ELLERBE — The little Richmond County town that one of professional wrestling’s largest stars called home for the last years of his life is among the locations to be featured in an upcoming film.

A documentary crew from the New York area came to Ellerbe to shoot footage for an HBO Sports feature on Andre the Giant and speak with those who knew him well.

Jackie McAuley, who donated most of the items in the Andre exhibit at the Rankin Museum of American Heritage, was one of the main interviewees.

“We’ve only just started,” said director Jason Hehir, owner of JMH Films, while taking a lunch break at the Spring House restaurant. “We’ve only done a few interviews so far, but I knew from our research and from all that I’ve read that Jackie was really close to Andre, so this is one of the first places we wanted to come.”

McAuley and her late ex-husband Frenchy Bernard — a former wrestler, manager and referee — lived and worked with Andre on his Ellerbe ranch from the early ‘80s until his death in 1993.

“Shoots always go a lot better when you’ve got a local person that you’ve done research with beforehand,” Hehir said of McAuley.

The crew arrived Monday and scouted locations, including Andre’s former property. Tuesday, they went to Millstone 4-H Camp to conduct the interview with McAuley — where they were interrupted, temporarily, from gunfire at the shooting range.

After lunch, the shot B-roll around town and went back to the home and ranch to meet with a crew from Wilmington to get drone footage of the property.

Joining, Hehir is Thom Stukas, director of photography, Jon Roche, second unit director of photography, and Bob Bryan on audio.

He said he’s used them on about 80 percent of his projects and the crew has worked together for nearly a decade.

“When these guys are available, I use them,” he said. “They’re in high demand. There’s a couple of dozen Emmy’s between the three of them….They’re good friends of mine in and out of the business.”

Hehir, who previously spent seven years at HBO, is also an Emmy-winning director and producer.

HBO announced the documentary in a February press release, saying it “will explore Andre’s upbringing in France, his celebrated career in WWE and his forays in the entertainment world.”

Hehir said their brief time here this week is probably the only time they will be in Richmond County.

“We’ve got a lot of other places to get to,” he said. “We’re going to Montreal, then France in a couple of weeks. We’ll probably interview 30-35 people for the doc…and they’re spread out all over the globe.”

While Japan was an important location during Andre’s career, Hehir said they may get out there, time permitting.

“There’s a lot of factors in play,” he said. “You have to decide where you want to allocate your resources best. But we knew that this was arguably the most important location of his life, so we wanted to make came down here.”

Stukas asked McAuley, who has visited Andre’s home in France, about the similarities between it and Ellerbe.

“Probably the small village atmosphere and knowing everybody and recognizing everybody…I think what he appreciated the most is he didn’t get flocked by the public,” she said. “They were respectful…they just spoke to him as an individual instead of mobbing him.”

“With the amount of attention he got all over the world,” Hehir added, “he needed that kind of a refuge, that kind of a sanctuary to just be himself.”

An air date for the documentary has not yet been set.

Reach William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_toler.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal Thom Stukus, director of photography for an upcoming documentary on Andre the Giant, records footage in Ellerbe on Tuesday.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_andredoc_camera-1.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal Thom Stukus, director of photography for an upcoming documentary on Andre the Giant, records footage in Ellerbe on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Linda Nestor Director Jason Hehir, center, interviews Jackie McAuley at Millstone 4-H Camp while Thom Stukas checks his shot on the camera.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_andredoc_hboJackie-1.jpgPhoto courtesy of Linda Nestor Director Jason Hehir, center, interviews Jackie McAuley at Millstone 4-H Camp while Thom Stukas checks his shot on the camera.

ELLERBE — Before the summer heat wave hits, festival organizers will bring the community together for family fun and education.

This year’s Mayfest, which will take place on Saturday for its fifth consecutive year, plans to provide visitors with entertainment and information about healthy eating and exercise habits.

The festival will begin with a 5K race at 8:30 a.m., with registration starting at 8 a.m. at 122 Railroad St. in Ellerbe. Mayfest officially will start after the race at 10 a.m. and will run until 4 p.m.

The festival is an annual fundraiser for the Mineral Springs Improvement Council to support its after-school and summer enrichment programs. This year the council also is planing to use funds to provide fresh produce for people who can’t afford it on a weekly basis, said Barbra Moton, MSIC event coordinator.

Mayfest attracted 500 visitors last year, and Moton hopes the addition of more entertainment and learning opportunities will attract double the number of visitors this year.

“This year we are starting a walking program to encourage exercise, and we will teach people about eating healthier,” Moton said.

“We have been able to bring in different vendors and more people to plan, which I think will make it more exciting,” Moton said. “I think the trackless train, bouncy house, and a few different activities that will be free to participate in will be this year’s crowd favorites.”

The springtime festival also will feature numerous food vendors, including a smoothie booth and collard sandwich sales; snack options Moton believes to be healthier than most festival foods.

“It is okay to have unhealthy snacks sometimes, but not every day,” she said

Moton believes it is important to provide better eating options at the event because they are teaching visitors about proper diets.

Hannah Gibson, 3, gets help with her golf swing from her mother, Beverly, at last year’s Mayfest in Ellerbe.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_mayfesy-1.jpgHannah Gibson, 3, gets help with her golf swing from her mother, Beverly, at last year’s Mayfest in Ellerbe.

HAMLET — In addition to the fundraisers, employee drives, and the event-night sales, numerous local businesses have already helped the Richmond County Relay For Life’s cause by purchasing sponsorships for this year’s fundraising efforts.

The marquee event of the local fundraising campaign for the American Cancer Society will take place rain or shine Friday on the campus of Richmond Community College. This event unites communities to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and provide an opportunity to take action for lifesaving change, organizers say. Dollars raised allow the American Cancer Society to help people facing the disease today, educate people about how to reduce their risk for cancer or detect it early when it’s the easiest to treat, and fund cancer research that will help protect future generations.

“This year’s sponsors have already given us a big lift towards our $90,000 community goal,” said Cameron Whitley, community manager for the local district. “It is a big goal, but we feel good about reaching it after last year’s efforts were so strong. Major goals like this year’s are unreachable without the generosity of our local businesses.”

This year’s platinum sponsor is Cascades Tissue Group, a local pulp paper manufacturer that has been a mainstay for several years at the fundraiser.

Silver sponsors include Pee Dee Electric, DHI Builders, Trinty Manufacturing, Piedmont Natural Gas, TRG Sign Company, Richmond County Hospice, Tri-Cook Electric, Superior Crane, Perdue, Tri-City, Inc., and Medical Center Pharmacy.

Bronze Sponsors for this year are Alpha Mu Chapter of the APC Society, FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital, Mini-Maxi Storage, Sandhills Regional Medical Center, Richmond County Sheriff’s Department, Murphy Chiropractic, Acts of Kindness Adult Care and Services, Von Drehle, Community Home Care and Hospice, and Richmond County Farm Bureau.

Signature Sponsors include City of Rockingham, City of Hamlet, Convenience Corner, Dieffenbach GMC Superstore, East Rockingham Men’s Club, Family Pharmacy, Jelgo Electrical, Murphy Electric Supply, Inc., Quality Oil and Gas, Rockingham Church of God of Prophecy, Sugg Logging, LLC, Therafirm, Kendrick’s Professional Detailing, and Dance Sensations and Gymnastics

Gabrielle Goodwin, of silver sponsor Tri City, Inc., summed up her thoughts about donating to the cause.

“Cancer is a battle that we here at Tri-City have all encountered, whether it be my family or the families of our employees,” she said. “It is a fight that has touched us all on a personal level and we simply want to do our part to combat the disease and help those affected.”

Jamie Brooks, volunteer committee chairperson, remarked about the sponsor’s presence during the May 5 event.

“You will see a lot of these sponsors tents on Relay night, too,” she said. “Not only did these companies step up to make sizable donations, but their employees are volunteers on our organizing committee, have been having employee fundraising activities, and will be raising money during the big event.”

There is yet another way sponsors will be recognized.

“Helping to mark off the relay track will be signs from our trackside sponsors,” Whitley said.

The corrugated plastic signs are branded with company names providing another brand/company recognition opportunity.

In addition to the opportunity to promote local businesses or organizations, the trackside signs are sometime purchased to be memorials or honorariums for those affected by cancer.

“We have had signs purchased with the names of loved ones who have fought the good fight against cancer,” Whitley remarked

The Richmond County community joins with communities from around the world for the largest fundraising event to fight back against cancer. The annual Relay For Life is branded as such because of the team relays that take place from just after the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. until the event ends at midnight.

“When teams sign up, they are reminded that they have to have a team member walking the track for the entire event,” Brooks said. “This relay and continual presence on the track reminds us that those fighting cancer can’t just step away from their battle against cancer. Six hours to spend fundraising and walking is a small sample of the hours that cancer patients and their families spend fighting.”

More information about the sponsorship opportunities, as well as others ways to get involved, can be found online at www.facebook.com/richmondncrelay and www.relayforlife.org/richmondnc, or by phone at 910-334-0207.

VonDrehle, a 2017 Bronze Sponsor, takes part in the Team Lap during the 2016 Relay For Life, a part of the opening ceremonies. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, rain or shine, and starts at 6 p.m. on the campus of Richmond Community College. The company is just one of dozens of the sponsors of the annual event.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_RELAY_TRACKTEAM.jpgVonDrehle, a 2017 Bronze Sponsor, takes part in the Team Lap during the 2016 Relay For Life, a part of the opening ceremonies. This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, rain or shine, and starts at 6 p.m. on the campus of Richmond Community College. The company is just one of dozens of the sponsors of the annual event.

RALEIGH — State Rep. Garland Pierce’s efforts to have a bill passed establishing a legislative task force to study what he says is a growing problem of homelessness across the state stalled last week.

“It just never got out of committee and to the floor for a vote before the bill crossover deadline for this session,” said Pierce, a Democrat from Wagram whose district includes part of Robeson County. “But it’s not over yet. There is always a way to make things happen.”

Pierce had been pushing to get his bill heard before the House Committee on Homelessness, Dependency and Foster Care. A hearing had been scheduled, but was postponed when other items on the committee’s agenda took more of the meeting time than had been expected.

Pierce’s bill called for the establishment of a 12-member joint legislative task force that would include House and Senate representatives as well members of the public. The task force would look at methods of addressing homelessness in general, study issues of homelessness specific to North Carolina, and recommend initiatives appropriately tailored to the homeless needs of the state.

The proposal called for the task force to submit its study and recommendations on or before May 1, 2018.

Pierce said that homelessness is a growing problem across the state and needs to be brought under control.

“We won’t be able to get rid of homelessness, but we need to look at creative ways to reduce it,” Pierce said.

Although disappointed that his bill will not be heard and acted on this legislative session, he was upbeat, saying he will not stop his efforts to address the problem of homelessness at the state and regional levels.

“I can always approach the governor and request he establish by executive order a task force to study homelessness statewide,” Pierce said. “And I can work on my own to setup a regional task force to study homelessness in the four counties I represent.”

In addition to Robeson County, Pierce represents parts of Hoke, Scotland and Richmond counties.

Pierce said that he has already been approached by community leaders in the four counties he represents who are interested in seeing that a task force to study homelessness in their counties be initiated.

“I can do that even as I continue my efforts to have a task force established at the state level,” he said.

Pierce says that it is important that people realize that homelessness is more than just not having a house in which to call their own.

“People can be considered homeless if they are staying with someone else, sleeping on the floor or a couch,” Pierce said earlier this month. “They are homeless if they are sleeping on the street or in a car.”

Bob Shiles can be reached at 910-416-5165.

Pierce

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Rep.-Garland-Pierce-mug_cmyk.jpgPierce

ROCKINGHAM — Community members will be turning their tires Saturday to raise money for the Special Olympics.

The Buddy Roe’s 8th Annual Bike Ride for Richmond County Special Olympics will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rockingham Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, located at 106 Old River Road in Rockingham.

Registration for the event will begin at 12:30 p.m. and will cost $15 for the “Single Package,” which includes registration for one rider, a T-shirt, and 10 50/50 raffle tickets. There also is a “Double Package” for $20 that includes registration for two riders, two T-shirts, and 10 50/50 raffle tickets. Those in attendance also will have the chance to win door prizes.

There will be a live auction during the daylong event, with all proceeds benefiting the Special Olympics.

The event was founded by Buddy Roebuck, owner of Buddy Roe’s Bar in Rockingham, in honor of his niece, Lisa Horner, who is an active participant in the Special Olympics of Richmond County.

The event raised more than $5,000 last year, said Sarah Thompson, the event’s coordinator.

“This year I hope we can raise the same amount or more,” Thompson said. “This is the first year we are having the bike ride after the Special Olympics, so I will present the check to Theressa Smith (Special Olympics of Richmond County coordinator) personally, and not during the games on Thursday.”

More than 60 riders participated in last year’s fundraiser, and Thompson hopes more will take part this weekend, including athletes from the Special Olympics.

“We are really trying to encourage the athletes to come out and participate this year,” she said.

The funds generated by the event are from individual donations, registration fees, a 50/50 raffle, T-shirt sales, a barbecue plate sale, and sponsorships from area businesses, Thompson said.

Call Robin Roberts at 910-995-2889 or Sarah Thompson at 910-299-6311 for more information.

ROCKINGHAM — It was standing room only Thursday at this year’s 24th Annual National Day of Prayer celebration.

More than 200 community members from congregations across Richmond County gathered at the steps of the Old Richmond County Court House, facing South Franklin Street, to pray for the local community, government, leaders, media and youth.

The National Day of Prayer was adopted 66 years ago, and the local community has been gathering on the first Thursday of May to pray, along with cities and towns around the state and nation.

“When you are down on your knees and you have laid it all down on the line, and given it all to the Lord, the only thing you can do is stand up. You stand up and face that day, like today, a day that we will never see again, but we are all thankful that the good Lord has prepared us and presented this day for us,” Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons said.

This year’s theme for the nationally celebrated event was “For his name’s sake! Hear us… Forgive us… Heal us!” Along with a great turnout, Thursday’s weather cooperated with organizers and provided plenty of sunlight and warmth, opposed to the cold and damp climate attendees had to face a year ago.

Those brave enough to take to the microphone shared biblical verses, and messages about the power of God and prayer in times of hurting, whether it was the loss of a loved one, fighting illness, or taking care of ailing parents.

“There is nothing prayer can’t do and I hope to be here for another 26 years to celebrate the 50th gathering,” said Laura Cromer, an 88-year-old who made the trip from Ellerbe to Rockingham for the 24th time.

The event featured testimonials on the power of prayer, songs to inspire, and choirs welcoming those gathered to join along in song.

“I knew we had a bunch of prayer warriors out here today, and it is truly an honor to stand before you this afternoon and there comes a time where you make a mistake, you never give a politician a mic and expect him to sit down, and you never give a man a mic who loves the Lord because we could talk forever,” Clemmons said.

Children from the Mt. Olive Christian School performed the three pledges of allegiance, first to the flag of the United States of America, then to the Christian flag, and finally to the Bible. The children recited “I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s holy work” to the adults lending their ears, before all in attendance joined in.

“As I sat in my chair I was thinking of something to say and then I happened to look over to these young kids here — we owe them a better world, we owe them a better life,” Clemmons said. “As I sat there I saw a young man, and as the program was going on he was playing in the dirt — he didn’t have a care in the world. He didn’t have a stressful thought in his mind. He had no pain, and we all remember those days and as adults we need to make sure that the world we prepare is a better place.”

Nolan Gilmour | Daily Journal Richmond Count Sheriff James Clemmons bows his head in prayer before taking to the microphone to give people attending the local National Day of Prayer celebration a message of hope for the future of youth and faith in God.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_sheriffpray.jpgNolan Gilmour | Daily Journal Richmond Count Sheriff James Clemmons bows his head in prayer before taking to the microphone to give people attending the local National Day of Prayer celebration a message of hope for the future of youth and faith in God.

ROCKINGHAM — Athletes of all ages made their way to the podium during this year’s Richmond County Special Olympics.

The 2017 spring games began Thursday morning after Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons led the athletes around the Richmond Senior High School track with an Olympic torch in hand.

Special Olympians, all wearing purple T-shirts, just like the volunteers, were seen grinning from ear to ear as they rounded the track and met cheering fans sitting in the bleachers during the opening ceremony’s parade.

The smiles continued throughout the morning as athletes put forth tremendous effort, which earned each participant a spot on the podium and either a gold, silver, or bronze medal.

Athletes representing East Rockingham Elementary, Washington Street Elementary, Cordova School, Rockingham Middle School, 9th Grade Academy, Richmond Senior High School, and the adult community competed in an array of sports. Participants ranging from 8 to 70 years old took part in the day’s 50-meter dash, long jump, and softball throw.

“We can all learn so many lessons from these athletes. We can learn about hard work, perseverance, and finding joy in small victories,” said Cindy Goodman, Richmond County Schools superintendent. “These athletes make the world a little more special just by being in it.”

The Cordova School choir also had its athletes perform two songs for the audience and fellow Olympians, with one lyric saying all they needed was “a little bit more of love.”

“The best part about today is seeing the faces of the athletes when people are cheering them on,” said Theressa Smith, Richmond County Special Olympics coordinator.

This year, the event featured three podiums, opposed to one in years past, which allowed athletes to focus more on the games and not on waiting in line to receive their medals, Smith said.

The two additional podiums were donated by Freedom Baptist Church in Rockingham, and the event also had Buddy Roe’s Bar, Von Drehle Corporation, and Cascades Industries donating volunteers and funds.

“If anyone would like to donate or volunteer in the future, we need and it and would greatly appreciate it,” Smith said.

“The best part about today is getting out of the house and making friends, socializing, and having fun,” said Shawn Richardson, who represented the adult community and has been an athlete at the game for 10 years. “It’s great to have a lot of people come out and support Special Olympics because it is just fun to do and really fun to meet new people.”

Although not everyone won a gold medal, all the athletes went home winners.

“We are just like everyone else, and we want to do things just like everyone else. We probably aren’t going to do able to do it as well or as efficient as everyone else, but we still want to go out have fun and enjoy life,” Richardson said.

Each Olympian was paired up with one of the 150 volunteers, most being student athletes at RSHS and employees at the Department of Social Services, who not only assisted participants, but also handed out medals and encouragement.

Volunteers could be heard far and wide chanting “you can do it,” and congratulating participants not matter the outcome of the event.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Skipper_1.jpg

Nolan Gilmour | Daily Journal Athletes and volunteers from Richmond Senior High School take part Thursday in the Richmond County Special Olympics opening ceremony parade.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_olympics.jpgNolan Gilmour | Daily Journal Athletes and volunteers from Richmond Senior High School take part Thursday in the Richmond County Special Olympics opening ceremony parade.

HOFFMAN — The town has been awarded a grant by the Cole Foundation to help support a new summer youth enrichment program in Hoffman, the mayor announced recently.

“We are extremely grateful for this opportunity from the Cole Foundation,” Tommy Hart said. “We would also like to thank the Lumber River Council of Governments and its staff, especially David Richardson, in helping us through the application process.”

Additional funding for the program is being made possible from the Town of Hoffman.

The program will run from June 19 through Aug. 18, Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the old Hoffman Elementary School. The program is for Richmond County children ages 5 to 13 who are in need of summer educational enrichment. The program will provide participants with tutoring by North Carolina certified teachers and teaching assistants, cultural enrichment activities, and nutritionally balanced meals.

Hoffman Commissioner Rory Jones, who will coordinate the program, said “this is an excellent opportunity for our children to remain educationally engaged during the summer months and reduce the normal summer learning loss.”

Pre-registration is required and there is a program fee of $25 per child.

Anyone interested in having their children participate in this program should contact the Town of Hoffman at 910-281-3606 for registration information and additional details about the program.

Leader of the Town of Hoffman are pleased about the receipt of a grant from the Cole Foundation to help support a new summer youth enrichment program in Hoffman.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Hoffman_1.jpgLeader of the Town of Hoffman are pleased about the receipt of a grant from the Cole Foundation to help support a new summer youth enrichment program in Hoffman.

RALEIGH — Seven tons of old or unnecessary medication — including more than 200 pounds from Richmond County — were destroyed by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday.

The SBI sent 15,442 pounds of medicine turned in during Operation Medicine Drop to an incinerator in Alamance County, according to a release from the SBI. The campaign calls for state residents to give their expired or unneeded medicine to their local law enforcement agencies, which turn them over to the SBI. The SBI’s eight field offices handed the medicine over for disposal.

Patty McQuillan, a communications officer with the SBI, said that 232.68 pounds of prescription medicine were turned in from Richmond County alone. Of that, the Rockingham Police Department took in 118.78 pounds and the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office collected 113.9 pounds.

In Anson, 60.5 pounds, or about 30,250 dosage units, were collected by the Anson County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the SBI release, the seven tons of disposed medication totaled about 7.7 million dosage units.

“Destroying unused medications not only keeps drugs out of the reach of children, but helps remove an adult’s temptation to consume unused pills that could lead to addiction,” SBI Director Bob Schurmeier said in the release. “The SBI will continue to partner with other agencies to help prevent tragedies that can occur with overdoses of medications.”

Reach Anson Record reporter Imari Scarbrough at 704-994-5471 and follow her on Twitter @ImariScarbrough.

Daily Journal file photo More than 230 pounds of unused medication was collected by both the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Rockingham Police Department for this year’s Operation Medicine Drop, according to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_meddroppills.jpgDaily Journal file photo More than 230 pounds of unused medication was collected by both the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office and Rockingham Police Department for this year’s Operation Medicine Drop, according to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation.

MARSTON — A Richmond Senior High School student was killed, and six other people injured — including two young children — following a Wednesday morning wreck, according to the N.C. Highway Patrol.

Kayla Janelle Payne, a 19-year-old senior, died at the scene after the car she was riding in collided with another near the fire station in Marston, Trooper L.E. Sampson told the Daily Journal on Friday afternoon.

Payne, and her brother, 18-year-old Keith Kelly McElveen, were passengers of 18-year-old Torahn Anton-Morris Vertus when his Nissan was travelling south on U.S. 1, ran off the road, over-corrected and crossed the center line, colliding with a Ford passenger car driven by 25-year-old Kenneth Orlando Covington, according to Sampson.

The trooper said the Nissan overturned and came to rest on the driver’s side with the front of the car facing the road. The Ford was also off the highway, with its tail end facing the road.

Sampson said he was dispatched at 7:49 a.m. and that witnesses on the scene had called 911 immediately following the wreck.

Vertus and McElveen — also high school students — were both airlifted to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, where they were listed in stable condition on Friday, each with several fractures, the trooper said. Their injuries do not appear to be life-threatening.

Covington had three passengers: 22-year-old Mikela Monique Allred and two children in car seats, ages 3 and 1.

The driver and youngest child were both taken to FirstHealth Richmond Memorial Hospital in Rockingham. Allred, who Sampson said is seven-months pregnant, was taken to FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. The three-year-old was initially taken to Richmond, but later transferred to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, Sampson said.

RSHS Principal Jim Bulter sent out an announcement to parents following the wreck.

“This is a great loss for all of us,” he said. “When a tragedy like this occurs, it impacts not only Richmond Senior High School, but all of Richmond County Schools.”

Butler said that guidance counselors were at the school to talk with students and staff and provide support “during this difficult time.”

“Our staff will continue to watch for students who may be struggling, and we will continue to take these measures as long as needed,” he added. “As a parent, I hope you will take time to talk with your child about this incident and allow them to share their thoughts and feelings…I hope you will keep this family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

Payne’s family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Boles Funeral Home in Southern Pines. A graveside funeral service is set for 2 p.m. Sunday at Pinebluff Cemetery.

Payne

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_obit_payne.jpgPayne

ROCKINGHAM – On July 22, Dr. Shoukath Ansar will observe his 30th year as a member of the medical staff at Richmond Memorial Hospital. During Richmond Memorial’s observation of Doctors Day, his colleagues returned the favor by recognizing him as the hospital’s 2017 Physician of the Year.

A gastroenterologist, Dr. Ansari is known for his ability to work well with other physicians and staff to provide high-quality patient care as well as for his willingness to teach new members of the hospital staff about GI procedures.

Also noted by those nominating him for the Physician of the Year award were his thorough knowledge of various medical conditions and his compassion for patients and families.

RMH/Sandhills Regional President John Jackson calls Dr. Ansari “hardworking” and “very easy to work with” while also pointing out his availability to his patients and his sense of humor.

“If he wasn’t such a great physician, he could be a comedian or actor,” Jackson said.

Dr. Ansari received his medical training at the Tirunnelvei Medical College in India and later completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of South Carolina.

Courtesy photo Shoukath Ansari, M.D., has been named Richmond Memorial’s Physician of the Year for 2017. Dr. Ansari (second from left) is pictured with John Jackson, president of Richmond Memorial/Sandhills Regional; Christy Land, Richmond Memorial’s director of quality; and Allison Duckworth, chief operating officer for Richmond Memorial.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Firsthealth_ansari.jpgCourtesy photo Shoukath Ansari, M.D., has been named Richmond Memorial’s Physician of the Year for 2017. Dr. Ansari (second from left) is pictured with John Jackson, president of Richmond Memorial/Sandhills Regional; Christy Land, Richmond Memorial’s director of quality; and Allison Duckworth, chief operating officer for Richmond Memorial.

HAMLET — Ed O’Neal remembers many years ago when a good friend of his, Ted Smith, loaned him $400 to buy a car. While not a large sum of money, to O’Neal it was a huge amount and was the jumpstart he needed at that point in his life.

Giving someone else a jumpstart is exactly what O’Neal hopes to accomplish with the D.R. “Ted” Smith Memorial Scholarship that he established at Richmond Community College in memory of his longtime friend.

O’Neal is a retired lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force. His family and Smith’s family have long been close friends, and Peggy, Ted’s wife, said her husband always treated O’Neal like a son.

“When Ted loaned me that money, he was giving me that head start, that little bit of a push that made such a difference,” O’Neal said.

Two scholarships will be awarded each year to a student in the Nursing Assistant I program and a student in the NCCER Electrical Level I program offered through the College’s Workforce and Economic Development division. The scholarships will cover all tuition, books and fees, as well as specific supplies needed for each program.

“Each year these scholarships will help one person in each program, and hopefully that will help change someone’s life to put them on the path to pay it back somewhere else or help someone else,” O’Neal said. “Good work and having a profession is one of the greatest things that can help change a person’s life in such a wonderful and lasting way.”

The scholarship is need-based and has parameters set to give preference to females enrolled in the electrical program and males in the nursing course.

While the scholarship was endowed as of April 2017, additional funds were made available so the scholarship can be awarded immediately while the endowment grows.

Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC, noted the uniqueness of the scholarship O’Neal established.

“You have blazed a trail, just like you did in the military, just like you did in school, and just like you did throughout your career because we don’t have another scholarship like this,” McInnis said about O’Neal. “He has set the example that others can now follow for establishing endowed scholarships. We are going to be using what we invented with you as a template to show other people how their support can have the greatest impact.”

McInnis also thanked O’Neal for entrusting the RichmondCC Foundation with this scholarship and for honoring a man who meant so much to O’Neal and his family.

“The best thing that will come out of this scholarship is the help it will give these students every year and knowing somebody else is going to have a chance,” McInnis said. “We’ve got a great friend in Ed O’Neal at this college, and I thank you for that.”

Dr. Hal Shuler, associate vice president of development, encouraged others to follow the example set by O’Neal in supporting students who are trying to get an education that will put them in a career, not just a job.

“A scholarship is a great way to honor someone’s memory, while also helping others get ahead in life,” Shuler said. “As Ed said, it’s a great way to pay back a jumpstart you might have been given at some point in your life.”

To learn more about the D.R. “Ted” Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund or to contribute to this scholarship fund to help it grow, contact Shuler at (910) 410-1807 or whshuler@richmondcc.edu.

Wylie D. Bell is director of marketing and communications for Richmond Community College.

Courtesy photo Retired Lt. Col. Ed O’Neal, U.S. Air Force, (left) established the D.R. “Ted” Smith Memorial Scholarship at Richmond Community College. He is pictured with his daughter, Whitney, and Smith’s wife, Peggy, with Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_rcc_Onealscholarship.jpgCourtesy photo Retired Lt. Col. Ed O’Neal, U.S. Air Force, (left) established the D.R. “Ted” Smith Memorial Scholarship at Richmond Community College. He is pictured with his daughter, Whitney, and Smith’s wife, Peggy, with Dr. Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC.

Rockingham’s newest downtown event will hit the sidewalks again Thursday evening when Affair on the Square returns.

From 5 to 8 p.m. restaurants, merchants and artists will join efforts to entertain attendees and to show off the artistic talents of locals.

“It is an evening social sidewalk event in downtown Rockingham,” said Sharon Nichols, member of the event planning committee. “The restaurants will be offering dinner specials and have live music, and the idea is we want to invite people to have dinner at Hudson Brothers or Henry’s or Pattan’s and then stroll down the sidewalk to another place for dessert. And in between the restaurants, all along the sidewalk, there will be artists and exhibitors with stuff for them to do and see.”

Nichols added some of the “stuff” to see will be paintings, metal sculptures, colored pencil drawings, tote bags, handbags, home décor, jewelry, clothes, and woodworking among other things.

The extended path this spring begins at the new locations for Todd’s Computers and Bold Moves Dance Company and moves towards the square.

“When you walk up Washington Street, the Dark Horse band will be playing and there will be a large art display in the square as well. And the restaurants also will have live music,” said Nichols.

The event, which is sponsored by the Rockingham Downtown Corp., was the events committee’s brainstorm, according to RDC President Susan Kelly.

“It’s just another festival in the spring that can bring some life to the downtown businesses,” she said.

Although a large number of exhibitors are already signed up, Nichols and Kelly said there are still spots on the sidewalk that are open.

“I don’t want to say we are full,” said Nichols. “We’ve got enough to have a really nice event, but certainly if an artist or artisan were to call and say ‘Can I get a space?’ the answer would be yes.”

Program maps for event-goers will be printed and handed out on Thursday at all three eateries and participating merchants. Discovery Place Kids and Hudson Brothers will be hosting children’s activities, while retail and service businesses will be open to the public.

“All of the participating merchants will have drawings in their stores for a gift certificate worth $25 or more,” Nichols said. “That includes the six new businesses downtown, Todd’s Computers, Simply Chic Boutique, Bold Moves, Kool Kakes Bakery, Evolution Health Club and Re/Max. You should go in and register to win a gift certificate so there’s a reason to stop at all the merchants. We’ll have balloons marking all the stops so people will know where they’re going.”

Organizers said the events committee decided to host the sidewalk festival on a weeknight with good reason.

“We’re not trying to compete with weekend activities. It’s an evening out,” Nichols said. “The idea is to bring some foot traffic to downtown Rockingham on a weeknight.”

The Affair on the Square is mainly for the Richmond County arts community, Nichols said, although this year some new vendors have been added.

“It’s not really a street festival. It’s more of a sidewalk festival. We’re not stopping traffic so it’s not gonna be shut down. It’s just a sidewalk stroll-and-shop and look-and-see, and come to downtown Rockingham.”

Exhibitors wanting to participate in the event Thursday and get a booth can contact Nichols at 910-331-9965 or email the RDC at rockinghamdowntown@gmail.com.

Daily Journal file photo Affair on the Square returns to downtown Rockingham this Thursday, with vendors, musicians and activities along the sidewalks between businesses.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_affair_hula.jpgDaily Journal file photo Affair on the Square returns to downtown Rockingham this Thursday, with vendors, musicians and activities along the sidewalks between businesses.

ROCKINGHAM — Three Richmond County men are accused of selling drugs, ranging from heroin to cocaine, during undercover operations.

Willie Frank Bennett Jr., 47, of Scholl Shankle Road, Hamlet, allegedly sold “suspected cocaine” during a controlled purchase, according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators say 33-year-old Dainel Lee Gathings, of Coble Road, south of Rockingham, sold suspected heroin on three separate occasions and that 23-year-old Brentay Qontell McQueen, of Kings Drive, Hamlet, sold both suspected cocaine and prescription pills.

McQueen was arrested April 7 and charged with: possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana; maintaining a vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia; simple possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance; and two counts of simple possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

He was booked into the Richmond County Jail under a $10,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court June 5. Records show he has several pending traffic violations in both Richmond and Anson counties.

Gathings was arrested April 28 and charged with three felony counts each of: selling a Schedule I controlled substance; delivering a Schedule I controlled substance; and possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance.

He was jailed under a $50,000 secured bond and has a court date scheduled for May 11.

Bennett was arrested April 27 and charged with one felony count each of: selling a Schedule II controlled substance; delivering a Schedule II controlled substance; possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; and maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance.

He was jailed under a $10,000 secured bond and has a scheduled court date of May 11.

According to records with the N.C. Department of Public Safety Division of Adult Correction, Bennett was given probation in 2011 following a conviction of possession of a Schedule II controlled substance.

Gathings was first convicted on a felony count of accessory after the fact in 2003.

In 2009, he was convicted on a misdemeanor count of use or possession of drug paraphernalia.

The following year, Gathings was convicted on two misdemeanor count of simple assault or affray and initially given probation, which was revoked in late 2010, sending him behind bars for two months.

McQueen has no previous convictions in North Carolina.

All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Reach William R. Toler at 910-817-2675 and follow him on Twitter @William_r_toler.

Bennett

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_willieBENNETT.jpgBennett

Gathings

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_daniel-gathings.jpgGathings

McQueen

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_brentaymcqueen.jpgMcQueen

MOUNT GILEAD — Duke Energy will begin scheduled recreation flow releases into the Pee Dee River below the Tillery Hydro Plant for boating and fishing enthusiasts on May 20, according to a statement issued Monday.

Eleven recreation flow release dates have been scheduled on Saturdays from May 20 through Sept. 9. They are May 20 and 27, June 10 and 24, July 1, 15 and 29, Aug. 12 and 26, and Sept. 2 and 9. The releases will begin at 6:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.

The target rate of all flow releases will range from 800 to 1,000 cubic feet per second, which is suitable for beginner and intermediate boaters and paddlers, according to Duke officials.

“These scheduled recreation flow releases are intended to provide reliable flows for outdoor enthusiasts to plan their trips,” said John Crutchfield, director of public safety and recreation planning services for Duke Energy.

The releases are part of the new operating license for the Tillery Hydro Plant issued in 2015 by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Under the license, Duke Energy formed a collaborative stakeholder team to develop a recreation release plan to guide scheduled flows in the new license term.

Duke Energy will monitor key access areas on each scheduled flow release date along a 12-mile reach of the Pee Dee River below Tillery Dam. Information will be collected to gauge user activity and gather feedback from users on their trip experiences with the releases.

Coupled with the scheduled flow releases, Duke Energy has constructed a new access area, Clarks Creek Access Area, just below Tillery Dam to provide an entry point for boaters using the river.

Additional access areas for either put-in or take-out are the Griffin Road Access Area located on the Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge about eight miles downstream, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Highway 109 Access Area about 12 miles downstream. These two access areas are on the Anson County side of the river.

To plan recreation trips, boaters can expect the travel time of water released downstream to the Rocky River confluence to be about four hours, downstream to Griffin Road Access to be about six hours, and downstream to the Highway 109 (Red Hill) Access Area to be about eight hours. Under a four-hour flow release, the water will return to normal minimum flows at the Clarks Creek Access around 12:00 p.m., at the Rocky River confluence around 2:30 p.m., at the Griffin Road Access around 4:30 p.m., and at the Highway 109 Access around 6:30 p.m.

Interested public and recreation users can obtain more information about the scheduled recreation flow releases at duke-energy.com/lakes.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal
Duke Energy will begin scheduled recreation flow releases into the Pee Dee River for boating and fishing enthusiasts on May 20.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_riverflows.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal
Duke Energy will begin scheduled recreation flow releases into the Pee Dee River for boating and fishing enthusiasts on May 20.

William R. Toler | Daily Journal

Local musician Ray Charles performs the Temptations’ “My Girl” at Ellerbe’s Mayfest on Saturday. Despite an early morning rain, wind and cooler temps, several hundred people came out to the event, which included food and merchandise vendors, music and activities for both young and old. Proceeds from Mayfest go toward funding projects of the Mineral Springs Improvement Council, which include a summer program and food pantry. See more photos at yourdailyjournal.com

Photos by William R. Toler | Daily Journal

William R. Toler | Daily Journal Local musician Ray Charles performs the Temptations’ “My Girl” at Ellerbe’s Mayfest on Saturday. Despite an early morning rain, wind and cooler temps, several hundred people came out to the event, which included food and merchandise vendors, music and activities for both young and old. Proceeds from Mayfest go toward funding projects of the Mineral Springs Improvement Council, which include a summer program and food pantry. See more photos at yourdailyjournal.com

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_mayfest17_raycharles.jpgWilliam R. Toler | Daily Journal Local musician Ray Charles performs the Temptations’ “My Girl” at Ellerbe’s Mayfest on Saturday. Despite an early morning rain, wind and cooler temps, several hundred people came out to the event, which included food and merchandise vendors, music and activities for both young and old. Proceeds from Mayfest go toward funding projects of the Mineral Springs Improvement Council, which include a summer program and food pantry. See more photos at yourdailyjournal.com

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ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond Senior High Cafeteria was full to capacity last Thursday evening as the JROTC Raider Battalion conducted its annual awards night, along with a swearing-in ceremony for the soon-to-graduate Raiders who have elected to serve in the U.S. armed forces.

“Our event grows every year,” said retired Lt. Col. Jon Ring, the senior Army instructor. “The audience is the greatest that it has been in my three years here and we included two new additions to the program. We wanted to honor our graduating seniors who have completed the JROTC program with at least four semesters, so we announced each of them as they were escorted into the room, passing through the sabre arc, to be recognized. The next addition was to recognize and honor those seniors — whether in JROTC or not — who have decided to join the armed forces.”

Nine JROTC completers were escorted into the ceremony by parents, guardians, family members, Godparents, or friends. The narrator read a short biography for each senior Raider cadet that listed how many semesters the cadet had taken, accomplishments, as well as their future plans. Cadet Capt. Alexis Gore — who was escorted by her mother, Rhonda Gore — earned special recognition for completing all eight semesters of JROTC while at Richmond.

Cadet Lt. Col. Shadiesha Short, Raider Battalion commander, welcomed all guests and reminisced on all the lessons learned this school year. She reinforced the mission of JROTC: “Motivating young people to be better citizens” by giving examples of Cadets who have excelled.

“With the closing of 2017, I would like to hope that our cadets have greater knowledge of what we are and what we value,” concluded Short.

Ring spoke of service to our nation as he introduced the seniors who will enter military service after graduation. He spoke of the very small percentage of Americans who are fit to serve and the even smaller number who volunteer for service.

“The individuals that we’re getting ready to call forward have answered the call to be one of the less than 3 percent who will serve,” he said. “As the prophet Isaiah said, these recruits also say today: ‘I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ Then said I, ‘Here am I; send me.’ Let us now call them forward individually.”

There are three seniors joining the Army after graduation: William Patterson is joining to be an Airborne human resources specialist; Anastasia Terry will be a unit supply specialist; and Alec Rushing has volunteered to be an Airborne Ranger and serve within the 75th Ranger Regiment.

Two Raiders will enter the Navy: Vernon Craddock will ship off to basic training on July 27 and will eventually serve as a hull technician; Austin Campbell is joining to be a special warfare air rescue swimmer and will ship to basic on July 10.

The United States Marine Corps has signed two recruits and has at least one more working toward being contracted. Deanna Morrison and Cedric Morman will enter the Marine Corps this summer at Parris Island.

The United States Air Force was represented during the ceremony as well. The newly assigned recruiter, Staff Sgt. Robert Streeter was in attendance. Short is working with Streeter to enlist in the Air Force.

After introducing the recruits, Ring asked everyone to stand and come to attention while he issued the oath. The enlistees in attendance raised their right hands and repeated the time honored oath as a symbol of their commitment to our nation.

More than 250 individual awards were presented to the members of the Raider Battalion during the ceremony. Many cadet names were called numerous times to post in the front of the room and receive medals, ribbons, certificates, and scholarships — showing how, in many cases, the cream rises to the top. Virtually every cadet earned some recognition during the year and received an award at the ceremony. Awards were presented for academic achievement, leadership, perfect attendance, outstanding actions, neatness of dress, athletics and community service.

The culminating phase of the ceremony was the induction of retired Lt. Col. Thomas R. Covington Sr. into the Raider Hall of Fame. This tradition was initiated at the end of last school year with the induction of the first two members of the hall of fame — John King and Tina Pearson McNeal.

“Retired Lt, Col. Thomas Covington, former member of the Raider Battalion has shown himself to be a successful, productive, positive contributing citizen in his community,” Ring said, as he introduced the new inductee. He then recounted the achievements that Covington made in more than 25 years in the Army. “We have the best of both worlds with Lt. Col. Covington. He served honorably for a career in the Army and has transitioned to his career as the senior Army instructor at Overhills High School, where he sets the example for all to emulate.”

Covington thanked everyone for the honor of being inducted while also recalling his experience in the Raider Battalion as a 1980 graduate of Richmond Senior High.

“I was put in JROTC,” he said. “I didn’t make up my schedule back then, but I am sure glad that I was put in JROTC, because it set me up to be the man I am today.”

Courtesy photo Retired Lt. Col. Jon Ring, senior Army instructor for the JROTC Raider Battalion at Richmond Senior High School, administers the oath of service to seniors who are joining the military during an awards ceremony last Thursday.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_JROTC_oath.jpgCourtesy photo Retired Lt. Col. Jon Ring, senior Army instructor for the JROTC Raider Battalion at Richmond Senior High School, administers the oath of service to seniors who are joining the military during an awards ceremony last Thursday.

Courtesy photos Retired Lt. Col. Thomas Covington graduated from Richmond Senior in 1980, spent more than 25 years in the U.S. Army and is now a JROTC instructor at Overhills High School in Harnett County.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_jrotc_covingtonmerge.jpgCourtesy photos Retired Lt. Col. Thomas Covington graduated from Richmond Senior in 1980, spent more than 25 years in the U.S. Army and is now a JROTC instructor at Overhills High School in Harnett County.

Ellerbe Middle School 7th-graders Jamie Kay Sears and Marissa Sweet were recently honored for an exceptional score on the ACT by the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

The Program’s 7th-Grade Talent Search identifies students in 16 states across the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest who have scored in the 95th percentile on a grade-level achievement test.

As part of the program, these academically talented students take above-level college entrance exams to learn more about their abilities.

Overall, Ellerbe Middle School had six students participate in this endeavor, with Sears and Sweet earning additional honors.

In fact, they attended a reception where they received medals for their outstanding academic performance. At the State Recognition Ceremony, the duo was applauded for earning scores equal to or better than half of the college-bound seniors who took the tests.

Working with host academic institutions, Duke TIP sponsors 34 state ceremonies in its 16-state Talent Search region. For North Carolina, Campbell University, Elon College, University of North Carolina at Charlotte and East Carolina University are hosting ceremonies.

Sears and Sweet will also be recognized at the June meeting of the Richmond County Board of Education.

“For 30 years, Duke TIP has identified gifted students for their intellectual capacity and honored them for their outstanding achievements,” Dr. Martha Putallaz, executive director of Duke TIP and professor of psychology at Duke University, said in a statement. “Through our Recognition Ceremonies, we celebrate these achievements and encourage honorees to realize their tremendous academic potential.”

Duke TIP is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to serving academically talented youth. As a global leader in gifted education, it works with students, families and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage and support gifted youth in reaching their highest potential.

To date, more than 2.5 million students have benefited from the programs.

Ashley-Michelle Thublin is the public information officer for Richmond County Schools.

Courtesy photo Jamie Kay Sears and Marissa Sweet, both 7th-graders at Ellerbe Middle School, were recently honored for an exceptional score on the ACT by the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Duke-Tip-ellerbe.jpgCourtesy photo Jamie Kay Sears and Marissa Sweet, both 7th-graders at Ellerbe Middle School, were recently honored for an exceptional score on the ACT by the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

Amya Garris, a cadet in the JROTC program at Richmond Senior High School, was recently presented the DAR bronze medallion by the local Gen. Henry William Harrington Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Garris is a sophomore and the daughter of Kalindra Ellerbe.

Recipients must have demonstrated loyalty and patriotism and earned a record of military and scholastic achievement during their participation in a JROTC program. They must have shown qualities of dependability and good character, adherence of military discipline, leadership ability and a fundamental and patriotic understanding the importance of JROTC training.

Through her participation in JROTC, Garris has learned how to be a better leader. JROTC has also challenged her to get out of her comfort zone. Her favorite duty is being in the color guard and she has achieved the rank of Cadet Sgt. 1st Class. She also enjoys helping people. Her mother adds that she is very ambitious, a hard worker and very determined to accomplish her goals.

Presenting the award were Susanne McInnis, DAR regent and Brenda Baucom, treasurer. In addition to the medallion, Garris was presented a dozen red roses. After the awards program, the DAR chapter served refreshments.

Courtesy photo Amya Garris, center, holds a dozen roses after receiving the Daughters of the American Revolution bronze medallion. To the right is her mother, Kalindra Ellerbe; to the left is Suzanne McInnis, regent of the Gen. Henry William Harrington Chapter of the DAR.

http://yourdailyjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_JROTCgarris.jpgCourtesy photo Amya Garris, center, holds a dozen roses after receiving the Daughters of the American Revolution bronze medallion. To the right is her mother, Kalindra Ellerbe; to the left is Suzanne McInnis, regent of the Gen. Henry William Harrington Chapter of the DAR.

The Richmond County Branch of the NAACP has held its annual Mother of the Year Pageant and Banquet for 38 years strong, featuring local keynote speakers and local area churches, with a chosen lady to represent that church as its running Mother.

Organizers say it is befitting that it is held the Friday of Mother’s Day weekend. Along with the recognition of mothers, the program also recognizes the Johnnie Henry Little Corporation scholarship recipients that are announced each year.

The 39th annual Mother of the Year Banquet is set to take place at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the East Hamlet Concerned Citizens Center, located at 155 Laurel Hill Street. The keynote speaker for this year’s festivities will be the Rev. Anthony T. Waymyers.

Waymyers is the pastor of Grace Temple Fellowship Church of Wallace, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina; The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia; and United Methodist Church Conference Course of Study and Divinity School at Duke University. Waymyers is married to First Lady Sophia Waymyers and they are the proud parents of four children: Kayla, Ashley, Raven and Anthony II.

Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the door.