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Vol. XXXIV No. 13
THURSDAY, December 6, 2007
Tearful Conclusion
Photo by Kevin Walker
Weomie Smith,
right, and Norma
Francis share a
tearful embrace
Saturday during a
"fashion show"
Smith organized
to bring attention
to the local home
less problem. To
find out why the
women were cry
ing, go to page B7.
Leadership change for Dems
Former City Council Member Terry resigns as chair
BY LAYLA FARMER
THE CHRONICLE
There is change at the Forsyth
County Democratic Party, just as
the party makes plans to be
increasingly active for next year's
congressional and presidential
elections.
Party Chair Fred Terry stepped
down last week, just seven months
into his two-year term.
"To build the county party the
way it needs to be built, in my esti
mation, will take a chair two to
three hours a day," explained Terry,
a former City Council Member and
a technology support analyst in
Winston-Salem State University's
Human Resources Department.
Terry, who decided not to run
for reelection in 2005 in order to
pursue his
theological
aspirations,
is also pastor
of a small
congrega
tion in
Mooresville.
"I don't
have that
kind of
?? 1
lime, nc El-Amii i
added.
Terry announced his resigna
tion at a meeting two weeks ago,
and says that he intends to remain
active within the organization.
"Things are just now getting
cranked up," he remarked. "I just
look forward to being one of the
troops and helping to make the
party a success."
Despite the abbreviated term,
Terry made a valuable impact on
the organization, according to First
Vice Chairman Mary Dickinson.
"We developed our strategic
plan under Fred, and from our
strategic plan, we had a long view
on what we wanted to do in the
party," she explained. "That has
never really been done before."
Dickinson praised the former
See Dems on All
Housing
help for
those with
low income
Federal, local programs make
mortgages affordable
BY LAYL.A FARMER
THE CHRONICLE
The Forsyth County Department of
Housing and the Rural Development wing of
the W.S. Department of Agriculture have a
common goal: helping low income people
become homeowners. The agencies have
collaborated sever
al times to create
the best possible
outcome for their
clients, making the
American Dream a
reality for many
who never thought
it possible.
The USDA
recently announced
that a new partner
ship has been
formed between it
and its ally - the
Kornelis
horsyth Housing
Department.
By pooling their assets, the agencies are
hoping to reach a segment of the population
that would not have been able to become
homeowners otherwise, says Housing
Director Dan Kornelis.
"Families with a lot lower incomes could
buy houses where they couldn't with our
other programs," he explained. "We used to
be able to serve people at up to 80 percent,
but this allows us to go to 50 or maybe even
45 percent of median income."
With the help of Forsyth Housing and
USDA programs, it is possible for a local
low income family, those with an annual
income of $46,550 or less for a family of
four, to purchase a home and have afford
able mortgage payments.
Forsyth County Housing offers programs
such as deferred payment second mortgage
loans, while the USDA offers subsidized
mortgage funds, which, depending on a fam
ily's income, could provide as little as one
percent interest on loan repayments.
To qualify, applicants should have an
adjusted annual income below 80 percent of
the area median income; be without adequate
housing that they own; have stable and
dependable income and have good credit.
Loan funds can be used to purchase existing
or new homes.
According to Paul Butler, a local USDA
Community Development Manager, his
agency looks for opportunities to combine its
services with other housing agencies. Such
partnerships are win-wins for the consumer,
he said.
Sec Housing on A13
Gift brings disabled man to tears
Mobility made easier
for Michael Danzy with
motorized wheelchair
TODD LUCK
THE CHRONICLE
A member of New Gospel
Tabernacle Church received an awe
some reward last Friday for his faith
and holy service.
Michael Danzy, 23, has gone all
over the community with the East
Winston Community Prayer Band,
stomping, clapping and singing old
gospel songs. This is remarkable
considering Danzy has Cerebral
Palsy, which impairs his motor and
mental capacities. When most chil
dren learned how to walk, Danzy
learned how to use a walker.
The walker that he used to get
into the church last week was so
wide it almost filled the aisle
between the pews at the small East
Winston church.
But what Danzy left the church
in was a power wheelchair, worth
?nearly $7,000. The chair was donat
ed to him by his fellow band mem
bers. Danzy was presented with the
awesome surprise gift after a service
held in his honor that night.
Joniest Moses, president of the
gospel band and a deacon at New
Gospel, opened the ceremony.
Moses provides transportation for
most of the elderly gospel band
members as well as Danzy. He said
Danzy, despite his physical limita
tions, was always ready to come and
praise God.
Photo by Todd Luck
The Rev. Johnny Johnson, left, and Joniest Moses, right, present Michael Danzy with the wheelchair.
"It's an inspiration to me to
know that someone like Mike (is) all
the time ready to go to church," said
Moses, who also works at The
Chronicle in the circulation depart
ment.
Moses said the gospel prayer
band is made up mostly of older
members of various East Winston
churches. The group performs at
various churches and rest homes.
The band brings praise and wor
ship with them wherever they go -
using only their hands, feet and
mouths to make a joyful noise.
"We sing without music. We sing
old music- foot stomping, hand clap
ping kind of music," said Moses.
The service for Danzy was filled
with singing and foot stomping that
shook the wooden floor of the
church. It was also filled with qui
eter moment as members of the
See Danzy on A6
Photo by Todd Lud
Local people take pan in a candle-light vigil last week.
Solemn and
hopeful AIDS
ceremony held
BY TODD LUCK
HIE CHRONICLE
More than 30 people came out for a candlelight
service to remember the impact that HIV/AIDS has
had on the community and the world.
The service was held in front of the Stevens Center
on a frigid Wednesday night last week. It was organ
ized by AIDS Care Service, a local organization that
provides housing, food and other services for those
with HIV and AIDS. It took place against a backdrop
of more than 1 ,700 red ribbons, the universal symbols
of AIDS awareness, that were hung in front of the
Stevens Center, each representing a person living with
HIV/AIDS in Northwest North Carolina. The service
acted as a prelude to World AIDS Day, which was
Saturday, Dec. 1 .
The service featured singing by Diana Tuffin and
reflections from those who have been touched by
See AIDS on All
In Grateful Memory of Our
Founders,
Florrie S. Russell and
Carl H. Russell, Sr.
"Growing and Still Dedicated to Serve You Better"
Wishes to Thank Everyone For Their Support
H22. Carl Russell Ave.
(at Martin Luther King Dr.)
Whuton-Salem, NC 27101
(336) 722^3459
Fax (336) 631-8268
rusfliome @ hellsouth Jiet