Friday, March 5, 2004

Board Eliminates Administrative Post
The Move Will Save Halifax County School System Over $70,000

The Halifax County School Board voted Tuesday night to eliminate the school system's Director of Instruction post, a move that will save the school system more than $70,500 in the upcoming 2004-2005 budget year.

The move, said Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt, was a reorganization move.

Witt said yesterday the School Board voted to eliminate the position of Director of Instruction after emerging from a closed session.

Anne C. Conner, who currently holds the post, is retiring June 30.

The Director of Instruction position was one of two upper-level administrative positions that were slated to be filled this spring.

The other position was that of Assistant Superintendent For Instruction and Administration, a position which will come open June 30 with the retirement of Morris L. Bryant.

Witt said that post will be given a new title, that of Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Curriculum.

School Trustees Finalize
Vacancy Announcement
Acting largely in accord with the results of a recent public survey, the Halifax County School Board finalized Tuesday night the document advertising the school superintendent's position.

More than 7,287 surveys seeking public input on the qualifications and qualities the county's next school superintendent should possess were distributed, but only 854 or 11.7 percent, were returned.

Out of that number, 489 were returned by parents.

The major points of qualifications and qualities listed in the position vacancy announcement were as follows:

• An earned doctorate is preferred but not required. Previous work experience in Virginia is required.

• The candidate should have a proven track record as a high-level school-system administrator (preferably a superintendent), principal and teacher.

• The candidate should be an organized, motivated leader who possesses team-building skills and is capable of shared decision-making.

• The candidate must understand the differences between policy and administration and act accordingly, possess expertise in leading the (School) Board in goal-setting and planning and be willing to assume a lead role in decision-making while keeping the (School) Board informed.

• The candidate should possess excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to create an atmosphere of trust, mutual respect and open communication among school constituents and the public.

• The candidate must be an effective advocate of school issues and demonstrate an ability to respond to individual and group concerns in an appropriate manner.

• The candidate must demonstrate an in-depth understanding and expertise in the preparation and management of budgets, finance, curriculum, and instruction and must demonstrate the ability to effect school reform.

• The candidate should possess experience and a successful record in handling disciplinary and behavioral-related problems within a school system.

There was little disagreement among School Board members with the draft copy of the vacancy announcement submitted for their consideration.

The original draft stated that the candidate should possess an earned doctorate but School Board members changed that wording to say an earned doctorate is preferred.

School Board member D.H. McDowell Jr. pointed out that the wording of the original draft would prevent the body from considering what may be a viable, qualified candidate who may, for instance, be in the process of completing doctoral work.

"I would prefer seeing something like 'doctorate preferred but not required,'" said McDowell.

The six other School Board members in attendance agreed.

According to the results of the survey, 340 persons responded saying a doctorate should be required. A total of 310 indicated a doctorate is preferred but not required.

Halifax County School Superintendent Dennis Witt told the School Board that the qualification and quality listings in the vacancy announcement "will give them (applicants) a flavor of what you are looking for.

"When they (the candidates for the position) come in for an interview you can zero in more on what you really want," he added.

The vacancy announcement was put out for advertisement Wednesday.

A tentative April 14 date was set for the School Board to meet with officials of the Virginia School Boards Association who are assisting with the search for a replacement for Witt, who is retiring June 30.

That meeting, in which School Board members will review applications with VSBA officials, will be a closed meeting.

Seven of the eight School Board members returned surveys that were counted in the tabulation of the results.

Five School Board members responded to the question as to whether or not the candidate should possess a doctorate and only one indicated an earned doctorate should be required.

Only three School Board members indicated on their surveys that teaching experience should be required.

However, five School Board members indicated that experience as a principal should be required and three indicated that experience as an associate or assistant superintendent should be required.

Six of them felt that experience as superintendent was preferred with only one indicating it should be required.

School Board Retreat Set
The Halifax County School Board set March 10 as the date for a day-long retreat at Falkland Farm to discuss various school-related issues.

Among the topics that will be discussed at the retreat are the future of the school system's capital improvements program and related issues, including school attendance zones and community schools.

Also among the topics expected to be discussed are the maintenance of school system buildings and related topics such as the repair of school roofs, school discipline and the school system's Code of Student Conduct.

Miss Virginia Uses Her Title to Foster Educational Excellence
Nancy Redd Was At Sinai Elementary School On Wednesday As Part Of 'Read Across America' Program

"Do you want to be on television and make a lot of money?" the reigning Miss Virginia, Nancy Redd, asked the students of Sinai Elementary School Wednesday.

"Well here's how you do it... Make the honor roll," she said.

"When I was in third and fourth grade like you are, I was worried when I didn't do as well as other people," Redd said.

"Then I learned that as long as I worked as hard as I could in school, I'd get better.

"So what I want you to do is read everyday, keep working hard and you will make the honor roll.

"Then you can do anything you want," she told the audience.

And don't worry if you make mistakes along the way, she added.

"The first time I had to put the crown on for a photo shoot, I put it on backwards," she said. "And there it was, in all those newspapers.
Backwards.

"See? We all make mistakes.

"The important thing is to just keep trying as hard as you can to be the best 'you' you can be," Redd added.

In the county as part of the "Read Across America" program, Redd delivered her message via the book "Oh The Places You Can Go," by Dr. Seuss.

"You can do anything you want if you focus on being your very best self," she said.

And she should know, considering the 2003 she had.

The Martinsville native was crowned Miss Virginia two weeks after graduating cum laude from Harvard University. She also appeared on ABC's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" where she won $250,000.

When a student asked why she entered the Miss Virginia Pageant, she replied, "Because no one thought I could do it."

Redd credited her mother with instilling her drive to succeed.

"Because of her, I learned that I can do anything I want," she said.

That is the message Miss Virginia wants to get out to young people across the state.

She told reporters that she wants to use her reign as a platform to encourage children to focus on their education.

"When dealing with children and young people, the crown will grab their attention," she said.

During her address, Redd asked the children how many wanted to be on television and in the newspapers.

Hands shot up all over the room.

"To do that, you have to be on the honor roll," she said.

"While I can't tell these children how to be successful and lead productive lives, what I can do is change the way they think about what it takes to get there," Redd told reporters. "Getting on the honor roll can change their lives."

She said her involvement with the 4-H program "shifted my life and gave me a channel for my energy."

"The 4-H program really saved me," she said. "It taught me about the value of academics and volunteering."

That combination of community service activities and academics got her accepted at Harvard, she pointed out.

When asked about her plans for the future, the reigning Miss Virginia laughed.

"This is just too much fun," she said. "I get to wear an evening gown at nine o'clock in the morning.

"I haven't figured out what I want to do in real life yet."

AXA Files Motion Against Berry Hill Owners
Berry Hill Associates Seeking Exension Of Time On Reorganization Plan


Claiming that efforts to complete a master plan and feasibility study are not likely to result in a successful reorganization or profitable venture, the note-holder on Berry Hill has filed an objection to give the two owners more time to reorganize.

AXA Berry Hill's motion, filed Tuesday in the Greenbelt Division of Maryland Bankruptcy Court, asks the judge to enforce the March 19 deadline to file a reorganization plan.

The owners of the property, Berry Hill Associates - with principals Darrin Phillips and Ryan Hill - filed for bankruptcy on October 20, 2003, stopping a scheduled foreclosure sale.

The pair owe AXA $3,096,982 plus costs on the property.

Tuesday's motion asserts that no evidence leading to a successful reorganization of the property had been submitted by the owners.

"It is necessary that the debtor demonstrate, not merely upon assertions, but rather through evidence, that the debtor is making progress toward a successful reorganization," it reads.

"In the (current) case, the debtor has done no more than represent that progress has been made towards completion of a 'master plan' and 'feasibility study.' Even if taken at face value, the debtor's representation should not be deemed to establish cause for extensions... as the debtor has not established that the progress had been made toward the appropriate goal," the motion continues.

Those goals for the property, outlined by the owners when they asked for the extension, include:

• Sale of the property.
• Refinancing and development of the property.
• Alternative financing and financial partnering.

Citing the need for a master plan and feasibility study before reorganization, the owner of the property, Berry Hill Associates, asked in a motion filed on February 11 that the deadline to file a plan of organization be extended until June 21.

"Once the master plan and feasibility study are complete, the debtor will be in a much better position to evaluate and negotiate various business options for the property, such as sale of the property, a refinancing and development of the property or the location of alternative financing and financial partnering.

"Once the debtor has analyzed all options, it will be in the position to formulate a plan of reorganization," the motion reads.

Hill Studios was retained to conduct the $154,060 study, with an estimated completion date in the end of April.

"In the absence of evidence, rather than mere speculation, as to the likelihood of any one of the three business options for the property actually pursued and returning value in excess of the indebtedness to the debtors estate, it is inappropriate for the court to permit the debtor to prolong this Chapter 11 case to the prejudice of AXA Berry Hill and the debtor's unsecured creditors," Tuesday's motion claims.

Diamonders Making Good Progress
HCHS Varsity and Jayvee Baseball Teams Continue Drills In Preparation For Next Week's Pair Of Scrimmage Games

By JOE CHANDLER | G-V Staff Writer

Coaches of the Halifax County High School varsity and junior varsity baseball teams say good progress is being made as the days leading to the first round of scrimmage games are counting down.

"I'm liking what I'm seeing from the guys," said Comets head varsity baseball coach Kelvin Davis.

"They have the attitude that they want to go out there and work hard and do something with this team. I really like the work ethic I'm seeing from the guys."

Head junior varsity baseball coach Shawn Torian also reported good things from his team which is working out in the afternoons at C.H. Friend Field in South Boston.

"Patience is the key right now," said Torian.

"We're very young. We're making good progress but we still have a lot of work to do."

Today, the two Comets baseball teams, along with all of the other Halifax County High School spring sports teams, will take a time-out for the annual spring sports photo day.

Once the picture-taking is completed, most of the coaches plan some sort of workout as they want to continue to take advantage of this week's spring-like weather.

Next week, the two Comets baseball teams are scheduled to play a pair of scrimmage games, one here and one on the road.

On Wednesday, the Heritage High School varsity baseball team will be here for a scrimmage at 4:30 p.m. while the Comets jayvees will face the Heritage jayvees at 4:30 p.m. in Lynchburg.

Next Friday, the Comets varsity team will go to Brookville High School for a scrimmage at 5 p.m. while the Comets jayvees face the Brookville jayvees here at 5 p.m.

Davis, whose varsity team has 10 players returning from last year's team, eight of which are seniors, says the scrimmage games will be a good test.

"There is a lot of talent out here on this team," said Davis.

"I like the talent we have. The experience we have means a lot. But we need to get in these scrimmage games so we can see how these guys respond in game situations."

The Comets coach said he and his coaching staff have been able to make good progress in working with the players and that the players are making good progress on the field.

"A big part of that has been the weather," said Davis.

"Fortunately, the weather has been more cooperative this year than it usually has been in the past. That has given us good time outside on the field where we need to be."

While the weather has been good and the team has been able to get in a lot of work outside, there is still plenty more work ahead for the team.

"We still have a lot of work to do," continued Davis.

"We're seeing a lot of good things from the guys but we're also seeing things we need to work on. The scrimmage games will give us game situations and will allow us to better see the things we really need to focus on."

Torian, who lost nine players from last year's jayvee team and has only one returning infielder, also said the scrimmage games will be a good test for his team.

Until the scrimmage games come, Torian said he and assistant coach Michael Lewis will continue to work with the team on the basic fundamentals of the game.

"Right now, we're focusing on defense," Torian said.

"We're spending a good hour and 15 minutes out of a two-hour practice working on defense.

"The hitting will come," Torian continued.

"Defense is what will keep you in ballgames and allow you to win games and championships."

Torian said he and Lewis have been able to make good progress with the team up to this point.

"I feel like we're progressing pretty well," Torian said.

"One of the big things is that the weather has been good and we have been able to get a lot of time in outdoors on the field."

Torian said that with the youth of the players and the fact that he and Lewis are having to put together an almost entirely new infield, a lot of time is being spent on basic infield play.

"We're working on game situations, focusing on the fundamentals of infield play," said Torian.

"We've got a lot of work to do. It just takes time."

Obituaries

Reginald Richard Carrington

Reginald Richard Carrington, 61, of Norfolk, formerly of South Boston, died February 29 at his home.

Mr. Carrington was born in Halifax County on March 1, 1942, the son of the late Otis W. Carrington and Willie Adams Carrington. He was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church and was a Veteran of the United States Army.

Survivors include his mother of South Boston; two sons, Reginald Holiday and Donnell Holiday, both of Norfolk; four daughters, Cheryll Levy of Portsmouth, Leslie Joseph and Laura Joseph, both of Virginia Beach, and Michelle Holiday of Norfolk; two sisters, Madeline Scott of Paterson, N.J. and Wanda Tucker of South Boston; four brothers, Otis H. Carrington and Bernard L. Carrington, both of South Boston, Willie J. Carrington of Norfolk and Gregory L. Carrington of Oxon Hill, Md.

Funeral services for Mr. Carrington will be held tomorrow, March 6 at 2 p.m. at Cross Roads Baptist Church with the Rev. Dennis White officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Chapel of Jeffress Funeral Home in South Boston this evening, March 5, from 6 to 8.

Edna Marie Link Gilley

Edna Marie Link Gilley, 61, of 3088 Cherry Hill Church Road, South Boston died March 3 at her home.

Born in Halifax County, she was the daughter of the late John and Geneva Sadler Link.

Mrs. Gilley is survived by her husband, John Gilley; her mother-in-law, Gracie Carver Gilley of Roxboro; two sons, Michael Gilley of South Boston and Troy Gilley of South Hill; three sisters, Elsie L. Wazeka of South Boston, Audrey L. Hazelwood of Halifax, and Daisy L. Duffy of Danville; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. tomorrow, March 6 at Brooks & White Chapel in Roxboro, N.C., by Dr. Toby Stone. Burial will follow in Providence Cemetery.

The family will receive friends this evening, March 5, from 7:00 until 8:30 at Brooks & White Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Lawter Harris

Elizabeth Lawter Harris, 86, of 103 Merritt Street, South Boston died March 3 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Harris was born in Henderson, N.C. on December 5, 1917, the daughter of Oscar Ray Lawter and Lena Newby Lawter, and was married to the late Henry Thomas Harris. she was a member of Second Baptist Church, and retired from Halifax Cotton Mill.

Survivors include two daughters, Faye Anderson and husband, Larry, of South Boston, and Harriett Johnston and husband, Lou, of St. Cloud, Fla.; one brother, George Lawter of South Boston; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A funeral service for Mrs. Harris will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel tomorrow, March 6 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Horace Murray officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

The family will receive friends this evening between 7:00 and 8:30 at Brooks Funeral Home, and other times at the home of Faye and Larry Anderson, 103 Merritt Street.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, 23058, or Second Baptist Church.

Bertha Alease Carver Hayes

Bertha Alease Carver Hayes, 76, of 2085 Philpott Road, South Boston died March 3 at The Woodview.

Mrs. Hayes was born in Halifax County on September 26, 1927, the daughter of Willie D. Carver and Ellen Eva Ragan Carver and was married to the late Raymond J. Hayes. She was a member of Seven Oaks Baptist Church.

A funeral service will be held at Brooks Funeral Home Chapel tomorrow, March 6 at 3 p.m. with the Revs. Raymond Bucklew and Jack Stewart officiating. Burial will follow in Berry Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Survivors of Mrs. Hayes include two sons, Roger G. Sizemore and Danny T. Sizemore, both of South Boston; three sisters, Rosetta C. Oldham of Goldsboro, N.C., Dora Lee C. Ambrose of Halifax, and Josephine C. Blanks of South Boston; two granddaughters, Merry Lynn Styles and Brandy Nicole Sizemore; one grandson, Jason Thomas Sizemore; four great-grandchildren; and a special family member, William 'Bill' Daniel of Alton.

Lottie Evelyn White Ingram

Lottie Evelyn White Ingram, 91, of Keeling died March 3 in Piney Forest Health Care Center.

Mrs. Ingram was born March 25, 1912, in Pittsylvania County the daughter of Abraham Cooper White and Lydia Byrd White, and was married to David Thornton Ingram Sr.

She was a member of Mount Tabor Baptist Church where she was active in Sunday School work. Mrs. Ingram was retired from Dan River Inc. and farming.
Survivors include one son, David Thornton Ingram Jr. of Keeling; one daughter, Juanita I. Haley of Long Beach, N.C.; one grandson, George Steven Ingram of Keeling; one great-granddaughter, Tabita Ingram; and one sister, Adelle W. Lewis of Raleigh, N.C.

Mrs. Ingram was also preceded in death by one son; two sisters, Eva W. Tanksley and Lucy W. Saunders; and three brothers, Kent, Malcolm and Ira White.

A funeral service will be held today, March 5 at 4 p.m. at Wrenn -Yeatts North Main Chapel in Danville with the Rev. Herman Absher officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Burial Park.

Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Keeling Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 12, Keeling, 24566, or the Laurel Grove Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 26, Sutherlin, 24594.

Mabel Coleman Smith

Mabel Coleman Smith, 86, of Oxen Hill, Md., formerly of Java, died March 2 in Fort Washington Hospital.

Born December 26, 1917, in Halifax County she was a daughter of the late Charlie Henry Coleman and Bettie Logan Coleman, and was married to the late Lonnie Smith.

Survivors of Mrs. Smith include five daughters, Delaine Ellis and Dora Gilchrist, both of Waldorf, Md., Betty Smith of Oxen Hill, Phyllis Smith of Capital Heights, Md. and Shirley Smith of Washington, D.C.; three sons, Charlie Smith of Landover, Md., Michael Smith of Capital Heights and Willie Smith of Washington; one brother, John Coleman of Java; two sisters, Alice Minor of Java and Leona Coleman of Philadelphia, Pa.

She was also preceded in death by one son, Lonnie Smith Jr.; two sisters, Thelma and Rosa Coleman; and three brothers, James, Vattel and Clarence Coleman.

Funeral services for Mrs. Smith will be held tomorrow, March 6 at 11 a.m. at Elkhorn Baptist Church by Dr. C. Lewis Motley. Burial will follow in the Coleman Family Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home of Alice Minor, 2206 Logan Road, Java.