T . CAROtlNA INDIAN VOICE
Hshed each Thursday by First American Publications, Pembroke, NC
THURSDAY, AUGUSAT28, 1997 TWENTY-FIVE CENTS
Supt lent Swett
Gran?? ^ave of Absence
n ? ?
rurneu swcu. Superintendent
of Robeson County Public
Schools, asked to be placed on
paid administrative leave on
Tuesday. The Board of Education
granted his request. Mr.
Swett made his request after the
school board auditors said they
found salary payment discrepancies
made to Swett this year.
He will receive full pay and benefits
while on leave.
Swett said that he wanted to
take a leave while the auditors
review the central office from
the beginning of merger in 1989
until the present. Swett said that
he was not worried about the
auditors findmganytlung wrong,
and wished to remove himself so
that there would not be a pcrccp
lion of his influencing the auditors.
Dr. Barry Harding, an associate
superintendent, was named
interim superintendent in Swett's
absence. Swett said he expects to
be back at work at the end of
. September.. In the meantime.
Harding will perform the duties
of Superintendent.
In a prepared statement, the
board Qf education called the discrepancies
"honest" errors and
would not elaborate on them.
Thcdi.sCrepancies were found
during the school system's annual
audit. Swett earns $ 146,000
a year in salary and has a travel
account of $18,000 annually.
Other employees' salaries also
show some discrepa ncies according
to the audit.
UNC-Pembroke To
I '
Receive New Dormitorv
. - J
Raleigh-The General Assembly
has approved an appropriation
for construction of a new, state-ofthe-art
dormitory at UNC-Pembroke.
The funding, which totals
$5,979,500, was requested by State
Senator David Wcinstdn (D-Robcson)
and will be a part of the 1997
budget agreement.
"This is a great day for the
University," said Wcinstcin.
"There arc three objectives that I
pursued for the University: the
name change to UNC-Pembrokc;
the construction of a new dormitory;
the placement of a UNCPembroke
representative on the
UNC Bord of Governors.
"The first two objectives have
been accomplished, and the third
will be pursued until we succeed."
said Wcinstcin.
According to Sen. Wcinstcin.
UNC-Pcnibrokc operates at a disadvantage.
"With no representation
on th c Board of Governors
and no caucus in the General Assembly.
the campus has not had
new dormitory in 25 years. Given
the importance of education in
today's world, it is imperative that
the youth of Robeson County take
advantage of this marvelous asset,"
the Senator continued.
"UNCP Chancellor Joseph Oxendine.
his staff and faculty doa
wonderful job in offering a quality
.education at an affordable price to
the students of soutcastcrn North
Carolina, and this long overdue
improvment will be a great asset in
recruiting new students."
Sen. Weinstein continued.
"Funding of this sort requires the
efforts of many, and Robeson
County is fortunate to hav e friends
in thcGencral Assembly who arc
sensitive to our situations." Senate
President Pro-Tcmporc Marc
Basnight (D-Darc) is one such
friend who deserves special credit
for this appropriation, as do Senators
Foundain Odom (DMecklenburg)
and Beverly Perdue
(D-Craven)." According to
Weisntcin others who pushed hard
for this funding include Scnatoprs
Aaron Ply ler. Tony Ra nd a nd R: C.
Soles, and Representatives Donald
Bonner. Ronnie Sutton and Doug
Yonguc of the local delegation
whose efforts preserved the appropriation
in the.House.
"1 have worked tirelessly in the
Senate for appropriations which
will benefit all races of Robeson
County and the 30th District.
Wcinstein added. "1 have given my
best effort this Session and have
committed myself to continuing
the effort in tnc future so tht our
district will sec additional positive
results. Congratualtions to UNCPembroke.
The best is yet to
come."
14th Annual Indian
Trail Pow wow/
Cultural Festival
Sept* 26-28
Metrolina Native American
Assoc. Non-profit (3C) Organization,
serving 10 counties in the
Metrolina Area, proudly presents the
14th Annual Indian Trail Pow-Wow
September 26-28,1997, at the Indian
Trail School, in the Indian Trail, NC.
Over twenty-five Artist and Tradcrs.
Dancers, Singers and Drummers
from all over the US and Canada will
be performing through out the event.
the Pow-Wow opens Friday, Sept.
26 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on
Saturday we will openat 11 a.m. and
close at 9 p.m. On Sunday, open at 11
a.m. to 6 p.m. Donations at the gate
wilt be appreciated.
Thank You in advance for your
support in the effort to infprm the
public.
CSVCF Art Gallery Hosts
Internationally Acclaimed
Contemporary Artist
mmanuac ? i lie Locklcar
Hall Art Gallery at UNC Pembroke
will exhibit a collection of
works by internationally acclaimed
artist Lope Max Diaz. The exhibition,
the first of the season, will run
Sept. 3-23 with gallery hours from
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A native of Puerto Rico, Diaz is
anassociatcprofcssoratN.C. State
University's School of Design. He
is a contemporary artist who combines
oil on canvas with other
mcdiupis from marble to wood.
Professor Ralph Steeds, director
of the Gal Icry, calls Diaz' work
contemporary "painted constructions.
"Diaz is a contemporary artist
and painter first of all," Steeds
said "He mixes his mediums with
formed constructions where wood,
marble or other objects arc mixed
into or exploding off the canvas "
Diaz' work has shown in many
galleries in L-atin America, North
Carolina and the New York metropolitan
area His works arc included
in many collections including
NationsBank in Charlotte,
Glaxo Wellcome in the Research
Triangle park, and Craton de Venezuela,
S.A. Caracas Venezuela.
"This man is an impdrtant artist."
Professor Steeds said. "This
is a good regional gallery that
people should come visit. It is well
worth the trip."
Diaz received a bachelor's degree
from the University of Puerto
Rico and a master's degree from
Hunter College. He studied under
Ralph Humphrey. Robert Barry and
John Baldessari.
This fall the Art Gallery will
also exhibit works by Faycttcvillc
artist peggy Hinson Sept. 29
through Oct. 20. A reception will
be held Wednesday, Oct. 1 from
10-11 a.m.
The UNCP Senior Art Show
featuring Dale Sorcnscn. Michael
Lcporc, Tina Rowan and Anita
Jacobs is Oct. 26 to Nov. 7. The
gallery will hostancxhibitby Marc
Syndcr from November 10 to Dec
1.
Groups arc welcome. For additional
information, call Professor
Steeds at (910)521-6406.
Russell Named Director of FSU-UNCP Nursing Program
ccuior s note: i nc bsn (Dacnclor
of science in nursing) program
services nurses in a seven
county region and five community
colleges which award associate
degrees; The FSU-UNCP program
also has a satellite campus at
Sandhills Community College
Pembroke-Edward L
Russell.Ph.D.. R N C.S.. 'was
namcdthencwdircctorofthc FSUUNCP
consortium nursing program.
A Texas native. Dr Russell previously
served on the faculty of
Texas A & M University - Corpus
Christi. He joins the Bachelor of
Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) program
only days aficr its accreditation
by the National League for
Nursing.
Known as the Southeastern
North Carolina Nursing Consortium,
the program began in 1992
and remains a joint effort between
the two universities. IT shares six
full time faculty members now
under the direction of Dr Russell.
Dr. Perry Massey. FSU's provosts
and vice chancellor for academic
affairs, said Dr Russell is
the right man for the job.
"The uniqueness of the joint
program required a person with
excellent organizational and interpersonal
skills.'Masscy said
"We conducted a national search,
and Dr. Russell was selected from
many applicants "
Dr. Charles R. Jenkins, UNCP's
provost and vice chancellor for
academicaflairs.saidDr. Russell's
background in nursing education
will be an asset for the program,
"We arc delighted to have Dr.
Russell become the director of our
joint program." Jenkinssaid "HE
has an outstanding background in
nursing education with both the
theoretical and clinical perspectives.
and we have confidence that
he will serve effectively as director.
"Dr. Russell is joining us at an
exciting time with the recent announcement
of accreditation by the
NLN," Jenkins said.
Dr. Russell said he is excited by
the challenge of directing a program
so important to the region.
"This is a very exciting time to
be appointed as director of the
Southeast North Carolina Nursing
Consortium," he said. "This
unique program bring together two
progressive institutions with a common
mission of higher education
for professional nurses in the region.
The quality education our
graduates receive will ultimately
have a positive impact upon health
care consumers in this part of the
state."
Dr Russell praised the nursing
joint FSU-UNCP faculty and administration
on the news of national
accreditation.
"The recent announcement of
accreditation clearly demonstrates
the commitment of the nursing
faculty and ^ministration to the
program's success and mission."
he said. "With the accreditation
groundwork now in place, the potentials
of the program are endless."
Before entering nursing education.
Dr. Russell's clinical practice
was in critical care and trauma
nursing. He is also certified by the
American Nurses Credentialing
Center as a Medical-Surgical Clinical
Nurse Specialist.
His education includes a bachelor
of science in nursing degree
from the University of Texas at
Arlington, a master's of science
degree in nursing from the University
ofTexas Science Center at San
Antonio School of Nursing and a
doctorate in Adult and Extension
Education from Texas A&M University.
While at the U ni versity ofT exas
Health Science Center at San Antonio
School of Nursing, he received
the OutstandingNurse Faculty
Award three times and was
awarded the Presidential Award
for Excellence in Teaching. He has
appeared in Who's Who in American
Nursing and Outstanding
Young Men in America.
In other activities. Dr. Russell
is a member of the Sigma Theta
Tau International Honor Society
of Nursing, an immediate past
board member of the American
Red Cross- Coastal Bend Chapter
and past president of the Alumni
Association of the University of
Texas Health Science Center at
San Antonio School of Nursing.
Dr. Russell published manuscripts
in the Journal of Nursing
Education and Nursing Connections
as welt as other books and
periodicals. He has also developed
continuing nursing education video
programs.
Also involved in research. Dr.
Russell' s projects focus on nursing
education and the validity and reliability
of biomedical instrumentation.
- ? . . --- - mi
RCC Trustees left to right: Mr. Johnny Hunt, Mr. Thomas Jones, Chairman James E. Thomas undVice
Chair Sue Wester.
RCC Trustees Sworn In
And New Officers Elected
Al a recent meeting of the Robeson
Community College Board of
Trustees, three trustees were administered
the oath of oflice for a
new term of service. Al I three have
justcompletedatermofofficc. Mr.
Johnny Hunt was reappointed to
the RCC Board by the Robeson
County Commissioners. He has
served the College as a trustee
since December of 1988. Reappointed
by the Public Schools of
Robeson County Board of Education
was trustee Thomas Jones. Jr.
Mr. Jones wasoriginallyappointod
to the RCC Board in July of 1993.
Mr. James E. Thomas was reappointed
by the Governor and also
bcganhisscrvicconthcRCC Board
of Trustees in July of 1993 Each of
these trustees will serve a four year
term as set for by the General
Statutes of the State of North Ca rolina
The terms began on Julv I
1997, and will expire on June 30.
2001.
In addition to the new appointees
to the Robeson Community
College Board of Trustees, the
school is served by ten additional
trustees. Appointees of the Robeson
County Commissioners and
PM1W a -a a
the years gf their respective terms
follow: Mr. Earl Antone of Lumberton
(1995-1998), Mrs Lucille
Evans of Rowland (1994-1998),
and Dr. Rona Leach of Maxton
(1996-2000). Public Schools of
Robeson County Board of Education
appointees include: Mr
Harbcrt Moore of Maxton (19962000).
Mr. George Regan of St.
Pauls (1995-1999). and Mr. John
S tatonof Red Spri ngs (1994-1998).
The Governor s appointees to the
board are: Mr. John Jones of Lutitbcrton
(1994-1998), Mrs. Shirley
Pennington of Lumbcrton (19951999),
and Mrs. Sue Wester also bf
Lumbcrton (1996-2000). The thirteenth
trustee is the President of
the Student Government Association
and will be determined by
upcoming student elections The
student representative is a nonvoting
member.
Each July the RCC trustees elect
olTtccrs for the coming academic
year. Elected to the ofTtcc of Chairperson
for 1997-98 was James E
Thomas Mr. Thomas works with
Southern Bell and resides in Lumbcrton
with his wife Peggy Mrs
Stic Wester was elected Vice-Cha i r
person. She is Vice-President of
Wester's Refrigeration and lives
in Lumberton with her husband.
Bill.
North Carolina Symphony To
Perform On September 20
Mark you calendar for Saturday,
September 20, 1997. and 7:00
p.m. in RCC's A D Lewis Auditorium.
That'swhcn thcNorth Carolina
Symphony will be here in
concert We're looking forward to
a number of prc-concert c\cnts to
take place on the RCC grounds
(details coming soon) and encourage
everyone to come out. bring
their friends and enjoy a tailgate
suppcrlMorconthislatcrbut many
thankstothccvcntsponsors: Baker
and Jones. RCC'sHcclor MacLean
Program of Public Affairs, the
Humanities and Cultural Arts.
Lumberton Junior Serv ice League.
Music Committee of Robeson
County Public Library and the
Lumberton Area Chambcrof Commerce
& Visitors Bureau This will
be the first program in part by
monies donated by BBAT for the
MacLean scries. We hope to sec a
big group enjoying the sounds of
the symphony!
me All American Bud 300 Truck
and Tractor Pull Coming Sept 5-6
I.umberton?The Robeson
County Firemen's Association
announced that thcNationnl Truck
and Tractor Pullers will be conducting
a nationally sanctioned
event on September 5th and 6th in
I.umberton. The Robeson County
Firemen's Association which is an
organization representing all fire
departments in Robeson County.
will be the sponsor of the event
Jim Emery, Chairman, ha seen
Nationally Sanctioned truck and
tractor pulling bring some or the
best vehicles and talent from many
different states to Lumbcrton. The
event brings thousands of people
to the Lumbcrton area and provides
fund raising for projects such
as the Fire Safety House which
allows the Firemen's Association
members to provide training to
school kids on how to get out of a
burning building.
Truck and Tractor pulling
brings contestants from as far away
as Florida and Maryland Wayne
^ l-cwis. President of the United
Pullers of the Carolinas, stated that
"The Lumhrrton pull is toward
the end orthe circuit Most pullers
are trying to win the Budweiser
points Championship. Budweiser
is a key sponsor of the points series.
Eagle Distributing, the local
distributor, is one of the series
sponsors. Winning the points series
gives the pullers bragging
rights " When asked what type of
pulling ve'h'icles will "be seen in
Lumberton. Wayne stated. "Lumbcrton
brings out some of the best.
There will be tractors valued at
over a quarter million dollars at
the Robeson County Fairgrounds.
Contending National champions
will be here with four wheel and
two wheel drive modified Chcvys.
Fords and Dodges. Modified tractors
with multiple blown engines,
engines like you sec on top fuel
drag cars, some will even have
airplaneengjncs. Super Stocks will
also be featured in Lumberton.
Some of these tractors will have up
to 5000 horsepower and will have
wheel speeds up to 130 miles per
hour. That'sa lot of speed fora 300
feet track The pullers always like
coming to Lumocrton. the fans get
intopulling. The Ford verses Chevy
and Dodge brings them to their
feet each year. The pullers like it
when the crowd gets into it."
Local fans will also gcta chance
to get involved. Fans with four
wheel drive stock pickup trucks
can register to pull their trucks
after the National Even each night.
Kids also can come to the track
every Saturday night and they will
ct a chance to compete in a pedal
pull prior to the show. "Pulling is
a family sport. I enjoy watching the
kids competing during the pedal
pull. F^ns can come out early each
night and visit the pits, get autographs
and talk with the pullers.
The drivers arc delighted to answer
questions for the fans." Lewis
stated
Jim Emery and the Robeson
County Firemen's Association is
looking forward to the weekend
Thiswillbcabigfundfaiscrforthc
non profit organization. The action
will begin on Friday and Saturday
night. September 5th and
6th at 7 30 p m at the Robeson
County Fairgrounds. The pedal pull
registration will begin at 5:30 on
Saturday Who knows, we may
even hook one of the fire trucks (o
the weight transfer machine Never
seen that done
Reaves Tennis
Tourney October
17-19 in St. Pauls
The ninth annual Jamie Reaves
Memorial Tennis Tournament will
be played in St. Pauls October 17-19.
The tournament, to be played on
newly constructed, hard courts, is
open to players in all divisions.
Singles, doubles and mixed doubles
are scheduled. A limit of two events,
please,
T-shirts go to all entrants and
trophies will be presented to finalists
in each division.
Entry fees are SIS singles. S2S
doubles, and all proceeds go back to
the community through the St. Pauls
Area Tennis Association.
For entry information, please
contact Kristi ne Broadwell, Tournament
Di rector, Charla T.Parker 8653939,
or Paul Teny 865-4179.
entries are now available and entry
deadline is October 1.