Jan 15 - The Sampson Weekly
Transcription
Jan 15 - The Sampson Weekly
Health Local News Page 6 Page 4 Education Page 14 SAMPSON COUNTY’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER The Sampson Weekly FREE VOLUME 6, ISSUE 2 Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com INSIDE Business Page 19 Clinton Man on the Run-Suspect in Gun Robbery hampion Terry s from NASCAR NOTEBOOK 54 Deaths Across State Related to Flu, None in Sampson County *Two arrested in Duplin County gun thefts may have ties to similar crimes in Sampson County. BK Racing expands, possible links to two Clinton robmoves to newThe facility beries have not been verified but in BK Racing, which fields the a press release by the Duplin CounNo. 23, No. 26, No. 83 and No. 93 ty Cup Sheriff’s department the ATF was Toyotas on the Sprint circuit, has moved its racinginoperation the process of coordinating and from Statesville, North Carolina, verifying confiscated firearms in to a shop near Charlotte thatthe once housed GMS Racingorder and BAM to rule out all possible links to Racing. Sampson Cruise Dion Scott A team release said the new County. Nascar Insider facility will allow the team to Page 11 expand operations. Mike’s Hunting Shop, located at 100its Northeast Blvd Clinton, was broken into early Tues“We needed a new location that day morning on August 4, 2014; reports indicated 16 handguns valued at more allowed for more spacethat to increase said Ron $11,000 were stolen during our this performance,” burglary. Devine, owner of BK Racing. “We continue to invest into race operaFri Partly tions Department, to improve our and According to the Clinton Police thepotential suspect/s entered the building by Cloudy performance both on and off the way of the front door and smashed two glass guns cases removing their contents of 0% track. It all starts in the race shop, sixteen handguns. and having the best resources and Hi: 46 º Lo: 22 º assets, in addition to our team of employees.” Sat Sunny In the very same week a similar break-in was suffered by Sessoms Jewelry in the down0% MAN ON THE RUN, see P. 3 te won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in 2003. Entertainment Page 9 ISC Archives WEATHER NUMERICALLY Driver SPEAKING Points Gun Hi: 38 º Lo: 21 º was trying to figure out how many laps were left, y the thing Mostly and I never thought to look at Sun ended, oard.” Sunny d have looked, 10%because he was in famous company. Green-whiteas over, he’d finished fourth behind race winner Hi: 51 º Lo: 36 º Darrell Waltrip and third-place checkered-flag orough, runner-up etty. Behind him was Bobby Allison in fifth and Bill finishes in Sprint Cup Mon Showers ixth place. racing sincecase the new rulesrage, one local resident In an apparent of road 60% and Bobby Allison and Donnie g to the garage, in place 2nd in 2004. nowwere facesput a February court date in which he will be me over and congratulated me, and I thought that expected to answer charges of Assault by Pointing a Gun, olest Hi: thing.” Drivers who held on 57 º Lo: 42 º Communicating and Going Armed to the Terror of day, Labonte outran another young driver who to winThreats, after leading ng hisTues first Southern 500 start — one who would People. The victim in the just happened to be an off PM at the time a case greenme one of hisShowers greatest competitors. dutywhite-checkered officer of the Clinton Police finish Department. it wasn’t his first Cup race, Dale Earnhardt fin30% began (since 2004). that day, driving the No. 96 Ford for Will CronkEdward Harold Carr, 39-year-old of Rowan Road in Clinton, Hi: 50 ºride Lo: 36 º Cronkrite before moving to the s his final with was driving hisAdditional 2007 Toyotalaps Tacoma on Sunset Avenue on lund-owned team PM that delivered him his first Cup Wed run because of 6th. According to Clinton 1979 and first championship the following year. the evening of Tuesday, January Showers green-whitehat September afternoon and on a lot of others, Police Chief Jay Tilley, at some point just before 10 p.m. 50% checkered-flag finishes idn’t look on any of his fellow drivers as rivals. Carr found himself alongside off duty officer, Corporal since 2004. ere allHi:these 52 º Lo:guys 36 º I raced against that I looked Edward Harold Carr Jesse A Kittrell at a stop light near Sampson Crossing. kid, and I just was thrilled to be able to actually Career Sprint st guys like Richard Petty and Bobby and Donnie Cup starts Asand the these two vehicles were stopped at the light, Carrby apparently made some hand avid Pearson, Cale Yarborough guys,” he as just a real honor for me togestures be able to compete Jeff Gordon, tops toward Kittrell before driving off. At some point, as the two vehicles made guys. I never looked at any of them as a rival. I among drivers. He’s their way along Sunset Avenue, Carractive produced a hand gun and pointed it in the and still never really felt like I had any rivals at never missed a race since direction of officer Kitrell. Kitrell then called 911 and proceeded to follow Carr’s Israel, in myO career. To put me, it was really something spehis first, at Atlanta Motor Tacoma pick-up be able to race inin NASCAR with some of thetruck guysas it headed east on Sunset. your hope Speedway in 1992. mired when I was growing up.” the LORD, Chief Tilley stated, “There was no interaction (between Carr and Kittrell) until Carr for with the pulled to the stop light, made gestures; and when he pulled away from the light, LORD is pointed the firearm.” at Off 79 Duty Officer 53 343 761 WEEKLY VERSE an crew chief Tony Eury Jr. to head driver development unfailing ramlove for LFR ChassisWhen the two vehicles again stopped beside each other GUN POINTING, see P. 3 and with WEEKLY INDEX quality of equipment, we are taking a huge variable out of the developmental stages of a driver’s progression,” Fuller said in a company release. “We have all wished at some point of our Tony Eury Jr. career to have the best equipment and most knowledgeable crew so we can test our driving ability, and all that is under one roof.” The group will also offer media training and other marketing services, with longtime NASCAR publicist Nealie Stufflet in charge of that area. For more information, contact Fuller at Rob@LFRChassis.com. TAKES IT HOME TODAY! Obits..........................................16-17 heCrime..............................................17 experience level of our coaches and Classifieds.......................................18 Business..........................................19 Food...............................................20 nce to Team Penske for 2015 nske, the Woods have secured the serup-and-coming drivers, Ryan Blaney, mpany’s promising young crew chiefs, thesampsonweekly.com on New 910-590-2102 Year’s Eve, made his Cup debut Annual flu vaccines protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one or two influenza B viruses, depending on the flu vaccine. Flu symptoms include: •A 100 degree F or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever) •A cough and/or sore throat •A runny or stuffy nose •Headaches and/or body aches •Chills •Fatigue •Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children) Doctors with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services said Tuesday that they’ve seen a spike in flu-related activity since the middle of December and they expect the number of flu-related deaths to continue to climb as flu season reaches its annual peak. According to figures released on Thursday by the Department of Health & Human Services, 54 people have died across North Carolina from flu with thirty people dying of the flu last week. The bulk of the deaths have been among people age 65 or older. Two of the deaths were children. According to Amber Cava, Director of Public Relations with Sampson Regional Medical Center, between the dates of 12/18/14 through 1/6/15 there have been 24 hospitalizations related to flu and 0 deaths related to flu. The Infection Control Center at SRMC says that the strand patients are most commonly positive for this season are Type A & B. “The first thing people should do if they have been diagnosed with flu is to stay home. Avoid going into public places, including work and school, if you have the flu. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you are sick, try to stay home for at least 24 hours after your FLU, see P. 3 HHP/Harold Hinson n crew chief Tony Eury Jr. is the latest himofisNASCAR full wing group veterans to get driverredemption. development business. he longtime crew chief and car chief for Psalm 130:7 nhardt Jr., now works for LFR Chassis sville, North Carolina, which recently iver development to the services it offers. effort will see the company provide and training in Late Model and race cars. Local..............................................1-5 the new venture are company owner Health...............................................6 er, who has been a driver and engineer s Faith..................................................8 a pit crew member for teams includkeEntertainment..................................9 Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. ltzSports........................................11-13 and Ryan Stone, both of whom have ceEducation.......................................14 behind the wheel and on the pit box s in building cars, are also part of the Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Serious outcomes of flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. plus 2 Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com LOCAL NEWS Clinton Fire Chief to Retire Chief Snyder came to Clinton in September 2012 after a 26-year stint with Prince George’s County, Maryland Fire/EMS Department. While there, he rose from the rank of Firefighter to Assistant Fire Chief of Emergency Services Command, Fire and Rescue Operations. Prince George’s County Fire Department is one of the largest combination (career/volunteer) fire departments in the United States. Prior to Prince George’s County, Chief Snyder served as a Fire Protection Specialist in the United States Air Force. After a little more than two years with Clinton and more than 42 years in the fire service, Chief Adon Snyder is retiring. During his time in Clinton, he has introduced new training practices and developmental programs and prepared the department for its rating review from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which is expected in 2015. A strong advocate of fire prevention and safety education, Chief Snyder expanded the department’s efforts to provide communication and outreach to businesses and residents. He was instrumental in the city’s smoke alarm program that provided and installed over 400 smoke alarms in Clinton homes. “Chief Snyder brought a tremendous amount of knowledge and professionalism to our fire department. We are proud of the service he has provided the citizens of Clinton. I wish he would stay with us longer but I understand his desire to enjoy retirement,” stated City Manager Shawn Purvis. Of his retirement, Chief Snyder remarked, “Though I look forward to retirement, the decision to retire was difficult and is bittersweet. I am very thankful and honored to have had the opportunity to serve and be a part of the Clinton community during my tenure as Fire Chief. I am very proud of the firefighters who work for the Clinton Fire Department. I have seen first-hand their hard work and dedication they display every day.” Chief Snyder’s final day with city will be January 31st. Citizen Merit Awards Presented By Clinton Police Department Clinton Police Chief Jay Tilley presented the Citizen of Merit award to seven local residents Tuesday night at the Clinton Council meeting. Chief Tilley stated, “Over the past year, the Clinton Police Department has hosted two Latino community forums to conduct outreach, provide education and promote cooperation and understanding between the City and Latino Community. Several members of the Latino Community have been instrumental in coordinating and promoting the forums.” Chief Tilley recognized Jose Romero, Jose Banos, Minerva Banos, Maria Sauno, Olga Najera, Patricia Luna, Father Mark Betti -Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for their efforts and service to the City of Clinton. Chief Tilley continued, “We could not conduct the meetings without the citizen involvement that we have had.” Prior to the presentation Tilley stated, “The Second annual Clinton Police Latino Community meeting was held in November of 2014. The meeting was designed as a two-way forum in which members of the Department’s leadership shared police updates and in return heard the thoughts and concerns from Latino citizens. This meeting fostered informal conversations and established positive lines of interaction to overcome language and cultural barriers.” meeting required a public-private partnership with dedicated citizens to help organize it. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the church’s Hispanic Committee stepped up and answered the call. Working side by side with the command staff, this group set the agenda, solicited resources, and promoted attendance.” Tilley continued, “Communication has always been the key to successful police work. The Clinton Police acknowledge that the lack of understanding about procedures and responsibilities can turn an insignificant item into a major problem. This meeting was committed to bridging gaps with citizens and the police. The “This meeting was the most productive and dynamic meeting the Police Department ever held with a citizen group. Both police and citizens came away from the meeting knowing they had built a familiarity and trust that made our community stronger. The work of the Merit Awardees, was the foundation of the success. City Employee of 2014 Announced It with great pride that the Clinton Police Department awards the Citizens Certificate of Merit for organization of the Latino Community Meeting,” concluded Chief Tilley. For more information on the Latino Community meetings and the certificate of Merit Award contact the Clinton Police Department at 910-592-1961. Pictured: Mayor Lew Starling, Chief Tilley and Merit Award recipients, Jose Romero, Jose Banos, Minerva Banos, Maria Sauno, Olga Najera, Patricia Luna, Father Mark Betti. The City of Clinton recognized the 2014 Employee of the Year at Tuesday night’s Council meeting. The three finalists were Blenda Parker, Brittany Locklear and Henry Herring. Brittany Locklear was awarded The City of Clinton 2014 Employee of the Year. City Manager Shawn Purvis stated, “The nominations for employee of the year comes from the nominees peers. The nominees are people who are committed to our (the City of Clinton’s) core values.” Purvis continued, “This year’s recipient is efficient, volunteers, is family oriented, empathetic to others and epitomizes the family bond of our close knit work family. This year’s recipient is Brittany Locklear.” Brittany works for the Clinton Police Department and has been with the department since 2011. Chief Tilley stated, “Brittany Jacobs Locklear is the current Administrative Assistant in Investigations. She has responsibilities for our felony investigations, quality control over police reports, required citizen notifications, grant writer, coordinates hiring & promotional processes within the Department, and is the Administrator for the Department’s Facebook page. Her latest project was the administration of the Citizen Survey which is a key component of our crime prevention program.” Tilley continued, “Brittany started work in November 2011. She is a graduate of Clinton High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brittany brings to the Department energy and a positive attitude that is infectious to all who work with her. She embraces the spirit and concepts of teamwork and cooperation not only with her co-workers but with all citizens.” Grants Awarded Thanks To Members’ Support In December, South River Electric Membership Corporation’s foundation, the Community Assistance Corporation, or CAC, awarded over $29,000 in grants. Awarded quarterly, these grants are available to nonprofit organizations as well as educational institutions. Organizations to receive $5,000 grants were: Clement Volunteer Fire Department, Inc.; Beacon Rescue Mission; Boy Scouts of America, Occoneechee Council; Summerville Bunnlevel Fire & Rescue. Also receiving grants this cycle were: Salemburg Volunteer Fire Department, $4,500 and Coats Museum, $4,310.77. South River EMC members who agree to have their bill rounded up to the next dollar each month are participants in the Operation Round Up program. If their bill is $108.53, the 47¢ remaining will be put into an account managed by the Community Assistance Corporation. This amounts to roughly $6 a year from our members, but it has allowed us to help a great number of agencies, and in that a great number of people, each funding cycle. Salemburg Volunteer Fire Department: Scott Owen, asst. chief Clement Volunteer Fire Dept., Inc. (l-r): Bruce Jackson, president; Ark Matthews, chief; Travis Tew, safety officer To see how Operation Round Up grants have helped to contribute to the livability of our community, visit sremc.com and click the My Community tab to view the complete listing of grants. Quarterly, funds are distributed to local service agencies, and educational pursuits. The next funding opportunity will be in March, applications are due to the Cooperative by February 13. Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com LOCAL NEWS town section of Clinton. It was noted that the suspects used similar tactics to the Mike’s Hunting break-in from earlier in the week. Duplin County Sheriff department made the announcement Jeremy Andre Ahkeem Donte Wednesday that they have arrestLewis Aycock Pratt ed two of the individuals thought to be responsible for the Duplin County crime and have issued warrants for a third. Two of the three men responsible for the breaking, entering and larceny of 73 guns from Calypso Wholesale in the early morning hours of September 27, 2014, have been arrested. Jeremy Andre Lewis Aycock, 20, and Ahkeem Donte Pratt, 23, both of Fayetteville are charged with felonious breaking and entering, felonious larceny after breaking/entering, felonious possession of stolen goods, and possession of firearms by a felon. Both men have ties to the Warsaw area. According to the Duplin county Sheriff, “The apprehension of Mr. Aycock and Mr. Pratt is the result of a joint investigation between the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and detectives with the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office. Additional charges are pending as detectives look into the suspects’ possible involvement in break-ins at other gun shops in the Clinton, Dunn, and Wilmington areas.” “A third suspect, Cruise Dion Scott, 23, of Clinton is still at large. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Mr. Scott should contact the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office at 910-296-2150.” The Clinton Police Department was contacted for comment on the current investigations into the Mike’s Hunting and Sessoms burglaries and they were not prepared to give an update at press time. GUN POINTING, cont. from 1 at a light near Shamrock Plaza, Kittrell was able to identify himself as an officer, which appeared to not affect Carr’s disposition. Chief Tilley states that Kittrell followed Carr’s vehicle from Sunset Avenue to Beamon Woods Road off of Rowan Road where uniformed officers of the Clinton Police Department were able to stop Carr’s vehicle. Officer Julian Williams with the Clinton PD placed Carr under arrest. A 9mm hand gun was recovered during the uniformed stop and arrest. Carr was taken before the Magistrates Office and detained on a $7,500 secured bond and now faces three charges on February 2nd: Assault by Pointing a Gun, Communicating Threats, and Going Armed to the Terror of People, each a misdemeanor count. When asked, Chief Tilley said Carr had no documented history of mental defect that his agency had seen. Chief Tilley added, “If anyone encounters a person who displays a firearm or is acting in a threatening manner especially without provocation, they should not attempt to engage that person but call 911 immediately.” "Why not make just one trip to the pharmacy a month? We will help you for free! 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It’s also recommended that people wear a face mask to reduce spreading of germs and to protect themselves from germs if not already sick. If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, or direct your cough or sneeze into your elbow. This way, you are less likely to touch a surface and spread germs. While you have the flu, get rest and stay hydrated. If the flu is detected soon enough, the drug Tamiflu may help shorten the sickness. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems may be at greater risk for complications related to the flu. These people should follow guidelines provided by their doctor.” FLU, cont. from 1 MAN ON THE RUN, cont. from 1 New Year. New Plans. New RX savings. 3 910-592-7827 910-293-4733 Laurie Smith, MSN, RN, Director of Critical Care Services noted that there are lots of viruses going around right now. She stated, “Most people with flu-like symptoms who are negative for flu are diagnosed with upper respiratory infections (bad episodes of the common cold) or bronchitis. As a matter of fact, SRMC’s ER has seen a great deal of patients with bronchitis. These patients typically have severe cough that is not always accompanied by fever. These same symptoms have been prevalent with the flu.” According to Wanda Holden, RN, Infection Control Nurse with the Sampson Regional Hospital, “One of the best ways to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine. While the CDC reports that this year’s vaccine is not as effective due to mutation of the virus, it does still protect against other common strains of the virus. It can also decrease the severity of illness for those who do catch the flu. Hand and respiratory hygiene is the next best step to preventing the spread of flu. Hand washing helps stop the spread of germs. It’s recommended that you wash often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. It’s also important to remember to disinfect surfaces and objects that may come in contact with flu germs. In the home and workplace, disinfect phones, keyboards, door handles, and other commonly touched surfaces. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and if you are sick, try to stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone. It’s also recommended that people wear a face mask to reduce spreading or catching germs. If you cough or sneeze, use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose, or direct your cough or sneeze into your elbow. This way, you are less likely to touch a surface and spread germs. SRMC has hygiene stations located at all main entrances and throughout the hospital to promote hand washing and use of face masks. While masks are not required, it is highly encouraged that visitors wear a mask when visiting patients. They also advise visitors to clean their hands at a hand washing station as they enter and exit the facility. According to Allison Taylor, Chief Nursing Officer at SRMC, “For the protection of our visitors and patients, visitation restrictions are in effect during flu season. We kindly ask that anyone exhibiting signs or symptoms of sickness not visit patients. Visitors under the age of 12 are restricted in our specialty units, ICU and OB.” Kathie Johnson, RN, Director of Nursing with the Sampson County Health commented, “There are always several types of flu strains circulating each year. There are both Type A and Type B flu strains. This year, the most common type is the Influenza A (H3N2) virus. People have approximately a 50% chance of contracting this particular strain this year. H3N2-predominant seasons have been associated with more severe illness and mortality, especially in older people, infants and young children.” Johnson says they are lots of things you can do to help prevent catching the flu or spreading it further. “Wash your hands frequently and cover your cough. Don’t visit anyone that you know or suspect has the flu. If you have symptoms and are running a fever, stay home unless you are have severe symptoms that need to immediate medical attention, such as breathing difficulties. If you suspect you have the flu, call your medical provider’s office first before you go. If you suspect you have the flu, don’t visit hospitals or places where there are older people, infants or young children, such as nursing homes or daycares/schools.” Johnson closed by noting, “This year’s flu season is very widespread across the United States and everyone should do all they can to protect themselves and their families, especially the elderly, young children and infants. Wash your hands frequently using soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer. Cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hand. And most importantly, get a flu shot. While the flu shot does not provide complete protection against all of the flu strains that are circulating this year, it does protect against most of them. It also boosts your immune system so you are better able to fight against illness.” Provided by the Sampson County Animal Shelter. Call (910)592-8493 This is Josalyn, a 4 month old shepherd mix. Can you be her “furever” family? 4 www.thesampsonweekly.com LOCAL NEWS Week of January 9-15, 2015 Here We “Go” Again Medicaid Transportation only. The reason we do not provide it to others is due to a shortage of vans and drivers. If we were to expand… out-of-county non-emergency medical transportation could be offered to all citizens.” In Sutton’s memo to County Manager Ed Causey, she noted, “As County Manager, you have stressed multiple times to our agency and others the emphasis the Board has placed on increasing revenues and decreasing expenditures. Our expanded participation in the provision of Medicaid Transportation Services may afford our agency the opportunity to do both while improving our customer services to the citizens of the County.” Commissioner Albert Kirby was the first to discuss his disdain for the way the process was perceived in 2013 when there was a bidding war between the current provider En Route Transportation Services and a new bidder Van-Go Inc. and the perception of impropriety. Kirby discussed what had happened and the “back and forth” bidding between the two companies with Van-Go ultimately receiving the contract due to being the lowest responsible bid. Commissioner Albert Kirby made the motion for the county to bid out the contract and to not allow any county government entities to take part in the bidding process. He stated that it was simply unfair. Commissioner Clark Wooten stated that he agreed. He noted that his business had on occasion had to bid against a government agency and that he could not outbid them and that it was unfair practices. Sampson County Commissioners Billy Lockamy (left) and Albert Kirby (right) At Monday night’s Sampson County Commissioner’s meeting, on the agenda was the topic of Medicaid Transportation, a subject that brought wrought to commissioners only two short years ago. The current contract with Van-Go Inc. expires on June 30, 2015. According to County Attorney Joel Starling, “The County will need to enter into a new Medicaid transportation contract with Van-Go or another entity, preferably before the expiration of the current contract in order to avoid an interruption in service.” In a discussion that everyone in attendance thought would be extensive, it turned out to be rather short with most commissioners being in agreement that the contract should be bid out and not to allow a government agency to bid on the contract. On Monday night, the commissioners were given 3 options that they could take concerning the contract, but not limited to these 3 options. 1. The Board could continue to follow its voluntarily-imposed bidding process and solicit bids for the Medicaid transportation provider, awarding its bid to the lowest responsible bidder as it would under the more formal statutory bidding process in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 143-129. 2. The Board could opt to award the contract without soliciting bids (e.g., the Board could simply renew its contract with Van-Go or award the contract to another provider). 3. A number of counties use their own transportation services to administer their Medicaid transportation programs, and the Board could chose to use Sampson Area\Transportation (SAT) to administer the program in Sampson County. It is my understanding that SAT has bid on the contract in years past, and the Board may want to allow SAT to submit a bid along with other private entities. According to a letter addressed to County Manager Ed Causey Aging and Transportation Director Lori Sutton had requested that the Sampson Area Transportation be considered for the bid. Sutton stated, “We believe that our agency’s expanded participation in the provision of these services could have the following benefits: 1- Local government public transit agencies have proven to be a viable source for providing Medicaid Transportation Services, and our Sampson Area Transportation is one of the few public transit agencies in NC which does not primarily provide this service. 2- Our expanded participation in the provision of Medicaid Transportation Services could equate to increased revenues generally for the County and specifically for our department, including minimizing any additional County money being put into the program outside the required local match for the CTP grants. 3- Our expanded participation in the provision of Medicaid Transportation Services would also benefit the citizens of Sampson County who do not receive Medicaid, but are struggling financially and need transportation services. There are areas of the County that are mostly underserved, such as the northern end of the county, because we do not currently have enough drivers, vans and funding to meet the need. As we provide more comprehensive Medicaid Transportation Services, non-Medicaid clients in these underserved areas would have improved access to transportation. 4- Currently we provide out-of-county non-emergency medical transportation to our veterans Commissioner Kirby, Parker and Wooten all agreed that if the county was to take on the contract, it would mean expansion of government (Bigger Government) and that was not what this county needed. Commissioner Parker also commented that it would take well over a million dollars to purchase the needed vans, let alone hiring more county employees with salaries and benefits. The final vote was taken and all were in agreement to bid out the services and to not allow a government agency to bid. Van- Go Inc. was at the meeting, but did not make any formal remarks. After the meeting, Commissioner Kirby wanted to make it clear why he and some of his fellow commissioners voted the way they did. Kirby released the below statement: “Some people think that allowing Sampson Area Transportation (a Sampson County Agency) to participate in the bidding process and to ultimately take over the Medicaid transportation contract is a means of saving the taxpayer money. I would humbly disagree. It is a very bad idea. First of all, I agree with Commissioner Clark Wooten that it is patently unfair for a private business to compete with the Government. Let’s take a moment and examine why it is unfair. Sampson Area Transportation, again a part of a local government entity, would come to the table using tax dollars to make its bid. It has no overhead. It has no cost for buildings or building upkeep and maintenance. It has no expenses for personnel or employees. It has no expenses for equipment. It has none of the expenses or overhead that a private company would have to consider in formulating its bid. All of the expenses mentioned above (expenses that Sampson Area Transportation does not have) are really a part of the overall expenses of the Government and those expenses are all paid for by the taxpayers. In other words, Sampson Area Transportation does operate out of a building. There are employees working for that agency. It has equipment; however, the equipment, the buildings and other items which make up the agency all belong to Sampson County, including the expenses associated with the agency. Irrespective of the unfairness of allowing a Government agency to compete with private businesses, it’s a bad idea to allow Sampson Area Transportation to take over the Medicaid Transportation Contract. It is a “Trojan Horse” that would ultimately hurt the tax payers of Sampson County. Think about it for a moment. In order for Sampson Area Transportation to get in a position to taking over that contract, the county would have to first make substantial expenditures from the start. We would have to spend nearly a million dollars to get the vehicles and equipment necessary to handle the routes that Van Go presently handles. We would have to hire a substantial number of full time employees including drivers to handle that work. These added employees would be entitled to the same benefits that all employees of the county receive. As Commissioner Parker stated, we would have to spend a tremendous amount of money on pensions and health packages at a time when we are struggling to pay for the benefits of the existing employees of the county. In short, to allow Sampson Area Transportation to take over the Medicaid Transportation Contract would be in essence expanding that agency tremendously. We would be expanding government, at a time when we should be cutting back. From all the reports that I have received from constituents, Van Go Transportation is doing a remarkable job. “If it’s not broke don’t fix it”, is what my Grandfather often said. That is what we should do in this situation.” Four Way Stop Signs Coming to Stewart Ave Four way stop signs were approved by the Clinton City Council at Tuesday night’s council meeting. The four way stop would be placed at the intersection of Nicholson St. and Stewart Ave. in Clinton. It was originally recommended that signs go up at the intersection of Stewart and Cutchin as well but council member Steve Stefanovich requested the opportunity to speak with residents of the community before the city finalized the plan. At the December council meeting, the City of Clinton was presented a traffic study by Chief Jay Tilley. The traffic study was conducted because of continued concerns from residents who live along Stewart Ave and within its neighborhood who feel that the speed of the traffic along Stewart Ave pose a danger to the safety of the residents. In December, City Manager Shawn Purvis explained to the city council that the traffic study had been prepared in response to Citizens concerns. “The Police department conducted a speed survey on Stewart Ave to assess traffic in the area because the road is heavily used as a cut-through. Due to the high traffic volume and Stewart Ave’s location in a residential neighborhood, the department is recommending stop signs be installed at the intersections of Cutchin and Nichols St. with Stewart Ave. This would create 4-way stops at both intersections to slow traffic. Creating 4-way stops in residential neighborhoods has been common practice by the City to ensure safety. I recommend approval of this request.” Chief Jay Tilley stated, “We conducted the traffic study because of continued complaints by the resi- dents in the neighborhood. Stewart Ave is a long straight stretch and citizens have historically used the road as a short cut.” In a letter addressed to the City mangers office from Chief Jay Tilley dated, October 21, 2014, Tilley explained the recommendation for the 4-way stop signs. “The Police department has received several citizens’ concerns about speeding on Stewart Ave. The area was monitored over several days and noted that most vehicles traveling on Stewart Ave exceeded the speed limit. A traffic study conducted by Sergeant Jeff Gray to determine what corrective action could be implemented. There were three solutions that the study recommended. 1: Education campaign about the dangers of speeding in a residential neighborhood. 2: Increase the number of posted speed limit signs on Stewart Ave. 3: Place four way stop signs at the intersection of Stewart Ave and Cutchin St and the Intersection of Nicholson St.” On Tuesday night the council re-visited the four-way discussion for both intersections with Stefanovich stating he had concerns over two stops along Stewart between Peterson and College. Stefanovich explained that by stopping all traffic at the half way point (Nicholson intersection) you could accomplish the goal of slowing traffic. It was agreed by all members of the council. Tilley was questioned concerning the placement of only one stop along the Ave and he also agreed that it would slow traffic down. City Manager Purvis was contacted by The Sampson Weekly in order to determine a time frame for the installation of the new four-way stop signs, Purvis stated, “The signs are scheduled to be installed by Thursday, January 15, 2015.” For more information concerning the installation of the new stop signs contact the City of Clinton at 910-592-1961. Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com LOCAL NEWS 5 We Should Know... Bell goes on to say, “When I was in teaching we had the rule of law known as ‘In Loco Parentis’, which means ‘in place of a parent’. And as long as you had that you didn’t have to worry because you were acting as a parent, including corporal punishment. But that has now been changed to the point that a child will say you can’t touch me.” Staying in the field of education, Simmons asks Dr. Bell to discuss the issue of state high schools moving from a 7-point grading scale, to a 10-point grading scale. Dr. Bell says, “I happen to be one of those people who don’t believe that those types of numbers have anything to do with whether someone is capable of making a good livelihood.” He adds, “I’ve seen people who may have had grades or score that were low, who had much more profitable things for society than some of the others. It’s just something that’s within a person that causes them to do miraculous things. So I don’t think it will make much difference whether you have a 7-point or 10-point scale.” Dr. Larry Bell with JW Simmons of “We Should Know” Tuesdays from 2:30 PM until 3:30 PM, J.W. Simmons hosts a radio show on 1170 AM called “We Should Know”, and The Sampson Weekly will feature portions of the transcripts in our continuing efforts to bring you more coverage of what is happening in our community. The guest for this week’s show is Representative Larry Bell. Dr. Larry Bell has been a Representative of the 21st District (Duplin, Wayne and Sampson County) of North Carolina for 14 years now. Bell is a product of Sampson County Schools and his father worked as a custodian for Hargrove School. Bell returned to Sampson County as an educator, working in almost every capacity within education before retiring as the Superintendent of Sampson County Schools. Dr. Bell has also served as a County Commissioner. Bell says that he is very appreciative of the people of Sampson County for having given him the opportunity to serve as an educator, commissioner, and a Representative for the NC General Assembly. JW Simmons opens the show by asking Dr. Bell to discuss some of the issues concerning him at the start of this coming legislative session. Dr. Bell replies, “One of the first things we’re going to have to do is realize is that we’re there to set-up a new budget. And the first thing we will do is check to see how much money we’re going to have to start the budget for the New Year.” “There’s no need of thinking about anything else until we find out what kind of revenue we have, and whether we have enough to do what needs to be done,” adds Bell. “So it’s sort of coming off the back of last year where we did give a lot of tax breaks to people. There just might not be as much revenue coming in this year as we’ve normally had.” “So the question is,” continued Bell, “do you raise revenue, or do you make cuts on top of cuts… The budget is the main thing we’re going to have to deal with right now.” Simmons reminds everyone that because North Carolina requires a balanced budget, people have to think of the budget process for the state much in the same way they would their own personal budget. “It’s not like we can borrow money from somewhere and increase the budget,” states Simmons. He follows by asking Rep. Bell how he sees North Carolina moving forward with increasing teacher pay. “We are definitely going to have to address that this year,” says Bell. “And I was thinking that there would be a pay increase again this year as well. I think we have to look at the situation and see where we need to put those funds. Maybe to the ones who didn’t get very much last year. Maybe we need to try and bring them up to that level. And also encourage our local boards and commissioners to tie-in with supplements where they can to help make it more equitable.” Next, Simmons asks Dr. Bell to discuss the impact of Charter Schools on North Carolina’s state budget, and how his constituents view the issue of Charter Schools in North Carolina in general. Bell begins, “Well, I don’t think you have too many people who are against Charter Schools, if they are used for the right purpose. But I do find that everyone wants them to be evaluated the same way.” Bell says that he believes the people in his district are more concerned that Charter Schools be evaluated the same and held to the same level of accountability. “Especially with the funds they receive,” adds Bell. “And we want to make sure, that as funds are moved from one place to another, that it’s not going to erode to the point that schools, as we know them, don’t exist anymore. We have to make sure there is a good balance there to make it work.” Bell adds, “One thing we did do was to allow local boards of education to set up their own charters if they want to. Or set-up schools where they could do different things than the norm.” Bell explains that the intent was to allow local boards to set-up schools to focus on specific educational issues, such as technical, and not require them to follow the state guidelines as closely as a standard public high school. “I think you’re going to see more of that kind of thing happening,” says Bell. “School systems, sort of like the Early College program, have found that to be a good model and I think you will see a lot of systems try to follow that even more.” JW Simmons next asks Rep. Bell to discuss some of the education issues of the future, such as dress codes, expanded school days, and year round school calendars. Bell begins, “Well, I have long been an advocate of extended school days. To the point where we would set-up different shifts for teachers to come in so the students could stay there and not get home until 5 o’clock in the evening when the parents would be there.” “As I have talked with teacher groups,” states Bell, “they would say ya’ll are always making laws for students and regulating teachers in the schools, but what about the parents. Children come to school dressed inappropriately, because the parents allow it. If parents would stop it (at home) you wouldn’t have to have dress codes in school.” Bell adds, “If you talk about behavior problems, if they (students) were taught to behave and respect teachers and elders, as we were taught when we were that age, you wouldn’t have the discipline problems you have today.” Bell explains that teachers tell him that they feel as if they are expected to accept one-sided regulation while parents are not held to any accountability. “We seem to be the victims in this thing, and there are no rules out there for parents. They can come and fuss us out and we have to listen and not talk back. We have to just take it all.” Bell adds, “That’s what I hear from teachers all the time.” “One of the things I use to do as a teacher, and I pass this on to young teachers starting out,” says Bell. “You need to always give children a way out. Not hold them so close to a 90, or 80, or whatever it is that may be a B or a C. Give them a chance to do some extra work to pull their grades up. Not up substantially, but to keep it within a range. Do some things to keep them from falling back from a B to a C. Just give them a way out with a project. And I’ve noticed more teachers going to the project type based instruction, where students are given a project to do versus given a test to show how much they have learned in a class.” Switching topics, Simmons next asks Rep. Bell how he has managed working within a super majority Republican House and Senate at the NCGA. Bell says, “Well, I was chairman of the Education Committee for 6 years, and I have found that most of the people on the Education Committee think about the same way.” “They are all for improving education in North Carolina,” adds Bell. “Even if they don’t have enough members to pass a bill, they do have the ability to persuade the other side to go in a certain direction. So the way I would do it, if I had something I really wanted to get across, is do it in that committee with some of the people in leadership positions. And hopefully we can persuade Rep. Tim Moore, as he sets up committees, to not give all the chairmanships and vice-chairs to only republican members – But to give at least some vice-chairs to democrats so that we can have input from both sides.” Bell explains that a bill with bipartisan support often stands a better chance of getting passed than one without such support. “You have to face reality,” Bell says with a laugh. “And the first thing you learn to do when you become a legislator is learn to count.” Next, JW Simmons reminds us of the current push back against law enforcement after recent events in Ferguson and NY, and the aftermath of two officers killed in NY and even an officer in Durham shot at while sitting in his patrol car. Simmons asks Rep. Bell, “From your position in the community what is going on here, and are we missing something when we look at these issues.” Bell responds, “I really think it’s a trust factor that we have in our communities. Things like this will happen anytime. You can’t really control some of the things people will do when they start shooting at each other. But the general community should develop some kind of sense of trust.” Bell adds, “Now, back to something I’ve advocated for a long time. Back when I was a county commissioner I tried to get them to establish a human relations council.” Bell says that he served on such a council when the city was working to get public housing, and urged leaders then to continue its work in the community. “It’s too late, after something’s happened, to try to get people talking,” says Bell. “You need to talk before there’s a tragedy or before something happens like that.” “It’s good,” adds Bell, “to have the leaders of a community sit down with leading citizens and break bread. Talk about what’s going on in the community. Then when something like that happens you already have people who can talk with one another. That’s what settles a thing like that. You have to be able to talk together and trust one another.” “When there is mistrust you start having those types of problems,” says Bell. “So I just think we ought to, in every county, every city, have a council that gets together to discuss different kinds of problems.” To view the entire broadcast of We Should Know please visit their YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/WeShouldKnowEDU. The next “We Should Know” hosted by J.W. Simmons will air next Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:30 PM on our local radio station WCLN 1170 AM. If you would like to reach “We Should Know” you may call them at 910-592-8947 or email them with show ideas at weshouldknowedu@gamil.com or you can find them on Facebook. Tired of costly auto bills? Why not fix your vehicle yourself? AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE & LIGHT REPAIR Starts Tuesday, January 13, Ends April 28 Meets Tuesday Nights, 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Open to adults of all ages Midway High School Auto Mechanics Classroom 15375 Spivey’s Corner Hwy. Registration Fee: $125.00 For more information, call Continuing Education, 910-592-7176 1801 Sunset Avenue, Clinton, NC 28328 910-592-8081 • www.sampsoncc.edu 6 Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com HEALTH Services Provided by Sampson County Health Department for Children Health Clinic and Care Coordination for Children (CC4C) care management. The Child Health Clinic Well Child Check involves performing assessments on children 0-21 years old as recommended by Medicaid. Through this program, the Sampson County Health Department is skilled to assist children to comply with the Department North Carolina’s requirements for entry into the kindergarten. A child must have had a recent exam that includes physical, hearing, vision and developmental assessments and be up to date on immunizations. Sampson County and Clinton City Schools require specific paperwork to be completed to show that these requirements have been met. If exams and immunizations are not updated by the 30th day of enrollment, the child is usually required to stay at home until the requirements are met. Well Child Checks provided through the Health Department also meet the requirements for children entering into Daycare, Preschool, HeadStart and More at Four. This assists with achieving our community goal of ensuring the health and well-being of children of Sampson County. Bright Futures, a best practice program, is used by the Sampson County Health Department. The Bright Futures principles acknowledge the value of each child, the importance of family, the connection to community, and that children and youth with special health care needs are children first. These principles are used with each Well Child Check visit to assist in delivering and supporting the highest quality health care for children and their families. By Gail Lamb, RN, BSN According to the 2012 Child Health Report Card, Sampson County’s total population is 63,746 and of that number, 16,130 are children aged 18 and below. That means children make up about 25% of Sampson County’s total population. That number may have little significance for some, but it is of great value. This population is a group that is solely dependent upon others to ensure their health, well-being and needs are met. Whether it is parents, guardians, family members or members of the community, we all play a vital role in caring for our youth. The Sampson County Health Department works tirelessly to be an active participant in caring for the county’s youth by implementing best practice recommended services to meet the needs of our youth. These services are Well Child Check through our Child The Care Coordination for Children – CC4C – Program is comprised of nurses and social workers that work as case managers under the direction of Medicaid’s Care Coordination for Children – CC4C – Program. The program provides assistance to children who are residents of Sampson County. The goal of CC4C is to improve the care of children in the county by linking families to services that will meet their specific needs and by arming families with education and resources available and safeguarding that those needs are met with timely follow-up and evaluation. The CC4C is a program offered at no charge for children birth to 5 years of age who: have long term medical conditions; are dealing with challenges with their environment that may increase their stress levels; and/or referred by a medical provider or other community agencies. Once a referral is received, a CC4C care manager is assigned to the family to assess the needs of child and family. A plan of care and goals are developed by the family with the assistance of CC4C staff. CC4C care managers work with families through home visits, phone calls, provider visits, and other types of contact to assist them with meeting their needs. One of the major goals of the CC4C Program is to build strong family relationships. We find solutions not excuses! Net Magic Systems 201 S. Orange Ave., Dunn, NC 28334 (910)237-0768 mike@netmagicsystems.com For Child Health Clinic Well Child Checks, you can call to schedule an appointment at the Sampson County Health Department at 910-592-1131, extension 4001, 4960 or 4220. For more information on the Care Coordination for Children – CC4C – Program or to make a referral, you can call 910-592-1131, ext. 4969, 4230, 4973 or 4237. Referrals may also be faxed to 910-592-4724, ATTN: Gail Lamb. You can call Eastpointe's Access to Care 24/7/365 For a FREE Initial Clinical Screening call 1-800-913-6109 Help Is Only A Phone Call Away Serving: Bladen, Columbus, Duplin, Edgecombe, Green, Lenior, Nash, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland, Wayne & Wilson Counties. CLINTON FAMILY DENTISTRY HABLA ESPANOL • MEDICAID • HEALTH CHOICE Dr. Clark & Associates 910-596-0606 We are pleased to introduce our new Orthodontist, Dr. William Mott, DMD. We are currently taking appointments for new patients; and we accept all insurance, including Medicaid! All Phases of General and Cosmetic Dentistry Offered: Implants, Crowns, Oral Surgery, Dentures, and Whitening Available. Monday - Thursday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM & Friday 9:00 AM to 3:00 320 NE Boulevard • Jordan Plaza • Clinton, NC 28328 • 910-596-0606 Law Enforcement Appreciation Thank You for your Service, Dedication and Bravery!! We honor all the men and women who so tirelessly work to protect and serve the people of Sampson County . Thank You! SALEMBURG GRILL 100 South Main Street, Salemburg, NC (910) 525-3292 A special Thank You to Sheriff Thornton and his deputies for keeping us safe!! THANK YOU... To all our local heroes! 115 E. Clinton St. Salemburg (910)525-3774 101 N Main St Salemburg NC "We are grateful for the hard work and dedication of our local law enforcement officers. They serve with pride and integrity." "Thank You for your service. We stand with YOU." 910-525-5587 Clinton Truck & Tractor Co., Inc "Thank you for the long hours of dedicated service and protection. We truly appreciate your service in our community!" Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matthew 5:9 (KJV) 220 Williams St. Autryville, NC 28318 Lamar Butler INSURANCE SERVICE CENTER 312 E. College Street Clinton, NC • 910-592-3108 2 % Oand Proud to salute all the men women in Sampson County who serve and protect... Thankf You! Coharie Country Club - Clinton, NC 28328 Office 910.592.6745 - Pro Shop 910.592.2951 "We thank you for your service and are grateful for your business!!" Harold's Barber Shop 910-525-3025 107 NE Blvd., Clinton • 910-592-4188 Thanks to all law enforcement personnel who serve in Sampson County WE APPRECIATE YOU! Fisher Insurance Agency, LLC 101 E. Clinton Street, Roseboro, NC 910-525-5222 (fax) 910-525-4079 Thank you for your service to the citizens of Sampson County!! Thank You for your service and commitment to safety and security!We honor your hard work. PITTMANS’ CORNER GRILL 910-525-5261 Hwy. 24, Downtown at Caution Light Autryville, NC 28318 Proud to support our local Law Enforcement in Sampson County Job Well Done!! MATTHEWS Health Mart PHARMACY 408 Northeast Blvd 910-592-2343 Jordan Shopping Center We proudly support our local Law Enforcement Agencies. CAROLINA EYE CARE PROFESSIONALS, PA Dr. Thomas Barowsky Locations: www.precisiontool.com brandonl@precisiontool.com 1314 Sunset Avenue, Clinton 205 W NC Highway 24, Roseboro Proud to support our local law enforcement. Thank you for your dedication to keeping us safe!! 340A Northeast Blvd. Clinton, NC (910)592-5379 www.carolinaeyecareprofessionals.com Roseboro is a great community to "Take Root and Bloom" in. We are thankful for the outstanding job performance of our Local Law Enforcement Agencies. W Renee Henderson Loan Officer NMLS 112786 We are grateful for our Local Law Enforcement Agencies! Thank you for your service! Lynn Pritchard Loan Officer Make the Move from NMLS 1011195 Renter to Owner with a Broad Range of Programs Start Enjoying All the Rewards of Homeownership! NMLS 3029 • NMLS 1169505 Royal Trustworthy Hardware 119 N Main St., Salemburg, NC (910) 525-5320 Thank You for your service and dedication to keeping our community safe!! 201 South Orange Ave., Dunn NC, 28334 Phone: 888-891-7545 or 910-891-4331 www.CrossCountrySouth.com All loans subject to underwriting approval. Certain restrictions apply. Call for details. To verify licensing, visit www.NMLSConsumerAccess.org. 8 Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com FAITH Have I Got A Story To Share With You! A few days ago someone lashed out at me with harsh, cutting words. Though their anger was short-lived, their words deeply wounded my heart … more like my entire being and I’m still reeling from the effects of their words. It’s for that reason I disagree with the familiar quote that says, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” And why I do agree with the less familiar quote that says, “Words can hurt as much as sticks and stones, only they hurt the heart, not the bones.” Words can hurt forever. That’s why we must choose our words carefully and not speak when angry or frustrated. Have I ever spoken when angry or frustrated? Yes, too many times. Have my spoken words caused the sort of hurt as I’m experiencing now? Again my answer is yes, too many times. God forgive me. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.—Psalm 19:14 (NKJV) What man is he who desires life and longs for many days, that he may see good? Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit.—Psalm 34:12-13 (AMP) The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.—Psalm 37:30 (NIV) The words of his mouth were smoother than cream or butter, but war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.—Psalm 55:21 (AMP) Hide me from the secret counsel and conspiracy of the ungodly, from the scheming of evildoers, who whet their tongues like a sword, who aim venomous words like arrows.--Psalm 64:2-3 (AMP) May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous.—Psalm 119:172 (NIV) Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.—Psalm 139:4 (NIV) A truthful witness gives honest testimony, but a false witness tells lies. Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.—Proverbs 12:17-19 (NIV) An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.—Proverbs 12:25 (NIV) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.—Proverbs 15:1-2 (NIV) The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.—Proverbs 15:4 (NIV) Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.—Proverbs 16:24 (NIV) The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction.— Proverbs 16:21 (NIV) AN ANGEL IN MY POCKET When I was a little girl I had an “aunt” that declared that people who had lucky things happen to them, “had an angel in their pocket.” As a child that saying fascinated me. How can an angel fit into someone’s pocket, I wondered? I had seen pictures of angels at church and in Bible storybooks. They were the same size as regular people. They were too big to fit into a pocket. Maybe there were tiny angels like fairies. Then the fairy-sized angels could fit into a pocket. They both had wings; it made sense to me. So I began to look into my pockets every day just on the off chance there might be an angel in there - one of the tiny ones. I imagined that God’s big angels had lots of important things to do like it told about in the Bible. So I figured the tiny angels slipped into people’s pockets to bring good luck to them. I checked every day that I wore something with a pocket. I never saw an angel hiding in there. I wondered if maybe you had to do something special in order to get an angel in your pocket. I had fun looking for one though, When we say things in regular conversation, we never know how a young child might perceive it. When my daughter was small she “picked up on” some things I said in ways I never dreamed of. I didn’t find out until she was older and she told me about it. I often asked her if she “saw any sign of her daddy,” if I was looking for him. “No,” she always answered. Well, come to find out, she thought I was asking her if she saw a real sign with her daddy’s picture on it! I would sometimes say when I was frustrated, “I wish I lived in a house on the tiptop of a mountain where no one could get to!” One day my daughter brought me a picture she had drawn for me. There was a really pointed mountain with a house sitting precariously on the tip. Our dog was hanging on one corner for dear life and our cat was hanging on the other corner, no doubt praying! “Is this what you picture when I say “I want to live on top of a mountain,” I asked? “Yes,” she said smiling. Now you know I still have that picture. It still makes me laugh. Later when she was about seven years old, she carefully wrapped a present at Christmas and placed it under the tree. The tag was written in her sweet childish handwriting - “To Mommy from Michele.” When I opened it on Christmas, there was a picture of a log cabin in the mountains with a Christmas wreath on the door, surrounded with snow and smoke coming out of the chimney. She had carefully cut it out of a magazine, matted it with white paper, and put it in a wooden frame, (with daddy’s help). There was note with it that said, “Mommy, here is your cabin in the mountains you want. I couldn’t get you a real one. I didn’t have enough money. Love, Michele. I shed a few tender Christmas tears. Nothing store bought could have come close to that precious gift. It hangs by my bed to this day. Every time I look at it, it brings back sweet memories. Oh yes, there have been many times in my life when I’ve had “an angel in my pocket.” I know exactly now what my aunt meant. I hope that angel settles in my pocket and decides to stay a spell. And I hope an angel finds its way into By Carolyn your pocket too! Horrell Mintz Psalms for the Soul Written by Linda Herring The Bible speaks to us but the Psalms speak for us. Psalm 50:10 says, “Every beast of the forest is mine and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Anxiety is the enemy of a peaceful life. People go to great lengths to get rid of stress: travel ads promise vacations will sweep you away; gyms offer to help you sweat it off; and magazines suggest ways to lessen it by adjusting our habits. Jesus said to seek peace in Him because He has overcome this world. The key is to shift our focus from the scary problems to God, who lovingly provides whatever we need. We need to pray rather than give in to anxiety. These words are Paul’s orders for doing battle against the stresses and troubles of this world. Prayer keeps your mind and heart with peace. Keep trusting in God so that your defenses are strong and anxiety can not slip in, Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Do not let the stresses of the day steal your Psalm. Contact me at herring.theword@hotmail.com. A man of perverse heart does not prosper; he whose tongue is deceitful falls into trouble.—Proverbs 17:20 (NIV) Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.—Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) He who answers before listening- that is his folly and his shame.—Proverbs 18:13 (NIV) A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the by Debra Joy Wallace consequence of his words he must be satisfied [whether good or evil]. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life].—Proverbs 18:20-21 (AMP) He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles.—Proverbs 21:23 (AMP) Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words. When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow.—Ecclesiastes 5:2-4 (NIV) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.—Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.—Colossians 4:6 (NIV) But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.—Colossians 3:8 (NIV) My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.— James 1:19-20 (NIV) Never return evil for evil or insult for insult (scolding, tonguelashing, berating), but on the contrary blessing [praying for their welfare, happiness, and protection, and truly pitying and loving them]. For know that to this you have been called, that you may yourselves inherit a blessing [from God—that you may obtain a blessing as heirs, bringing welfare and happiness and protection]. For let him who wants to enjoy life and see good days [good—whether apparent or not] keep his tongue free from evil and his lips from guile (treachery, deceit). Let him turn away from wickedness and shun it, and let him do right. Let him search for peace (harmony; undisturbedness from fears, agitating passions, and moral conflicts) and seek it eagerly. [Do not merely desire peaceful relations with God, with your fellowmen, and with yourself, but pursue, go after them!]— 1Peter 3:9-11 (AMP) Debra Joy Wallace is an inspirational columnist and speaker. To learn more visit her website: www. debrajoywallace.com and her new Facebook page; “Weighty Inspiration by Debra Joy”. An Odd Mixture Matthews 10:16 – “See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Felix Unger and Oscar Madison were an unusual mixture in the 1970’s television comedy, The Odd Couple. The divorced men shared an apartment together; Felix was neat and tidy while Oscar was sloppy and causal. The differences in their lifestyles and approach to doing things made for a lot of laughs. They were an odd combination. By Vanessa W. Polk In the text, we are introduced to another unusual mixture –serpents and doves. This mix is not only an unusual combination, it’s a rather dangerous one. In the company of a serpent the dove will not last very long. Nevertheless, Jesus sends out the twelve disciples on a mission with instructions and an admonition that they be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Despite this seemingly odd combination, the text suggest that Jesus would have his followers to display serpent-lie wisdom and dove-like innocent in life and ministry. A search of the Biblical record rings with the idea that serpents were reptiles to be feared and avoided by humans. Since they were associated with sin and evil, who would have thought that they would ever be viewed as having any redeeming value. Yet, a closer look at the nature of a serpents reveals that they are cunning and often associated with wisdom. On the other hand, the dove is noted for its gentle nature and innocence. The essence of the dove was so significant that it descended upon Jesus at his baptism, revealing the Spirit of God. As people of faith, we must live a lifestyle that combines the natures of two unlikely creatures –wisdom (symbolized by serpents) with the empowering Spirit of God (symbolized by doves). The brilliance of what Jesus says offers refreshing clarity about having a tough mind and a tender heart. We must combine the toughness of the serpent with the softness of the doves, a tough mind and a tender heart. –Martin Luther King, Jr. The Management of The Sampson Weekly reserves the right to approve any article, advertisement and/or announcement which it deems appropriate for its readers. We/ The Management also reserve the right to make any change as we see necessary to any submission prior to approval. We/The Management also reserve the right to not accept announcements, articles and/or submissions we deem as inappropriate or which we do not approve. Week of January 9-15, 2015 Could One Hour With This Doctor Give You The Answer To Your Disc Pain? www.thesampsonweekly.com ENTERTAINMENT 9 EAST PARK CINEMA “Come In And Enjoy A Movie” 122 Southeast Blvd. Hwy 701 Business (910) 592-2800 www.eastparkcinema5.com We Have The Best Popcorn In Town!!! We Are Now 100% Digital Now, in Clinton, NC one doctor has what may be the most important breakthrough in non-surgical back pain treatments. Before and after MRI studies have shown disc bulges shrink in size – even with the most painful cases of L4-L5 herniations. Call TODAY for Special Offer, until January 19th! 910-592-2250 If you’ve had disc problems for years, recently injured your back, or you’re suffering with sciatica, you must hear about these new studies. Scientific studies tell us that spinal discs are responsible for most of the aches and pains people suffer from. Discs act like a cushion between our backbones and allow for a space at each level so the nerves can exit the spinal column. When these discs get injured or wear out from bad posture, they begin to degenerate and cause pain. Bulging and herniations begin to form, pressing on the nerve roots. If the herniations occur at L4-L5, they can severely compromise the large sciatic nerve, causing muscle weakness, tingling, and severe pain. The most common invasive treatment for disc herniations is surgery. This costs quite a bit of money. Even with health insurance the patient is left with their own portion of the bill, in excess of $10,000-$15,000, and sometimes more. The recovery time and missed work can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months, not to mention the obvious severe risks associated with all surgery. But here’s the biggest problem… there is a high failure rate of back surgery. One medical study found that on average, 53% of L5-S1 back surgeries fail to produce relief of symptoms (International Orthop 1987.) Before You Go Under The Knife And Opt For Spinal Surgery… You should seriously consider a less invasive approach called spinal decompression combined with laser therapy. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a new technology that can improve disc herniations. It creates a vacuum effect on the disc, which pulls the disc back into its normal position and brings in a fresh blood supply to promote healing. Spinal decompression treatments are very gentle. In fact, every once and awhile I even catch a patient sleeping during sessions. You’ll simply lie on your stomach or back, whichever is comfortable, and then a specialized belt is gently put around your waist. We’ll set the machine to focus on your problem area – then the advanced decompression computer system will do the rest. Most patients feel better with just a few treatments, and best of all there will be no dangerous drugs, no invasive procedures, and no painful exercises. The Research Behind This Treatment One clinical study has shown non-surgical spinal decompression to be extremely successful (good or excellent relief) in 86% of patients with herniated discs and degenerative joint disease – without the side effects. Another study presented at the American Academy of Pain Management in 2007 showed… “Patients reported a mean 88.9% improvement in back pain and better function…No patient required any invasive therapies (e.g. epidural injections, surgery).” As you can see, spinal decompression has a high success rate with helping disc herniations, sciatica, and back pain. In just a matter of weeks you could be back on the golf course, enjoying your love life, or traveling again. These guys use the Class IV Laser for one reason only…. It Promotes Rapid Healing Of The Injured Tissues. Before the FDA would clear Laser Therapy for human use, they wanted to see proof that it worked. This led to two landmark studies. The first study showed that patients who had Laser Therapy had 53% better improvement than those who had a placebo. The second study showed patients who used the laser therapy had less pain and more range of motion days after treatment. If Laser Therapy can help these patients, it can help you too. Feel the Improvement – and Say “Yes” to Life Again With my “Decompression & Laser Evaluation” we’ll be able find the problem and then correct it. Think of how you’ll feel in just a few short weeks. See and feel your life change for the better. Start your body on the way to pain-free, normal living. Feel tight joints rest, relax, free up. Feel muscles tied in knots become suppler. Feel strength in your muscles increase. You’re able to live life like a normal person again, without back pain – able to play with your kids, enjoy time with friends, and finally get a good night’s rest. The Single Most Important Solution To Your Sciatica and Back Pain It’s time for you to find out if spinal decompression combined with laser therapy will be your sciatic and back pain solution. For 10 days only, I’m running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for spinal decompression combined with laser therapy. What does this offer include? ust call and here’s what you’ll get… • An in-depth consultation about your health and well-being where I will listen…really listen…to the details of your case. • You’ll get to see everything first hand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, like it has been for so many other patients. Until January 19th you can get everything I’ve listed here for FREE. The normal price for this type of evaluation is $150, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer. Here’s what to do now: Due to the expected demand for this treatment, I suggest calling my office at once. The phone number is 910-592-2250. Call today and we can get started with your consultation as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Decompression & Laser Evaluation before January 19, 2015. Sincerely, Dr. Tim Kosterman, D.C. STARTS FRIDAY Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for brief strong language Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Famke Janssen Liam Neeson returns as ex-covert operative Bryan Mills, whose reconciliation with his ex-wife is tragically cut short when she is brutally murdered. Friday: 6:45 & 9:00 Saturday & Sunday: 2:15 4:30 6:45 & 9:00 Monday-Thursday: 6:45 INTO THE WOOD STARTS FRIDAY Rated: PG for thematic elements, fantasy action and peril, and some suggestive material Starring: Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine, Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, Meryl Streep, James Corden, Lilla Crawford, Daniel Huttlestone A modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. Friday: 6:30 & 9:00 Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 4:15 6:30 & 9:00 Monday-Thursday: 6:30 TOP FIVE NOW PLAYING Rated: R for strong sexual content, nudity, crude humor, language throughout and some drug use Starring: Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan New York City comedian-turned-film star Andre Allen, encounters a journalist (Rosario Dawson) unexpectedly, and she forces him to confront the comedy career—and the past—that he’s left behind. Friday: 6:45 & 8:45 Saturday & Sunday: 2:45 4:45 6:45 & 8:45 Monday-Thursday: 6:45 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb NOW PLAYING Rated: PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Dan Stevens, Rami Malek, Rebel Wilson Get ready for the most wild and adventure-filled Night At the Museum ever, as Larry spans the globe, uniting favorite and new characters while embarking on an epic quest to save the magic before it is gone forever. Friday: 7:00 & 9:00 Saturday & Sunday: 2:15 4:30 7:00 & 9:00 Monday-Thursday: 7:00 ANNIE NOW PLAYING Rated: PG for some mild language and rude humor Starring: Quvenzhané Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Rose Byrne, Cameron Diaz Originally left by her parents as a baby with the promise that they’d be back for her someday, it’s been a hard knock life ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). But everything’s about to change when the hard-nosed tycoon and New York mayoral candidate Will Stacks (Jamie Foxx) advised by his brilliant VP, Grace (Rose Byrne) and his shrewd and scheming campaign advisor, Guy (Bobby Cannavale) makes a thinly-veiled campaign move and takes her in. Finally, You Have An Option Other Than Drugs or Surgery New research in a treatment called low level laser therapy, or Class IV Laser, is having a profound effect on patients suffering with pain. Unlike the cutting type of laser seen in movies and used in medical procedures, Class IV Laser penetrates the surface of the skin with no heating effect or damage. Class IV Laser therapy has been tested for 40 years, had over 2000 papers published on it, and been shown to aid in damaged tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and boost the immune system. This means that there is a good chance Class IV Laser therapy could be your pain solution, allowing you to live a more active lifestyle. Professional athletes like Tiger Woods and team members of the New England Patriots rely upon class IV laser therapy to treat the sports-related injuries. Here’s what our patients have to say: “I came to Kosterman Chiropractic because I was diagnosed with lower back pain. The lower back pain was causing me pain in my back and stiffness and weakness in my leg. I had never tried chiropractic care before. When I came to see Dr. Kosterman, he and his staff did a complete evaluation and told me what I needed to get better. I followed their program and everything is much better. Now, I can work without any limitations. I am very grateful for Kosterman Chiropractic and all that they do”. – D. Watkins TAKEN 3 “On January 21st I bent over to pick up something off of the floor and felt like someone had shot me in the back. I managed to make it over to Dr. Tim Kosterman’s office where I was thoroughly evaluated. Thankfully, because of his knowledge, care, concern, decompression and laser treatment, I am now walking my 10 miles a week again. At 74 years old, that’s very important. I want to thank Dr. Kosterman, and his staff, for their wonderful care.” – P. Coffey FREE DECOMPRESSION & LASER EVALUATION ($150 VALUE) www.SpinalDoc.org / Kosterman Chirorpractic Center 401 Cooper Dr. in Clinton, NC Call 910-592-2250 AVAILABLE UNTIL JANUARY 19, 2015 IF YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TREATMENT YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHIN 3 DAYS AND RECEIVE A REFUND. FEDERAL RECIPIENTS ARE EXCLUDED FROM THIS OFFER. Friday: 6:30 & 8:45 Saturday & Sunday: 2:00 4:15 6:30 & 8:45 Monday-Thursday: 6:30 STARTING JANUARY 16th: PADDINGTON Advertise Your Business Here Call Bill Roberson (910) 590-2102 Or Email bill@thesampsonweekly.com 10 Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com LIFE STYLE Photos courtesy of Getty Images Photos courtesy of Getty Images FAMILY FEATURES FAMILY FEATURES Diets Dietsdon’t don’twork. work. According to the Journal of of Clinical Psychology, According to the Journal Clinical Psychology,4545percent percentofofAmericans Americans make New Year’s resolutions each year, andand weight-related make New Year’s resolutions each year, weight-relatedresolutions resolutionstop top the the list.list. Unfortunately, only about 8 percent achieve Unfortunately, only about 8 percent achieveany anytype typeofofresolution, resolution, weight-related or not. weight-related or not. If you’ve made (and then broken) thethe same oldold weightIf you’ve made (and then broken) same weight-ororhealth-oriented health-oriented resolutions each January, you’re not alone. It might be resolutions each January, you’re not alone. It might betime timetotofocus focusonon research-proven approaches to get healthier that actually research-proven approaches to get healthier that actuallywork work——without without gimmicks, diets thatthat eliminate foods, or or buying strange gimmicks, diets eliminate foods, buying strangefoods foodsand andequipment. equipment. Start Well: Eat Start Well: EatBreakfast Breakfast Start the day right, and it really can make things go better all day. Research the dayshown right, that and itpeople reallywho can make things gotend better all day. Research has Start repeatedly eat breakfast to take in more has repeatedly that people eatare breakfast tendand to take more nutrients (calcium,shown iron, protein and who fiber), more alert can in concentrate nutrients (calcium, iron, protein and fiber), are more alert and can concentrate better, and may even have better success with weight management. better, and mayoff even better success management. To get yourself to have a strong start, thinkwith aboutweight combining protein, carboTo get yourself off to a strong start, think about combining protein, hydrates and low-fat dairy. Some possibilities: whole grain cereal and a carbo high hydrates andan low-fat dairy. Some possibilities: whole cereal and a high protein yogurt, English muffin with peanut butter, orgrain an egg sandwich with yogurt, an English muffin with peanut butter, or an egg sandwich with fruitprotein and yogurt. fruit and yogurt. How in 30 30 Seconds Seconds or orLess Less How to to Spot Spot aa Fad Fad Diet Diet in Fad again. Here Here are are some some Faddiets dietscome come and and go go and and return return again. obvious clues that a diet is a fad rather than a realistic obvious clues that a diet is a fad rather than a realistic approach approachfor for becoming becoming healthy. healthy. 1.1.Sounds too good or true Sounds too good or easy easy to to be be true 2.2.Promises rapid weight loss (5–10 pounds aa week) week) Promises rapid weight loss (5–10 pounds or “miracle cures” or “miracle cures” 3. Allows only certain foods or food groups (cutting 3. Allows only certain foods or food groups (cutting out others) out others) 4. Promotes a product, special herb, vitamin or other 4. Promotes a product, special herb, vitamin or other compound compound 5. Can only be “followed” temporarily but is not 5.supervised Can only beby“followed” a doctor temporarily but is not supervised by a doctor Hardtotoimagine imagineorordifficult difficulttotofollow followthethediet diet forever 6.6.Hard forever 7. Doesn’t recommend a form of exercise or says that 7. Doesn’t recommend a form of exercise or says that it’s unnecessary it’s unnecessary Warnsthat thatone onefood foodororfood foodgroup groupwill willmake make you 8.8.Warns you seriously ill or worse seriously ill or worse 9. Makes recommendations based on pseudo-science 9. Makes recommendations based on pseudo-science not endorsed by credible organizations or peer not endorsed by credible organizations or peer reviewed by other scientists reviewed by other scientists 10. Cites research that is preliminary, based on animals, 10. Cites research that is preliminary, based on animals, has very few subjects, or uses poor methodology has very few subjects, or uses poor methodology The bottom line: Eat when you are hungry, strive for The bottom line: when youtoare moderation and Eat move more feelhungry, good. strive for moderation and move more to feel good. Eat Rough(age): Make Fiber a Priority Eat Rough(age): Make Fiber a Priority Fiber, found in whole grain wheat, barley, corn and oats, as well as in Fiber, found inand whole grainhelps wheat, barley, corn and oats, as through well as in fruits, vegetables beans, keep things moving easily vegetables and beans,that helps keepfiber things easily through the fruits, digestive tract. Remember grain hasmoving different nutritional the digestive tract. that fiber both. has different nutritional benefits than fruits andRemember vegetables, sograin you need benefits thanfilling, fruits and vegetables, so you Fiber is also providing volume withneed few both. calories because Fiber don’t is alsohave filling, volume few calories our bodies theproviding enzymes to breakwith it down. But fiberbecause can be our bodies don’tfor have to break it down. fiber can be digested and used fuelthe byenzymes the 10 trillion bacteria thatBut live in the digested and used for fuel health by the conditions. 10 trillion bacteria that live in the colon and prevent numerous colon and prevent numerous health conditions. Tips to Trim Tips to Trim Mindless Calories Mindless Calories n Eat mindfully n Eat mindfully Put all of your attention on the food and Put all of your nowhere else. attention on the food and nowhere else. Get Your Facts Straight: Your Facts Straight: If Get It Sounds Too Good to be True... If It Sounds Too Good to be True... n Eat for hunger n Eat for hunger Make sure you are eating because you Make sure you because you are hungry andare noteating for other reasons. are hungry and not for other reasons. Losing 10 pounds in two weeks only to regain it in eight makes no sense. Losingyou’ve 10 pounds weeks only to eightall makes sense. Whether tried intotwo go gluten-free, lowregain carb itorinavoid whitenofoods, Whether you’vehigh triedthat to go gluten-free, low result carb orinavoid whiteeffects. foods, chances are quite your efforts didn’t long all lasting chances are quite high that eating your efforts didn’t in long lasting effects. What does work? A balanced pattern and result an active lifestyle. What isdoes work? A balanced eating pattern an otherwise active lifestyle. There no one perfect diet, and anyone whoand says is typically is no perfect diet, and weight anyoneloss. who Registered says otherwise is typically sellingThere a book or one products promising dietitian selling a book products weight loss. Registered dietitian nutritionists can beortrusted to promising provide credible, evidence-based informationnutritionists that can be can tailored to your and tasteevidence-based preferences. Ininformabe trusted to lifestyle provide credible, addition, eating patterns such as those recommended by the Mediter tion that can be tailored to your lifestyle and taste preferences. In ranean Diet, eating the DASH Dietsuch (Dietary Approaches to Stop addition, patterns as those recommended by Hypertension) the Mediterandranean MyPlate canthe provide on the types of foods to include in Diet, DASHguidance Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) yourand meals. MyPlate can provide guidance on the types of foods to include in your meals. n Eat slowly n Eat slowly You’ll stop eating sooner and register You’ll stop eating sooner and register that you’ve had enough. that you’ve had enough. n Eat without guilt n Eat without guiltthe Consider whether food is an “everyday” food the or “sometimes” Consider whether food is an food and eat accordingly, enjoying every “everyday” food or “sometimes” food bite and eat accordingly, enjoying every bite Move It: Walk, Dance or Ride Your Way to Health Move It:itWalk, Dance orweek Ride Yourskip Way to Health Unless you use often (2–3 times per or more), the gym membership. Walk outside, walk dance in times your kitchen, in theskip garden or ride your bike to run Unless youthe usedog, it often (2–3 per weekwork or more), the gym membership. Walk errands. And, if possible, do it every daykitchen, with friends and make part bike of your outside, walk the dog, dance in your work inforthefun, garden or rideityour to run regular lifestyle. errands. And, if possible, do it every day with friends for fun, and make it part of your regular lifestyle. Make It Stick: Schedule and Track Your Progress Make It Stick: Schedule and Track Progress Make a schedule of your health goals, and keep track ofYour progress by writing in a food and activity or calendar. it makes moreby likely to happen. Makejournal a schedule of your Write health things goals, down; and keep track ofthem progress writing in a foodNote and things like how youorfeel beforeWrite and after and exercise. Youmore maylikely be surprised by Note activity journal calendar. thingsmeals down; it makes them to happen. what you learn. things like how you feel before and after meals and exercise. You may be surprised by what you learn. For more info, try these resources: For more info, try these resources: n US News and World Report Ranking of Best Overall Diets: health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets. US News and World Report Ranking of Best Overall Diets: health.usnews.com/best-diet/best-overall-diets. nn Mediterranean Diet: oldwayspt.org/programs/mediterranean-foods-alliance/what-mediterranean-diet. Mediterranean Diet: oldwayspt.org/programs/mediterranean-foods-alliance/what-mediterranean-diet. nn DASH Diet: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dash/. DASH Diet: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/dash/. nn Find a Registered Dietitian: www.eatright.org/programs/rdnfinder/. Find a Registered Dietitian: www.eatright.org/programs/rdnfinder/. nn MyPlate: www.choosemyplate.gov. MyPlate: www.choosemyplate.gov. nn Information on diet, health, fiber, gluten n and other topics: www.wheatfoods.org. Information on diet, health, fiber, gluten and other topics: www.wheatfoods.org. Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com Two-time Sprint Cup champion Terry Labonte quietly retires from NASCAR NOTEBOOK BK Racing expands, moves to new facility ISC Archives One of NASCAR’s most popular drivers of all time, two-time Sprint Cup champion Terry Labonte, quietly retired following the fall race at Talladega Superspeedway. For the past several seasons, he’d been running a limited schedule and keeping a low profile while doing so. But in his heyday, he ran up some impressive numbers. He made 890 starts in the Cup series — third on the all-time list behind Richard Petty with 1,185 and Ricky Rudd, with 906. He won 22 races and 27 poles in Cup, plus another 11 wins in the series now known as Xfinity, and one more in the Camping World Truck Series. His accomplishments on the Sprint Cup circuit, particularly his championships, all but assure that he’ll one day be inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame, but few races or race tracks better define Labonte’s career than Darlington Raceway and the Southern 500. Labonte made his first start at Darlington in the Southern 500 and got both his first and his final Cup wins in the Southern 500 at “The Lady in Black.” He was a virtual unknown when he showed up at Darlington in 1978 at the age of 21 to drive the No. 92 Chevrolet for car owner Billy Hagan, who discovered Labonte on the short tracks of Texas. Labonte replaced Skip Manning in the team’s red and white Monte Carlo. Labonte talked about his debut during a press conference at Talladega, in which he announced his retirement. “The good thing about it for me to run my first race there is, being from Texas, I really wasn’t that familiar with Darlington,” he said of the tricky track often described as “Too Tough to Tame.” “If I would have been, I probably wouldn’t have picked that one as my first race.” Labonte said the mandatory rookie meeting was an eyeopener. “They showed a video that they played of all the things not to do,” he said. “I was sitting there watching that thing, and the guy that starred in that video was the guy that drove the car I was driving the year before. “So everything he did wrong, they pointed out in that video. So I sat there and I thought to myself, ‘Oh my gosh, the car is identical. It’s the same paint scheme, same number, everything.’ “So I sat right there and thought, ‘The thing to do is not make next year’s video. Don’t make all the highlights of the things not to do.’” For Labonte, everything about that Southern 500 was new to him. “The longest race I think I’d ever run was a 200-lapper around a half-mile track, so I started that race and I just ran and ran and thought, ‘My gosh, these guys could wreck down here. Holy smoke,’ ” he recalled. “They tore up a bunch of cars, and it was typical Darlington. It was wild. So I ran, and the race lasted forever. “That was the longest race I ever ran in my life, so we ran Terry Labonte won the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway in 2003. the race. I was trying to figure out how many laps were left, and finally the thing ended, and I never thought to look at the scoreboard.” He should have looked, because he was in famous company. When it was over, he’d finished fourth behind race winner Cale Yarborough, runner-up Darrell Waltrip and third-place Richard Petty. Behind him was Bobby Allison in fifth and Bill Elliott in sixth place. “I’m going to the garage, and Bobby Allison and Donnie Allison came over and congratulated me, and I thought that was the coolest thing.” Also that day, Labonte outran another young driver who was making his first Southern 500 start — one who would later become one of his greatest competitors. Although it wasn’t his first Cup race, Dale Earnhardt finished 16th that day, driving the No. 96 Ford for Will Cronkrite. It was his final ride with Cronkrite before moving to the Rod Osterlund-owned team that delivered him his first Cup victory in 1979 and first championship the following year. But on that September afternoon and on a lot of others, Labonte didn’t look on any of his fellow drivers as rivals. “There were all these guys I raced against that I looked up to as a kid, and I just was thrilled to be able to actually race against guys like Richard Petty and Bobby and Donnie Allison, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough and these guys,” he said. “It was just a real honor for me to be able to compete with these guys. I never looked at any of them as a rival. I never did, and still never really felt like I had any rivals at any point in my career. To me, it was really something special just to be able to race in NASCAR with some of the guys I really admired when I was growing up.” 11 BK Racing, which fields the No. 23, No. 26, No. 83 and No. 93 Toyotas on the Sprint Cup circuit, has moved its racing operation from Statesville, North Carolina, to a shop near Charlotte that once housed GMS Racing and BAM Racing. A team release said the new facility will allow the team to expand its operations. “We needed a new location that allowed for more space to increase our performance,” said Ron Devine, owner of BK Racing. “We continue to invest into race operations to improve our potential and performance both on and off the track. It all starts in the race shop, and having the best resources and assets, in addition to our team of employees.” NUMERICALLY SPEAKING Green-whitecheckered-flag finishes in Sprint Cup racing since the new rules were put in place in 2004. 79 53 Drivers who held on to win after leading at the time a greenwhite-checkered finish began (since 2004). Additional laps run because of green-whitecheckered-flag finishes since 2004. 343 761 Career Sprint Cup starts by Jeff Gordon, tops among active drivers. He’s never missed a race since his first, at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 1992. Sprint Cup drivers to compete in Rolex 24 Veteran crew chief Tony Eury Jr. to head driver development Sprint Cup drivers program for LFR Chassis Kyle Larson and Jamie Veteran crew chief Tony Eury Jr. is the latest in a growing group of NASCAR veterans to get into the driver development business. Eury, the longtime crew chief and car chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr., now works for LFR Chassis in Mooresville, North Carolina, which recently added driver development to the services it offers. The new effort will see the company provide coaching and training in Late Model and Modified race cars. Joining the new venture are company owner Rob Fuller, who has been a driver and engineer as well as a pit crew member for teams including Penske Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Jeff Fultz and Ryan Stone, both of whom have experience behind the wheel and on the pit box as well as in building cars, are also part of the effort. “With the experience level of our coaches and quality of equipment, we are taking a huge variable out of the developmental stages of a driver’s progression,” Fuller said in a company release. “We have all wished at some point of our Tony Eury Jr. career to have the best equipment and most knowledgeable crew so we can test our driving ability, and all that is under one roof.” The group will also offer media training and other marketing services, with longtime NASCAR publicist Nealie Stufflet in charge of that area. For more information, contact Fuller at Rob@LFRChassis.com. HHP/Harold Hinson Chris Trotman/Getty Images for NASCAR McMurray will be among the NASCAR drivers competing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona Jan. 22-25 at Daytona International Speedway. They will co-drive the No. 02 Ford Riley fielded The 2015 Rolex 24 will be held Jan. 22-25 by their car owners at Daytona International Speedway. Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates, who are also major car owners on the sports car circuit. McMurray and Larson will join former Indianapolis 500 winners Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan in the No. 02, while the team’s No. 01 will be driven by Scott Pruett, Joey Hand, Charlie Kimball and Sage Karam. Ganassi will be trying for his sixth win in the classic 24-hour sports car race on the road course at Daytona International Speedway. For seven decades, from 1953 to the present, the Wood Brothers of Stuart, Virginia, have been racing and winning in NASCAR’s elite Sprint Cup Series. For most of that time, their biggest competition came from the Pettys of Level Cross, North Carolina, and other teams like the ones fielded by Bud Moore, Junior Johnson, Hoss Ellington and other owners who were at their best back in the day. Today, the teams to beat include those fielded by owners like Rick Hendrick, Roger Penske, Richard Childress, Joe Gibbs and their peers. The Woods got most of their 98 wins decades ago and the most recent in the 2012 Daytona 500, but Eddie Wood, son of team founder Glen Wood and one of the team’s current co-owners, said winning at the Cup level is difficult, no matter what era. “Winning has always been hard,” he said. “For a lot of years, the guy we had to beat was Richard Petty, and they didn’t come any harder to beat than him. “The main difference today is there are a lot more people involved — from the manufacturer level to the engine builders to the people on each race team. Before, a handful of people contributed to a win; today that number is over a hundred.” And in today’s NASCAR landscape, it usually takes more than one race team to be successful. The sport is dominated by multi-car teams, where the resources of up to four drivers and teams are combined to strengthen the whole company. Because the Woods have remained a one-car team while many others have expanded operations, the family-owned team has opted to align itself with one of the powerhouse organizations. For the past several seasons, the Woods have purchased cars from and shared technology with Roush Fenway Racing, but beginning with the 2015 season, they’ll switch their alliance to Team Penske. And in doing so, they’ll be moving from a Roush team that is in a rebuilding mode to Team Penske, which many consider to be one of the top two organizations in the Cup garage. Just last year, the two-car Penske team won 11 Cup races — six with Brad Keselowski and five with Joey Logano. In moving to Team Penske, the Woods have secured the services of one of Penske’s up-and-coming drivers, Ryan Blaney, as well as one of the company’s promising young crew chiefs, Jeremy Bullins. Blaney, who turned 21 on New Year’s Eve, made his Cup debut at Kansas Speedway last May and already has two wins in the Xfinity Series and three in the Camping World Truck Series. Bullins has a stout resume as well. He recently led Team Penske’s No. 22 Ford Mustang team to its second-straight Xfinity Series car owner championship. As a crew chief at Team Penske in the series formerly known as Nationwide, Bullins has run 99 races, winning 21, with 57 top-5 and 79 top-10 finishes. His drivers have won 14 poles and two owner championships. In joining the Woods, Bullins, of Walnut Cove, North Carolina, is returning to a team he first worked with back in 1999. He started working on the ProCup and Late Model cars driven by Eddie Wood’s son, Jon Wood. Then in 2000 he became race engineer for the iconic No. 21 Ford. He held that position until June of 2002. Bullins moved on to work with ST Motorsports, Robert Yates Racing and Richard Childress Racing. Eddie Wood said he’s looking forward to resuming his working relationship with Bullins, who studied mechanical engineering at North Carolina State University before joining the Woods the first time around. “I feel like he’s coming home,” Wood said. “He worked with us when we were still at our shop in Virginia and he was just getting started in NASCAR. “Now he’s a proven winner. It’s an honor to have him back with us. We’re anxious for him to get his first Sprint Cup victory, which will be No. 99 for us.” Len Wood, who, like his brother Eddie, is a co-owner of the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team, believes that bringing Bullins on board will pay immediate dividends. “Jeremy coming over from Team Penske to help us out will help in the transition from our past alliance to Team Penske,” Wood said. “Because he’s worked with Ryan in the past, and Wood Brothers Racing Wood Brothers switch alliance to Team Penske for 2015 Ryan Blaney will drive the No. 21 Ford Fusion for Wood Brothers Racing in 2015. knows the Team Penske system, Jeremy should be able to get Ryan on the right track and running competitively right out of the box, without a long development period.” Len Wood also knows that even though Bullins was the crew chief for two Cup races in 2014, there are still some challenges ahead. “It will be an adjustment for him on pit road calling the Cup races, which are longer than what he’s accustomed to in the Nationwide Series,” he said. “The strategies are different, but with our alliance with Team Penske, he’ll have some help in making those decisions.” But even with the optimism that comes with the alliance with a strong team like Penske, the Woods are mindful that as a onecar team running a limited schedule and thereby not assured of starting spots for races, there is no assurance of success. “The last few years, we’ve had our best runs on the superspeedways at Daytona and Talladega,” Eddie Wood said. “But there’s no guarantee that we’ll even be in the Daytona 500.” 12 Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com SPORTS Midway Vs Clinton - Thriller The Clinton High School Varsity Dark Horses were defeated 68-66 by the Midway Raiders Monday night in a real thriller played before a big crowd at Clinton High School. The Dark Horses fell to 0-2 in the conference and 9-4 overall while the Raiders improved to an impressive 12-1 overall. The game started with a very fast paced first quarter with both teams playing very good defense and it was a 15-9 Raider lead after one quarter of play. The second quarter was much of the same with the Horses getting good guard play from junior Jaquan McLean and when freshman Dewayne Lesane hit a big 3 point it was only a one point Raider lead at 31-30 at intermission. Midway came out hot in the third quarter with good outside shooting and tough defense and built a 6 point lead 47-41 after three quarters of play. The Horses were able to cut into the Raider lead and when McLean hit a big three pointer the lead was only two for the Raiders. The Raiders then went on a run and with five minutes left in the game the Dark Horses found themselves down 53-45. Clinton made a run a run of their own and with just a minute to play were only trailing the Raider by four at 66-62. The Dark Horses put Midway on the foul line for the last minute of the game but the Raiders responded with clutch free throws and it was a 68-66 victory for the Raiders. Junior guard Jaquan McLean led the Dark Hose in scoring with 15 points and freshman Zion Autry had 9. The junior varsity Dark Horses beat the Raider junior varsity 67-45 to remain undefeated in the conference at 3-0 and 9-1 overall and the Lady Dark Horses also managed a 56-39 victory over the Lady Raiders. The Dark Horses have another home conference game Wednesday night Jan 7th against the Union Spartans and the travel to Bladen County Friday night to play the West Bladen Knights. Tip off for all varsity games is at 7:30 pm. The Midway Varsity Boys team will take on Trask High School in Rocky Point on Friday January 9th. Game time is 7:30pm. Despite Strong Second Half, Lakewood Falls to James Kenan * Kenan plays in Newton Grove Friday; Leopards at Neuse Charter ROSEBORO/SALEMBURG - The James Kenan Tigers Varsity boys basketball team opened up the first period of Tuesday night's battle with Lakewood with 20 points, while holding the Leopards to just 9 points. The Tiger offense, led by a dazzling 21-point performance by junior John Brooks, scored in double figures in each period en-route to a 78-57 victory, their seventh of the season (7-2 overall). Lakewood drops to 3-8 overall. Despite the lackluster first, the Leopards regrouped in the second period, scoring 12, and trailed James Kenan 36-21. Lakewood battled back in the second half of the game, scoring 16 in the third and 20 in the fourth. However, the powerhouse, balanced work of Brooks, senior Greg Washington (11 points), senior Nick Taylor, senior Telvin Wallace (7 points) and three players with six points each - Juan Hooper, Jalahne Stroud and Max Craft. Washington also picked up 9 rebounds in the contest. Lakewood had strong performances from Willie Herring, Johnny Owens, Maurice Boone and Michael Graham. With the loss, the Leopards (at 3-8 overall and 1-3 in the conference) will head to Smithfield on Friday night to play Neuse Charter (8-8 overall and 1-3 in the conference). With the win, James Kenan (7-2 overall and unbeaten at 4-0 in the conference). They will travel to Newton Grove Friday to battle Hobbton (4-8 overall and 1-3 in the conference). Dark Horses Halt the Spartans The other three Dark Horses that scored double figures were Jerimiah Pope with 11 points while Kris Williams and Jaleen Best each had 10. The Dark Horses travel to Bladen County Friday night January 9th in an important conference match up with the West Bladen Knights. Tip off for the varsity boys is 7:30 pm. The Dark Horse junior varsity boys remained undefeated in conference play as they improved to 4-0 in the conference and 10-1 overall with a 60-37 victory and were led by Kahari Williams in their scoring attack. The Lady Dark Horses were also victorious against the Lady Spartans 58-20. The Union Spartans will host the Pender Patriots of Burgaw on January 9th. Varsity game time 7:30pm. Midway Continues Winning Momentum Senior Josiah Pope steals the ball and turns it into two points with a dunk that brought the crowd to their feet Wednesday night. The Clinton High School Varsity Dark Horses completely dominated the Union Spartans 78-32 in a romp for their first conference win of the season and 10th win overall. The Horses did it with good full court pressure defense and a balanced scoring attack with four Dark Horses in double figures led by junior Logan Batchelor Jr with 13 points. The Horses started the game by scoring the first ten points in a very fast paced first quarter and it was 16-3 Clinton lead after one quarter of play. The second quarter was more of the same with the Dark Horses full court pressure and forcing Spartan turnovers. The quarter was highlighted by a steal and a dunk by senior Josiah Pope that brought the crowd to their feet and when freshman Jerimiah Pope hit a jump shot at the buzzer it was a comfortable 41-17 Dark Horse lead at the half. The third quarter was marked by the Horses stealing the ball and fast break lay ups as they extended the lead to 59-25 after the third quarter. Clinton head coach Randy Jordan emptied the bench for the fourth quarter but still managed a decisive 78-32 victory when it was all said and done. The Midway Raiders Varsity basketball team won Wednesday’s home conference game against Wallace-Rose Hill by a score of 74-58 continuing to add to their streak of wins. Midway Raiders record stands at 12 -1 overall and 4-0 in the conference. The Midway Raiders basketball team has an away conference game at Trask (Rocky Point) on Friday, January 9th. Your Best Source For Home Furnishings For 15 Years! • Living Rooms • Bed Rooms • Dining Rooms • Kids Rooms • Home Office • Home Entertainment • Recliners • Home Accent • Bedding • Mattresses... Everything For Your Home! 601 Southeast Blvd (910) 592-7656 www.owenshomefurnishings.com Week of January 9-15, 2015 It’s About... It’s About... It’s About... It’s About... Sponsored By www.thesampsonweekly.com SPORTS 13 HARD WORK DEDICATION INTEGRITY PERFORMANCE & The Sampson Weekly CHS Standout Aaron Viser Adds To Clinton High’s Long Tradition of Excellence Clinton High School senior Aaron Viser said he was ‘surprised’ when he heard that he had been named this week’s Performance Auto/Sampson Weekly Star Athlete of the Week. him and I really looked up to him.” While football is where Viser was in the spotlight as quarterback, Aaron also is a standout on the Clinton High School Men’s Tennis Team and is a member of the school’s swimming team. “I have never thought of myself as a ‘star’ player,” the 18-year-old explained. “I always have felt of myself as a role player on a team. So to get this award, is a real surprise.” “I like tennis and football equally,” he admits. “I have been on the tennis and swim team for the past three years. The two I like the most are tennis and football – I wouldn’t say I like one more than the other though.” Although he is hesitant to pat himself on the back, Viser just recently helped the Clinton Dark Horse football team complete one of their best seasons in years, culminating with a trip to the North Carolina High School Athletic Association State Football Championships. Although they fell short (losing to Shelby 31-7) in the championship game, Viser, who played quarterback, said he couldn’t have been prouder to finish his final year as a Dark Horse playing for a state title. “Honestly, this whole season was a dream come true for me,” he admitted. “To have the opportunity to play in a championship game in your senior year, it really was a dream. Yes, we would have loved to have won and brought home the championship, but to me, it was a dream.” Through 12 games, Viser racked up 104 rushing yards and 567 passing yards. Viser explained that the current Dark Horses knew that they would be a tough unit this year; he just didn’t know how good they would be. “I would like to say that we really did expect to be that good (this season),” he said with a laugh. “We started gelling quickly, probably after the first three games and that was a bonus. But I think it was important that we played a lot of bad teams … To be honest, we really didn’t know how good we were until we played Wallace-Rose Hill (35-7 win); our loss was to East Bladen (27-21) and went on to win our next 10 games …” Along the way, Viser and his teammates became part of Dark Horse history – by winning head coach Bob Lewis his 300th career victory. “That was a special night, really,” Viser says with pride. “It was Senior Night at the school and all the seniors were honored at halftime, but even more than that, to be there to see his 300th win is special. To even be coached by one of the greatest high school coaches in North Carolina is a blessing. It is a milestone for any coach, but it is really special to have been there and been part of it.” Viser said that from his very first practice as a Dark Horse, Lewis made it clear what he expected from his players. “He is discipline,” he explained. “If you mess up, he lets you know. It is a little surprising because he is little in size, but he lets you know when he is not happy with your work and that is one of the reasons you play hard for him. Because he is on you when you mess up, but he gives you credit and is proud of you when you do something right. He is a winner, there is no doubt about it; he is not satisfied with losing.” What is more satisfying in having such a great season is that when Viser and the other current crop of seniors started as freshmen, the team went 1-10. “We all came together after having such a dismal freshman One thing he does like above everything else is the classroom. “I am interested in everything,” he said. “I really enjoy my AP classes – history, psychology, government and calculus … I go into everything with an open mind and I just try to enjoy all of it.” He already has been accepted into Harvard, but admits, he is not set on a major yet. season,” he said. In addition to that rough first season as a quarterback for the JV Horses, Aaron played back-up as a sophomore for the varsity team and then was injured in a scrimmage game in preseason of his junior year. “I broke my collar bone,” he said. “I sat out all but three games in my junior year. In those final three games I came in and played on special teams …” Despite those bumps in the road along the way, the current group of seniors worked their way from that one-win JV season to deliver a ‘dream’ season. Which is why, Viser said this season was much more rewarding to the team and the coaching staff. “It took a lot of work individually and as a team,” he said. “The coaches were there from day one and, yes, we only won one game, but guess what? They believed in us. We just had to believe in ourselves. That is what makes having such a great season a dream season. It is the reason that we played so hard.” You could say playing for the Dark Horses was something that Viser was born to do. He began playing recreation football when he was six-years-old. “I played recreation basketball, baseball and soccer,” he said. “But the first time I played football was flag football when I was six.” Born to Diane and Dr. Paul Viser, Aaron grew up in and around sports. His brother Mark, who is six years older, played linebacker for the Horses; His sister Ellen is also athletic; and his father played for a state championship when he was in high school as well. He also had a personal relationship with many former Dark Horses, including Willie Parker. “I had a personal relationship with Willie,” he remembers. “I used to go to the games at the University of North Carolina when he played there – I was about 7-years-old. I rooted for him because I knew he went to Clinton High. One time, I wrote him a letter and he wrote me back and he was telling me that he was going to play for the Steelers. He had the camp here and we talked and just became good friends … I got to know PERFORMANCE AUTOMOTIVE Salutes this week’s “I really don’t know what I want to do just yet,” he said with honesty. “I will probably do something with medicine. My grandfather and my father are doctors and that is what I will probably be pulled into. But I am going to go and allow myself to discover what I want to do … I just feel so blessed.” In his free time, Viser likes to hang out with family and friends. “I like to play tennis in my free time for leisure,” he said. “There is not a lot of pressure on me; it is just playing for fun. I also like to play Ping-Pong too (with friend Jonathan Wright). If I am not doing anything like that, I study. I am the type of person that feels like they should be doing something, so I really don’t have a lot of free time.” Working hard in those off times is something that has been a benefit to Viser, among other things. However, support is the biggest benefit he has had. “Well, I will tell you I have had great support at home,” he said. “My family has been a big source of support for me. My brother (Mark) has been my football mentor. I have had great support from the people here in Clinton, it has been just unreal. I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and given me some words of encouragement -people that I didn’t know just coming up to me and wishing me and the team well … It is just amazing. All of my coaches and my coaching staff have always been so supportive of me. My quarterback coaches Raymond Spell and Michael Bell really worked with me a lot and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that. I have just been surrounded by a lot of support.” When asked if he had a piece of advice for an upcoming freshman who may be worried about playing a sport in high school, Viser said simply, “I would tell them to not be afraid of challenging themselves.” “It is important that you are not afraid to fail at something,” he continued, using himself as an example. “Look at me. I am 5 foot 9 inches tall and I am now just getting to be 160 pounds and I have played the last four years playing quarterback in Eastern Carolina high school football … There is no limit to what you can do if you really want to do it.” With that type of positive attitude, Viser is living proof that what the mind can conceive, the body can achieve. Student Athlete of the Week! 605 Warsaw Hwy • Clinton, NC • 910-592-JEEP(5337) 14 www.thesampsonweekly.com EDUCATION Week of January 9-15, 2015 Clinton Dark Horse Football Team Honored Clinton City Schools’ Board of Education honored the Clinton Dark Horse Football Team for their great season at last night’s school board meeting. Clinton was the 2A State Championship Runner-Up team! Clinton City Schools’ Students of the Month for January 2015 Sampson County Grant Recipients Recognized The Board recognized the recipients of grants awarded through Friends of Education, Bright Ideas, Simple Gifts, Donors Choose and other various sources. Our teachers received over $106,700 this past fall. LC Kerr School - Preston Josiah Swinson, Butler Avenue School - Aaron Matthews , Sunset Avenue School - Jaquarius Robinson Sampson Middle School - Laci McNeill, Clinton High School - Juwuan Bizzell Hobbton School District Front Row: HES - Elouise Phipps, HES - Leslie Lee, HMS - Carla Taylor, HHS -Brooke Britt, HES- Elizabeth Todd. Back Row: HES - Cathy Daughtry, HARG - Anna Rouse, HARG - Petula Poteat, HARG - Bridgett Tyler, HARG - Lauren Strickland, HES -Carrie Sutton, HHS - Russell Jones and HHS - Les Spell. Midway School District Front Row: PVES - Beth Best, CLEM - Megan Fussell, MES - April Dudley, MES - Christan Jackson, PVES - Trisha Guin, MHS - Rhonda Powell. Back Row: MMS - Joshua C. Tew, MMS -Leasa Hodges, PVES - Debbie Summerlin, PVES - Faith Jackson, CLEM - Bonita Crabtree , CLEM - Teresa Barber, MES - Lynette Knowles, MES - Christy Detwiler , MHS - Angie Core Lakewood School District Front Row: RES - Felicia Bradshaw, SES - Vonda H. Eldridge, LHS - Bridgette Henry. Back Row: RES - Amanda Crumpler, SES - Lee Jackson, RSMS - Jennifer Gemma Butler, LHS - Dana Hairr, SES - Mary Moore Union School District Front Row: UHS- Denise Hicks, UMS- Leigha Kerwin, UMS - Leslie Matthis, UES - Felicia Lamb, UES - Candace Bizzell, UIS - Wendy Smith, UIS - Angela Murphy, UIS - Debbie Oliver. Back Row: UHS - Dinah F. Monk, UIS - Amy Leatherwood, UMS - Lisa Honrine Ottaway, UHS - Arno Peterson, UMS - Janet Taylor, UIS - Marcia Caison, UMS - Tereza Edwards, UIS - Caren Long, UMS - Lori Morgan Sampson Early College High School Ken Eichberg & Sarah Cone Simple Gifts- Love of Learning Grant Recipients Love of Learning from the Simple Gifts Fund Front Row: HHS - Karen Tyler, UMS - Leslie Matthis, HHS- Jennifer Jackson, SECHS Anna Gillespie, HHS- Carla Sutton. Back Row: HHS - Amy Johnson, MMS - Jason Stehly, Scholars- Rosemary Simpson & Bambi Dove, LHS- Elizabeth Pack, PVES - Faith Jackson, LHS - Carol McLean. Week of January 9-15, 2015 Crossword Puzzle CLUES ACROSS 1. One point S of due E 4. 1980 Dom DeLuise film 9. No No No 11. Data entry strokes 12. Worry about 13. Fastening cord 14. A block of soap 15. Beginning of anything 17. Tin containers 18. Obafemi Awolowo Un. city 19. Gain knowledge 20. Paddles 21. Cologne 22. Unsettled until the end 25. Wine (French) 26. A lyric poem 27. European Economic Comm. 28. DoctorsÕ group 29. Chronicles (abbr.) 30. Plural of os 31. Make a distinction 38. Small amount 39. Untruths 40. Inflorescence 41. A restaurant bill 42. High rock piles (Old English) 43. Jeered 44. Torso bone 45. Female sheep 46. Specified day of the month 47. Excessive bodily fluids 49. New York Times publisher 18961935 50. Early camera 51. Thus far CLUES DOWN 1. Envelop 2. An island in the W Pacific 3. Teetertotter 4. Fixed charges 5. Successor to Tutankhamun 6. Leg bones 7. Goof 8. Shrek is one 10. Violinist Issac 11. A female relative 13. Counterbalance used get net weight 16. Explosive 17. Songwriter Sammy 20. About ear 21. Before 23. Floods 24. Potato state (abbr.) 27. Extremely high frequency 28. Square measures 29. Spanish soldier El ___ 30. Minerals 31. Swabed lightly 32. Ireland 33. Towboat 34. Relating to imides 35. Tenure of abbot 36. Cut baby teeth 37. First-born 38. Japanese martial art 41. A long hike 42. Outdoor furniture wood 48. PaÕs partner For Advertising Call (910)590-2102 or email ads@thesampsonweekly.com SUDOKU Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test Here’s How It Works: Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! www.thesampsonweekly.com PUZZLES & GAMES 15 16 www.thesampsonweekly.com OBITUARIES FAISON Elizabeth Brewington, age91, 7323 Dave Bright Rd. died Friday 1/2/15 at Mary Gran Nursing Center, Clinton, N.C. Funeral services will be Friday 1pm, 1/9/15 at Greater Six Runs Missionary Baptist Church, Turkey, N.C. Interment in the Cobb Cemetery, Faison, N.C. Survivors are 1 daughter-Mary Badger Bey-Faison, N.C.; 1 son- Barto Lee BrewingtonFaison, N.C.; 2 sisters-Hazel Pringle-Collings Lakes-N.J. and Pinkey Cherry-Jacksonville, Fl.; 1 brother-Moses Darby-Tampa, Fl, 4 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren. Public visitation Thursday 1/8/15, 1 to 6pm, Butler & Son Funeral Services, Clinton, N.C. VASS Mr. Max Raven Edwards, 86, of Vass, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at his home. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Cox Memorial Funeral Home from 6 until 8 p.m. and at other times at the home of Scott and Kasi Caddell located at 1500 Crains Creek Road in Cameron. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 3:00 p.m. at Lakeview Presbyterian Church with Rev. Marian Carmical and Pastor John Brown officiating. Burial will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. Max was born in Vass, North Carolina on July 19, 1928 to Allie Gibson and Ruby Bundy Edwards. He was a devoted business owner and spent his entire life dedicated to the betterment of the community of Vass. Max was a proud member of the Merchant Marines and proudly served with the U.S. Army. He had many accomplishments, which included forming the Vass Rescue Squad in 1963 where he served as captain for 15 years and led the squad to 15 first place trophies in state competitions. He also led a team to the World Heavy Rescue Competition in 1971 winning top prize. He would later be awarded North Carolina’s highest civilian award, “The Order of the Longleaf Pine” by former Governor Mike Easley for his community work, Certificate of Appreciation from the State Fire Marshal and the Lifetime Officer Award for his excellence and dedication to the Vass Rescue Squad and to the community. Max was a loving husband, caring friend and wonderful mentor to all who knew him. He leaves a legacy of kindness, generosity of spirit and an insatiable love of life. He will be greatly missed by everyone who loved him. He is survived by sister-in-laws, Dera McRae and Annie McRae of Vass, many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen McRae Edwards; parents, Allie Gibson and Ruby Bundy Edwards; a twin brother, Baxter Reid Edwards and brothers, A.G. Edwards, Jr. and Wilbur Edwards. A special thank you goes to his long-time friend and caregiver, Johnny Perhealth. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com. Cox Memorial “Serving GOD by serving families in a time of need.” CLINTON Faye West Warren died peacefully on January 4, 2015 at Cypress Glen Retirement Community in Greenville, NC where she had been a resident for almost 12 years. She was born Lottie Faye West on November 16, 1920 to George Elvester West and Gladys Taylor Hodges West. She and her two younger sisters grew up on a farm near the community of Dover, NC and attended Dover public schools. Upon graduation from high school, Faye attended Louisburg Junior College and upon completion of her studies there she studied at “WC” now known at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. It was there that she made lifelong friends and she developed a fierce loyalty for the college. After graduation from UNC-G, Faye moved to Gates , NC where she taught for one year and then to Ahoskie, NC. In 1945, Faye took a teaching position in Clinton, NC and it was there in November, 1945 that she met Stewart Warren who became her husband on June 28, 1947. Faye and Stewart determined that Clinton would be home to them and they immediately got involved in church and civic activities there. They built a house on the famous Powell Street (all children in Clinton wanted to grow up on that street) and it was there that they raised their two children, Betsy and George. Faye and Stewart joined First Methodist Church and they were active in the local and state Democratic parties. Faye enjoyed her role as a homemaker, having retired from Clinton Schools at the birth of her second child. She was a talented cook and seamstress and was known for her strong organizational abilities which led her to many leadership positions. Until her move to Cypress Glen, she remained an active member of First Methodist Church where she was president of the women of the church, a long-time Sunday School teacher and a recipient of the church award for outstanding service. In Clinton, she was also President of the College Street School PTA, President of the Woman’s Club, and a member of the board of Trustees of Sampson Community College. Her involvement reached beyond Clinton and Sampson County and over the years she served on the Board of Governors of the UNC Consolidated System and as a Board member of The North Carolina Museum of History. Her greatest love was the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and she served on its board for several terms. Due to her own generosity, a scholarship was named for her at UNC-G. Faye was an avid bridge player and she played in several groups in Clinton. It was in those groups and in her other volunteer activities that she made close friends especially the “Girls of the Powell Street Mafia”. She also created a network of friends she met along her life’s journey and was a devoted correspondent to those Week of January 9-15, 2015 many friends. Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Stewart, her parents and her sister, Rebecca West Hook. She leaves behind her daughter, Betsy Warren Wilson (Preston) of Memphis, Tennessee, her son, George Stewart Warren (Debbie) of Charlotte, NC and her sister, Mary Ellen West, also of Cypress Glen Retirement Community. Additionally, she leaves three grandchildren, Warren Murrah Wilson (Svetlana) of Beijing, China, Marynelle West Wilson of Washington, DC and Laura Emory Holland Wilson of Richmond, VA. as well as two great-granddaughters, Nareh Elizabeth Wilson and Lillian Corinne Wilson of Beijing, China. A memorial service was held at Cypress Glen Retirement Community on Wednesday, January 7, at 10:00 am. The family received visitors immediately following the service. There was a graveside service later that afternoon at Clinton Cemetery at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers it is suggested that memorial donations be made to the Sampson County Alumni Chapter/Faye West Warren Scholarship Fund at UNC-G, or to First United Methodist Church of Clinton, or to Dover United Methodist Church. Faye’s family is thankful for the loving care she received at Cypress Glen especially her care givers of the last two years who were kind, attentive and patient. FAYETTEVILLE Gifford Dean Gillingham, 82, died in Fayetteville, North Carolina on December 30, 2014. He was born on October 24, 1932 in Evanston, Illinois. He was the only son of Vivian Gllingham and Crystal Endicott Gillingham. Giff followed his father’s lead and served in the US Navy being honorably discharged in 1953. He then branched out to his own thing and enlisted in the 82nd Airborne until his honorable discharge in 1956. While stationed at Fort Bragg, Giff met the woman who would prove to be the love of his life. He married Virginia (“Ginny”) Coble April 23, 1955. His service extended outside of his profession as he became a Mason as well as a Shriner. He moved to Illinois and lived in Evanston for several years before moving to Buffalo Grove to raise their kids. Giff worked as a fireman for the Village of Skokie, Illinois, and was among those who were the first class of paramedics in that area. He spent his “off” days working on cars or building/flying experimental aircraft. Even after retiring from the fire department and moving down to North Carolina, he had to have a garage big enough to let him build Ultralight Aircraft. This “hobby” led him to meet and befriend a group of people he remained close to even after he no longer visited the flying strip. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Butler Funeral Home Chapel in Roseboro, officiating will be Rev. Wanda Barrier. Entombment followed at Cumberland Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Fayetteville. The family received friends from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the funeral home before the service. Giff was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Grethchen Baum, Donna Feeley and Judy Rubo as well as their spouses. Giff is survived by his wife, Virginia Coble Gillingham; his son,Lee Gillingham of Palatine, Illinois; his son, Brian Gillingham and his wife, Corinna of Mineola, Texas; his daughter Gail Gillingham Rivera and husband, Thomas of Stafford, VA; a granddaughter, Tiffany Warnock and a Great Grandson, Gage. He is also survived by several Step Grandchildren and several Step Great Grandchildren. Arrangements made by Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro St., Roseboro, NC 28382. HAMPTON, VA Mr. Jimmy R. Jackson, 78, passed away peacefully, January 1, 2015 at his home in Hampton, Va. with his family by his side. A funeral was held 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 4, at Crumpler-Honeycutt Funeral Home with the Rev. Kim Strickland officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery at Newton Grove. Mr. Jackson was born in NC, but was a longtime resident of Hampton, Va. He worked as a painter for the Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Co. until retirement. He was the son of the late Roy and Irene Jackson. Jimmy is survived by: two sons Keith (Betty Ann) and Craig (Kim) Jackson, grandchildren Brian, Dalton , Michael, Ashley and Kacie Jackson, brothers Shelton (Debbie) and Thurston Jackson, sisters, Clara Britt, Myrtle Giddens and Betty Froelich, numerous nieces and nephews. The family received friends 1-2 PM the hour prior to the service at Crumpler-Honeycutt Funeral Home 118 Fayetteville St. Clinton, NC 28328. Condolences can be emailed to the family at www.crumpler-honeycutt.com. ROSEBORO Mrs. Sarah Mae Mason Smith, 28 of 11534 Ludhorne Road, Roseboro, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. The funeral will be held at 3:00 P.M. Sunday, January 11, 2015 at Peters Creek Baptist Church, 13176 Peters Creek Church Road, Roseboro, with Dr. David Bays and Rev. William C. Mason officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. She was born on April 30, 1986 in Cumberland County. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, William and Eloise Parker Mason; maternal grandparents, Robert Recard, Jr. and Edith Underwood; and uncle, James Artie Mason. Sarah was a full time wife and mother, and she was a wonderful daughter and sister. She loved decorating cakes, was an avid fan of dirt track racing and was an avid Duke fan. She loved her nieces and nephew and was known to them as “Ju Ju”. She will be remembered as a loving and caring person to whomever she met. She is survived by her husband, Ryan Smith of the home; daughters, Kaylee Ann Smith and Morgan LeeAnn Smith of the home; parents, Leon and Michelle Recard Mason of Spring Lake; brothers, Thomas Mason and Austin Mason both of Spring Lake; sister, Katherine Recard of Erwin; nieces and nephew, Kaden Kraus, Leah Kraus, Aubrey Penny and Heidi Mae Mason; aunts and uncles, Terri Byford, Stacey Koonce, Robert Recard, III, and William Clint Mason; and father and mother-in-law, Harvey and Sharon Lynne Smith of Roseboro. The family will receive friends following the committal service Sunday at Peters Creek Community Center, 12878 C.S. Faircloth Road, Roseboro, and other times at 11490 Ludhorne Road, Roseboro. Arrangements entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro. PINEHURST Ms. Sharon Ann Courtois Sears, 73, of Pinehurst, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2015 at her home with her son and daughter by her side. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Allen Mashburn officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Sharon was born in Glendale, California on January 12, 1941 to Eli Emanual and Mary Jane Courtois. She was a kind, caring individual who loved animals and was involved in Harness Racing her entire life. Her family rejoices that she was in their lives. A devoted mother, she will be greatly missed by Jennifer and Brian. She is survived by her children, Jennifer SearsVanderwerken of New York and Brian Sears of New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her parents Eli and Mary Jane Courtois. Flowers are welcome or donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Society, 14 Penn Plaza, Suite 1710, New York, NY 10122 or visit www.ocrf. org. Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome. com. Cox Memorial, “Serving GOD by serving families in a time of need.” GARLAND Mr. James C. “Shotgun” Smith Sr., 76 of Garland, died Sunday, January 04, 2015 at First Health Hospice House in Pinehurst, NC. Mr. Smith was born April 03, 1938 in Sampson Co., the son of the late James Monroe Smith and Fannie Robinson Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Blackburn, a brother Donald Smith, and sister, Verna Dean McDowell. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Thursday, January 08, 2015 at the Garland Baptist Church, by the Reverend Tim Register. Burial followed in the Blackburn Family Cemetery. Mr. Smith is survived by one son James “Buddy” Smith (Kim) of Pinehurst, two grandchildren, Abbey Smith and Landon Smith. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Health Hospice, P.O. Box 5889, Pinehurst, NC 28374. The family received friends from 6:00P.M-8:00P.M. Wednesday, January 07, 2015 at Carter Funeral Home in Garland. AUTRYVILLE Mrs. Shirley Mae Stephens, 60 of 921 Horseshoe Road, Autryville, went home to be with The Lord on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at her home. The funeral was held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Roseboro Church of God with Rev. Delton Dees, Rev. Eddie Smith, Rev. Kenneth Byrd and Rev. John Blackman officiating. Burial will follow at Roseboro Cemetery. Mrs. Stephens was born on August 13, 1954 in Sampson County to the late Charlie Thomas and Ida Mae Phillips Barbour. She was a homemaker. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, David Russell Stephens of the home; daughters, Teresa Ann Hatle of Autryville and Sherrie Lee Snow of Roseboro; son, Jonathan Russell Stephens of Autryville; five grandchildren; sister, Doris Ezzell of Autryville; and brothers, Thomas Ray Barbour of White Oak, Randy Kay Barbour of Roseboro and Robbie Clay Barbour of Salemburg. The family received friends from 1:00 to 1:45 P.M. Sunday afternoon at Roseboro Church of God and other times at the home. Arrangements entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro. CLINTON Mrs. Sybil Register Smith, 90 of 1625 Union School Road, died Saturday, January 3rd, at Sampson Regional Medical Center. Funeral services were held Monday at 11:00 AM at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church with Rev. David McClellan and Rev. Larry King officiating. Burial followed in the Church Cemetery. Born in 1924 in Sampson County, Sybil was the daughter of the late Cecil Ingram and Lola Tew Register. She was a member of the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and a retired employee with Roses Stores. She was a Master Gardener Volunteer, a Poet, Painter, Sunday school teacher & Writer. She was a winner of the Senior Regional Games and a member of the Sampson County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee. She was a member of the AARP Sampson County Committee and a Red Hat Lady. She was the widow of Bryan Archie Smith. She is survived by two daughters, Lillian Theresa Beaton of Livingston. La. and Lola Belle Smith of Morehead, Ky. Two sisters, Mae Eleanor Sullivan & husband, Alton of Wilmington and Mozell Hope of Clinton. Two brothers, Craven ...People Need People... -author unknown Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7 People need people and friends need friends, And we all need love for a full life depends, Not on vast riches or great acclaim, Not on success or on worldly fame, But just in knowing that someone cares, And holds us close in their thoughts and prayers --- For only the Knowledge that we're understood, Makes everyday living feel wonderfully good. "Jesus, assist me to live Your truth. Encourage me to be sensitive to the needs of others. Inspire me to offer words of compassion, sympathy, and understanding." For more information on cremation services or any funeral related services (free consultation) please contact Danny A. Creech Vice President/ General Manager Cox Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory 910-990-6202 or 910-245-3330 Cox Memorial - - "Serving GOD by serving families in a time of need" Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com 17 OBITUARIES Register & wife, Eloise of Clinton and Haywood Register of Clinton and brother-in-law, Bobby Warren of Clinton. Six grandchildren, Twelve great grandchildren and Five great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Step-son, Archie Smith. Four sisters, Theola Stewart, Zeania Bell Matthis, Willa Crea Warren and Parnell Matthis. One brother, Hallie Register. The family received friends Sunday night from 6 til 8 pm at Royal-Hall Funeral Home and other times at the home of her brother, Craven Register, 1040 Williamson Rd. Clinton, NC. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com. Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Smith and Register Families. SALEMBURG Mrs. Ira Owens Webb 87 of 381 Lakewood School Rd. Salemburg, NC, died Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at Sampson Regional Medical Center in Clinton, NC. Mrs. Webb was preceded in death by her husband Willie Webb. Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 04, 2015 at Carter Funeral Home by the Reverend Freddie Herring. Burial followed in the Webb Cemetery in Salemburg. Mrs. Webb is survived by one daughter, Elaine Beatty of Salemburg, one son, Willie Gerald Owens of Plainfield, NJ, two step-sons, Erwin Boykin, Dontrell Webb both of Salemburg, 10 grandchildren, 20 greatgrandchildren. The family received friends Sunday, January 04, 2015 from noon-2:00P.M. before the service at Carter Funeral Home. SPIVEY”S CORNER Mr. James Joseph Westbrook 81, of 16421 Spivey’s Corner Hwy, Dunn, died Sunday, January 4th, 2015 at his home. Funeral service was held Wednesday at 2:00 PM at St. Matthews Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. Joseph Tew officiating. Entombment followed at Grandview Memorial Park. Born October 6, 1933 in Sampson County, Mr. Westbrook was the son of the late Lonnie and Betty Strickland Westbrook. He was a member of St. Matthews Pentecostal Holiness Church and was a retired Mechanic. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Coleen Weeks Westbrook of the home; one daughter, Jan Westbrook Ross and husband, Eddie of Spivey’s Corner; two sons, Dennis James Westbrook and wife, Pam, Timothy Lee Westbrook and wife, Brenda all of Spivey’s Corner. Three grandchildren: Greg Westbrook and fiancé, Nicole, Samantha Westbrook, Elizabeth Hudson and husband, Mike. One greatgrandchild: Chase Westbrook. One step-great-grandchild: Tyler Jones. Several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by five brothers, Henry Westbrook, Lonnie Westbrook, Carl Westbrook, Homer Westbrook and William Westbrook. The family received friends Tuesday night from 6-8 PM at Royal-Hall Funeral Home Chapel and other times at his home. Flowers are welcome, however, memorials may be made to St. Matthews Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1900 Bradshaw Road, Clinton, NC 28328. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.royalhallfuneralhome.com. Royal-Hall is honored to serve the Westbrook family. VASS Isabelle B. Woolf (Belle), 77, of Woodlake in Vass, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2015 at UNC Medical center in Chapel Hill with her family by her side. A celebration of life was held on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel with Mr. Dick Rodda officiating. The family received friends immediately following the service at the funeral home. Belle was born in Alexandria Bay, New York on April 5, 1937 to Gordon and Rachel Willix. A devoted wife, a loving mother and grandmother, and a faithful friend, she will be remembered for her generosity and her love of bridge, reading, and cooking. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Bob Woolf; sons Bob Woolf of Rhode Island, Bill Woolf of Georgia, and daughter Deb Morgan of Virginia; and grandchildren Buddy Woolf of Georgia, Matthew Diefes of Virginia, Madeleine Woolf of Rhode Island, Josie Diefes of Virginia; brothers Frank Willix of Arkansas, Victor Willix of Virginia, Bruce Willix of Iowa, Irvin Willix of New York, Dan Willix of New York, Ron Willix of Florida and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gordon and Rachel Willix; two brothers, four sisters. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friends of the Vass Area Library, P O Box 655, Vass NC 28394 or the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com. Cox Memorial “Serving GOD by serving families in a time of need.” CLINTON Mrs. Sharon Lee Rice Buckner, 65 of 1037 Garden Club Way, peacefully passed away at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Center in Wilmington Saturday January 3, 2015 with her children by her side. A celebration of Life service was held Tuesday at 3:00 pm at Piney Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Richard Weeks officiating. Burial followed in the Church Cemetery. Born in 1949 in New York, Mrs. Buckner was the daughter of Mildred Hobbs Rice and the late Clark Earl Rice. After graduating from Wade Hampton High School in Greenville, SC., Sharon attended Clemson University later receiving her nursing degree from Kennesaw State University. She married James L. Buckner in 1970. She was an avid traveler, snow skier and she enjoyed indulging in these passions with friends and family. She was a devout Christian and exemplified the definition of a giver, always pursuing others needs before herself. She was a retired Nurse. She is survived by a daughter, Melissa A. Buckner of Wilmington. Son, David S. Buckner of Atlanta, Ga. Two sisters, Kathy Bass of Clinton and Brenda Greene of Greer, S.C. Her mother Mildred Hobbs Rice of Clinton. Also serving are many loving relatives. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mossette and Nettie Hobbs. The family received friends at Piney Grove Baptist Church Monday night from 5 til 7 PM and other times at the home of David and Jane Herring. Condolences may be sent by visiting www. royalhallfuneralhome.com. Royal-Hall Funeral Home is honored to serve the Buckner family. CLINTON Mrs. Sherri Lynn Daughtry, 58, of Clinton, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Kitty Askins in Goldsboro. Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are incomplete. Cox Memorial, “Serving GOD by serving families in a time need.” ROSEBORO Mr. Reginald Lee Faison, 66, of 7756 Roseboro Hwy. died Sunday, January 4, 2015 at home. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, January 9, at Brock Memorial & Worley Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John T. Oliver officiating. Burial will follow in the Howard Family Cemetery with Military Honors. The visitation will be held Thursday, January 8, at Brock Memorial & Worley Funeral Home from 1-6 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to www.brockmemorialandworley.com. Service entrusted to Brock Memorial & Worley Funeral Home in Clinton, NC. VASS Albert Forge, 73, of Woodlake in Vass, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2014 at Elmcroft of Southern Pines. Albert was born in Detroit, Michigan on February 1, 1941 to Mohamed and Minnie Naif Forge. He spent his working career with Ford Motor Company in Michigan. He was a loving husband, brother and friend and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his wife, Angelica Forge of Vass; sisters, Marion Samhat, Faye Saad, Suzanne Douglas all of Michigan; brothers, Norman and Ednan Forge both of Michigan and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mohamed and Minnie Naif Forge; brother, Alex Forge. In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Fl 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or visit www.alz.org. Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com. No Services are planned at this time. Cox Memorial “Serving GOD by serving families in a time of need.” CLINTON Mrs. Ruth Elaine Betts Hobbs, 91, of 201 Warsaw Road, Clinton, formerly of Randolph County, died on Sunday, January 4, 2015 at Kitty Askins Hospice Center, in Goldsboro, NC. The memorial service was held at 11 AM, Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church, 201 Fayetteville Street, Clinton, NC, with the Reverend Dr. James A. Moran officiating. Mrs. Hobbs was born in Asheboro, NC, on May 14, 1923 and was the youngest child of Mattie Florence Betts and Rufus Eggbert Betts. She was married to the late William Ransom Hobbs of Smithfield, NC and they made their home in Clinton. She was a member of Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church in Clinton. She is survived by one sister, Margaret Betts Stoltz of Chapel Hill; a son, David Henry Watson and wife Ann of Roanoke Rapids; daughters, Linda Hobbs Kirven and husband Ross of Clinton, Janice Hobbs Harnish of Raleigh, and Teresa Hobbs Bland and husband George of Wilmington; son, Jeffrey Rabon Hobbs of Clinton; eleven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Walter Betts, Clarence Betts, James Betts and Charles Betts; and two sisters, Harriett Betts and Mary Betts McPherson; two sons, Stephen Michael Watson and William Ransom Hobbs, Jr. The family received friends immediately after the service at Graves Memorial Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 351051905. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.crumplerhoneycutt.com. Arrangements are by Crumpler-Honeycutt Funeral Home, 118 Fayetteville St., Clinton, NC 28328. CLINTON Mr. Perry E. McArthur, 84, of Odum Road, Clinton, died Tuesday, January 6, 2015. Arrangements are incomplete and will be annouced by Crumpler-Honeycutt Funeral Home, 118 Fayetteville Street, Clinton, NC 28328. CLINTON Mr. Nicholas Dewayne McCullers, 35, of 1005 Barden Street, died Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Sampson Regional Medical Center. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, January 10, at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church with Rev. David Marible officiating. Burial will follow in Sandhill Cemetery. The visitation will be held Friday, January 9, from 12-7 p.m. at Brock Memorial & Worley Funeral Home with the family present from 6-7 p.m. Mr. McCullers is survived by his wife, Dalphanie McCullers of the home; daughter, Nickiayah McCullers of the home; mother, Katie McCullers of Wendell, NC; father, William Spruill of Selma, NC; brothers, Don McCullers of Zebulon, NC, Lamont Foye of Smithfield, NC, Quincy McCullers and Quintin McCullers both of Selma, NC; sisters, Michelle Royal of Raleigh, NC and Shebrail Kirby of Selma, NC. Online condolences may be sent to www.brockmemorialandworley. com. Service entrusted to Brock Memorial & Worley Funeral Home in Clinton, NC GARLAND Mrs. Emma Pearl Barnes Moore 83 of 365 Floyd Lane, died Sunday, January 04, 2014 at Mary Gran Nursing Center in Clinton, NC. Mrs. Moore was born April 18, 1931 to the late William McKinley Barnes and Lela Pearl Barnes. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Connie Moore and a brother Paul Barnes. Funeral services were held at 2:00P.M. Wednesday, January 07, 2015 at the Garland Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Cypress Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Mrs. Moore is survived by her husband of 69 years, James Moore, two daughters, Marlene Norris (Thomas) of Garland, Gail Moore of Raleigh, two son William Dallas Moore of Garland, Terry Moore, one sister Willie Belle Blackmon of Wilmington, 2 grandchildren Anthony Norris (Valerie) of Garland, Brandon Norris (Janet) of Garland, 6 great-grandchildren Cameron Norris, Cayden Norris, Meredith Norris, Landon Norris, Michael Norris, Colton Norris. The family received friends, Wednesday, January 07, 2014 from 1:00P.M.-2:00P.M. at Garland Baptist Church before the service. Family and friends will be received at the home of Marlene Norris, 224 West Front St. Garland, NC. ROSEBORO William Mozee, Age-63,504 Eleanor Dr. died Wed. 1/7/15 at Wake Medical Center, Raleigh, N.C. Funeral arrangements incomplete, Butler & Son Funeral Home, Roseboro, N.C. SALEMBURG Joseph F. Williams, age-49, 931 Lakewood School Rd. died Tuesday 12/30/14. Funeral services were Sunday 1/4/15, 1pm, Bearskin Baptist Church, Clinton, N.C. Interment in the church cemetery. Survivors are wife- Erika McLamb-Clinton, N.C.; 1 daughterTrinty Williams-Fayetteville, N.C.; 2 sons Joseph Jr. and Michael both of Clinton, N.C.; Mother-Berlene Williams-Salemburg, N.C. ;1 sister-Mary Lewis-Fayetteville, N.C. ; 1 brother-Clifton WilliamsSalemburg, N.C.; 4 grandchildren. Public viewing Saturday 1/3/15, 1 to 6pm, family present 5 to 6pm, Butler & Son Funeral Home, Roseboro, N.C. www.butlerandson.com. COMMUNITY CRIME Arrest Report 01-02 Nathan William Bass, 33; 82 Old Drag Strip Rd., Clinton; Assault on a Female; Communicating Threats; No Bond; Court 01-27 01-02 Chanta Danielle Ashley, 37; 610 Eastover Terrance, Clinton; Failure to Return Hired Property 01-02 Antionette Turesa McNeil, 23; 761 West Rd., Turkey; Possession of Marijuana; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Court 0128 01-03 Deromie Lee Bizzell, 24; 105 Clayton St., Mt. Olive; Order for Arrest- Failure to Appear; Secured Bond $30,000; Court 0112 01-03 Jimmy Shrell Owens, 38; 117 Parkview Rd., Clinton; Domestic Simple Physical Assault; Domestic Simple Non-Physical Assault; Court 01-27 01-03 Jimmy Kayloup Pilkington, 68 Plug Lane, Autryville; Communicating Threats; Unsecured Bond $1,500; Court 01-14 01-03 Randy Sanchez Perez, 23; 3666 Garland Hwy., Clinton; Failure to Appear- No Operators License; Failure to Appear- Drive after Consuming under 21; Secured Bond $2,000; Court 01-29 01-03 Raymond Holmes, 56; 320 B McKoy St., Clinton; DWI; Secured Bond $1,500; Court 01-26 01-04 Jose Victor Aragon-Lopez, 37; 701 Lisbon St., Clinton; DWI; All Traffic; Secured Bond $1,500; Court 01-26 01-04 Autumn Faye Permenter, 19; 883 Ennis Rd., Angier; DWI- Alcohol 0.14 g/210L; Carless and Reckless Driving; Speeding 94 mph in 55 zone; Unsecured Bond $2,500; Court 02-05 01-05 Sherita Taneque McNeil, 24; 316 A Jacob St., Clinton; Failure to Appear; Secured Bond $10,000; Court 01-30 01-05 Joseph L Johnson, 38; 145 Poplar Mills Dr., Bunn Level; Fraud- Obtaining Money/ Property by False Pretense; Uttering Forged Instrument; Forgery of Instrument; Secured Bond $5,000; Court 01-13 01-05 Nathan William Bass, 33; 82 Old Drag Strip Rd., Clinton; Failure to Comply/ Child Support; Court 01-13 01-05 Bud Christopher Lewis, 49; 511 Stewart Ave., Clinton; Misd SCH IV; Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; Secured Bond $2,000; Court 02-17 01-06 Jimmie Terrell Miller, 29; 1027 W Best Rd., Kenansville; Failure to Appear- Child Support; Court 01-13 01-06 Tammy Adell Ivey, 47; 784 Sampson Acres Dr., Clinton; Failure to Appear- NOL, Failure to Wear Seat Belt; Secured Bond $500; Court 01-16 01-06 William Lee Brooks, 42; 173 Lewis IIey Tew Rd., Dunn; False report of Theft Motor Vehicle; Hit/Run Leave Scene Property Damage; Communicating Threats; Secured Bond $2,500; Court 03-11 01-07 James Scott Richmond II, 21; 2147 Microwave Tower Rd., Roseboro; Failure to Comply; Court 02-05 01-07 Crystal Yvette McLamb, 21; 1000 Clive Jacobs Rd., Clinton; Failure to Appear-Child Support Incident/Investigation Report 01-02 Elaine Capers reported the Larceny of her Registration Plate from her residence located at 205 Holiday Lane, Newton Grove. 01-02 Sabrina Prince reported the Larceny of Gift cards from her residence located at 1491 Ira B Tart Rd., Dunn. 01-03 James Goodman reported a Breaking and Entering at his residence locate at 38 Church Rd., Clinton. Items reported missing included a weed eater, pressure washer, fishing rods, and a propane canister. 01-03 Judy Cannady reported a burglary at her residence located at 54 S McCullen Rd., Clinton. Items reported missing included a storage container, circular saw, roto-zip tool, and dremel tool. 01-04 Theresa Johnson reported a Larceny at her residence located at 115 Hunter Justin Lane, Clinton. Items reported missing included a pocketbook, gift cards, debit card, medication, jewelry, Drivers License, and US Currency. 01-05 Lemont Eddington reported a Burglary at his residence located at 1775 Microwave Tower Rd., Roseboro. No Items were reported missing. 01-05 Julie Bushong reported a Burglary located at 1244 Taylors Bridge Hwy., Clinton. Item report- ed missing a rifle. 01-05 Antonia Ortiz reported a Burglary at her residence located at 254 Chancey Rd., Clinton. Item reported missing was a Bedroom suit. 01-05 Roger Pope reported a Burglary at his residence located at 3070 Bass Lake Rd., Clinton. Items reported missing included dirt bikes and motorcycle helmets. 01-05 Kevin Hall reported the Larceny of his Cell Phone from his residence located at 400 Spicey Jane Lane, Autryville. 01-05 Maisha Mcallister reported a Burglary located at 16 Waterhouse Circle, Clinton. Item reported missing was a 32 inch TV. 01-07 Elvis Imes reported the Theft of his Vehicle located at 7151 Ivanhoe Rd., Ivanhoe. 01-07 Charlene Parker reported a Burglary at her residence located at 3505 Easy St., Dunn. Items reported missing included tools, chairs, couch, king sized bed frame, cabinet, dolls, end tables, sofa tables, microwave, chest, refrigerator, dishes, pots, pans, silverware, artificial trees, movies, videos, and pictures. 01-07 Laddina Johnson reported a Burglary at her residence located at 2783 Delway Hwy., Rose Hill. Items reported missing included a 17 inch flat screen monitor, recording, perfume, and a 47 inch flat screen TV. 18 Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com The Sampson Weekly (910) 590-2102 For Sale Owner New & Used Tires General Mechanic Work 4.12 Acres Tract with gorgeous 3 BDRM, 2 BTH Home. Very low, Reduced Price$98,000 Located at 120 Buck Dunn Rd in Four Oaks Across from Bentonville Battleground on Harper House Rd. Call (919)6148484 for Appointment Showing My Computer Works Computer problems? Viruses, spyware, email, printer issues, bad internet connections - FIX IT NOW! Professional, U.S.based technicians. $25 off service. Call for immediate help. 1-800-950-3168. DISH TV Retailer. Starting at $19.99/ month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/ month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-800-883-6164 NOW HIRING Forklift Drivers Quality Control Techs Maintenance Techs Apply Now At 5900 Turkey Hwy (910)590-2232 NOW HIRING Computer Diagnostics • Alignments • Brakes • Ball Joints • CV Axles • Tie Rods • A/C Repair • Etc Se Habla Español! Production Supervisor Medical Nurse Manager Plant Training Supervisor Maintenance/Electrical For more information, or to apply, please visit www.smithfield.com/careers $5.00 OFF 1003 Beamon St. Clinton, NC 910-592-4884 Any Service or Purchase with this Ad. Limit 1 per vehicle. Limited Time. The News & Observer Seeking an Independent Contractor to handle early morning delivery of The News and Observer 7 days a week for: Newton Grove/Clinton area. Route picks up at Newton Grove Post Office. Must be dependable and have reliable, economical transportation. Call Delores Hilliard District Manager (919)812-8649 Smithfield Farmland is currently accepting application for the following positions at our Clinton, NC facility: • • • • We Pick Up Vehicles! Vacuum Cleaner Repair $29.95 1 day service Come See Us For All Your Cleaning Needs including vacuum bags & all paper products Perfect for gatherings Mon-Fri 8:30-5:30 Clinton Janitorial Supply Saturday 9:00-12:00 and filter by the Clinton location. LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE IN THE MATTER OF THE FORECLOSURE OF THE DEED OF TRUST EXECUTED BY DARLENE L. BLACK and husband, RAY O. BLACK, Recorded in Book 1354, Page 317, Sampson County Registry IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION BEFORE THE CLERK FILE NO. 14-SP-170 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE DEED OF TRUST BEING FORECLOSED: The Deed of Trust being foreclosed is that Deed of Trust executed by DARLENE L. BLACK and husband, RAY O. BLACK to Denny Green, Trustee, dated March 27, 2000 and recorded in Book 1354, Page 317 in the Sampson County Registry of North Carolina. RECORD OWNERS OF THE REAL PROPERTY: The record owners of the subject real property as reflected on the records of the Sampson County Register of Deeds not more than 10 days prior to the posting of this Notice are the Heirs of Ray Black a/k/a Ray O. Black. END SUBDIVISION”, prepared by Millard T. Owen, III, R.L.S. and recorded at Map Book 34, page 5 of the Sampson County Registry. Reference to which is hereby made for a more particular description. DATE, TIME AND PLACE OF SALE: The sale will be held on January 14, 2015 at 11:45 a.m. at the door of the Sampson County Courthouse, Clinton, North Carolina. Included is a 2000 Clayton Henderson manufactured home bearing serial no. HHC013085NCAB. PROPERTY TO BE SOLD: The following real property to be sold “sight unseen” together with any improvements is located in Sampson County, North Carolina and is believed to have the address of 4995 Bearskin Road, Clinton, NC 28328 and is otherwise more particularly described as follows: BEING all of Lot 15, and containing 0.77 acres, according to a recorded survey map entitled, “WEST TERMS OF SALE: Pursuant to the provisions of N.C.G.S. §4521.10(b) and the terms of the Deed of Trust, any successful bidder may be required to deposit with the Trustee or Clerk of Superior Court immediately upon the conclusion of the sale a cash deposit to be determined by the greater of 5% of the bid or $750.00. Unless the Substitute Trustee agrees otherwise, the successful bidder will be required to tender the “full purchase price” so bid in cash or certified check at the time the Trustee tenders to him a Deed to the property or attempts to tender such Deed, and should the successful bidder fail to pay the full amount, then the successful bidder shall remain liable as provided for in N.C.G.S. §4521.30. By submitting your bid, you agree that the “full purchase price” shall be defined as the amount of bid plus the Trustee’s commission as defined in the subject Deed of Trust plus the costs of the action, unless the Trustee agrees otherwise. For example, if the amount of bid is $20,000.00 and the trustee’s commission is defined in the subject Deed of Trust as 5% of the gross proceeds of the sale, then the “full purchase price” shall equal $21,000.00 plus the costs of the action. A tender of Deed shall be defined as a letter from the Trustee to the successful bidder offering to record the Deed upon receipt of full purchase price as described herein and listed in said letter. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason such as a bankruptcy filing, the sole remedy of the successful bidder is the return of the deposit. As to any manufactured home, the following shall apply: Any not considered real property is being foreclosed pursuant to N.C.G.S. §25-9-604, if necessary; there is no warranty that any is actually located on the subject tract; and there is no warranty given by the Substitute Trustee as to whether said home is real property or personal property. The sale will be made subject to all prior liens, unpaid taxes, assessments, restrictions and easements of record, if any. ADDITIONAL NOTICE: Take notice that an order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to G.S. 45-21.29 in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties in possession by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Take further notice that any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement upon 10 days’ written notice to the landlord. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. This the 28th day of November, 2014. THE GREEN LAW FIRM, P.C. Jay B. Green Attorneys for Deidre D. DeFlorentis, Substitute Trustee 908 E. Edenton Street Raleigh, North Carolina 27601 Telephone: 919-829-0797 1st Publication December 31, 2014 2nd Publication January 7, 2015 In The Sampson Weekly newspaper Week of January 9-15, 2015 Chamber Chat With Janna Bass By Alison Bradshaw, President Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Ralph Waldo Emerson and I have at least one thing in common, our belief that every day that we wake up is a blessing and we should strive to live it to its fullest, lest it shall be our last. And so, with the New Year of 2015 upon us, let me be the first to wish you all a very happy one filled with love, good health, and prosperity. As the New Year begins, I assume my role as President of the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to those who may not know me, and to share with you my commitment to strengthening the Chamber’s mission of promoting economic growth, a healthy business community, and an outstanding quality of life in Clinton and Sampson County. My name is Alison G. Bradshaw and I have been a citizen, resident, small business owner, and Chamber of Commerce member in Clinton since 2007. Upon graduation from Campbell University’s School of Law, I embarked upon the journey of opening my solo law practice on Elizabeth Street in downtown Clinton. I now practice law in the same office, together with long time Clinton resident and Chamber member, Timothy W. Howard. One of the very first financial commitments I made as a young, broke, female attorney attempting to break into a field of practice historically dominated by the “good ol’ boys” in a small, southern town in which I had very few connections, was to submit my membership to the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce. Needless to say, it was not long after networking and visiting with other attorneys and businesspeople in the county that I realized the “good ol’ boys” were, in fact, some of the most influential mentors I will ever have in my life (They are too many to mention, but I would be remiss not to share my thanks to a long-time Chamber member, the great Dale P. Johnson, who not only mentored me in the practice of law, but shared words of wisdom about owning a small business and becoming an involved member of my community.) The Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable resource to me as a small business owner and community member. It has provided me with amazing networking opportunities such as Business After Hours, new business ribbon cuttings, and countless community events hosted by or partnered with the Chamber (which double as memorable times of fellowship with friends), and an opportunity to serve in a leadership role within this community that I dearly love. With the support of a wonderful Board of Directors, our enthusiastic and hard-working Chamber Director Janna Bass and Administrative Assistant Elizabeth West, the 425 current Chamber Members, and our community partners, I take the reins as the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce Board President with a sense of pride and desire to continue to improve our community and to promote and assist in the growth and success of our many local businesses. www.thesampsonweekly.com BUSINESS 19 FROM DREAM TO REALITY WITH MY SOCIAL SECURITY By Brenda Brown Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Fayetteville, NC In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke about his dream of an America where equality was more than a concept—where it was an everyday reality. I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.” His dream struck a chord with many people and inspired a nation. It shined a light on the ideal that every citizen should have equal opportunity to prosper and succeed. As we remember Dr. King and his dream for America, take a moment to reflect on your dreams for yourself and your family. What are the things that you want for your future? Do you see yourself enjoying retirement someday? With some planning, that dream can come true. The best way to keep your retirement dreams on track is by opening a my Social Security account. A my Social Security account is an excellent tool that helps you plan for the future. It lets you verify your earnings on your personal Social Security Statement—because your future retirement benefit depends on your earnings throughout your career. You can view your Statement at any time, giving you a good picture of what your future benefits will be. When you are ready to retire, you can even go online to apply for benefits from your home or office. And the advantages of having a my Social Security account don’t stop after you retire. Once you start receiving benefits, you can manage them with a my Social Security account. You can get an instant benefit verification letter, check your benefit and payment information, change your address and phone number, and start or change your direct deposit information—all online. Setting up a my Social Security account is quick, secure, and easy. Millions of Americans already have accounts. In fact, someone opens one about every 6 seconds. Join the crowd and sign up today at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. It’s the stuff dreams are made of. Governor talks energy, infrastructure, Medicaid reform with President Obama For more information regarding the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce, including how you or your company can become a member, please call us at (910) 592-6177, visit our website at www.clintonsampsonchamber.org, or stop by and say hello! Raleigh, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory traveled to Washington, D.C. on Tuesday along with a bipartisan group of three governors to meet with President Barack Obama and members of his cabinet. During the meetings, Governor McCrory talked about energy, infrastructure and Medicaid and thanked the president for U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary Sally Jewell’s willingness to pursue energy exploration off the North Carolina coast. “It’s always an honor to meet with the President. We had a very lengthy and intellectual discussion on issues like energy, infrastructure and Medicaid expansion,” said Governor McCrory. “I stressed to President Obama that as we continue to consider reforming Medicaid, we want a North Carolina plan, not a Washington plan. The President listened, was receptive, and we had a respectful debate and conversation on many of the issues.” Newly elected 2015 President of the Clinton Sampson Chamber of Commerce Alison G Bradsaw Congratulations Chamber Member of the Week Governor McCrory is a member of the National Governors Association’s Executive Committee. McCrory, along with NGA Chairman Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, NGA Vice-Chairman Utah Governor Gary Herbert and Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton were a part of the meeting. They met with Jason Furman, chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Shaun Donovan, director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Ambassador Michael Froman, U.S. trade representative. Small Business Center at Sampson Community College Business Start-Up Series Are you ready to start, grow or expand a small business? – January 14 Location: North Building Room 140 3:30 pm-6:00 pm What type business should you start? 503-C3 choices and top 20 – January 20 Location: North Building Room 140 3:30 pm-6:00 pm How to write a business model and plan. Getting ready to Startup – January 28 Location: North Building Room 140 3:30 pm-6:00 pm Financing, Funding and Cash Flowing a Small Business - February 3 Location: North Building Room 140 3:30 pm-6:00 pm The Art of Marketing a Small Business - February 11 Location: North Building Room 140 3:30 pm-6:00 pm Congratulations to the Chamber’s Member of the Week, Sampson County Chapter NAACP. Sampson County Chapter NAACP was Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights organization. From the ballot box to the classroom, the thousands of dedicated workers, organizers, leaders and members who make up the NAACP continue to fight for social justice for all Americans. For more information about the Sampson County Chapter NAACP contact Lee Byam at (910) 533-2117, or visit www.naacp.org. For more information about the Clinton-Sampson Chamber of Commerce call (910) 592-6177 or visit www.clintonsampsonchamber.org. Seminars QuickBooks Basics - January 31 Location: North Building, Room 229 9:00 am-12:00 pm All seminars are Free! Must register at https://www.ncsbc.net/center.aspx?center=75450 Contact: Amanda Bradshaw, Director, Small Business Center P: 910-592-7176 ext. 2032, E: jbradshaw@sampsoncc.edu 20 Week of January 9-15, 2015 www.thesampsonweekly.com FAMILY FEATURES A s your winter schedule is sure to be packed with gatherings that bring family and friends closer, have plenty of treats that are gentle on the waist and wallet. Sweet, spicy, salty or with an Asian twist — any way you pop it — popcorn is a satisfying snack suitable for every chilly weather occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party or simply enjoying a family movie night, popcorn’s wholesome taste can take on a variety of flavors to please every guest. Plus, popcorn snacks are healthy and whole grain, which means they’re a more nutritious alternative to traditional party nibbles and noshes. Cuddle up to these recipes and more by visiting www.popcorn.org. Sweet and Salty Popcorn Party Mix Yield: 14 cups 10 cups popped popcorn 2 cups miniature pretzel twists (or another small pretzel shape) 1 cup pecans 1 cup peanuts 2 cups rice, wheat or corn cereal squares 1/2 cup butter (1 stick) 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Preheat oven to 300°F. Place popcorn, pretzels, pecans, peanuts and cereal in very large bowl; set aside. Heat butter, brown sugar and corn syrup in medium saucepan. Stir mixture over medium heat until it begins to boil. Boil 3 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in baking soda (mixture will foam). Pour syrup over popcorn mixture in bowl and stir until evenly coated. Pour mixture onto large, rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake 30 minutes, stirring twice during baking time. Stir mixture a few times as it cools on baking sheet. Store in airtight container. Asian Popcorn Medley Yield: 8 cups 6 cups popped popcorn 2 cups Oriental rice cracker mix 3 tablespoons butter or margarine 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1/2–1 teaspoon ground ginger (may vary to taste) 1/4–1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (may vary to taste) Preheat oven to 300°F. Mix popcorn and rice cracker mix together in large bowl. In small microwave-safe bowl, microwave butter on high until melted, about 20 seconds. Stir in soy sauce, ginger and oil. Drizzle over popcorn mixture; toss. Spread mixture on baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool, serve or store in airtight container. Sweet and Salty Popcorn Party Mix Cinnamon Chocolate Popcorn Yield: 3 quarts 3 quarts popped popcorn Butter-flavored cooking spray 9 tablespoons powdered cocoa mix (cocoa sweetened with sugar or sugar substitute) 3 teaspoons cinnamon Put popcorn in large bowl and lightly spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle cocoa mix and cinnamon on popcorn. Toss to coat evenly. Spray and toss again until mixture is well coated. Serve immediately. Blazing Buffalo Ranch Popcorn Asian Popcorn Medley Cinnamon Chocolate Popcorn Yield: 6 quarts, plus leftover seasoning mix 1 tablespoon ranch dressing or dip mix (from 1-ounce package) 1 tablespoon seafood spice mix (or celery salt) 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon powdered sugar (or sugar) 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/4 teaspoon vegetable oil 6 quarts popped popcorn Cooking spray, optional In small bowl, blend ranch dressing mix, spice mix, garlic powder, powdered sugar and cayenne pepper. Sprinkle with vegetable oil and blend until well incorporated. Place popcorn in serving bowl and spray lightly with cooking spray. Sprinkle seasoning mix over popcorn to taste and toss. Store leftover seasoning mix in airtight container for future use. Coconut-Ginger Popcorn Truffles Blazing Buffalo Ranch Popcorn Coconut-Ginger Popcorn Truffles Yield: 3 dozen truffles 5 cups air-popped popcorn 2 cups miniature marshmallows 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter 1/2 cup shredded coconut 3 tablespoons candied ginger, minced Cooking spray 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate 1 teaspoon coconut oil or butter Place popcorn in large bowl. Place marshmallows and 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter in medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until melted; remove from heat. Stir in shredded coconut and candied ginger. Mix well. Spray hands with cooking spray, then scoop up 1 tablespoon of popcorn mixture. Roll mixture with hands to form ball. Place ball on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Repeat to make 36 balls. Place chocolate in small, microwave safe bowl. Heat in microwave on high for one minute, until melted. If not completely melted, microwave for another 15 seconds and stir again. Stir 1 teaspoon coconut oil into melted chocolate. Place chocolate in zipper-style plastic bag and seal. Snip off tiny corner of bag. Pipe chocolate on popcorn balls in decorative pattern. Garnish with extra shredded coconut and extra minced candied ginger, if desired. Place truffles in cool place until chocolate is set.