Quick hits: 'Journeys' for N.C. schoolchildren, women

Textbook series aims to take N.C. students on captivating 'Journeys'
"A new series of social studies textbooks involving North Carolina State University faculty members aims to take elementary and middle-school students on a journey to explore their state, nation and world," according to a news release from N.C. State.

"North Carolina Journeys is a textbook series designed for fourth- through seventh-grade students developed by faculty members from N.C. State's College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS), as well as other scholars and educators from across the state. The series also includes an eighth-grade text written by North Carolina scholar Pamela Grundy. The series takes students on a literal journey across North Carolina and beyond by highlighting key people, places and events in the state's history, while emphasizing North Carolina's connections to the global world.

" 'The series is custom-built for North Carolina,' says Dr. Jim Clark, professor emeritus of English at N.C. State, who was involved in the textbook project. 'It emphasizes reading and assessment – especially the end-of-grade tests and the North Carolina writing assessments. It also addresses the needs of students who are not native English-speakers.' ..."

Blue Ridge Mountains among best quick, affordable vacations for women
"From yoga retreats in Mexico to grand tours of India, dozens of women-only travel companies have made it possible for women to be in their own element while exploring the world. Not every woman has weeks of vacation time at her disposal or the money to travel overseas, though. Luckily, there are plenty of short, affordable women-only tours in the U.S. that promise empowerment, relaxation, and adventure for a fraction of the cost—and time commitment—that other more far-flung trips require," writes USA Today. ...

"After falling in love with backpacking during her six-month journey along the Appalachian Trail in 1996, Melody Blaney started leading wilderness trips for both men and women. In 2001, however, she came to the conclusion that many of her female clients had better experiences in women-only groups, so she co-founded Wildside Adventures for Women with fellow outdoorswoman Patti Landovek.

" 'It was amazing to me the difference between the dynamics on the co-ed trips and the women-only trips,' says Blaney. 'Women were much more relaxed and would take risks or challenge themselves in ways they wouldn't do if men were present.'

"The company now annually runs about 30 two- to five-day backpacking, kayaking, and biking trips around the U.S. designed to help women become comfortable in the outdoors without having to spend a lot of money. ..."

Three-squared honored with highest civilian award in the state

I must admit: I've always thought the Order of the Long Leaf Pine was the highest civilian honor a North Carolinian could recieve, but according to this article, the North Carolina Award is such.

Nonetheless, nine folks were honored with the North Carolina Award on Tuesday. More than 200 North Carolinians have been selected as recipients since the award was first issued in 1964.

Gov. Mike Easley presented the awards for service in fine arts, literature, public service and science.

Here is a summary of the winners, from the N&O. (For more, click on the link above.)

SCIENCE: VINEY P. ANEJA
He has developed a research program in agricultural air quality that is recognized worldwide. In 2001, he was also appointed professor of environmental technology in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources.

PUBLIC SERVICE: JERRY C. CASHION
From 1974 to 2000, Cashion was research branch supervisor of what is now the Office of Archives and History in the state Department of Cultural Resources.

FINE ARTS: JAN DAVIDSON
Davidson has served as director of the John C. Campbell Folk School since 1992. Founded in 1925 at Brasstown in Clay County in the southwestern corner of the state, the school offers about 850 classes to more than 3,000 students in art forms such as blacksmithing, basketry, weaving, music, storytelling and writing.

FINE ARTS: ROSEMARY HARRIS EHLE
Ehle has supported the N.C. School of the Arts in Winston-Salem since 1967, and she serves on its board of visitors. Born in Ashby, Suffolk, England, Ehle grew up in India and was educated in England.
Ehle made her London debut in 1952 in "The Seven Year Itch." Her stage career included roles opposite Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole and Laurence Olivier. She received a Tony Award for her role as Eleanor of Aquitaine in "The Lion in Winter," a Golden Globe for her role in the television miniseries "Holocaust" and an Emmy for her role in "Notorious Woman." Most recently, Ehle has enjoyed popular acclaim as Aunt May in three Spider-Man movies. (Emphasis mine; who knew?)

PUBLIC SERVICE: HENRY E. FRYE
After graduating from law school at UNC-CH, Frye became the first African-American elected to the N.C. General Assembly in the 20th century. He served in the House of Representatives until 1980, when he was elected to the state Senate. In 1983, Frye was appointed to the state Supreme Court. His appointment as chief justice in 1999 made him the first African-American to lead the state's court system.

LITERATURE: WILLIAM E. LEUCHTENBURG
The author of more than a dozen books on 20th-century American history, Leuchtenburg is known for his scholarship on Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal. Leuchtenburg lives with his wife, Jean Anne, in Chapel Hill.

PUBLIC SERVICE: BURLEY B. MITCHELL JR.
In 1982, Mitchell was elected associate justice of the N.C. Supreme Court, where he later was named chief justice and served in that capacity for four years.
Mitchell remains in his hometown of Raleigh with his wife, the former Mary Lou Willet.

PUBLIC SERVICE: CHARLIE ROSE
In 1974, Rose began a long affiliation with Bill Moyers, collaborating on a number of PBS programs. A short stint in Dallas-Fort Worth led to a talk show in Washington, as well as acclaim for his interviewing skills. In 1983, CBS hired Rose to serve as host of "Nightwatch." "The Charlie Rose Show" premiered in 1991 with national distribution two years later. He kept his own show while also serving as a correspondent on "60 Minutes II."

SCIENCE: DARREL W. STAFFORD
Notable in his long career is Stafford's work that has enabled doctors to better regulate how patients respond to blood-clotting medications.