First baby gets Smart Start welcome

Published 11:21 am Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Staff report

SALISBURY — Nyaire Zion Hogan was less than a day old when he received his first present — actually, a basket of presents.

Rowan County’s first baby of 2018, Nyaire was visited Monday by Smart Start Rowan representatives, who delivered the presents to him and his parents, Deasha Jones and Kinshaudi Hogan.

His brother, 3-year-old Peyton, was there, too.

Nyaire was born at 6:45 a.m. Monday at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

The gift basket is a Smart Start Rowan tradition. On hand from the agency were Amy Brown, executive director; Toi Degree, board chairwoman; and Mary Burridge, family support manager.

Brown said she loves the tradition. “It truly makes my day every year,” she said.

Degree agreed.

“This is absolutely one of the best parts of being the Smart Start Rowan board chair,” she said.

The basket contained over $250 in items donated by local companies, family services agencies and individuals. Items in the basket included baby necessities, safety equipment, and relaxation and self-care items for the mother.

Smart Start Rowan is a Rowan County United Way member agency.