One of the most versatile and gifted people in American history announced the invention of bifocal eyeglasses this month in 1785. Benjamin Franklin had been using one pair of glasses to read with and another for distant vision. Tired of switching between pairs, he had the two pairs of lenses cut in half and mounted in the same frame. The idea of these split lenses, or bifocals, was slow to be adopted because of cost. Among Franklin’s many other inventions …
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White House Weekly Address: The President Talks About How to Build a Rising, Thriving Middle Class
President Obama talks about his belief that a rising, thriving middle class is the true engine of economic growth, and that to reignite that engine and continue to build on the progress we’ve made over the last four years, we need to invest in three areas: jobs, skills and opportunity. This week, the President honored fallen officers and top cops, spoke on the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, invited both the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and of …
Monday Open Line
Gas prices are a frequent cause for consumer complaint –but at least purchases aren’t restricted, as they were beginning this month in 1942. That’s when 17 states began rationing gasoline to help the war effort. By December, rationing was nationwide and remained in effect until the end of World War II, along with a national speed limit of 35 miles an hour. Now, there are more than 118,000 gas stations across the country. Each year, they sell $360 billion worth …
Senator Richard Burr Newsletter
As you may know, the House voted this week to repeal Obamacare, and I wholeheartedly support the effort to fully repeal this terrible law. However, if we don’t have the votes in the Senate to repeal this law in full, then we should also seek to dismantle it piece by piece. That’s why this week I introduced a bill with Senator Coburn that will repeal the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), Affordable Care Act’s provision that commits federal taxpayer dollars to incentivizing …
Congresswoman Renee Ellmers: Scandal in Washington
This week, the Wall Street Journal reported that the IRS’ scrutiny of conservative groups went beyond those with “tea party” or “patriot” in their names to also include ones worried about government spending, debt or taxes, and even ones that lobbied to “make America a better place to live.” Many groups say they were asked for lists of their donors and other sensitive information. These actions by the IRS are extremely troubling. Also of great concern is that under Obamacare, …
Get in Gear for Gardening! Saturday, May 18th, This Week in Gardening
Come on out this Saturday, 5/18, 9 am to the First Presbyterian Church for a symposium by the Extension Master Gardeners! Learn from experts about soil preparation, raising daylilies, and vegetable production. Lots of time to get your questions answered. Doorprizes and refreshments! Cost is only $7 at the door. The church fellowship hall is located at the corner of Young St. and Chestnut St. in downtown Henderson. If you need to reach us on Saturday morning, call 252-213-6095. THIS …
School Bus Driver ROADeo on May 21
On Tuesday, May 21st, school bus drivers from across North Carolina will gather at the state fairgrounds in Raleigh to demonstrate their skill and professionalism. The state School Bus Driving Competition (known as the State School Bus ROADeo) will begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Martin building. The driving course is set up in the Midway area. Forty-eight school bus drivers will participate in the final testing and driving competition to crown the top school bus driver in North Carolina. …
Henderson City Council Special Called Meeting Monday May 20th
Consideratio nof Approfal of Resolution 13-43, Awarding Departmental Handgun and Badge to Retiring Police Cheif Keith Sidwell. Presentation of Proposed FY 2013-2014 Budget The full packet is here: 20130520_coh_called_meeting_agenda_packet
Senator Angela R. Bryant Newsletter
NEWS FROM RALEIGH… I always welcome your comments, project updates, suggestions, and visits. My office door and electronic door is always open to you! As always, thank you for your support! NEWSLETTER INDEX Around the District and More Events Awards and Grants Legislative News Notes of Thanks Hear and See Legislative Live Daily If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please click here —————————————————————————- AROUND THE DISTRICT AND MORE Senator Bryant Visits the Free Clinic in Warrenton …
N.C. Pesticide Advisory Committee announces new members and approves case settlements
RALEIGH – Two new members were recently appointed to the N.C. Pesticide Advisory Committee. Greg Bunn, a farmer from Nash County, was appointed to fill the vacant farmer position, and Manly Wilder of Raleigh was chosen to fill the vacancy reserved for a conservationist. The board also approved the following settlement agreements for cases in Ashe, Lee, Lenoir, Mecklenburg, Northampton, Perquimans and Wake counties. Stevie G. Harrell of Boone’s Farm Supplies in Garysburg agreed to pay $800 for continuing to …
Notice of Public Meeting on I-95 Corridor
The North Carolina Department of Transportation will hold two public meetings near House District 7 for the purpose of sharing information about a study of an I-95 improvement program (which included turning the highway into a toll road). The meetings in our area: Monday, May 20, 4-7 p.m. at Robeson Community College (Workforce Development Center-BB&T Conference Room), 5160 N. Fayetteville Road, Lumberton Tuesday, May 21, 4-7 p.m. at Halifax Community College, The Centre (Gallery), 200 College Drive, Weldon. Interstate 95 …
Friday / Weekend Open Lines
The New York Stock Exchange, by signaling business prospects through share prices, has long been a bellwether of the nation’s economic health. The exchange started on this date in 1792, as some two dozen merchants and brokers established an organized approach to their buying and selling. In good weather, they operated under a Buttonwood tree on Wall Street. Otherwise, they moved to the shelter of a nearby coffeehouse to continue their trading. This makeshift setup eventually evolved into an economic …
Got to Be NC Festival celebrates local food, state’s ag heritage May 17-19 at State Fairgrounds
RALEIGH – The Got to Be NC Festival at the State Fairgrounds will continue to feature the family-friendly events that have made it a favorite local spring festival. The event, which takes place May 17-19, will again feature hundreds of antique tractors, a daily tractor parade, lots of local food, classic cars, live music, a carnival and much more. “The Got to Be NC Festival is a celebration of North Carolina food and heritage that the whole family can enjoy,” …
High School Students study Biotech at VGCC Workshop
Vance-Granville Community College held its first-ever Biotech Workshop for local high school students over the course of two Saturdays, April 20 and April 27. VGCC Bioprocess Technology program head Dr. Danny Monroe and Chemistry/Biology instructor Dr. Tara Hamilton conducted the camp with assistance from lab technician Mark Smith of Henderson, a graduate of the college’s Bioprocess program who is preparing to continue his education at North Carolina Central University. The eight participating students hailed from J.F. Webb, Granville Central, Vance …
Butterfield Commends Coast Guard’s Decision to Continue C-130 Maintenance Work and Jobs in Elizabeth City
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today commended the United States Coast Guard’s decision to continue maintenance, repair, and overhaul work of the Coast Guard’s C-130 aircraft fleet at the Coast Guard’s Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Maintenance on the Coast Guard’s C-130 fleet has been performed in Elizabeth City for the past three years and employs around 240 people, making it one of the largest sources of jobs in the area. “I am thrilled …
Ghost Town plans Memorial Day opening
Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park in Maggie Valley is scheduled to open this year, kicking off its 2013 season Memorial Day weekend, thanks to the grit, passionate and determination of its new owner and longtime champion Alaska Pressley, who has slogged ahead with her dream despite hoops and hurdles. Ghost Town had a soft opening last summer where visitors could take a chairlift up the mountain and visit a museum with Ghost Town memorabilia for a discounted ticket …
Butterfield’s Veterans Bill Heads to Senate Hearing
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) today submitted testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs in support of the Veterans Education Equity Act of 2013. Butterfield introduced H.R. 595, the House version of the legislation, in February to reward equal educational benefits to veterans whether they choose to attend a private or public institution of higher learning. Today’s hearing is the first Senate hearing on S.262, the companion bill introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), and …
NCDOT hears from public on I-95 expansion, tolls
The N.C. Dept. of Transportation is holding public meetings in communities along the Interstate 95 corridor for attendees to learn about the results of the I-95 Economic Assessment, as well as the next steps in the process of improving the highway. Attendees will be able to discuss the study one-on-one with NCDOT officials in an informal setting and will also have the opportunity to submit written comments or questions. The hearings will be held next week at the Robeson Community …
Charities are the winners in Masonic Pig Jig Competition and Shriners Fish Fry at the Got to Be NC Festival
RALEIGH — The Masonic Pig Jig Competition will celebrate its ninth year of friendly competition for a cause on Saturday at the Got to Be NC Festival at the State Fairgrounds. The event has become a big draw for pork lovers, Masons and those who want to dine for a good cause. The Amran Shriners Fish Fry will also be raising money for charity Friday through Sunday, with proceeds from the sale of seafood plates benefitting Shriners hospitals and charities. …
North Carolina Weekend
For the week of May 16 on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Weekend, Relax with river cruise aboard the Catawba Queen off Queen’s Landing in Mooresville. Enjoy a stay at the Tapoco Lodge in Robbinsville. Take in a performance by the Carolina Ballet in Raleigh. Challenge your green thumb with Seagrove Orchids in Seagrove. And discover the art of The Creative Center in Greensboro. (Please note: listings are subject to change.) North Carolina Weekend is underwritten by the N.C. Division of Tourism. …