u               River Bend Celebrities

November 24, 2003. Tom Collins was featured on the front page of the Sun Journal in an article titled, "Living a charmed life" by Charlie Hall, Staff Writer.   Tom Collins, now in his 80's, had this to say: "I have had a charmed life - minus the adversity and heavenly visitor.  I am just about the luckiest guy in the world that I have been able to do the things that I like to and get paid a little bit for it."  Come rain or shine, Tom continues to play golf at the River Bend Golf and Country Club.
    During his busy lifetime, Tom has played and coached in all major sports.  While on Ski Patrol as an Emergency Technician,  he saved the life of a young female skier who had crashed into a tree. He is proud of the plaque which hangs on his wall. He was  instrumental in getting the Springfield Civic Center built in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts.
    After graduating from Springfield College, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he was assigned to Jack Dempsey's boot training staff.  Tom explains that he was hit by Jack Dempsey.  "While demonstrating a jab,  Dempsey got excited and all of a sudden -  boom - over I went.  He had a heavy punch."
    Tom also played on an amateur football team that was made up of college and future pro players, including Jack Dempsey.  While serving in the United States Coast Guard  he did duty accompanying convoys through the dangerous North Atlantic.  While taking shore leave in Brooklyn, he met Evelyn with whom he would spend 60 years together.
    After discharge from the Coast Guard, Tom worked around the New England area and rose through the ranks  from teacher and coach to supervisor and later was director of a school district health and fitness program in Armont, N.Y. for twenty years.
    Before  reaching retirement, Tom and Evelyn visited South Carolina and North Carolina. They visited many places but it was  River Bend where they found a temperate climate, friendly people and golf.  After arrival in 1986, Tom joined the Tidewater Carolina Golf Association and has been active with them ever since preparing scoring and scheduling tournaments.   He joined the River Bend Golf & Country Club and has been instrumental in the formation and growth of the Mens Golf Association of River Bend Inc. (MGA).  He conducted many tournaments,  each with a different format which were challenging and provided great participation.    After sixteen years of dedicated service for the MGA,  he has earned the title of "Mr. MGA". by unanimous acclamation .
    Tom and Evelyn have a son, Tom Jr. and a daughter, Barbara, an attorney with an office in Hartford, Connecticut. In December 2003, Tom and Evelyn move up to Super Senior status having achieved a record 60 years of marriage.

Powell (Jim) Richards, nuclear medical scientist, retired from the U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory and moved from Long Island with his wife Shirley to 436 Gatewood Drive in River Bend in 1983.  He was quite familiar with the State of North Carolina having attended the University of North Carolina where he majored in chemistry.  Jim is a very modest man but the many plaques and awards that adorn the walls of his home attest to his outstanding achievements in the field of nuclear medicine.  He was involved in a number of developments which resulted in the patenting of a number of new  products.
  Among the most significant achievements is the development  by Richards and co-workers of technetium after working on the Manhattan atom bomb project at Oak Ridge and the Hanford Engineering Works.  He presented their findings to the 7th International Electronic and Nuclear Symposium in Rome in June 1960.  The medical world took notice and today technetium-99m accounts for over 80 percent of the diagnostic imaging procedures used in nuclear medicine.   This led to the development of the UltraTag red blood cell labeling kit that Mallinckrodt distributes all over the world.  This is used to measure blood flow in cancer patients.  Technetium is used in treatment of lung, liver and heart disease in various chemical forms.  The emphasis is currently on cardiac disease.  
   In recognition of Richard's outstanding achievements and contributions to the company,  Mallinckrodt Medical named their new facility  in Holland for him on October 16, 1998.  This particular plant produces  molybdenum from which technetium is derived.  
   He has received  the Abersold Award for outstanding achievement in science of Nuclear Medicine;  A Founder of  the American Board of Science in Nuclear Medicine; Received the Radiation Industry Award of the American Nuclear Society for his part in the development of radiopharmaceuticals.  
   Jim Richards ranks among the top in the field of Nuclear medicine and has been a pioneer in the development of radioisotopes for research diagnosis and the treatment of numerous diseases. Many River Benders have been the recipients of the labors of neighbor Jim Richards.

J. Roy Fogle,  Former Town Council Member, is one of the most prolific achievers in Craven and Jones Counties.  His latest award came from the North Carolina Economic Developers who recognized him for his work in Jones County as the Outstanding Economic Developer in the State of North Carolina. The National Association of (Economic) Development Organizations (NADO) created the J. Roy Fogle Leadership Award in 1978 in recognition of his service as President.  
     In 1958, Fogle was recognized as the Outstanding Industrial Recruiter in a seven state mid-south contest sponsored by the Memphis Tennessee Commercial Appeal newspaper.  He helped create 3000 new jobs in a three year period.  His other  honors and recognition include: President, NC Association of Councils of Governments (COGS in 1972 and 1973.  His COG was recognized in 1981, by the National Association of Development Organizations as the outstanding multi-county economic development agency in the United States.  Named the Outstanding Executive Director of a Council of Governments in 1988, by the National Association of Regional Councils, Distinguished Alumnus, Arkansas State University (1988); In 1993, his organization was recognized as the Outstanding Council of Governments in rural America by the National Association of Regional Councils.  His list of other leadership honors and awards goes on and on. 
    Roy served with the US Marine Corps in Korea in 1952, receiving the Korean Service Medal with two bronze battle stars, the Korean Presidential Citation, the United Nations Service Medal, A navy Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.  On October 30, 2000, Roy received a medal and ribbon from the President,  Republic of Korea, accompanied with a letter which read in part, " On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War, I would like to offer you my deepest gratitude for your noble contribution to the efforts to safeguard the Republic of Korea and uphold liberal democracy around the world."

  12/7/06 Roy Fogle is presented with the Local Leadership Award by the East Carolina Council.  In a feature article titled "Fogle is county's MVP, Brian C. Hanks published the following in the Jones Post: What an exciting week!  An announcement of a multi-million dollar company moving into Jones County.  There is no way to describe Roy Fogle than as Jones County's Most Valuable player.  Fogle, the County's Economic Development Chief has worked tirelessly over the past several years to bring companies and businesses to Jones County.  It was his dogged determination that brought Defense Holding Inc. here.
    Roy is a graduate of Arkansas State University where he was a star football player and collegiate wrestling champion in 1951  He is an author having written books on, "Streamlining Government", "Local Government's Preparing for the Future", and "Growth Management in North Carolina".  Add to this a number of communications awards.  
    Roy and his wife Bonnie of 52 years reside at 315 Carriage House Court.  Their son and three daughters and seven of their grandchildren live in Craven County  

Ruth Heppler, nationally recognized artist resides on Gatewood Drive where she pursues her lifelong dream of becoming a full time artist.  She won a Salamagundi Scholarship and briefly studied under Cliff Young.  Etching was of great interest to her and she studied with Ruth Leaf, a master of intaglio.  Ruth has always had an interest in her surroundings and this is reflected in her lifelike paintings.  She has taught painting at Craven Community College for the past 12 years and tried to instill in her students the importance of careful observation.
    Among her many awards are: The 100th Pepsi Cola Anniversary Poster, Artist's Magazine-October 1997 Salamagundi Club, Donald Trump Award, National Decoy Show, and the  Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit.
    She has had collections at the Maritime Museum, New York, GBE Tobacco, Richmond, Virginia, Stauffer Chemical Company, Sacred Heart Academy, CT, Binghamton School of Business and many other international collections.  
    In addition to the collections, Ruth's painting have been exhibited by the National Association of Women Artists, NY; American Artist Professional League, NY; Viridian Gallery, NY; Queens Museum, NY; Manhattan Art & Antique Center, N.Y; Federal Plaza, NY; and at several other famous galleries.
    The walls of her home in River Bend are adorned with many of her oil paintings.  Ruth loves to show off her works, which she has so painstakingly created.  She takes pride in doing what she does and explains it is a "labor of love". The beauty which Ruth has captured in her oils is indescribable. 
  For a peak, check out her new web page at: http://www2.coastalnet.com/~ruthheppler/default.htm   See why we are proud to add Ruth Heppler to our River Bend Celebrity page.

  October 21, 1999 - Hans Mueller wins National Mixed Doubles tennis championship during the National Senior games at Disney World in Orlando, Florida bringing home the gold medal to River Bend.  Competing in this week long event were 12,500  athletes from 6 countries.
   Fifteen hundred players were entered in the tennis matches. Mueller and his partner, Eleanor Cummings from Kinston won the Gold, playing a total of four matches. They beat the teams from Michigan, Colorado, New York and Nevada in the final round.   Mueller explained that this was really a test of endurance as contestants were required to play four  or five rounds each day with many matches ending well after mid night with early morning starts the following day.  Mueller  at age 76, is no stranger to the winner's circle as he has won over 170 gold medals during his competitive carreer which included activities in swimming, track & field, badminton, raquetball and ball-throw. 
   This was Mueller's 4th National competition. In previous Nationals, he placed third in badmintion doubles and had two fourth places in the breaststroke.
   Mueller's wife Margaret, a competitive swimmer, also competed in the 50m backstroke turning in a creditable showing but no medal.    Hans is the tennis pro at the Emerald Golf Club in New Bern.  He and his wife reside at 293 Gatewood Drive.

 
  
October 21, 1999 - David Wallace, places 6th among 41 cycle riders in the 20K (12 mile) race at the 1999 Senior Games at Disney World.   Wallace raced in four cycling events (5k, 10K, 20K and 40K).  Although he did not win the gold medal he did exceptionally well against some very tough competition in a grueling race winning him a ribbon.   Over 400 cyclists including males and females competed in five (5) year age groups starting at age 50.  Cycling is Dave's major hobby which he enjoys riding some twelve (12) miles daily.  Dave retired in 1984 and began cycling on a daily basis.  He has now ridden 31,300 miles and currently averages 360 miles per month over the past three (3) years.  He also rides a 100 mile "Century" trip each month weather permitting. 
      In 1996 Dave began racing in Senior Olympics locally .  Since then he has been in 25 races and won 17 medals in local and North Carolina State finals.
    In 1999 Dave represented North Carolina in the Senior Nationals cycling in the 70 age category.  Dave and his wife Marilee reside at 110 Portside Drive.  Dave completed the 200 mile MS Tour held on September 13 & 14, 2002 raising over $1200 for Multiple Scerosis research. His cycling results may be seen at: www2.coastalnet.com/~cn1027/Clermont.htm  

William  H. Ritchie, Jr. is well known to River Benders, who are familiar with his many achievements as former Mayor.   However most are unaware of his outstanding military record earning him the Distinguished Flying Cross,  the Air Force Commendation Medal,  the Meritorious Service Medal and the Vietnamese Honor Medal.
    Upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, Bill, as his friends call him,  was commissioned as a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Air Force where he earned his wings.  He served as a Flight Training Instructor and was later assigned to the unmanned satellite program.  It was then off to Ascension Island as Base Commander of the missile and satellite tracking station.  He resumed flying duties at Patrick AFB, Florida in support of the missile and space launches from Cape Canaveral.  In 1968, Bill Ritchie was assigned to Vietnam where he flew 435 combat missions in an O-1 reconnaissance aircraft  as an air controller and air liaison officer attached to the Vietnamese Army. where he distinguished himself.  His Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads in part,  "Major William H. Ritchie, Jr. distinguished himself by heroism while participating in aerial flight as an O-1 pilot in Southeast Asia on 24 September 1968.  On that date, Major Ritchie was performing visual reconnaissance when he sighted hostile forces.  He called for tactical air support and directed them against the hostile positions.  As he was preparing to direct the fighters for a second pass, the sky erupted with intense flak from hostile gun positions.  Although flying a slow, unarmed aircraft, with unwavering calmness and courage, Major Ritchie led the fighters to safety and directed them against the hostile positions until the hostile fire was silenced.  The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Major Ritchie reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force."
   Flying  at low altitudes as a forward air controller in small unarmed aircraft was always a dangerous mission.  Of the 2000 pilots  assigned to this mission during the Vietnam war,  200 were lost.
   Upon returning from Vietnam in July 1969, Bill attended the  U. of Rochester and graduated in Jnew 1970 with an M.S. degree in business administration. This was followed by a tour in the Pentagon in Air Force Programs and Resources.  Lt Colonel Ritchie retired from the Air Force in 1973 after logging over 4000 hours of flight in all types of aircraft including the B-25, C-130, U3A Cessna, C-54, C-135, O-1  and helicopters.
    After retirement from the Air Force, Bill was  employed by Computer Sciences Corp and later by the Riverside Research Institute where he was involved in public systems engineering.
    Bill Ritchie and his wife Nancy moved from Springfield, Virginia in 1990 and now reside at 324 Plantation Drive.  They have two sons, two daughters, one step-daughter and eight grandchildren.

12/1/02 Renee Sisk, was recently elected Craven County Commissioner after a landslide vote.  In addition to the overwhelming margin of victory in River Bend, Renee also received solid support from voters throughout the County.  Not expecting to win, Renee and her husband Bill were on a cruise when she received word that she had indeed won. Actually, it was no surprise that Renee won by a large margin.  She has been an active participant in local affairs having served as River Bend Town Council Member and Finance Officer.  She has served as Chairperson for two Fourth of July celebrations, Oktoberfest, Easter Egg Hunt, Marine Corps Band , Craven County Band and Fairfield Harbour Chorus concerts.
    She has served as Liaison with the Planning Board and the Community Appearance Commission.  She has worked hard to improve the appearance of River Bend.
    Renee was born and grew up in Livingston, Montana, a town of 12,000 about 80 miles from the rugged. sparsely wooded terrain of Yellowstone Park.
    After graduating high school, she went to Montana State College.  She later dropped out to join the Navy to serve in the Hospital Corps.  Marriage was on the agenda and she had two children.  She has become a grandmother of three.
One daughter is in Pittsburgh and a son in the Navy currently stationed in Spain.
     When her husband was shipped to Viet Nam , Renee went back to school to earn her undergraduate degree at Montana State University and then on to University of North Florida to earn her graduate degree.
    Renee went into teaching in Florida for 17 years in public schools and 10 years at Florida Community College in Jacksonville, Florida.

    Renee looks forward to working with the Commissioners for  improvements to "a good county efficiently run for the most part."  She believes the public should have more input to legislation. They are a source for new ideas.  She is particularly interested in improving educational facilities, an area in which she has vast experience. She is looking forward to more forward planning for the county. For Renee, her new position is a new and exciting challenge which she is committed to serve in the best interests of the residents of the County.