JeffThigpen.com

Mitch and I were classmates at Guilford College in early 1990’s and did a semester abroad together in London.  I enjoyed being around him–naturally inquisitive, appreciative of a good laugh, and always looking for next adventure.   In addition to being fun to be around, he was also not afraid to open himself to others experiences which made for great conversation.

Now, Mitch is the real deal in the photojournalism world and I’m in awe of the range of his reporting.  From covering violence in Kabul or effects of poverty in the very rural Gwhor Province  in Afghanistan,  Tsunami that devastated Sri Lanka’s south and east coast,  Hamas and Fatah power struggles from a family perspective in the Palestinian territory;  clashes between Sunni Muslim supporters of the Lebanese government and the Shiite followers of the Hezbollah-led opposition.  He’s in the mix.  Oh yeah, did I mention Iraq? I could go on (kidnapped reporter), on (Time piece) , and on(US News). 

 For those of us in the States hungry for a reality check and some perspective, Mitch is on the ground chasing down the story.  I appreciate him for his work and I encourage you to follow his writings.

BURGAW-  Anna Humphrey Katsoulis took first place recently with her “Blue Berry Cloud Cake Roll” at the North Carolina Blueberry Festival.  Anna has won this prestigous award for the third year in a row beating out 53 other entries.  She beat out 100 entries last year.  Anna and I graduated from Pender High School in 1989.     

Yep, this is one smokin’ hot blueberry cake and I can’t stop thinking about it….

The Blueberry Festival celebrates the historical, economic, and cultural significance of blueberries in the southeastern region of our state. The first cultivated blueberry production in North Carolina began in the Pender County area in the 1930s. Currently, Pender County ranks second in blueberry production for the state. 

WILDFIRE
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, 6/18/08

The cost of battling a massive eastern North Carolina wildfire has topped $4 million, according to officials. Efforts continued Wednesday to put the blaze out, but firefighters are still awaiting the major rainstorm needed to extinguish the blaze. Fire command center spokesman Bruce MacDonald said about $4.1 million has been spent on the fire that is burning in and around the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, up from $3.8 million Tuesday. MacDonald said firefighters are spraying water on hotspots in the smoldering peat soil. About 350 people were assigned to the fire Wednesday. The fire has burned roughly 41,000 acres in the sparsely populated area of three eastern counties. It remains 70 percent contained.

“I hope it doesn’t cost more than $9.99.”

Rep. Ronnie Sutton, D-Robeson, after being given a beaten-up garden hose — in lieu of a hose for a fire truck that he had gained an appropriation for a year earlier — by fellow House members on his birthday.   Sutton was referring to a gift ban limit in 2006 ethics legislation.  

 The North Carolina General Assembly house passed its version of the budget on June 5, their recommendations are currently being considered by the Senate. Below is the status of state funding priorities the Greensboro Partnership is supporting this session:

Ø     NC A&T/UNCG Joint Nanotechnology School - the request is for $2,939,000 and the House proposed $2,000,000 in recurring funding.

Ø       Joint NCA&T/UNCG Data Center - this request is for $4,300,000 for planning and design, the House proposed $1,800,000 in non-recurring funding.

Ø       International Civil Rights Center and Museum - the request is for $3,000,000, the House proposed $245,000 in non-recurring funds.

Ø       High Point Furniture Market - the request is for $2,600,000, the House cut currently recieved recurring funds from $875,000 to $866,000; the House also authorized $600,000 in non-recurring funds for marketing.

A Problem-Solving Mindset article was featured in the Spring issue of Guilford College magazine. The article featured NC House Rep. Maggie Jeffus; US Rep. Howard Coble; Commissioner Paul Gibson, former Mayor Billy Ragsdale; and Mr. Deeds.