THE CHOWAN HERALD Volume XLV. - No. 29 Guest Columnist It is not often that we turn this entire column for a given edition over to a guest columnist. However, the writer of the following letter is so sincere; his subject so timely; his message so important we feel the urge to give this special space along the Public Parade. Paul Britton’s letter comes from the heart, written in a setting he never dreamed he would find himself, and about a subject he had no intention of becoming familiar. Here it is: Friends, Family and People of Edenton. I would like to inform the young people of our fair town about the drug problem and how close it ties in with prison. If not all, but most of you young people know about drugs, in one way or the other. I know you may or may not take a lot of talk (lip) from your parents and friends (true friends) about the do’s and don’ts, but let me tell you. You better take the don’ts. Drugs can ruin a person physically as well as mentally. I know, I was out on the streets at one time not very long ago. I would say over 95 per cent of the inmates in this prison camp, are in here one way or the other because of drugs. Oh I know its cool to smoke that joint or take that hit of speed, but prison is one hell of away from being cool. Most of you, when you do drugs or drink are in a crowd. Not really one of you want to do it, but along with the help of others (the push of the group) you end up stoned or drunk and out of it. Don’t get me wrong now, I’m not completely against drugs. They have their place when used correctly. Pot one day may be legal and under certain ages but until then leave it alone! I am now in prison because of a serious crime. Maybe if I hadn’t ever been drinking or on drugs, or even never ever used them, I might not be here now. I’m not putting the blame on drugs, but if you were to get into trouble, it wouldn’t hold up very strong in court for you. Most or all of you never looked through bars day in and day out. At night I never see the lights go off. Have you ever felt hand cuffs or leg cuffs? No, I guess not. But if you get into trouble and get con victed you will. Prison and drugs are one hell of away to spend part of one’s life; your life! Parents are not always right, but they have been where we are now. Maybe a little later, but still they’ve been there. Listen to them, tell them your problems, and talk it out. That’s the only way, unless you decide to come along and join me. Parents listen to your kids! Try to understand and most of all, be his or her friend as well as a mother and father. If you do decide to take the other route and Continued on Page 4 y ? ?_, j-jy .'■; ■-''';_ ~ t ,• f- '■'/’ ?' l . 4 ”•- '‘\-,•. •' v .'■ ”' ''.'''‘’ys- -';;,” * '-- 1 . ;B5 > *~'n% FACILITY ON BASE ROAD Class members are pictured above with instructor Ricky Winslow, right, at their facility on Base Road adjacent to the Airport Commission Building. The converted parachute loft was turned into a training center through fte efforts of the Coastal Development Center, Inc. Edenton, North Carolina, Thursday, July 26,1979 Grant Application Debated WINDSOR The Northeastern Rural Health Association’s ap plication for a $200,000 federal continuation grant was debated at a public hearing here Tuesday and will come up for further review by Eastern Carolina Health Systems Agency. Speakers from Tyrrell, Win Tournament Golfers from Edenton went over to Pasquotank County to play in a tournament to benefit the American Cancer Society last week. By the time the pork was ready for supper Saturday, two local teams had won the men’s titles and will represent the area in the N. C. Walter Hagen Golf Tournament in Pinehurst. The Creywood Oil Company team of Bob Kelly, pro at Chowan Golf & Country Club, Clark Harris, Randy Crabtree and Tom Bass finished with a 63 to win the mens’ scratch title. Scott Privott, Larry Hughes, Jerry Sary and James Ellis carded a 53 to win the mens’ handicap crown. The team was sponsored by Sepdic Vending Service. Winning team members got gold engraved awards. Getting certificates of par- Continued on Page 4 .v v X... \ m Ire W/Jf • * f - n • 1 B m Bn I &1. i B’v 1 TOURNAMENT WINNERS Two local golf teams took first place in the Northeastern Tournament for the American Cancer Society in Pasquotank County, last Saturday. From the left, above, are Larry Hughes, Scott Privott, and James Ellis, first place winners in the Handicapped Division. Also Tom Bass, Randy Crabtree, Clark Harris and Bob Kelly, first place winners in the Scratch Division. 4-H Honor Club Taps Jordan One of the highest honors in 4-H work was bestowed Monday night on a Chowan County youth. Bob Jordan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Jordan, was “tapped” into the State 4-H Honor Club in a colorful candlelight ceremony marking one of the highlights of N. C. 4-H Congress in Raleigh. Membership in the some 1,000 member organization is a reward for outstanding service to 4-H work. The 4-H’ers are judged on their leadership abilities, moral standards, 4-H activities and project achievement. Selection is made after careful study by the Honor Club members. The tapping is a distinction that is reserved for less than one-half of 1 per cent of Perquimans and Bertie counties heavily endorsed the application. The major opposition was voiced by existing health care providers and spokesman for a new Tyrrell County group. The association was charac terized by one speaker, Rev. Andrew Cherry, as the best vehicle for meeting the “human needs” of the service area. “Give these people an opportunity to serve the human needs,” he said. Earlier he observed it was not a question of need but who is going to control the mechanism. He Meeting Slated The Steering Committee for Tri- County Career Education Center Feasibility Study will meet Monday at 8 P.M. in the auditorium of the Perquimans County Office Building, according to Clifford Winslow, chairman. Kenneth L. Stalls of Edenton, director, is expected to report on funding proposals for Phase II of the study. These proposals are to Coastal Plains Regional Com mission, the State Department of Public Instruction and private agencies. Interscholastic Program Is Approved the state’s 4-H members. Jordan has been a 4-H member for 10 years. During this time he has completed projects in livestock, wildlife, health and field crops. He was state winner in the wildlife project and earned the right to attend National 4-H Congress in Chicago. Bob was several times a local officer and was president of the Chowan County Council. He was active in demonstrations and was runner-up in the American Business System (team and in dividual) state contest. These achievements gave him the op portunity of attending American Institute of Cooperation at College Station, Tex. and Blacksburg, Va. ISkl' _ /' r l|fc v mu W ■§. , ?aM r ' r ; ' «