May 29, 2002
Local students making mark on state education policies
By DOUGLAS HAIRSTON
Martinsville Bulletin Staff Writer
Possible statewide regulations coming down from the State Board of Education may come from two local students.
Edwin Kemp Newnam, a 17-year-old senior at Bassett High School, and Amanda McMillian, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Carver Middle School, both are members of the Virginia Board of Education Student Advisory Committee, which serves as liaison between Virginia's students and the board.
Newnam, who has served on the committee this school year, will complete his term in June, while McMillian will start hers in September, said Margaret Roberts, executive assistant to the state board.
The committee currently is made up of 12 students from school systems across the state, Roberts said, a number that will increase to 16 for the 2002-2003 school year. The committee's task, she said, is to bring the concerns and issues facing students before the state board and provide "fresh perspective and feasible solutions."
This year Newnam, son of Ed and Patrice Newnam, along with fellow committee members made three recommendations on which the board is acting, Roberts said.
Those recommendations involve using education to raise students' awareness of the challenges faced by students with disabilities; increasing training for substitute teachers to make their classes more productive; and using the Internet to facilitate greater sharing of information among teachers statewide regarding Standards of Learning teaching and testing.
Newnam - who, like McMillian, was chosen for the organization from more than 100 applicants from across the state - said the committee met in Richmond three times. One of those meetings was with the state board.
In coming up with the recommendations, Newnam recalled dividing into subgroups to deal with issues and suggested solutions. Newnam said he brought up a proposal for increasing technology funding statewide to match funding going to Northern Virginia schools.
The subgroups then reassembled and paired down their recommendations to those three eventually presented to and taken up by the state board.
"The work was enjoyable," said Newnam, who is headed to Virginia Tech this fall where he plans to major in business and information technology. "I was most struck by how government works from the inside and how slowly it moves."
An honor student and member of Bassett High School's golf and soccer teams, Newnam worked with several school organizations, including the Peer Mediation Team, DARE and Students Against Violence Everywhere. "Kemp finds time to resolve problems before they escalate ... ," said BHS English teacher LaDonna H. Varner, one of several teachers and school officials who recommended Newnam for the committee.
And what advice would Newnam pass on to Amanda McMillian as she heads to Richmond in September for her first committee meeting?
"Just make sure your opinions are heard ... go for what you believe, but be willing to compromise."
McMillian's resume suggests she can do that. Besides being the 2002 Henry County 4-H speech winner, McMillian carries a better than 98 percent average and participates in several school organizations, including the Student Council Association.
We had a few from Florida, a few from Georgia, a few from North Carolina and even a few from Virginia. We didn't get the roof on the barn yet but we did get a few things done. Some trees got moved, most got their protective fences up. 20 acres or so got planted in clover, alfalfa, orchard grass and lespedeza. The clover and alfalfa went up the creek to the Wade place and the draw bar field. The orchard grass and lespedeza went to Len Dillon's feed plots at the Lacy place. The little people and the older guys from Florida tried to run the wheels off the four-wheelers. A "Dish Network" dish was mounted at the "Creek House" ready for anyone with a "Dish Network" receiver to plug into. A 27" monitor w/RCA cables is also there. As I said, the roof didn't get up but the poles did. - That was the hard part! Saturday the 13th is start of Spring Gobbler season. (You can hunt until noon each day).
November 20, 2001 Uncle Cecil was selected as Father of the Year and they had a nice celebration for him in Salem two weeks ago. We are so proud of him! He's such a wonderful father like many of us know and has a beautiful and caring family. From Betty Young
Oct. 2001 Kemp Newnam was selected one of 20 state finalist in the Wendy's Heisman Contest.
May 2001
A fire was started from a passing train near the red house. It burned several acres before being put out.
Aunt Ocie passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2000. A memorial service was held at H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, 1501 Colonial Avenue, Norfolk on Friday, January 21, 2000 at 12 Noon. Memorial donations may be sent to Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters, P. O. Box 2156, Norfolk, VA 23501.
Dec.
A big thanks to all the Philpott clan for allowing me to be a part of the fun at Thanksgiving. I appreciate your hospitality, great food, company, and the opportunity to fish such beautiful waters. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!! Ken Roberts (Julie's Brother)
Nov. 28, 1999
The creek house is emptying once again. I went by yesterday and everyone was gone. A nice fire was warming the living room and all the hunters were out. They had such a good day they stayed till dark. Many of the nonhunters left for home. It was nice seeing everyone and the seafood was great Dan!
Oct
Debra Lille married Wallace Barry
August
Bill and Sara remarried.
July 1999
Judy is leaving for South Africa on August 11 with the Peace Corp.
July 4, 1998
This weekend the annual 4th of July events are taking place. Forty relatives and friends cooked out at the Creek House on Thursday, July 2nd. On Friday, the "men" fished. Friday night, 6o cousins and friends attended a pot luck dinner at the Creek House. The fish did not get in the frying pan in time for dinner, but they were cleaned and ready for the 4th.
Judy Philpott brought t-shirts for everyone to puchase with a 4th of July and Creek House logo. The proceeds and a donation by Judy went to the Creek House fund. They sold out quickly as did the Philpott cookbook Diane and Phil Wilson had gotten printed. These items help the Philpott Descendants' projects.
The parade began at 11:00 on the 4th followed by a picnic. There were too many cousins to count. Many people said they thought it was the most people ever to attend the picnic and parade. The afternoon was loads of fun. It was great getting to see everyone and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Christine Philpott had great, great grandchildren in attendance. We fondly remember those who are no longer with us. The Philpott family would not be here without our ancestors. They created the family and the wonderful traditions we still enjoy.
The evening was completed by the frying of the fish and a storm. The children loved the rain and played happily in Philpott mud for quite awhile. Dan Wilson provided a fireworks display.
Sunday, Karen and Philip Black had their son, John Thomas baptized in the creek by Pastor Jim Meredith. Another, first for the Creek House.
Everyone packed and cleaned on Sunday to go their separate ways --some home, some to college, some on a business trip......The Creek House is now quiet until the next gathering of the clan. We hope to have pictures on the site soon.
The clan gathered for the 4th of July in Philpott. The creek house was full with lots of visitors. We fried fish on Saturday and paraded on Sunday at 1:30. The picnic shelter was a real hit. The weekend proved to be hotter than hot. Not many were left by the evening on July 4th. Bill Martin brought some fireworks for those that were left. We enjoyed the time together catching up on news. Hope to see everyone again soon.
June 1999
April 1999
Patrice, these are words I would say to our family if I were present:
Mary Ann
To our children and grandchildren: We have watched our beloved older
generation of parents, aunts and uncles pass away. We want you to know that
we are not at all sure that we are ready to fill those shoes. We have
always had them to lean on for guidance and leadership.
Now, it seems we are that generation and, we do not especially want to
fulfil that role. We do not think we are ready. However, we want you to
know that we will try our utmost to meet your expectations and we will
appreciate your understanding, your indulgence, and your love as we continue
to grow older. We love you as family and we will strive to continue the
line of family support you have always enjoyed.
We are here for each other and you, the younger generation, and with Gods
help we will meet each others needs.
Mary Ann Lille
Christine Philpott passed away on April 17, 1999.
***********
March '99
Well Guys (and Gals) a new year has started and we are ready to get
the "Creek House"
fired up with some banging!
A barn raising is in the works. A "Picnic Shelter" to be more precise.
Material
has been ordered for the roof -trusses and metal roofing- to be
delivered a few
days before the weekend. Hammers, screwguns and ladders will be needed
along with a little lifting assistance.
Phil
Sorry to say, I won't be there for the big event. I have to work. Stacey
will be there to represent the Kelley family. Hope all goes well and
everyone has a grand time
Love ya, Sherry
Dear Phil,
Sorry, I won't be able to attend the "barnraising". I am going to Arizona
for business and a little pleasure. I am in the middle of moving,
downsizing, and preparing for my assignment with the Peace Corps. Hope to
hear by June when and where I will be going. Tell everyone hello and I
hope to make at least two more weekends with all my cousins before heading
for the hinterlands. I may have some garden tools and other things to
donate once I've moved on the 22nd. Only problem would be getting them to
Bassett. I'll check with you next week.
I'll tell Ward about the weekend. He probably will be studying. Spence is
in school and isn't coming home for Easter.
Love to all. Judy
December 15, 1998 - Sarah Payne just got her acceptance to Johns Hopkins today---Early Decision.
Congratulations Sarah!!!
Labor Day Workday
Just an update for those of you who were not at the Creek House this
weekend. The living room floor is a work in progress. You all know the
story of "this old house". Well the job of preparing the floor became a
much larger job than anyone anticipated. Poor Daniel spent three whole
daysfrom sunup to midnight working. He could probably explain it better
than I can but the jest of the matter is the footers along the front of
the house were rotten . The floor had no support and was floating. Then of
course the brick mantel in the children's room was pulling away from the
wall and water was washing dirt and grim down the chimney on to the
floor.Daniel, Phil and Franklin spent Monday pulling down the mantel and
pulling up the floor. Now all he has to do is put it back together. What a dirty
job and I won't even tell you all the disgusting creepy crawlers he
found.
Anyway the new carpet-yes I said carpet- will be installed the end
of the month. This ,by the way, was the decision of the floor
experts(Daniel and Phil). Our floor is not flat enough or smooth enough to lay
linoleum.The good news is the carpet has a satisfaction guarantee. If you do not
like it you have six months to replace it. All you need to pay for is
the cost of installation. That leaves me off the hook,
If anyone knows someone willing to donate a washer, take it. The
washer at the house has died. It floods every time it's used. Not to
mention the awful squealing noise the dryer makes.
That's it for now. Let's all commit to keeping the carpet as clean
as we can. Those with dirty shoes should use the back porch instead of the
front door. If we can do this at Granny's we can do this at the Creek
House.
Greg suggested a girl's weekend sometime in October. Anyone
interested. Let's plan something soon as I for one need some advance
notification to change my work schedule.
Love
to all- Sherry
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