1 . 'I I Published each Thursday in Pembroke, N.C. 1 imr t>r^nin| "CAROLINA INDIAN "Building Communicative Bridges In A Tri-Racial Setting" u VOL VME 28 NUMBER 14 THURSDA Y, APRIL 5, 2001 25c A : Local student Named I National Award Winner I The United States Achievement Academy announced today that Zora Natasha Stewart from Rowland, NC has been named a United States National Award Winner in Honor Roll. This award is a prestigious honor very few students can ever hope to attain. In fact, the Academy recognizes fewer than 10% of all American high school students. Zora Natasha Stewart, who attends Pembroke Middle, was nominated for this national award by Gwen Clark, a Guidance Counselor at the school. I Zora Natasha Stewart, will ap-B pear in the United States Achieve- a| m?nt Academy Official Yearbook,! which is published nationally. > "Recognizing and supporting! j our youth is more important than ever before in America's history. _ Certainly, United States Achieve-! ment Academy winners should be I congratulated and appreciated for! their dedication to excellence and I achievement," said Dr. George! Stevens, Executive Director of the I United States Achievement Acad-1 emy. The Academy selects USAA winners upon the exclusive recommendation of teachers, coaches, counselors, and other qualified sponsors and upon the Standards of Selection set forth by the Academy. The criteria for selection are a student's academic performance, interest and aptitude, leadership qualities, responsibility, enthusiasm, motivation to leam and improve, citizenship, attitude and cooperative spirit, dependability, and recommendation from a teacher or director. Zora Natasha Stewart is the daughter of Mr.& Mrs. Jimmy Strickland (guardian), from Rowland, NC. The grandparents are the late Mr.& Mrs. Herbert Jones of Rowland, NC, and Mr.& Mrs. Harvey Jacobs of Pembroke, NC. Purnell Swett High School students partlclapted In a poetry reading and art show at the Indian Education REsource Center March 8. Crazy for You The New Gershwin Musical Comedy The Givens Performing Arts Center will present the national tour I 1 of the Tony Award-winning musical Crazy for You on Tuesday, May J at8:00 pm. Crazyforyouisanonstop musical extravaganza featuring such hits as "Embraceable You," "1 Got Rhythm," and "Some- ' one to Watch Over Me." Tickets are S26, S24 and $8 for children and students. For reservations or more information, call the GPAC box office at (910( 521-6361 or (800) 367-0778. Crazy for You is sponsored in-part by WFLB Oldies 96.5 FM. Broadway razzle-dazzle at its finest! YOUTH IN CHRIST of Shannon, NC 7th Annual Anniversary singing April 27 & 28, 2001, 7 pm Nightly @ Truth & Love Worship Center HWY211 N. Toward Raeford, NC Willingness to Learn Nets Robeson County Farmers Award for Blanks Family Greensboro, NC: Bumice and ~ Bbrttile BlankTValue the rural lifestyle they lead on their Robeson .County farm, but they don't isolate themselves from their commuv nity or the programs available to them, and this has made them successful small-scale farmers. Recognizing this success, the Cooperative Extension Program at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University honored them with the 2001 Gilmer L. and Clara Y. Dudley Small Farmer of the Year Award, on Small Farms Day, Wednesday, March 28. The award and cash prize was presented during the Small Farmers Recognition Luncheon, held on the A&T campus, during Small Farms Week, the 15th annual statewide celebration of small-scale agriculture. "Bumice and Bonnie are innovators on the small-scale agriculture scene," said Nelson Brownlee, and area farm management agent with Robeson County Cooperative Extension. Brownlee has worked with the Blanks for the past eight years, introducing them to a number of programs designed for small-scale farmers. "Whin a new opportunity arises, they are quick to assess it for their needs and enthusiastic to accept new and better ways of doing things." Recently, the Blanks became part of the Farmers Adopting Computer Training project coordinated by the NC A&T cooperative Extension Program. Through this program, they have access to a computer and software tailored to their needs, and have been trained on how to integrate this technology into their farm management practices. "The computer helps us keep organized," said Mr. Blanks. "We appreciate the opportunity to learn something new and to improve our farming operation by having a better sense of crop and financial management." Prior to enrolling in the computer project, the Blanks participated in several other programs coordinated by the NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, including the Small Farmer Outreach and Technical Assistance Project. Through this project, the Blanks participated in several workshops designed to introduce them to farm record-keeping and management.? Reflecting the lessons they learned through this project, the Blanks now produce over 35 kinds of fruits and vegetables orfTBeiF29? acre farm. Among their produce offerings are cabbage, okra, watermelons, turnips and tomatoes. Markets for the produce include the local farmers market, area restaurants, consumers of their produce gift package, and residents of the Robeson County area, where Mr. Blanks is known to deliver produce to elderly people unable to travel. The Blanks also used another A&T program, Ways to Grow, to enhance their farming operations, Through This W.K. Kellogg program, die Blanks received training on small farms management and a grant to add an irrigation system to their farm, which they estimate has increased their yields 100 percent on the irrigated land. The Blanks have also become involved with the North Carolina Coalition of Farm and Rural Families, and through this organization, they lead efforts, both locally and statewide, to promote small-scale agriculture. Recently, through their work with this organization, they were integral in initiating-discussion with Glory Foods to establish production and marketing contracts forleafy greens and sweet potatoes. ' :Small-scale fanners have to knpw where their markets are, and they have to figure out a way to meet the market demand while not ignoring their bottom lime," said Mr. Blanks. "If you want tomake money, you have to save money where you cam." The Gilmer L. and Clara Y. Dudley Small Farmer of the Year Award is presented annually by the NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program to a small-scale farmer who exemplifies prudent stewardship of the land while optimizing resources and enhancing farm operations through Cooperative Extension programs. Joseph L Dudley, president of. Dudley Products, Inc., established the award, as a tribute to his parents' commitment to higher education and appreciation of farming. For more information, please contact Nelson Brownlee, Robeson County Cooperative Extension. (910) 671-3276 Scotland Memorial's Edwin Morgan Center Among Seven to Reveice "Eden" Grant The Edwin Morgan Center is among seven nursing care providers that will receive grants of $25,000 each this spring from the Vlorth Carolina Division of Facility Services to help improve patient interaction and to help create a more homelike environment for patients. The grants support the tenets of the Eden Alternative. Eden Alternative homes focus on two major changes that dramatically alter the lives of those who live and work in long-term care settings. First, the Eden philosophy stresses the need to place decision-making close to the residents by empowering those directly involved in care giving and care-receiving. Second, Eden homes are built around human habitats, which are created when plants, pets, and children become a part of the fay-to-day life of these facilities. "The Edwir Morgan Center staff consistently offers quality care for the residents" said Jean Opsut, Scotland Men orial Hospital's Vice President of P ofessional Services. "Yet, our res dents deserve more than quality iare; they deserve a higher qualir/ of life. The Eden Alternative ccncept is very simple. We must see nursing homes as habitats for luman beings rather than institutkns for the frail and elderly. We want to eliminate at the Edwin Morgan Center the three plagues of long-term care- loneliness","helplessness arid boredom. Incoiporating activities, processes and features of a home environment children, companion animals, the opportunity to care for other living things, and the variety and spontaneity that mark an enlivened environment can succeed where pills and therapies fail." Pansy Herring, RN, Director of Edwin Morgan Center for 20 years, believes this grant for the Eden Alternative will continue to enhance the lives of the residents at the Center. "Last year we added some "feathery" residents. A beautiful, glass-enclosed bird habitat in our lobby allows both residents and visitors to enjoy seeing the birds up close. Called Birds-I-View, that project was funded by Scotland Memorial Foundation and the Scotland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Residents who rarely left their rooms now watch the birds for extended periods. For some residents, blood pressure went down and their health has improved." Educating staff properly and effectively is the key to implementing the Eden Alternative concept at the Edwin Morgan Center. "Telling people you are going to bring in dogs, cats and birds sets the stage for imaginations to run wild," said Ms. Herring. "We've made site visits to Lden Facilities and found them clean and well organized."' Along with educating staff, patients and their family members physical improvements must be made to the Morgan Center. For example, a fenced area for the animals to be let out, kennels for the dogs and cats, and an area for patients to use for plants and gardening. "We have a wonderful area to enclose for a patio and recreation area which will be an ideal setting for bedding plants," continued Ms. Herring. "We look forward to seeing the benefits these grants will help bring to the well being of the patients," said Lynda McDaniel, director of the Division of Facility Services. "Through this effort facilities are making headway in becoming more homelike and patient friendly. That can be a very important change for folks who rely on nursing homes for care." The grants were made from accumulated federal fines paid by nursing homes cited for care-related deficiencies. Federal regulations require that fine money be used to enhance patient care, it is the second round of such grants. In 1998, the last time such grants were made, the Division of Facility Services awarded SI5,000 to each of 13 nursing care providers in North Carolina to assure a more homelike environment for patients. The Eden Alternative was begun by Dr. William Thomas as a reform movement to combat the problems of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom often found in nursing homes. The idea has spread successfully to facilities across the country and in some foreign countries. The 10 principles of the Eden Alternative are: 1- The three plagues of loneliness, helplessness, and boredom account for the bulk of suffering in a human community. 2- Life in a truly human community revolves around close and continuing contact with children, plants, and animals. These ancient relationships provide young and old alike with a pathway to a life worth living. 3- Loving companionship is the antidote to loneliness. In a human community, we must provide easy access to human and animal companionship. 4- To give care to another makes us stronger. To receive care gracefully is a pleasure and seeking always to balance one with the other. 5- Trust in each other allows us the pleasure of answering the needs of the moment. When we fill our lives with variety and spontaneity. we honor the world and our place in it. S^Meanifig is the food and water that nourishes the human spirit. It strengthens us. The counterfeits of meaning tempt us with hollow promises. In the end, they always leave us empty and aline. 7- Medical treatment should be the servant of genuine human caring, never its master. 8- In a human community, the wisdom of the elders grows in direct proportion to the honor and respect accorded to them. 9- Human growth must never be separated from human life. 10- Wise leadership is the lifeblood of any struggle against the three plagues. For it, there can be no substitute. The concept of Eden Alternative has been endorsed by the Edwin Morgan Center Advisory |Board of Trustees, as well as the Executive Staff of Scotland Health Care System. This philosophy will be supported after the grant funding is gone. For more information about The Edwin Morgan Center, contact Pansy Herring, RN, Director at (910) 276-0016. Information about The Eden Alternative can be accessed through their websitewww.edenalt.com. Poetry Reading Successful The second annual poetry reading was held at the Indian Resource Center, March 8. The Arts department also contributed this year with various arts in different mediums from art studentsTDeidra Henderson did sign language to the "Colors of the Wind" and Beth Lowry sang "The Rose". Students who read poems included Beth Lowry, Terica Brooke Lowry, Tiffany Locklear, Dedra Hunt, Heather Jacobs, Candace Lowry, Marlina Locklear, Crystal McCormick, Joshua Minner, S'Anataeus Stephens, Atelia Jacobs, Veronica Joe Chavis, Megan Lamb. Brandon Maynor, and Amy Dial. The following students contributed their art work: Shannon Dial and Kahesha Ricard. The event was sponsored by Greg Sampson, Emily Grain, Delora Cummings, and Yvonne Dial. Mrs.. Dial organized and planned the event to shoe the talent and creativity to the public and parents of the students of Purnell Swctt High School. VFW Plate Sale Saturday April 7. at 11:00 am till 6 pm Post Home Union Chapel Rd? Pembroke BBQ & Chicken S5:00 Public Meetings planned for Lumbee Constitution Linda Hammonds, Chairperson of the Constitutional committee has announced that the LumU'i. Tribal Government has scheduled public meetings in Robeson County on a governing document (Constitution) fnr the I nmhre Tribe. At these public meetings, the Lumbee people will have the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the details of a governing document before it is put before the people for adoption in a referendum. Public meetings are also being scheduled in other counties and areas throughout where a large population of Lumbee people resides. March 29 Pumell Swett High School April 2 Lumberton Senior High School April 5 St. Pauls High School April 9 Fairmont High School April 12 South Robeson High School All pubic meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria, except Lumberton Senior, which is to be held in the auditorium. Mobility Program Offers Assistance The "Seniors in Motion" program of North and South Carolina is making motorized and manual wheelchairs, three & four wheel scooters and other medical items available to Senior Citizens (65+) and physically handicapped individuals. This equipment is available usually at no cost to those who qualify. The program features in-home assessments by trained local rehab specialists, and program allows you to remain in your home and out of a nursing facility. Today, physical impairments do not have to equal loss of independence. There is help. For more information or to see if you qualify, call toll free I-300-594-1225. Support Groups to meet Compassionate Friends, a support group for families who have experienced the death of a child, will meet Tuesday, May 1, at 7:30 pm in the Cardinal Room at the Village Drive Education Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System, located at 3418 Village Drive. The group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at the same time and location. For more information, please call Martha Lynch at 6094481. .The Renal Support Group will meet Tuesday, May 1, at 6 pm in the Observation Unit Waiting Room on the third floor of Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Patients, family and friends of those with renal disorders as well as those interested are welcome to attend. The Renal Support Group meets on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information, please contact Jeanne Canady at (910)609-6713. RieTinf lant Support Group wjU meet on Thursday. Nay 10, at U-"30 am in Room D in the auditorium at Southeastern Regional Rehabilitation Center, located directly behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The group meets on the second Thursdays of each month at the same time and location. For more information, please contact Jennifer Davis at 609-6801. The Cancer Support Group will meet Thursday, Nay 3, and Thursday, Nay 17, from 7 to 8:30 pm in the Medical Oncology waiting room at The Cancer Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System. The Cancer Support Group, fbr cancer patients and their families, meets on the first and third Thursday of each month. The support group is facilitated by a licensed social worker and is open to the public. Formore information, please call the Oncology Social Worker at (910) 609-6791. The Fayetteville Stroke Club will meet Wednesday, Nay 16, at 4 pm in Room E of the auditorium at Southeastern Regional Rehabilitation Center of Cape Fear Valley Health System, located directly behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. Stroke survivors and family members are invited. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the same time and location. For more information, please contact Karen Sykes at (910)609-7187. The Laryngectomee Support Group will meet of Thursday, May 17, at 5 pm in the library of Southeastern Regional Rehabilitation Center of Cape Fear Valley A Health System, located behind Cape Fear Valley Medical Center. The Laryngectomee Support Group meets on the third Thursday of each month. Laryngectomees, family members, friends and interested professionals are invited to attend. For more information, please call 609-6079.