Sie DA SSL St RE RS TA gE a ae a mea ay ca aha RATS Lh VAN Ss’ I = GREEMYVEILLE WT Owi e222 Aha WASHIMaATOori THE M inci Bate Sa See INC' MINORIT?) Democracy, like religion, never was designed to make... profits less. Zora Neale Hurston EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA'S MINORITY VOICE - SINCE 1981 27858 IBRARY LE NC PERIODI CALS JOYNER L GREENVIL MARCH 27 - APRIL 5, 1997 Public Hearing Set For Tuesday Assuring Competitive Fairness and Fitness for Pitt County Memorial Hospital Times change. Businesses change. Technology changes. Even something as basic to our lives as farming has seen tremendous change in just the last two de- cades. The same is true for health © care. Twenty-two years ago, Pitt County built a 270-bed hospital at the edge of Greenville. Today, 731- bed Pitt County Memorial Hospi- tal is the hub of a health system poised at the edge of a dramati- cally different health care land- scape. The players are different. The rules have changed. Its a whole new ball game, one that favors flexibility and speed. Yet PCMH is playing by rules that were devel- oped in a different era, for a differ- ent game. That’s why the leaders of your medical center are now themselves considering a change. The PCMH Board of Trustees has proposed that Pitt County transfer owner ship of the hospital to a citizen- controlled, not-for-prof it corpora- tion, essentially the same entity Excerpt From Harper's Weekly HARPER’S MAGAZINE, HARPER’S WEEKLY, and BAZAR POSTAGE FREE. HARPER’S MAGAZINE, HARPER’S WEEKLY, or HARPER’S BAZAR will be sent for one year to any Subscriber in the United States, POSTAGE PREPAID by the Publishers, on receipt of Four Bollars. Harper’s Weekly. Saturday, April 26, 1879 The ILLUSTRATED SUPPLE- MENT sent our gratuitously with this Number of HARPER’S WEEKLY. contains three pages of engravings relating to SHAKSPEARE and Stratford-on- Avon, and a second installment of “THE DISTRACTED YOUNG PREACHER.” An ILLUSTRATED SUPPLE- MENT will be issued gratuitously with the next Number of HARPER’S WEEKLY. ASTEP FORWARD IN REFORM THE first examination for appoint- ments in the New York Custom- house under the regulations lately adopted has been held, and in the most satisfactory manner. The great object of such an examination is to secure appointment by proved merit, and not by mere influence. The sys- tem of appointment by influence degrades practical politics into a mercenary scramble for place, and produces incalculable political de- moralization. It is, therefore, the worst possible system. Any method which serves to break it up is prefer- able. It would be better that all the names of candidates urged by politi- cians, and committees and associa- tions were written on paper and shaken up in a hat, and the place given to the first name drawn by lot, than that the old system should con- tinue. The evil is largely in the method of appointment, not somuch in the efficiency of those appointed; and the value of a competitive ex- amination is that at the same time it baffles influence and tests merit. Its success depends of course upon good faith. Any scheme of examination, if it be applied dishonestly, merely strengthens the’ abuse to be cor- rected. The main value of the recent examination at the Custom-house lay therefore inits honesty. It was a perfectly honest proceding. There- was no fearand no favor. The Board of Examination had received no hint of preference of any candidate from the Collector or the Naval Officer. The sole object was to ascertain by proper tests the special fitness and general intelligence and aptitude of the applicants, and to select the first three as those from whom the ap- pointments should be made. For this purpose various sets of papers were prepared, of which no candidate had any knowledge whatever. Twenty- six applicants, first in order of appli- cation, and as many as could be accommodated, were invited tocom- pete, and an exceedingly intelligent- looking body of gentlemen presented themselves. The various papers were admirably prepared and propor- tioned for the object. They were of two kinds: one to test special knowl- edge of rules of computation and notation which would be immedi- ately required in the office to which appointments, were to be made, and the other to show general knowl- edge of the kind which every clerk in the service should possess. In esti- mating the relative excellence of the papers, due weight was given totime, handwriting, form, order, and the indications of general quickness and capacity. Thus it was not enough to answer the specific questions cor- rectly. Everything was taken into account, and under the perfectly honorable conduct of the Board the candidates themselves determined who ought to be appointed. This that has operated PCMH since it was chartered in 1953. Such a change will mean a great deal for the business side of PCMH, allowing it to compete on a level playing field with other health care systems. In all other respects, the change will be barely notice- able. High quality, affordable pa- tient care will continue to be avail- able to the residents of Pitt County. PCMH will remain accountable to the public and the Pitt County Board of Commissioners under a legally binding transfer agree - April 26, 1879 would seem to be as sensible a way of selecting clerks for the civil service as to appoint because of the solicita- tion of Senator A or Representative B, or upon the recommendation of a ward association or a county com- mittee, none of which authorities have any knowledge or care what- ever of the fitness of the men whom they recommend, and who do not hesitate to insist that the appoint- ing power shall make places for their candidates by turning out clerks who may be most efficient, honest, and experienced. Is there any reason to suppose that less intelligent and capable men will secure places un- der a system of honest examination than under one of interested recom- mendation from politicians. Is there any reason to doubt that a man who earns his place by his proved merit will have a higher self-respect and a greater zeal for efficiency, upon which promotion depends, than one who knows that he is put in by per- sonal favor and will be put out when another personal favors requires? It is often said that examination will not show whether a man has the necessary faculty and tact for filling a place. Very well. Will the recom- mendation of a member of Congress or ward committee show it? Nothing but experience will prove it, and all that can be done in advance is to select the one who shows himself to be apparently most promising, by equal tests with others, andin doing this the whole vast machine of pa- tronage is broken up, and the people are relieved from the political despo- tism of office-holders. The late examination to fill two vacancies in the Naval Office was a thoroughly intelligent and sincere step in this direction, and one in which the countryisinreality hardly less interested than in the action of Congress. The ridicule which it en- Continued on Page Seven. ment. And the hospital will keep its long-standing com mitment to provide care to indigent patients. With this change in status, PCMH will be a healthier, stron- ger hospital, assuring that Greenville and Pitt County will continue to benefit from this vital economic asset. Without it, the hospitals position in the market Trustees’ position on this impor- tant issue. Please read it care- fully. The PCMH Trustees and the Pitt County Board of Commission- ers have been working hard to carefully consider the facts and reach a decision in the best inter- est of the citizens of Pitt County and the hospital. The better each of us understands this issue, the The change in the hospital’s ownership status is permitted bya 14-year-old state law specifically intended for such actions. Thelaw, N.C. General Statute 131-E-8, originated in 1983 to allow county governments to transfer owner- ship of their hospital facilities toa not for-profit corporation under the control of local citizens. Under such ) "e Ay ct will in all likelihood deteriorate, easier that task will be. an arrangement, the majority of resulting in loss of revenue and WHAT MAKES~ THE the hospital’s governing body is possibly of jobs. CHANGE IN STATUS POS- appointed This brochure has been devel- SIBLE Continued on Page Three. oped to share the PCMH Board of More on Hearing - Page Ten. HOW BEAUTIFULIT IS FOR BRETHREN (& SISTERS) TO DWELL TOGETHER IN UNITYW! These members of Cornerstone Missionary Baptist Church pause briefly for the ‘M’ Voice camera following morning worship. Shown here: (above) Brother Cliff Hickman, his wife, and children; Brother Michael Jordan, Director of the Jackie Robinson Baseball League, and his madam; and Sister Charetta Walls. (Below) Brother Tito Barrett and his madam; Sister Eve Rogers, Sister Joyce Mitchell, Sister Laura Hamilton, and others. HAPPY, HAPPY FACES. (PHOTO: JIM ROUSE) Health Conference April 4 and 5 Heart Disease, Stroke, Cancer to be discussed GREENVILLE, March 26 — “African-Ameri- can women need to be more informed about the dangers of heart disease, stroke and cancer,” says Milele Archibald, Vice President of The Carolina Health Group, Inc. and co-chair of the April 4 and 5 seminar entitled “AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN’S WORKSHOP ON HEART DISEASE, STROKE AND CANCER.” “African-American women have a higher rate of heart disease than other women and they also develop the disease earlier in life”, says Archibald. “We hope to bring together women activists who will take a leadership role in taking these serious health issues back to their communities. Our goal is to bring the message to African-American women of Pitt County that they are at greater risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer and they must become proactive in taking responsibility for their health.” The conference, to be held on April 4 and 5 in Greenville, isa joint effort by The Carolina Health Group, Inc., a nonprofit association of health care tive Disease Center, Dupont Merck Pharmaceu- tical, First Citizens Bank and the Office of Minor- ity Health, DEHNR. The keynote speaker for the Friday evening dinner is Dr. Patricia Davidson, a practicing cardiologist from Washington, DC, whois nation- ally known for encouraging African American women to become more responsible for preven- tion of the risk factors that lead to heart disease and stroke. Saturday’s workshops will begin with a keynote address by local physician, Dr. Ceylon Rowland of Women’s Health Center in Greenville, who also will address the importance of preven. - tive measures in achieving a healthy cancer-free lifestyle. They will be led by Drs. Robin Taylor and Kim Johnson of ECU School.of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine. The Friday evening session is by invitation, Participants must commit to sharing the infor- mation yith African-American women in their - nities through follow-up outreach activi- rday workshops, i Fleming Exxon Gas Station. Shown are Brothers who will take care of your car with a good attitude. Name these Brothers and win $10.00 in Gas at Fleming Exxon. OE (Photo by: Jim Rouse) @ Ue ' professionals, and The American Heart Associa- e Saturday rith . at Bam at ECU's Belk ding. are | tion and American Cancer Society.Othersupport- brg@akias ers are ECU School of Allied Health, Pitt County op aii X Memorial Hospital Heart Center, Eastern Diges- » Ng 1. Children need strength tolean on ashoulderiocryon and * an example to learn from. ‘2. Every child has a right to be both well-fed and well-led. 3. A pint of example is worth a gallon of advice. 4. A good example is the best sermon you can preach. 5. Courtesy is the quality that keeps a woman smiling when a departing guest stands at the open door and lets the flies in. 6. Why are husbands and wives more courteous to strangers than to each other? | , 7. Be courteous to everybody. You never know who might show up on the jury. &. The measure of a truly great man is the courtesy with which he treats lesser men. 9. Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy. 10. When you think you’ve done your best, dig a little deeper. 11. We’ve lost our moral fiber. Rev. Bernece King (Montel Show, 2/28/97) 12. Christians proclaim brotherly love, love for your neigh- bor, peace on earth and other nations, but they often do not practice them. Hugo Borresen THE WORLD NEEDS MEN .. who cannot be bought; .. whose word is their bond; .. who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; . who are larger than their vocations; who do not hesitate to take chances; » who will not lose their individuality in a crowd; .. who will be as honest in small things as in great things; .. Who will make no compromise with wrong; . whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; ... Who will not say they do it “because everybody else does it.” . who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity. .. who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning, and hard- headedness are the best qualities for winning success; .. who are not ashamed or afraid to stand for the truth when it is unpopular, who can say “no” with emphasis, although the rest of the world says “yes.” Some Good Ways to Feel Good About Yourself Don’t wait until spring; let the end of summer give you the signal to clean out closets, attic and garage—your car’s trunk, too. Help someone learn to read; it has been estimated that 17 to 21 million adults in the United States cannot read. Contact the Coalition for Literacy Infor mation Hot Line at 800-228-8813 for more information. Get a big, colorful piggy bank, and start saving—even if it’s only a dime a day— for a special splurge. t Take a child out for an old-fashioned ice-cream sundae, and delight in his or her reaction. Get a professional manicure; you'll feel pampered and el- egant every time you see your fingernails shimmer. Put the TV “on strike” for a week. Spend your newfound leisure time listening to classical music, engaging in lively discussions. Fill up the tub—don’t forget the bubbles—and relax by taking a long, soothing soak. Gather old magazines and unwanted books from your own and your neighbors’ homes, and donate them to a hospital or senior citizens’ home. Pull out your high-school yearbook, and, as you page through it, indulge your imagination in some “Whatever happened to?” daydreams. Start a fall family tradition: Gather the kid or invite a relative over to’ your house to bake bread and make apple pear pre- serves. Treat yourself to luxurious new sleepwear or lingerie. If you’ve never liked poetry, buy a volume of verse, and read a poem a day. You may discover a hidden appreciation for the form! Stock up on postcards (museums are a great source), and mail quick notes to those you care for—even members of your own household. One of the biggest favors you can do for yourself is to be conscientious about your health. So, if you don’t have regular checkups by your doctor, dentist and gynecologist, schedule appointments now. COLIN POWELL’S RULES 1. It ain’t as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning. 2. Get mad, then get over it. 3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, you ego goes with it. 4, It can be done! 5. Be careful what you Mrs. Beatrice Maye “Ebonics” “We do not have to teach “Ebonics”, or what we call African- American English, because the kids are already fluent in it. It is the primary mode of communica- tion. Therefore, it’s up to us to make sure that they master so- called Standard English.” said Anthony Jackson, teacher, 99th Street Elementary School, from the Los Angles Magazine, March 1997. “Trimming the Fringe; How Newspapers Shun Low-Income Readers”, by Gilbert Cranberg, from Columbia Journalism, March/April 1997. Cranberg states: “Neglecting the poor does seem to be the trend lately, butit’s a shame to see news- paper journalism as a force that increases their isolation. The no- tion clashes with the vision most editors hold of the newspaper as a forum for the whole community and a bulwark of democracy. Continuing, “By the year 2010, nearly one out of every two chil- dren under five years of age will belong to an ethnic minority group. These young people are the ones the newspaperindustry mustlearn to attract as readers and as em- ployees”. SLOWER TRAFFIC KEEP RIGHT | Your support keeps lifesaving research in the fast lane. MDA Muscular Dystrophy Association 1-800-572-1717 CRIMETIPS: PERSONAL SECURITY “TRAIL BLAZERS”... Brother Ernest “Red” Eaton (L), retired owner and operator of Eaton’s Service Center and Bishop T. L. Davis (R), Pastor of the Progressive Free Will Baptist Church, are truly testimonials of God’s goodness as evidenced by their individual successes. Brothers, continue to stand tall!!! (PHOTO: JIM ROUSE) Murder Charge Filed in Slaying, Youth May Get Death Penalty The young Russian immigrant whocould face the death penalty if convicted of killing the son of one of the United States’ most popular comedians was an above-average student who struggled to fit in, aspired to be a gang member and spent time in a juvenile camp, classmates and school officials said. “We just though he was a little white boy who wanted to be a ‘cholo’ (gang member),” said Olga Medina 18, a former classmate at Los Alamitos High School. “He was a wannabe, he wanted to be a gang member.” Mikail Markhasev, 18, was charged with murder Friday for the slaying of Ennis Cosby, 27, the only son of entertainer Bill Cosby. Markhasev was also charged with attempted robbery and use of a firearm during commission of a crime. He did not enter a plea and will be held without bail until his next court appearance March, 28. Police say Markhasev randomly chose Cosby fora robbery attempt, shooting himas he was changinga flat tire near a freeway off-ramp Jan. 16. Po lice say they have re- covered the gun used in the slay- ing and a cap worn by the killer. The allegation that Cosby was killed during an attempted rob- bery is a so-called”special circum- stance that, ifupheld at trial, could allow prosecutors to seek the death penalty. Markhasev and his mothercame to the United States abyut eight years ago from Lvov, Ukrainé, an industrial and cultural center of 800,000 people. He attended a number of Los Angeles-area schools. Students at Los Alamitos High grocery cart ~ Keep your eyes open to what's going on around you! Carry your purse close to your body or keep a wallet in a front pants pocket or inside a jacket. Don't leave your purse in a Do your jogging or walking in daylight hours. Carry a whistle. Try to use ATM machines during daylight hours and pay attention to the people around you. aA This wos supported mat pnts oie by Me ste ots ad hos Programs, U.S. 3 of vier vent 0 ot necessary # vente a a cae wae Depot Call for more security tips. EQUALEYES' Informed public and police against crime 830-EYES Greenville Police Department choose. You may get it. 6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good de- cision. 7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t Bincumark ° let someone else make yours. MORTGAGE CORPORATION 8. Check small things. 9. Share credit. 10. Remain calm. Be kind. 11. Have a vision. Be de- manding. 12. Don’ttake counsel of your fears or naysayers. 13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier. Support >I a 4 | money. ¢ Home Improvements e Cash Out Bill Consolidations ¢ Refinances or Purchases Credit History Not Important Ist or 2nd Mortgages Quick Approvals ¢ Programs for Self Employed Don't let past or present credit problems stand in your way. We pride ourselves in working one'on one with our clients to insure you the savings you deserve. You could save yourself thousands of dollars by taking advantage of the current favorable interest rates. Call today and | will gladly discuss your options to save Toll Free: 1-800-849-0580 Schon] in Orange County said Markhasev was called “Pee Wee” because ofa perceived resemblance to the film and television charac- ter Pee Wee Herman . Markhasev also had ties to the Varrio Los Alamitos gang, it was reported Saturday. “He was promoting VLA as a big bad group,” said Soda Davetas, 17, of Laurel High, near Los Alamitos High. ‘ He was too fake. He walked around talking that big talk. It’s not powerful when you talk like that.” Los Angeles school officials and Markhasev’s boss at a North Hol- lywood plant store described him as an intelligent teen who didn’t cause trouble. He earned a B average, the sec- ond-highest possible, at Reseda High School, where he enrolled in 1993 after transferring from Los Alamitos. Markhasev was hired in Febru- ary asa cashier at Mainly Seconds Pottery Plants and Things near the apartment he shared with his mother. He was scheduled to work the night he was arrested, owner Jim Herzoff said. “He just seemed like a nice kid who lived down the block,” Herzoff said. In late 1995 Markhasev spent six months in ajuvenile probation camp. Hisjuvenile record includes a conviction for marijuana posses- sion and assault with a deadly weapon, news papers reported. _ Markhasev and his mother were quiet tenants who signed a year long lease in January for the two- bedroom apartment in North Hol- lywood, building manager Olga Faynshteyn said. Asked about the mother’s reac- tion to the case, Faynshteyn said, “I guess she’s shocked like every- body else. She wasn’t expecting The parents of Ennis Cosby said Saturday that immigrant commumties from the former So- viet Union cannot be blamed for the killing of their son. “The Cosbys do not view him as representative of either the Rus- sian or the Ukranian people and they are asking and hoping that those people that are law-abiding from that community not feel any guilt about what this person has done,” family spokesman David Brokaw said after talking to Bill and Camille Cosby. Some report- ers have asked the Cosbys whether they would support the death pen- alty if Markhasev is convicted, Brokaw said. “They just refuse toexamine that issue right now,” Brokaw said. , “They feel that what’s more im- portant right now is for the court to do its work.” The allegation that Cosby was’ killed during an attempted rob- bery is a so-called “special circum- stance” that, if upheld at trial, could allow prosecutors to seek the deathh penalty. Bill Cosby on Thursday com- pleted work for the season on his “Cosby” television show. This week, he and his wife planned to visit South Africa, whcre Cosby will perform three concerts, in- cluding one for President Nelson Mandela, Brokaw said. oe DANIEL DAWSON D. Dawson Realty Residential/Land/Commercial 410 W. 14th St, Suite Sales & New Construction “Bringing people together and making them happy” 919-758-0456 Ae Greenville, NC 27834 ry] > ie! MLS ————n WILLIE DAWSON Realtor® Realtor®/Broker, Gri, Crs MARGIE SMITH Realtor® 0% i wearing apparel, EXTRA SPECIAL SAVINGS 4 su Fn 3" SHIRT Cl cou MONDAY- FRIOMY i KORETIZING CLEANERS FREE STORAGE OFF REG. PRICE DRY CLEANING [ KORETIZING CLEANERS | I this coupon good for 20% OFF the dry cleaning 1 price ONLY of men’s; women's and children's j Coupon Good March 28 through April 11, 1997 i \ Coupon Must Accompany Clothes To Be Honored. i FLUFF & FOLD SERVICE 50¢ per Ib/10ib, minimum L._--=.-2.. — Alterations Available xe) Open New Hours: Mon.-Sat. 7-6 Present at 2105 Charles St. next to The Plaza, Behind Pirates Chest 0% $4). ~ ey Korn From Page One - PCMH * or controlled by the county, and the hospital must operate under conditions laid down by the statute and any addi- fional guidelines established by the county. ; / The intent of the law is to enable public hospitals to be more competitive and still remain under local control. Under cur- rent law, public hospitals are restricted in pursuing some of the activities which their competitors—private for-profit and pri- vate not for-profit hospitals—can freely engage in. These activities can be grouped into several categories: Activities related to business develop- ment * Protecting the confidentiality of com- petitively sensitive records, such as the prices negotiated with managed care companies * Forming partnerships with private entities such as physicians and managed care compa- nies Activities related to financing ¢ Financing facilities outside the county * Accessing conventional sources of fi- nancing * Earning the same return on invest- ments as competitors * Entering into long-term leases Activities related to making operations more efficient ¢ Streamlining the disposal of property ¢ Developing streamlined purchasing and inventory systems * Using single prime contracting for construction projects Since 1983, many public hospitals in North Carolina have used this law to reorganize, including some nearby com- petitors of Pitt County Memorial Hospi- tal. Arecent conversion occurred in 1996, when the Wake County Board of Commis- sioners voted to change the status of Wake Medical Center in Raleigh. ~ WHY THE CHANGE IS NEEDED PCMH has enjoyed good years, both financially and in terms of expansion of patient care services, in the recent past. But that kind of success will be threat- ened ifthe hospital continues to remain at a competitive disadvantage. With the movement of managed health care into our region, the marketplace for hospital and physician services is rapidly becoming more competitive. Pressure to operate more efficiently is intense. The new emphasis on contracting for health care services has made the price of those services more of a focal point. And large hospitals such as PCMH are having to work more closely with physicians and smaller hospitals in neighboring counties to keep their traditional patient base. At the same time, large hospitals that offer similar services to PCMH are forming business relationships that will bring pa- tients from eastern North Carolina to their medical centers when the patients need advanced care. In most cases, these hospitals do not operate under the regula- tory restrictions that burden PCMH. In this environment, PCMH must be free to compete on an equal footing with other health care systems. But that is impossible when competitors... ...£have access to the contracts PCMH MR. & MRS. BOBBY AND LOLA THOMPSON... proud parents (yet very concerned parents). Their son, an outstanding basketball star at the D. H. Conley High School got hurt; recovered; returned; but— was not allowed to play. Does anyone know why? (PHOTO: JIM ROUSE) hoses esses eee eee We have a FULL line of TREATED LUMBER & TREATED PLYWOOD! Bring this AD in and receive a 40% discount on any treated wood item. eee oe / Betore you do any business, | take a look at ours... signs to provide services, yet PCMH does © not have access to the same information from them; ...have far more flexibility to enter into _ partnerships with health care providers in this service area than PCMH does; .shave more flexibility in obtaining fi- nancing than PCMH does; ...can realize operating efficiencies that are not available to PCMH because of existing law. WHAT A CHANGE IN STATUS DOES NOT MEAN Becoming a citizen-controlled, not-for- profit institution does not mean that the hospital will be given away or sold. Con- version to this new status is not the same as selling the hospital. There is no inten- tion of selling the hospital, nor to change its status to for-profit. In any case, the Pitt County Board of Commissioners will retain final authority over decisions of that nature under the new status. Nor will the change in the hospital's status mean that employees’ jobs will be threatened. For PCMH employees, this change will make their employer a more competitive health care provider in east- ern North Carolina ad their jobs will there- fore be more secure. Finally, the change in status would not affect the hospital's long-standing com- mitment to provide care to all people re- gardless of their ability to pay. PCMH does not receive any tax dollars to support this commitment and will not receive any under the new status, yet the hospital will remain true to its commitment to provide urgentcare. Indeed, the negotiated trans- fer agreement between PCMH and the county will obligate the hospital to con- tinue to provide services to patients re- gardless of their ability to pay. After reorganization, PCMH will still be accountable to the public. It will still have open meetings. The majority of its trustees will still be appointed by the Pitt County Commission. And any failure to comply with the provisions of the transfer agreement will mean PCMH reverts to county ownership. Here are several other ways that reor- ganization to acitizen-controlled, not-for- profit status will and will not affect PCMH: ° It will not result in staff reductions; ¢ It will require PCMH to operate as a not-for-profit hospital; ¢ It will ensure an ongoing commitment THEM" VOICE - WEDNESDAY, z 4 to quality care at competitive prices; ¢ It will continue to allow PCMH to be self-sustaining without any local tax sup- port. FINALLY... . an PCMH has met its commitment to local and regional health care and medical edu- cation for more than a generation. As eastern North Carolina grows and its health care needs change, PCMH must keep pace. In fact, the hospital must stay ahead of the region's needs. Becoming a citizen controlled, not-for-profit hospital is the best method to allow PCMH to meet those needs. q QUESTIONS? HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS... Who currently owns PCMH? PCMH is owned by Pitt County. The county owns the land, buildings and as- sets, and it leases those to PCMH Inc., a not-for-profit corporation formed years ago by the county to operate the hospital. Who will own the hospital if it be- comes a citizen controlled, not-for- profit institution? PCMH Inc. will own the land, buildings and equip ment and will continue to oper- ate the hospital. Are citizen-controlled not-for-profit hospitals something new in North Carolina? No. The N.C. General Assembly en- acted the statute in 1983 and it allows public not-for-profit hospitals to be re- lieved of certain legal constraints while keeping their commitment to community health and indigent care. Many nearby hospitals such as Wayne Memorial in Goldsboro, Halifax Memorial in Roanoke Rapids and Wilson Memorial have reor- ganized under this statute. Aren’t there alternative ways for PCMH to address these issues of un- fair competition? Yes. PCMH has considered working with state legislators to seek changes in the laws that give its competitors unfair ad- vantages. The problem with this approach is that itis slow andcomplex. Thecounty’s legal advisors have said that changes in the law in seven separate areas would be necessary to address the competitive dif- ferences. Also, it is anticipated that this ane . For the most part, PCMH will be no different from the way it is today. Only its corporate status will part of the reorganization. Could PCMH then sell the hospital or ba itself into a for-profit en- tit No. Under this reorganization, PCMH could not sell the hospital or convert to for-profit status without county approval. Can PCMH survive without county tax dollars? PCMH receives no subsidy from Pitt » County and, in fact, repaid the county's initial in the hospital many years ago. How will the public know PCMH is = living up to its end of the bargain? PCMH will undergo a yearly audit to ensure it is keeping up its commitment under the “ statute. Also, meetings of the PCMH Board of Trustees will continue to be open to the public. Some people say that PCMH will raise prices if this change goes through. The opposite is more likely. The change in status will allow PCMH to undertake projects that make it a more efficient ‘ provider of services. So it will be better able to hold the line on rate increases, as it has done four out of the last five years. Will this change allow hospital ad- ministrators to make big salaries? The reorganization will have no effect on anyone’s salary. But it will help to ensure the hospital is a viable employer for the more than 4,000 people who cur- rently work at PCMH. Why can’t PCMH just stay the way it is? No industry has stayed the same for the past 20 years. The same is true for health care. With market forces deciding what sort of health care system we will have, only those providers that are strong will survive. Becoming a citizen controlled, : not-for-profit hospital will do a great deal to make sure PCMH stays strong. Ramifications of Chavis’ Conversion to Nation of Islam Recently, Benjamin Chavis, former na- tional Executive Director of the NAACP, announced his conversion to the Nation of Islam. Now, Minister Benjamin Chavis Muhammad, formerly ordained at the Oak Level United Church of Christin Manson, NC, pledged to travel the country and raise consciousness and awareness about the plight of African-Americans in the country. An interview with local Minister Edward Muhammad (of Final Call Minis- try on Fifth St.) focused on the implica- tions of Chavis’ conversion to the Nation of Islam and millions of African-Ameri- cans. When asked about the thoughts on Chavis’ conversion to the Nation, Minis- ter Edward Muhammad responded, “It’s avery positive move because he’s a brother who’s been in the struggle of trying to revolutionize the thinking of our brothers for a long time. He agrees with the con- cepts of nation-building and healing. So, I think it was a timely well-thought-out move.” Indeed, the importance of nation- building has been echoed by numerous Muslim leaders for decades. What does the conversion say about African-Americans and the Nation of Is- lam? “It says that it’s possible that Afri- can-Americans can work together as Christians, Agnostics, Muslims, etc. and achieve positive things,” the Minister an- swered. He continued, “He has admired movements that are active and steadfast. Chavis sees the viability of groups with different ideologies and philosophies com- ing together to build a nation.” Minister Louis Farrakhan has galva- nized and mobilized droves of African Americans for many years. Will Chavis be successful? “Definitely,” said the Minis- ter. “That’s been his work for years. I expect itll increase now. He'll be a very highly visible person.” Further, Minister Edward acknowledged that he will ex- tend an invitation to Minister Benjamin Muhammad to attend the local mosque. Some political pundits have suggested that Minister Benjamin Muhammad might succeed Farrakhan. When posed the question, Minister Edward Muhammad said “no.” BUSINESS © $2,500 minimum BUSINESS VISA * Low variable rate SERVICES * Economical rates BUSINESS LOANS *Term loans loan programs CHECKING Simply the best commercial checking in the market avoids monthly fees *No limits; no hidden charges Tracks expenses efficiently MERCHANT BANK CARD * Professional, local service «Revolving & seasonal lines *SBA, FSA & other insured Greenville Offices 1001 Red Banks Road 355-8200 2400 Stantonsburg Rd. 3-4 times weekly, 0 + Improves circulation * Controls weight * Prevents and manages high blood pressure - Boosts energy levels ©1996, American Heart Association * Lowers blood cholesterol levels | * Raises HDL-cholesterol levels He added, “I’ve gotten no indication , that that’s the case.” “There is a lot of visible black leaders that admire the unity that the Nation of Islam espouses,” said the Minister. “He © took the initiative to take that step. That doesn’t mean that others who have not taken that step are not inspired or enthu- siastic.” Recognizing the significance of _ African-American unity, Minister Edward — commented, “Our objective is to merge all black leadership into nationhood. They © can be Baptists, Methodists, or whatever.” The extent to which Minister Benjamin Chavis Muhammad will make a differ- © ence in the lives of powerless, disgruntled _ African-American remains to be seen. Energetic, determined, and vociferous, the _ Minister does seem anxious to assist Min- ~ ister Farrakhan in educating African- Americans about the necessity of pursu- ing political and economic empowerment; . after all, such was the crux of Dr. Martin Luther King’s vision for African-Ameri- cans after they secure what some believe __ to be elusive racial equality. CADE INSURANCE AGENCY F.P. CADE Warren B. Cade Business e2£2et2Ee& will not reduce its services or cut staffas. — 752-6609 Inside Walmart Supercenter 355-5988 ; 752-2862 eoeG@ eee eae SF Bae eeaee = ‘ YOUNG BROTHER WEAVER... a student at North Pitt High ' School, basketball star, part-time employee at Harris Super ‘Market, young man “extraordinaire”. He will be leaving for ‘the summer for basketball camp to sharpen his playing skills ‘and his education. HATS OFF TO YOU, MY BROTHER!!! (PHOTO: JIM ROUSE) LG t { ! : 1 ' ; { { American diet that they are no longer viewed as ethnic products. _ Next on the list may be tortillas, — with sales of tortillas in the U.S. — continuing to rise at about 10 per- — cent a year. According to the National Res- taurant Association, Chinese, Ital- ian and Mexican foods are the most popular in American restaurants. Food Arts a food industry trade magazine, lists Italian as the most popular cuisine for fine dining, while Latino, Thai, Mediterranean and Pacific Rim are also fashion- able. A 1993 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nu- trition found that people who ate the widest variety of foods had a lower risk of dying prematurely than those who stuck to the same series of recipes night after night, year after year. Americans’ growing taste for ethnic flavors is reflected in climb- ing sales of spices such as black and red pepper, mustard and gin- ger. Sales of these spices have risen 73 percent over the past 20 years, with red pepper sales alone up 169 percent, according to the Ameri- can Spice Trade Association. To meet the rising demand for ethnic products, manufacturers are introducing more new items each year. Ethnic new product in- INVITATION TO BIDDERS have become so common in the _ “MO” FROM MO... Rev. Ward ministers between hair cuts.. Thanking our good Lord for his “clean cut Styles.— there are no “afro’s”, no dred locks, but “clean cuts” are what you get from MO’S BARBER SHOP. (PHOTO: JIM ROUSE) troductions for the first eight months of I g96 were already 53 percent higher than introductions for all of 1995. According to a recent American Dietetic Association survey, the average person in the U.S . eats only 8 to 10 “core” foods - regular food selections that make up 80 percent of their diets, during any given week. Many ethnic dishes are “combi- nation” foods that include serv- ings from several different food groups. For example, a Mediterra- nean-style “gyro” (yee-row) wrap sandwich includes grain (pita), vegetables (mushrooms, onions, pepper), milk products (yogurt sauce, cheese), and meat (beef, A Se Pe ee chicken). Milk and milk products are the best way to cool down your palate after sampling a spicy ethnic dish, according to Dave DeWitt, author of The Whole Chile Book. The rea- son? Casein, the main protein in milk, acts like a detergent to wash away capsaicine, the potent chemi- cal that triggers the burning sen- sation in the mouth and stomach. 4.0. 2.5 Sealed proposals will be received by the Housing Authority of the City of Greenville in the office of Authority, 1103 Broad Street, Greenville, North Carolina 27835, up to 2:00 PM, local time on Thursday, 10 April 1997, and immediately thereafter opened and read in the presence of attending bidders for the furnishing of all labor, materials and equipment for Replacing Gas Distribution System-Meadowbrook project upon the Owner’s property in Greenville, North Carolina. Complete plans, specifications and contract documents will be open in the office of H R Associates, P.A., 1200 Navaho Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina, (919) 872-6345. Prime bidders who are qualified and who will make a bid will, upon deposit of the sum of One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) with the Architect, receive documents in duplicate. The full deposit will be refunded to those qualified prime bidders who submit a bona fide prime proposal, providing bidding documents are returned in good condition to the Architect within five (5) days after receipt of bids. The Works consists of construction of a replacement gas distribution system for the Meadowbrook development and gas meter/regulator/riser replacement for the Meadowbrook, Hopkins Park, Newtown and Kearney Park developments. L All Bidders are hereby notified that they must have proper license under the State laws as a Utilities Contractor. Each proposal shall be accompanied by a cash deposit or a certified check drawn on some bank or trust company insured by the FDIC in an amount equal to not less than 5% of the proposal; or in lieu thereof, a Bidder may offer a bid bond of 5% of the proposal. No bid may be withdrawn after the scheduled closing time for the receipt of bids for a period of sixty (60) days. A Performance Bond shall be required for one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive informalities, and to award contracts in the best interest of the Owner. ANNOUNCING «+ The Fifth Annual Making Pitt’s Babies Fit “A Health Fair For New and Expectant Parents” DETERMINATION A one-room office, a personal computer, As you grow, we'll be here with essentials. and a hard-working dream. That's often the Like retirement plans. Services like credit modest beginnings for millions of men and card transaction processing. Loans to help women who are becoming their own bosses. you expand. At First Citizens, we're supporting this Call or visit your nearest First Citizens new breed of American entrepreneurs with today. When your two employees have simple, flexible, affordable Business Banking — become 200 and your dream has become Services that grow with you — like three a shining example tor others, different checking accounts tailored to we'll be proud to have been small business. there from the very start. FIRST CITIZENS @ EQUAL HOUSING LENDER You’re Always First. Member FDIC NV ER) EDIE /SSTS’S "=O — AZALEAHOMES — VILLE Peery et Attention Parents and Come As You Are! Grandparents of Young Children... Browse Through Exhibits. Join Us At the Register for Many Door Greenville Hilton Inn: Prizes That Will Be Given Away During The Event. Tuesday, April 8, 1997 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM Enjoy Refreshments!! I] Cost: FREE For More Information Fashion Show At Call 7:00 PM. Sponsored By 413-1424 or 413-1419 Target Stores of Greenville. a SERRE = = a en Ansett ESA EES RENE CNC NAS LN tt et ne nee y t ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ‘ ' ' ‘ ' ' ‘ ' ' ' ' ' ' } Don’t Miss this Opportunity To Learn About Numerous Resources for Parents and Young Children. Sponsors: Pitt County Public Health Center, Pitt infant Mortality Prevention Advisory Council, Pitt County Memorial Hospital, American Lung Association, Pitt County Government Volunteers, and NC Cooperative Extension. Door Prizes Donated By Exhibitors and Greater Greenville Kiwanis. Amt wndr _ or GREEN Why Buy from Azalea Homes? Real people, kind and considerate Great reputation Great service after sale Better than competitive prices Best used homes with warranties . Professionally trained finance managers and more ca 919-756-7815 ces ssc A NEES AEN ANIC EASE URES st SN AEN EE se Rie een re Sete he ace ae Tips for entreprenuers offered at African American Women on Tour SAN DIEGO,CA(March6,1997) ness climate is good for African poet Nikki Giovanni in Philadel- — African American Women on Americans. “We have more re- ia. Tourwillfeatureadynamicforum sources and technology atourdis- | Thetouralsofeatures workshops focusing on the principles of Black business development, when it brings its empowerment confer- ence to five U.S. cities this year. Presented by Allstate Insurance Company, AAWOT will tour to Oakland, CA, April 4-6; Dallas, TX, June 13-15; Chicago, IL, July 25-27; Atlanta, GA, August 14-16; and Philadelphia, PA, August 22- 24. Sponsored by Mobil Oil Corpo- ration, AAWOT’s Entrepreneur Forum will examine the challenges posal than ever before, yet with downsizing and mergers challeng- ing job security and affirmative action, this type of forum is ex- tremely timely in helping to direct more African American women towards entrepreneurship.” Other panelists on the Entre- preneur Forum include San Di- ego, CA business trainer Gerri Norrington, author of Roads _to Guid Microbusi Develop- ment; Austin, TX lecturer Fran oncareer development, health and fitness, financial management and spirituality. AAWOT’s popular Rites of Passage retreats include programs for girls ages 12-18, young women ages 19-26 and adult women. AAWOT also features Allstate Insurance Company’s “Play it Safe” workshop, address- ing such “real life” issues as wellness, domestic violence \and personal safety; J C Penney’s Fash- ion Influences show; Avon Prod- ucts’ Beauty Pavilion; a fitness 1S and realities of small business re- Harris, authorofAboutMySister’s class hosted by Reebok Interna- et search and start-up, tobudgeting, Business: The Black Woman’s tional; an author’s book signing personnel, marketing and man- Roadmap to Successful Entrepre- andjazzevening hosted by BET on agement. The forum will take an peurship; and Brooklyn, NY in- Jazz and Emerge magazine; anda in-depth look at such issues as vestment advisor Brooke Village Marketplace Bazaar, ‘e business plans, pricing, raising Stephens, author of Talking Dol- which is free and open to the pub- te capital, franchising options, hu- lars and Making Sense: A Wealth- _ lic. h man resources, packaging andin- BuildingGuide for African-Ameri- For registration information con- Or novative ways of bringing ideas to tact African American Women on a. fruition. In addition tothe Entrepreneur Tour,3914 Murphy Canyon Road, n The Entrepreneur Forum will Forum, African AmericanWomen Suite 216,San Diego, CA 92123; 1- h be moderated by nationally recog- on Tour will feature a powerful 800-560-AAWT; ond | | ig nized financial consultant, Glinda Bridgforth, president of Bridgforth Financial Management Group in _ Oakland, California and author of 12Month Program for Basic Money Management... With over 20 years experience in the financial field, Ms. Bridgforth believes the busi- lineup of keynote speakers to in- clude vocalist Gladys Knight, spon- sored by Chrysler Corporation in all five cities; Susan L. Taylor, Editor-in-Chief of Essence maga- zine in Dallas, Chicago and At- lanta; talk show host Bertice Berry in Oakland and Atlanta; author J. California Cooper in Oakland; and www.AAWOT.com. Conference sponsors include Time Warner, The Coca-Cola Company, Heart & Soul magazine, Hewlett Packard, McDonald’s, Union Bank, Kaiser Permanente, American Airlines, Excelle Relaxers, Hardee’s and Bank of America. NUTRITION:: THE °’ TWEEN’ SCENE “Tweens” areindividuals between the childhood and teenage years, about 1 1-14 years old. National surveys show that tweens’ diets are high in total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol and so- dium. In contrast, tweens often con- sume less than the recommended amounts of fiber, calcium, iron and vitamins A and E. Nearly 86 percent of teenage girls and 65 percent of teenage boys are not meeting the daily calcium re- quirement of 1,200 milligrams, the amount in four glasses of milk, ac- cording to the United States De- ’ partment of Agriculture. Milk consumption among teens has dropped steadily since the late 1 ~70s, while consumption of soft drinks has skyrocketed—especially among teenage boys, whose daily intake of soft drinks nearly tripled between 1977 and 1994. Nearly three-fourths of teen boys drank about three cans of soda per day in 1994, while two-thirds of teen girls drank about two cans’ worth, ac- cording to the United States De- partment of Agriculture. According to a recent survey by Teenage Research Unlimited, teens are averaging nearly six servings of is a shared responsibility. Don't be an easy target. Take action to protect yourself and your property. Call EqualEyes ALL EYES ON CRIME. It takes two sets of eyes to help prevent crime: yours and the police department's. Working together we can focus on making the community more secure and avoiding trouble before it happens. Crime prevention EQUALEYES Informed public and police against crime 830-EYES Greenville Police Department cookies, desserts, candy and soft drinks each day. A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics showed that girls who increased their intake of milk and milk products developed denser bones and had improved intakes of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D and protein. At the same time, they did not increase their total fat intake and did not gain weight. About IS percent of adult height, SO percent of adult weight, and 45 percent of adult bone mass are formed during adolescence, accord- ing to Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. A survey published by sports I]I- lustrated or Kids showed that 18 percent of girls and | g percent of boys ages 9-1 I have been on a diet to lose weight. Among tweens ages 12-13, 13 percent of boys and 27 percent of girls have dieted. Most kids do not eat three méals a day. In fact, in a survey conducted by the International Food Informa- tion Council, more than half of the 9-1S year old respondents said they skip breakfast, 28 percent skip lunch and 18 percent skip dinner. Featuring special music by Ch recording artists LIMIT X of Ugai LIMIT X will appear on April 4-6 of the Youth Word Explosion LIMIT X has shared the stage with recording artists such as Andreae Crouch, Phil Driscoll, Shirley Caesar, and Deneice Williams. They have appeared as special guests on Christian Broadcast Network (CBN), Trinity Broadcast Network (TNB), and Black Entertainment Network (BET) and are a pro-family, anti-violent, anti-gang, and anti-drug Christian vocal group delivering to youth the message of the life-giving hope that is available in Christ, the Anointed One. Malibongwe! (Zulu for "Amen") March 31-April 5, 1997 at 7 pm April 6, 1997 at 3 pm Host Pastor: Dr. Ruth Peterson The Anointed Ones’ Church 600 South Edge Road Ayden, NC 28513 (919) 746-2722 FREE ADMISSION 45 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT EASTERN N.C. TO SERVE YOU WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS T OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS 1 ROG Wallpaper Carpet NY am’ 4 Draperless ape seems: Vinyl Fc __ (f Bedspreads Wood Blinds : TRADE MART The emmants CARPET & RUGS “Prices rere Gorn Here... and Kaised Elsewhere” A Company Committed To Quality, Excellence, and Customer Satisfaction. Your Complete Home Interior Design Center 2808 East Tenth Street, Greenville 752-7000 at in is 4 ROCK’S Lounge Greenville, N.C. 1 "For the Leek...that gets the Leeks” Nail Care (919) 752-4292 West Fifth Street AfrBrush 562 Pamlico Plaza, Washington, NC 27889 (WalMart Shopping Center) Call for Delivery (Limited Area) For Men: Dark & Natural Texture Kit 200 N. Greene Street Greenville. NC 27534 Complete Professional Mary, Christy, Gloria and Maggie proudly announce their Annual Easter Special op ifter- vate GT Texturizer Kit - Hair Tonics - After Shave Starring March tith Facilities available for ; Clippers - Hair Brushes - Palm Aids and more healed parties, heunon4, wedding color ci We aving receptions, or any social HUMAN & SYNTHETIC HAIR! ase NY) ra Precision Cuts “J \\e : ° $15.00 $50.00 te \) $10.00 gathering: Braios S,/// Braios i Haur Reconstruction Den We cater ta all har shin typed BODY WAVE ™ $35.00 Lav {S Open Monday - 4 FRE tt Ri YS Won in Braiding | APPOINTMENTS MADE IN ADVANCE ARE Type APPRECIATED. WALK-INS ARE ALWAYS = ROOCK BROWN, ume »/ Ope _— for Al 6 of Hair | WELCOMED ACCORDING TO THE AVAILABILITY J Come To The Right Place and Experience The Differences! | OF THE STYLIST — m Ae A TN ev ew - The Latest Styles and Trends $10.00 ' The same day President Bill ton was in town addressing the State Legislature on the need for high national standards for schools, the North Carolina State Board of Education took action én the same issue. The Board Thursday (March 13) unani- mously approved a high school accountability model that goes in effect for the 1997-98 school year as the next phase of the statewide reform initiative called The ABCs of Public Education. Accountability and high stan- dards are among its corner- stones. The Board-approved ABCs plan aims to hold schools more accountable for student learn- ing; to emphasize the basics of reading, writing and mathemat- ics; and to promote more local control of educational decision making. The first phase of the plan, which applies to grades K- 8, went into effect this school year. Board approval of high school measures to determine a school’s success follows a year of work to develop the model. Additionally, more than 1,000 people offered input in a series of statewide meetings headed by the State Board’s Steering Committee for Assessment and Accountability. That group represented a cross- section of educators and received ideas from high school princi- pals, local superintendents, high school teachers and others. State Associate Superinten- dent for Instructional and Ac- countability Services Henry Johnson, who chaired the Steer-