Newsletter from the Office of Senator Angela R. Bryant


Halifax, Nash, Vance, Warren and Wilson Counties

District – 4

Senator Angela R. Bryant

Volume 14, Issue XII

September 19, 2016

NEWS FROM RALEIGH…

I always welcome your comments, project updates, suggestions, and visits. My office door and electronic door are always open to you!  You are also invited to attend any and all Sessions and Committees.  Visit the website for Session and Committee meeting times.  As always, thank you for your support!

 

NEWSLETTER NEWS:

  • EVENTS AROUND THE DISTRICT AND MORE: Senator Bryant Speaks at the Wilson County Recovery Coalition Annual Rally; SEANC Names Sen. Smith-Ingram “Freshman Legislator of the Year”; LGA: First Responder Recognition; 2016 NC Institute of Medicine Statewide Conference;  
  • GRANT OPPORTUNITIES, AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS: State Farm Community Grant Opportunity; Youth Master Plan Collaboration Recognized; Rocky Mount Telegram: $25k Grant to OIC from United Heathcare to Aid Clinic’s Health Efforts; NC Housing Finance Agency Receives Federal Housing Credits and Bonds- Rocky Mount Project Included;
  • LEGISLATIVE NEWS: Sen. Bryant Tapped to Co-Chair Life Science Panel; Workers Highlight New Taxes and Fees at Press Conference on Tax Unfairness
  • EDUCATION NEWS:  What A Great Start Vance County Schools – Congratulations; The Solitary Child: Wherefores and Repercussions: When children are so shy that they rarely play with other children, they can be at risk of later problems
  • IN THE NEWS: Warren Record; Wilson Times; Henderson Daily Dispatch; Rocky Mount Telegram; The Daily Herald

·         SIDE NOTES: Senator Bryant’s 2015-2016 Standing Committees and Interim  Oversight and Study Committees

  • YOUR KIND WORDS ARE APPRECIATED: “Thank YouLetters
  • SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: Facebook and Twitter

        

                                                       

**SEPTEMBER IS NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH**

First officially recognized by the federal government in 1983, National Sickle Cell Awareness Month calls attention to sickle cell disease (SCD), a genetic disease that researchers estimate affects between 90,000 and 100,000 Americans. Learn more by visiting the website: http:llwww.gethealthystayhealthy.com/articles/what-is-sickle-cell-disease

 

SIDE NOTE:

Senator Bryant’s 2015-2016

Standing Committees:

 

Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources Committee

 

Appropriations/Base Budget Committee

 

Appropriations on Natural and Economic Resources Committee

 

Commerce Committee

 

Education/Higher Education Committee

 

Judiciary I Committee

 

Pensions & Retirement and Aging Committee

 

Workforce and Economic Development Committee

 

Senator Bryant’s Interim Oversight

& Study Committees:

 

Life Science Caucus

Co-Chair

 

Deputy Leader, Senate Democratic Caucus

 

First Vice Chair, NC Legislative Black Caucus

 

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Justice and Public Safety

 

Joint Legislative Elections Oversight Committee

 

Joint Legislative Economic Development and Global Engagement Oversight Committee

 

Joint Legislative Committee on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources

 

Leg. Research Commission Study Committee on Homeless Youth, Foster Care and Dependency

 

Joint Subcommittee of the Justice and Public Safety Oversight Committee and Health and Human Services on Mental Health Oversight Committee

 

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice (Advisor)

 

 

EVENTS AROUND THE DISTRICT AND MORE:

Senator Bryant Speaks at The Wilson County Recovery Coalition’s Annual Rally for Recovery Celebration – September 10th

 

 

 

 

 

 

Committee Member, Whitney Kimble from the Wilson Rally for Recovery

 

 

 

 

 

 

ECPS Family Resource Center Parenting Matters, Princeville Elementary School, 306 Walston St, Princeville. Tuesdays, Sept. 20 – Nov. 8th. 6-8pm. Contact LAnetta M. Scott at Lmceachern@ecps.us or 252-641-2614, for more information.

Free Back-to-School Legal Clinics by Legal Aid of North Carolina. The Clinics are currently offered in the following counties Henderson – Vance County, Rocky Mount – Nash County, Wilson – Wilson County. The clinics will be held on Wed, September 21, 2016, 12:00pm – 1:30pm.  Go to the website to register:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-back-to-school-legal-clinic-registration-26196741158?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=

reminder_attendees_48hour_email&utm_term=eventname

Annual Awards Banquet: The Annual Awards Banquet will be held on Thurs., September 22, 2016 at the Henderson Vance Farmers Market, 210 Southpark Drive, Henderson, NC. Nomination forms can be found on our website, www.kerrtarcog.org, and forms must be back to Gina Parham no later than Monday, August 15th. If you have any questions please contact Gina Parham at gparham@kerrtarcog.org.

Farm-to-Table Family Style Dinner The Young Ambassadors Circle (“YAC”) will be hosting a Farm-to-Table Family Style Dinner on Tuesday, September 27th at 6pm. The dinner will be held at Rocky Mount Mill. This will be YAC’s first signature event and will be supporting the Pediatric Behavioral Health Activities Program at Nash Health Care. Contact Erika Thompsen at elthompsen@nhcs.org or 252-962-8585.

FREE Over The Counter (OTC) Medicine Give Away Day to Edgecombe and Nash Counties! The United Way Tar River Region and The Impact Center are helping bring a The Give Away event is made possible by NC MedAssist, sponsored by the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 29 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at The Impact Center, 821 Word Plaza, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  Or one can complete the attached volunteer application and return it to Tonia Harris at tharris@medassist.org and for any volunteer questions please contact Tonia Harris by email or call 704-350-3574.

Free Over the Counter (OTC) Medicine Giveaway Day: Fri., Sept. 30th from 9 am-2 pm Cardinal is sponsoring a Med Assist event at Halifax Community College. They are looking for vendors to participate in the health fair as well as volunteers to help distribute the OTC medications. The medicines to be distributed include but are not limited to allergy relief, pain relief, indigestion relief, cold and flu medicine, first-aid, and vitamins. Interested individuals and large groups from local businesses, churches, sororities, and fraternities are encouraged to contact Gina Dement at gina.dement@cardinalinnovations.org.

Latino Festival 2016: Sat. Oct. 1st 11:00am-5pm, Greenville Town Common, 105 E. 1st Street, Greenville, NC. For additional information call 252-757-3916 or amexcan@amexcannc.org.

Down East Partnership for Children Party in the Park, 215 Lexington Street, Rocky Mount. Thurs. Oct. 6th, 4:00 – 6:00pm. For information Sonja Person at (252) 985-4300.

The Harvest Market Fall Festival, Sat. Oct. 8th 10am – 4 at the Historic Courthouse Square, 109 S. Main Street, Warrenton. Call 252-257-2657.

Grant Writing Workshop, Vance Granville Community College, Warren Campus, Room W4103, Thurs. Oct. 6th  For inquiries call Tanya S. Weary, Director at 252-738-3240

Halifax Regional and the Roanoke Valley Breast Cancer Coalition Annual Free Breast Exam Clinic and Health Fair: Sat., October 8, 2016 Halifax Regional Medical Center Building #1, 9am – 12pm. For more information contact Terry Mason at 252-535-3417 or Phyllis Chavis at 252-578-2369.

Homegrown Leaders: Wed. Oct. 12th at Southwestern Community College, Sylva, Wed. Nov. 16th at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Cherokee, and Wed. Dec. 14th at Entegra Bank, Franklin the North Carolina Rural Center will host the Rural Economic Development Institute which takes a deeper approach into rural economic development and leadership development. For more information contact Sarah Thompson at sarah@regiona.org or Misty Herget at mherget@ncruralcenter.org. To apply, visit www.southwesterncc.edu/sbc.

Henderson Chamber Networking Lunch Plan, Henderson Country Club, 300 Country Club Drive, Henderson, Thursday, October 13th from noon – 1pm, Cost for lunch will be $20 per person for members and $25 per person for non-members. If you have interest in the October event or would like to RSVP, please contact the Chamber at 252-438-8414 or by email at Annette@hendersonvance.org.

Founder’s Day Celebration: Thurs., October 20th, 10 am at the Dunn Center, North Carolina Wesleyan College will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the college’s founding. You are encouraged to attend and be a part of this historic occasion. Contact Mark Hinson at 252-985-5145.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses: Mon. Feb. 13th, The Support Center will host Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business classes at Babson College, where you will be able to gain practical skills to help you take your business to the next level. To learn more or apply, please visit their website at www.10skbapply.com or call 617-238-3028 for more information. The deadline to apply is Wed. Oct. 5th.

Reverse Raffle Event Set – Henderson Police Department and Chamber Partner to Benefit Local Children & Business, Saturday, November 5th at the Henderson Country Club, 300 Country Club Drive, Henderson. If you or your business would like to purchase tickets, donate items or get more information, contact the HPD, Chamber board members or the Chamber office at 252-438-8414.

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… and MORE:

 

Greensboro, NCState Senator Erica Smith-Ingram (D-03) was named “Freshman Legislator of the Year” by the State Employees Association of North Carolina (SEANC).On SEANC’s Facebook page, SEANC thanked Senator Smith-Ingram for being a champion for North Carolina State Employees and Retirees.mSEANC awarded Senator Smith-Ingram with this honor at its 33rd Convention held Friday, September 9 at Four Seasons Sheraton in Greensboro, NC.

 

Senator Smith-Ingram proudly represents Bertie, Chowan, Edgecombe, Hertford, Martin, Northampton, Tyrrell and Washington Counties.

 

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      Your primary voice on lake issues

                           Since 1989                       

 

First Responder Recognition

During the hottest part of the summer, and with the peak hurricane season approaching, we all need to consider a kind deed or kind action towards the first responders in the Region that we will look to for help in case of emergency – the law enforcement personnel from the five counties Sheriffs’ Offices, the Volunteer Fire Departments and the Emergency Medical Services from both volunteer units and County services.

Many of us can easily afford a small gesture of our appreciation to first responders in our area by delivering soft drinks, cookies or other items of nominal value, but with huge meaning to those who often go unrecognized.

So the LGA invites you to join us in making a difference and showing appreciation to our communities’ first responders by taking the initiative to deliver some pizzas, soft drinks or sandwiches and chips to local sheriff’s offices, EMS stations, or fire stations. If you need part of the expense to be offset, the LGA will refund members for up to $50 each for the first twenty such member actions. Just email Safety@lakegastonassoc.com to coordinate and send receipts for refund.

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2016 NC Institute of Medicine Statewide Conference

 

 
 

       

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GRANT OPPORTUNITIES, AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

 

STATE FARM COMMUNITY GRANT OPPORTUNITY

The 2017 grant applications are available beginning Thursday, September 1, 2016 through Monday, October 31, 2016. Grant amount requested must be $5,000 or more.

 

“Funding programs addressing safety, community development, and education”

 

Participants do not have to be affiliated with a non-profit organization and anyone can enter to win!

 

 

The State Farm Companies Grants Program strives to meet the needs of communities in the U.S. and Canada by supporting nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies that address safety, community development, or education.

 

 

Ø  Safety Grants focus on driving safety, home protection, disaster preparedness and recovery, and personal financial security.

Ø  Community Development Grants emphasize affordable housing, first-time homeowners, community revitalization, and economic development.

Ø  Education grants target public K-12 teacher development, service-learning programs, and systemic educational reform.

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Youth Master Plan Collaboration Recognized

WCDSS Receives Award from National Association of Counties

WCDSS has been recognized with an Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards honor innovative, effective county government programs that enhance services for residents.

NACo recognized WCDSS’ participation in the Wilson Youth Master Plan (YMP) in the category of Children and Youth.
 
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from NACo,” said WCDSS Director Glenn Osborne. “This award recognized the outstanding work that has happened through our collaboration with Wilson 20/20 and the other partners on the Youth Master Plan. By coming together and working as a community, we are making a positive difference in the lives of Wilson County’s children and youth.”
 
Through the YMP planning process, key leaders with the ability to make decisions, service recipients, faith community members, business community leaders, college and university partners, and citizens came together and discussed our community strengths and challenges openly.  The plan was developed in May 2014 and members have been working together as a community on implementation since that time.  Five Impact Teams continue to drive this work:  Safety, Out of School Time, Health and Wellness, Education and Workforce, and K-12 Academic Achievement.  The purpose of the Youth Master Plan is to make Wilson County a place where all children and youth, ages 0 -21 will be successful.
 
Nationally, NACo awards were given in 21 different categories that reflect the vast, comprehensive services counties provide. The categories include children and youth, criminal justice, county administration, environmental protection, information technology, health, civic engagement and many more.
 
The awards were presented at NACo’s 2016 Annual Conference and Exposition July 24 in Los Angeles County, CA. 

 

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Rocky Mount Telegram: $25k Grant to OIC from United Healthcare to Aid Clinic’s Health Efforts

 

By Amelia Harper

Rocky Mount Telegram (NC)

September 8, 2016

 

 

The health of the Twin Counties may rally a little since a local clinic has been awarded a $25,000 grant to help medical professionals improve the lives of residents through an increased focus on nutrition.

 

UnitedHealthcare awarded the $25,000 grant to the OIC Family Medical Center to provide help to more than 150 low-income residents who have or are at high risk for diabetes and other chronic diseases. The grant was presented to the OIC Family Medical Center in August at an event held at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

 

The OIC Medical Center was one of three organizations across the state to receive the grant. However, the OIC Family Medical Center was the only medical center to be awarded grant funding. The other two grant recipients were Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC in Winston-Salem and MANNA FoodBank in Asheville.

 

“These organizations are implementing important programs in North Carolina that are making a difference in the lives of many individuals and families who need a helping hand,” Anita Bachmann, vice president of UnitedHealthcare, said in a press release. “Through their work in the community and UnitedHealthcare’s support, we are working together to help people live healthier lives through education, training and outreach programs.”

 

Though the grant was given to a medical center, the focus of the grant is on using nutrition to help improve the health of individuals. The grant provides for weekly nutrition education classes, fresh produce to take home and intensive case management services for clients who are diabetics.

 

“The UnitedHealthcare grant provides OIC with additional resources to assist our patients who are dealing with chronic illnesses that lifestyle habits and patterns have made worse,” Reuben Blackwell, CEO of the Opportunities Industrialization Center, told the Telegram. “Everyone needs encouragement to eat and prepare foods in a way that gives our bodies the opportunity to heal themselves. Good, healthy food is good medicine, too.”

 

Brian Ellerby, director of integrated health for the OIC, said the medical center will be screening patients to see if they qualify for the program and are willing to participate in learning more about the value of good nutrition in improving health outcomes.

 

“This is just the first step in the process,” Ellerby said. “We are eventually hoping to get other grants to help us implement weight loss and exercise programs. However, we need more community partners to help us provide resources like this for those who are uninsured.”

 

In order to provide access to locally grown produce, the OIC Family Medical Center is working with the Rev. Richard Joyner and the Conetoe Family Life Center.

 

Joyner said the local produce will come from the gardens at the Conetoe Family Life Center and from other local gardens in Nash and Edgecombe counties.

 

“This grant will allow us to expand our opportunities in ways that are community-based and sustainable,” he said.

 

Blackwell said the partnership is also designed to educate Twin Counties residents on the availability of fresh fruits and vegetables in the community.

 

“Our partnership with Conetoe Family Life Center also guarantees that the OIC supports local residents and undergirds the notion that we can all have affordable access to locally grown produce,” Blackwell said. “UnitedHealthcare has advanced our approach to include good nutrition as a staple in providing holistic, integrated care to our patients and their families.”

 

Blackwell also sees the issue of proper nutrition as one that is vital to the Twin Counties.

 

“Everything we do in life matters to our health. What we eat forecasts our health,” he said. “OIC wants a healthy future for all of our patients and our community and access to good food that we can afford will help change the equation that has produced years of health disparities in Rocky Mount and the Twin Counties.”

 

http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/News/2016/09/08/Grant-to-aid-clinic-s-health-efforts.html

 

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NC Housing Finance Agency Receives Federal Housing Credits and Bonds –Rocky Mount Project Included

 

North Carolina will gain $667 million in affordable rental apartments as the result of federal Housing Credits and bonds approved last month.  The new awards are expected to support 13,500 jobs in construction and other industries and generate $72 million in tax revenue.  They will produce 5,406 privately owned, privately managed affordable apartments in 37 counties, including at least one county that you serve.

 

In addition to the federal tax credits, 31 of the properties will receive loans approved by the NC Housing Finance Agency’s Board of Directors from the Workforce Housing Loan Program or the Housing Trust to encourage development in low-wealth counties and to reduce rents in moderate and high-income counties. These properties will be located in 30 counties, including some where no affordable apartments have been built for several years, such as Ashe and Clay.

 

All of the apartments are affordable for households at 60 percent of median income, and many are affordable at 50 percent or 40 percent of median because of the additional financing.

 

This year’s awards include at least 540 apartments for persons with disabilities, affordable to person living on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) of approximately $733 a month.  Rent assistance is available for these apartments under the Key Program, an initiative created in 2004.

 

This year’s work will bring the total number of House Credit apartments built in the state to more than 75,000 units.  Ravenwood Crossing in Rocky Mount was awarded $529,700.

 

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LEGISLATIVE NEWS:

 

Sen. Bryant Appointed to Co-Chair the New Life Science Caucus and was a Guest Speaker at the Annual Legislative Meeting of the Life Science Forum and the NC Biotechnology Center on August 18th

 

Sen. Bryant Tapped to Co-Chair Life Science Panel

 

Wilson Times

Posted Monday, August 22, 2016 10:00 am

From staff reports

 

RALEIGH — State Sen. Angela Bryant has been named a co-chair of the North Carolina Joint Legislative Life Science Caucus.

Bryant, a Rocky Mount Democrat whose district includes north-central Wilson County, will lead the panel in the Senate with Sen. Tamara Barringer, R-Raleigh. House co-chairs are Rep. Marilyn Avila, D-Raleigh, and Rep. Graig R. Meyer, D-Hillsborough.

The bipartisan, bicameral group plans to meet with industry leaders, examine research to shape state policy and address North Carolina law’s impact on the life science field, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biotechnology and digital health, according to a news release announcing the panel’s formation.

Bryant said there are numerous biotech firms in her Senate district, including Wilson’s Purdue Pharma, which manufactures OxyContin, Sandoz, which makes generic prescription drugs, Merck, a pharmaceutical company, Treyco Environmental, which makes a degreaser, and Triangle Biofuels, which manufactures biodiesel fuel from vegetable oils. She also mentioned Intox Biotech in Middlesex, Pfizer and Aspir-tek in Rocky Mount and Goldsboro Laboratories, which manufactures vaccines for animals and livestock.

“I surely want to increase our capability to build on this important industry sector of the future,” Bryant said.

Life science jobs have grown three times faster in the Tar Heel State than in the nation as a whole, according to the N.C. Biotechnology Center, with more than 70,000 people employed in the field throughout the state. The Raleigh-Durham area was named the second-best city in the U.S. for life science jobs in 2015.

The caucus will be open to all state lawmakers who wish to join, Avila said in the release.

“North Carolina is increasingly recognized as a leader in the groundbreaking life science industry,” Avila said in a statement. “The life science industry has saved countless lives thanks to new breakthroughs in biotechnologies, pharmaceuticals and more. As a former chemist and small business owner, I know that the best thing we can do to create more jobs, grow our state’s economy and advance science is to encourage more innovators to invest in North Carolina.”

Bryant is serving her second term in the North Carolina Senate following three state House terms. She represents District 4, which includes portions of Wilson, Nash, Halifax, Vance and Warren counties.

 

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EDUCATION NEWS:

 

WHAT A GREAT START VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS – CONGRATULATIONS

 

1724 GRAHAM AVENUE POST OFFICE BOX

7001 HENDERSON, N. C. 27536-7001

TELEPHONE 252-492-2127

 

VANCE COUNTY SCHOOLS MAKE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS ON STATE TESTS, SCHOOL PERFORMANCE GRADES AND REPORTS THE HIGHEST GRADUATION RATE IN THE DISTRICT’S HISTORY

OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT – DR. ANTHONY JACKSON

 

The state of North Carolina formally released accountability data from the 2015-2016 academic year today. The Vance County School System is pleased to report improvements on state assessments, the elimination of all schools designated with a school performance grade of an F, and of significant note; the highest graduation rate in the history of our school district.

 

On state assessments, Vance County Public School students’ improved on 100 percent of the end-of-grade subtests administered in grades 3-8. These results indicate that the district is significantly closing the gap between its students’ performances compared to students from across the state.

 

Improvements ranged from 0.4 percent in grade 7 mathematics to a high of 15.8 percent in grade 8 science. Of significant note is the 28 percent and 21 percent improvement in Math 1 (a high school course) at Eaton-Johnson and Henderson middle schools, respectively. End-of-course data from our high schools continue to lag behind state averages and will require our continued focus and a deliberate plan of improvement.

 

School Performance Grades are determined by a formula which includes a school’s overall proficiency on state assessments and students’ growth.

 

Vance County Schools is further pleased to announce that during the 2015-2016 school year, 62 percent of the schools received a school performance grade (SPG) of A, B or C. We are extremely excited to announce the district’s first school to earn the school performance grade of “A” (Vance County Early College High School). No schools received a performance grade of “F”. This is the first time since the inception of SPG’s that we have reached this milestone. As a result, Vance County Schools no longer meets the states definition of a “low-performing” school district.

 

Schools earning a SPG of “B” are Aycock Elementary School and STEM Early High School. Schools earning a SPG of “C” are Carver, New Hope, Clarke, Dabney, Pinkston Street and Zeb Vance. Schools earning an SPG of “D” are Eaton-Johnson, Henderson, E.M. Rollins, E.O. Young Jr., L.B. Yancey, Northern Vance High and Southern Vance High. Western Vance High School is an alternative school and does not receive a School Performance Grade.

 

We are equally excited to report that the district’s four-year on-time graduation rate has improved by 4.4 percent from 77.5 percent to a record high of 81.9 percent. This represents the highest graduation rate in the history of our school system. This compared to the 85.8 percent graduation rate at the state level, represents the smallest gap between the district and the state in many years.

 

The Early College graduation rate was 100 percent, up from 89 percent the previous year. The cohort graduation rate in 2015-2016 increased at Northern Vance and Southern Vance high schools. The graduation rate at Northern Vance rose to 83.4 percent from 77 percent and the graduation rate at Southern Vance increased to 82.5 percent from 81 percent. Western Vance High had a four-year cohort graduation rate of 90.5 percent.

 

State standards also measure student growth on state end-of-grade and end-of-course tests administered to students in grades 3-12. Among Vance County Schools in 2015-2016, there were nine schools that either exceeded or met expected growth standards.

 

“I am pleased with the progress that we are making,” said Dr. Anthony D. Jackson, superintendent of Vance County Schools. “It is clear that we are moving in the right direction. While we celebrate the accomplishments, it is important we remain focused on improving the quality of our school system, the rigor in our classrooms and the preparation of all students for the colleges or careers of their choice. There is much work to do.

 

“I want to thank and commend our teachers, teacher assistants, administrators, bus drivers, cafeteria employees and all who support what happens daily in our classrooms for a job well done, the community for embracing our vision for a better school system and our parents for partnering with us to provide the best education possible for their children,” he added. “Our commitment remains to provide a system focused on Excellence…without Excuse! I am confident that our best days are ahead and that we will continue to make progress. As always, I am Vance County Schools Proud… and today, I hope you are as well.”

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RSVP

 

When children are so shy that they rarely play with other children, they can be at risk of later problems.
Some children are quiet and reserved by nature. A child’s lack of social interaction in the peer group may stem from a variety of causes, including social fear and anxiety or a preference for solitude. If children are so shy that they rarely play with other children, though, they can be at risk of later problems. For example, very shy children may have trouble learning social skills for interacting with peers, and they may have difficulty in making and keeping friends. From early childhood through adolescence, socially withdrawn children are at risk for a wide range of negative outcomes, including socio-emotional difficulties like anxiety, low self-esteem and depression; peer difficulties, including rejection, victimization and poor friendship quality; and educational challenges such as poor quality teacher-child relationships, academic difficulties and school avoidance.

Kenneth Rubin will provide clarity on the complex array of terms and constructs previously employed in the study of social withdrawal and will examine the predictors, correlates, and consequences of child and early adolescent social withdrawal. He will also present a developmental framework describing the pathways leading to and from social withdrawal in childhood and discuss a novel early intervention for socially inhibited preschool-aged children. “The Turtle Program: Helping Shy Preschoolers Come Out of their Shells” is designed to help shy preschool children gain confidence in social settings and develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers. Rubin and his colleagues at the University of Maryland began the National Institute of Mental Health-funded intervention project in 2010.

 

Rubin is professor of human development and quantitative methodology and founding director, Center for Children, Relationships, and Culture at the University of Maryland-College Park. Previously, he was professor, Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, and has held visiting appointments at Stanford, University of Washington, University of Melbourne (Australia), and the Max-Planck-Institute for Psychologische Forschung (Munich).

 

His research interests include the study of child and adolescent social development, especially peer and parent-child relationships; social and emotional adjustment and maladjustment in childhood and adolescence; the origins and developmental course of social competence, social withdrawal, and aggression; all from a cross-cultural perspective. Many of his over 300 peer-reviewed publications have been co-authored by colleagues on five continents.

 

Among his recent books are the Handbook of Peer Interactions, Relationships, and Groups, The Development of Shyness and Social Withdrawal, Social Anxiety in Childhood: Bridging Developmental and Clinical Perspectives, and Socioemotional Development in Cultural Context. His book, The Friendship Factor, received the National Parenting Publications Gold Award.

 

Parking and Directions: Parking on Duke’s campus can be challenging; please carpool or take public transportation, if possible. Parking will be available for a fee in the Bryan Center parking deck. Click here to obtain directions to the Sanford Building and nearby visitor parking. Please arrive early in order to park and walk to the building.

 

 

RSVP

 

Erika Hanzely-Layko

Meeting and Events Coordinator

Duke Center for Child and Family Policy

Duke Box 90545

919-613-9350

 

facebook  // twitter  // instagram

 

 

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IN THE NEWS:

Warren Record

·         Five of the eight public schools in the Warren County Schools district received performance grades of D and F for the 2015-16 academic year, according to a report released last week by the State Board of Education/N.C. Department of Public Instruction. School performance grades are based 80 percent on student achievement and 20 percent on academic growth.  http://www.warrenrecord.com/news/article_0eddbfec-7497-11e6-a2d3-5bf92938f666.html

·         On Wednesday, Sept. 21, Sylvia Fletcher with Candlelight Spiritual Science and Wellness Centers of Warrenton will help the local community take part in the International Day of Peace with a walking vigil from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The walk will take place at the Warren County Recreation Complex, 840 Hwy. 158 bypass, Warrenton. http://www.warrenrecord.com/news/article_0beb6576-7453-11e6-a88c-83131f2740a0.html

·         A return of renowned dramatic storyteller Carolyn Evans and live music will highlight the 3rd Annual African-American Cultural Festival on Saturday, Sept. 17. The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Courthouse Square in downtown Warrenton. http://www.warrenrecord.com/news/article_4ca672be-7074-11e6-b813-67dd08997af6.html

 

Wilson Times

·         N.C. Rep. Angela Bryant, D-Nash, has been named co-chairwoman of the newly-formed bipartisan, bicameral Legislative Life Science Caucus. She will work with N.C. Sen. Tamara Barringer. R-Wake. The caucus will be co-chaired on the House side by N.C. Rep. Marilyn Avila, R-Wake, and Rep. Graig R. Meyer, D-Orange. The legislators will meet regularly with industry leaders, consider new research relevant to shaping state policy and address policy impact on the growing life science field.

·         AgCarolina Farm Credit is accepting grant applications through Oct. 14 for programs benefitting farmers and rural residents in its 34-county service area in eastern North Carolina. To learn more about the Fund for Rural North Carolina and to obtain guideline criteria, go to the AgCarolina website. http://www.wilsontimes.com/stories/AgCarolina-Farm-Credit-seeks-applications-for-rural-grants,72674

·         The Wilson Education Partnership is accepting applications for its 2016-17 mini-grant program. the grant may be used for a project that addresses diet, healthy eating, exercise and physical activity, disease control, substance abuse and wellness initiatives. Any certified Wilson County Schools K-12 employee is eligible to apply for the mini-grant program. http://www.wilsontimes.com/stories/WEP-seeks-applications-for-school-mini-grants,72605

·         An electrical manufacturing startup, Peak Demand hopes to have a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing facility open by January with a goal of 37 employees within three years. Positions will range from manufacturing operators to executives with an average salary of $65,714 a year — nearly $15,000 more than the county’s current average annual wage. http://www.wilsontimes.com/stories/Startup-to-hire-37-invest-26-million,72295?

·         Former Gov. Jim Hunt of Wilson will receive a Champion of Justice Award at the North Carolina Justice Center’s 20th anniversary gala Sept. 10.  Hunt will receive the award “for his work on behalf of North Carolina’s students, families and communities,” according to the group. http://www.wilsontimes.com/stories/Gov-Hunt-to-receive-Champion-of-Justice-Award,71929?

 

Henderson Dispatch

·         Vance County Schools celebrated leadership at its annual awards banquet Thursday night, held this year for the first time at McGregor Hall. The 2016-17 Teacher of the Year was Eaton-Johnson Middle School’s Linwood Swann. The Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year both came from elementary schools: Principal Crystal Richardson from Clarke and Assistant Principal Joy Suther from Dabney. http://www.hendersondispatch.com/news/school-system-honors-top-teacher-administrators/article_433f821a-76d2-11e6-b12b-5f72bdc0af62.html

 

Rocky Mount Telegram

·         Suzanna Mosley of Rocky Mount recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. For her Gold Award project, Awareness and Prevention of Teen Dating Violence, Mosley created, printed and distributed a brochure that focused on educating local middle and high school girls about dating violence. http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/Community/2016/09/11/Girl-Scout-earns-Gold-Award-1.html

·         Grace Warner of Rocky Mount recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. For her Gold Award project, Pick, Taste and Learn Garden at Down East Partnership for Children, Warner helped lower-income households in her community access healthy foods by teaching them about gardening.  http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/Community/2016/08/30/Girl-Scout-earns-Gold-Award.html

·         Special Event: VFW Auxiliary Post 2057, 11270 N.C. 97, will have a birthday party to celebrate 70 years serving the community at 1 p.m. Sept. 24. There will be free Bingo games, children craft tables and snacks. http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/Community-Calendar/2016/09/11/Community-Calendar-34.html

·         Pumpkin Festival: The 45th annual Spring Hope National Pumpkin Festival will be held Sept. 30. There will be a recipe contest, street dance with music by Liquid Pleasure, a pumpkin weigh-in, classic car cruise in and a parade. http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/Community-Calendar/2016/09/11/Community-Calendar-34.html

 

The Daily Herald

·         Allen Purser, outgoing president/CEO of the Roanoke Valley Chamber of Commerce, said the 2016 Ducky Derby will take place Sept. 17, noting about 5,000 people attend each year. People may purchase the rubber ducks at the Chamber, 260 Premier Blvd. in Roanoke Rapids. Ducks are $5 each, six for $25 or 25 for $100.  http://www.rrdailyherald.com/news/community-readying-for-party-by-the-river/article_c3104402-7443-11e6-a1a4-dfbf0065cec8.html

·         The chairman of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners has been rewarded for his efforts. Vernon Bryant was recently recognized by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners for meeting the requirements for the Mentor level in the Local Elected Leaders Academy. http://www.rrdailyherald.com/news/bryant-earns-prestigious-recognition/article_7e379b18-7444-11e6-94f7-bb5cf24514a7.html

·         Halifax Electric Membership Corporation Director Richard H. Greene will attend his last board meeting on Sept. 27. After 43 years, Greene is retiring from the Halifax EMC board. A Warren County native, Greene graduated from North Warren High School and Warren County Training School and attended Shaw University. http://www.rrdailyherald.com/news/halifax-electric-membership-corporation-director-announces-retirement/article_d4701e8a-722b-11e6-a2bd-77dcd1e3f30f.html

·         After a two-year hiatus, the Canvas Halifax fundraiser and art auction will return for the fourth time on Sept. 17 at The Hen and The Hog. The event is a major fundraiser for the Council. As with previous events, a noted artist will create and donate a work to the Council that reflects the local history and culture of Halifax County. http://www.rrdailyherald.com/news/art-council-gears-up-for-event-after-two-year-break/article_7b2cd63e-7225-11e6-917a-afef66146f8e.html

 

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YOUR KIND WORDS ARE APPRECIATED:

 

Dear Senator Bryant:

 

On behalf of NCBIO, I want to thank you for speaking at our NCIO Legislative Luncheon and Forum.  We know you are busy, and we truly appreciate the time commitment you made to participate.  It was an excellent discussion with a good focus on the life sciences.  We also hope that this was a great first opportunity for you, the co-chairs of the newly established Joint Legislative Life Science Caucus, to come together.   Hearing your goals for the caucus – including your willingness and interest in learning more about the industry, the unique skill sets you each bring, and the ways we can be helpful to you – were all very exciting to NCBIO’s members, which include industry leaders, scientists, business development professionals and lobbyists.  Again, thank you for your willingness to participate in this event.  Sam Taylor, President

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Dear Honorable Bryant,

 

This letter comes to inform you that the Concerned Citizens of Tillery (CCT) has received a grant from the Halifax County Arts Council’s Grassroots Arts Grants Program for 2016 in support of the Roanoke River Regional Collaborates (RRRC) Cultural Arts Festival. The event was held at the Tillery Community Center on April 9th with diverse performing artists. I hope you will continue to support funding for the NC Arts in order that communities like ours can have access to programming otherwise unreachable for many of our community residents. Thank you for your support of this Arts program.  Gary Grant, Executive Director.

 

 

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Image Information: Angela Bryant