May 21, 2015 District 7 held its spring meeting at the East Mooresville Intermediate School in Mooresville, NC. Moores- ville Graded School Dis- trict hosted the event. Evora Glaspy, MGSD Maintenance Secretary and I sold door prize, raffle and 50/50 tickets. There were 31 School maintenance personnel who attended from seven LEA’s and six retirees. There were approximately 16 vendors in attendance from eight different com- panies and 51 vendors that provided door prizes. We offer a great big thank you to all our vendors for their generous gifts and support. David Martin, Director of Maintenance for Moores- ville Graded School Dis- trict welcomed everyone. The Mooresville High School NJROTC presented the colors David led the group in the pledge of allegiance. He introduced Dr. Todd Black, Director of Operations for Mooresville Graded School District. Dr. Black gave the invocation and introduced Dr. Mark Edwards, su- Rowan Salisbury hosted the District Six meeting on April 30, at Troutman’s Barbeque in Concord. State President Ken Goforth welcomed everyone to the event. He gave the invocation and a delicious meal was served. State President Goforth called the meeting to order and presided over the business session. He read the minutes of the previous meeting and gave the financial report. President Goforth encouraged mem- bers to attend the Seventh Annual Western Con- vention Workshop. He noted the credit hour classes that would be held. He stated the district golf tourna- ment held earlier in the month was successful and participants had a great time. He also encouraged members to keep up their good work and not to give up and to invite coworkers to join and participate in NCPSMA. The vendors introduced themselves and door prizes were awarded. Thank you vendors for your continued and generous support. Thank you Rowan-Salisbury School Maintenance for hosting the event. Roxie INDEX OF ADVERTISERS ACR Supply Co .............................. 8 AES ....................................... 8 All Seasons ................................. 3 Anderson Sanitary Maintenance Products ......... 7 Atlantic Coastal Supply, Inc. . ................... 8 Davidson Sash & Door ........................ 7 D.H. Bruch Marketing, Inc. ..................... 5 Floor Action ................................. 7 Gra-Mac.................................... 4 GGC Gym Gloss Co. . ......................... 3 Hardware Distributors ......................... 7 Heat Transfer Sales ........................... 3 Hoffman & Hoffman ........................... 8 Image Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 James M. Pleasants Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Ken Staley Co., Inc. . .......................... 9 LaFave’s Construction Co ...................... 5 Lewis Boiler Supply .......................... 5 Matt Marshall & Co. . .......................... 4 Mickey’s Sales & Service ...................... 9 Reece, Noland & McElrath ..................... 3 Richard K. Hunter & Co. ....................... 7 Saffelle, Inc. . ................................ 6 Seegars Fence Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Seven Oaks Supply Co. ...................... 10 SchoolDude ................................. 4 Sky Enterprises .............................. 8 TeamWorks ................................. 7 Thermal Resource Sales ....................... 8 T he Monthly Newsletter of the North Carolina Public School Maintenance Association MEETING DATES The districts of NCPSMA meet twice yearly. District 1 January, July Pres. Phone: District 2 January, July Pres. Kevin Sandlin Phone: 910.592.8688 District 3 February, August Pres. Mark Letchworth Phone: 252.399.7822 District 4 February, October Pres. Donna Fields Phone: 910.678.2539 District 5 March, September Pres. David Burge Phone: 336.593.8146 District 6 April, October Pres. Sam Watkins Phone: 980.343.0832 District 7 May, November Pres. Jeff Adams Phone: 336.679.3138 District 8 March, November Pres. Adam Robinson Phone: 828.456.2402 Meeting Dates & Locations Should be sent to The Maintenance Beacon two months in advance for publication. Deadlines Publication deadline for articles and advertisements is first day of the month prior to month of publication. CONTENTS 43rd Eastern Convention Registration Form ......................... 2 43rd Eastern Convention Tentative Agenda .......................... 2 Guidelines for Top Awards ............ 3 Gus ............................................... 4 Wilkes County Schools ................. 4 Places of Worship Need Security ............................... 5 Blame Game................................. 5 Life and Times .............................. 6 July Word Search ......................... 7 July Recipe ................................... 9 Cape Lookout MEETINGS & EVENTS Volume 52, Number 7 July 2015 ROWAN SALISBURY HOSTS DISTRICT SIX MEETING JAY PALMER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS BEACON THE MAINTENANCE continued on page 3 43 RD ANNUAL NCPSMA EASTERN CONVENTION WORKSHOP September 23-25, 2015 Place: Double Tree by Hilton 2717 West Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512 For more information contact Roxie Mack at [email protected] or 336.366.4939 Larry McClain, Jay Palmer Scholarship Chairman recently announced the winners of the 2015 Jay Palmer Scholarship Awards. Each winner will re- ceive $550.00. The winners are as follows. Elliot Ty- ler Draughn, parents are Robert Draughn and Vickie Ramey. Elliott will be attending Wingate University. Chesley H. Long, parents are Reggie and Donna Long. Chesley will be attending Sandhills Commu- nity College. Tayor M. Oxendine, parents are Billy R (Dollar Bill) and Phyllis Oxendine. Taylor will be attending UNC-Pembroke. Kyle Kidd, parents are Kenneth and Dorenda Kidd. Kyle will be attending UNC-Charlotte. Cameron Drake Mintz, parents are Anthony and Tonya Mintz. Cameron will be attending Western Carolina University. DISTRICT 3 MEETING August 6, 2015 at 4 PM. Place: Southern Vance High School. 925 Garrett Rd, Henderson, NC 27537 For more information contact Sue Farmer at 252.399.7822 David Martin Attendees Dr. Mark Edwards DISTRICT SEVEN MEETING HOSTED BY MGSD
Transcript
May 21, 2015 District 7 held its spring meeting at the East Mooresville Intermediate School in Mooresville, NC. Moores-ville Graded School Dis-trict hosted the event. Evora Glaspy, MGSD Maintenance Secretary and I sold door prize, raffle and 50/50 tickets. There were 31 School maintenance personnel who attended from seven LEA’s and six retirees. There were approximately 16 vendors in attendance from eight different com-panies and 51 vendors that provided door prizes. We offer a great big thank you to all our vendors for their generous gifts and support. David Martin, Director of Maintenance for Moores-ville Graded School Dis-trict welcomed everyone.
The Mooresville High School NJROTC presented the colors David led the group in the pledge of allegiance. He introduced Dr. Todd Black, Director of Operations for Mooresville Graded School District. Dr. Black gave the invocation and introduced Dr. Mark Edwards, su-
Rowan Salisbury hosted the District Six meeting on April 30, at Troutman’s Barbeque in Concord. State President Ken Goforth welcomed everyone to the event. He gave the invocation and a delicious meal was served.
State President Goforth called the meeting to order and presided over the business session. He read the minutes of the previous meeting and gave the financial report. President Goforth encouraged mem-bers to attend the Seventh Annual Western Con-vention Workshop. He noted the credit hour classes that would be held. He stated the district golf tourna-ment held earlier in the month was successful and participants had a great time. He also encouraged members to keep up their good work and not to give up and to invite coworkers to join and participate in NCPSMA.
The vendors introduced themselves and door prizes were awarded. Thank you vendors for your continued and generous support. Thank you Rowan-Salisbury School Maintenance for hosting the event.
T he Monthly Newsletter of the North Carolina Public School Maintenance Association
MEETING DATESThe districts of NCPSMA meet twice yearly.District 1January, July Pres. Phone: District 2 January, JulyPres. Kevin SandlinPhone: 910.592.8688District 3February, AugustPres. Mark LetchworthPhone: 252.399.7822District 4February, OctoberPres. Donna FieldsPhone: 910.678.2539District 5March, SeptemberPres. David BurgePhone: 336.593.8146District 6April, OctoberPres. Sam Watkins Phone: 980.343.0832District 7May, NovemberPres. Jeff AdamsPhone: 336.679.3138District 8March, NovemberPres. Adam RobinsonPhone: 828.456.2402 Meeting Dates & LocationsShould be sent to The Maintenance Beacontwo months in advance for publication. DeadlinesPublication deadline forarticles and advertisements is first day of the month prior to month of publication.
CONTENTS43rd Eastern ConventionRegistration Form .........................243rd Eastern Convention Tentative Agenda ..........................2Guidelines for Top Awards ............3Gus ...............................................4Wilkes County Schools .................4Places of WorshipNeed Security ...............................5Blame Game .................................5Life and Times ..............................6July Word Search .........................7July Recipe ...................................9
Cape Lookout
MEETINGS & EVENTS
Volume 52, Number 7July 2015
ROWAN SALISBURY HOSTS DISTRICT SIX MEETING
JAY PALMER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNERS
BEACONTHE MAINTENANCE
continued on page 3
43RD ANNUAL NCPSMA EASTERN CONVENTION WORKSHOP
September 23-25, 2015 Place: Double Tree by Hilton 2717 West Fort Macon Rd, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512
For more information contact Roxie Mack at [email protected] or 336.366.4939
Larry McClain, Jay Palmer Scholarship Chairman recently announced the winners of the 2015 Jay Palmer Scholarship Awards. Each winner will re-ceive $550.00. The winners are as follows. Elliot Ty-ler Draughn, parents are Robert Draughn and Vickie Ramey. Elliott will be attending Wingate University. Chesley H. Long, parents are Reggie and Donna Long. Chesley will be attending Sandhills Commu-nity College. Tayor M. Oxendine, parents are Billy R (Dollar Bill) and Phyllis Oxendine. Taylor will be attending UNC-Pembroke. Kyle Kidd, parents are Kenneth and Dorenda Kidd. Kyle will be attending UNC-Charlotte. Cameron Drake Mintz, parents are Anthony and Tonya Mintz. Cameron will be attending Western Carolina University.
DISTRICT 3 MEETINGAugust 6, 2015 at 4 PM. Place: Southern Vance
High School. 925 Garrett Rd, Henderson, NC 27537For more information contact Sue Farmer at 252.399.7822
David Martin
Attendees
Dr. Mark Edwards
DISTRICT SEVEN MEETING HOSTED BY MGSD
JULY 2015 • THE MAINTENANCE BEACON 243RD ANNUAL NCPSMA EASTERN CONVENTION REGULAR MEMBER REGISTRATION FORM
September 23-25, 2015DoubleTree by Hilton, Atlantic Beach, NC
*Regular Member or Retired Regular Member Registration Form Please Print Name __________________________________________Address ________________________________________City, State, Zip ___________________________________Name of School System (LEA) ______________________Office Phone #______________Fax #_________________E-Mail Address___________________________________
Registration Cash, Check or Money Order ($70 each) $____________Debit or Credit Card ($72 each) $____________
Banquet tickets must be purchased separately.Banquet Tickets (members and guests)Cash, Check or Money Order ($10 each) $____________Debit or Credit Card ($11 each) $____________
Preregistration deadline is August 15, 2015
Late Registration Fee (After August 15, 2015)Cash, Check or Money Order ($80) each ____________Debit or Credit Card ($83) each $____________
Banquet tickets must be purchased separately.
Cash, Check or Money Order ($10 each) $____________Debit or Credit Card ($11 each) $____________
Total Enclosed $_____________
There will be no refunds after (August 30, 2015)
Please make checks payable to NCPSMA and mail to: NCPSMA, 630 Adams Ridge Road, State Road, NC 28676
If you wish to use a Debit or Credit Card, please call Roxie Mack at 336.366.4939 and the transaction will be completed online during the call. We do not retain any card information.
LEA's with multiple registrations need not fill out individual registration forms. A single sheet listing the individual names of those they wish to register along with the LEA name, address, phone number, fax number and contact person will be sufficient.
* Employed by or retired from a NC Public School System. All others must register through Roxie Mack at 336 366 4939 or [email protected].
Room ReservationsDo not forget to make your own reservations for the eastern convention/workshop. We have a con-tract DoubleTree by Hilton. The rate is $129.00 per night. You can make your reservations on-line at http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/O/OAJDTDT-NCP-20150921/index.jhtml. The phone number for reservations is 1-800-222-TREE or 252-240-1155.
DoubleTree by Hilton2717 West Fort Macon RoadAtlantic Beach, North Carolina, 28512Tel: 252-240-1155Fax: 252-222-4065
DoubleTree by Hilton / Atlantic Beach, NCSeptember 23-25, 2015
Wednesday 23rd
8:00-5:00 Registration Foyer8:00-10:00 Locksmith License Renewal Sandcastles Wastewater Cape Lookout (2 CEU’s -must attend all 3 classes)10:00-11:00 Elevators 101 Cape Fear 10:00-12:00 Ornamental Pest Control (2 CEU’s) Bogue Sound10:15-12:15 Locksmith License Renewal Sandcastles Wastewater Cape Lookout (2 CEU’s -must attend all 3 classes)12:00-1:45 Advisory Council Meeting AtlanticNoon Lunch on Your Own
2:00-3:00 Opening Session and Business Session Atlantic3:30-5:30 Ornamental Pest Control (2 CEU’s) Bogue Sound Preventative Maintenance for Roofing & Waterproofing Systems Pamlico Mechanical Code Updates & Fuel Gas Code Updates Cape Fear Bleacher & Athletic Equipment Safety and Maintenance Hatteras Wastewater Cape Lookout (2 CEU’s -must attend all 3 classes) Locksmith License Renewal SandcastlesThursday 24th
7:00 31st Annual Handi-Clean Jay Palmer Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament, Sponsored by Handi-Clean Products, Inc.
Fishing Tournament7:00-9:00 Electrical (for 2 credit hours) Sandcastles Structural Pest (2 CEU’s) Bogue Sound 8:00-9:00 Floor Care-Sustainable Solutions Cape Fear Proper Bleacher Care and Safe Operations Cape Lookout 9:00-9:30 Exhibitor Display Selection Atlantic9:30-11:00 Exhibitor Display Setup Atl/Fear/Lookout Pam/Hatt9:30-11:30 Electrical (2 CEU’s) Sandcastles Structural Pest (2 CEU’s) Bogue Sound Drain Cleaning/ Pipe Inspection and Locating Core Sound11:00-12:00 Superintendents & Directors/Supervisors visit with Exhibitors12:00-1:00 Lunch on Your Own State Officers, Superintendents & Directors/Supervisors Lunch 1:00-2:00 Leadership Sandcastles2:00-5:00 Visit with Exhibitors
Friday 25th
8:00-4:00 Registration8:00:10:00 Breakfast with Exhibitors10:00-12:00 Electrical (2 CEU’s) Sandcastles IAQ and Energy Conservation Living in Harmony Core Sound Leadership Bogue Sound Exhibitor Display Breakdown12:00 Lunch on Your Own1:30-2:30 Environmental Health & Safety Considerations Bogue Sound 1:30-3:30 Electrical (2 CEU’s) Sandcastles 2:00-3:00 Leadership Pamlico6:00-Until Banquet
perintendent of Mooresville Graded School District.Dr. Edwards opened by saying school maintenance personnel are the “Unsung Hero’s,” the ABC& D of the school systems as they go Above and Beyond the Call of Duty so many times in their jobs. He said “Chil-dren know when they are in a clean, safe and com-fortable environment. School maintenance employees are making a difference for children. School is where children learn democracy. We can come to work with a smile on our faces or we can complain.” Dr. Edwards thanked David and the Mooresville Graded School Dis-trict Maintenance Department for the work they do and thanked and everyone for attending the meeting. He ended with the phrase from the Star Wars movie. “May the Force Be With You!”We enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Creative Ca-tering of Lake Norman. David Martin, Doug Henderson and Mike Jackson of “The Joyful Hearts” entertained us with great Gospel music while we enjoyed our delicious meal. They did a great job.After the meal and entertainment, District Seven Presi-dent Jeff Adams of Yadkin County Schools called the NCPSMA District Seven business session to order. President Adams asked Ron Mack, District Seven Sec-retary/Treasurer, to call the roll and read the minutes from the last meeting. The minutes were approved as read. President Adams reminded the group of the upcoming golf tournament to be held at Silo Run Golf Course on June 13, 2015 and invited all to participate. The members voted to help sponsor a refreshment break at the Eastern Convention Workshop to be held in September. President Adams asked Tim Pruitt, Dis-
trict Seven Scholarship Committee Chairman, to announce the 2015 District Seven
JULY 2015 • THE MAINTENANCE BEACON 3
Mike Causby
GUIDELINES FOR TOP AWARDS Nominations are being sought for the 2015 NCPSMA Maintenance Supervisor of the Year, Maintenance Employee of the Year and Superintendent of the Year. The Main-tenance Supervisor of the Year and Maintenance Employee of the Year awards were established 28 years ago by Milt Saffelle and are sponsored annually by Saffelle, Inc. This is the 19th year the Superintendent of the Year award has been sponsored by Saffelle, Inc.
Should you wish to nominate a candidate, please supply the information outlined be-low and return to the chairman of the NCPSMA Awards Committee by August 10, 2015. To qualify as a candidate for Superintendent of the Year, candidates may be superintendents, associate/assistant superintendents, who have the responsibilities for maintenance. They must be current members of NCPSMA.
Maintenance Supervisors are defined as those who serve as direct heads of mainte-nance departments. Maintenance Employees are defined as other members of main-tenance staffs. 1. Nominees for Supervisor of the Year or Employee of the Year awards must be cur-
rently employed as a maintenance person in an educational system in the state of North Carolina.
2. The nominee must have been an active member of the NCPSMA for the last five consecutive years.
3. The nominee cannot be the current state president. 4. Nominations must be made by an active member of NCPSMA. There should be
a letter of nomination signed by the active member. Only one nominee may be submitted from each LEA, not one per category, one period. If more than one nominee from an individual LEA is submitted, all nominations from said LEA will be disqualified. This decision was passed unanimously by the selection committee, August 2001.
5. Nominees must be from the school system making the nomination. 6. The following data must be supplied for each candidate:• A photograph of the nominee must be included and placed on a separate sheet of
paper. • A biographical sketch, preferably in narrative form and no more than two pages in
length, including the nominee’s achievements that have contributed to success in NCPSMA and other professional involvement.
• Two letters of recommendation—no more or less.• No other information on nominee will be accepted.
The Awards Committee is comprised of the NCPSMA One Year Advisory Council Members and Milt Saffelle, chairman. Saffelle serves in an exofficio capacity and does not have voting privileges. In case of a tie the current state vice president will have voting privileges. All nominations must be submitted no later than August 10, 2015 to: Milton Saffelle, Chairman, NCPSMA Awards Committee, PO Box 1499, Hillsborough, NC 27278.
DISTRICT SEVEN MEETING HOSTED BY MGSD continued from page 1
continued on page 4
Joyful Hearts
Tim Pruitt and Hannah Welborn
Tim Pruitt and Megan Martin
Raymond Bowles and Madison Adams
Just before the end of school, Gus cel-ebrated his 11th birthday. For at least a month before, Gus asked for a cookout at our pond for his birthday. We tried to keep it small, but Gus invited everyone he saw; everyone at school, everyone at church, and any stranger who would listen to him. Fortu-nately he didn’t give the details of when and where so we succeeded at keep-ing it small. After we all ate hot dogs and birthday cake, Gus and his two buddies got in the canoe. I soon learned three, 11 year old boys, cannot stay dry in a canoe. It didn’t take long before the canoe was upside down in the pond. I think it was a joint effort by at least two of them if not all three. Of course they all had on life jackets so they all came out safe and sound with smiles on their faces.
This threesome of Gus, Karson and Dante has been an answer to prayer for me. Since we learned of Gus’ delays, I have prayed for Gus to have “body guards” at school. Karson and Dante have become Gus’ big brothers. They go to school together, go to church together and Gus is their biggest fan at their ballgames. Karson and Dante do their best to keep Gus inline at school. Sometimes, they get in trouble for doing too much for Gus. I hope their friendship will only grow stronger as they all transfer to the middle school in August.
Gus has officially fin-ished elementary school. Gus and Sam I Am had an exciting
JULY 2015 • THE MAINTENANCE BEACON 4
GUSScholarship winners. There were two winners this year. The first recipient was Han-nah Welborn. Her parents are Dawn and Keith Holloman. Keith works for Wilkes County Schools. Megan Martin was the second recipient. Her parents are Amy and David Martin. David works for the Mooresville Graded School District. Each will receive$500.00. Congratulations to both!
Raymond Bowles, District Seven Vice President and Madison Adams, daughter of Jeff Adams conducted the door prize drawing. There were so many nice door prizes and raffle prizes. Thank you vendors!
We enjoyed returning to Mooresville Graded Schools for a district meeting and appreciate David, Evora and the maintenance staff for organizing and hosting the event.
By Ron Mack,District Seven News Coordinator
DISTRICT SEVEN MEETING HOSTED BY MGSD continued from page 3
Moravian Falls celebrated the opening of its twelve new classrooms and cafeteria addition on April 2, 2015. Students gathered for the ribbon cutting and dedication. Speakers and guests included County Commissioners Gary Blevins and Eddie Settle, School Board Members Rudy Holbrook and Shar-ron Huffman, Associate Superintendent Anna Lank-ford, Assistant Superintendent Mark Byrd, Mainte-nance Director Bergie Speaks, Finance Officer Seth Prevette, HR Director Westley Wood and Dr. Marty Hemric, Superintendent as well as the teaching staff and Principal Shanda Adkins. The kids were very excited about occupying the new addition. Some even spoke of the old facility and the joy of being the first in the new one. They also commented on how great their teachers are and how fortunate they felt to be a student at Moravian Falls Elementary. It has been weeks now since the students have been in the new building. As part of the maintenance staff, it brings great joy to see these students engaged in learning activities in this new classroom environ-ment. Each student is very special and it is our job to provide them with the best learning environ-ment possible whether it’s in a new building or 40 year old one.
Construction continues at Moravian Falls as we enter into the second phase of the 2015 reno-vations. This includes the closure of four class-rooms (pictured) which will become a new media center. Interior walls will be removed to make one large area. Along one side we will build walls and divide it into a media office, workroom, data
closet and conference area. Three additional class-rooms were closed and will be razed once school is out for the summer. Covered walkways will be added and paving will wrap up construction sometime in July.
As we look at opportunities to upgrade school build-ings and campuses, it is our duty to make every effort to enclose the campus and limit the amount of out-side travel for students and staff. At Moravian Falls, we went from six separate buildings that students traveled between to two buildings. We were able to do this by incorporating three existing buildings into
WILKES COUNTY SCHOOLS
New Dining Room
New Dining Room
Commons Area outside Gym and Dining Room
Vacated Classrooms that will be made into a Media Center
Vacated Classrooms that will be made into a Media Center
Karson, Gus and Dante
continued on page 6
continued on page 6
JULY 2015 • THE MAINTENANCE BEACON 5
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BLAME GAMEI recently joined Facebook. My close friend Kristie Keener helped me get started. I have resisted this for many years as I felt it would take up too much time. It can be a time stealer, but for the most part I have enjoyed catching up with friends I’ve not seen or talked to in years.
One of the first things I noticed about Facebook is at the beginning of my “timeline” it asks, “What’s on your mind.” In the past I’ve been known to “give people a piece of my mind” (probably why it’s lacking now) so I immediately knew I’d need to be careful of this. I’ve found however that many people have no trouble at all posting what is on their mind. Some children will have a moment-to-moment “scrapbook” of their entire childhood as their mother posts highlights of every day. I must say I am a little jealous of this quick and easy feature. My children have haphazard scrapbooks be-cause I never found the time to fix them properly. News-paper clippings and ribbons are lying loose in their books instead of pasted with comments added.
I will apologize in advance for the following statements, as I’m sure someone will be offended. You can hardly open your mouth these days without offending someone. Recent-ly there has been a deluge of stuff on FB including political party bashing, flag blaming, racial comments, the list goes on and on. This morning a friend posted a message that, to me, “hit the nail on the head.” This is what she said: “If you are a grown adult then don’t blame others for your bad hab-its. If your are habitually late, figure out how to start earlier. If you constantly forget things, learn to make a written list. Your choices - your results. Stop putting your issues off on other people. Want to be treated like the responsible adult you say you are? Stand on your own actions and act like
PLACES OF WORSHIP NEED SECURITYI’m appalled at the violence and crime that occurs in our houses of worship. The event June 17 in Charleston, S.C., only verifies that churches, syna-gogues, temples and mosques now have to approach security in the same way as schools, office buildings and hospitals. What can we do?
Individuals who are involved in church activities feel they are protected be-cause they are in a place of worship. However, as we have seen, criminals don’t care. They know that churches are soft targets.
Admittedly, we are at a significant disadvantage when dealing with individu-als who are determined to kill, but that doesn’t absolve us from making every effort to deter or minimize their actions. The argument that additional security measures are too expensive must be weighed against the incalculable costs of the lives of individuals.
Unfortunately, criminals often view churches as opportune targets, and churches with congregations are constantly welcoming new faces - making it easier for potential criminals to go unnoticed on church grounds.
It is no longer enough to pray for a safe and secure environment. Clergy and parishioners will need to work closely with security consultants and local law enforcement to harden their churches against criminals. This kind of coop-eration can and does help prevent violence and other incidents.
Church leaders and congregations have to enable all of their resources, in-cluding technology, to secure their facilities. There are a number of security solutions that can help ensure members, families, funds and church facilities are secure. New technology can also make it easier for church officials to communicate directly with their congregations and their local communities.
There are security measures that can be placed unobtrusively so as to not interfere with the aesthetics of the church and their properties. There are low-technology solutions such as lighting, fencing, landscape, and signage that can improve security.
The combination of well-planned policies and procedures, risk assessments, crisis preparedness planning, security technology, training, can, along with the involvement of the entire congregation, help to reduce incidents on and around our place of worship.
Fortunately, there are steps church officials can take to help protect their churches while still maintaining a welcoming atmosphere that lends itself to worship.
By Patrick V. Fiel Sr.Owner, PVF Security Consulting LLCWallace, NC 28466
Patrick Fiel of Wallace was chief of security for the Washington, D.C., school system, and now operates PVF Security Consulting. For more information, visit www.pvfsecurity.com or call 910-789-4265.
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.”
Henry Ford
continued on page 7
JULY 2015 • THE MAINTENANCE BEACON 6
LIFE AND TIMESNORTH TO ALASKA PART ONERoxie and I picked Rupard up at the airport in Raleigh on April 7. He had been working at his winter job in Colorado. It was good to see him! We had not seen him since he left in his car for Colorado the first of November. He left his car in Colorado and flew home. I had several jobs lined up for me and him to do while he was home. Before he came home I had been working on our daughter’s old bedroom upstairs. When she got mar-ried she took all of her bedroom furniture with her so Roxie and I decided it would be a good time to repaint and install a solid pine floor. Our original plan was to move our queen bed upstairs for the guest room and set up the king mattresses we got from our niece over a year ago.
During the process we decided to move the king bed upstairs and move up there as it is a bigger room with more closets. We didn’t get it finished for Rupard like we’d planned, so we set up the blow up mattress for him to use while he was home. Before Rupard came home he had let his previous employer know he would be available to drive a bus on some trips if he needed him to. Well - did he ever need him! He drove over 4,000 miles while he was home those two and a half weeks. We didn’t get one job I had planned for us done because when he was home and not driving, I was at my part time job. He told them he had to be off the last week in April so he could get ready to move to Alaska for his summer job. I was going with him! We were going to fly to Colorado and then drive to Alaska. I was going to spend a few days with him in his cabin in Alaska, so I had to prepare also. Rupard had the most stuff to pack. He’d brought his guitar as well as his fiddle home to get the bow re-haired. He knows a man near us that does that kind of work. He uses genuine male horsetail. Some of you may know why you need to use male horsetail, if you don’t, you can ask me when you see me. I sure wouldn’t have thought of the reason. Rupard explained it to me.
We were scheduled to fly out on April 30, my 57th Birthday. Wow I’m that old now! I used to think that sounded pretty old - but not anymore. I don’t feel 57 years old. Thanks to the Lord of my life. The day to leave on our journey to Alaska was here before we knew it. We would be flying to Chicago and then on to Denver. We were packed and on the road by 7:00 am. Our plane departure time was 11:50 am and for those of you that aren’t frequent flyers, like me, I’m going to explain this to you the best I can from the way it was explained to me and the rest of you who fly frequently can sit back and laugh. We hit two traffic jams and still we arrived at Raleigh/Durham airport at 9:45am. It’s so much differ-ent from the way it was when my mom and us boys would take my dad to the airport. We would park and walk in with dad and we were able to go with him right to where you board the plan. Then we could stand there and watch as the plane backed away from the concourse and you could feel the blast and heat from the big jet engines and planes as they revved up. At Charlotte, where he usually departed from, the departure area was no more than open covered walkways and you were right outside with all the noise. Of course the passengers would have to walk across the pavement and up the passenger stairs to board. Now they have what is called a jet bridge. It is a covered walkway that’s electrically driven from inside the airport, which goes against the plane. The bridge is heated, cooled and carpeted and it is moved into position when the plane is parked so passengers can exit and enter the plane safely. It can also extend or contract to reach different distances. It was sad telling Roxie goodbye. Roxie says I’m so pessimistic, but
WILKES COUNTY SCHOOLS
the new building and razing two buildings and remov-ing one modular unit. This provides a safe, secure campus for kids and limits the amount of outside trav-el between buildings on cold winter days.
Moving forward, it is our goal to continue improving all our campuses across Wilkes County. Maintenance will always be a vital part of education providing a comfortable, environmentally friendly space for stu-dents to learn. It takes everyone from our bus drivers, cafeteria, maintenance, custodial, teachers, support staff and directors to provide our students a quality education. Like spokes on a wheel, it takes each per-son and each department for the wheel to spin true.
By Bergie SpeaksWilkes County Schools Maintenance DirectorNCPSMA Liaison Officer
time the last week of school. Both at-tended the fifth grade “fun & frolic” and enjoyed playing games and having a blast. On awards day, Gus and Sam both left with some surprises. Gus re-ceived a trophy for his progress in reading along with several certificates. Gus also received an award for having a picture of his chosen for display in “Arts Wow” at the local community college. With help from an as-sistant, Gus made some photos of Sam I Am and the best one was chosen for “Arts Wow”. Sam I Am received a certificate for his leadership and skill while on duty at school. Sam I Am was also pictured in the school yearbook as “Best Behaved” in the fifth grade. While kids were signing yearbooks, Gus’ assistant was stamping paw prints and signing for Sam I Am.
I found out on awards day at school just how good Sam’s nose works. Chris and I both attended and sat on the front row. As the students came in the gym, they all sat down in the floor in front of the parents. Gus and his buddies, along with Sam I Am, passed right in front of us as they went to sit down. Gus or Sam neither one saw us as they passed. Gus was too busy with his buddies to see us. As they were beginning to sit down, Sam got squirrelly and would not lay down for Gus. Then I realized why, he came right to Chris and I. He didn’t see us or smell us when they passed by but when he finally got a whiff of someone familiar, he couldn’t stand still. After he made our presence known, he went back and layed down behind Gus.
It’s fun to watch Sam and Gus work at school. The students have accepted Sam as just another stu-dent. When they say hey to Gus, they also say hey to Sam I Am but they know not to pet him. The mid-dle school will be a big change but I think Gus will love it. He will have many more students and teach-ers to interact with.
By Red Blanton
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JULY 2015 • THE MAINTENANCE BEACON 7
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BLAME GAMEone.” I say AMEN and AMEN! We all make our own choices in life in how to deal with every situation that comes our way.
It’s much easier though to blame someone else than take responsibility and I admit I’m guilty. It’s something I’ve asked God to reveal to me and help me to refrain from doing. Everything that is wrong with this country is not all President Obama’s or Past President George Bush’s fault. It’s not all the fault of congress. It’s not fault of the color of our skin. There is an EVIL one out to destroy this world. 1 Peter 5:8 (AMP) states “Be well bal-anced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour.” The devil puts hatred in our hearts. He stirs up wrath in ours minds, homes, schools, workplaces, courtrooms and yes, even churches. He seeks to destroy us however he can. He has many opportunities with which to do this, there is no shortage of venues. When we allow him to fill us with hatred, vindictiveness, lies and other evil things, we will suffer the consequences as well as those who love us.
I have a challenge to you as well as for myself. Instead of using our tongues to blame others, how about using them to encourage others. Are we losing the desire to be en-couragers? I’m so weary of all the naysayers, politics, biased media, sowers of discord, etc. We need to “lift” people up –people! We need to smile at people, lend a helping hand, and compliment each other. My mama has Alzheimer’s. What I miss most is not that she doesn’t know me anymore-it’s her encouraging, uplifting words of wisdom. Her encouraging words said to me in person, over the phone or in a letter. Her words of en-couragement got me through so many difficult times. Even now (with Alzheimer’s) from time to time I hear her tell her caregivers sweet words of encouragement such as “That color looks nice on you” or “Your hair looks pretty today.”
Lift someone up today instead of blaming or burdening them. You will be blessed in return.
O X U O K E B Z W X T R W B F O K H A S E U O H E G U P X L F D K Q D J Z C B U K E E S D O O K B C Z R B D N C A Z H C Q H W B U B E R V N H Y A X K N F N U B S G C I H S D V Y J D H N A N R D F W T S J B O O J A C X E J T L G S N G V I Q C Y C D K W D Y S V N E B R C C H J Z U V L A I G O B R C X D E S S E L B F K F T P A E I Q J A Z Y I P O H N O M O D I N S B R J L Z O X Q M B D R C L A W F R P N N T I S G V D P X U Z H S P Z B P J L G E O E W P H G D A X P X R P T U S A J C U P H W A F Q E Q M N O Y V B V M T J H X M O C Z I Z T Q R O L A R O E X R A N O F T Q O M E J S S Y L N P I O W R R T C Y B Q P T R H F M G S S W N Z E Z D M U Z O A J F W I L N P E I J F D M C Z M E M N P M B T N Y D Z M H R O G G O E Y C X D E E H F B E W E O R U X M Q O U R C M S A M I T T P U Q W A T S C R R C H I D I C K L S J W Y E G N D B O X I E R T C I K P Z V H I T L A C I R O T S I H O C I E I C Q C Z U O R X N C C C B A E P F N L M H O M L D M A E F A N J Z B S I U U Z P Z T R F T N B M A S M B K T U E L R O I D T J B P O F D X V Z B I Z F L D A U T K L O E V I T S E F S M Y S E H P B V U E R F L A G Z S F U I H D R J V N E C S W G Q X E M W U V L E Q F H Y V E G V D V O Q S J M Y G Q C I G E M O Z X Q E W C E N T E N N I A L E H N P V U G L F I M E W Z Y F J C O R C U O I J V R T E M R Q K A O M L N X N M U V X J S Q R O C A T I M N D J B I U D B G K L Q L S G C I H J U B H K O I A M Y O V F C Z T I B S V A C A T I O N I N R W Y Y S D R Y Q P K Y H K W R Y U S T J Q F I N P B O P G T R C H T H S X Y H J N U S E M O D E E R F J Z E S A F L K A K J U I J J X V U F X I M C K L S C V A N K K J O Z P H S I N O R C R D C F L Q H M V E D E J H S V N Q N C A U I Y S Z E R A X H V G G J S U S Y Y V R F G D P H X V V W J X L Q G U H Y D E H U K F S Z G L Y N X F U N M Y P P C W R U I T H N AMERICAN BARBECUE BLESSED CAMP CELEBRATION CENTENNIAL FAN FESTIVE FIREWORKS FLAG
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“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”
Mother T eresa
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it’s hard not to think of all the plane crashes and I did think that this could be the last time I would ever see her. I didn’t mention any of this to anyone, I just kept it to myself and did I lots of praying, be-lieve me. The airport wasn’t too crowded, as you can see from the picture, not like Charlotte any-way. We got our tickets and checked one bag. You are allowed to have two carry-ons. One bag that has to meet certain size standards and the other a small bag like a backpack or laptop computer bag. We didn’t want to check a bag which means when you check in at the airport to get your printed copy
of your ticket you leave the bag with the ticket sales and they weigh it and send it down to be loaded under the plane. Rupard wanted me to carry his guitar and he would carry his fiddle as a carry on so they would not have to go under the plane. He had to check his other bag because it weighed 50 pounds. Each bag you check can only weigh this amount, so the more luggage you have the more it will cost you. Since 9-11 you have to check in early to allow enough time to get through security-which you may get through quickly and it may take a while. I didn’t know what to think when I saw the lines of people weaving through the crowd control ropes. There were TSA officers, (Transportation Se-curity Administration) everywhere. They were shuffling people here and there, opening this line, closing another. One officer had a dog that would sniff you and your carry-on bags as you walked by him and another officer. The officers would tell you to keep mov-ing and sometimes the dog would continue walking and sniffing with a person as if he sniffed something illegal and then he would drop back to the next person. Watching this I just knew any moment the officer was going to yell out freeze or hold it. It was finally my turn to walk through detectors. I laid my carry-ons on the conveyor and then emptied the contents of my pockets into a tray. I had already heard stories from people I’d talked to about how they forgot to leave their favorite pocketknife at home and a TSA officers kept it and that was the end of their prized pocketknife. I always carry a pocketknife and feel I’ve forgotten something if I don’t have it - but I remembered to leave it at home for this trip. I could have packed it in my bags if I was going to check a bag but all carry-ons’ are scanned and or x-rayed so that was out. I stepped into the phone booth like scanner/metal detector and the alarm sounded, I held my breath and they told me to step back out and take my shoes off and put them on the conveyor and step back into the detector. I did-and no alarm this time. I would have guessed it was my belt buckle that set it off, but it was my shoes. That was strange and didn’t make sense to me. I breathed a sigh of relief though when they told me to move on and collect my belongings. They had bench-es for us to sit on to put our shoes back on. People were shuffling here and there to col-lect their belongings from the plastic tubs, collect their two carry-on’s, grab their shoes and move to an empty place on the bench to sit and put their shoes back on before mov-ing out of the security area. Wow-what ciaos! Rupard and I found our gate and waited to board. Our first flight was on a McDonald Douglas 140 passenger M 80. Rupard had upgraded my ticket to first class for my birthday so when they started boarding the first class and I got to board first, boy I felt privileged. There were only 16 first class seats on this plane and I had one next to a window. I like to be able to see outside. I saw Rupard walk past as the rest of the plane boarded and after everyone was seated the flight at-tendants closed a curtain between first class and the rest of the passengers. When the plane was backed away from the terminal we taxied out to the runway for takeoff and waited our turn. Then we were off. As the jet rumbled down the runway you could feel the pressure pushing you back into the seat as is accelerated to 150 to 160 miles per hour and the roar from the engines was so loud you couldn’t hear the person next to you speak. Everything starts shaking as if the jets going to fly apart. Then you feel the nose start upward, the back end of the plane lifts off and everything smoothes out and it quiets some. We took off at noon. The pilot came on the intercom and announced that we would be climbing to an altitude of 32,000 feet and the flight will be a one hour and 45 minutes to Chicago. Soon the pilot leveled the plane out and the noise subsided some more. Now it sounded like someone had a window open and the rush of the wind was swishing by. The seat belt sign went off and you would have thought they were giving away money for people to go to the restroom. It was worse than church with the people running back and forth to the restroom. At least those of us in first class had our own restroom and since
there were only 16 passengers it didn’t take too long for everyone, except for my seating compan-ion to go. My seating companion was originally from Illinois but had moved to Raleigh where she and her late husband worked for Caterpillar until they retired. She was traveling to Illinois for her mother’s birthday. Next the service with a smile started. The flight attendants came around and gave everyone a drink of their choice and took your order for lunch. They had two choices, Curry Chicken or Lasagna. I decided on the lasagna. The flight attendants then brought each first class
passenger a hot white washcloth and handed it to us with tongs for washing our hands. Then they brought us a small china bowl of hot cashews, pecans and almonds for an appetizer and also handed us our silverware wrapped in a linen napkin that had a but-tonhole in it for fastening it to your shirt. I was glad for this so I wouldn’t wear my meal on my shirt. Roxie and I kid each other sometimes after a meal about who is the “dribble” king or queen. Our flight attendant came to me and apologized stating that she was mis-taken and the lasagna was spinach tortellini with sun dried tomatoes and asked if that
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was OK or would I prefer the curry chicken. I said the tortellini was fine. When she brought my meal I had a tossed mixed green salad with Greek Dress-ing and cheese bread along with my entrée, all on white china. My meal was very good. My seating companion had the Curry Chicken and she said her meal was good as well. Next they brought each of us a warm chocolate chip cookie on a small chi-na saucer. I was constantly snapping pictures out my window at all the beautiful landscape below. I was amazed at the different geometric shapes and colors. By the time we finished our meal and
desert the fasten seatbelt sign lit up and the pilot said we were starting our decent into Chicago, Illi-nois. Before landing they handed all first class pas-sengers a mint. After landing I breathed a sigh of relief and thanked God for the safe flight. Of course first class got to exit first so I waited for Rupard just inside the terminal. As we were walking inside the terminal I thought to myself, “Wow, look at all the people from all around the world. Where are they all going?” We walked to the nearest big screen where all the flight arrival and departing times are
listed. There were cities I’ve never heard of listed. We hurried on to our next gate. We took a subway to our gate, which saved us a lot of walking and time. We got to our gate in plenty of time to wait for our next flight to Denver, Colorado. When boarding time ar-rived they called for our military personnel first, then first class and then the rest of the passengers could board. I was in coach this time. That first class seat spoiled me really fast. I was ready to upgrade again but it was too late. Rupard had given me a gift that I’ll remember for a long time. I was by the window again and a young lady beside me and another man on the aisle seat. This was a bigger plane than the first flight with six seats across. I looked around and noticed all the larger people like me and how uncomfortable they looked and the people next to them. The seats were tight and I stayed as close to the window as I could so I would not crowd the young lady next to me. She read a maga-zine the whole two hours and 15 minutes and never said a word to either of us beside her. I didn’t speak to her either, which was unusual for me. After takeoff the seatbelt sign went off and there they went again, people start rushing to the restroom. It must be a pressure thing on their bladder. After landing I thanked God for giving us a safe flight again. Rupard made his way up to my seat and we were talking and the young lady beside me noticed Rupard’s Carolina cap and she asked if we were from North Carolina. She said she was from Winston-Salem and worked for Underwriters Laboratory in Denver. The Denver Air-port covers 54 square miles of facilities and the main structure is built to resemble snow-
JULY RECIPE“Baked” Eggs
Have you ever baked an egg in its shell? I’ve been cooking for a lot of years, but I had never heard of doing such a thing until recently. I have fixed deviled eggs many times in my years of cooking and always boiled the eggs. My family loves deviled eggs (or booger man eggs as Ron calls them-because that is what his grandfather called them).
Years ago when I was on the “emergency meal” team at another church, I was always asked to fix deviled eggs. I’d deliver them to the church fellowship hall on the way to work. Rheannon would be with me most times, as the daycare she stayed in was also on my way to work. Rhean-non really likes deviled eggs, she liked them as a child and likes them even more as an adult. One morning on a trip to deliver deviled eggs to the church for a funeral to be held that day, Rheannon got my attention and said, “I don’t see why all the dead people always get all the deviled eggs!” It took me a second or two to figure that one out. Rhean-non had funny ways of saying things when she was little like “hotter than a firecracker” was “hotter than a cracker fire” when she said it. But I caught on pretty quick. She knew I always fixed deviled eggs to take to funerals and she knew a funeral was held for someone who had died. However, she didn’t quite understand the meals we fixed for funerals were for the “surviving” family members and their friends. She thought they were for the person who had died. I explained to her about meals at funerals and how dead people can’t eat-at least as well as I could explain to a four year old. Some things our children say when they are little we will never be forgotten!
Recently I saw a pin on Pinterest about “baking” eggs for deviled eggs so I decided to give it a try. I only have two burners on my stove. One side is only for grilling or can be used as a griddle. Sometimes it seems two burners are not enough, so “baking” the eggs for deviled eggs seemed like a good idea – and it was. They came out perfect and even peeled as easily as boiled eggs (if you can call it easy). I was impressed! I hope you will give it try. Following is the directions I used for baking eggs, which is Alton Brown’s directions. Alton Brown stated in his opinion baked eggs have a creamer texture. I agree with him. The recipe for deviled eggs is mine.
Baked Eggs
Position the oven rack in the center of the oven, then ar-range the eggs on a thoroughly moistened kitchen towel (I wet my towel and squeezed out just enough water to keep it from dripping). Set the oven to 320 degrees F and bake for 30 minutes. When the eggs are done fill a large bowl with ice water and move the eggs into a bowl (I just picked up the edges of the towel to move the eggs). Peel the eggs as soon as they are cool enough to handle, then return them to the ice bath to thoroughly chill.
Deviled Eggs
Ingredients6 boiled (or baked) eggs1/4 cup mayonnaise1 teaspoon white vinegar (I use rice wine vinegar)1 teaspoon juice from a jar of sweet pickles or pickle relish Salt and Black Pepper to taste Pinch of sugarSmoked paprika, for garnish
DirectionsSlice the eggs in half lengthwise. Remove yolks and place in a small/medium size bowl. Place the whites on a serving platter. Mash the yolks into a fine crumble using a fork. Add mayonnaise, vinegar, pickle juice, salt and pepper, and sugar. Mix well.
Evenly disperse heaping teaspoons of the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Sprinkle with smoked paprika.
News Coordinators: Chris Adkins, District 6; Ron Mack, District 7; Karen Sluder, District 8; Patrick Fiel, PVF Security Consulting
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capped mountains. The rooflines sure are pretty, but what a roofers nightmare. It was made out of some type of tent ma-terial on the outside covering the ‘real’ roof and tent material on the inside. Cover-ing 34,000 acres it’s the largest airport in
the United States by total area. The eleva-tion is 5,430 feet above sea level. We had some time to kill in the airport before our shuttle ride to Avon. Rupard went to check on the shuttle schedule to be sure it was going to be on time. I sat and
watched all the differ-ent people from all over the world and thought how God made everyone look different, but yet he can make twins look exactly the same. We took a subway train to the part of the air-port where the shut-
tles arrive and depart from. Rupard booked our shuttle ride with Colorado Mountain Express, the compa-ny he drove for this past winter. While leaving the airport in the shuttle I noticed the large horse sculp-ture. It’s a Blue Mus-tang. The story about
this huge horse sculpture is interesting. The 32-foot sculp-ture of a seemingly bloodthirsty bronco is the work of artist Luis Jiménez. Commissioned as public art for the airport and installed in 2008, the horse represents the wild spirit of the Old American West. It has also come to represent death, destruction, and deluded debates. The sculpture hadn’t even been unveiled when the bad vibes began. In 2006, Jimenez died after a section of the 9,000-pound sculpture fell on him and severed an artery in his leg. Two years later, the sculpture that killed its creator went on display at the airport. The horse’s cobalt color, glowing red eyes, and fierce face immediately attracted the public’s attention. In addition to railing against the Blue Mustang’s ugliness, Den-ver residents have voiced concerns that the horse is cursed due to its role in its sculptor’s death. The Blue Mustang, with its Horsemen of the Apocalypse feel, merely adds another element of intrigue to the cluster of conspiracies at Denver International. Despite the bad vibes and petitions for its re-moval, the Blue Mustang continues to maintain its watch over the airport.
It took a little over two hours for the trip to from Denver to Avon. Avon is the gateway to Beaver Creek Resort, which lies about two miles south of the town. It was the previous site of Vail Resorts before the company moved its physical headquarters to Broomfield, CO in 2006. The town also is the home of Liberty Skis, an independent ski manufacturing company. Avon is approximately 11 miles from Vail. We ar-rived at our room at 11:59 pm, Eastern Time. I was beat so I went to bed. Rupard went out to visit with his friends. Please check back next month for Part Two.
By Ron Mack,District Seven News CoordinatorRetired, Elkin City Schools
