Rolonda Watts returns home to promote novel Actress, producer is scheduled to hold book signing at local book store today BYTEVIN STINSON THE CHRONICLE After years of traveling the globe, actress, produc er, and radio and television talk show host Rolonda Watts is returning to the place where it all began Right here in Winston Salem. A graduate of Salem Academy, a local private school for teenage girls. Watts will hold a book signing for her novel, . "Destiny Lingers," today, June 2, at Barnes & Noble. "It's going to feel great to be in my hometown," she said. "I still have a lot of family and friends there. It's going to be yery special moment for me." During an interview with The Chronicle, Watts noted that she learned a number of valuable lessons as a teenager in the Twin City that helped her become the success she is today. She said a number of teachers, family members, friends, and others encour aged her to follow her dreams. "I would not be in the position I am today if it weren't for the support sys tem I had growing up," said Watts. "The city will always have a special place in my heart." After high school, Watts Went on to attend Spellman College in Atlanta, Ga. where she was the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and graduated Magna Cum Laude. In 1981 she earned a master's degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. After leaving Columbia, Watts returned to N.C. and began her career as a general assign ment reporter at WNBC, where she was nominated for an Emmy.. Her career Continued to skyrocket from there. From 1994 to 1997, she was the host of the interna tional syndicated talk show "Rolonda." On the show. Watts would help guests with their problems. She also used the show as a platform to help at-risk teens. Today, Watts is an on-camera announcer for Divorce Court. Although she has had a stellar career in journalism, radio and television, "Destiny Lingers" is Watts' Fust novel. When asked why she decided to write a book, Watts said, "This is a life-long dream come true. "Writing has always been a passion of mine and i always wanted to become an author," Watts said. "It feels great to finally accomplish a goal I've had since I was a little girl." According to Watts, "Destiny Lingers" will keep your eyes glued to the pages and leave you beg ging for more. The romance novel tells the story of an inves tigative news reporter in New York City named Destiny who uncovers breaking stories every day, but has yet to uncover the truth of her own life. That all changes when she dis covers that her husband is cheating on her with her best friend. Amid personal tragedy and shocking deceit, Destiny decides to return to her roots in Topsail Island, N.C. It's there that Destiny finds herself and begins to look toward the future, after she reconnects with a childhood crush she could n't be with years before because of racial barriers and segregation. "Destiny Lingers" received one of the final endorsements form the late Dr. Maya Angelou. Watts said Angelou was mentor and a mother figure to her for over 30 years. She said the endorsement from "Auntie Maya" is one she will cherish for the rest of her life. "That was just amaz ing. After reading the novel, she said she was upset that it ended," Watts laughed. Watts mentioned she is currently working on a sequel to "Destiny Lingers" and other books as well. The book signihg will be held today, Thursday, June 2, at 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble located at 1925 Hampton Inn Court. For more information on "Destiny Lingers" and a list of other book signing events, visit www.rolon da.com. Watts Vote June 7 John Larson We need a Councilmember who will: ? negotiate for more resources for the entire South Ward! ? celebrate our diversity! ? value our concerns to build consensus, not just push a personal agenda! ? continue a successful work record with credible business experience! ? fight for us when the next important zoning, safety, or tax issue arises! John Larson is the only candidate who can do all of these. South Ward Forward^ Ullililfimik! k k \ $442 Million Budget Proposed for 2016-2017 Tin city would make significant investments in equipment, WHERE THE MONEY ana personnel mat neve been on hold CdMEC CDflM since the economic recession, end the l?Ul?lco rnum city property-tax rate would increase Charges for sendees: $144.3 mMon I 2 cents under the $442 miffion budget Property taxes: $121.2 neKon for 2016-17 that City Manager Lee Jntergownmwi* $54.1 mifan Garrity has recommended to Mayor JjJJJJJL sS'5 IHaS Allen Joines Council. Ch)j| ptniftjeS'0th8f. |25.8 I nO pTOpOSOu DUOQBt SlIOCBtOS Rosorvo* $10 1 fTvftdfl $326.5 million for operations, $41.5 Licenses & permits: $7.1 mMon million for debt service and $74 Investment income: $ 1.8 mMon million for capital improvements. The Total: $442.0 million property-tax rate would be 58.5 lAf UCDC TUC cents for every $100 of value. JJ"? Into The proposed 2-cent increase in MONEY GOES the property-tax rate, combined with Healthy environment $181.1 miton growth in sales taxes and the tax Safe & secure community $100.8 miien base, would allow the city to Debt management $53.9 million address pent-up needs, Garrity said Service excellence $38.5 miion in Ms budget message. Duality transportation $34.6 mHon "The city has reached a critical Livable neighborhoods $18.4 million point where more investment is Econom,c *** * ^ ,115 n 2?" needed in our employees, facilities 08 "",on and equipment to maintain our J excellent city services, enhance the quality of life in the community and position the city to be more competitive in attracting jobs and growing economically.' Garrity noted that tax increases in recent years, with the exception of the bonds passed in 2014, simply made up for revenue lost through actions of the General Assembly and did not actually address these needs. Even with the 2