Bertie County Patriot Archive

Bertie County Patriot Comes To An End

2008-11-14T07:16:00.003-05:00

With this posting the Bertie County Patriot will no longer be an active blog. I will leave the website up as an archive, but all future posts from Bertie County or Windsor will be made on the Chowan River Patriot. The Chowan River Patriot will be the sole surviving Community Service Patriot Blog.

Two postings that previously would have been made here will go up shortly on the Chowan River Patriot instead.

One is the announcement of this year's FINAL Friday Night for the Fall Season of the Seagull Cafe in Colerain. This has been a great addition to the Seagull Cafe tradition.

The second article is coverage of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Perrytown Fire Station, and their announcement of the annual Perrytown Herring Dinner next Friday at 4:00 PM. This is a huge tradition in this area. Check it out by clicking on the title above.

Ending the Bertie County Patriot is a very sad day for me.

Have a great day.

Colerain's Famous Seagull Cafe Fall Season Starts Wednesday

2008-09-29T05:18:00.001-04:00

The Seagull Cafe will open Wednesday for their traditional Fall Season. The hours of operation are (as usual) from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM. The Seagull is only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Perry-Wynns Fish Company, Inc.

Here is the staff getting ready for a great new season of fish lunches.

Last year the crowd was standing room only within minutes of the doors opening.

The Seagull always specializes in Fresh Herring when available.

Herring Plate

My Personal Favorite Dishes, Oysters and Shrimp

The Seagull Cafe is a favorite place for farmers and workers in the area, as it has been for many years. It is famous, and there are a couple of rich developers who always fly in on their helicopters to eat every year. Now that is an endorsement, when someone flys in from Virginia to eat at a place this far off the beaten trail.

Barry Knight's Transportation For His Regular Visits
To The Seagull Cafe In Colerain

The view from the Seagull always 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.

Don't miss this unique dining experience!

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

Rotary Learns About Stress

2008-09-19T04:08:00.003-04:00

Ron Freeman gave an excellent presentation on Stress, and how to alleviate it, at yesterdays Windsor Rotary meeting.

Ron was thanked with the standard cobalt blue Rotary Cup with gold seal and lettering by Collins Cooper (below right), Rotary President.

Boy Scouts And Joint Health - Lessons For Young And Old

2008-09-11T17:45:00.004-04:00

The Windsor Rotary heard two great presentations today. The first was from Lucy Grist (below), District Executive for the East Carolina Council Boy Scouts of America. She spoke about a great event coming up where Boy Scouts will be taught the proper disposal of the flag of the United States of America. Lucy brought with her a very old flag that is one of the flags to be disposed of at the event. (Check back and details will be posted for all scouts who want to attend.)

The second speaker for this day was Jock Scarsborough, PhD (below). Jock spoke on joint health, knees, ankles etc. He provided some great information about health supplements that will help us deal with this common problem when we age.

Collins Cooper (below left) presented the traditional cobalt blue coffee mug with gold Rotary seal to thank the speakers for their efforts. Shown here (below right), Jock Scarsborough.

Windsor Chamber Press Release

2008-09-02T10:54:00.003-04:00

The Liverman Park and Zoo, Windsor/Bertie County Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Windsor are happy to announce our newest member of our zoo family, our new baby buffalo.

Please come by the zoo on York Street and see the proud Mamma buffalo with her little one . . . and the rest of our animals.

If you have any questions, please contact Collins Cooper, Executive Director of the Windsor/Bertie County Chamber of Commerce by phone at (252) 794-4277, or by email at collins@windsorbertie.com

Building Bridges For Our Kids

2008-08-29T06:59:00.023-04:00

A bridge is defined as any structure built for the purpose of providing passage over an obstacle. In short, it is a way to bring things together. Historically, three bridges have connected Bertie County to the rest of the world. They are the Roanoke, Chowan, and Three Rivers bridges.

On Thursday night August 28th, a host of nearly 200 visionaries joined to celebrate the opening of our fourth and newest bridge, the bridge to excellence. This bridge is built on the strengths of our diversity and this bridge will harness the enthusiasm and knowledge of the people of Bertie County. The newest bridge is about connecting together to make education, our quality of life, and our economic vitality the best they can be.

The privately sponsored event was hosted by the Windsor Bertie County Chamber of Commerce, Bertie County Peanuts – Powell and Stokes, the NC Northeast Commission, NC’s NE Alliance for Agricultural Biology, Purdue Farms Incorporated and the Windsor Cook Club. These visionary institutions wanted to spread the word about the dramatic and exciting choices being opened for our kids, so they joined our business, civic, agricultural, governmental, educational and religious leaders in Bertie County at “Building Bridges to Excellence."

The event was held at Southwestern, site of the New Early College programs that allow Bertie County kids to get a head start in life by graduating from high school with their first two years of college behind them. The evening focused on two unique programs, the Shaw University Cadet Program and the Bertie School of Agri-Science.

Farming and farm related industries and businesses account for a greater percentage of revenue in Bertie County than any other county in North Carolina … and they need high tech employees. The greatest challenge our small county schools face is attracting good teachers who like the local lifestyle so we can retain their services. These two great programs are a huge step forward for our kids in overcoming these challenges to create great careers

The organizing committee volunteers, led by John and Cindy Davis and Nancy Joyner, spruced up the gym at Southwestern for an exhibit hall of booths explaining the programs happening in our county, and a dinner hall for some great speeches. (Above) Nancy Garrett Adams is shown with the flowers she provided to enhance the lobby entrance. The goal was to make sure that this was a community effort and not spend money intended for our kids. The community stepped up in a big way. The sign shown (above right) was provided by NC's Northeast Commission. It was a special evening.

This included keynote speeches by Dr. C.G. Newsome and Norris Tolson. The event started with a reception while people visited the booths set up, explaining many of the schools current and planned programs for our kids, followed by dinner.

The first guest to arrive this evening was Benjie Forrest (above right). This seems appropriate since it was conversations with Benjie which originally triggered the idea for the new Agri-Science school portion of the Early College High School. He was met by one of the Shaw Academy Cadets, Jarvis Bell (above left) and Collins Cooper (behind table on right), Executive Director of the Windsor - Bertie County Chamber of Commerce.

Second guest to arrive was Vann Rogerson (facing table above) of the NC Northeast Commission, one of the evening's sponsors. He is greeted by two of the Shaw Academy Cadets. Following are pictures showing what the Southwestern facility looked like as guests arrived.

Dr. Chip Zullinger, Bertie County Superintendent of Schools, and the two keynote speakers, Dr. C.G. Newsome, President of Shaw University, and Norris Tolson, President of NC Bio-technology Center, were there greeting guests and welcoming people.

Dr. Chip Zullinger (above left) greets Bertha Angel (above center) and Charles Angel (above right).

Dr. C.G. Newsome (above left) greets Ron Wesson (above right).

Norris Tolson (above left) greets Mary Peele (above center) and Dr. David Peele (above right).

The crowd was huge by Bertie County standards, with nearly 200 community leaders present to hear what was happening for our kids.

The activities were initiated by Dr. Chip Zullinger (above) introducing Rickey Freeman (below), Chairman of the Bertie County Board of Education, who led us in the invocation to start the meal.

After the meal, Dr. Zullinger welcomed everyone and gave some perspective to the evening with a couple of stories, and some thoughts about his dreams for our kids.

First presentation of the evening was given by Carol Atkins (above), Director for Educational Programs for Bertie County. Carol talked about the positive impacts a great teacher can have and the significant problems currently caused by excessive teacher turnover. The Shaw Cadet program brings university professors to Bertie to provide a four year degree for homegrown students who attend college in Bertie and teach here after graduation. These students understand the area’s culture and challenges and love the rural quality of life and they will be great mentors for the future. However, this program not only helps address our quality teacher availability issue, it makes possible the university setting (early college) through which any Bertie student can get university level instruction free of charge and without leaving Bertie County. The Shaw Cadet Program will improve education, quality of life, and the economic base of Bertie County. Already this visionary program is attracting state and regional interest and soon it may be the model for university and k-12 partnerships throughout the country, BUT IT STARTED FIRST IN BERTIE COUNTY, thanks to visionary educational leadership that works every day in building bridges.

One of the highlights of the evening was when Carol completed her comments by introducing the Shaw Cadets, the first class of the new Shaw University Campus in Bertie. (Shown above left to right) Kelly Cummings, Shaterri Palmer, Jasmine Cowin, Marvin Outlaw, (Carol Atkins at podium), Doug Jernigan, Sheriqueenma Artis, Kevin Cooper and Jarvis Bell.

The next presentation was by William Peele, III (above) principal of the new Freshman Academy, a special program designed to reduce the frustrations felt by many first year high school students at the dramatic change in school atmosphere when they enter high school. This transition of leaving middle school and starting high school is traumatic for almost all students. It is said that we "lose" most of our dropouts in this first year, even if they actually don't leave until later in the high school process.

The next presentation was made by Constance Richardson, Bertie County Director of Federal Programs, who explained the fantastic success of the C.G. White, "More at Four" Pre-School, and their hopes and dreams for the second facility at Askewville to reduce the long drive for many of these very young children.

Glenwood Mitchell (above), Principal of the Science, technology,Engineering and Mathematics School made the next presentation, talking about the huge opportunities this school provides for those kids in Bertie County who wish science, math and engineering careers.

The next two presentation were about the Agri-Science School of the Southwestern Early College High School. Introductory remarks were by Bobby Occena (above right), Principal of the new school.

This is the first school of its kind in North Carolina and the first nationwide calling a minority based area home. Agri-Science and Biotech industries are one of the fastest growing career paths in the United States and this partnership will bring six world class research laboratories to the Southwestern school site. In addition to state of the art “hot house” programs, these labs will include a biodiesel project that can be used as a catalyst to develop an alternative fuel industry here in Bertie County. Our kid’s educational opportunities will skyrocket and the opportunities for economic development built around this infrastructure are only limited by our vision and actions.

Bobby introduced the first teacher recruited for the new school, James Guard (above left and below), North Carolina's Outstanding Agriculture Teacher of the Year, who is also President of FFA North Carolina.

James Guard is the kind of top rank, impressive individual our new school administration headed by Dr. Chip Zullinger is seeking . . . and finding . . . to assure Bertie County kids have a great future.

Benjie Forrest (above), Eastern Regional Agricultural Coordinator for NC State, as noted above, is the man whose conversations with Dr. Chip Zullinger ultimately led to the new school. Benjie talked about his work at the Vernon James Center, and the dreams he had of helping make this new school something that will really make a difference in the careers of our kids, and the future of our area.

At this point, John Chafee (above), Director of the Eastern Office of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center introduced the first of the two keynote speakers, Norris Tolson (below), President and CEO of the North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

Norris gave an inspirational speech about the future of Agri-Science and biotechnology in North Carolina. He also spoke enthusiastically about the leading edge role Bertie County is playing in this exciting effort.

One of the Shaw Academy Cadets, Marvin Outlaw, was chosen to sing the song "Wind Beneath my Wings", alluding to the role parents and adults in our county need to fulfill in giving these kids the chance for greatness in life that can lead to great careers. Another, Jarvis Bell (above), was chosen to introduce our second keynote speaker, Dr. C.G. Newsome (below), President of Shaw University.

Dr. Newsome's speech was an inspirational close to the evening. He spoke of growing up in Hertford County next door, the times he competed in athletic events at Bertie County High School, the aunt that taught and retired from Southwestern School, the history and tradition that is being rekindled by re-opening this great facility, and the love for kids who are starting their carreers by attaining a degree from a University that created as a spinoff so many of the great colleges and universities of North Carolina. He went down this impressive list.

The two keynote speeches put into perspective just how exciting this time is in Bertie County history.

Ron Wesson (above), closed the evening with an invitation for any in our community who share the vision, or have another vision to offer our kids, to take a look at what is happening, and get involved in helping us to provide a great future for Bertie County kids.

The organizing committee for the event was Ollie Bond, Collins Cooper, John Davis, Buneva Everett, Charles M. Harden, James T. Heckstall, Nancy Joyner, David Peele and Ronald Wesson. Many thanks to all the hard work involved in what was a very successful evening.

Richmond Road Trip

2008-08-28T07:03:00.005-04:00

Bill and Jessie Hazelgrove recently moved from Windsor back to Richmond Virginia to be close to their family and new grand kids.

I had not seen their new Richmond Condo, so we took the opportunity of a visit by my brother to go visit and see how they were doing. Bill sits in his favorite chair by the fire place (above).

My Mom, Nancy Garrett Adams (above left), and Jessie (above right) are first cousins who grew up here in Bertie County and they always have a lot to talk about.

Their new condo is smaller than the home they had here in Windsor, but it is really beautiful. The porch on the back is up in the trees, and their bird feeders are getting a constant stream of visitors.

It was a great visit.

Windsor American Legion Is A Great Group

2008-08-26T08:36:00.001-04:00

Last night I got a chance to drop by the every other week dinner down at the Windsor American Legion. It is a great group of guys and the meeting is always fun.

Food was great. Company better.

Dems Rally Against Unions!

2008-08-25T06:40:00.001-04:00

OK, teachers' unions. Still . . .

by Mickey Kaus - August 24th, 2008 - Slate

Things We Thought We'd Never See: Democrats Rally Against the Teachers' Unions! I went to the Ed Challenge for Change event mainly to schmooze. I almost didn't stay for the panels, being in no mood for what I expected would, even among these reformers, be an hour of vague EdBlob talk about "change" and "accountability" and "resources" that would tactfully ignore the elephant in the room, namely the teachers' unions. I was so wrong. One panelist--I think it was Peter Groff, president of the Colorado State Senate, got the ball rolling by complaining that when the children's agenda meets the adult agenda, the "adult agenda wins too often."

Wow!

Is this not a stunning event? Who would have ever thought that we would finally start to get traction on the obvious truth that throwing money at education was a waste of time when educrats and union bosses simply used the money to justify the latest fad in teaching kids how to "put on condoms" or to "reinvent reading" or learn "new math", etc. etc. etc.

No matter how many times these inventions in education failed to improve the ability of our kids to compete in a world where high tech jobs require high levels of literacy, the educrats and the education unions, touted their new inventions in how to waste money.

Competition for our kids between the different camps was opposed like it was poison.

Finally the reality is sinking in. The world is a world of competition. Competition for our kids interest is the sure way to make amazing improvements in education. Union opposition to competition is to continue down a failed path. It is time for competition for our kids future. This must include (here in North Carolina) a huge increase in Charter Schools, equal opportunity scholarships for poor students not served by public schools to attend private schools that give them a chance in life, a return to vocational emphasis in high school in recognition that college is not the only path to life success and special emphasis on science-technology-engineering-mathematices.

If you have another "choice" to offer our kids (with the kids and their parents having the control), I am for it and the unions are against it. It is as simple as that. Some want to see our kids excel. Some want to see adults (teachers and union bosses) have an easy street in life. At this point, even the Democrats are starting to see the clear choice in this confrontation. The kids must win.

Ducks And Japan Two-fer

2008-08-22T09:40:00.006-04:00

The Windsor Rotary Club got to see two presentations yesterday. The first was by Lauren Dunlow (shown below) about ducks and duck hunting, something that she said was a passion of her family.

Hunting is also a passion of many of the Rotary Members and everyone was impressed with how much Lauren knew about ducks. She also sprinkled her presentation with humor and everyone was impressed with her poise.

Collins Cooper, President of Rotary (above left), presents Lauren Dunlow (above right) with her cobalt blue coffee mug with gold seal and lettering as a thank you for the presentation.

The second presentation was by Tom Cooper (shown above), of the CM Eppes Middle School in Pitt County, who recently took a trip to Japan, visiting the city of Kyoto. It was 28 day trip, financed by a Fulbright Hayes Grant through the US Dept. of Education for 12 Pitt County teachers.

The teachers were based out of Kyoto and traveled from there daily to meet the people and see the sites, buildings, people, food, religion and culture.

Tom had a great PowerPoint Presentation of the numerous pictures he took on the trip, showing some of the beauty and history of Japan. Above are a few of Tom's slides.

Above Collins presents Tom with his cobalt blue coffee mug with gold seal and lettering as a thank you for the presentation.

Rotary Blood Drive A Success

2008-08-20T05:23:00.005-04:00

Yesterday the Windsor Rotary sponsored a Red Cross blood drive at the community center, in recognition that we are in perilous times and there are many who need blood in emergencies.

Kelly Taylor (above left) and Holland Cayton (above right) were among the Rotary Members who volunteered to help out at the blood drive.

Kelly helped Allen Castelloe (above right), Windsor Town Manager, understand some of the Red Cross rules that assure the blood is donated safely and the person who is giving blood is okay after their donation is complete.

Ellen Taylor (above left) is smiling even as Nurse Lisa Dallbaum (above right) inserts the needle to start the process.

Johnny Ray Pierce (above right) kept right on conducting business by phone, even after he has finished giving blood and Nurse Deneen Barrister (above left) is completing the process.

Rachel Pierce (above left) and Brad Weneger (abvove right) relax at the table for cookies and soft drinks were it is recommened you spend a few minutes after giving blood to let your body adjust.

William Anderson (above) from the Red Cross did a couple of most important jobs, prepping the bags that were to be used for the blood and processing the paperwork for the blood that was given.

It was a very successfuf day, and if you missed it, we hope to see you next year. Or check around, there are blood drives on a regular basis.

Our thanks to the American Red Cross and their great workers, and the Windsor Rotary Club, and their great volunteers..

Food Banks Are Important Rotary Learns

2008-08-15T08:36:00.003-04:00

Collins Cooper (below) introduced our guest speakers on Thursday. They were David Wolsey and Curt Kedley, who came to talk about the need to do more for those in our county who go hungry.

Before the speeches, we spent some time talking about the Red Cross Blood Drive being sponsored by the Rotary next Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Windsor Community Center. Lisa Street (below right) is signing up for the drive watched by David and Kurt, the day's speakers.

David Wolsey (below) opened the presentation, talking about the need for helping the poor and hungry, and the details were then covered by Curt Kedly.

Curt Kedly (below left) receives his cobalt blue coffee mug with gold seal from Collins Cooper (below right) as a thank you for the presentation.

Bertie County Teachers Welcomed

2008-08-14T23:14:00.003-04:00

For the scond year in a row, the Windsor Bertie County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a day during which new teachers for Bertie County were shown many of the highlights of our County. The day started Wednesday at the Freeman Hotel, the home of the Chamber of Commerce and ended at Hope Plantation, the home of David Stone, Bertie Countie's former Governor of the State of North Carolina.

Many of the town of Windsor and County dignitaries gathered to greet the teachers and welcome them to our community and their new positions of responsibility with our children. From left above are Steve Biggs, Director of Economic Development, Bob Spivey, Mayor of Windsor, Zee Lamb, Bertie County Manager, Norman Cherry, Chairman of Bertie County Commissioners, Allen Castelloe, Windsor Town Manager and Collins Cooper, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Buneva Everett (above left) of Southern Bank and Collins Cooper (above right) of the Chamber chatted while waiting for the teachers to arrive.

Chairman Norman Cherry (shown above) greeted the teachers and shared some of his stories about his teaching days.

Mayor Bob Spivey (above) also welcome the teachers to their new positions, including both some local Bertie County residents as well as some who are moving from other areas.

Final act of the breakfast that started the day was a group photo of the teachers who attended the event, just before they loaded up the bus to start their grand tour of the county.

Windsor Bertie County Chamber Annual Dinner

2008-08-09T22:00:00.011-04:00

This year's Windsor Bertie County Chamber of Commerce dinner was held at the new HTM Convention Center, at the site of the old Wrangler Building. It is the first event organized by our new Chamber Executive Director, Collins Cooper.

The dignitaries on the dais include (from left above) Commissioner Hoyt Cooper, Reverend Joe Cooper, Linda Cooper, Executive Director Collins Cooper, Chamber President Steve Wishall, Representative Annie Mobley and Windsor Mayor Bob Spivey.

President Steve Wishall (below) presided as Master of Ceremonies.

Mayor Bob Spivey led the invocation.

Executive Director Collins Cooper welcomed the audience and talked about some of the things that are happening in our community.

Reverend Joe Cooper (below) introduced the recipient of the Outstanding Citizen Award, presented to Bill Pittman.

Bill Pittman (below left) accepts the plaque honoring him as Outstanding Citizen for Windsor Bertie County.

Bill's comments were typical of this respected gentleman.

Next on the Agenda was introduction of the night's speaker. Windsor Commissioner Hoyt Cooper (below) introduced Representative Annie Mobley.

Representative Annie Mobley (below) lives currently in Hertford County, but she was born here in Bertie County. She talked about our region and her hopes for its growth and success.

There was a good crowd at the new Convention Center and the room proved to be a great place to hold this type of dinner event.

One of the highlights of the evening was the excellent food that was provided by our local organization, Hammerhead's, (from left) Minnie Hoggard, Stacey Harrell, Lisa Harrell, Luis Hoggard and Deb Everett.

It was a great night for Windsor and Bertie County.

Bertie Native Son Presents D&B Services

2008-08-08T23:25:00.006-04:00

Richard Whitley opened the Windsor Rotary meeting on Thursday and talked about some of the current activities of the club.

An important one is the Rotary sponsorship of the annual Red Cross Blood Drive, planned this year for Tuesday August 19th, 2008 from 1:00 to 6:00 PM. It will be held, as last year, at the Community Center on Queen Street. Please plan to be there.

He then introudced our speaker. The day's presentation was by recently returned Bertie County native Ron Wesson. Ron spent 32 years with D&B, ultimately becoming a Senior Vice President with this prestigious organization.

Ron explained the goals of the organization, its history, and the value of its services to small businesses like the ones you find in a small community like Windsor and Bertie County.

One thing Ron clarified was the exclusively business to business nature of D&B and how they avoided getting in to the consumer credit reporting field as a matter of business focus.

Richard Whitley (above right) presented the traditional cobalt blue coffee mug with gold seal to Ron Wesson (above left) as a thank you for the presentation.

Signs Are Up For Social Services

2008-08-08T22:54:00.002-04:00

I missed the open house for the public on Monday, but I stopped by to see Morris Rascoe (shown in picture at bottom), Director of Social Services for Bertie County to get pictures of the new signs. The signs were not up when I covered the new facility last month in an article here.

Morris is very proud of the new building. The people of the county will be much better served by this much improved facility.

Golden Leaf Foundation Presents CAI Grant Process

2008-08-07T21:51:00.001-04:00

Wednesday evening Pat Cabe of the Golden Leaf Foundation came to Windsor to talk with local officials about a new program offered to spend the money that was wrested from tobacco smokers by the legal profession. These billions were directed to be spent helping the people who were harmed by tobacco.

The new program to dispense money has been deemed the Community Assistance Initiative. This money is separate from the regular Golden Leaf grant efforts. This money has been reserved for certain counties to have a significant say in how it is spent, as long as they petition Golden Leaf in a specific way.

After a description of the new process, an explanation of how it worked for the first 8 counties who were selected, and some suggestions of how to focus Bertie Counties efforts, the outlines of the process were provided. One of the people present to promote the concept was our own State of NC representative to the General Assembly, Representative Ann Mobley (shown above). She mentioned that she was born here in Bertie County and wanted Bertie County to make sure they got their fair share of this new pool of money.

The crowd present was asked to return for the next step in the process, a start of discussions on how to establish priorities and to organize the evaluation of project proposals for Bertie County. That next meeting in the process will be held on September 9th, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Senior Center on School Street.

Rotary Hears Gardening Is About Soil

2008-07-25T06:21:00.000-04:00

Thursday the Windsor Rotary heard about gardening and the soil it needs from Jacob Searcy of the North Carolina Extension Service. Jacob did his presentation on a report called "Understanding the soil test report" published by the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

Rotary also honored the recipient of the Rick Woodard Memorial Scholarship, presented to Kimberly Askew (above left) by Rotary President Collins Cooper (above right). The presentation included one of the clubs special honorary metallic blue coffee cups with its gold seal and lettering.

It was another great meeting for the rapidly growing Windsor Rotary club.

Bertie High School Becomes ‘Umbrella’

2008-07-24T06:14:00.004-04:00

by Thadd White - July 23rd, 2008 - Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

Those entering ninth grade in 2008-09 will have three options. They can attend the traditional Bertie High School, the Early College High School which will stress agricultural science, or the Bertie County School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“I think we need to start thinking of Bertie High School in a different way,” Dr. Zullinger said. “I think now the school becomes an umbrella under which we operate.”

Umbrella for excellence, competition and options. Our school system is making giant strides at creating an exciting learning environment for our kids. Long term this is guaranteed to help some of our students get a much better education. Each child who excels becomes another productive citizen who attains their life's dream. That is the goal. Let all who are willing to work at it gain their own version of the American dream. Not the dream of someone else. Their dream. That is what competition allows. Each success becomes the model for others to join them.

Bertie DSS in New Home

2008-07-23T07:54:00.012-04:00

Morris Rascoe, Director of Social Services for Bertie County is really proud of the new building the department just moved into. He is really proud of how the people in the department have taken this as their own. The move is described in the News-Herald article here.

When you approach the building off Alternate U.S. 17, just past the hospital, you will see the new sign to guide you. It is not there yet but it is coming soon. Hopefully it will be here before the dedication ceremony on August 4th, 2008 at 3:00 PM. At 2:00 PM on that same day the new road leading to the building, named for our great former commissioner Jasper Bazemore will also be dedicated.

The building is an attractive modern design at the end of the street. It was built by Ellis-Walker Builders of Fayetteville, NC from designs by DKWA Architects of Rocky Mount, NC. Bobby Clark was the Construction Superintendent and Richard Andrews was the Architect.

The entrance (shown below) has a button on the left so that those in wheel chairs can enter without assistance.

The reception area is spacious and has leads to the check in counter.

Each client will be greeted at the door to the left of check in and taken back to the office of the individual they are there to see. Morris had a couple of things to do when we got to his office and he got them out of the way while we waited for Jay Jenkins to join us.

One of the first things Morris showed us was the greatly improved security of the building . . . which allows for careful monitoring of everyone who enters.

Since client files are critical to service, the new filing system is a great improvement, using sliding files that are easily accessible but take up little space.

Morris (below) showed us how easy it was to find any file that was needed.

All of the people who handle clients now have their own offices. Below Ms. Mizelle shows her office.

There is also a new training facility, that uses a sliding wall to expand the area to even include the lobby when a really large space is needed.

The new building is impressive, and Morris is looking forward to the dedication ceremony when the public will get a chance to see this new capability to serve our residents. His pride is justified.

Teacher Academy Will Brighten Future

2008-07-22T23:24:00.003-04:00

by Thadd White - July 21st, 2008 - Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

As many as 20 Bertie High School graduates can become Shaw University cadets in August. Those who become cadets will have the opportunity to work for Bertie County Schools during the day while attending school at night to obtain a degree in education.

“We haven’t worked out the specifics of what they will be doing,” Dr. Zullinger said of the daytime duties of these college students. “More than likely it will not be in the traditional teacher assistant role.

“We want them in contact with great teachers early on and we have great teachers,” he said.

Bertie County is about to obtain its first University Campus with the opening of the Shaw University campus next month. This is an exciting program, and just the first start in a great new future for education in Bertie County. If this works out, not only will we soon have a University campus with 80 students studying to become our teachers of the future. We will have the seeds for expansion of Shaw's program into other areas that will offer our kids a brighter future.

This is an incredibly exciting time for Bertie education thanks to some really hard work by Dr. Chip Zullinger and our entire Board of Education. Congratulations to them all for a job well done.

Emma Johnson For Board Of Education

2008-07-18T09:10:00.008-04:00

The Bertie County Patriot supports Emma Johnson for the Board of Education. I met with Emma yesterday afternoon, in her beautiful home in Aulander, to talk about her first year in the position. She was appointed last June and much has happened in the interim. My impressions follow.

When you talk to Emma Johnson you understand why she was a great educator for 30 years. Her voice has a very calming effect, and the questions that float on it are asked in a way that makes you want to answer them correctly. She knows the local history and struggles of our educational efforts.

This day I was impressed with her answer to the first question, "What is your primary goal on the board of education?"

"Dean, I dream big dreams. I want to stay focused on a vision for Bertie County schools that will make us the best school system in North Carolina. Our kids deserve it."

Certainly her efforts to date are consistent with this. As she discusses things that have happened she says, "The night I was appointed to the Board of Education, I met with the finalist for Superintendent that had been found in our previous search efforts to that point. He was a fine man, but I was concerned about his vision. It was not going to take us where I felt we had to go. We started a new search, and until we met Dr. Chip Zullinger, we were not impressed. Here was a man with an impressive track record and a great vision. He had done more research about our Bertie County situation than anyone else we interviewed. He understood how much we were in trouble, and how little we had, but he was looking for a challenge so it didn't bother him. It was not about how much money we could pay him, but what could he do for our kids. I love that."

Emma spent some time summarizing a long list of actions that are in process by our school system. It is an amazing list. The Board of Education and our Superintendent Dr. Zullinger: have arranged for the first College in Bertie County, a Shaw University campus (the Grow Your Own Teachers Program) at the old Southwestern School in Windsor (Shaw is Emma's Alma Mater and this is an effort Emma helped set up) to work on degrees for Bertie kids who want to be teachers; a new Agri-Science High School (and early college) is about to open in the fall, a joint effort between, NC State University, Shaw and Bertie County which will be a unique school in North Carolina; a unique and amazing $5 million Biofuels Research Lab, a joint effort between Shaw University, NC State and the Agri-Science High School, which will work on efforts to develop a practical process of salvaging grease and oils from our school kitchens to create biodiesel to fuel our school buses (the materials for the lab have just been delivered and this is aggressively moving forward); "More at Four" pre kindergarden schools in Powellsville at the old C.G. White School and at the abandoned Askewville School to prepare Bertie County children for success; and a 9th Grade Academy to resolve the issues associated with transition from Middle School to High School. The "More at Four" has been an exciting effort since it will reinvigorate the two communities.

Emma says other discussion are under way to find people and companies who will help to recondition the vandalized J.P. Law school down in Merry Hill so that it too can be made a part of the "More at Four" program, and other uses can be found to help revitalize that community.

Discussion are also underway to create a "Vocational High School" which will focus on job training for high paid non college careers. An example of the value is that companies in the community have claimed they need more than 15 new welders each year. These are high paid jobs, with experience paying as much as $100,000 a year, available right here in Eastern North Carolina. Currently these jobs are going to people who move in to our area, rather than our own people. We need to prepare local students to fill these jobs.

Emma's comments on every occasion when I have talked with her convince me she will continue to be a great champion for the students and teachers who are the core of the education apple. She has helped build bridges in our county. She continues to use them to explain to different constituencies why focusing on the student in the classroom is where all our efforts to change and improve education must start.

In short, Mrs. Emma (as some of us like to affectionately call her) is going to finalize the bridge to unanimity on public education in our county. That is a bridge we have been looking for, for quite some time. She has done an excellent job in her first year and deserves our support.

Emma Johnson Bio

2008-07-18T08:08:00.000-04:00

Emma Johnson grew up in Roxobel, Bertie County, North Carolina. The first thing Emma says about Roxobel is that the teachers she had in school were excellent and she received a good education growing up there.

That led her to attend Shaw University in Raleigh, where she received a BA in English and French. She taught high school English and French for several years, before returning to college at ECU, where she received her MS in Library Science. Like our President's wife Laura Bush, she served as a librarian during the balance of her education career, a career that spanned more than 30 years.

Emma Johnson has felt for some time that our Board of Education (BOE) needed a change in direction, and she ran for the BOE a few years ago. She has not lost that passion to make a difference in the quality of our children's education and was the first applicant to file for the position being vacated by Mike Bracy.

Emma has long been active in the Democratic Party and formerly served on the Board of Elections for Bertie County.

Emma attends Sandy Branch Baptist Church where she is on the Board of Trustees. Emma is also involved in the civic organization "Exodus for Youth", where she serves as Secretary and Treasurer. She is a long time member of the professional womens group, Delta Sigma Theta. She is also Treasurer for the Shaw University Alumni Association.

Emma was married for 47 years to Freddie Johnson until his death two years ago. Many people know Freddie Johnson who was the principal at Aulander Elementary for 25 years. The family is very education oriented.

Emma and Freddie had three children who grew up in our area. Her son is now a Dentist in Memphis, and her two daughters are in education, one as an Assistant Principal at Hertford Middle School and one who is a Special Education Teacher in Northampton County.

Emma has lived in Aulander for many years.

Online Education Is The Future

2008-07-18T07:44:00.007-04:00

The Windsor Rotary was given an impressive update on the state of online education in America by our own Lisa Harrell (shown below). Lisa has a both a Doctorate in Physical Training and a Masters in Education and uses these talents in the leading edge field of education in America. She works for four different colleges at the current time, teaching students from all over the world . . . and does it all from her home here in Bertie County through online distance learning technology.

Yesterday Rotary got a tutorial in how this is done, as Lisa gave her presentation totally through online techniques.

Using avatars (computer characters) for herself and a hypotethical student (today the avatar was a cute Parrot), Lisa used taped and computer generated voices, slides, animations and graphics to make her presentation. Only the introduction to the session and her question and answer period were live.

One of the things she talked about was the growing recognition that online sessions can dramatically enhance the effectiveness of training in regular classrooms. Lisa is in discussions with Dr. Chip Zullinger to help with the Algebra One problem here in Bertie County by use of her online teaching talents to excite the students about the subject of Algebra. No easy task.

Lisa received her cobalt blue coffee mug with gold lettering and seal from Windsor Rotary President Collins Cooper (on right above). At today's session it was also announced that Collins will be taking over as the Director of the Windsor - Bertie County Chamber of Commerce also. Congratulations Collins!

Rotary Golf Tournament Is Great Success

2008-07-12T07:12:00.023-04:00

Thursday was the annual Windsor Rotary Golf Tournament, an event that is growing in popularity each year. The event is growing just as fast as the Windsor Rotary Club is growing! There is nothing like doing good works for the community and having fun too. As I arrived, some of the Rotary volunteers were getting ready for the dinner that was to be held after the tournament (shown from left), Jerry Davis, Jody Rhea, Henry Graham, Ron Wesson, Carl Bryant and Robert Hoggard, by preparing the food that would be one highlight of the day.

Ron Freeman (shown below left), Lynette Mallery (middle below) and a regular visitor to Windsor, Jock Scarsborough, were registering the teams as they checked in.

Team cards were handed out as the start time was near.

Ali Van Norman (shown below) was helping out this day by driving the FREE BEER cart.

First Tee Pro Shop Team heads out for the shotgun start (shown below from left), Chad Sary, Jerry Sary, Jean Miller and Randy Crabtree.

The team that won 1st place - Gross was Bertie Ambulance Service (shown below), Carol Forehand, Gerald Abrams, Jerry Little and Jimmy Miller

The team that won 2nd place - Gross was Hammerhead's Oyster Bar (shown below), Kent Williford, Randy Russell, Lewis Hoggard and Kyle Williford.

The team that won 1st place - Net was Triple A Real Estate (shown below), Jamie Harmon, Bobby Harmon, Millard Lewis and Howard Harmon.

The team that won 2nd place - Net was Bertie Memorial (shown below), David Bunch, Ducie Mizelle, Jerry Davis and Kelvin Waters.

Other teams included, Tommy Davis Nationwide Insurance (shown below), Tommy Davis, Will Davis, Conley Davis, and Red Price.

Cooper Hazelgrove Realty (shown below), Collins Cooper, Lacy Harrell, Carl Bryant and Russ Russell.

Walker and Car Quest (shown below), Jack Ellis, Mike Searcy, Joe Rhea and Ron Wesson.

Chester Johnson Construction (shown below), Truett Miller, Roy Briling, Bill Price and Chester Johnson.

Pittmans and Pittmans (shown below), Mike Ordnug, Jimmy Liverman, Billy Smithwick and Joe Alexander.

Southern Bank (shown below), Crystal Cobb, Chad Cobb, Ernie Hoggard and Tim Ivey.

I missed getting team photos of 2 teams; Powell and Stokes, Jammie Forehand, Chris Cobb, Brad Leggett and Tom Cooper; and Pritchett and Burch, Joey Braggett, Bill White, Andy Lee and Jonathan Huddleston.

A few of the volunteer workers who made the day a great success (shown below), Ali Van Norman, Kelly Taylor, Bob Brown, Jody Rhea and Ron Freeman.

I got some good candid photos of a few of the golfers. They showed great form.

There was one really lucky golfer, David Bunch (shown below). If you doubt it was his lucky day, just ask him.

As the teams finished golfing, they headed for the clubhouse and the best part of the day, socializing, drinking and eating!

Dr. Chip Zullinger (left below) missed the golf but stopped by to say hi and chat with people, here talking with Lisa Harrell (right below).

It was a great day, for a worthy cause, funding the Windsor Rotary civic and scholarship activities. Thanks to all who made it a success.

Candidates File For Board Of Education

2008-07-08T13:07:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was the closing date for filing to run as a candidate in the Non Partisan Elections which will be held in conjunction with the November General Elections. Of course the most important positions for Bertie County that will be filled in the Non Partisan Elections are the Board of Education positions. 3 Board of Education positions are on the ballot this time, one to fill the balance of the time for the District 3 seat currently held by Emma Johnson (Emma replaced Mike Bracy ), as well as the regular cycle election for District 1 and District 5. All incumbents have filed and all have at least one person who has filed against them. The three positions being contested are:

District 1 - Seat currently held by Melinda Eure
Pamela Chamblee and Dallis Godard have also filed.

District 3 - Seat currently held by Emma Johnson
Curtis E. Bryan and Seaton Poe Fairless Jr. have also filed.

District 5 - Seat currently held by Gloria C. Lee
George W. Drake has also filed.

With the excellent job of focusing on our kids that has occurred recently by the current board, I believe there would have to be a powerful reason for making any changes to the Board makeup. We are in the process of getting a college campus, one of the nation's first Agri-Science high schools in generations, a restoration of vocational training, a Bio-Fuels Research Center that will be unique in America (and will put our county on the map) and a focus on our kid's education that is a delight to behold. These things are happening because of the hard work of BOE Chairman Rickey Freeman and the other board members. I extend them all my personal thanks for caring about the kids more than about the issues that have sometimes distracted us.

High Self-Esteem, Low Test Scores

2008-07-07T12:12:00.003-04:00

by Burt Prelutsky - July 7th, 2008 - Townhall.com

There are new studies and new polls that strongly suggest that we are breeding increasingly stupid kids here in America. Like our tasteless tomatoes, they merely look good and healthy.

[snip]

What makes the situation even more pathetic is that these kids, for the most part, have a terrifically high opinion of themselves. To be fair, nothing much has ever been asked of them, let alone demanded, and yet they are constantly being told how special they are.

I agree that our kids are less knowledgeable and more arrogant than earlier generations. However I reject the idea that the current generation is any less intelligent. They have simply been denied a good education due to the focus of education unions on what is good for teachers instead of what is good for our kids. That has to change. If we return to the idea of expecting kids to do well and requiring them to work hard for success, the current generation will do as well as we have always done throughout our history.

U.S. 17 Windsor Bypass Ribbon Cutting

2008-06-23T17:41:00.007-04:00

Re posted with Photos courtesy of Bertie County Commissioner Charles Smith.

Last week they held the ribbon cutting ceremony to announce the opening of the U.S. 17 Windsor Bypass to save time and gas in getting to Edenton and Elizabeth City. Bertie County has its first stretch of Freeway! U.S. 17 is still expressway (which means it is 4 lane but NOT limited access) to Williamston and from the end of the new bypass to the Chowan River. However we have to start somewhere. This is a great new road.

As the ribbon cutting ceremony is about to begin local dignitaries walked up to the area where the chairs had been set up. In the photo above from left (Belinda White, Sharon Davis, LC. Hoggard, Morris Rascoe and Wallace Perry).

Everyone was excited about the great step forward this road represents. Friends gathered in groups to talk about it

Local realtor Collins Cooper (left above), a member of the Windsor Town Council, and County Manager Zee Lamb (right above) were two of the local dignitaries who were there.

The most important person there was Mayor Bob Spivey (above middle), who has worked for years to make this great step forward come to fruition.

Many in the crowd did not get there in time to get a seat, and they lined the guardrails to participate anyway.

Dignitaries included Lyndo Tippett, Secretary of the NC DOT (seated on left), Stan White (second from left), the local DOT Board of Transportation Member, Mayor Bob Spivey (at podium) and Norman Cherry (seated on right), Chairman of the Bertie County Commissioners.

The local dignitaries lined up to cut the ribbon before sending cars on the first tour of the new Freeway.

Click here for the News-Herald article "US 17 Windsor Bypass opens".

Papers Facing Worst Year For Ad Revenue

2008-06-23T01:11:00.005-04:00

by Richard Perez-Pena - June 23rd, 2008 - New York Times

For newspapers, the news has swiftly gone from bad to worse. This year is taking shape as their worst on record, with a double-digit drop in advertising revenue, raising serious questions about the survival of some papers and the solvency of their parent companies.

The reasons are not unsurprising. Two huge forces are weakening newspapers.

The first is the supremacy of the Internet to provide many of the services that have long fueled newspaper revenue. Coupons can be provided over the Internet at a fraction of the cost of printing coupons in millions of newspapers that will never be clipped. The search capability of the Internet means that job ads can be significantly more effective than in newspapers. Auto ads are much easier to find on the Internet for the same reason. As for real estate ads, the vastly greater ability of the Internet to allow great pictures, with thumbnails to make it easy to read and scan many ads, backed by larger pictures for detail, means that newspapers just cannot be competitive.

The second is the anti-Americanism of newsroom and editorial boards. Polls have repeatedly shown that newspaper writers are significantly more liberal than the populace they serve. So much so that there are more Marxists who cheer the destruction of America and free enterprise working on newspapers than there are conservatives, even though conservatives make up the largest single portion of American people while Marxists in the populace are in single digits. Even moderates are underrepresented on newspapers. The percentage of moderates in the populace is 4 times the percentage of moderates working on newspapers. Even freedom of speech is at risk as newspapers have stopped allowing ads they see as politically incorrect and letters to the editor are appallingly edited to make conservatives look out of touch. The result is that a significant majority of Americans have discovered that they can get more honest and less biased news and opinion on the Internet, and have stopped buying papers as a result.

These two trends will continue. Newspapers seem unable to figure out how to compete with the Internet advantages in their traditional ad revenue streams. And they seem unwilling to reverse the bias and bigotry in their philosophical barrier with the populace they serve. Holding the views of your customer in contempt is not the way to increase sales, or even maintain them as this article is pointing out.

There will always be a niche for newspapers, just as there is still radio after TV. However the newspaper of the future will be much smaller than in the past and many fewer will be sold. The industry has not yet come up with a vision of how to compete in the online world of the 21st century in a nation that is the world's bastion of free enterprise and liberty when their product is produced by socialists and marxists.

Shaw University Describes Bertie County Efforts

2008-06-21T07:25:00.012-04:00

The Windsor Rotary Club continues to grow, and this day we hit a new milestone. The crowd was so large it overflowed our area and we had to bring in more chairs. In fact the crowd was so large a few people had to sit at the back after they had eaten so late arrivals had a place to eat too. We are shortly going to need to expand the room we use at Carolina Country Restaurant.

The pledge of allegiance (below) is part of the standard opening ceremony.

Diane Hoggard (below on left), a great singer, joined Holland Cayton (below center), leading us in the traditional song.

The program leader for the day was Dr. Chip Zullinger (shown below), Superintendent of Schools for Bertie County. He had arranged for some of the Shaw University personnel to talk about their plans for the Bertie County facility that they are setting up at the currently empty Southwestern School.

Dr. Grace Ndip, a native of Cameroon in Africa, was the primary presenter. She spoke about the plans for Shaw's Bertie Campus and its focus on getting degrees for Bertie County students who wish to pursue teaching as a career. There will be special programs to get our kids certification and experience right here in Bertie County.

She also spoke about the plans for the Ag-Science High School and Shaw's desire to help NC State, ECU and Elizabeth City State University to support this grand new school to provide a two year college for our kids while they are attending high school; and also seeking a career in the burgeoning industry of bio technology. Part of Shaw's help with this includes putting in a $5 million bio-fuels production and research facility, as a start towards a much larger effort in the future. It is a real coup for Bertie County to have this unique one of a kind facility.

Dr. Zullinger (shown above in middle) presented Jason Gilchrist (on left) and Dr. Grace Ndip (on right) with the traditional cobalt blue coffee mug embossed with gold lettering and Rotary emblem as a thank you for their presentation.

Roy Bond - Funeral Services Scheduled

2008-06-17T09:11:00.000-04:00

Roy. L. Bond, Jr. was born in Windsor, NC in 1946. He was 62 years old. He attended schools in Bertie County including Indian Woods Elementary and Southwestern High School where he graduated in 1965. A graduate of Elizabeth City State University with a degree in Physical Education, he began his teaching career in Martin County in 1969. He came home to Bertie High School in 1985 and retired in 2002. During his coaching career he led Bertie High School to State Football Championships twice. Following retirement, he enjoyed farming and was an avid deer hunter as a member of the Silver Crow Hunting Club.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon, currently Principal at Bertie High School. He was the father of two sons and 5 daughters, sons Adrian of Greenvile, NC and Avery, a South Carolina resident, daughters, Precious Bond of Oak City, NC; Monica and Meesha Bond of Temple Hill, MD; Shannon and Chrystal Chamblee of Windsor, NC. He was also the grandfather of eleven.

Services for Mr. Roy L. Bond, Jr.

WAKE
Wednesday, June 18th, 2008
6:00 - 7:30 PM
St. Francis Missionary Baptist Church
342 St. Francis Road
Windsor, NC 27983

FUNERAL
Thursday, June 19th, 2008
1:00 PM
Bertie High School Gymnasium
715 U.S. Highway 13 North
Windsor, NC 27983

Cherry Funeral Home of Windsor is handling arrangements. You can reach them at (252) 794-2272.

Coach Roy Bond - Bertie Legend

2008-06-14T22:39:00.000-04:00

Statement from Chairman Rickey Freeman on the passing of former Bertie Football Coach Roy Bond

It is with very deep sadness and regret that I announce the passing of a Bertie County legend, Coach Roy Bond. I believe I speak on behalf of the entire board of education, administrators and staff of Bertie County Schools, and the entire Bertie County community when I offer our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, his friends, and to all those who have been touched by this fine gentleman. Coach Bond's passing leaves a deep void in Bertie County and across North Carolina where we feel he was a state hall-of-fame caliber football coach. He has mentored hundreds and hundreds of young people during his distinguished career including students, coaches, teachers and others. We will always remember this great coach who brought so much pride to Bertie County by bringing home not one, but two state high school football championships, in 1995 and 2000. Coach Bond will be missed, but Coach Bond will not be forgotten.

Rickey Freeman, Chairman
Bertie County Board of Education

Salvation Army Presents Program To Rotary

2008-06-14T07:11:00.003-04:00

Windsor Rotary President Sharon Davis (shown below), of the Windsor-Bertie Chamber of Commerce, was back to preside over this week's Windsor Rotary Club meeting.

Jonathan Huddleston (shown below), our favorite lawyer (of Pritchett & Burch in Windsor), had the program for this day. Jonathan brought representatives of the Salvation Army to present their ideas for charitable efforts in Bertie County.

Bertie County representative Rod Mumma (shown below) spoke first.

He was followed by Captain Jim McGee (shown below), from the Elizabeth City regional offices of this great organization.

Jonathan worked too fast so I missed the picture of him the presenting traditional cobalt blue coffee cup to the captain.

Amazing Teacher Facts

2008-06-14T07:09:00.000-04:00

Editorial - June 14th, 2008 - The Wall Street Journal

This month 3,700 recent college grads will begin Teach for America's five-week boot camp, before heading off for two-year stints at the nation's worst public schools. These young men and women were chosen from almost 25,000 applicants, hailing from our most selective colleges.

[snip]

It seems that Teach for America offers smart young people something even better than money – the chance to avoid the vast education bureaucracy. Participants need only pass academic muster and attend the summer training before entering a classroom. If they took the traditional route into teaching, they would have to endure years of "education" courses to be certified.

The American Federation of Teachers [an "education" union] commonly derides Teach for America as a "band-aid."

[snip]

Here's the gist: "On average, high school students taught by TFA corps members performed significantly better on state-required end-of-course exams, especially in math and science, than peers taught by far more experienced instructors. The TFA teachers' effect on student achievement in core classroom subjects was nearly three times the effect of teachers with three or more years of experience."

If you think this will matter to either the education unions or the politicians in their pockets, you are dreaming. The interest of the unions is school system employees. They do not want good teachers. They want loyal union members. So they have erected a system that attracts teachers who are not qualified, not motivated and tolerant of tedious bureaucracy.

The people who suffer are our children. Education quality has plunged down for over 2 generations, even as we have thrown more and more money at the system. Where is that money going? Why do things simply get worse year after year despite education union claims that it is getting better? If it is getting better why can't our kids read? Why after 40 years of more and more money is the only solution more money?

A five week boot camp turns out better teachers than the education unions provide after more than 2 years of so-called "education" training with more than 3 years of classroom experience. FIVE WEEKS VERSUS FIVE YEARS. We have a number of teachers who hate the current system but they are in the minority. Only when parents make politicians care more about the kids than they do about the education unions will things ever get better.

It is time.

Bertie County Ag-Science High School

2008-06-09T06:41:00.000-04:00

Click here or on the title above for a great article about the proposed new Ag-Science High School for Bertie County.

With George Washington Carver being the inventor of Ag-Science and one of the world's greatest dozen scientists of the last century, I would like to propose that we name this innovative new school for this genius.

Rotary Learns How To Eat Smart

2008-06-06T07:26:00.001-04:00

Mary Morris (shown below) of North Carolina State University gave the Windsor Rotary a great presentation on the importance of what we eat and drink. Mary is a Family and Consumer Science Agent for the University.

Mary shared a great deal of information about food values, calories (including calories in what we drink) and eating healthy.

Stacie Dunlow (above on left) presents Mary the cobalt blue coffee mug with gold rotary symbol that is the traditional thank you gift for Windsor Rotary speakers.

If you have any questions for Mary, she can be contacted at (252) 794-5319, or by email at mary_morris@ncsu.edu

Bertie S.T.E.M. Open House

2008-05-30T17:38:00.000-04:00

The Bertie School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S.T.E.M.) will hold an “Open House” on Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 noon.

The event will be held at the school located on the campus of Bertie High School, 715 U.S. Highway 13 North in Windsor, NC 27983. Rising ninth and tenth graders, along with their parents, are urged to attend this insightful time with S.T.E.M. students, teachers and others.

For more information, call 252-794-5820.

Teacher Caught On Tape: Kindergartner 'Ignorant, Pathetic, Self-Absorbed'

2008-05-28T02:53:00.000-04:00

by Jonann Brady - May 27th, 2008 - ABC News

Ignorant. Pathetic. Self-absorbed.

Those are some of the harsh names an Indiana kindergarten teacher called one of her students, and the boy's parents captured it all on tape.

Kristen Woodward, the teacher, does not think that humiliating the child was wrong. Like local Judge Rob Lewis, she felt that humiliation would affect the child in a positive way. However the only thing that has happened is that Kristen Woodward is now likely to lose her job.

I have gotten a lot of feedback on my criticism of Judge Rob Lewis for his use of humiliation to punish the young men who recently created a disturbance after a Bertie County High School dance. It appears there are a number of people who side with Kristen Woodward, the teacher in the incident above who tried to humiliate a misbehaving child in Kindergarten, just as there are a number who support Judge Lewis here in Bertie County.

"What do you say to a kid who's rolling around, punching, biting, kicking? What can a teacher do?" Carol Mooney, a spokeswoman with the Indiana State Teachers Association asked of the local newspaper.

I wonder why it is felt that humiliating a high school student will work but humiliating a kindergarten student will not?

Where do you stand on the issue of humiliation as a punishment for school children? Does it matter how old they are?

Insurance Explained To Rotary

2008-05-24T07:52:00.000-04:00

Joe Alexander introduced the program for the Windsor Rotary on Thursday. He had arranged for Laura Ambrose and Connie Robinson of Aflac Insurance to explain their special insurance which pays cash benefits when a policyholder has a covered accident or sickness.

Laura Ambrose (shown below) explained the well known insurance program that we see on TV, and also explained the large array of other insurance that Aflac offers.

Collins Cooper (below on left) presents the traditional cobalt blue coffee mug to Laura and Connie as thanks for the information they provided.

One thing Aflac brought that Rotary does not usually see was a lot of gifts which they gave away in a lottery. (shown from left below) Kelly Taylor, Parker Garrett and Crystal Cobb model the Aflac Ducks which they won in the Aflac lottery.

If you wish to contact Aflac, Laura can be reached at (252) 793-4608 or by email at laura_ambrose@us.aflac.com. Connie can be reached at (252) 793-4973 or by email at connie_robinson@us.aflac.com

Judge Humiliates Bertie Kids

2008-05-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

Specifically, District Judge Rob Lewis orders 16 Bertie kids to parade around downtown Windsor with sign that says "DON'T I LOOK STUPID".

It appears to me there are groups who are unhappy with the growing discipline problems caused by gang members who who are attending our schools. These groups feel parents have failed the kids and that someone should stop the problem. Judge Rob Lewis seems to be a part of these groups and he is apparently very angry about it.

The latest issue to come up is the discipline being ordered for some of the kids who participated in an incident at Bertie High School. There seems to be some minor questions about the details, and though I have left a request with Deputy Sheriff Travis Askew, the officer I was told who handled the complaint, I have not been allowed to speak with him yet. However what I have been told is the following.

Some wannabe gang members got in to an altercation after a dance 3/30 as continuation of a previous altercation between them in downtown Windsor. Toward the end of the altercation, one of them fired a gun to intimidate the other gang as he left in a car. The deputies called the Windsor Police and he was stopped and arrested. The group at the high school were already dispersing in cars, so over the weekend the deputies got arrest warrants and the gang members were arrested the following Monday. The student who fired the weapon has been expelled, but is also a part of the group the Judge is dealing with. Some of the others were charged with fighting and some were only charged with failure to disperse. There were 16 defendants

It was these charges which Judge Rob Lewis dealt with yesterday. It appears that Judge Lewis got his law degree from a college that studied the Pilgrims. The reason I think this? Part of the Judges order was for the kids to parade around the block where the court is situated holding a sign that said "DON'T I LOOK STUPID".

One of the attorneys present said that he thought all of the 16 who were sentenced yesterday, got similar orders from the judge, including the humiliation of carrying a sign around the courthouse block for various lengths of time. I was not present for most of the hearings after the first so I cannot provide details on the others who got similar orders.

The one student whose trial I was present for got the following orders. Judge Lewis ordered him to 12 months of deferred prosecution and in the interim he ordered him to a long list of restrictions and punishments which were to include: read 12 books and do book reports - one each month, adhere to all school officials directives, have no unexcused absences, he was assigned a nightly curfew, and finally the Judge ordered him to walk around the block of the courthouse with a sign that said on one side, "Don't I look stupid" and on the other "I was fighting at Bertie High School". I was told that deferred prosecution meant that if the kid behaved and followed the restrictions, his conviction would be expunged and he would have no criminal record.

Sort of reminds me of the kinds of punishment used in the old days, as seen behind the Revolutionary War Era Courthouse in Edenton (picture above).

For anyone who would like to contact Judge Lewis, his phone and address are included.

W. Rob Lewis,District Court Judge
P.O. Box 643
Jackson, NC 27845

(252) 534-1785

There are a couple of other articles about the actions of Judge Lewis and his attempts to humiliate others. They are linked below:
http://www.roanoke-chowannewsherald.com/articles/2008/05/26/news/news2.txt
http://theruleoflaw.blogspot.com/2008/05/judge-rob-lewis-threatens-bertie-school.html

Future Opportunities For Bertie And Windsor

2008-05-17T01:53:00.000-04:00

The Windsor Rotary program yesterday was provided by Kelly Taylor (shown below), our local reporter and advertising rep for the Bertie Ledger Advance. It was a good program. Kelly brought both the Director of Economic Development and two of the managers from our great local success story, Innsbrook.

Steve Biggs (shown below), Director of Economic Development for Bertie County brought rotary up to speed on many actions that are taking place to provide jobs, homes and health improvements for our area.

Next we heard from Tim Dougherty (shown below), Innsbrook's Head Golf Pro. Tim explained the many opportunities that the magnificent new Innsbrook Golf and Athletic Club will offer to local sports enthusiasts to enjoy the facilities that are being constructed. There will be men, women and children's leagues of golf, allowing great public access to this magnificent facility during the development phase.

Tim also talked about the tennis, pool and other athletic facilities that have not previously received much mention.

Some of the earlier articles we have posted about this great facility can be found below:

Arnold Palmer Opens Signature Course covers the recent Grand Opening of the Innsbrook golf course.

North Carolina's Greatest Golf Course - Pictures and layouts of all 18 Innsbrook golf holes, including the magnificent 17th! These were taken in early 2007 right after a severe freeze set the course completion back by half a year.

Click here for 2006 pictures and article from Innsbrook site as it progressed.

Click here for the original 2005 pictures and article on the Innsbrook development when construction first started.

If you have any questions for Tim, he can be reached at (252) 482-5300, or by email at timegolfpro@hotmail.com

Chris Catron of Innsbrook's Sales Department was also there to answer questions about the Innsbrook facility. Their web site can be found at http://www.innsbrookgolfandboat.com/index.php

Kelly (above on right) gave both Steve (above on left) and Tim (center above) the traditional cobalt blue coffee mug as a thank you for their presentations.

NCDOT To Pick Up Storm Debris

2008-05-15T20:09:00.000-04:00

The NC Department Of Transportation is to Begin Picking Up Storm Debris from State Highway Rights of Way in Bertie County on Wednesday May 14, 2008.

Property owners should bring storm-related debris to the right of way no later than Monday, May 26, to ensure pick up.

Debris should be kept out of the roadway and property owners are asked to cut woody debris such as trees into five- or six-foot pieces, if possible. The department will also pick up construction and demolition debris from storm-damaged homes and businesses. These materials should be placed in a separate pile from woody debris. No hazardous materials or appliances will be collected; these should be taken to appropriate disposal locations by property owners.

Operation of Disaster Recovery Center

Bertie County has been declared a disaster area due to the recent tornadoes. This means that affected residents are eligible for assistance. The Individual Assistance (IA) and Small Business Association (SBA) officials will be assigned to Bertie County to process applications for this assistance. They will be located at Mt. Olive Baptist Church located at 102 Mt. Olive Road Windsor, NC (off Governors Rd) beginning May 16th -18th. The operation hours are 7:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m. Any resident that has received storm damages are encouraged to apply. The contact number is 252-348-2656.

The American Red Cross is also located at this location to assist individuals with their services.

Any questions please call Bertie County Emergency Management @ 252-724-1675 or 252-794-5302.

We Have Lost A Great Man - Holley Mack Bell

2008-05-13T08:51:00.000-04:00

- - Holley Mack Bell, II - - 1922 - 2008

I got a call from a friend to ask if I had heard that Mack had died Sunday. I had not heard; and like those calls always make you feel when someone you really like has passed, I felt great sorrow. Not for Mack, since I know he is in a better place. Sorrow for me, because I will never again be able to talk with Mack about the things that are happening in this county and town that he loved.

To the Bell family and especially Clara, please know that Mack was loved by all whose lives he touched. We will miss him.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Windsor, Wednesday, May 14, 2008 at 11:00 AM.

This will be followed by a reception at the home, 407 South King Street, Windsor.

Click on the title above or here for the News & Observer obituary. Please click and sign the online guest book for the family.

Innsbrook And Bertie, Magnificent Beauty - Arnold Palmer Opens Signature Course

2008-05-09T21:30:00.001-04:00

Today was a great day in the move to expose the world to the beauty of Bertie County. The new Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course was inaugurated by Arnie playing a round of golf at the new facility. There was a huge crowd on hand to see this milestone in Bobby Ware's Innsbrook masterpeice, the jewel of the Inner Banks.

Though his trip here this day had more to do with Bobby Ware selecting Arnold's design company to build his golf course than personal appreciation for our area, Arnold Palmer is the kind of man Bertie County can admire and take to heart. Palmer has an incredible number of golf awards, including victories in seven "major" events among his 92 wins, Arnold Palmer is also the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Arnold Palmer is among golf's top handful of all time greats. He is considered the top for a great number of people who admire his grit and determination. As we learned on this beautiful day in Bertie, he still plays an amazing game of golf for a man approaching 80 years old.

It does not hurt that Arnold attended Wake Forest University here in North Carolina. That makes him one of ours.

As you approached the Innsbrook facility this day, Bobby had flags marking the way to the course.

At the Innsbrook Front Gate, U.S. and North Carolina flags proudly flew with the Innsbrook Crest Flag. Click on the title above to see the crest on the Innsbrook web site.

Driving into the facility, the landscape of the golf course is simply awesome.

Just before reaching the location of today's event, you pass the nearly completed Innsbrook Country Club building.

There were a number of tents set up to house the facilities used for today's Grand Opening of the golf course.

Chris Catron (below center) was meeting people at the registration tent to welcome them to the Innsbrook facility. Everyone who registered was provided with a great set of brochures on the facilities and a goodie bag of momentos for the occasion.

Very quickly things were organized and we head out for the first hole of the day. The crowd was so mobbed around Arnold that I missed getting a picture of the first shot. I learned my lesson though, and the rest of the day I hustled to get to the holes in time to get a good position for the shots I took.

Following are each of Arnies shots for the day, as he circulated the course. He may not be playing the pro tour any more, but he is still a great golfer. He definitely showed flashes of his old brilliance.

Windsor Mayor Bob Spivey and Commissioner Wallace Perry (shown above) were a part of the crowd.

Commissioners Norman Cherry (front left above) and Charles Smith (right rear) accompanied by local reporter Jennipher Dickens (left rear). Jennipher was present talking with all the dignataries and getting their views of the event and the new facility. I missed getting the name of the young lady driving the cart.

Three separate holes (pictures following) shows Arnies stroke.

A really long putt (below) that came up six inches short, but it was right on line.

Even the great Arnold Palmer (below) sometimes hits the sand traps. They are everywhere at Innsbrook so I was amazed at how Arnie avoided them. This is not an easy course. It is a great one.

Wayland and Lucy Spruill (below) were there to enjoy the day. They must be in pretty good shape as they were walking the course. Most of the crowd was walking. Though the weather looked rough when we first arrived, it turned out to be a glorious sunny day.

After the round of golf, everyone met in the tents for a great meal. Here (from left rear) Diane Hoggard (L.C.'s wife), L.C. Hoggard, Wallace Perry, Rick Harrell, and Lori Harrell (Rick's wife) enjoy their meal with some other local dignataries; Mike Freeman (left front) and Helen Freeman (Mike's wife), (and on the right) Belinda White and Morris Rascoe.

Holland Cayton sets up the hot plates for the food.

Johnny Ray Pierce (center rear) and his wife Rachel (not shown) of the local restaurant Heritage House provided the excellent food.

After lunch the golf continued with the shotgun start of the super ball tournament.

At the end of the day, I found Innsbrook developer Bobby Ware talking with some of our County Commissioners. (From left) Wallace Perry, Norman Cherry (Chairman), Bobby Ware (Innsbrook), L.C. Hoggard and Charles Smith.

Everyone agreed that Bobby had met his goal of buiding one of the truly great golf facilities in the world, right here among the magnificent beauty of Bertie County.

Follwing are links to earlier articles on the Bertie County Patriot covering this facility as it has progressed.

North Carolina's Greatest Golf Course - Pictures and layouts of all 18 Innsbrook holes, including the magnificent 17th! These were taken in early 2007 right after a severe freeze set the course completion back by half a year.

Click here for 2006 pictures and article from Innsbrook site.

Click here for the original 2005 pictures and article on the Innsbrook development.

Rotary Honors Outstanding Rotarian Bob Brown

2008-05-02T09:34:00.000-04:00

Yesterday's Roatary Club meeting was the occassion of a significant honor for local member Bob Brown, as he was presented a plaque recognizing him as "Rotarian of the Year" by club President Sharon Davis.

Jody Rhea (shown below on left) acepted a check from Collins Cooper (shown below on right) of the Windsor Rotary on behalf of the Bertie County Water Search And Recovery for the outstanding work they do in our county.

Speaker for the day was yours truly, Dean Stephens, talking about campagining for office, and the need for dedicated citizens to get involved in public life to assure we have a healthy democracy.

Tee & Sea - May 8th And 9th

2008-04-28T08:18:00.000-04:00

One of the greatest (if not the greatest) events in our area is the Windsor Fire Department sponsored "Tee and Sea". It just gets better every year.

Windsor Fire Department "Tee and Sea"

Windsor Fire Department

As usual there are four major events over two days.

Festivities kick off Thursday, May 8th with the Duffers Superball Tournament at 1:00 PM.

Thursday night after the golf event at 6:00 PM, there is the annual Ken Younger Night. There will be free beverages, food, a silent auction, reverse raffle and other exciting activities.

Friday, May 9th is the second golf event, the Embarq Open Golf Tounament, a four man super ball event. Tee times are 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM.

Friday night at 5:30 PM is the Seafood Buffet and Dance. Incredible food is the order of the day, including shrimp, scallops, trout, crab cakes and clam strips. The band "Oz" will perform from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Please click here to go to the Tee and Sea web site for other details.

Click here, here, here and here for Bertie County Patriot coverage of events from last year!

Click here, here and here for Bertie County Patriot coverage of events from 2006!

Rotary Meeting Gets Updates

2008-04-13T02:36:00.000-04:00

The meeting of the Windsor Rotary Club on Thursday was an interesting one. The normal format with one speaker was changed to a series of updates on various issues of public interest for the Windsor community. I thought it very intriguing and worth considering using this format again in the future.

Sharon Davis

Collins Cooper

Jody Rhea

Lisa Harrell

Battle Of Windsor - January 30th, 1864

2008-04-04T11:53:00.000-04:00

The Windsor Rotary Club was treated to a special presentation this week. Harry Thompson came out to tell us the story of the Battle of Windsor.

Collins Cooper (shown above) introduced Harry to the club, though Harry is so famous in this area he really needed no introduction.

Harry Thompson is a passionate story teller, and animatedly uses his arms and hands as he talks. On this day he shared with us the story of how, until a lady from California called him a few years back, he, the sage of the Inner Banks, was not himself aware that there had been a Battle of Windsor.

Harry told us two stories really. One was about the battle. The other was about the research needed to dig the story out from the records of the Civil War that still existed.

A troop of 125 Confederate Cavalry, were attacked by three separate units of what was supposed to be a coordinated attack on Windsor by 1400 Union soldiers. The attack happened at the bridge over the Cashie River at Hoggard Mill. The 3 units only failed to capture the Confederate forces because they arrived at different times. After taking on each untit separately, the Confederate Cavalry forces escaped North to Virginia.

It took considerable research to put together the facts of the battle from historical records, and though the battle was between ground forces, naval records from the ships that delivered the Union forces to the battle were actually the key to understanding what took place.

At the end of the meeting, Rotary Members were allowed to look at the artifacts that have been collected from the battlefield. Above Joe Roberson holds a plaque with various bullets that have been gathered where the battle took place.

Harry Thompson (above) holds a piece of wood from a nearby house that was hit numerous times during the battle by the large musket balls of the time.

Steve Wishall holds what is known to be the very last cannonball fired during the battle, as the Union forces returned to Plymouth by boat.

Harry Thompson (on left above) is presented the traditional cobalt blue coffee mug by Collins Cooper (above on right) as a thank you for a great presentation.

Shaken Baby Syndrome - Awareness Rally

2008-04-04T09:25:00.000-04:00

MUSIC BY THE WILLIE PEOPLE BAND
FREE REFRESHMENTS

FUN event planned for
National Shaken Baby Syndrome Awareness Week

Saturday APRIL 26th, 2008
Noon to 3 PM

in Windsor North Carolina's
Livermon Park

- - - - - - SBS! - - - - - - -

Never ever shake a baby!

RAISING AWARENESS TO HELP PREVENT SBS
Click on title above to learn about SBS

Livermon Park and Mini Zoo - Windsor North Carolina
Pettng zoo and wild animal park for kids, nature trails for relaxing and education about our environment - Livermon Park is a FUN PLACE.

Map to Livermon Park
(click on thumbnail for full size map)

Benefitting Bertie Memorial Hospital

. . . WILL BE THERE

For more information, contact:
Jennipher Dickens
Stop Shaken Baby Syndrome Inc.
http://www.stopsbs.net
(252) 724-0144

"Windsor House" Administrator Talks To Rotary

2008-03-30T02:02:00.000-04:00

Jennie Conner, Administrator for Windsor House came to tell the Windsor Rotary about their new facility. It is a facility that focuses on caring for patients with memory impairment problems.

Ms. Conner was introduced by Ned Heckstall (shown above), former Rotary President.

Jennie Conner (shown above) made a very informative presentation on her "Windsor House" facility.

The recent push for members meant there was a very large crowd (shown below) of both members, new members and guests. Windsor Rotary is becoming the "In" place to be on Thursdays at lunch.

Ned Heckstall presents the traditional "cobalt blue mug" to Jennie to thank her for the presentation.

You can see pictures of the "Windsor House" facility taken at the ribbon cutting ceremony in our blog article about the event here.

If you have questions about "Windsor House", you can contact Jennie Conner at (252) 794-9333, or email her at administrator@thewindsorhouse.net.

Home Schooling Post Generates Lots Of Comments

2008-03-12T08:20:00.000-04:00

If you click here you can learn a lot about how blogs are supposed to work. I posted an article about home schooling and the result was more articulate "comments" on the subject than any posting I have done (since I gave up my technical blogs 5 years ago).

We are a polite society and no one wants to go public with anything controversial. That is the nature of the culture of NE North Carolina. However those who want to see our culture changed are not as polite and are willing to be controversial. As a result we are losing our culture, our schools and our kids.

You can be controversial and still be civil. Ronald Reagan was always controversial and yet he was always civil. We need more people in NE North Carolina to get involved and start participating in our blogs so we can protect the good parts of our area even as we fix the problems.

Please, GET INVOLVED!

Educators or Kingmakers?

2008-03-10T07:33:00.000-04:00

by David White - March 10th, 2008 - The New York Times

If the Democratic race is settled at the party’s convention this summer — not unlikely, given Hillary Clinton’s victories over Barack Obama in Ohio and Texas — certain delegate constituencies are going to be the object of much affection from the candidates. Most prominent among these is the delegate and superdelegate bloc affiliated with the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers, the nation’s two largest teachers’ unions. In 2004, more than 400 regular delegates to the convention were members of the two unions, making up a group bigger than every state delegation except California’s.

Good news for the unions, however, might not be good news for education. The union agenda has often run counter to the interests of students and teachers alike.

Maybe we are making some headway in pointing out the anti-education agenda of the education unions, when even the New York Times is conceding the union's goals are "counter to the interests of students and teachers." The NY Times is usually supportive of any of the Democrat pressure groups.

It would be nice if they really cared about our kids. However they seem more concerned with whether this particular special interest group is going to align with the right Democrat candidate.

Paul Revere And Ag Science In Bertie County

2008-03-08T15:21:00.000-05:00

by John Davis - March 8th, 2008

Paul Revere might have been riding through Bertie County last Thursday night. His call that rousted us from our beds was not a warning of the invading British, but yet a message of change and hope. Ag-Science is coming; Ag-Science is coming, were the words that echoed off the pines that lined his road of travel.

Thursday, March 6, 2008, may be judged as one of the most important days in Bertie County’s educational history. On that night, our new visionary superintendent, Chip Zullinger, collaborated with educators from three universities, to share their visions about several programs that could positively change the landscape of public education in Bertie County forever.

Chef from Shaw BBQ and Benjie Forrest

Attendees enjoy food

The may and could in the paragraph above, can be replaced by the word will if the citizens of our county will understand that our diversity is our strength and if we work together to make this program change our public education system to one that will draw people to the area. As Charles Harden, a ninth generation farmer said after hearing the program, “This can work in Bertie County.” The comments from all the Bertie Communities present were positive and the room was full of “hopeful electricity” in a way I have never experienced at any educational public meeting since my return home three years ago.

Alton Parker, Brent Todd, Norman Cherry and Emma Johnson

Dr. Chip Zullinger, Bob Spivey, Danny Perry (back to camera) and Amber Dunlow

What is this all “hopeful electricity” about? Over 20 PHD’s were in the cafeteria of The Southwestern School sharing with us how that building could house a new school in Bertie County. One that would be a high school, an early college, a research center, and an adult education center all wrapped into one.

The crowd included more PHDs than Bertie has ever seen at one time

Benjie Forrest, Eastern Regional Agricultural Coordinator for NC State, started the program by reminding the audience that 49% of Bertie County’s workforce is in agriculture and 72% of our income is directly or indirectly from agriculture as well. As an agricultural leader in the state, we are the best place to open an Agri-Academy High School that will be the first of it’s kind in North Carolina and counted among only a few nationally. He outlined that all the partners in this program understood the challenges being faced by the county. This program could help us motivate and challenge our children to see a vision of success for their future. As I listened, I understood it could also be a program that builds a bridge to increase our diverse community’s ability to work together, because only together can we make something of this magnitude happen.

Benjie Forrest

Next, Dr. Gerald Barlow who is the NCSU State Agricultural Education Leader, spoke to us. He talked about this program being one that goes from traditional farming to biotechnology. He spoke of the ability of these programs to reach students and motivate them to excel because they are working hands on and not just with a textbook. He talked about how excited NC State was that Bertie was considering this partnership and how committed NC State was to working with us to make the dream a reality.

Dr. Marshall Stewart was the next speaker. He is a department head at NC State and State Agricultural Education Coordinator. Dr. Stewart outlined three foundations of how agriculture and K-12 education support each other.

1. Creating economic opportunity is the center piece. He talked about giving students skills for the global economy and training students who could work in the Agri-technical industries of eastern NC and the world. He held up the Shaw Biodiesel Project as an example of economic opportunity resulting from this school.

2. Contributing to educational excellence by increasing the resources available to students through this program and its many partners.

3. The ability of ag-educational programs to improve the quality of life for the students and communities through gaining a better understanding of nutrition. He related the potential to partner with the medical community to educate on diabetes, obesity, and cancer.

Charles Smith, Richard Rhodes, Norman Cherry and Charles Harden

Dr. Marshall continued with four questions and the answers that show why our dream for this school must come true.

1. Why now? He told us because the need of our young people is great for a vision of success in the future.

2. Why here? There are issues and challenges that must be overcome but there are assets here as well. The empty Southwestern building is one but he also talked about the strength of the people of Bertie County.

3. Why these partners? Each of them has an interest in helping this area of NC reach its full potential

4. Why not? He told us many may focus on the challenges that could prevent this great program from occurring but he feels our leadership in the county is focusing on the reasons why we can do this. He believes the vision of our educational, county, and agribusiness communities are seeing this as a dream that can happen for Bertie County.

Dr. Martel Perry

Dr. Martel Perry, Vice President of Shaw University, was the next visionary on the podium. Shaw sent their entire Science Department to Bertie County to show their support of what we are trying to do. Dr. Martel spoke of how the head of Shaw, Dr. Newsome, had challenged the team working with Bertie County to dream on how their science programs could help even though they do not have an agricultural program at Shaw. The Shaw dreamers are champions as they outlined how their new National Science Foundation grant could allow them to help build a technology center inside Southwestern and as part of the Agri-Academy. This laboratory could support research efforts in agricultural by-products and would include a new biodiesel project Shaw is starting up. Three different presentations were given by Shaw professors showing how they could support our efforts to set up the technology/lab center, immerse biotechnology into our ag-program and get the biodeisel project up and running. One of the foundations of Shaw’s educational mission is to do educational outreach. They are already working to help us home grow our K12 teachers. Tonight they demonstrated they are committed to helping the area in many other ways. Now I admit, I am an ECU Pirate but I caught myself growling like a Shaw Bear on the ride home that night.

Bob Spivey, Danny Perry and Steve Wishall

Next one of our home grown leaders took the stage. Carol Atkins is the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Bertie County Schools. Carol did an excellent job of showing us how the new Learn and Earn Program in North Carolina could piggyback with our new ag-science program to improve education in Bertie County. She outlined the educational research that shows smaller schools within schools help our children learn better and increases interactions with their teachers and mentors, making them more motivated and improving their self esteem. This is needed because she told us the hard fact that today 40% of our students get lost and drop out of the K-12 educational experience. The new Ag Academy we are talking about would hopefully start with 100 students. Carol told us part of the Learn and Earn Program was to have high schools become early college high schools. With our university partners we can make this happen from a curriculum perspective. Students go to high school at home (for free) and graduate in four or five years with two years of college credit. They are then eligible to complete their last two college years at any NC public university and the state pays that expense under the Hope Scholarship Program. This program would be a great asset for Bertie County and the Agri-Academy would make this path possible. Carol said that in a program like this high school students begin to see themselves as college students and they have a vision to the future. Thanks Carol, for opening up my vision to what is possible.

Next Hal Davis, the Principal of Bear Grass High School in Martin County lead the program. Hal has extensive experience in his career in ag education. Hal loosened up his tie, took off his coat, and rolled up his dress shirt sleeves before he took the audience on an animated dream ride as to what our new school might look like. Hal has a career waiting once he leaves education as a motivational speaker. He showed us how this school would increase the learning time for students and partner them more with mentors outside of education. His vision was that the school would become part of the community and serve as a tool to help re-engage the school and community through adult education and internship programs. We have a lot of experienced people in the county who could serve as guest speakers for the classes and programs. Bertie County is rich in talent that has not being utilized by the school system in the past and Hal showed us how that can change in the future. He did a great job of making us see this new school as more than books and mortar.

Dr. Chip Zullinger wrapped up the evening by thanking everyone for coming and asking for comments or questions. If you have not met Chip you are in for a treat. Dr. Z is a very open man who understands we have a lot of good ideas and people in Bertie County who want to see our educational system be recognized as a leader in the state. Yes our money resources may be more limited than some but we have never lacked for will power and elbow grease. Every educational leader that spoke Thursday night talked about how approachable and responsive Dr. Z has been in their dealings with him. I had never met him and wrote him an email after I heard about the Shaw “Grow Your Own Teachers Program”. He responded with answers to my questions that very day and helped me understand the program and its benefits to the county. If you have not met him and would like to help improve education in Bertie County, I suggest you call him. You will not be disappointed in his listening skills or his desire to build a diverse team to help education in Bertie County.

Dr. Z asked for comments from the audience and the response was heart warming. We had great comments from Norman Cherry, Alton Parker, Dr. Horace Ward, Charles Harden, and Wood Farless, just to name a few. However, there are many other leaders in Bertie County who have the ability to join and make the team stronger and better. I have heard many folks say they do not have a dog in the fight as it relates to public education in Bertie County. However, everyone who lives here, owns property here, or knows a child here, I believe has a stake. We have a superintendent who collaborates and builds friends, we have students who need our help and guidance, and I believe we have the best people anywhere. I hope you will come to the next public meeting on this project and become a part of a great change that will take ALL the people of Bertie County to make it as good as it can be.

I would like to end by sharing the story Dr. Z told about the bird that went to slay the dragon. On his journey to meet his doom, the bird met other animals with whom he shared his story and admitted his inability to beat the dragon alone. He told each animal how much stronger they were than he and he was not to proud to ask each animal for help. When he arrived at the cave of the dragon, the bird had a zoo full of different animals that were too powerful for the dragon and the dragon was slain.

Mrs. Emma Johnson knew some people at Shaw, and someone else knew some people at NC State, and someone else knew someone at NC A&T. I want to challenge myself and you to be more like Mrs. Emma. We all know someone. You can help improve public education in Bertie County.

I hope you will.

UHS Police Chief Explains How They Help

2008-02-23T16:51:00.000-05:00

Randall W. Walston, Chief of Police for University Health Systems, came to the Windsor Rotary to talk about their organization, how it is organized, why it was set up, and how they can help the people of Windsor. They are providing police services at the UHS Hospital in Windsor, along with all the other UHS Hospitals.

Mr. Walston said it was important to understand that they are not just a security force. With the critical needs of hospitals, including the exposure they have with their invetory of drugs that are in great demand by gangs, the UHS Police Force has been granted actual police powers by state law. The presentation was very helpful and very informative.

In appreciation for the talk, Holland Caton (shown on right) presented Mr, Walston with the cobalt blue coffe mug that is traditional at the Windsor Rotary.

Race Matters Less In Politics Of South

2008-02-21T09:13:00.000-05:00

by Adam Nossiter - February 21st, 2008 - The New York Times

[A] few weeks ago, voters in a county that is more than 96 percent white chose a genial black man, James Fields, to represent them in the [Alabama] State House of Representatives. It is a historic first . . .

The New York Times works hard in this article to imply that no matter what is happening, the legacy of the South is more important than the promise of the future. I guess that really is the question though, "Have we learned anything from our history?" There is a famous quote that those who will not learn from history are condemned to repeat it.

J.C. Watts represented Oklahoma, a state that is 89% white, and it was dismissed as meaningless. An anomoly that did not mean anything here in the South. "It will never happen here (meaning the South)." Now it is happening all over the South. Not everywhere yet. But it will. Or will it?

Bertie County has great promise. The beauty of our area can be used to attract people who want weekend homes for golf and water sports, retirees who will bring the economic boon of "outside" money, eco-tourism and our relaxed lifestyle. None of this will happen if we don't fix our schools and learn to work together. Part of working together includes accepting that growth must happen. If it doesn't, we will continue to ship our children to the cities and poverty will remain our legacy.

This is a good article to read as long as you remember the political bias of the newspaper that published it. It has some good lessons for our own future. If we can learn from them.

Bertie County Schools Press Release - Dressed For Success

2008-02-09T16:21:00.000-05:00

“You cannot climb the ladder of success dressed in the costume of failure”

(WINDSOR) The reality of how you dress is how you’re judged was very evident today at Bertie High School. Students in the Foundations of Technology, Principals of Business and Personal Finance and Business and Personal Law, took part in an experiment called “Dressed for Success.” Teacher Doug Cummings encouraged the students to dress in suits, ties and professional attire to focus on the importance of communicating maturity, professionalism and self-esteem. Student comments ranged from, “I feel like a professional, I feel more mature, to I feel people take me more seriously.”

Which One Would You Hire? Dr. Chip Zullinger, left, Superintendent of Bertie County Schools, gets instruction from Dequan Williams, a student at Bertie High School

Bertie County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Chip Zullinger, and Assistant Superintendent Thomas Ruffin, visited the classroom dressed down in outfits more likely to be worn by the students themselves. The students were surprised by the visit, but more surprised with the two professional’s attire. It brought home the fact that one is judged by the way one looks regardless of the educational, social or political stature of the individual.

Dropout Rate, Suspensions On Rise In N.C.

2008-02-08T21:45:00.000-05:00

by T. Keung Hui - February 8th, 2008 - News & Observer

RALEIGH - North Carolina high school students are dropping out in increasing numbers despite more efforts to keep them in school, prompting frustrated education leaders to call for raising the minimum dropout age from 16 to 18.

What a solution. Schools are failing our children and they are not getting an education, so . . . let's lock them into school for a couple more years and say that fixed the problem. Maybe they will suck up some education through osmosis or something. Certainly let's not get to the root of the problem. We have trained these kids to not want an education. We have convinced them staying in school is worthless. And our solution is to lock them into these useless institutions for 2 more years so they can be even more disinterested when they turn 18 and drop out anyway.

Does anyone else think this is more than useless? What about fixing the school system so it once again educates our children? We used to provide the best education in the world. Obviously we know how. Then again that was before our schools were politicized by the liberal elite and charged with promoting diversity and tolerance. Excuse me, that is diversity and tolerance for everyone but Christians, patriots and those who believe in free enterprise.

Robert Murphrey Presents Main Street Program To Windsor Rotary

2008-02-08T16:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday at the Windsor Rotary, Robert Murphrey (shown below) of the State of North Carolina Department of Commerce, explained more about the state's Small Town Program which is a part of the larger Main Street Program.

We recently got the local view of the program from Allen Castelloe. You can see the earlier article on that presentation here. Mr. Murphrey was very informative about the history of the program and how it helps towns like Windsor to guide development into desirable directions. Allen Castelloe moderates our Windsor meetings on the Small Town Main Street program which are held every first Thursday of the month at the community center.

If you have any interest in the program, you should contact Allen Castelloe at (252) 794-2331, or email him at windsor.admin@mchsi.com . . . or contact Robert Murphrey at (919) 218-2934 or email him at murphrey@nccommerce.com

Rethinking Failure, Growth and Intelligence – Let the Games Begin!

2008-02-03T07:26:00.000-05:00

by Jackie Gingrich Cushman - February 3, 2008 - Townhall.com

This past weekend, I could hear the peals of laughter from the den. My mother and my two children were playing a game of chance and strategy. There were instances when each of the children became upset, and almost quit. My mother encouraged them to stay in the game. Following her advice, they each won a round. The game soon ended, and while my mother did not win a round, my guess is that she considers teaching them persistence her reward.

An article I recently read, “The Secret to Raising a Smart Kid,” By Dr. Carol Dweck, (Scientific American Mind, December 2007) sheds light on why I might care about winning or losing a game. I have been more concerned with looking smart than with learning – forgetting that learning requires accepting risk and the possibility of failure.

This is a great article for those who care about education. Persistence. The belief in persistence. The stubborn effort to keep trying . . . until you succeed . . . can be taught.

We need to remember the famous quote from Calvin Coolidge:

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

At a time when educators are so intent on teaching complex theories of tolerance and diversity, they have abandoned teaching the one attitude that leads to success, persistence.

I wonder why?

This is a great article about attitudes towards intelligence and its relationship to persistence. It sheds light on a number of issues related to why our schools are failing.

Arts Council Celebrates Black History Month

2008-02-02T06:51:00.000-05:00

The Bertie County Arts Council held its monthly open house last night, and used the occassion to recognize two great local artists. They are Viola Veale of Lewiston Woodville and Erskine Spruill of Plymouth.

As usual the crowd was large and enthusiastic at the open house (shown above). The theme for the month celebrates Black History. Viola Veale (show below with some of her work) uses a personal theme for her work of History Preserved, perfectly in tune with the Arts Council focus.

Erskine Spruill (show below with some of his work) often uses the many rivers in our area as a part of his paintings, frequently including the Roanoke near Plymouth and the Alligator near Columbia.

One of Mr. Spruill's special paintings to me includes the twin towers from 9/11 in New York, a history that will forever touch all Americans.

Visitors at the open house included Reverend Hoyt Cooper (above on left), Windsor Town Manager Allen Castelloe (above on right), and (below starting on left) Representative Ann Mobley , Nancy Adams, Ray Stephens and Chairman Norman Cherry .

The Bertie County Arts Council open houses always feature great food, and this month that included some crab balls and spiced shrimp that were simply delicious.

The paintings of these two great artists, along with many others, will be on display at the Bertie County Arts Council Gallery in the David O. Overton Building at 124 South King Street, Windsor, NC 27983. You can call the Council at (252) 794-9402 or email them at bertiearts@earthlink.net

Edward-Jones Informs Rotary On Investments

2008-02-01T06:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday our own Richard Whitley (shown below) of local Edward Jone's new office in Windsor, updated the Windsor Rotary about investment stragetgies for 2008. There is a lot of concern about the possibility of a recession right now. Keeping that in perspective was the message.

Richard handed out a great graph from Putnam (shown below - click on graph thumbnail to bring up graph full size) that dramatized the key point that free economies always go up over time. Since 1949, recessions (also known as bear markets - shown in red on the graph) have been few and far between. They are a part of the normal cycle of economics and are nothing to be concerned about long term.

Richard gave an excellent talk about investment thinking in 2008, emphasizing this point that taking steps to minimize the downside of a recession does not alter the fact that, long term, intelligent investments always go up.

Mike Flannely (above on right) presented Richard Whitley (above on left) with the traditional cobalt blue mug as a thank your for his talk.

If you have questions about investments you can call Richard at Edward Jones, (252) 794-2194. Their new office will be open in 30 days in downtown Windsor and then you can just drop by here.

Superintendent And Chairman Offer Condolence

2008-01-29T18:06:00.000-05:00

Statement on Behalf of Dr. Chip Zullinger, Superintendent and Rickey Freeman, Chairman of the Bertie County Board of Education, on the Tragic Loss of Jamesha Miller, 4th grade student at Windsor Elementary School.

The passing of a child is as tragic an event imaginable. We are deeply, deeply saddened by the sudden loss of one of our own, Miss Jamesha Miller, a 10-year old 4th grade student at Windsor Elementary School. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss, our focus is on her family, her friends and her school family. Please join us in wishing comfort to those who loved Jamesha and those who considered her a friend.

Social workers from throughout the school system have been made available at Windsor Elementary School to comfort and assist those in need.

Cards can be sent to Windsor Elementary School at:

104 Cooper Hill Rd.
Windsor, NC 27983

Mum's Diet Sets Baby's Weight

2008-01-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

by Ellen Connolly - January 26th, 2008 - Queensland Courier Mail

AUSTRALIAN scientists have made the world-first discovery that a pregnant woman's diet determines whether her baby grows into a fat or skinny adult.

The research suggests women who are overweight before they fall pregnant, and during it, may be condemning their children to a life of overeating and obesity. It reveals that a mother's diet during pregnancy affects the baby's brain circuits, determining appetite and energy expenditure in their offspring.

This also explains why slim mothers with slim fathers can have one child who is slim and another who is fat, if she overeats during one pregnancy but not the other.

I am sure this is another thing that will now make many mothers stress out over how their child turns out. It is intersting to think about this with regard to the obesity problem in America. It is expected that in a nation where mothers overeat, their children will be fat . . . if this research is correct.

It is NOT the child's fault, but the mother's fault. Wow.

Bertie County Schools And Shaw University To Partner For Better Teachers

2008-01-24T03:02:00.000-05:00

Article and Photos by Collins Cooper

At the Monday night meeting of the Bertie County Board of Education meeting, Dr. Chip Zullinger announced a new proposed partnership with Shaw University which is entitled Grow your own teachers. Dr. Zullinger went on to say that 1 out of 3 teachers leave before the end of the first year, that Bertie County ranks in the top 10 in teacher turnover and that surrounding counties have the same problems. One class in four will loose a teacher. It takes 45 days on average to get a new teacher in place. Every week an average of 2 out of 5 days are spent without a qualified teacher in the class room.

He then went on to present the concept of Grow your own teachers. Identify 20 of the brightest graduating seniors who want to be teachers, employee each of them as teacher cadets for 2008-2009 school year, pay their tuition to attend Shaw University in a newly created Bertie County Campus and begin their studies to become fully certified teachers with an emphasis on Math, Science and English. After graduation, they will be placed as teachers and will be employed by the County School system for a minimum of 5 years. Also sustain this Cohort effort for over a 4 year life cycle.

Dr. Clarence Newsome, President Shaw University

Why Bertie County Students?

This will create a new future for education in Bertie County and will give the ability to participate in this program to many deserving students. It will pull a student through High school with a mission to be a stronger student in order to qualify to become a teacher cadet.

Why Shaw University?

Shaw has deep roots in Bertie and surrounding counties. Shaw is uniquely qualified to understand our students and to commit to becoming part of the solution. By being a private school, Shaw is positioned to move quickly without having to go through bureaucratic entanglements. Shaw’s Current president, Dr. Clarence Newsome, a Hertford County native, understands our needs and has the ability reach out and create dynamic partnerships with other entities to increase our education capacities. Also, Shaw is very committed to help with this project. Shaw’s primary mission is to prepare teachers.

William Peele, Jr, CAPE Director, Dr Terence Leathers, and Dr. Herman E. Thomas

Dr Zullinger went on to say no one has been able to turn around situations in poverty areas. He believes the Afro-American community needs to step forward and help solve our schools problems.

The cost for salary, benefits and tuition will be around $680,000 annually for a 4 year total of $2,700,000. This will be about 7% of the yearly budget. It needs to be a budget priority. In return, the county would get 80 new teachers, 20 per year, for a 5 year commitment, a true higher education partner that is committed to our region and our students desiring to find a new solution for quality education for Bertie County kids. This would also lead to a new viable source of economic development for Bertie County and the surrounding region.

Dr. Clarence Newsome and some of his top level staff were in attendance and said that this is a very forward thinking program not only for our state, but also the nation. It fits in very well with the mission of Shaw University. He also believes that this could also lead to more partnerships not only in the United States, but world wide. Research shows that you need qualified teachers in the classroom and Shaw is willing to give 100% effort to this program. Dr. Newsome is personally committed to do something for Northeast NC since he is a native of this area. He also stated that qualified teachers can overcome inadequate resources.

He said Shaw was founded in 1865 and has partnered with universities all over the world, including 3 in China.

They hope to have the program in place at either the CG White or Southwestern facility by August of 2008.

Free Bus Driver’s Class

2008-01-23T05:27:00.000-05:00

Bertie County Schools will be offering a

“Free Bus Driving Class”

February 18, 19 & 20, 2008

At 8:30 AM each day

At Martin Community College/Bertie Campus

Participants must:

Ø Be 17-1/2 Years Old or Older
Ø Must Attend All Three Days for Credit
Ø Must Have A Valid North Carolina Driver’s License

NO REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED

For more information contact the Bertie County Schools Transportation Department at
252-794-6046

Brent Todd, Public Information Officer
252-794-6034
btodd@bertie.k12.nc.us

Christopher's Story

2008-01-18T02:51:00.000-05:00

by Thadd White - January 16th, 2008 - Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

RALEIGH - The voice of a baby.

During Tuesday morning’s announcement that North Carolina was beginning the most comprehensive shaken baby prevention project in the United States, Bertie County resident Jennipher Dickens was called on to be the voice of her child.

When her son, Christopher Daughtrey, was seven weeks old he was shaken by a family member and came perilously close to death. Since his ordeal, Dickens has become the area’s leading proponent of preventing Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).

Great article. Jennipher does a truly amazing job of explaining what this problem does to real people. Please read it.

Some other great information Jennifer provided about this issue is contained in the following links to articles about the topic.

Maternity wards to coach parents: Don't shake baby

NC Hospitals Focus On Shaken Baby Prevention

Hospitals launch shaken baby prevention project

UNC, Duke lead first statewide shaken baby prevention research project in U.S.

Coping with Crying

Rotary Hears About Down East Magazine

2008-01-18T02:21:00.000-05:00

Kelly Taylor, Account Executive for the Bertie Ledger, came to Rotary today to talk about the Cox Magazine called "North Carolina's Down East". Though the only magazine called Down East that you can find on the web is the Down East Magazine about Maine, here in our local area "North Carolina's Down East" is a popular publication.

Kelly talked about the process for getting articles in the magazine about Bertie County, and the things happening in our area. She also talked about the value of advertising in the publication for business in our area.

After her presentation, Collins Cooper (shown above on left) of Hazelgrove-Cooper Realty presented Kelly (shown above on right) with the traditional cobalt blue mug as a thank you for her presentation.

If you would like to advertise, or talk about articles for the Down East Magazine, you can contact Kelly at (252) 794-3185.

County Commissioners Start New Year

2008-01-08T10:01:00.000-05:00

Yesterday morning the Bertie County Commission meeting covered a range of topics that have people interested in government again.

Though not on the agenda, some representatives of the No U.S. 13 Bypass group (opposed to upgrading U.S. 13 as a part of the long term plan for a North South corridor serving Eastern North Carolina) spoke during "Public Comments" in opposition to the Bertie County position. The opposition group only wants NC 11 widened and opposes the bypass project. The Bertie County position is that both projects should be built.

Gary Terry (shown below) started their comments with "An injustice is being done to families and citizens, the bypass to Windsor is unnecessary." He then focused his comments on the idea that Windsor did not deserve to retain U.S. 13, but that a new U.S. 13 should be built widening NC 11 down to Bethel because it would better serve Ahoskie. Windsor's interests do not matter to this group.

Some background to this issue is needed and I have a more detailed article with links to other articles about the same subject on the Inner Banks Eagle.

The next person to speak in opposition to the U.S. 13 Bypass, Kent Williams (shown below) is quite angry about the fact that every one of the alternatives for the U.S. 13 upgrade will probably affect him, since he lives on U.S. 13 and the end of the upgrade will be right at his farm. He started his comments by blasting the DOT for not notifying "a single person in Bertie County" about the upgrade.

Though he gave some anecdotal evidence he claims proves his case, the next speaker in public comments was from the DOT. Kim Gillespie (shown below), Project Planning Engineer for the Ahoskie U.S. 13 "Bypass" gave specifics of the public notification process, including explaining specifically how the G.I.S. system was used to get addresses for the more than 1,000 people who were notified. In checking with some local realtors they assured me that the G.I.S. system is extremely accurate except for very recent changes of ownership. After talking with 2 different people who own land in Bertie County affected by at least one alternative of the project, both confirmed that they had received notice from the DOT. No evidence I have found supports Kent's accusations.

Though I did not hear anyone mention it yesterday, there is a meeting tonight at the Hertford County High School to drum up support to oppose the U.S. 13 Bypass.

The next topic of interest was the semi annual report by Eastern Carolina Behavioral Health. Joy Futtrell (shown below) opened the presentation and provided details of their efforts.

Roy Wilson (shown below) also participated in the report, and talked about the status of their merger of nine counties at this point (including the 4 counties that were a part of the former organization to serve Bertie County). Mr. Wilson mentioned statements from the State of North Carolina about their desire to reduce the number of LME's, the type of organization Eastern Carolina Behavioral Health represents. He also claimed that the staff for Governor Mike Easley was happy with what they were trying to do.

The next topic on the Agenda was about hunting. Rickie Leggett (shown below), representing landowners on the Roanoke River, asked that Bertie County help get a change in the laws about hunting from boats. As he explained it, the laws are different above and below the bridege over the Roanoke River at Williamston. Downriver from the bridge, hunting is permitted, but upriver from the bridge hunting from a boat is illegal. This group is asking that, for safety reasons, the ban on hunting from a boat which currently applies upriver be extended to apply downriver, including tributaries, as well. The issue will be need to be addressed by a local bill in the State Legislature.

Traci White (shown below), Director of Planning for Bertie County, came before the board to request a six months extension on the moratorium on outdoor advertising untill changes to the law can be finalized. The public hearing to extend the moratorium is scheduled at the 10:00 AM County Commisioner meeting on February 11th.

A Spencer Adams Christmas

2007-12-30T02:28:00.000-05:00

The greatest part of living in Bertie County is the important role which family plays in our lives. Cities are where we make our living, but family is what keeps us connected, and what brings our kids back home to our rural area each year for the celebrations. I hear stories about the great Christmas celebrations that everyone has in our area, however my step-father's family does this Christmas thing as well as any I have heard about.

Every year they gather at the family homestead here in Bertie County a day or two after Christmas, a tradition started by Spencer Adams. That way all the parents can have Christmas for their kids at home and the family can still get together. And every year the gathering is better than ever. Let me tell you about a Spencer Adams Christmas.

The homestead is always innundated with Christmas trimings that set the mood.

Bonnie Fixes Up The Homestead Like A Christmas Fantasyland

Early In The Day There Is A Constant Stream Of Arrivals, Welcomed With Love

Each Car Is Unloaded And The Presents Placed Beneath The Tree

After Each Group Is Greeted, Everyone Returns To Finding A Seat And Sharing Stories, Some Of Them . . Uh . . Exaggerations, About What Has Happened Since Last Year.

The Crowd Always Overflows From The Living Room And Covers The House

First Time Arrivals Are Always The Center Of Attention

The Kitchen Is Jammed With Those Who Prepare The Meal

While Waiting For The Meal, We Go Outside To Compete In Annual Games, Always Including Skeet And Showing Off Newly Acquired Rifles And Pistols!

New Games Are Also Shared, Anything To Compete! This Is A New Variation Of Horse Shoes Played With Corn Bags Thrown At Holes In A Wood Target.

After A While The Meal Is Ready, Lots Of Hands Make The Work Easy

After The Fabulous Meal The Traditional "Adams Family" Festivities Are About To Start

Christmas Carols Are Sung . . Many Christmas Carols . . . Ending With The Famous Adams Family Rendition Of Dancing To The "Twelve Days Of Christmas".

Even The "Guys" Get Into It Before The End

Presents Are Passed Out To Everyone Before The Traditional Opening Of the Presents Starts, As Always With The Youngest Opening Their Presents First.

Grandmomma Nancy Loves Handmade Gifts

Two Traditions Are Maintained, The Names On The Boxes Inside The Wrapping Rarely Represent What Is Inside The Box!

In Addition The Annual Challenge To See Who Can Make It Hardest To Open The Present Is Held.

(This wooden box with seven screws was inside 3 boxes, each with wrapping paper that had to be removed in turn to find the next box inside. When the effort to remove the very long screws was done and the last screw removed, Larry was offered a power screw drill . . but carefully too late to help . . . leaving the whole crowd roaring with laughter! At least it was a nice present.)

This Package Was Glued Together, Making It Really Tough To Get The Paper Off.

After Each Present Is Opened, The "Prize" Must Be Shared And Passed Around For All To See. This Is The Most Fun Of All!

The Attention Is Sincere

Some Gifts Get Better Reactions Than Others

New Games Are Always Tried Out Immediately

To End The Day, Special Pictures Are Made Of The People That Came To Visit. This Is The "Cousins", The Next Generation Being Trained In A Spencer Adams Christmas

The Group Pictures Memorialize Another Special Time

The Christmas Tree Was Real And The Only Thing That Would Have Made The Entire Day Better Would Have Been A Real Kris Kringle!

It Was A Long Day . . And Fun. As We Leave We Take A Last Look Back At The Homestead With Its Decorations And Lights.

What a great time for all. It always is. Laughter and special feelings are the order of the day. This is what family and Christmas are meant to be. Spencer Adams was a great guy. Everyone who knew him thought of him as their best friend. He loved Christmas. His spirit is still alive with this special group of people maintaining what both family and Christmas mean . . . . here in Bertie County North Carolina.

Spencer Adams Will Always Live In Our Hearts

Thank you Spencer.

Christmas Light Extravaganza

2007-12-23T08:09:00.000-05:00

Dalton Drive, Windsor, North Carolina

Head out of Windsor towards Edenton, go past the hospital on your right, turn left into the road immediately after the gas station on your left, and you can drive through one of the most beautiful Christmas Light Displays anywhere in the world. Herman and Therman Hoggard claim they have one quarter million lights. It sure looks like it. Spectacular!

Approaching the display (above).

Powellsville Annual Christmas Appreciation Luncheon

2007-12-21T06:21:00.000-05:00

The Town of Powellsville held its Annual Christmas Appreciation Dinner yesterday and the turnout was impressive. As I arrived there were already a number of dignitaries gathered, talking outside the church were the event was held. That Church is the Powellsville First Missionary Baptist Church next to the old C.G. White School. As they gathered everyone was catching up on old friendships and making new ones.

Commissioner Wallace Perry, Lt. David Tarkington, Officer Marty Swett, Senator Ed Jones, Sgt Russell Wheeler, Officer Gene Tunstall and Mayor Tom Asbell

As the crowd continued to arrive it filled the fellowship hall in the church, A number of the crowd wore Santa hats (shown below) in the spirit of the occasion.

It was a crowd that was filled with local dignitaries.

Mayor Tom Asbell (shown above) was master of ceremonies for the event, and he introduced some of the dignitaries present, to make a few comments.

Bertie County Chairman of County Commissioners, Norman Cherry, gave a welcome to all those present, including Mike Freeman, Senator Ed Jones and Representative Ann Mobley (seated at table).

Commisioners Ernie Carter, James Peele and Buck Carter, with Mayor Tom Asbell, Commissioner J.T. Watson (not shown)

Final introductions included the town council of Powellsville (behind Mayor Asbell above) who were hosting the event.

The food was great and the company even better. It was a great success.

NC Commission Wants To Loosen Charter School Cap

2007-12-21T00:51:00.000-05:00

by Gary D. Robertson - December 19th, 2007 - Associated Press (Herald Sun)

A state panel examining North Carolina's charter schools recommended Wednesday that lawmakers loosen the current law that limits the number of these alternative schools to 100.

In a compromise among members, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Charter Schools agreed that the number of charters be increased by up to six annually, with more permitted as existing charter students at those schools perform well on standardized tests.

[snip]

The cap also wouldn't apply to a charter school if it's the first built in a county. About half of the counties don't have a charter now.

This is good news for Bertie County. I can't think of anything that would accelerate the ability of our schools to improve the education of our children than any act that increases the competition for excellence the way the best charter schools have done. It gives parents concerned about the education of their children options to make real progress in conjunction with teachers who care. I think that is the real value of charter schools. It allows teachers who care to partner with parents who care to dramatically improve the education we provide to our children.

Outer Banks Sunrise

2007-12-20T07:02:00.000-05:00

Academic Slums

2007-12-19T06:41:00.000-05:00

by Walter E. Williams - December 19, 2007 - Townhall.com

Every three years, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) conducts its Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). PISA is a set of tests that measure 15-year-olds' performance in mathematics, science and reading [. . from all the major nations of the world].

American students ranked 33rd among industrialized countries in math literacy, and in science literacy, they ranked 27th. Reading literacy was not reported for the U.S. because of an error in the test instruction booklets. [That says as much as anything else about the competency of our educators!]

Click here for the complete report.

This is a great article and has much useful information but it also has some accurate statements that can still mislead. When you read the article, Walter takes some shots at the truth that many of the current students who study education are themselves extremely poor students who score horribly on tests for math and science. I agree that is true in general, however that does not tell the whole story. Many education students are extremely good and quite intelligent.

However many of the very good teachers who choose to make teaching their career, are rapidly taken out of the classroom by the new focus on moving our best teachers into higher paid jobs in central administration.

It is the combination of a large number of poor students who go into education with removal of the best from the classroom, while granting tenure to the poor teachers who stay in the classroom, that has contributed significantly to our current horrible situation. The teachers are then encouraged to use teaching techniques that border on stupid; like "whole language" reading and "everyday math". These systems are so useless they border on criminal.

One point that Walter does make is that it is not a problem of money. We throw more money at the problem of education than almost any country in the world. Our socialist bureaucrats are never shy at insisting we throw more money at the problem, and conscientious and concerned parents and taxpayers have accommodated this goal for three generations. Throwing more money at a system which is overpopulated by poor teachers, where the best are not allowed to teach and where the teachers use incompetent politically motivated teaching processes, will NEVER solve this problem.

There is little aspect of competition in our current system and what little exists is competition to remove the best teachers from the classroom. We need competition to teach our children if the school systems are to be any good. Our athletes are the best in the world because in athletics winners are still chosen by competition. In school tenure ends competition. Teacher's unions have fought to assure that the poor and middle class parents cannot opt out of our system. They have even tried in places to end the ability of the rich to take their children out of failing schools. Our children have essentially become slaves to the teacher's unions. Unless the parents are rich, or are willing to take extraordinary efforts to home school, the children are trapped. Even then teacher's unions make certain that these poor and middle class parents who home school still pay their taxes into the failing public schools, even though the schools do NOTHING for their children.

The current system is totally unjust and creates rage among many who see what it does. This system does not damage the children of the rich. They always have options. It damages the middle class some but mostly the poor. It is time the poor had options to get out of this system which is destroying their chance at the American Dream. Education is the first step to accomplishing the American Dream.

We are the richest nation on earth. However this problem is not about money. It is about a stupid process that fills our classrooms with teachers who will not . . . in many cases cannot . . teach our kids. Parents and taxpayers need to demand that school systems shut down the useless central administrations and put our best teachers back into classrooms that teach our children. Give parents of the poor the ability to take their children and the money and go to schools that have proven they can teach. Then end tenure so we can purge our systems of those who cannot teach. This three pronged approach will quickly fix the problem. In one generation we will not be behind 26 other nations. We will be back to number ONE.

Windsor Christmas Parade

2007-12-10T03:46:00.000-05:00

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-08T06:56:00.000-05:00

by Jennipher Dickens - November 30th, 2007 - Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald

WINDSOR - Long after dusk, the rock path that makes up Dalton Drive remains as bright as day.

That's because it's surrounded by a quarter of a million tiny lights. For the tenth year in a row, Herman and Therman Hoggard have constructed a winter wonderland down their street.

People from all across the state and even up and down the east coast come each year to witness the dazzling spectacle of lights and Christmas joy.

Great article. Check it out by clicking on title above or here.

Identity Theft Precautions Explained

2007-12-07T10:38:00.000-05:00

Sergeant R. L. Morris (shown below) of the Windsor Police Department came to the Windsor Rotary Club on Thursday to explain how to protect yourself from identity theft and various other modern techniques of stealing or extorting money from the public.

Holland Catton (shown above on left) of the Windsor Rotary Club presents Sergeant Morris with the traditional cobalt blue coffee mug as a thank you for the presentation.

Bitter Partisan Politics

2007-12-06T07:26:00.000-05:00

by Walter Williams - December 6th - The Washington Times

We could finance education collectively through tuition tax credits or educational vouchers, but allow parents to choose — much like the GI Bill. Government financed the education, but veterans chose the school.

Government allocation of resources enhances the potential for human conflict, while market allocation reduces it. That also applies to contentious national issues such as Social Security and health care. You take care of your retirement and health care as you please, and I'll take care of mine as I please. If you prefer socialized retirement and health care, that's fine if you don't force others to participate.

I'm afraid most Americans view such a liberty-oriented solution with hostility. They believe they have a right to enlist the brute forces of government to impose their preferences on others.

Americans view liberty-oriented solutions with hostility? When did this happen? When did the prevailing view in this country become the idea that denying choice to others was tolerable? In education we have people who actually argue that vouchers, a program that increases the amount of money available for each student who does not chose a voucher, but reduces the total amount of money available for the teachers unions, harms the students left in school.

How can this be argued with a straight face. In some proposals the voucher program takes so little of the money in the school system that if 25% of the students opted for vouchers, it would increase the amount per student by almost the same percentage.

The teachers unions argue that letting go of the worst 25% of teachers (with 25% less students you don't need as many teachers) is intolerable. They therefore insist that the students left would not get as good an education.

In truth what the unions care about is the reduction in the number of union dues paying members. They do not care about the students. Teacher unions are most of the problem and never any part of the solution.

Great article.

Band Incident - Statement By The Bertie County BOE

2007-12-05T11:56:00.000-05:00

STATEMENT BY THE BERTIE OUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
December 4th, 2007

On Friday night, November 2, 2007, at halftime during the football game between Bertie and Hertford High School an incident occurred between the two schools’ marching bands, during the performance of the Bertie band. As a result, four Bertie band members went to the hospital with injuries and the band director from Hertford County was charged with inciting a riot. Two of our Bertie County Board of Education members and our Superintendent were on the sidelines and witnessed this unfortunate event.

Our superintendent commissioned an independent investigation of all actions taken by representatives of Bertie County in connection with this matter, including a detailed review of the DVD containing audio and video images of the incident. Based upon the investigation, it is clear that there was inadequate communication between the band directors of the two schools, prior to the event. Bertie’s band director had been told that senior night activities would eliminate four minutes from halftime, leaving each band with eight minutes to perform. Senior night activities and introductions ended up being held by Hertford County prior to the start of the ballgame. No one advised Bertie’s band director or any of the school administrators from Bertie County that these activities were not going to be conducted during halftime, as originally discussed. The Bertie High School Band did not witness these activities and was unaware they had occurred, since they arrived during the second quarter of the game.

Upon the Bertie band’s arrival, Hertford’s drum major and its band director each separately approached Bertie’s band director and emphatically told him that if Bertie bands show was longer than eight minutes, they would not be allowed on the field. Following these encounters, Bertie’s band director eliminated several portions of their routine to reduce the show to eight minutes.

At halftime, the Bertie band was not aware that Hertford was not going to do its senior night activities. They waited several minutes while setting up. No one gave the band any indication when to start. The twenty-minute halftime clock was at sixteen minutes when the Bertie band took the field.

During the Bertie band’s performance, Hertford County High School’s Band director came up to Bertie’s director and shouted several times, “Your time is up. I want my 10 minutes.” This was the first indication Bertie’s director had that Hertford was apparently planning a 10-minute performance, rather than eight minutes.

As the halftime clock approached the 10:00 minute mark, the Hertford band counted down, “five, four, three, two, one.” At that point, the Hertford drum major checked with Hertford’s band director before leading the Hertford band onto the field. Hertford’s director also was leading his band onto the field, while the Bertie band was still performing.

Bertie’s director then went onto the field and was trying to get the attention of his students, signaling for them to leave the field.

A confrontation ensued, resulting in four students from Bertie High School going to the hospital, three taken by EMS. One had been hit in the head with a bass drum that had been hurled through the air by a clearly identifiable Hertford student. The drum knocked this Bertie student violently to the ground. He bled extensively and had a number of staples put in both the front and back of his head. Another clearly identifiable Hertford student hit a Bertie student under his right eye with the metal figure on the top of a 48-inch baton/mace. Another Bertie student suffered a broken left middle finger when she was hit with a trumpet. She also had a cut on her right hand and was hit in the back of the head with a trumpet, and in her back with either a drum or a flag. A fourth suffered an injured finger and a mild head injury.

During the incident, Bertie’s band director along with our superintendent and others were on the field trying to get the students to leave the field. The Bertie band exited to the buses, under the protection of security, loaded the buses and left the game.

Based upon his own observations and the independent review of this incident, Dr. Zullinger has concluded that there is no reason to take any disciplinary action against any of Bertie’s students, who were the victims of a very poor adult decision. Only one Bertie student actively engaged in an affray, and that was in self-defense after he had been hit in the eye. And, while there certainly should have been better communication between the band directors, it is clear that the event was directly precipitated by an obviously planned decision to take the field at the 10:00 minute mark at halftime.

Based on this review, the Bertie County Board of Education sees no need to restrict any activities of its band. We have confidence in our students and in the manner in which they conducted themselves during this incident, which clearly could have been even worse than it was. The band is free to perform where and when it is invited. Further, in an effort to put this incident behind us and allow the students and their adult leaders to demonstrate that they have learned a valuable lesson, we will welcome and treat hospitably any visiting team’s band to perform during halftime of our home games. It will be up to them whether they choose to attend, and to confirm our expectation that they perform with dignity, respect and class.

Norman Cherry Elected Chairman Of County Commissioners

2007-12-03T17:49:00.000-05:00

Today was the annual meeting at which by law the County Commissioners must elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman. For that reason the meeting started off presided over for the election of Chairman by Zee Lamb, County Manager.

Zee Lamb, County Manager

When nominations were opened, L.C. Hoggard nominated Norman Cherry and he was seconded by Charles Smith. There being no more nominations, Norman was elected unanimously as Chairman for the coming term.

Norman Cherry, Chairman

Chairman Cherry then presided for the election of Vice Chairman. When nominations were opened, Rick Harrell nominated L.C. Hoggard and he was seconded by Wallace Perry.

L.C. Hoggard, Vice-Chairman

At the end of the meeting, the newly consituted Board posed for a photo (from left), Rick Harrell, L.C. Hoggard, Norman Cherry, Charles Smith and Wallace Perry

Arts Council Open House A Great Success

2007-12-01T07:00:00.000-05:00

Last night's Bertie County Arts Council Open House was an exciting night. With guests of honor Senator Ed Jones and Representative Ann Mobley present, there was a constant stream of visitors to meet the honored guests and see the great artwork of Berite County Artists. It probably was a good thing everyone did not stick around the entire night as we clearly could not have fit them all in at the same time.

Windsor's great Mayor, Bob Spivey, was there to greet the honored guests and introduce them to the local community.

Senator Ed Jones expressed his appreciation for the Arts Community and talked about his efforts to continue state funding for the arts.

Representative Ann Mobley reminded everyone that she had worked here in Bertie County and that she felt like she was coming home when she got a chance to visit Windsor.

Leah Newsome, from Colerain, provided great ambiance with her music, helping to set a festive and holiday spirit to the occasion.

Below are some examples of the great local artists whose work was on display. This is just a sampling. Their art and the works of many others will be on display the entire month and everyone should drop by the Arts Council Gallery in Windsor to enjoy what they have to offer. There is some great art. You might even find something you want to see hanging in your home!

Phyllis Johnson - "San Souci Ferry"

Dr. Fred Saunders - "Outer Banks Morning"

Margaret Attkisson - "Golden Leaf"

Carolyn Dail - "The Old Home"

June Adams - "Yellow Roses"

Cleo Warlick - "Fishing Shack" (Top Picture Above)

For more information about events, to join Bertie County Arts Council or to have your art or handmade items considered for sale at The Gallery, call 252-794-9402 or email bertiearts@earthlink.net.

Rick Harrell To Step Aside As County Commission Chairman

2007-11-27T15:40:00.000-05:00

This morning Rick Harrell held a press conference to announce his decision to step aside as Chairman of the Bertie County Commissioners. Rick explained his decision as feeling that the unity of the commission would be helped by others having the chance to fill the Chairman's role. He has been Chairman for 4 years. The recent highly complimentary audit report is indicative of the results for Bertie County taxpayers and citizens during this period.

Rick Harrell - File Photo

Bertie County has a chance for a really bright future. As a part of the Inner Banks we are going to see significant growth over the next 20 years, especially with our natural beauty and the great rivers that are a part of our area. In addition the new concept of "onshoring" offers all rural communities the opportunity to attract high tech companies as long as we can provide good road access, nice homes and fix our education system. The examples of Ireland and Corsicana Texas should be uppermost in our minds. Our County Commission can help that or hurt that depending on their understanding of the challenges we face and their willingness to work together. Growth is going to happen. Whether it will be mostly nice homes or mostly slums is dependent on the way our County Commission deals with the challenges.

Rick said that he planned to stay as a Commissioner as long as the Bertie County people wanted him and would continue to do his best for the citizens of the county. The County Commission has been working well together while Rick was Chairman. We hope the same spirit of cooperation will continue.

Windsor's Grand Squirrel Hunt

2007-11-24T14:24:00.000-05:00

by Alan Watson - Bertie County, A Brief History

Serving to provide food, eliminate predatory animals, while away the hours, and satisfy sporting instinct, hunting sometimes assumed the guise of public entertainment. In November 1836, a grand squirrel hunt originated in Windsor. Twenty men were selected for contending parties with the understanding that those who returned with the least game would provide a hot meal for the victors. When the hunt was completed, the winning party had killed 9,814 squirrels; the losers only 7,543.

That is a total of 17,357 squirrels! It doesn't say but I at first assumed it was a one day hunt. However after some quick calculations I am not sure. The winning team killed 491 squirrels per member and the losing team killed 377 per member. That would have to take more than a day, wouldn't it? Do you think there are that many squirrels left in Windsor today? We ought to restart the tradition. Are you in?

ROTFL