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BUSINESS: Chill out for a good cause. Page B1

A WELCOME VISITOR IN YOUR HOME

108TH YEAR, NO. 117

FRIDAY

50 CENTS

Children’s Center earns second set of five stars

AUGUST 2, 2013

BEST BET

Fun stuff to do |

Texie Camp Marks site in Franklin stands out CAIN MADDEN/MANAGING EDITOR cain.madden@tidewaternews.com

CAR WASH: Franklin High Girls

Volleyball Tryout Team will host a carwash, Saturday, Aug. 3, at Sunoco Mart Franklin Plaza Mobil, 1011 Armory Dr. from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments will be sold.

MUSIC: The Windsor Dairy

Queen Bluegrass Music Show will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. The Winds of Bluegrass band will perform. For more information call (757) 242-6446.

ONLINE POLL

What you tell us |

What are you going to the Franklin/ Southampton County Fair for this year?

The bands

The 4H activities

(15%, 7 Votes)

(2%, 1 Votes)

I’m not going (83%, 40 Votes)

The rides/midway (0%, 0 Votes) Total Voters: 48

DEATHS

Obituaries on Page A3 | Arline Brooks Spain Fowler, 96 Mary Ellen “Me Me” Griffin, 56 Ruth W. Pearman, 65

INFO

So you can contact us | The Tidewater News 1000 Armory Drive P.O. Box 497 Franklin, VA 23851 (757) 562-3187 editor@tidewaternews.com www.tidewaternews.com

INSIDE

This issue |

OPINION OBITUARIES IT’S HAPPENING HERE FAITH & WORSHIP ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS OUTDOORS CLASSIFIEDS

A2 A3 A4 A5 A6 B1 B2 B2-B4

FRANKLIN—Harper Beale, 3, had a pretty fun day.

She had played outside, in the sandbox and with the tadpoles.

She had pretended to make lunch, read some books, and most importantly, hugged her teacher, Angela Gary, several times.

She wasn’t necessarily worried about all of the components that make The Children’s Center in Franklin a five-star facility, such as quality teachers, lack of overcrowded classrooms, furnishings or activities. No, she just knew that they were all there, and that Gary helped make her day better.

“There is no reason we cannot be the best,” said Gary, who has been with the program long enough to see children of former students come through. “We have all of the materials we need and are supported 100 percent.

“It is awesome that we have become five-star certified, though. It is not an easy thing to do.”

The Children’s Center received its second five-star rating from the Virginia Star Quality Initiative, this one at the Texie Camp Marks site in Franklin, and it now has two of

the three five-star ratings in Virginia. Two weeks ago, it had received its first five-star rating for its Franklin Early Head Start Center.

The VSQI is aimed at accessing and improving quality in early childhood programs, and helping parents make more informed choices about childcare options.

The initiative rates based on several factors, including teaching qualifications, interactions, classroom size, furnishings, activities and how well the program helps the children get ready for school.

The Texie Camp Marks Center scored a total of 157 of 170 points, and earned 40 out of 40 in environment and instruction, which rates a child’s cognitive development.

“The Children’s Center has always been dedicated to providing quality care for the children we serve. We are committed to ensuring that our staff are trained and current with best practices in early childhood education,” said G. Lee Taylor, education manager for the Children’s Center. “The five-star rating that the Texie Camp Marks Children’s Center has just

CAIN MADDEN | TIDEWATER NEWS

Harper Beale, 3, plays in the sandbox with Mrs. Angela Gary, her teacher. Beale was pretending to make “sand food.” Meanwhile, Mason Futrell, 3, plays in the sandbox in the background.

SEE CENTER, P. A7

Watermelon festival attracts thousands

Building a support system

Kay Thomas has been with event since the beginning

Douglas Boyce wants to help other people live with Parkinson’s

BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/STAFF WRITER

Stephen.cowles@tidewaternews.com MURFREESBORO, N.C.—What started out 28 years ago as a four-hour event that featured royalty and watermelons has grown into a four-day festival, which still includes both, and also attracts thousands of people.

Among the multitude is Kay Thomas, event chairwoman, who’s been there from the start.

“The reason I started with the festival is that I was working with the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce at that time,” Thomas said. “We had a young woman from here (Whitney Culbertson) who was crowned the North Carolina Watermelon Queen. Her teacher and the N.C. Watermelon Queen coordinator, also in Murfreesboro, came to see me and in her honor we kind of put together a parade.”

Added to that were a seed-spitting contest, watermelon-eating contest and one food vendor, all of which only took a few hours.

“We thought it would be a one-time-only event. Everyone had such a good time, we decided we’ll do it again,” she said. The next event led to another and so on.

“We kept adding different things through the years, crafts, a food court and amusement rides,” Thomas said, and she added the main reason the festival lasts four days is the company that sets

BY STEPHEN H. COWLES/STAFF WRITER Playback58@gmail.com

SUBMITTED/CAL BRYANT

This child gets a nose full of watermelon as he participates one of several contests held at the 2012 North Carolina Watermelon Festival in Murfreesboro. The 2013 event, which marks the event’s 28th year, got under way on Wednesday. she added, and knows of one couple from Winston-Salem who regularly attend because they love to dance.

“The festival has grown into a homecoming, and people plan their get-togethers and reunions around this,” said Thomas.

She emphasized there’s free admission to the festival and also free watermelon slices.

“It’s a gift to the community, and a salute not just to watermelons, but also agriculture.”

Working with Thomas are Lynette Bunch, president of the festival’s Board of Directors, and Charles Freeman, also on the board. Another committee member is her husband, Hal Thomas, treasurer and self-described go-fer.

up the rides won’t come just for two.

“I see what it does for the community,” she said about why she continues with the event.

Watching the children’s excitement about the amusement rides in particular is especially gratifying for her, and even lifts her mood if she’s feeling down.

“We have a very large parade on Saturday, and the children really enjoy that, and so do the adults,” said Thomas.

Attendance has increased each year, and now she estimates that approximately 35,000 attend through the festival.

“People come from all over the place – California and foreign countries – though this is not the main reason,” Thomas said.

Retirees visit festivals,

SEE WATERMELON, P. A7

FRANKLIN—A former president of Paul D. Camp Community College is taking the lead in establishing a support group for people affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Douglas Boyce, 67, was six years into his term when the condition began to make itself known.

“The first awareness of symptoms was in 2007 at my daughter’s wedding,” Boyce said. “I was nervous and I knew I was, but I never had a tremor before.”

He added that during public speaking events through 2009, the tremors would make themselves known.

“They would appear and get progressively worse. I went to see a neurologist about it.

Many months went by with my taking three or four different medications,” said Boyce. He added that at one time the thinking was he might have had what’s called essential tremor.

The website (www.essentialtremor.org) describes that as “a neurological condition that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk. It is often confused with Parkinson’s disease and dystonia.”

Whatever the cause, the condition was increasingly having a negative effect on Boyce’s life.

“My effectiveness was being impacted,” he said.

CAIN MADDEN | TIDEWATER NEWS

Dr. Douglas Boyce, former Paul D. Camp Community College president, is starting a support group for people with Parkinson’s disease.

“Parkinson’s reduced my ability to do simple daily tasks in a timely matter.

Parkinson’s slows down muscle systems in the body and different ways.

For me it meant that at work typing on a computer keyboard became slower and clumsier.”

Daily tasks such as combing his hair and dressing were also made more difficult.

“It was distracting,” he said.

Boyce stepped down at PDCCC in 2010.

“Actually, I retired earlier than I intended to because of Parkinson’s,” said Boyce.

He joked that he could have then become a bartender.

“Mixing a cocktail, it would be great,” Boyce SEE PARKINSON, P. A7

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Opinion

THE TIDEWATER NEWS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

On Sunday, July 28th, I was honored to attend the National Beauty Culturists Competition Event held in Alexandria, Va., with the Cosmetology Students from Southampton High School, under the direction of Rita Yeary.

My daughter, Calli Joyner, just finished her first year of cosmetology and entered the event under four categories. I am so very

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proud to say Calli finished in first place in two of the events, and third in another.

Southampton High School should be proud of their state-ofthe-art Cosmetology Department and Mrs. Yeary as the instructor.

Mrs. Yeary instills in these students the pride, excellence and honor for them to succeed in their field. This is a 3-year course, and before the students graduate in their senior year, they

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The Tidewater News values the opinions of its readers.

We want our Opinion page to be a marketplace of ideas about Franklin, Southampton County and Isle of Wight County. We also welcome our readers’ take on state, national and international affairs.

Submissions should not be defamatory or in poor taste. We prefer opinions on issues rather than personalities. We also discourage submissions about individual, consumer-oriented disputes with businesses or organizations.

Letters to the editor should be 250 words or less. Letters must be signed and must include a phone number and mailing address; only the writer’s name and hometown will appear in print.

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We prefer to receive letters and “Your Turn” columns by e-mail at editor@tidewaternews.com.

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The Tidewater News relies greatly on our readers to be extra sets of eyes and ears in the community. If you see news happening or have a suggestion for a good feature story, send an email to editor@tidewaternews.com or call us at 562-3187 and ask for the editor.

The Tidewater News ESTABLISHED 1905

Associate Publisher Tony Clark Managing Editor Cain Madden Publisher and President Steve Stewart Publisher Emeritus Hanes Byerly The Tidewater News is published every Sunday, Wednesday and Friday by Tidewater Publications, LLC, 1000 Armory Drive, Franklin, Virginia 23851. Second class postage paid in Franklin, Virginia. Telephone: 757-562-3187.

Circulation rates: Home delivery (mail or carrier) within a 40-mile radius of our office: $27 per six months; $49 per year, $93 per two years. Mail delivery in North Carolina or Virginia outside 40-mile radius: $38 per six months; $72 per year, $136 per two years. Mail delivery to other states: $89 per year, $170 per two years.

are able to take their state board exams and graduate already being a licensed cosmetologist in the state of Virginia! When the school built the department, I am sure they had the idea of, “If we build it, they will come.”

Well, they have come and they are representing the school in every way it was meant to be. The young ladies are proud of their ideas, and they are letting the nation know. By being able to par-

ticipate in these state and national competitions they are advertising to the United States that this small school in Southampton County can do anything!

Mrs. Yeary genuinely cares about her students and the school. She encourages these students to participate in the competition events.

Susan Joyner Franklin, Va.

EDITORIAL

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Our position on local issues

Why leave IOW schools?

I

n mid-May, the public learned through a press release and newspaper reports that Isle of Wight County School Superintendent A. Katrise Perera was looking for – and we quote – “leadership opportunities outside of Isle of Wight County Schools.”

The announcement went on to say that recent events prompted the decision, and Perera felt it was best for her family to look elsewhere.

The timing was noteworthy for it came in the middle of preparing a new school year budget and the start of the brouhaha involving school board member

Herb DeGroft and supervisor Byron Bailey’s controversial emails.

Nonetheless, the school board then graciously announced its support of her presence in Isle of Wight, and would continue to back her up as long as she’s employed with the school system.

Most recently, we learned that Perera sought to return to her home state of Louisiana for a position. That too reportedly didn’t come to fruition.

The school board had a scheduled closed session Thursday, and we can’t help but wonder if the school board is still behind her.

Meanwhile, we also ask why the superintendent still believes she’d be better off now elsewhere than leading Isle of Wight County.

True, the controversy level has been at times a certifiable code red, but tough situations can help forge a person to become a better leader.

Presuming that the school board didn’t decide to show Perera the door yesterday, we encourage her to take a deep breath, and get ready for a new school year.

The county schools are looking for leadership, Katrise, and you can still be the one.

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Electronic delivery of articles and photographs assists us in getting your submission into print sooner. It also reduces the risk of errors that occur during the typesetting process.

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Our readers put their opinions in writing

TO THE EDITOR,

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

hen I started work at The Natchez Democrat, I had an advantage in that it was my hometown.

I had spent most of my childhood and adult life in the MissLou area, be it Vidalia in Louisiana, Woodville, Miss., which was in a nearby county, or of course, Natchez, Miss., itself. I went to school there, I went to community college there and I had worked jobs in the area.

I knew people, or I at least knew people who knew people.

For instance, if I needed to know about a neighborhood that was once one of the best neighborhoods in Natchez, but had fallen on bad times, I knew I could go to my grandmother, and I knew that she would know everyone and their dog who owned a home in that neighborhood. She even knew people who were still there, people who were very disappointed to see that this neighborhood had fallen and become mostly deteriorating rental properties.

More practically, I would have loved to talk to someone who knew and remembers the recently deceased Sen. Harry Byrd for this newspaper, The Tidewater News. If my grandmother lived here, she could have brought up many, many names to talk about. My grandmother does not live here, however, she lives in Natchez.

And so I reached out, but failed to produce anyone.

There are plenty of other examples where knowing people would help with making this community newspaper better.

Every week we put out spe-

cial pages, Outdoors, Sports, Business, Agribusiness, Life and Celebrations.

Some days, it is automatic what is going on those pages, especially with the good job Mrs. Merle Monahan does with Life. Other days, it is a reach to figure out what to put on those pages, especially Business and Outdoors.

In Natchez, I’d know who hunts. I grew up with a group of friends who are now big into hunting. They hunt dove, wild turkey, deer and they fish, too.

I could call around on those days when I’m looking for something interesting, and perhaps find that someone knows someone who caught a big fish, or shot that elusive 30-point buck — everyone knows that buck is out there.

As of now, my calls looking into that sort of information is very limited.

In business, I knew a lot of the people who owned businesses. Some of the people I grew up with had started businesses in town. And more often than not, I possibly went to school with someone related to the business owner, and that helped.

It is not to say that knowing people makes the job any easier, but it certainly makes the stories a lot better. And that’s what is important, telling good stories.

Events come to me. People want to publicize those. Crime comes to me because it is public record. I get scores from schools, and other big items from city and county government, but if that’s all that is going in the paper, we really are

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RAISIN’ CAIN

By Cain Madden

not doing our job. Certainly, that stuff is important, and it should be in the newspaper, but I’d also like to be more consistent with the other items.

I’d like to be able to give you that good read that you can’t get anywhere else. We’ve done that since I’ve been here, but at the same time, I’m sure we’ve missed some things that are equally worth stories.

If you are interested in the Outdoors page being better, please contact me. I’d love to make it better. If you’d like to see more sports items, please let me know what is going on.

If there are business, life or news stories that I’m missing, please let me know. Do you live in a small community in the region that does not get enough coverage? Please, please call me.

I want to get to know you better, Western Tidewater. I’ve really enjoyed learning what I’ve learned so far, and I look forward to learning all the more. Most importantly, I look forward to telling the story of this area.

CAIN MADDEN is the managing editor of The Tidewater News. He thanks you for reading and hopes that one day, you adopt him as one of your own. You can reach him at 562-3187 or email him at cain.madden@ tidewaternews.com.

YOUR TURN

By Congressman Randy Forbes

The Boxing Ring

L

ace up your boxing gloves.

Stand in your corner. Start sparring. Throw some punches.

Knock out your opponent.

It’s hard to tell whether these are the basic steps to a boxing match or a description of the strategy currently being used among leaders in Washington. These days, Congressional proceedings (or lack thereof) seem more like a multi-round boxing exhibition than an attempt to shape policy that will move our nation forward.

There is no question Congress is divided. A recent report by the Brookings Institute showed that the 113th Congress is among the most polarized in a century. We don’t need reports or more analysis to tell us that, though. Ask furloughed civil servants waiting for a sequestration agreement. Ask college students or parents waiting for resolution on student loan interest rates. Ask the farmer who is waiting for the next farm bill to pass.

In the midst of it all, a majority of Americans are asking in chorus: why can’t you just work together?

It’s a fair question, demonstrating just how deeply the battle lines have been drawn. With clearly defined maneuvers, the key players have taken their corners, Republicans on one side and Democrats on the other.

We need to answer the question. I think everyone can agree that we have to work together if we want to see progress. However, I believe we won’t unless we see a mind shift in strategy. If Congress is a boxing ring, then anyone wearing a different color uniform is automatically the opponent, and the only goal is to take him or her down. Boxing rings hold winners and losers. At the end of the day, someone goes home bloodied and bruised, leaving half the crowd cheering while the other half hangs their heads in disappointment. This is no way to make progress in a nation facing such enormous challenges. We would see greater progress if Congress would instead start thinking of itself as a springboard.

The halls of Congress should be a launching pad of ideas. Our nation’s best policy arises out of the competition of diverse ideas, not the limitation of such ideas. Writers from John Milton to Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes often opined that in the marketplace of ideas, truth would always win out. Our nation’s capital should be a place of debate where new concepts are launched. It should be a place that gives energy and impulse to ideas that would on their own lie dull or dormant.

Does this mean being so flexible that we compromise principles?

Not at all. Even a springboard is anchored on one end, grounded enough that its flexibility doesn’t alter its true position.

So how do we begin this mind shift?

It starts with relationships. Democrat Dan Lipinski and I don’t see eye-to-eye on all issues, but we can come together to write a piece of legislation prioritizing medical research that ultimately brings progress to our health care system and those suffering from debilitating diseases. Democrat Mike McIntyre doesn’t always vote the way I do, but we’ve built a bipartisan Congressional caucus with nearly 100 members. Democrat Rick Larsen and I have disagreements, but we can work together on a long-range budget strategy. Democrat Joe Courtney and I approach some issues very differently, but we agree on the importance of a strong national defense and we have worked together to build one of the most bipartisan subcommittees on the House Armed Services Committee.

For these relationships to work, we make time to listen to each other, to build friendships, and to grow partnerships. Instead of looking at the lines that separate us, we look for the issues where we find unity.

And we make progress, because we come to the negotiation table with respect for each other, an open mind to ideas, and an understanding of each other’s unwavering principles. Respectful relationships birth a desire for common ground.

I am only one. But one voice, one partnership, and one commitment to working together have the power to direct the course of our nation. Common ground will always be available for those who seek it and are willing to work for it.

U.S. REP. RANDY FORBES, R-Va., represents Western Tidewater in the U.S. House of Representatives. His email address is randy@randyforbes.com

Obituaries

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

Arline Brooks Spain Fowler Homeville - Arline Brooks Spain Fowler, 96, of Homeville passed away peacefully at the Dunlop House in Colonial Heights where she resided for the last two years on Monday, July 29, 2013. Mrs. Fowler was a member of Oak Grove United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Gordon Brooks and Lena Belle Adams Brooks and her husbands, Luther A. Spain and Henry Edward Fowler, with whom she resided in Newsoms for 20 years.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Thomas Dalton Spain and wife, Dee and Kevin Brooks and wife, Lara; daughters, Barbara Leath Condrey and husband, Howard and Katherine Louise

Stearns and husband, Bill; grandchildren, Wade Condrey, Luke Spain, Eric Spain, Michael Stearns, Elizabeth Bowers, Aaron Spain and Brooks Spain; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Paige, Roen, Jordan, Jenna, Ethan, Quinn and Hannah; sister, Jesse Alexander Connett; step-son, Henry E. Fowler, Jr.; step-grandchildren, Ray Washburn and Kendra Kahler and step-great grandchildren, Allena, Kayla and Zachery.

The family will receive friends Friday, August 2, 2013 at R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral home and Crematory Wakefield Chapel from 6 to 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 3, 2013 at Waverly United Methodist Church with

Rev. Donna Smith, The Rev. Macon Walton and Rev. Connie Gibbs-Morris officiating. Burial will follow at Waverly Cemetery. Â In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Waverly Volunteer Rescue Squad P.O. Box 583 Waverly, VA 23890.

Condolences may be posted at www.rwbakerfh.com.

Ruth W. Pearman Franklin – Ms. Ruth W. Pearman, 65, of Franklin, Va., passed away July 28, 2013 at her home 313 Council Rd, Franklin, Va. Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, August 2, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Franklin, Va. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery. Arrange-

THE TIDEWATER NEWS

ments are handled by Elvin N. Vaughan Funeral Home, Franklin, Va.

Mary Ellen “Me Meâ€? GriďŹƒn Boykins - Mary Ellen “Me Meâ€?

Griffin, 56, of Boykins, passed away, Sunday, July 28, 2013. She is survived by her husband, Ken Griffin; daughter, Amber Hammond and husband, Earl Wayne; son, William Griffin; four grandchildren, Bradley Wayne Hammond, Hannah Leigh Hammond, Emily Elizabeth Hammond and Noah Kenneth Hammond; three brothers; one sister; her mother-in-law, Anne Bradley Griffin who was a dear friend and loving caregiver and a large extended family of aunts, uncles,

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cousins and close friends who were dear to her. She also leaves behind her beloved canine companion, “Trouble�. The family will receive friends 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug 2 at Owen Funeral Home, 303 S. Halifax Rd., Jarratt, Virginia 23867 where a memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association or to American Kidney Association. Mrs. Griffin’s family wishes to thank the nurses and staff at Southampton Dialysis Center who became like family for the care and loving concern shown to her and them over the years. Online condolences may be made at www. owenfh.com.

Community News Cheroenhaka celebrate land payoff

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BOUNCE HOUSES

SUBMITTED On Saturday, July 27, members of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian tribe got together for its annual powwow and Mortgage Burning. Above are pictures from the burning ceremony, which is a celebration of the payo of the tribal land.

New United Way board member

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Frank Rickman, President of the Franklin-Southampton Area United Way Board of Directors, welcomes Greg Cook to the United Way Board. Greg is Vice-President of Administration and Finance for Community Electric Cooperative. Franklin-Southampton Area United Way works through local agencies to improve the lives of people in our community. Last year 24 United Way funded agencies reached out more than 30,000 times to lend a hand to people in our community. Find further information at www.franklinunitedway.org

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We Service All Makes and Models

Committed to bringing you quality surgical services, close to home.

David Diep, D.O. General Surgeon

It’s comforting to be close to home when you need surgery. So it’s good to know that Southampton Memorial Hospital offers many of the same surgical procedures you’ll ďŹ nd in big-city hospitals, along with a genuine concern for your well-being. From general surgery and urology to orthopedics, ophthalmology, gynecology and otolaryngology, we’ve got you covered. Southampton Memorial Hospital is proud to welcome another caring physician to the medical staff. General Surgeon David Diep, D.O., is dedicated to treating patients like friends and neighbors. He provides inpatient and outpatient general surgery services.

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Entertainment

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LAUREN’S REVIEW

By Lauren Bradshaw Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I do not read comics so I am unfamiliar with whether The Wolverine is true to the characters/storyline in Frank Miller and Chris Claremont’s comic mini-series, The Wolverine. That being said, I am a huge fan of superhero movies and although it has its faults, The Wolverine, directed by James Mangold (Walk The Line), is an entertaining continuation of Wolverine’s journey! For all of you Wolverine fans that were disappointed by X-Men Origins: Wolverine, I think you will be much more satisfied with this film. Not to mention, there is an AWESOME scene in the credits that will leave you salivating for the

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

The Wolverine is good, but the teaser scene in the Credits is awesome!

next film, X-Men: Days Of Future Past, which is currently filming in Montreal.

The Wolverine is basically a standalone movie. You don’t need to see the other X-Men films to figure out what’s going on in this one.

However, as a refresher, the metal-clawed Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) is in the midst of an existential crisis after he had to kill the love of his life, Jean Grey (as seen in X-Men: The Last Stand). Because he is immortal, Wolverine has had to experience the death of everyone he has ever loved with no chance of seeing them again. This poses a serious problem for our hero, especially since Jean (Famke Janssen) has been

haunting his dreams, begging him to find a way to join her in the afterlife.

This leads us to the main storyline of The Wolverine.

The movie begins during WWII, with Wolverine in a Japanese POW camp during the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Before the nuclear blast can reach the camp, Wolverine saves Yashida, one of his Japanese captors, by using his strength and regenerative powers to shield the soldier from the radiation.

Cut to seventy years later, following the events of X-Men: The Last Stand, Wolverine has left the X-Men and is living in solitude in the mountains. Despite the occasional trips into town, he lives away from humanity and is kept company by his haunting dreams of Jean and his friend the grizzly bear. After hunters shoot the grizzly and leave it to die a painful death (animal lovers beware of this scene), Wolverine ventures into town to seek a bit of vengeance at the local bar. Here, he meets Yukio (Rila Fukushima), a young Japanese woman who has been looking for Wolverine for years.

She informs him that Yashida, the man he once saved, is now a super rich mogul on his deathbed. His dying wish is to fly Wolverine to Japan to personally thank him for saving his life years ago.

Of course, there are always ulterior motives and Wolverine quickly realizes Yashida’s true intentions.

Yashida wants to transfer Wolverine’s power of regeneration to himself so he can live forever. Although Wolverine realizes giving up his immortality is what he has been yearning for, he decides to keep his pow-

er. That is, until Yashida’s deadly oncologist, Viper (Svetlana Khodchenkova), gets involved and, unbeknownst to Wolverine, tampers with his regenerative powers.

Meanwhile, Wolverine discovers Yashida has a beautiful granddaughter named Mariko (Tao Okamoto), who is set to inherit Yashida’s entire fortune.

Like in any action movie set in Japan, of course there are shady people (who have an army of ninjas) that want to kill Mariko for her impending wealth so Wolverine takes it upon himself to protect her.

However, with the degradation of his regenerative powers, Wolverine must face the fear of death for the first time in his life. Will he be able to protect Mariko without his immortality or will he finally succumb to death?

There are some actors that are born to play certain roles. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine is one of them. I cannot imagine anyone playing this role as well as him. Jackman embodies Wolverine in every way possible, especially physically. His ability to bring strength, heart, humor and badassness (is that a word?) to this character is the main reason I enjoyed The Wolverine. Jackman enables us to see the complexities of Wolverine, as well as the source of his rage (his immortality may be more of a curse than a gift). If it wasn’t for Les Miserables, I think I could be convinced that Hugh Jackman is Wolverine in real life.

While I was entertained by the film, especially the awesome bullet train scene, I also have a couple

COURTESY

criticisms. My first (and main) criticism is the lack of mutants especially in regards to my girl, Jean Grey.

Although Jean is “dead”, I was hoping she would be in this film for more than three minutes. Not to mention, besides Wolverine, the only other mutants in the film were Viper and Yukio.

What is an X-Men movie without the mutants? My second criticism is that the “villain” was a bit irrelevant to the plot. Though I love Viper (I am a sucker for badass females), her character has a minimal influence on the trajectory of the storyline. Yes, she manipulates Wolverine’s regenerative powers, but that’s about it.

Wolverine doesn’t even really fight her!

The Wolverine is certainly a gigantic step up from its predecessor. It is one of the best popcorn action films so far this summer, with an awesome main character and some fantastic fight scenes. However, the main reason you should see this film is the teaser scene for X-Men: Days of Future Past that Marvel has placed in the credits. It is so awesome, it almost up-stages the preceding film! Bottom line: although you can skip the 3D experience (it didn’t add much to the film) definitely don’t miss seeing The Wolverine this weekend.

My Review: B-

Community News Program held in support of Trayvon Martin Family

www.smhfranklin.com

757-569-6100

STAFF REPORT

FRANKLIN—The Oak Street Senior Citizens group held a program of support for the family of Trayvon Martin on Wednesday, July 31 at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center.

Roger Owens, a member of the group and organizer of the program, said, “The reason that I felt this should be done is to show support

to all Americans during this period of time that many are dealing with the death of Trayvon Martin and the results of the trial. Even as we are senior citizens, we all can learn from this situation. We have prepared a letter of support that will be sent to Sybrina Fulton and Tracy Martin. This letter also includes the signed signatures of 72 members of our group that live in

Franklin, Southampton County, Isle of Wight County, Capron, Drewryville, Zuni, Ivor, Newsome, Branchville and Boykins.”

The program that was held featured prayer by Barbara McClenny, scripture

by Rev. Rosa Hart, signing and many remarks by members of the group.Lula Barnes served as the Master of Ceremony for the program.

Southampton Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the arrival of Dr. David Diep, General Surgeon

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Program organizer Roger Owens, center, reads a letter of support as MC Lula Barnes, left, and senior site manager Virginia Murphy, right, look on.

Choral workshop planned STAFF REPORT

COURTLAND—A choral workshop is being offered for rising 7th- through 12th-graders who want to develop their singing talent.

This class will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Aug. 14 through Friday,

Aug. 16 at Southampton High School.

Tiffany Temple, chorus director at York High School, will be the guest director.

The cost is $15 per person, and includes a pizza lunch. Make checks payable to SHS Chorus. They may

be mailed to Stephen West, Southampton High School, 23350 Southampton Parkway, Courtland, Va. 23837.

Participating students are reminded they must be picked up from the school by 12:30 p.m.

For more information, call the school at 653-2751.

Community News

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013

CENTER: Many factors reviewed FROM PAGE A1 achieved confirms that we strive for excellence in early care and education.�

Ellen Couch, the director for Smart Beginnings, said

the news of the five-star site was great. “I think it is a wonderful achievement for the center,� Couch said. “We worked hard with the staff and mentors in develop-

something that resembled a car windshield, so she could pretend to drive out there. “It is fun,� the threeyear-old said with a big smile.

ing a learning rich environment for the children.�

Harper wasn’t worried about that, or talking about the achievement — she wanted to play outside. To do that, she needed to find

PARKINSON: Meeting times not yet established FROM PAGE A1 said, smiling. “You’ve got to have a sense of humor.�

After Parkinson’s was identified, he began treatment. That included working with a movement disorder physician who specializes in Parkinson’s. Huntingdon’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis, all neurologically based conditions. “Oh, yes,� Boyce said. “The specialist I found was able to guide me into a course of

treatment. There were many different options. Sometimes one is emphasized over another. I did find some relief. But sometimes medications wear off, you change them and you have to move on to something else.�

He’s aware there’s no cure for Parkinson’s, and strives to live a normal life as possible in spite of it. “The best you can do is manage the symptoms.

That’s what a support group is really all about – living

“The group could become what it wants collectively.

Caregivers are welcome as well,� said Boyce.

To learn more about the proposed support group, contact Boyce at 562-4432 or email Dboyce124@ gmail.com.

To learn more about Parkinson’s, visit www.parkinsons.org or the American Parkinsons Disease Association, Hampton Roads Chapter at www.hrparkinsons.com.

with it,� Boyce said. “I like to say I have Parkinson’s, but it doesn’t have me.�

As for developing the local support system (the closest now is in Chesapeake, he said), there’s no time or date set for it.

Southampton Memorial Hospital has offered space and refreshments for when things get started. He hopes people will feel comfortable contacting him and talking with others having like-minded experiences.

“The main thing about the festival is you get to see thousands of people you don’t normally see,� he said. “One of our merchants said before the event, ‘The streets look kind of empty.’ They’re not empty anymore.�

Like his wife, Hal Thomas is motivated to stay active with the festival because of the people. “Everybody seems to be happy,� he said. “This day and time we need a bunch of smiling faces.�

Hal Thomas also urged folks to attend, and emphasized there’s no alcohol, but plenty of good food and free slices of watermelon.

Judy Hachey, executive director of the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce, is another active supporter of the festival. “I grew up in Como, all my life, and also lived in Virginia Beach, but previ-

ous to three years ago, I never attended,� Hachey said.

Part of the Chamber’s involvement during the festival is to host a dinner.

Steamed shrimp was served Wednesday, with 400 tickets sold. “It was quite a success,� she said.

Then the Chamber also hosts the parade, which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m.

Saturday.

Hachey said she believes it to be the largest agricultural-theme parade in North Carolina. “We do get visitors from all over,� she said. “We always get celebrity and local grand marshals. This year will be two news anchors from WRAL in Raleigh, N.C., and Colon Ballance, curator for the Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana.�

He does lots of community service work behind the scenes, Hachey said about

do and see.�

The North Carolina Watermelon Festival continues from noon to 11 p.m. today, Aug. 2, and 7 a.m. to 9:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3. For more information, call 252398-7695, email: melons@

Balance. In March he was the recipient of the Chamber award for community service.

Promoting the festival is more than just work for Hachey. “I guess the thing I enjoy the most is that people come out. It’s family-oriented, and there’s just a lot to

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