Briefly
By News-Argus Staff
Published in News on July 6, 2004 1:58 PM
Whitley at Kitty Askins
Former Goldsboro High School Principal Gerald Whitley has been admitted to Kitty Askins Hospice Center.
Whitley, who officially retired from the school system at the end of June, has been battling lung cancer for the past two years.
The 1966 graduate of Dillard High School has worked in various capacities with Wayne County public schools for 33 years. He started his career as a teacher at Goldsboro Middle School and served as principal of Goldsboro High, Goldsboro Junior High and Dillard Middle schools.
He became assistant superintendent of personnel at the central office in 2000, where he has been responsible for recruitment, training and retaining staff in the school system.
Whitley has been recognized twice as Principal of the Year, received the "Man of Distinction" award for Dillard Alumni and Friends, and was inducted into the Goldsboro/Dillard High schools' sports hall of fame in 1995.
Cards and flowers can be sent to Whitley at the center, 107 Handley Park Court, Goldsboro, N.C. 27534.
Hiding animals
Join the park ranger at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park to learn how animals hide to protect themselves.
This program, to be held Saturday at 2 p.m., is mainly for young children, but all are welcome.
It is free but reservations are required -- call the park office at 778-6234 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information and to reserve your space. The event will start at the parking lot at the picnic area and lake.
Volunteers needed
The 8th District Guardian ad Litem program for Wayne, Lenoir and Greene counties needs volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children.
Volunteer coordinator Angela McDowell said the abuse and neglect rates continue to increase. Training is offered on a flexible schedule.
More information is available from the Goldsboro office at 731-5659 or the Kinston office at 1-252-523-5217.
Symphony award
The Wayne County Chapter of the North Carolina Symphony has received the Grand Effort Award
This award recognizes extraordinary efforts to support the North Carolina Symphony.
It was presented at the symphony's annual meeting last month at the Governor's Mansion in Raleigh. Chapter board member Gail Askins accepted the award on the chapter's behalf.
The Wayne chapter was the host of a sold-out holiday pops concert at the Paramount Theatre, the same night as the "Downtown Lights Up" Christmas lighting ceremony. The chapter also worked with the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation to promote the event.
The chapter also held a post-concert donor reception, and it continues to work with the Arts Council of Wayne County as a central place to sell tickets and receive concert information.