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Bear Creek native supports U.S. Navy Submarine Force

NORFOLK, Virginia – A Chatham Central graduate and native of Bear Creek, North Carolina, is playing a crucial role in supporting the U.S. Navy’s Atlantic Fleet Submarine Force.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Zayne E. Krontz is an information systems technician serving with Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMSUBLANT) in Norfolk.

As an information systems technician, Krontz is responsible for scheduling and maintaining daily mission-essential video conference systems for the command.

“I support my boat’s mission by providing vital video conferences for all Navy organizations so they can coordinate and plan exercises,” Krontz said. “My favorite part about my job, is the feeling of success when I’m able to fix an issue and bring a system back up after it breaks.”

COMSUBLANT consists of nearly 40 submarines and more than 15,000 highly trained and motivated officer, enlisted, and civilian personnel. They provide support for submarines, submarine groups and squadrons based in Groton, Connecticut; Portsmouth, New Hampshire; Kings Bay, Georgia; and Naples, Italy.

COMSUBLANT’s submarines are ready to accomplish a wide range of extensive missions with the support of motivated sailors such as Krontz.

“My proudest accomplishment at this duty station, was when I was able to provide 100 percent of the virtual teleconference after about a week of training,” Krontz said.

As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Krontz knows he is part of a legacy that will last beyond his lifetime contributing to the Navy the nation needs.

“I always wanted to join the Navy because most of my family has served and helped defend our great nation,” Krontz said.

‘Brew ‘n’ Choo’ ride to benefit NHVR

BONSAL — Rail enthusiasts can get an early start on celebrating the nation’s 243rd birthday with a ride through the pines on the New Hope Valley Railway on Saturday.

The Triangle region’s only excursion railway will be holding a Brew ‘n’ Choo to benefit the construction of restrooms at its main railyard. Train departures are scheduled at 2:30, 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m. on June 28. Tickets may be purchased online at Triangle Train.com or at the Bonsal ticket office.

Bonsal is located on Old US 1 west of Apex and is less than an hour’s drive from many points in the Triangle region.

Refreshments, which are not included in the ticket price, will be sold by the Spiedie Turtle of Durham and White Street Brewery of Wake Forest.

The North Carolina Railway Museum, operator of the railway, is an all-volunteer non-profit corporation. Its mission is to preserve railroad history.

Pittsboro Toastmasters announces new meeting location, leadership team

PITTSBORO — Pittsboro Toastmasters has announced a new meeting location in Pittsboro at Greek Kouzina Restaurant, 4321 Pittsboro Road. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday and is encouraging first-time visitors and prospective members from all walks of life to attend its weekly one-hour meetings.

Pittsboro Toastmasters is a member club of Toastmasters International, which has grown to 16,600 clubs with more than 357,000 members in 143 countries worldwide. Its mission is to empower individuals from all walks of life to become more effective communicators and leaders. With the ability to speak in a clear and effective manner, the club helps individuals overcome barriers to effective performance in virtually every endeavor and line of work.

Pittsboro Toastmasters’ leadership team for the coming year includes President Paul Kehle, Vice President/Education Ken Taylor, Vice President/Membership Chris Bouton, Vice President/Public Relations Kim Braschwitz, Secretary Carl Fisher, Treasurer Jean MacDonald and Sergeant at Arms Angela de Munick.

“I am delighted to help this club continue to grow during its upcoming third year,” Kehle said. “With the continuing increase in new residents moving to Chatham County, we believe Pittsboro Toastmasters can make a positive impact on the community through its mission to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.”

For more information, contact Kehle at 919.455.8891 or by email at pgkehle@gmail.com.

Video shows dangers of fireworks as the July Fourth holiday approaches

RALEIGH — Don’t let your Fourth of July celebration end with sirens, flashing lights, and a trip to the emergency room. Insurance Commissioner and State Fire Marshal Mike Causey has released a new video showing the dangers of fireworks to remind North Carolinians to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals. It can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Uz1EL0mPcQ.

“Bottle rockets and sparklers seemed like innocent fun when we were kids, but we now realize these devices can be dangerous — especially to young children,” said Commissioner Causey. “I want all North Carolinians to enjoy a safe holiday and I hope this video will show the inherit dangers of fireworks and why you should always leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured each year while using fireworks.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest figures, there were 11 deaths and an estimated 11,900 people who sustained injuries due to fireworks in 2015, the most recent data available. It shows injuries from sparklers, bottle rockets and small firecrackers accounted for 3,900 injuries requiring emergency room visits.

A simple, handheld sparkler can burn at a temperature of 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit or more. To put that into perspective, water boils at 212 degrees, a cake bakes at 350 degrees and wood burns at 575 degrees.

In addition, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year and these fires cause an average of $43 million in property damage.

The best way to protect your family is to not use any fireworks at home. Instead, Commissioner Causey urges all North Carolinians to attend public fireworks displays performed by trained professionals licensed by the state.

After the display, do not pick up or touch leftover fireworks because they may still be active.

If a child is injured by fireworks, immediately go to a doctor or hospital. If an eye injury occurs, don’t allow your child to touch or rub it, as this may cause even more damage.