Pearlie Gibson
RiverView News

Summer is usually a time of the year when families take a vacation to fun-filled attractions or to visit other family members. Most would say summer is a time of restoration and relaxation after about eight months of early morning risings and late nights studying for school. With the official day of summer approaching, have you begun planning your vacations and are educational programs included in your summer fun?

Long periods of breaks from the classroom may cause a loss in knowledge and skills. Not all students experience this loss. Studies show that losses are more significant in low-income families than high income or those who have access to inexpensive or free summer camps. Sad to say, a difference in income can contribute to gaps in achievement. 

Summer programs can prevent and produce. How may you ask?  Learning is gaining or enhancing knowledge through teaching, experimenting and studying. Learning is a constant process. An effective and sustainable summer program will continue to stimulate the mind and develop skills while preventing a loss of any knowledge acquired. 

Notable summer programs are always available at the Chambers County Bradshaw Library. Visit the location at 3419 20th Ave, Valley, or call (334) 768 -2161. Also, Goodsell United Methodist has a great summer reading and math program with age restriction.     

Have you ever been to the OSCARS? I had the opportunity of attending the OSCARS hosted by St. Stephens CME, on Sunday, June 9, where the Board of Christian Education honored students and all educators with outstanding scholastics, church and a recreation banquet.  It was a formal event to allow attendees to dress up outside of church. 

The guest speaker was Shambria Davis. Davis was crowned Miss Stillman 2014-2015, which led to authoring her first book, “Perfectly Imperfect.” She recently graduated with her master’s of science in communications specialist from Alabama A&M University, and she is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Davis told the listeners to rise and grind until they rise and shine. Do not let what you see on social media hinder your rise and grind because everything you see isn’t real. All we see on social media is a “shine,” but we don’t know the true essence of the “grind.”

There was a special appearance from Garrison Brooks, a member of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team.  He encouraged the audience to not be afraid of change and to grow. It’s OK to be different and not with the “in-crowd.” Brooks said to “Cherish time, family, and friends. Once they are gone, it’s hard to replace. Love and appreciate your family. Let no one stop you from being who you want to be.” 

Where are the Vacation Bible Schools? St. Stephens just completed a thrill-filled three days at Super Training University VBS, averaging 90 students per day. From pre-schoolers to adults, everyone learned about trust, power in prayer and protective friends. A dynamic set of teachers, the Rev. Edward Lane, the Rev. Corey Hughley, Takeshi Gibson, Mia Gibson, Ursula Davis, Leslie Smith, along the arts and crafts director Shamise Burke and activity director Jaren Ross, had all eager and ready to learn. The facilitator was Devone Gibson and director was Mershilia Heard.  The highlight of close out was a biblical version using an instrumental of “Old Town Road.”

Share any news you want to share to narfundaross@yahoo.com or call (334)610-1904.

Have a great week and stay hydrated in this heat. Also, no texting and driving.