Continued Prom Page 1 tatives. But Rep. Jones is content to do as he has always done, listen to the people he represents, vote ac cordingly, and with painstaking dedkadon provide a constituent service second to none at any level of public service. The qualities Rep. Jones possesses are natural, God given ones which are sacred to him. dreamed of by many, and trans mitted with deep humility to those with whom he comes into contact. Chairing a standing committee in the U. S. Congress is a her culean task. Rep. Jones is man enough for the job! While there was some minor contest for the Merchant Marine & Fisheries post in the 97th Congress, he had the solid backing of Speaker Tip O’Neal and the overwhelming majority of Democrats. Speaker O’Neal has called Rep. Jones the ‘ “most popular man on the floor’ ’ of the House. This is an honor justly given to a man who has more than paid his dues in every endeavor undertaken. Rep. Jones is a man with friends on both sides of the liberal conservative fight. To his bet terment is his unwaivering honesty which earns him respect among his peers in Washington, his friends, as well as his foes at home. He has already hit the ground running his newly obtained position of high public trust. It will be no surprise to those who know Rep. Jones to read that in his first public statements about his new position he called for cutting the committee staff. Since joining the U. S. Congress in 1966, he has annually turned back a lion’s share of his allowable expenses. It was his way of trying to balance the Federal budget before it became a popular campaign issue. But probably his greatest priority will be to see the Mer chant Marine fleet once again gain superiority in the world. In 19. years the U. S. Merchant Marine has fallen from first in the world to 10th; from a fleet of 2,000 ships in 1960 to 900 in 1979, while the Russian fleet increased during the same period from 700 to 2,500. How is he going to accomplish his goal? He will simply ask Ronald Reagan as soon after January 20th as possible to remember the value of the Mer chant Marine fleet to national defense. And the amiable congressman will continue to ask, remind and prod until the scales are tipped in favor of America. Those who have difficulty with what is fair, just and right will be very uncomfortable with Rep. Jones in the position of chairman of a major, permanent committee of Congress. And while he will be “Mr. Chairman” to his colleagues, he’ll still be “Walter” to those he holds warmly in his heart. Still Winning Although a bit tardy, we would like to congratulate the Edenton Aces on a superior football season. The Aces were knocked out of 3-A state competition at the semi-final level. Coach Jim Addison and colleagues did a fantastic job of turning their lads around after two non-conference defeats. The The Chowan Herald (usps 106-380) P. O. BOX 207, EDENTON. N. C. 27932 Published every Thursday at Edenton by The Chowan Herald, Inc., L. F. Am bum. Jr., Editor and Publisher, 421-42 S South Broad Street, Edenton, North Carolina. J 7932. Entered as second-class matter August 30,10 M, at the Peat Office of Edenton, North Carolina, under Act of March 3. 1070. 1. F. AM BURN. JR. i. N. MANNING editor a furiisher general manaom 1 R. FIYNN SURRATT J. EDWIN BUFFtAF MANAGING EDITOR EDITOR EMERITUS P JANE B. WILLIAMS REBECCA BUNCH SUSAN BUNCH ADVERTISING OWIC.IOR COMPOSITION SUPI. OFFICE MANAGER Subscription Hates ♦Me Year (outride N.C. i S)R.W Taw Year'in NT'. • |B3B Sir Months 'outside N.C.i , RJI btf Months'inN c i _ IMS E» Edonton, North Corolloo. Thursday, Doc. I>, 188080 FERC Requested To Suspend Vepco Wholesale Rate Increase RALEIGH Electricities of North Carolina Friday asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to suqpend a 10 per cent wholesale rate in crease sought by Virginia Electric and Power Company (Vepco) for the full five months permitted by law. Vepco had filed at FERC on November 14 for an $18.5-million annual increase in the rates it charges the municipalities and rural electric cooperatives that purchase power at wholesale and resell it at retail to their own residents and customers. Elec tricities members include all of Vepco’s wholesale municipal customers in North Carolina and Virginia, including Edenton. Vepco asked to have the higher rate put into effect on January IS, 1981, at the end of the reqiired 60- day notification period at FERC. Noting that Vepco has not had an increase in its retail rates in North Carolina for two years, Electricities’ petition said that imposition of another wholesale rate hike on top of the 1978 wholesale increase put into effect but not yet approved by FERC would put its North Carolina member cities in a “price squeeze”. The effect of a price squeeze would be to make it im possible for those North Carolina cities to charge retail rates that are competitive with Vepco’s retail rates. discipline problem of the early contests was conquered and the Aces barged into the winning column. Meanwhile, Marion Kirby, a former mentor of the Aces, con tinues his winning ways. The Greensboro Page Squad captured the 4-A state crown. Then Marion took the helm of the North Carolina team in the 44th annual Shrine Bowl High School football team. The Tar Heel lads defeated South Carolina in the Charlotte event, 35-33. The Kirby coached team delighted 25,000 fans in ending South Carolina’s two-year winning streak. Winning is the name of the game and Aces, past and present, are still winning. Guest Editorial As 1980 draws to a close, one of the lessons learned this year has been that there are no quick and easy answers left in our times. Every solution to a national problem seems only to create another problem. If we switch to coal to save oil, we increase carbon dioxide and pollution. If we insulate our houses with urea formaldehyde foam to conserve energy, the insulation may make us sick. If we use too much pesticide, we’ll poison the earth itself. What to do? It seems to us we have to return to a simpler, more natural way of life; to walk more and drive less; to wear warmer clothing instead of turning up the thermostat. Things like that. Many people are already em bracing such changes, and that’s an encouraging trend. So while there may be no quick and easy answers left in our time, there are some simple answers. What we need mo6t is a willingness to accept them. Joel Lawhon WRAL-TV, Raleigh Vepco has said that its filing for the wholesale rate increase is designedmodusivdy to recover the capital costs of its North Anna 2 nuclear unit, the company’s fourth nuclear unit, which was scheduled to come on line sometime in December. In announcing its filing at FERC, Vepco said its proposed increase in wholesale base rates would be offset by a higher projected savings in nuclear fuel costs, prompting the company to attempt to claim an overall rate reduction. “Vepco’s attempt to make a 10 Special Christmas Programs Planned By Churches Churches throughout the area have special programs planned during the Christmas season. FoUowing is a composite of programs announcements which have been furnished The Chowan Herald: The Ballard’s Bridge Baptist Church Choir wiU present a cantata, “Home For Christmas,” Sunday at 7 P.M. The musical presentation is a touching letter of a young woman’s warm and treasured memories. It is also an experience of love -a very deep and ex traordinary love shared between those in a very ordinary family. Mrs. Brenda Winbome is music director at the church. Refreshments and fellowship Dense Smoke Continued From Page 1 Carolina. NRCD Secretary Howard N. Lee said, “I sent Dr. Jones to take a personal look at the situation and to discuss the smoke problem with local people. I realize the seriousness of the problem, and I want the people of eastern North Carolina to know that we intend to do everything within our authority to bring them relief.” Each year about this time tree stumps, scrub timber and other material from year-round land clearing activities are burned off, sometimes creating large volumes of smoke. NRCD officials report the smoke is creating more problems this year because of increased burning in the northeastern area, weather conditions and increased burning near population centers. “I asked Dr. Jones to meet with the people who are doing the burning to explain to than the severity of the problem and to ask for their cooperation in finding ways to relieve the problem,” Lee said. “I am also asking him to hold a public meeting with the citizens of the area to hear first-hand about the adverse effects of the smoke and to obtain their ideas on what we can do to help them.” Jones met with persons responsible for the burning and toured the area Tuesday. That night at 7:30 o’clock he held a public meeting in the Hyde County Courthouse in Swan Quarter. Lee said his department has received a number of complaints from citizens is the area from Onslow County to Currituck County. The smoke has been blamed for respiratory problems in people, traffic accidents, in terruption of business and school activities and generally having an adverse effect on the daily lives of residents of the area. On December 5, Dr. Neil Grigg, director of NRCD’s Division of Environmental Management, ordered limitations on any new fires related to land-clearing activities in 13 eastern North Carolina counties; Chowan, Hyde, Dare, Tyrrell, Washington, Carteret, Beaufort, Bertie, Perquimans, Gates, Pasquotank, Camden and Currituck. The order cited violations of ambient air quality standards and adverse effects on populated areas in siting for residents of the 13 counties to obtain permission from the Division of Enrivonmental Management before starting any fires related to land-clearing activities. The order also in structed anyone in the 13 counties who is currently bunting to take adverse effects ofsmoke, fly ash per cent rate hike seem to be a rate reduction is totally absurd,” said Ralph W. Shaw, executive director of Electricities. In its complaint to FERC seeking a five-month suspension of the proposed higher rate, Elec tricities said Vepco’s claim of projected higher fuel savings “ignores the inequities which Vepco’s customers have ex perienced in recent years when they have been paying in rates for higher costs of nuclear units but have received either zero or relatively little low-cost nuclear energy because of Vepco’s sorry will follow the cantata. The public is invited to attend. The sth Annual Moravian Love Feast will be held at the First Presbyterian Church at 8 P.M. Christmas Eve. The public is invited. This traditional Can dlelight Christmas Service features carol singing by the congregation, interspersed by special musk from the choir, organ, and piano, and the sharing together of the Love Feast food of homemade Moravian buns and coffee. The First Presbyterian Church will have its Christmas Service at 11 A.M., Dec. 21. The pastor, Dr. Howett Mallinson, will preach on “He Is Here! ”, from Luke Chapter 2. The Youth will light the Advent candle. The choir, under the direction of Fewer Than Expected Request Assistance Applicants for the federal Low- Income Energy Assistance program are fewer than expected by the Chowan County Depart ment of Social Services and in other counties across the state. Mrs. Hazel Elliott, director, said applications are being processed for those who already receive some type payment through the local office. “While we* have someone available to assist others, they are coming in kinda slow,” she said. “In fact, we don’t have many thus far.” Robert H. Ward, director of the Division of Social Services of the State Department of Human Resources, said none of the county departments were swamped with low-income people seeking help with their heating bills. He indicated that an estimated 335,000 low-income households in North Carolina are eligible for a one-time payment to help pay heating bills this winter. Some 190,000 of these households have at least one member already receiving monthly financial assistance under either the Aid to Families With Dependent Children (AFDC), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or food stamp programs. These households must have a total income at or below the poverty level. They do not need to apply for the Low-Income Energy Assistance program. County social services departments are contacting these households to Concert Slated The John A. Holmes Concert Band and Chorus Groups will present a Christmas Concert tonight (Thursday), December 18 at 7:30 P.M. Admission: Adults, $1.00; Students, 50 cents. Phone Directory Work Is Begun Work on Carolina Telephone’s new telephone directory for 1981 is now underway. Any telephone subscriber wishing to make corrections that involves their name, address or ai a iiMi Vt ri am ~,.11 u , r , ■ 1 Sa IclvUnuDv mininer win nccu lO contact the business office to give this request. Changes or corrections can be accepted now and through mid-February, 1981. Beny Yellow Page for Albmmrte Metro |g ggg 0011 record of keeping its nuclear units In service.” Electricities detailed the company’s record of nuclear generation availability. Vepco had available only 77 par cent of its net dependable nuclear capacity in 1978 and only 32 per cent in 1979, the complaint noted. “Had Vepco’s nuclear units performed in 1979 at even the not very satisfactory levels ex perienced in 1978, Vepco’s municipal wholesale customers would have paid Vepco about $7,325,000 less than they were required to pay because of the Gil Burroughs, will siqg “He is Born, the Divine Christ Child,” with oboe accompaniment. Instrumental music will be offered, with Mrs. Jane Harrell at the organ and Mrs. Shelby Strother at the piano. The Children’s Sermon will be given by Mrs. Sandy Mallinson. The Church Family Supper will be held at the Manse at 6:30 o’clock Sunday night with Mrs. Madge Whitehurst in charge of the program. A Christmas Cantata entitled “Carol of Christmas” will be presented at Chappell Hill Baptist Church on Sunday at the 11 o’clock worship service. The Chancel Choir will be presenting this Cantata under the direction of Mrs. Billy Old, choir director. Miss Connie Lane will accompany the choir as pianist. determine if they are eligible. “The households that we want to make sure know about the program are the estimated 110,000 that are not receiving monthly financial assistance through any of these three programs. These are households that have elderly or disabled members and families with incomes at or below the poverty level. (Example: One in household - $316 monthly, two in household - $4lB, four in household - $621, six in household - $824). They must also have limited financial resources other than cars, personal property, and homes,” Ward said. It is necessary for these households to apply between now and January 15 for the Low- Income Energy Assistance program at their county social services department. According to Ward, if these households have members who cannot apply themselves for various reasons such as illness, they may have a friend or relative apply for them. He said that the other 35,000 households estimated to be eligible are those that live in public or subsidized housing Student Holidays Dec. 19 - Jan. 5 Christmas holidays in the Edenton-Chowan School System will be observed from the closing hours of school on December 19 until January 5, when all students and school personnel will return for regular classes. Central Office administrative staff not taking vacation will observe regular 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. hours on December 22 and December 23. The Central Office will then be closed until January 5. The Fifth Annual Christmas Basketball Tournament, spon sored by John A. Holmes High School, will be held in the school’s gymnasium on December 29 and 30. Surrounding area high school teams invited to participate are those from Bertie, Currituck and Camden counties. Beginning at 7:00 P.M. on December 29, Bertie will play Currituck. The Edenton Aces have been paired with the Camden team to begin play at 8:30 P.M. A winner versus winner championship play off will start at 8:30 P.M. on December SO, folowing the 7:00 P.M. game Admission for the events are $3.00 per person for each evening tfptay unavailability of much of Vepco’s nuclear plants for most of 1979,” the complaint said. Electricities also cited the findings of FERC Administrative Law Judge Isaac D. Benkin in June, 1980, recommending thatv FERC initiate a “full, formal and public investigation” into Vepco’s management practices. Among the reasons the judge listed in support of his recom mendations was “the utility’s persistent inability to bring its nuclear units under construction into commercial service on a f realistic and reliable timetable.” Chappell Hill Baptist is located at Route 1, Tyner, between Belvidere and Center Hill. The pastor, Rev. Billy Old, extends an open invitation to thef? public, to come and share in this time of worship. The Adult Choir of Edenton Baptist Church will present a Christmas cantata entitled “First Christmas” this Sunday afternoon at 5 o’clock. Written by Joe E. Parks, this work tells the ; Christmas story in songs and? scripture. Under the direction of James H. Hyatt, Minister of Music of the church, the choir will be ac companied by Miss Anna Kay Manning at the organ. Alton G. Elmore will be narrator for this musical service and Mrs. Larry McClure will be soloist. The public is invited to attend.^ l facilities. If these households are not receiving monthly financial assistance under one of the three programs mentioned above, it will be necessary for than to apply for."" energy assistance if they are responsible for all or part of their heating bill. Ward said his Division will be making one-time low-income energy assistance payments in January, February and March depending on when the households were determined eligible. “Payments will vary in amounts basal on income, region of the state where people live and the type heating fuel used.” He said a computer in Raleigh will gather this data from the forms received and compute the amount of payment. Add U-Touch f> “U-Touch”, the new push button dialing convenience for telephone customers has been extended to the following six central offices or exchanges on December 2: Sligo, Hertford, Moyock, Woodville, South Mills and Sun bury. Terry Daniels, district com mercial manager, said the equipment for the new service is now available for subscribers of the Elizabeth City District whose telephone number begins with: 482, 221, 297, 232, 426, 435, 264, 771, or 465. ECHSABacks Health Education 1 An appropriation by the 1981 N. C. General Assembly for the continuation and expansion of a comprehensive school health education program was unanimously endorsed by the Governing Body of the Eastern Carolina Health Systems Agency _ (ECUSA) at their December \