TARBORO —
A unanimous vote to proceed with the America In Bloom initiative Monday morning left Candis Owens, co-chair for the Blount-Bridgers Gardens Committee, what appeared to be overjoyed.
"I am really excited that everyone else is excited about participating in this project," she said. "I have not heard any negative comments yet, so I'm very enthusiastic that we can get to work on this right away."
America In Bloom is a non-profit organization that promotes environmental beautification through education and community involvement.
Jack Clasen, an AIB volunteer, showed a presentation in the Parish House at Calvary Church in Tarboro and explained how the town and citizens would benefit from the program. Benefits included an increase in business revenue, tourism, property value, civic pride, and people working together.
Thirty-one people, including community members and elected officials. attended the meeting. And like Owens, all appeared to be excited about the opportunity.
"I'm for proceeding, and I think getting more people involved is going to be just wonderful," Pauline Nicolosi, vice president of the Edgecombe Garden Club, said.
Resident Connie Sherrill added, "It sounds like a good program for Tarboro to participate in. Tarboro is a beautiful town and already has a lot to offer."
The organization is ultimately a community development tool to improve the quality of life for all residents, said Clasen.
After making the decision to proceed with the initiative, a steering committee was formed which is made up of 15 members. These individuals will prepare to promote involvement throughout the community.
As a result of being involved with America In Bloom, judges will offer a minimum of 40 recommendations that will cover all areas of the town.
Currently, 24 communities across the United States have registered this year.
Local News
Citizen group moves forward with America In Bloom initiative
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Two suspects arrested on 36 charges; third issued citation
After executing a search warrant Thursday on a residence at 500 W. Johnston St. in Tarboro, police officers arrested two suspects for possessing a small amount of marijuana and issued a third suspect a citation for possessing a glass pipe to smoke the drugs.
After the marijuana was found, officers notified two of the three suspects that they also had additional warrants on them from the department's "Spring Fling" drug campaign where they had sold marijuana to undercover officers. -
Introductory Latin class beginning Tuesday
Want a leg up in a medical terminology course? Anatomy? Physical science? Take a look at Latin, perhaps the best grounding for all education.
Not convinced? Just ask Stephen Herring, instructor of religion, geography, and developmental studies at Edgecombe Community College (ECC). He will teach an Introductory Latin class beginning Tuesday. The class will meet at Fleming 218 on the Tarboro campus. -
NTSB wants to lower DWI blood alcohol levels
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Measles cases have state health officials concerned
Twenty-three cases of the measles have been reported in North Carolina in a recent outbreak and has state health officials concerned.
“It (measles) is a highly contagious disease that is spread in the air by coughing and sneezing,” said Susan Rogerson, nursing director at the Edgecombe County Health Department. Outbreaks of measles in the United States are rare because of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. -
County still looking for bids on 41 properties
While county commissioners have accepted bids on seven foreclosure properties, a total of 41 others remain available for interested parties to submit bids.
County Planning Director Brian Hassell said interested parties may submit bids for commissioners to consider. If a bid is approved and another party is interested, they may submit an upset bid. -
Scouts honor ‘Buddy’ Hooks
Try as he might, master of ceremonies Dave Sharpe was unable to talk someone into telling an unexpected story on Ellis “Buddy” Hooks as Hooks was recognized as the 2013 Edgecombe County Distinguished Citizen Award recipient by the Boy Scouts of America.
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Sheriff's Department to host junior academy
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Andrews assumes new position at ECPS Central Services
John Farrelly, Superintendent of Edgecombe County Public Schools (ECPS), announced this week that Shawna Andrews has been named the Director of Middle Schools and Title I in the Educational Program Services Office at Central Services.
Andrews, who most recently served as the Director of Elementary Schools and Title I, began her tenure with ECPS in 1995 as a math and science teacher at C.B. Martin Middle School. Following her completion of a Master’s in School Administration, she served as an administrative intern at G.W. Bulluck Elementary, SouthWest Edgecombe High School and Tarboro High School before being named an assistant principal at Tarboro High School in 2003. -
Big ‘Happening’ set for Tarboro Saturday
At no time of the year is Tarboro’s Town Common more bustling with activity than the second Saturday in May. It’s that time of year again and the 43rd Annual Happening on the Common is set for 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday.
“I think we’ve got a good day coming up,” said Carol Banks, event coordinator for the Edgecombe County Cultural Arts Council. “We’ve got record-breaking (number of) vendors. So far we’re up to 56.” -
Pinetops 300 kicks into gear this weekend
One of the biggest community events in the southern part of Edgecombe County – the Pinetops 300 – is set for Friday and Saturday at its usual spot – 309 School St. at the ballpark in Pinetops. The truck and tractor pull, South Edgecombe Rural Fire Department’s fundraiser of the year, is a longstanding tradition.
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