Published Thursday m Pembroke. N V H fl
CAROLINA INOM0&*
"HuiLimx Communicative Vruitcx In A TlltKiicuI Setting" Pembroke nc 283/2-1510
VOLUME 32 NUMBER 7 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY U>. 2004^ ^ 2004 25'
1 . .n * . Ht IIUK.AK f
Jacobs becomes tribal administrator amid allegations of
non-compliance of federal rules and regulations
by Connee Brayboy, Editor
Tribal Chairman Jimmy Goins began his tenure as Chairman January
15th. 2004 amid allegations of noncompliance by the administration of
the Lumbee Tribal Government In his speech during the swearing in
ceremony for him and the 21-member tribal council. Goins promised
accountable leadership during his term as Chairman
On January 14.2004 officials from HUD. where the tribe receives more
than $ 10 million in housing funds, informed the outgoing and newly
elected council members and outgoing chairman Milton Hunt and newly
elected Chairman Jimmy Goins that after an investigation by their office.
they found several instanccsof non compliance with federal rules
and regulations These matters will be forth comuig in a written report,
expected any day now. This report was not in by press time Many of
the issues of non compliance, reportedly, dealt with the tribal
government 's procurement policies and the capabilities of the administration
to administer federal funds. The administration of the tribal
government is mostly defined as the Tribal Administrator, the Housing
Director and the Comptroller. HUD officials reportedly told council
members and chairmen iliai failure to take administrative action could
result in lire loss of housing funds for the upcoming year Earlier HUD
had frozen funds to the tribal government because of their failure to
submit any environmental reviews on modular homes they had purchased
in the Moss Neck community, as well as buildings, repairs,
land purcliases No cmironmcntal rev iews liad been submitted, a HUD
requirement.
Chairman Goms responded to HUD's informal report by stating that
lie would not recommend Darlcnc Jacobs as Tribal Administrator She
had held the position since March. 2003 and was appointed by former
Chairman Milton Hunt This action by Goins caused some activity
among supporters of Jacobs The end result was a split v ote by tlic
tribal council to uphold Jacobs' termination In the same meeting:
Goins recommended Leon Jacobs as interim Tribal Administrator
Goins had retained Mr Jacobs under contract to work at the Tribal
office until the council could meet to either confirm or reject his nomination
as tribal administrator. Leon Jacobs w ill begin his tenure as
Tribal Administrator on March 1. 2004 He has a long and distin
guishcd lustor> of employment with HUD as well as a continuing
working relationship Goins stated "1 think Leon Jacobs will be able to
help us resohe the issues of noncompliance we arc facing This must
be done in order for the tribe to continue receiving funds." The Tribal
Administrator has the responsibility of hiring administrative stafT
The vote on Jacobs' termination and the hiring of Leon Jacobs were
both closely watched by tribal members The council will not meet in
February, according to reports, but will hold a retreat and get acquainted
with each other The council is expected to meet in March
and elect a Speaker at that tunc
In addition to the non compliance issues facing the tribal government,
the new council and chairman must also deal with a private non profit
corporation with no members, formed by the LTG. HUD monies have
reportedly been placed in the pnvatc non-profit corporation And other
serious issues arc facing the new government
When the report is released by HUD officials, we will take a closer
look at the issues raised by that department
Pembroke Housing Authority's Full
Circle dedicated to Human Services
Suzette Salcido lias always had passion for lending a helping hand.
For thirteen years, she lived in Chavis Park along with her four children;
Patrick. Jovonis. Jacinta. and Samuel. In 1996, Lemark Harris.
Executive Director for Pembroke Housing Authority, noticed something
unique in this particular resident. Suzette was a very determined
individual striving to succeed. When opportunity. Then in 1988. Suzette
was hired full-time as Secretary/Youth Center Assistant Ms. Suzette
really loved working with Youth, but she knew her time would be better
spent working with elderly and disabled residents. She had a concern
that the needs of tlie elderly and disabled residents were going unmet
She wanted a implement a program that would oversee the health and
well being of elderly and disabled residents.
In January 2000, Pembroke Housing Authority developed and implemented
Full Circle, a program designed to provide oversight of the
daily living of the elderly and disabled residents in the form of case
management services. Suzette was offered the position of Residents
Services Coordinator. She gladly accepted, knowing this was where
her heart was. Approaching a new year of2004. Full Circle and Suzette
are still touching the lives of many PHA Residents. Targeted residents
are visited at a minimum on a monthly basis to detect possible lacking
in any of the major daily life activities. The Resident Services Coordinator.
under the direction of the Director of Resident Services, is responsible
for the monitoring and case management of the elderly and
disabled residents. If the Resident Services Coordinator suspect needs
are unmet, she immediately intervenes to enhance and improve that
area of the resident's daily life.
The elderly and disabled residents of PHA really appreciate and look
forward to the interaction with the Resident Services Coordinator.
Oftentimes this visitation from PHA may be the only visitors some
residents see. Over the past three years, many partnerships have been
formed to help provide services to PHA elderly and disabled residents.
These partners include, but are not limited to Lumber River
Council of Governments, Robeson County Department of Social Services,
HealthKeeperz. Four County Community Services, Inc. and Advantage
Hospice.
The Resident Service Coordinator tries to ensure all elderly and disabled
residents needs arc met. In addition to contacting agencies to
provide services, something simple may be performed, such as calling
in a work order to PHA for repair to the unit The goal of the Full Circle
program is to ensure all needs are met for the elderly and disabled
population and assist them with issues of health, personal care services,
transportation and other matters.
Recently, the Resident Services Coordinator visited one of the elderly
residents. This particular resident had a concern of not having the
money to pay her electrical bill After making several phone calls, the
Resident Services Coordinator was connected with the energy Pro
grain ot tlie ucpartmcnt 01 social services, /vner explanation 01 me *
situalion, the resident was asked to provide needed information Within f
the next week, the resident's electrical bill was paid in full. If the Resident
Services Coordinator had not bee there to listen to the concerns, f
the resident possibly would have lost electrical power.
Since it's inception. Full Circle has had great success with the resi- ?
dents and partnering agencies. The Resident Services Coordinator
brightens the day for many of the elderly and disabled residents. It's a
great feeling to walk into a resident's home and be welcomed with an
open smile Not only do the residents benefit by Full Circle, the Residents
Services Coordinator receives daily blessings from knowing
many of their lives arc touched
In August 2003. the Carolinas Council of Housing Development and
Codes Official awarded Pembroke Housing Authority with the Human
Services Award for the implementation of Full Circle
Message from Junior Miss Lumbee
Over the past couple of months as being your Junior Miss Lumbcc. it
has been fun and outgoing for me I am very proud of myself by how I
have represented my Lumbcc People with beauty, grace, and pride
And it has been so exciting with what all the things I have learned
When I was crowned Little Miss Lumbee in 200-2001. we had our 1 st
Tribal Council Government Swearing-in Ceremony And now that I'm
Junior Miss Lumbcc 2004 I made it our second Tribal Council Government
Swearing-in Ceremony It has made me grow and learn more about
my Native American heritage
I have visited at rest homes and performed for my elders "I have been
visiting different churches to sing. 1 had a pleasure of visiting various
schools during our Indian heritage month It has made me strong as a
young Lumbee lady I want to thank the creator for making my dreams
come true I hope that through him. I have touched many lives. Proudly
representing you with beauty, grace and pride
I'm your Junior Miss Lumbcc-Takonna Lyn Bullard 2003-2004
Kindergarten registration
at Pembroke Elementary
Kindergarten registration will be held at Pembroke Elementary School
on Friday. March 19.2004 from 9 a m until 1 p.m at the school Parents
will need to bring a certified birth certificate (cannol accept the motlicr's '
copy), social security card, immunization records; tribal card C if applicable).
Must also provide documentation of current living address For example
a current electric bill or phone bill PO Box numbers will not be
accepted
To register for kindergarten, the child must be five years old bv October
16. 2004
Alumni Basketball Banquet
Tri-County Indian High School Basketball Conference will sponsor
the Alumni Basketball Banquet on Saturday. March 6. 2004 from 6
until 8 p.m. at Prospect School This will be a celebration and alumni
arc encouraged to attend and enjoy a meal and fellowship It will be a
great opportunity to interact with teammates and opponents, and to
relive vivid memories of games and ev ents.
Suzette Salcido j
Plate sale planned at AIMI
American Indian Mothers. Inc.. Hwy 71 N.. Shannon, NC 28386 phone
(910) 843-9911 will sponsor a Fundraiser Plate Sale
February 20.2004- Friday? 1030 am- 6:30 pm
Fried Chicken or Pastry $5 50 (w/ Chicken Salad)- Combination
$6.50-With: Desert & Bread. Sides: Potato Salad. Green Beans. Collards.
For more information call 910-843-9911
Free Health Screening Feb. 27
A free health screening will be held Friday. Feb 27 from 10:30 a. in. until
4 p m At the Southside Alumni Association Building in Rowland
Checks for total cholesterol/HDL. blood pressure and blood glucose
will be offered to all adults 18 years and older Only on finger stick is
required Results are available in five minutes These free screens arc
sponsored by the Robeson County Partnership for Community Health
Call 671 -5595 for more information
Volunteers at SRMC seeking
magazine donations
Volunteers Southeastern Regional Medical Center arc seeking magazine
donations to distribute to hospitalized patients If you have magazines
to donate, please drop off at the hospital 's main lobby reception
desk or call Volunteer Coordinator Beth Ivey at 671 -5093
Orientation for Hospice to
be held Feb. 23
Hospice of Robeson will hold a one-hour orientation to kick off eightweek
training session for new volunteers on Monday. Feb 23 at 7pm
At Southeastern Home Care Services. 2002 N Cedar St Lumbcrlon
The weekly training sessions of three hours each will begin Wednesday,
Feb 25 at 9:00 a m and continue through April 14 These classes
are mandatory for volunteers who work with hospice patients and their
families
The public is cordially invited to attend the orientation and learn more
about Hospice of Robeson and the services it provides for the terminally
ill For more information and an application, call Anne Grain at
671-5655
3etty Strickland is UNCP's
Dfficer of the Year
PEMBROKE, N.C. - Betty Strickland received the Officer of the Year
I ward from UNCP's Office of Police and Public ~Safety. Assistant
3olice Chief and Captain Larry McNeill made the presentation on
'anuary 20.
ifficer Strickland received a pin for her uniform. She mil wear it
text to her 10-year service and good conduct pins.
'Betty is one of the most dedicated officers on our force, and she is
!eserving of this honor," Copt. McNeill said. "She always represents
terself and the University in a professional manner.
'trickand is the traffic officer for the University. She roams the cam>us
and gives out most of the parking tickets that are written at
JNCP.
'It's a hard job working out there and trying to please everyone,"
he said. "I work hard and do my best."
7 like what I do, and I work with good people," Officer Strickalnd
continued. "I am excited about this award. I'm still floating."
Concerned Citizens for the Children
meet on Friday nights
The Concerned Citizens For the Children of the Robeson County
School System will meet each Friday night at 7:30 pm These meetings
will be held at the Burnt Swamp Baptist Association Building located
on 450 Prospect Rd. Pembroke N.C. The Baptist Building is across
from the University of Pembroke
Ifvou need any other information, contact Glenn T Hunt at 910- 7382698
MC Democrats to seek National
Convention Delegates
Raleigh - The North Carolina Democratic Party has adopted a revised
plan for selecting delegates and alternates to the 2004 Democratic
Convention to be held July 26-29.2004 in Boston. Massachusetts
North Carolina has been allocated 107 delegates and 14 alternates to
the convention
Individuals seeking election to any of these slots must file a Notice of
Candidacy and Statement of Presidential Preference with the North
Carolina Democratic Party by the established deadlines
The North Carolina Democratic Party is pledged to send an equal number
of men and women to the national convention and to work for
representation from traditionally under represented groups within the
party
For a copy of the 2004 Delegate Selection Plan, please go to our websitewww
nedp org -or call the State Partv in Raleigh at 919-821 -2777 or 800229-3367.
Unilever presents...Careers
in the 21st Century
As part of the celebration of Career and Technical Education Week,
Feb. 9- I J, 200-1, South Robeson High's Counseling Department
invited guests from Unilever of Raeford, NC to speak to a variety of
classes. The Chemistry, Earth/Environment Science, (ieometry, Advanced
Math, and Biology. Mr. Kevin Beck, Plant Manager, and
Mr. Evan Davenport, Quality Assurance Manager, spoke to I-1 classes
about the importance of staying in school, education as it relates to
future employment, and their personal education and work experiences.
Mr. Beck hails from ( anda and grew up in rural area. He
shared with the students that the only professional people he knew
while growing up were his teachers at school. He told them he had
ride one hour to get to school, thus making his travel a two hour
round trip every day. Mr. Davenport, a graduate of South Robeson
High, spoke to students about his education experience at South
Robeson and how it provided him with sound preparation for college
and work world. South Robeson is a appreciative of the presentations
provided by these gentlemen. Inviting speakers from the business
arena is part of South Robeson's effort to engage our publics as
partners in educating our young people and reducing our dropout
rate.