The opening reception for “The Life of the Theater” exhibit at the Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater in Lumberton is slated for Thursday, April 20, at 5:30 p.m.

Join us for opening night of our newest lobby exhibit featuring historic and current photographs of our beautiful, and beautifully-restored, theater which first opened in 1928. Photographs of the theater’s stunning architectural details by Jody Johnson (PhotoRad Photography) will be on display and select prints will be available for purchase. Also on display will be archival photographs and articles from the theater’s history.  Complementary food, wine and other beverages will be served. This reception is free and open to the public.

The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater is a beautifully-restored treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places that offers visitors a unique and visually stunning experience. The theater is located at 315 North Chestnut Street in the heart of downtown Lumberton.  First opened in 1928 as a vaudeville and silent film house, the theater offers a wide array of programming including live touring performances, original productions, art exhibits, films, special events and rentals. For more information visit www.carolinaciviccenter.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

Clarkton School of Discovery is having a spaghetti dinner and silent auction On Friday, March 31, to benefit the Jr Beta Club. There will be many items of interest for everyone. Some of the items up for bid are a night at the beach, a wreath and jewelry and much more. You can learn more by visiting the Clarkton School of Discovery Facebook page. The proceeds from this event will be used to help send the Jr Beta Club to Disney for the national Junior Beta Club competition. Let’s get these champs to Disney!

By: Erin Smith

The town of Elizabethtown recently learned it has been ranked No. 210 out of 500 in Millennial Personal Finance’s “Best Cities for Outdoor Lovers” report.  The report uses data such as the number of available campsites, the number of parks, and outdoor reservations along with the population to determine the rankings, said Millennial Personal Finance’s David Chen.

“The rankings for this report were compiled by using licensed data and MPF’s unique scoring system. Over 5,000 U.S. cities and towns were evaluated on their outdoor friendliness. For each town and city, the exact number of campsites, outdoor reservations, and parks was summed together. That sum was divided by the respective city’s population to develop the MPF Outdoor Lover Index. A higher score meant a better ranking, and vice versa,” said Chen.

The town of Elizabethtown offers residents and visitors alike many options for recreation. The parks include: Leinwand Park, Tory Hole Park, Rufus Lloyd Park, Johnson Park, Brown’s Creek Bike Park and Nature Trail, and the Brown’s Landing at Lock and Dam No. 2. Park facilities can be rented at some locations by calling 910-862-2066. There are also bike paths throughout town that connect residents to various areas in town, sidewalks for walking and shopping and two proposed parks — Sally Slater Park and Greene’s Lake and Conservation Park. 

Some other North Carolina towns also joined Elizabethtown in the rankings. They are:

*town of Spruce Pine was ranked at no. 115;

*Franklin was ranked at no. 131;

*Wilkesboro was ranked No. 138;

*Canton was ranked no. 276;

*Williamston was ranked no. 277;

*town of Beaufort was ranked No. 283;

*Edenton was ranked no. 314;

*Windsor ranked at no. 420;

*Swannanoa was ranked no. 421;

*Fletcher was ranked no. 474, and

*Burgaw was ranked no. 499.

To read the full report, click here.

CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) invites the community to celebrate local high school artists and help select finalists for the 2017 Congressional Art Competition.

Nearly 40 students from Matthews, Waxhaw, St. Pauls, Monroe, Lumber Bridge, and Charlotte have submitted entries, which can be viewed in the “2017 Congressional Art Competition” album on Congressman Pittenger’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/ CongressmanPittenger.

To help select finalists, please visit Congressman Pittenger’s Facebook page and “like” your favorite artwork.  The three entries receiving the most “likes” by noon on Friday, April 28th will be named finalists.

Three additional finalists will be chosen by professional artists from North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District.

The final round of judging will include Congressman Pittenger, his staff, and local art experts.  The first place entry will be displayed in a busy corridor of the U.S. Capitol for one year.  The other five finalists will have their artwork displayed in Congressman Pittenger’s local offices.

“Each year I am amazed by the incredible talent of our local high school artists, and very impressed by the exceptional work of local high school art instructors,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “Please help us select three finalists by ‘liking’ your favorite on Facebook, and while you’re there, please consider leaving notes of encouragement for these talented students.”

The 2017 Congressional Art Competition is carried out at no expense to the Federal Government.  All expenses are provided locally in the community.

For more information about the 2017 Congressional Art Competition, go to Pittenger.House.gov/ ArtCompetition.

To help select three of this year’s finalists and encourage all of the local student artists, go to Facebook.com/ CongressmanPittenger, find the “2017 Congressional Art Competition” album, and vote by “liking” your favorites.

Clarkton School of Discovery Junior Beta Club is headed to Orlando FL. to compete in the National Beta Convention. Back in February, CSD won second place in Songfest, 2nd in Banner and Wreath and 1st place in Tower of Power at the state competition, thus receiving the honor of competing at the national convention June 24-28th. The club is extremely excited about the opportunity to compete in these highly competitive areas of competition. In order to raise money for the trip, the CSD Junior Beta Club, along with Mr. Kyle Cashwell, have planned a Pork Cookoff to be held at the Cape Fear Farmers Market in Elizabethtown, May 12 and 13th. The event is sponsored by the PTSA. Entries into the cook off are still being accepted. First place $500 second place $300 third-place $100. In addition, sponsorships for this event are still being accepted. Both forms are available at the school or on the Clarkton School of Discovery’s webpage or Facebook page.

Plates and pounds of BBQ will be available to purchase on Saturday, May 12th. Tickets are on sale now.

The Junior Beta club would like to thank everyone in advance for their participation and support in making this event possible.

Clarkton School of Discovery competes yearly in the NC DOT Bridge Building competition. Our team of seventeen won the regional title in March, with a bridge constructed by CaraBeth Lewis and Darian Montgomery and went on to Raleigh to win the state title on April 28th, with a bridge constructed by Cate DeVane and Madison Taylor. At the state level, the team competed against four other regional winners from around the state. The winning bridge, constructed of balsa wood, held 24 lbs. of weight; more than any middle or high school bridge at the competition. Our team won $500 which will be used to help fund the team event for next year.

CSD Bridge Building Team members sign up for the class as an afternoon elective at the beginning of the year. This class meets during our 3rd nine weeks elective schedule. Clarkton School of Discovery prides itself on offering students a well-rounded selection of academic opportunities in our afternoon electives.

Officers Joshua Pittman, left, and Melanie Avant receive their Oaths from Elizabethtown Town Clerk Juanita Hester.

The Elizabethtown Police Department has announced two officers who earned promotions recently. Officers Melanie Avant and Joshua Pittman were both promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 

The Bladenboro Middle School Bulldog Young Men and Young Ladies Academies marked a successful year with a special visit from Bladen County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Tanya Head. They addressed the group and reminded the students of what it takes to be successful in life. Following the talk by Dr. Taylor and Dr. Head, each participant received a certificate for completing the academy.

Dr. Taylor reminded the students of the various speakers who have addressed their group throughout the academic year offering words of encouragement and advice for the future.  “What I am hoping is that you take those words of encouragement, the words of wisdom that have been shared with you and understand how you can use those words of encouragement to guide your young life,” said Dr. Taylor.

He reminded the students that their job at this point in their lives is their education. Dr. Taylor stated the students have learned valuable lessons in the Academy about being respectful and listening to others. He told the students that when they take the opportunity to take advantage of the opportunities for learning provided at Bladenboro Middle School and in high school, it will help them set the foundation for their future.

Dr. Head spoke next. “The Bulldog Academy is awesome. I had an opportunity to work with the girls and we looked at ourselves from a couple of different perspectives,” said Dr. Head.

She said the students looked at themselves individually, they discussed respect for others, and discussed taking pride in themselves and the things they do and the decisions they make.

Receiving certificates for the Young Men’s Academy were: Aaron Lewis, Steven Hester, Iyan Phillips, Mason Little, Malijah McKoy, Jemiah Ross, Xavier Spaulding, Javarrie Adams, Aaron Thompson, Gary Parker, Eric Shaw, Tayvon Smith, Walter Bealon, Deonte Lacy, Craig Williams, Jordan Porter, Jalen Wilson, Miguel Lopez, Kaiden Stanley, Xzavion Morrison, Douglas Sessoms, Jermaine Spivey and Shyron Adams.

Receiving certificates for the Young Ladies Academy were Haleigh Cain, Julia Diaz, Maggie Edwards, Alaya Gillespie, Miranda Inman, Taqura Lennon, Olivia McCarty, Erika Parnell, Anniya Phillips, Ashley Powers, Alayjah Smith, Jadde Vergara, Mary Emma Walker, Carianna Williams, Josephine Culbreth, Adrianna Evans, Aaliyah Lacy, Brandi Nowling, Morgan Taylor, Mallorie Valenta, Deidra Vereen, Mallory Bryan, Montserret Castro, Isabel Diaz, Kinley Hilburn, Sharmaria Jackson, Jenna McLean, Kayla Perry, Noria Singletary, Amerie Smith, MaKayla Townsend, Jasmin Santana, Karah Tittle and Brittany Rich.

In the photograph, former BCC College Readiness Program graduate Kerry Shipman stands in graduation regalia.

DUBLIN – Forty-six students walked across the stage to receive their high school completion diplomas at the Bladen Community College Readiness Commencement Program in May.

Student speaker Samantha Haverty encouraged graduates. “This is only the beginning!” she stated. “After 13 years and seven failed attempts to get my high school diploma, it took only one attempt and six weeks at Bladen Community College for me to succeed. Never give up on yourself. Never give up on your dreams.”

Commencement speaker Kerry L. Shipman, Sr., who received his high school credential through the College Readiness Program at BCC, is currently a second year law student at the Charleston School of Law where he serves as a Senator in the Student Bar Association.

“I always doubted myself and my abilities,” he explained. “But I have learned that no one remembers the guy who quits. Don’t be the one that quits.”
Marshals for the event were Fernando Bautista, Anthony Kennedy, and Kathy LaMaster.

Bladen Community College’s high school completion program is open continuously throughout the year, providing a way for adults to complete their high school equivalency and begin higher levels of educational success.

For more information about completing a high school credential, call Travis Locklear at 910-879-5587.

The 2017-2018 Bladen County Principal and Bladen County Teacher of the year have been announced. Both educators have been described by colleagues and students as two outstanding women for their service and dedication. Debora Guyton was named Principal of the Year and Patsy Moffat was named Teacher of the Year.

Principal of Bladenboro Primary School, Debora Guyton, was awarded the 2017-2018 Bladen County Principal of the Year.

Principal of Bladenboro Primary School, Debora Guyton

Teacher, Pasty Moffat, at Elizabethtown Middle School, was awarded the 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year.

Elizabethtown Middle School Teacher Patsy Moffat

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Photos by Kenneth Armstrong

Bladen Community College conducted their graduation ceremony on Tuesday evening and graduated one of the school’s largest classes with 224 students earning degrees and certificates.

Bladen Community College Board of Trustees President Dennis Troy welcomed everyone to the ceremony and challenged the graduates reminding them they have the opportunity to “change the world.”  Bladen Community College President Dr. William Findt welcomed the graduating students and their families to the event. The Baldwin Branch Male Chorus performed a variety of songs for the ceremony.

University of North Carolina at Pembroke Chancellor Dr. Robin Cummings gave the commencement address. He said many students who earn Associate Degrees at BCC go on to earn Bachelor degrees in the fields of Business, Social Work, and Education as well as other areas from UNCP. Dr. Cummings announced UNCP and BCC are working together to create a new dual enrollment partnership which will allow students an additional seamless Associate to Baccalaureate Nursing degree.

“You have just, in my opinion, completed the single most important investment in your future,” said Dr. Cummings.

Dr. Cummings shared his own story with the students. He was a Cardiothoracic Surgeon at the Pinehurst Surgical Clinic and Moore Regional Hospital, where he chaired the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Section of Cardiovascular and General Surgery. He said he was able to hold more than 3,000 hearts in his hands through his work as a surgeon. He credited his educational opportunities for this achievement.

Following, Dr. Cumming’s address, the degrees and certificates were awarded and Dr. Findt declared the students as graduates.

BladenOnline.com live streamed the event on our Facebook page.

Senior Games Presentation 1

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Senior Games Presentation 3

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Senior Games Presentation 5

One resident of the Elizabethtown Nursing Center was all smiles on Friday afternoon. Judy Scott placed first in the Silver Arts category in the Lumber River Regional Senior Games which were held recently. Her first place win allows her to compete in the State Senior Games to be held in Raleigh September 16 through the 25th.

On Friday, Twilla Allen with the Lumber River Council of Government accompanied Ursula Selles, the Coordinator of the Lumber River Regional Senior Games, to present Ms. Scott with her medal.

“I’m excited,” said Ms. Scott about learning her acrylic painting of two horses in a field had won first place in the Senior Games. She received a blue ribbon and a medal for her work.

Ms. Scott also showed two more of her paintings to Ms. Allen and Ms. Selles. One painting is of an Angel she has framed and hanging on a wall and another is a picture in a magazine she is still working to complete.

Ms. Selles said the Lumber River Regional Senior Games is open to participants who are 50 years of age or older. She said this year there were 60,000 participants. The Lumber River Regional Senior Games is one of 53 Senior Games which take place throughout North Carolina. Those who qualify in the state games will advance to the 2017 National Senior Games to be held later this year in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Lumber River Regional Senior Games consists of 27 events. Some of those events include track and field, bowling, golf, horse shoes, corn hole, billiards, shuffle board and table tennis. There is also a category called the Silver Arts which consists of heritage arts such as crocheting, pottery, and woodcarving and Literary Arts such as essays, poetry, and short stories. There is also a category for Performing Arts such as dramas and then there is the category for visual arts which Ms. Scott entered which includes drawing, painting, sculptures and photography.

The Minuteman Foodmart stores were honored for the company’s support of the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund. Holding the signed photo from left are Mac Campbell, Chris Campbell, Wesley Campbell and Brian Campbell.

The Minuteman Foodmart stores were recognized by the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund for their efforts in supporting North Carolina National Guardsmen who are deployed.

Wesley Campbell said the Minuteman Foodmart stores became involved with the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund four years ago. The program was formed by retired Sgt. Major Dennis Roach to raise money for National Guardsmen and their families. According to the fund’s website, each year members of the NC Petroleum and Convenience Store Marketers conduct a fundraiser by selling “boot” decals for $1 each. 

Campbell said, over the past four years, the Minuteman Foodmart stores have raised $50,000 in support of the program. “It has grown year after year,” said Campbell of the amount raised.

On Tuesday, Minuteman Foodmart received a surprise when retired Sgt. Major Roach arrived for a “visit” and brought with him a framed, signed photo thanking Minuteman Foodmart stores for their support. The mat which surrounds the photo is signed by different soldiers expressing their gratitude to the company.

When a soldier has to be away from his family, it can prove to be a difficult time for his family. That is where the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund comes in. The fund is a non-profit charitable organization which strives to support the needs of the National Guard Soldiers.

According to the fund’s website, “The Soldier’s and Airmen’s Assistance Fund has provided  over $1.4 million dollars of financial assistance to more than 1,350 North Carolina Guard families since 2004.  Assistance is provided in the form of grants for basic needs such as food, shelter, utilities, medical emergencies when no other resources are available.” Some of the programs the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund have worked with include the Wounded Warriors, Operation Gold Star, educational scholarships for military and veteran Guard families and Help a Hero Build A Home for disabled Guard veterans.

For more information about the fund, click here.

State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members via the SECU Foundation, presented a $10,000 four-year college scholarship to Amber Nicole Long, a senior at West Bladen High School.  The scholarship was awarded for study at UNC-Chapel Hill, part of North Carolina’s 16-campus University of North Carolina System.

Funded solely by Credit Union members and given based on SECU’s philosophy of “People Helping People,” the scholarship recognizes the recipient’s community involvement, leadership skills, character and integrity, as well as scholastic achievement. The scholarship is provided for tuition and university approved educational expenses over eight consecutive semesters.

State Employees’ Credit Union’s local Advisory Board member Joey Todd comments, “Through the SECU Foundation ‘People Helping People’ Scholarship program, Credit Union members have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many North Carolina high school seniors, helping them pursue and fulfill their educational goals through the University of North Carolina System.  On behalf of the SECU Foundation, I am proud to award this scholarship to Amber Nicole Long.”

Since its inception in 2005, the SECU Foundation “People Helping People” High School Scholarship program has provided over $44 million in scholarships for North Carolina high school seniors.

State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) members via the SECU Foundation, presented a $10,000 four-year college scholarship to Tamara L Moore, a senior at East Bladen High School.  The scholarship was awarded for study at NC State University, part of North Carolina’s 16-campus University of North Carolina System.

Funded solely by Credit Union members and given based on SECU’s philosophy of “People Helping People,” the scholarship recognizes the recipient’s community involvement, leadership skills, character and integrity, as well as scholastic achievement. The scholarship is provided for tuition and university approved educational expenses over eight consecutive semesters.

State Employees’ Credit Union’s local Advisory Board member Kate McVicker comments, “Through the SECU Foundation ‘People Helping People’ Scholarship program, Credit Union members have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of so many North Carolina high school seniors, helping them pursue and fulfill their educational goals through the University of North Carolina System.  On behalf of the SECU Foundation, I am proud to award this scholarship to Tamara L. Moore.”

Since its inception in 2005, the SECU Foundation “People Helping People” High School Scholarship program has provided over $44 million in scholarships for North Carolina high school seniors.

The Elizabethtown and Bladenboro Rotary Clubs honored Bladen County veterans of World War II in a special ceremony on Wednesday at Cape Fear Vineyard and Winery.  In all, fifteen (15) veterans were honored but two were unable to attend the ceremony.

“By their honor, courage and commitment they defeated evil in the world and did not allow the evil axis to enter the shores of our homeland,” said Rotarian Darrell Page as he paid tribute to the veterans.

Elizabethtown Rotary Club President Charlotte Smith and Bladenboro Rotary Club President Shirley Bridgers presented each veteran with a hat and a medallion to commemorate the event. US Congressman Robert Pittenger presented each of the veterans a flag that was flown over the Capitol building and US Congressman David Rouzer presented each of the veterans with a Letter of Commendation.

Rotarian Wayne Schaeffer introduced each veteran to the audience. Those honored were: Clifford Allen, Pvt. First Class United States Army; Jasper D. Evans, Motor Machinist Mate Third Class US Navy; Johnnie W. Evans, Technician Fifth Grade, US Army; Richard Frady Sr., Pharmacist’s Mate, US Navy; William J. Hair, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, US Navy;  James R. Heath, Seamon First Class, US Navy; Rufus Kendrick Hester, Technician Fifth Grade, US Army; James Rudolph Inman, Pvt. First Class, US Army; Fletcher Kemp, Staff Sgt. (E-5) US Army Air Force; Robert Simmons, Seaman First Class, US Navy; Edward M. Wallace, Seaman First Class, US Navy; Robert A. White, Sgt. US Army; Harry G. Womble, Pvt. US Army; James W. Wooten, Metalsmith Third Class, US Navy; and Bartram Moore.

Several West Bladen High School students that received their CNA certification in the fall of 2016 were inadvertently omitted from the list of 2017 CNA graduates.

The students are: Kassidy Anderson, Hugh Clark, Selene Flores, Kristen Hunt, Amber Long, Brianna Nance, Kayla Nunnery, Kathryn Schultz, Destinee Singletary, and Sophia Singletary.

Two Bladen County students were named by the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority as recipients of scholarships valued at up to $12,000 from the Golden LEAF Foundation.  The students selected for the honor were Anna Long and Alanna Ludlum.

According to the North Carolina State Education Assistance Authority, Anna Long and Alanna Ludlum, each received a $3,000 scholarship. The scholarship may be used for up to four years of study at a North Carolina college or university. They are two of 215 students who were selected for these scholarships.

The purpose of the Golden LEAF scholarship program is to increase educational opportunities and provide support to students from rural areas to further their education hoping following graduation, the recipients will provide leadership in their communities.

Both Long and Ludlum will be eligible to participate in the Golden LEAF Scholars program, as well. The Golden LEAF Scholars program provides leadership training at the Center for Creative Leadership. This also provides internship opportunities and stipends of up to $8,830.

Ryan Jamar Henry of Durham is the recipient of the Thurgood Marshall Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholarship.

Ryan is the proud son of Dawn Henry of Durham, North Carolina and Robert Henry of Alpharetta, Georgia. His grandparents are Alice Richardson of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Lorraine Henry of Elizabethtown, North Carolina and retired Colonel Daniel (Pamela) McFadgen of Woodbridge, Virginia. His great-grandparents are Thelma Prescott of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Glendell (Mary) Robinson of Elizabethtown, North Carolina.

Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993) was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving from October 1967 until October 1991. Marshall was the Court’s 96th justice and its first African-American justice. Before becoming a judge, Marshall was a lawyer who best known for his high success rate in arguing before the Supreme Court and for the victory in Brown v. Board of Education, a 1954 decision that ruled that segregated public schools were unconstitutional. According to Wikipedia, the Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholars Program is only awarded to first generation students in their freshmen year of college.

Ryan was selected and responsible for writing an essay of a minimum of 500 words entitled “What does it mean to be the first person in your family to receive a college degree? What impact would this scholarship have on your education? The award is for one year and the student must be enrolled in college full time which is a minimum of 12 hours each semester. A student is required to maintain satisfactory academic progress to ensure financial award which is $6, 200 for a one time offer.

Ryan is a recent graduate of Leesville Road High School located in Raleigh, North Carolina, and completed high school with a grade point average of 3.0. Ryan will attend North Carolina Central University located in Durham, North Carolina this fall and major in Accounting.