Volume 15 Issue 1
January/February 2015
Greene Lamp Newsletter
Greene Lamp Remembers Rhonda Joyner Ward
08/02/79 – 01/06/15
Inside this issue:
Greene Lamp Remembers: Rhonda Ward
1
Administrative News
Board of Directors
2
3
Winter Training
4-7
January is National Glau- 8
coma Month
9
February is National
Child Dental Health
Month
February is Black History 1011
Month
Multi-Cultural event
Weather Watch
January Birthdays
February Birthdays
12
12
12
12
Dedicated, dependable, loyal, trustworthy, compassionate,
friendly, organized…All of these words can be used to describe Ms. Rhonda Ward. Rhonda dedicated herself to
Greene Lamp for two years serving as a community volunteer on Head Start’s Policy Council member on top of an already full-time job working at the local Health Department.
Her passion was the community and doing all she could to
make it a better place for children and families. There was
no job or task too big for her to take on.
The ready smile and can-do attitude of Ms. Rhonda Ward
will be greatly missed! Rhonda, you will not be forgotten!!
Administrative News
January
W-4 and NC-4 Forms -The finance office is not requesting that you complete a new withholding
form each year as has been done in the past; however, W-4 and NC-4 forms are available in the finance office for anyone who wishes to change their withholdings for the current tax year or any
time during the year. You are required to complete new forms if you claimed exemption from withholding in the prior year.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday - The Greene Lamp offices will be closed on Monday, January 19, 2015 in observance of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.
The Greene Lamp Directors - will meet Tuesday, January 27th at 9:00 a.m. at the Grainger-Hill
office.
The Greene Lamp Management Team - will meet Tuesday, January 27th 10:00 a.m. at the
Grainger-Hill office.
Board of Directors’ Meeting - The Greene Lamp Board will meet on Tuesday, January 20, 2015
at the Golden Corral Restaurant in Kinston.
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February
February is Black History Month
The Greene Lamp Directors - will meet Tuesday, February 24th at 9:00 a.m. at the Grainger-Hill
office.
The Greene Lamp Management Team - will meet Tuesday, February 24th 10:00 a.m. at the
Grainger-Hill office.
Head Start Policy Council - will be held on Wednesday, February 18th at 12:00 noon at the
Grainger-Hill office.
Greene County
Ms. Dora Dominquez
Head Start Policy Council
Mr. William Connor
Greene County Health Care
Mr. Glen Gray
Greene County Council on Aging
Mr. Bennie Heath
Board of Commissioners
Mr. Jerry Jones
Board of Commissioners
Ms. Darlene Lang-Koonce
Greene County Improvement Association
Mr. James T. Shackleford, Jr.
Board of Commissioners
Mr. Gene Smith
Greene County Chamber of Commerce
Ms. Angela Ellis
Greene County Community Support
Lenoir County
Ms. Carolyn Balknight
Kinston Housing Authority
Ms. Vanilla Barrow
Head Start Policy Council
Ms. Jackie Brown
Board of Commissioners
Mr. Randy Brown
Lenoir County Community Support
Ms. Maxine Cooper
Board of Commissioners
Ms. Virginia Cox-Daugherty
Banneker Literary and Social Club
Ms. Linda R. Sutton
Board of Commissioners
Mr. Shawn Wilson
Representative Low-Income Population
Vacant
Town of LaGrange
Officers of the Board
Mr. William Connor
Mr. James T. Shackelford, Jr.
Ms. Darlene Lang-Koonce
Ms. Linda Sutton
Dr. Virginia Cox-Daugherty
Mr. Gene Smith
Board Chair
First Vice Chair
Second Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Ex-Officiated
2015
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Agency Training
(Winter)
The Winter Agency Training was held on Friday, December 19th at
Contentnea. Sergeant Dennis Taylor conducted a Gang Awareness training that highlighted the evolution of gangs. Items of discussion were the style of dress and gang initiations. He shared a
few known gang symbols that will help in recognizing possible
gang areas as well as gang member recognition.
Khari Garvin spoke to the staff about the agency becoming an
Early Head Start agency. He stated that Greene Lamp is the first
in this area to be given the privilege to run an Early Head Start
program.
The staff enjoyed fun activities before being dismissed for the
Christmas and New Year’s holidays.
January is National Glaucoma Month
...a sight-stealing disease
What is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that gradually steal sight
without warning. Although the most common forms primarily affect the middle-aged and the
elderly, glaucoma can affect people of all ages.
Vision loss is caused by damage to the optic nerve. This nerve acts like an electric cable with
over a million wires. It is responsible for carrying images from the eye to the brain.
There is no cure for glaucoma—yet. However, medication or surgery can slow or prevent further vision loss. The appropriate treatment depends upon the type of glaucoma among other
factors. Early detection is vital to stopping the progress of the disease.
Types of Glaucoma
There are two main types of glaucoma: primary open-angle glaucoma and angle-closure glaucoma. These are marked by an increase of intraocular pressure (IOP), or pressure inside the
eye. When optic nerve damage has occurred despite a normal IOP, this is called normal tension glaucoma. Secondary glaucoma refers to any case in which another disease causes or
contributes to increased eye pressure, resulting in optic nerve damage and vision loss.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world, according to the World
Health Organization. In the most common form, there are virtually no symptoms. Vision loss
begins with peripheral or side vision, so if you have glaucoma, you may not notice anything
until significant vision is lost.
The best way to protect your sight from glaucoma is to get a comprehensive eye examination. Then, if you have glaucoma, treatment can begin immediately.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African-Americans. And among Hispanics
in older age groups, the risk of glaucoma is nearly as high as that for African-Americans. Also,
siblings of persons diagnosed with glaucoma have a significantly increased risk of having
glaucoma.
Risk Factors
Are you at risk for glaucoma? Those at higher risk include people of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent. Other high-risk groups include: people over 60, family members of those already diagnosed, diabetics, and people who are severely nearsighted. Regular eye exams are
especially important for those at higher risk for glaucoma, and may help to prevent unnecessary vision loss.
Help Find a Cure
Glaucoma Research Foundation is a national non-profit organization funding innovative research to preserve vision and find a cure for glaucoma. Gifts of every size make a difference.
Donate today.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
Let's Work Together To Eradicate the Dental Health Epidemic in Children
The health and well-being of children is one of the few issues a majority of Americans readily support without much argument. It’s an issue that rises above the usual disagreements of those from
opposing political parties, or from widely divergent backgrounds. We have, as a nation historically,
fought for the health and safety of the youngest, voiceless, and powerless among us.
From the child labor laws of the 1900s that kept children out of dangerous factories, to the immunization efforts that have all but eradicated once-deadly childhood illnesses, and the insurance programs that ensure coverage for those who might otherwise go without, we have, as a society, put a
great deal of muscle behind the issues that keep our kids safe.
Even with all of this progress, one crucial area where we are failing our children remains: dental
health care.
Minor as it may sound in the grand scheme, poor oral health care among children is a growing epidemic that not only affects their teeth, but also their intellectual and social development, and overall health. According to a report by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), tooth
decay in young children can lead to malnutrition, life-threatening infections, poor school performance, and reluctance to speak, smile and play.
By the age of five, about 60 percent of U.S. children will have tooth decay. Despite the AAPD’s recommendation that all children have their first dental exam no later than their first birthday, the reality is that only one in four parents surveyed actually took their children for a dental visit in the
first year.
The reasons behind this void in important children’s health care are varied. Lack of education certainly plays a role. Research indicates that parents — particularly in low-income families — fail to
understand the importance of oral health in children and how diet and brushing contributes to it.
Lack of insurance coverage for children’s dental care is also notable, although the Affordable Care
Act (ACA) makes pediatric dental coverage an essential health benefit available through the state
insurance exchanges. This coverage, however, is often optional and the number of children gaining
dental coverage is still uncertain.
Yet even with the ACA’s expanded coverage potential, roadblocks remain. According to the Health
Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), approximately 80 percent of dentists do not accept
patients with Medicaid, or state Children’s Health Insurance Plans (CHIP), citing,
among other reasons, low reimbursement for their services.
This month, National Children’s Dental Health Month, provides a timely opportunity to reflect on where we can continue to make improvements for the sake of
all our children. Continued progress can be made under ACA in the state and federal exchange to provide affordable options to parents who recognize that oral
health is a vital component of a child’s overall health.
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and
contributions people of African heritage have made for the world. It is also
a time to reflect on our sad history of prejudice and slavery and to advocate for equal rights for all.
In 1926, African-American historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson advocated for
the observance of Negro History Week during the 2nd week in February because it marks the birthdays of two Americans who greatly helped African
Americans win freedom and justice in America -- Frederick Douglass and
Abraham Lincoln. During the bicentennial celebration in 1976, Black History Week was expanded to the entire month and Black History Month has
been observed every February since then.
February marks the observance of many other important milestones in African-American history. On February 1, 1865, Abraham Lincoln signed the
13th Amendment abolishing slavery. The 15th Amendment, granting black
men the right to vote was adopted on February 3, 1870; on February 12,
1909 the NAACP was founded; and on February 25, 1870, Hiram Rhodes
Revels, the first black US Senator, took the oath of office.
February is the birth month of many Black Better World Heroes:
Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902;
Rosa Parks on February 4, 1913;
Bob Marley on February 6, 1945;
Alice Walker on February 9, 1944;
Richard Allen on February 14, 1766;
Frederick Douglass on February 14, 1818;
John R. Lewis on February 21, 1940; and
W. E. B. Dubois on February 23, 1868.
Greene Lamp
Annual Multi-Cultural event
The Greene Lamp Annual Multi-Cultural event will be held on Thursday, February 26th. It will held at the Performing Arts Center auditorium located at 301
Summit Avenue.
Weather Watch
Greene Lamp employees will observe the schedule of the school system, in the county, in
which they are located.
Employees who cannot get in if facilities are open may use vacation leave or make the time
up by working out a schedule with their immediate supervisor. In all cases, time will be
made up unless the individual uses vacation leave or the Executive Director declares administrative leave.
Normally, each individual involved, whether staff or participant, should listen to the radio or
television for guidance.
WNCT Channel 9
January Birthdays
Priscilla Wiggins
Jan 6
Lelita Fisher
Jan 8
Lourdes Villagran
Jan 10
Darlene Bryant
Jan 12
Bessie Lee
Jan 12
Linda Moye
Jan 19
Sheryl Barnes
Jan 23
February Birthdays
Linda Miller
Feb 2
Ruby Super
Feb 11
Katrina Mitchell
Feb 16