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More at Four Teachers at the Raising A Reader training on
Feb. 22, 2010. |
Partnership launches new children's literacy program
(March 3, 2010) -- Anson County Partnership for Children confirmed its dedication to further prepare young children for school success by recently launching the Raising A Reader program in Anson County. Raising A Reader is a national nonprofit that offers local agencies an evidence-based early literacy and parent engagement program that has demonstrated it can improve the reading readiness skills of children from birth to age five.
“As an affiliate of the Raising A Reader program, we are excited to engage parents in a daily ‘book cuddling’ routine that promotes parent-child bonding as well as early literacy development skills,” Elaine Scarborough, Executive Director of the Anson County Partnership for Children.
Through Raising A Reader, Anson County Partnership for Children will serve 172 four year old children in the eleven More At Four classrooms in Anson County.
“With nearly half of all U.S. children entering kindergarten lacking the early reading skills needed for school success, Raising A Reader provides a research-based model that prepares young children for academic accomplishment,” said Gabrielle Miller, Ph.D, executive director of Raising A Reader. “With our new affiliates, we are currently serving 110,000 children and families at 2,500 sites around the country, bringing us closer to our long-term goal of reaching one million children.”
More than a dozen independent research evaluations have shown Raising A Reader programs to significantly increase parent involvement and improve early reading skills of children. The program rotates bright red bags filled with award-winning books into children’s homes on a weekly basis, exposing each child to approximately 100 books per year. Local More at Four classroom teachers and assistants were trained on February 22 in interactive “read-aloud” techniques that stimulate early brain development and language acquisition. These staff members, in turn, will encourage parents to read to their children daily. Families are also connected to the Hampton B. Allen Library which is collaborating with the Partnership on the Raising a Reader program in Anson County. At the culmination of the program, children will receive a blue library bag to use when they borrow books from the library, further fostering the parent-child relationship (or “book cuddling”.)
Raising A Reader is a nonprofit organization offering local agencies an evidence-based early literacy and parent engagement program that has demonstrated to improve the reading readiness skills of children from birth to age five. With nearly half of all U.S. children entering kindergarten lacking the early reading skills needed for success in school, Raising A Reader has set a long-term goal or reaching one million children and families. The organization serves 110,000 children through its 2,500 affiliate sites across the country, and since its founding has reached more than 700,000 children working with organizations such as United Way, Head Start, home visiting programs and school districts. For more information about Raising A Reader, please visit www.raisingareader.org.
Seeing the future? Scott Miller, CEO of the Move the Mountain Leadership Center, explains goal setting and how allies can help move people from poverty to prosperity to Brandy Heistand and Shequilla Lisenby, both members of the first Anson County Getting Ahead class, and Rev. Rob Rollins, pastor of First United Methodist Church, on March 4. |
Expert explains how being a friend can move Anson County from poverty to prosperity
(March 5, 2010) -- The Circles campaign to lift people from generational poverty to earning a sustainable income sounds almost too simple: Make a plan and find allies to help you attain your goal.
Yet this deceptively simple program now reaches 27 states and Ontario, Canada -- and is growing.
 Scott Miller, a native of Albuquerque, N.M., was in Wadesboro March 4 to explain why and how it works. Miller is CEO of Move the Mountain Leadership Center, co-founded in 1992 by Miller and Gary Stokes. In 2009, the General Board of Global Ministries for the United Methodist Church designated Circles as it pilot ministry to the poor in the U.S. Wilma Dunbar is a missionary sent by the Board to Wadesboro to help start the Circles program in Anson County. Wilkesboro and Yadkinsville have also begun Circles training.
Miller said he hoped to see 1,000 Circles programs in North Carolina in the next five years.
The costs of poverty
Miller said that $500 billion is spent annually to raise children in poverty, or $38,000 per child. "If we raise one family with two children from poverty, we save $75,000 a year," he said.
Additionally, "$5,500 is what it takes to train an employee." Businesses that invested in Circles training saw their turnover costs improve by 95 percent. Miller mentioned one company that invested in childcare and transportation -- two of the most common needs for people in poverty -- for its employees and saw a significant drop in lost hours, saving the company more money than was spent.
The program is spreading because it works. The Move the Mountain Website www.movethemountain.org reports that for every $1 spent on the program, $2 in welfare and food stamp subsidies was returned to the state, and $4 to the community as new earned income.
In the most recent analysis by Move the Mountain, the first group of 33 families to complete Getting Ahead and six months of Circles showed an 88% increase in earned income, 54% of the Circle Leaders indicated that they had obtained a better paying job, a 30% decrease in use of welfare benefits and a 56% increase in assets. The median income rose from $637/month to $1,200, average assets went from $604 to $941, and welfare benefits dropped from $436/month to $306/month.
Moreover, there was a 125 percent increase in “people in my life I can count on” and the average number of “friends I can count on” went from four to nine.
Who are the "Allies?"
The first Getting Ahead (Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin'-by-World) began at First United Methodist Church Oct. 29, 2009, and the 15 members will graduate in April. Members learned to identify the root causes of poverty and the hidden rules that keep them from getting ahead. They assessed their resources and learned what community resources are available. During the next few weeks, they will build their individual plans for getting ahead.
Allies are needed to help them attain their goals. These are people in the middle or upper classes who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with the graduates, or Circle Leaders. Ideally, each Circle Leader will have three-four allies he or she can call on for support.
Rev. Rob Rollins, who has spearheaded the movment in Anson County, told those who attended the meeting that being an Ally meant spending from four-to-eight hours a month with their Circle Leader, some of which is time spent at a monthly group meeting. The commitment is for 18 months, which has been shown to be the length of time a person needs support before becoming completely self-sufficient. Miller added that friendships between Allies and Circle Leaders sometimes last for years.
Jeff Boothby, a member of the Guiding Coalition, said that work prevents him from attending meetings, but that he would still like to be an Ally. "For example, if someone needed a ride to work and let me know the night before, I could help," he said.
Miller said the program needs ad hoc Allies."One man I know only fixes toilets in trailers," he said. "Don't do anything you don't want to do. Allies should take it seriously and it's okay if you don't feel a fit. Know your limitations."
Allies should be a friend first and a guide second. "Wait to be asked," he said.
 Miller said that the Circle Leaders need to develop new relationships in order to get ahead; and community leaders need to build relationships with people in poverty to move the county to the next place.
Miller demonstrated how Allies might work with Circle Leaders by asking for volunteers. Brandy Heistand and Shequilla Lisenby of the Getting Ahead class, Elizabeth Short, a middle school teacher, and Rollins came forward.
Heistand said that her goal was getting an education, but that her children sometimes demanded the attention she needed for her studies. "I need someone to watch them nights when I have a test the next day," she said. The others discussed how this need could be met.
 Heistand switched roles and became an Ally when Lisenby said she was having trouble furnishing her apartment. "I didn't know you had to pay money and be a member to buy something at an auction," she said. The Allies seemed surprised at this, and offered other ways of obtaining good, used furniture without paying a lot of money. "I know an interior decorator," Rollins joked. "Can I bring her by?"
After the demonstration, about a dozen people in the audience raised their hands when Rollins asked who might like to become an Ally.
"When you give people an opportunity to give, you're giving them a gift," Miller said.
Ally training will begin March 18. For more information or to volunteer, call Dunbar at 704-994-2333 or e-mail circleswilma@yahoo.com
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Adair, Cole, McCoy among Carolinas Writers Conference presenters April 17
(March 6, 2010) -- A home-grown author and two returning writers from the 2009 event will be among 17 presenters at the second annual Carolinas Writers Conference on April 17.
Barbara Cole, who grew up on an Anson County farm, will join Suzanne Adair and Judi McCoy on the CWC10 agenda. Cole's subject will be "Writing Children's Books"; McCoy's topic will be "All About the Business of Novel Writing"' and Adair's workshop title will be "Plotting: The Hero's Journey."
The conference will be held at South Piedmont Community College's Lockhart-Taylor Center, 514 N. Washington St., Wadesboro. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The first session will begin at 9 a.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $6 for students with an I.D., and will be available at the door. A boxed lunch is available for an additional $8. For more information and/or to download an application form, visit www.ansoncountywritersclub.org and click on the writers conference button in the menu.
 This year's conference has been designed for both novel writers and book readers. Readers will be able to listen to selected authors (including Adair and Ellyn Bache), who will read passages from their works and interact with the session attendees.
Cole, who spent 43 years in the classroom prior to retiring as a Professor of English and Humanities at Sandhills Community College in Pinehurst, N.C., is the author of "Texas Star," "Wash Day" and "Anna and Natalie." She has focused her writing on children's stories – especially for the picture book genre.
 McCoy, who has published 14 Romance novels, also enjoys presenting workshops on a variety of writing topics. "Hounding the Pavement," which was released in March 2009, was her first mystery novel.
 Adair is well-known for her mystery/suspense novels set during the Southern theater of the Revolutionary War. "Paper Woman," her first novel in the series, received the Patrick D. Smith Literature Award in 2007; and "Camp Follower," her third series book, was nominated for the Daphne du Maurier Award in 2009.
CWC10 featured speakers will include Chris Roerden, best-known for "Don't Sabotage Your Submission: Insider Information from a Career Editor to Save Your Manuscript from Turning Up D.O.A."; Ellyn Bache, author of "Daughters of the Sea"; and Michael Malone, who has authored nine novels, a collection of short stories and two non-fiction books – including "The Four Corners of the Sky." He also won an Emmy in 1994 for his work on television's "One Life to Live."
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The Anson Community Kitchen was officially unveiled to the public with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on March 11. Pictured from left to right are David Black, kitchen oversight committee; Smithson Mills, consultant; John McKay, South Piedmont Community College president; Contressa Martin, caterer; Wayne Stogner, architect; Don Altieri, New Ventures Business Deveopment Inc. executive director; Beth Rogers, caterer; Sandy Huntley, SPCC's Lockhart-Taylor Center director; and Lynn Edwards, Anson County Chamber of Commerce executive director. |
Anson Community kitchen unveiled in ribbon-cutting and open house
(March 12, 2010) -- Approximately 100 people were on hand to officially unveil the Anson Community Kitchen on March 11. The event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and an open house to tour the facility.
The community kitchen project, initiated by New Ventures Business Development Inc. (NVBDI) in partnership with South Piedmont Community College, will allow local caterers and food preparers access to a certified kitchen to ready food for public consumption and/or sale.
Don Altieri, NVBDI executive director, said the genesis of the kitchen came about to allow public access to a facility that would give caterers an opportunity to utilize the kitchen to prepare food for on-site or off-site events. In addition, he said that farm families who want to expand their commodity items into a revenue source will be able to use the community kitchen to produce value-added products for sale.
The 900-square-foot kitchen is adjacent to the Ingram Room at SPCC's Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro; and offers users a 10-burner range with two conventional ovens, a 30-gallon tilt skillet/braising pan, two full-size convection ovens, a two-door reach-in freezer, a three-door reach-in refrigerator, a temperature-sanitizing diswasher and a microwave oven. Altieri said the kitchen has an easy access to a loading dock for food preparers who need to load or unload items.
 Lynn Edwards, executive director of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees to the ribbon-cutting and open house. "I am personnaly excited about the community kitchen because the Chamber's annual dinner meeting has outgrown our other site," she said.
John McKay, president of South Piedmont Community College, said the community kitchen "has been a long time coming but it will be a benefit to the community." He congratulated Altieri, New Ventures Business Development and the oversight committee for a job well done.
Major funding sources for the community kitchen included a U.S. Department of Agriculture rural business enterprise grant; a N.C. Rural Economic Deveopment Center grant; a Golden LEAF Foundation grant; the Effie Allen Little Foundation; the Elizabeth Burns Yost Foundation, the William A. Smith Trust; Pee Dee Electric; Progress Energy; and Stogner Architecture. Sponsors of the open house included Anson Bank & Trust, Branch Banking & Trust, CMH Florring, Stogner Architecture and R. Black & Associates.
Caterers Beth Rogers, Rogers & Thompson Caterers, and Contressa Martin, Good Company Caterers, were on hand to provide refreshments. Bob and Lisa Blalock, Events Catering, also offered refreshments but were catering another event.
For more information about the community kitchen or a fee schedule, call 704.272.5457, fax 704.272.5475 or visit www.ansonkitchen.org. For more information on New Ventures, visit www.nvbdi.org. Lockhart-Taylor Center is located at 514 N. Washington St.
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The Old Store in Lilesville celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on March 13. From left are Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lynn Edwards, Alan Clark, Tiffany McCall and Paige Diggs, staff, Lane Goodwin (with scissors), owner-operator Joy Hildreth, and Tammy Delano, Alicia McLain, Lawanda Rogers and Frankie Tarlton, staff. |
The Old Store welcomes new customers
(March 13, 2010) -- Blue skies and billowing clouds set the stage for a grand opening and ribbon cutting at The Old Store in Lilesville March 13.
The Old Store is part convenience store, part antique store and part restaurant, or as the staff's T-shirts say, "Where the unusual is usual." The former Sue Valley store opened for business on January 9, 2010.
 Joy Hildreth, owner-operator of The Old Store, said she at first envisioned an antique store. Hildreth has long been a collector of vintage drink, cigarette and gas signs. "I really like them," she said, adding that most of the memorabilia were picked up at auctions over the years.
She decided to add a convenience store, and then to sell hot dogs. And, if licensed to sell hot dogs, why not beome a full restaurant, she reasoned. "It just kinda grew bigger and bigger," she confided. And, "I have a really good recipe for vegetable soup."
The result is a happy blend of good food, old-time atmosphere and a place to meet and talk.
Carly Little, Chamber of Commerce president, remarked, "It looks like a wonderful store. I'm sure the citizens of Lilesville appreciate it. It's clean and convenient. I wish you much success."
"I am so excited about this project on so many levels," said Anna Baucom, chairman of the Anson County Board of Commissioners. "I know what a leap of faith it is to make this kind of investment." She praised Hildreth, saying, "You took something old and didn't tear it down, but reused and renovated. I wish you all the success in the world."
Other elected officials attending were N.C. Sen. William Purcell, N.C. Representative Pryor Gibson and Anson County Sheriff Tommy Allen.
Speaking to the assembled guests, Hildreth said, "This is a very new adventure for me.
"I couldn't have done it without help," she added,indicating her staff. "There are some new things coming down the road, so keep checking in."
 Later, Hildreth said one event coming up is a Cruise-In, to be held the second Saturday of each month starting in April.
Following the ceremony, visitors enjoyed free samples of fried pickles, listened to a country band and chatted with friends and neighbors.
The Old Store opens at 5:30 a.m. every morning (7:00 a.m. on Sunday) to serve a full breakfast menu that includes eggs, country ham, bacon, sausage, hash browns, grits, pancakes and French toast. Lunch and dinner begin with appetizers such as fried pickles or bacon and cheesefries, salads, chicken, hamburger or shrimp plates, and a variety of sandwiches. Kids meals are also available.
The restaurant closes at 9:00 p.m. nightly and the convenience store closes at 10:00 p.m.
The Old Store is located at 3944 Vintage Road, Lilesville, just off Highway 74.
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SPCC honors employees
(March 16, 2010) -- South Piedmont Community College presented service awards
to 37 employees during its employee appreciation lunch March 12 at the
Lockhart-Taylor Center.
Purchasing Technician Denise Freeman of Wingate received an oak rocking
chair, the college’s traditional gift to employees with 30 years of
service.
Other employees recognized were:
25 years: Sandy Huntley, Gail Pope.
20 years: Fred Sparger, William Truett.
15 years: Marie Burleson, Chris Johnson, Gaius McLendon.
10 years: Tammy Frailly, Lynn Gambon, Vince Holloman, Dianne Honeycutt,
Susan Miller, Kristi Phifer, John Ratliff, Chihoko Terry, Wanda
Hartsell, Joy Pope, Angela Robinson.
Five years: Rita Adams, Jermaine Alston, Rick Cassidy, Sue Eddins,
Jacque El-Arab, Barbara Firestone, Amber Goodall, Heather Hooks,
Patricia Johnson, Joseph McElrath, Crystal McLendon, Robin Pittman,
Linda Kappauf, Arlene Stephens, Melissa Senko, Stuart Wasilowski, David
Whitesides, Amy Williams.
Exemplary Program Review winners were: Carol Courtney, Surgical Tech:
Linda Ward, Advertising and Graphic Design; and Kevin Ashley, Basic Law
Enforcement Training.
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Denise Freeman tries out her new rocking chair, presented for 30 years
of service to South Piedmont Community College, during the school’s
annual employee appreciation lunch March 12. |
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Retired South Piedmont Community College Registrar Pat Taylor, center, talks with faculty members Victoria Efird and Raymond Griffith at a retirement reception Friday, March 19, 2010, at the Jesse Helms Center in Wingate. Taylor’s last day was Feb. 26, ending a 34-year career at the college and its predecessors. Starting as the bookstore/snack bar manager at Anson Technical Institute in August 1976, she later worked in the library, in the business office, admissions, student activities, advising and registration before becoming registrar on March 1, 1999. She worked for four different presidents as Anson Technical Institute became Anson Technical College, then Anson Community College before SPCC was created to serve Anson and Union counties in 1999. Taylor plans to spend her time in retirement volunteering and traveling. |
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The Anson Economic Development Corp. (AEDC) Board of Directors elected officers for 2010-11 at the March 18 annual meeting. Pictured, front row left to right, are Fred Sparger, South Piedmont Community College, at-large seat; Dana Maness, Anson Bank & Trust, treasurer; and Elbert Marshall, Marshall Bruney Media Consultants, secretary. Back row, left to right, are Emmett Patterson, retired from Pee Dee Electric, at-large seat; Chuck Horne, Hornwood, vice chairman; and Don Scarborough, Plank Road Realty, chairman. The officers serve as the AEDC's executive committee. |
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Buckman, Mitchell, Rhoades in line-up for Carolinas Writers Conference on April 17
(March 19, 2010) -- Two columnists and a retired sports writer are on the schedule of presenters at the second annual Carolinas Writers Conference on April 17.
Michelle Buckman, a South Carolina literary novelist and newspaper columnist; Bill Mitchell, former sports writer with The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C.; and J.D. Rhoades, a columnist with The Pilot in Southern Pines, will conduct 45-minute breakout session during the all-day conference.
The writers conference will be held at South Piedmont Community College's Lockhart-Taylor Center, 514 N. Washington St., Wadesboro. Registration begins at 8 a.m. The first session will begin at 9 a.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $6 for all students with an I.D., and will be available at the door. A boxed lunch is available for an additional $8.
 Buckman has over 20 years of experience in writing, publishing, speaking to civic and church groups, and as a workshop instructor. She is the author of "A Piece of the Sky," "Pretty Maids All in a Row," "Maggie Come Lately" and "My Beautiful Disaster." Her fifth book will be available some time in the spring. Buckman will conduct a two-session seminar on "How to Write a Winning Synopsis."
 Mitchell began his journalistic career by covering a youth baseball tournament for the Columbia newspaper in 1965. His full-time journalism career began a couple of months later. He wrote basketball news articles on the Atlantic Coast Conference for 13 years. The Edgefield, S.C., resident was a contributing author in "The Vanity Fair Gallery: A Collector's Guide to the Caricatures." Mitchell will broach the subject of "Sports Journalism: Blue Collar Writing" at the April event.
 Rhoades, a practicing attorney, published his first book, "The Devil's Right Hand," in 2005; and followed up with "Good Day in Hell," "Safe and Sound" and "Breaking Cover." Three of his novels feature his protagonist bail bondsman, Jack Keller. The Carthage, resident will address "Lawyers, Guns and Money" at the writers conference.
CWC10 featured speakers will include Ellyn Bache, author of "Daughters of the Sea"; Michael Malone, who has authored nine novels, a collection of short stories and two non-fiction books – including "The Four Corners of the Sky"; and Chris Roerden, who wrote "Don't Sabotage Your Submission: Insider Information from a Career Editor to Save Your Manuscript from Turning Up D.O.A."
This year's conference has been designed for both novel writers and book readers. Readers will be able to listen to selected authors (including Suzanne Adair and Ellyn Bache), who will read passages from their works and interact with the conference attendees.
For a complete schedule, a list of presenters or to download an application form, visit www.ansoncountywritersclub.org and click on the writers conference button in the menu.
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Anson's jobless rate skyrockets to 17.1%
(March 20, 2010) -- Anson's 17.1% unemployment rate for January has catapulted the county back into the state's Top Ten to begin the new year.
Although Anson's jobless numbers skyrocketed by a 2.3% margin from December 2009, the county is nowhere close to Graham County's 19.3 rate, which leads the Top Ten, followed by Swain (18.1%), Rutherford (18.0%), Dare (17.6%), Caldwell (17.5%), Scotland (17.4%), Edgecombe (17.3%), Anson (17.1%) Cherokee (17.0%) and McDowell (16.0%). Scotland's unemployment rate, which has led the state since the recession began eliminating jobs over 16 months ago, fell from first place to sixth.
January marked the 16th consecutive month that Anson has registered a double-digit rate. Compared to January 2009, Anson has seen a 3.3% jump in the 12-month period.
In January 2010, Anson had a workforce numbering 10,347 (compared to 10,400 in December 2009); 8,574 people employed ((compared to 8,866 in December); and 1,773 people out of work (compared to 1,534 in December).
The January breakdown for Anson's neighboring counties:
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Montgomery -- 11,034 labor force; 1,543 unemployed; a rate of 14.0% (up .8% from December)
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Richmond -- 20,559 labor force; 2,931 unemployed; a rate of 14.3% (up .3% from December)
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Stanly -- 30,571 labor force; 4,152 unemployed; a rate of 13.6% (up .7% from December)
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Union -- 93,627 labor force; 10,747 unemployed; a rate of 11.5% (up 1.0% from December)
North Carolina's jobless rate edged upward to 11.8% -- a .9% increase from December 2009 and a 1.1% increase from January 2009. The state had a January labor force of 4,523,108 with 532,279 unemployed.
Statewide, 87 counties registered double-digit unemployment rates in January -- compared to 74 counties in December. Orange County had the lowest rate at 6.9%, followed by Gates (7.9%), Durham (8.6%) and Onslow (8.7).
The civilian labor force estimates for all 100 counties are available on the Employment Security Commission's website at www.ncesc.com. For local information, call the ESC office at 704.694.6551 or visit www.ansonjoblink.com.
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Members of various N.C. agencies visited Wadesboro March 22 to get acquainted with the amenities to be found at SPCC's Lockhart-Taylor Center. The "Rolling Workshop" was a two-day tour of South Central North Carolina. |
'Rolling Workshop' group gets acquainted with Wadesboro, Anson County
(March 24, 2010) -- Transformation was the topic for 30-35 representives of various North Carolina agencies during a two-day "Study Tour of South Central North Carolina" that included Anson County.
South Piedmont Community College and New Ventures Business Development Inc. (NVBDI) hosted the group on March 22 at the Lockhart-Taylor Center in Wadesboro -- SPCC's continuing education facility. A former textile mill, the transformation of the abandoned building began in 2000; the present-day facility was completed in 2002.
Anna Baucom, who chairs the Anson County Board of Commissioners, and Ed Emory, Wadesboro mayor pro tem, welcomed the group to Anson County and Wadesboro. Emory commented that he had come to Anson County in 1963, had left four times and had come back four times. "Anson County is a special place in my heart and Wadesboro is like a hometown to me," he said.
Don Altieri, NVBDI executive director, narrated a PowerPoint presentation that took the group on a historical tour of the building -- from the textile days, through the planning, fund-raising and construction phases, and to the finished product. He said 117,000 square feet of space is available and that the Center "has tremendous potential."
Altieri, who was president of SPCC when construction began, said the vision was "to create an expanded center for continued education and community use." He pointed to the Ingram Room, a banquet facility that can seat up to 400 people and an auditorium-style meeting room that can seat up to 600 people; the development and success of NVBDI, which includes the Olde Mill Gallery; the Anson Women's Center; and the recently opened Anson Community Kitchen, a 900-square-foot state-of-the-art facility for caterers.
John McKay, SPCC president, broached Anson County's literacy situation, saying the 1990 Census revealed a 39.2% rate of illiteracy and the 2000 Census showed an almost 10% drop from 1990 -- at 29.8%. He said the college has high hopes of seeing further cuts into the rate when results of the ongoing 2010 Census are released.
After the presentation, the group toured the community kitchen, print shop, New Ventures, the Old Mill Gallery, the women's center and classrooms.
The "Rolling Workshop" tour, led by Elaine Matthews, senior vice president of the North Carolina Rural Center, was to acquaint personnel from different agencies with strengths, challenges and opportunities in Anson, Montgomery, Richmond and Stanly counties. According to a printed schedule, "participants develop a sense of connection with the people and communities they visit -- opening up the door for exciting new partnerships in the future."
Anson's legislators -- Rep. Pryor Gibson and Sen. Bill Purcell, were part of the tour group -- which departed Anson County for a stopover at The Fork Farm and Stables, a 1,000-acre equestrian center near Norwood.
Participants prepare to board the Rolling Workshop to continue their tour. |
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Career Connections Fair in April
(March 30, 2010) -- Local residents will have a chance to learn more about various careers during two upcoming Career Connections Fairs.
The annual Union County Career Connections Fair is scheduled for April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at South Piedmont Community College’s Conference Center, 4209 Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe. The Anson County Career Connections Fair will be April 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lockhart-Taylor Center, 514 N. Washington St., Wadesboro.
Last year’s Union County event drew 60 employers and 700 participants, while the Anson County event attracted 38 employers and 200 participants.
The fairs, which offer connections with career, educational and community resources, can be valuable for those seeking a job, for those looking to change careers and for students wishing to explore different possible careers. They will be able to attend professional workshops, learn about educational and training opportunities and meet with employers.
Professional dress is required and attendees are welcome to bring resumes. Because of expected large crowds, visitors are asked to prepare for long wait times.
The Union County event is sponsored by SPCC, the Union County Department of Social Services, the Employment Security Commission, Union County Community Action, the Union County Public Library and Vocational Rehabilitation. The Anson County event is sponsored by SPCC, the Anson County Department of Social Services, the Anson County Chamber of Commerce, the Employment Security Commission and Vocational Rehabilitation.
For information, call Linda Kappauf at 704-290-5215 in Union County or Kristi Phifer at 704-272-5460 in Anson County.
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Game Design Certificate among SPCC’s new offerings
 (March 30, 2010) -- It’s not just fun and games. That’s one thing South Piedmont Community College Computer Information Technology instructor Oscar Gonzalez wants to make clear about the Game Design Certificate that SPCC will begin offering in the fall.
Which is not to say it can’t be enjoyable. Obviously, creating and testing games will have an element of fun. But, Gonzalez is telling prospective students, “Don’t think you’re going to go to class and start playing games all day.”
The classes in Simulation and Game Development can also be useful in professions other than game development, he said. Gonzalez noted that career options will include jobs as designers, animators, engineers and administrators in entertainment, health care, engineering, forensics, education, NASA, the military and governmental agencies.
Estimated entry-level salaries for game design range from $29,000 to $51,000.
The simulation aspect, Gonzalez said, is what makes the knowledge useful in careers beyond gaming. For instance, Gonzalez said, pointing out his office window toward Old Charlotte Highway, suppose there is an auto crash out there. The police are not there, so they do not see it. But, through simulation technology, the accident can be recreated. “NASA does the same thing, the military does the same thing,” he said.
Still, for many the gaming aspect will be the attraction and Gonzalez sees that industry continuing to grow for the foreseeable future.
“It’s not just about young people,” Gonzalez said, recounting his experience working at Best Buy one Christmas. “Xbox came out when I was working there. There were 30-, 40-year-old guys lined up to get Xboxes when it first came out. It’s not just young people, it’s adults. It’s very addictive.”
Gonzalez noted that for the past two to three Christmases, games had surpassed movies and music in sales. “This past Christmas,” he said, “games passed toys for the first time.”
Gonzalez said there are already 30 simulation and game companies in the Triangle area, and more coming there and to the Charlotte area as well. The opportunities are there, he said, for those who pursue this certificate.
The classes required for the Game Design Certificate are: Introduction to Computers; Introduction to Programming and Logic; Introduction to Simulation and Game Development; JAVA Programming, Simulation and Game Development Design; and Simulation and Game Development Programming. Three will be offered in the fall and three more in the spring.
If the response is great enough, Gonzalez said, SPCC might decide to offer an associate’s degree in gaming.
“We know this is not going to go away anytime soon,” Gonzalez said. “There’s money there. There’s going to be opportunity there.”
SPCC will also begin offering certificates in Operating Systems and Microsoft Office in the fall.
Before and After -- (March 30, 2010) -- Students in the Autobody Repair program at South Piedmont Community
College painted and did body work on a Humvee for the Anson County
Sheriff’s Office’s Special Response Team. The Sheriff’s Office
recently added decals to the vehicle. Posing with the finished product
are, from left, Brian Moore, William Clark, Regis Pautrat, Richard
Strickland and instructor Bob Winfrey.
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