Newspapers / The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, … / Dec. 12, 2007, edition 1 / Page 1
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•I . Reward set for grave vandals SUSAN HARRIS Editor & Publisher Cash can be a power ful incentive, and Hertford Town Council members hope it will induce some one to reveal who vandal ized Cedar Wood Cemetery on Nov. 28 and 29. Council voted Monday night to pay a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandal or vandals that damaged 25 grave sites in the newest section of Ce dar Wood Cemetery. Police Chief Dale Vanscoy told council there may also be money donated by private individuals to increase the reward. Town Manager John Christensen said Tuesday morning that Vanscoy has received at least one $500 pledge from a local busi ness that wiU increase the reward to $1,000. Mayor Sid Eley read from a prepared statement that 21 stones, six vases and four angels were damaged during the two-night spree. He said the town contact ed its insurance provider and found that the insur ance company would not coyer the damage. Further, Eley said the deeds of sale signed by those who purchased the cemetery plots from the town contain a clause that states the town is not re sponsible for malicious damages to grave sites in Cedar Wood. The mayor reported that the town has added lights in the cemetery and that the police department has increased patrols since the incidents. Vanscoy said Monday night that his officers now check the cemetery every 30 minutes and he has had surveillance details, at least one all night, since the van dalism. Davis Monuments, from whom many of the dam aged stones were originally purchased, has reset aU over-turned stones. Elsie Wilson presented the town with a petition signed by 156 people ask ing that the town review its deeds and policies regard ing the cemetery. Wilson said the petition resulted from a meeting held after the vandalism. In her prepared statement made on behalf of those who met, Wilson said the group was concerned that actions be taken to prevent further incidents. Sugges tions included more lights and police patrols, and pos sibly cameras. The group also request ed that the town review its cemetery policies, includ ing the damage disclaimer in the deeds, setting aside funds from the sale of lots to cover expenses from loss or damage from van dalism or natural disaster, and making the cemetery a perpetual care operation. She requested a written re sponse from the town with in 30 days. Eley expressed his con cern over the cemetery van dalism to the about 15 CONTINUED on page 5 S'EASOTiog^ SUBMITTED PHOTO ALBEMARLE ELECTRIC MEMBERSHIP CORPORATION employees volunteered their time to shop for toys for those who need a hand in the Albemarle area this season. The toys were sorted and delivered to schools, where personnel had identified families in need and coordinated the delivery of the toys. Among those grateful for a little help this year was Rene Grady (below right). AEMC toy drive successful: families grateful Albemarle Electric Membership Corpora tion’s 3rd Annual Light Up Christmas toy drive has again proven to be a huge success. More than $7,000 was given to the program, much of it coming from corporate vendors who regularly do business with Albemarle EMC. When combined with a discount from Wal-Mart, total spending added up to about $8,000. In addi tion, toy donations from the membership appeared to increase, and one other area toy drive contributed their toys to Albemarle EMC for distribution. Albemarle EMC em ployees volunteered their time to purchase the toys, which filled more than 25 shopping carts. The toys were bagged, sorted and delivered to local schools in the counties of Chow an, Perquimans, Pasquo tank and Camden. From there school personnel, who had identified less- fortunate families in their school system, coordinat ed the delivery of the toys to the parents. More than 530 children received toys through this year’s Light Up Christmas program. “The generosity shown by our corporate part- A grateful mother Mother: Rene Grady Single mom with six children ranging from ages 1-16 “The Light Up Christ mas Program sponsored by Albemarle Electric is a blessing to my fam ily. I can explain to my other children the reason there’s no toys or clothes imder the Christmas tree, but I cannot explain that to my young children. “I am grateful to live in a community such as Perquimans County where programs exist to help those in need. “It is a little embar rassing to have to partici pate in such programs, but as a parent I have to do what is best and nec essary to provide for my children.’’ ners as weU as members and employees really set a new benchmark this year,’’ said Chris Powell, director of public rela tions for Albemarle EMC. “We want to thank all of the people who donated time and money as weU as the school system person nel who participated with us in this effort.” Albemarle Electric Membership Corporation, located near Hertford, is a member-owned, nonprofit electrical co-op that serves more than 12,000 mem bers. The service terri tory includes the counties of Chowan, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Camden and a part of Currituck. More holiday events on tap in county Ramble ' Two homes, a miniature shop and the Senior Center will be features of the 30th annual Christmas Ramble Friday night. The Front Street home of Julian and Betty Lane Winslow overlooks the Perquimans River. Ralph and Lisa HolloweU’s home is a country jewel in the Bagley Swamp commu nity. The young and young at heart will delight in the displays at J.J.’s Miniatures on Howell’s Lane just off Beech Springs Road. Final ly, delicious refreshments and a silent auction of items made by local craft- ers await tourists at the Se nior Center. Ample parking is avail able at most stops, but at some stops, ramblers may have to walk more than a few steps to get inside. Organizers recommend that tourists bring flash lights and wear low-heeled shoes for comfort and safe ty. The Senior Center will have a shuttle van for the evening. Call 426-5404 for seat availability. Tour passes wifi be $5 for adults and $1 for students. Tickets can be purchased at any of the homes on the night of the Ramble or in advance at the Extension Office, 426-7697. The Ramble began in 1977 as a community out reach event. Proceeds from the Ramble are used for 4-H scholarships, youth programs and educational projects. In years past, do nations were redirected to other community needs such as Hurricane Isabel relief, American Red Cross Disaster Services and lo cal assistance to families that incurred damage from home fires. Concerts The PCHS band will pres ent its Christmas concert tomorrow night, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. in the high school au ditorium. The school’s chorus will present its Christmas Con cert Sunday, Dec. 16 at 3 p.m. in the school auditorium. County passes room tax Hobbs sole vote against measure CATHY WILSON staff Writer County commissioners approved a 6 percent oc cupancy tax last week to help boost tourism in the county. The tax, effective Feb. 1, will be charged to visitors staying in hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, and rental condos in the county. Revenue generated from the tax will be earmarked to promote tourism in the county. The vote was unanimous with the exception of Com missioner Ben Hobbs, own er of a bed and breakfast in the county. “I oppose it,” said Hobbs before the vote was taken. “I understand the econom ics of it, and it won’t affect occupancy. The people wiU stiU come. But, it’s a new tax, and I’ve been consis tent against voting for any new taxes.” Vice Chair Tammy MiU- er-White voiced her support for the new ordinance, say ing it was a very wise move in the right direction. Com missioner Sue Weimar, who made the motion to adopt the occupancy tax resolu tion, echoed Mfiler-White’s feelings. The approval followed a public hearing during which several people spoke in favor of the tax. Chris Lane reminded commissioners that 87 out of 100 counties in the state already have occupancy tax es in place. She spoke of the benefits local merchants in the downtown area would receive with more tourism doUars brought in locaUy. “We have a wonderful community here...but we need to find a way to let others know about it,” she said. “The occupancy tax is a way to do that.” Muriele Harmon said the state’s emphasis is on tour ism, and she pointed out tourists are used to paying occupancy taxes when they visit in the state. “You’re not dealing with ignorant tourists,” she said. “They don’t resent paying it. The savvy tourists un derstand the revenues com ing from it.” CONTINUED onrpageS Music for the season in a variety of styles from classi cal to contemporary will in clude settings of tradition al carols such as “The HoUy and the Ivy” and “Angels We Have Heard on High,” the 17th century German work “Auf! Stimmet die Saiten,” and jazzy arrange ments of “Let It Snow!” and “Slow Dancing in the Snow.” The PCHS Chorus will be joined for this per formance by a string trio made up of Grace and Lily Park and Elizabeth Phelps, and a vocal ensemble Admission for the con cert is free; however, dona tions will be accepted to as sist the chorus in ongoing expenses. Wumm Thursday High: 67 Low: 48 Few Showers Friday High: 57 Low: 42 Mostly Cloudy Saturday High: 48 Low: 47 Few Showers
The Perquimans Weekly (Hertford, N.C.)
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Dec. 12, 2007, edition 1
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