May 7, 2008
Currently in
Your local 7-day weather forecast
Emporia, Virginia 23847
Recent News:
Welcome
Contact Info
Want an event posted on the Community Calendar? Have an idea about a possible story? Or just to let us know what you think?
Local Links:
Join in on the fun with folks you know. Still seats left for this adventure.
Denise Banks
The Roanoke Rapids Theatre has announced its plans for a spectacular Memorial Day week musical celebration called, “Salute to America”. From beginning to end, the show's theme is the exuberant joy and pride of being an American. In addition to honoring veterans groups from every branch of service, the two-hour production will also feature special guest appearances by local singers.
"We have more than 20 very talented singers from the community who will also be singing in the show. This is certainly a first for the Roanoke Rapids Theatre and we’re excited to have these talented individuals join us," said Steve Dixon, Musical Director.
Over 20 Local Singers to join Roanoke Rapids Theatre’s
Memorial Day Musical Production
“Salute to America” to feature the Jerusalem Ridge Band
and special guest appearances by local singers.
Roanoke Rapids Theatre singer and vocal coach, Indy Dixon directs the community choir during a recent rehearsal in preparation for the theatre’s “Salute to America” production. “Salute to America”, May 21-24, features more than 20 local singers.
Rehearsals for the show, which will include traditional and modern patriotic selections, started last month. “We wanted to put together a show that honored our country, our traditions, and our veterans, without using the same format or formula that most patriotic productions follow. Some songs will be traditional, and some will be new to our audience; but we guarantee that whatever their musical preference, our audience will truly enjoy and perhaps even be moved by this show,” Dixon added.
“Salute to America” will run May 21-24. Tickets for Thursday night’s performance, May 22, are available to senior citizens for a special price of $10.
First place winning entries of the Riparian Woman's Club writing contests in February were submitted for judging in the Southside District of General Federation Women's Club Virginia. Sykes Clements, Kelly Blackwell and Ruth Tillar were First Place winners.
Sykes Clements's short story, "The Dark Quest" won the First Place Short Story Award in the fourth to sixth grade contest. Clements, a Greensville Elementary School fourth grade student of Eloyse Bryant, is the son of Heath and Lisa Clements.
Kelly Blackwell's poem, "Henry", won the First Place Poetry Award in the seventh to ninth grade contest. Blackwell, a Brunswick Academy seventh grade student of Judy Barnes, is the daughter of Kevin and Terry Blackwell. .
Ruth Tillar's poem, "VA TECH Tragedy", won the First Place Poetry Award in the amateur contest. This contest is open to General Federated Women Club members. Tillar is president of the Riparian Woman's Club.
In addition to these winners, William Slate's poem, "Winter Ride", won the Second Place Poetry Award in the fourth to sixth grade contest. Slate, a Greensville Elementary School fourth grade student of Eloyse Bryant, is the son of Clint and Jill Slate.
Tiffany Boney's short story, "Nickee", won the Second Place Short Story Award in the seventh to ninth grade contest. Boney, an E. W. Wyatt Middle School seventh grade student of Brenda Bottoms, is the daughter of Virginia Boney.
Emory Sadler's poem, "Hunting Season", won the Second Place Poetry Award in the tenth to twelfth grade contest. Sadler, a Brunswick Academy twelfth grade student of Linda Callis, is the son of Mark and Tessie Sadler.
The first place district winning entries were entered in the GFWC Virginia competition. All three entries received awards. Kelly Blackwell received second place for her poem. Sykes Clements received honorable mention for his short story. Ruth Tillar received honorable mention for her poem. Each received GFWC Virginia certificates for their accomplishments.
We congratulate the winners and thank them for sharing their work with the readers. We also thank the teachers and students who submitted entries for the 2007 contests.
Riparian members support the emphasis on the teaching of written expression in our schools. The annual Riparian writing contests are held to encourage students in their endeavors.
Students Win in District and State Creative Writing Contest
Brunswick Academy: front row: Brittany King, Kayla Jones, Hannah Kay Sopko,
Second row: Linda Callis, teacher; Kelly Blackwell, Jacob Bulls, Darek Imadi
Back row: Judy Barnes, teacher; Deborah Tuck, teacher; Emory Sadler
Wyatt Middle School names: Rochelle Anderson, principal; Betty Barrett, Riparian presenter; Tiffany Boney; Brenda Bottoms, teacher; La Shonda Hinton, not pictured
Belfield Elementary School: Betty Barrett, Riparian presenter; Sadejia Jones; Tammy Parrott, teacher; Curtis Young, principal
First Baptist Christian Academy: LeighAnn Griles, teacher; Tyler Twisdale, Brittany Wrenn, Alexis Autry; Betty Barrett, Riparian presenter; Sue Harrison, teacher, not pictured
Greensville Elementary School: Eloyse Bryant, teacher; Sykes Clements, Allysa Thomas, Eddie Saleeby, Pat Callahan, principal; Ivelisse Ortiz-Clark, Azjee Gray, Claire Dickens, William Slate; Mary Person, assistant principal; Stephen Allen, Dallas Phelps, Trenton Harvey; Melissa Harrison, teacher
Governor Timothy M. Kaine announced the creation of his own YouTube channel on the popular online video sharing site that allows people to watch and share originally created videos. The channel, www.youtube.com/vagovernor, features video clips of public service announcements, speeches and public forums with the Governor. Governor Kaine's channel is part of the Virginia government community of channels.
"I am pleased to join the Virginia government community of YouTube channels," Governor Kaine said. "The use of new media to deliver information online is vital to engage citizens in the process of government."
In the future, the channel hopes to expand video coverage of press conferences and other appearances.
Governor Kaine's involvement marks the twenty-fifth Virginia government entity offering Virginians access to their government through the Commonwealth of Virginia's official channel on YouTube, www.youtube.com/virginiagovernment.
GOVERNOR KAINE LAUNCHES YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Channel will provide unique access to Governor
Other participants include state agencies, such as the Departments of Emergency Management and Game and Inland Fisheries; localities, such as the counties of Roanoke, Montgomery, Arlington and Fairfax; and higher education participants such as Old Dominion University, the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech.
"Our goal is to provide full citizen access to Virginia government through every possible means. Free access to government videos online improves our ability to meet this goal," said Aneesh Chopra, Secretary of Technology. "Partnerships between our many service-oriented state entities are also very important to us, and the breadth of this initiative is a significant benefit to the Commonwealth."
As an early adopter of the YouTube platform, Virginia is among the first states to launch a YouTube channel. The Virginia Information Technologies Agency and Secretary Chopra's office lead the effort.
Emporia City Council Meeting
School Budget Funding
Council approved the school budget as the County did yesterday. Emporia's city share is $3,259,837.
Some discussion took place before the vote. Councilman Jim Saunders led the discussion of concerns for the school budget now and in the future.
Council Waives Fees for
Village View Project
The Village View Foundation will be making improvements to the Village View property. A reconstruction of the old smokehouse and the basement fireplace is being planned. Fees totaling $37.23 were waived by Council.
Fire Department to Obtain a New Heavy Rescue Vehicle
After receiving bids for a new fire truck, Fire Chief Rawlings suggested taking the bid submitted by Singer and Associates of $358,517.
City Council approved the purchase following the County's previous action to approve.
Greensville County and the City of Emporia will jointly finance the truck along with a $250,000 grant from the Greensville Memorial Foundation.
Airport Commison Receives City Money In Order To Obtain More Grant Funds
City Council approved a request made by the Airport Commission for immediate and necessary funds to help leverage about another $98,000 in grant funds. Greensville County did the same last evening.
The city appropriated $11,366 for the Airport Commission's use. For details, refer to yesterday's article.
Two City Proclamations
Jm Parham, representing the nursing community, makes sure Mayor Sam Adams signs on the dotted line.
Building Inspector Randy Pearce watches Sam Adams sign the proclamation. Either that or Randy is checking Sam's chair for safety reasons.
