns Serving And Being Served

The First Course Was Formal Service Of Tea As It Became Famous In Areas Of The British Empire, Like India

Next We Were Served Hors Deurves With The Perfect Poise You Would Have Expected

Interspersed Within The Services We Were Entertained With Formal Readings About The Courses Being Served

All Were Delightful And Presented With Great Skill By The Students

The Readings Included Stories And A Game

The Game Played Was About Passing Out Gifts When There Were Not Enough Presents, And Santa Was Of Course The One Who Passed Out the Gifts

Santa Did A Good Job And Made Sure We All Got The Gift Needed To Play The Game

The Children, Dajawn, Nalishia, Hope, Hajee, Leah, Tramara, Courtney, Gwenite, Kierra, Darius and Alicia, each sang one verse of the Twelve Days of Christmas, and Ali Van Norman, the teacher, sang the last verse. It was beautiful.

The Christmas Party Ended With The Singing Of The Twelve Days Of Christmas, But Ali Made It Unique By Changing The Gifts Of The Song To A Brand New List

Here is hoping that the recent banning of Christmas from our schools will only be temporary. I especially hope it does not interfere with this traditional Christmas Party at West Bertie Elementary next year.

Windsor Christmas Parade

The annual Windsor Christmas Parade, put on by the Windsor / Bertie County Chamber of Commerce, took place on Thursday December 8, 2005, beginning at 3:30 PM. Appropriately it was a cold winter day.

The Parade Started With The American Flag Presented By The Bertie County High School ROTC

Bill Hazelgrove, Former Windsor / Bertie County Chamber of Commerce Director, was the Grand Marshall for this year's event. Bill was a great choice since he has dedicated himself to our community for many years now. He was also the recipient of the 2005 Citizen of the Year Award.

Grand Marshall Bill Hazelgrove Arrives, Driven By Gary Gardner

The Parade line-up began at the Bertie Campus of Martin Community College, went down Granville Street to King Street and then right on King Street past the reviewing stand in front of the courthouse.

Jessie Hazelgrove And Grand Marshall Bill Hazelgrove

The front of the parade had all the dignitaries who led the parade around to the reviewing stand where they watched the rest of the parade.

Windsor Mayor Bob Spivey Is Greeted By Chamber Director Pat Demofonte

It took a few minutes for all the cars to stop and allow the dignitaries to exit.

County Commissioners Arrive, Chairman Rick Harrell In Window

We would like to thank the sponsors of the 2005 Parade:
R. W. Cooper Agency,
Bertie Sentry Hardware,
Bertie Memorial Hospital,
Heritage House Restaurant,
Southern Bank of Windsor,
Wachovia Bank,
Triple A & Associates,
East Carolina Farm Credit,
Rhonda K. Cobb with Bertie County Farm Bureau, and
The Bertie Ledger-Advance.

Sheriff Greg Atkins Was The Next Dignitary

The Reviewing Stand After Dignitaries Arrive. In the front row seated from left to right, Jesie Hazelgrove, Bill Hazelgrove, Bob Spivey, Wint Hale, Charles Fulk, Joe Jernigan. Standing from left to right, L.C. Hoggard, Rick Harrell, Gary Johnson, Wallace Perry (partially hidden) and Norman Cherry. To the right of the stand is Pat Demofonte.

After all the dignitaries had stopped, the Parade commenced.

The Bertie Band Put On A Great Performance

Parades Are For Kids .... And Kids At Heart

Working Vehicles Make Great Floats

Future Educators Of America

Parade Convertibles Are Cold In The Winter

The Race Cars Put On A Wild Show

Parades Are More Fun When You Can Ride

Bertie County Ferrari

Colerain Elementary School

Windsor Elementary School

End Of The Parade

The parade floats are always judged, and for 2005 Three Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center took First Place in the Windsor Christmas Parade. Lamb’s Day Camp came in second, Colerain Elementary School was third, and Edgewood Baptist Church was fourth.

Hope you had a great time.