It's hard to understand another person's experiences until you've walked a mile in their shoes and the Board of Directors of My Sister's House plans to do just that.
The organization is hosting "Walk the Track in Her Shoes" on Saturday, April 25 at Glover Park in Nashville.
Tonya Slocum, who serves on the Board of Directors for My Sister's House and is also the Chair of the Fundraising Committee, said the idea stemmed from a national event, "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" but was changed to be more local.

Nash-Rocky Mount School Board members were silent about Superintendent Dr. Anthony Jackson's future on Monday night.
Even after a three-hour closed session meeting, where it was speculated that Jackson's future was being discussed, board members came out of the meeting with no comments, or actions, on the issue.
Rumors have been swirling for weeks that the school board has been discussing the possibility of terminating Jackson's contract. But on Monday night, following the board's regular meeting, Chairwoman Evelyn Bulluck said Jackson was still the superintendent.

HERE HONEY! -- LifeCare Hospitals CEO Robyn Perkerson puckers up to kiss a pig last Friday as part of a fundraiser for Relay for Life.

Relayers can get creative when raising money to fight cancer.
Staff at LifeCare Hospitals proved that last week as they cheered on CEO Robyn Perkerson and Director of Business Development Lora Mangum, who each had to kiss a pig after they raised the most money in a competition.
The hospital had buckets set up to collect donations. The five senior leaders of the hospital agreed that whoever raised the most money would kiss a pig, provided by Batchelor Show Pigs of Sandy Cross.

A Nash County farmer was sentenced to prison last week for his role in a federal crop insurance fraud scheme.
Clay Strickland, 74, of Spring Hope, was sentenced to six months in prison followed by three years of supervised release in federal court on April 6. Strickland was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge James C. Denver, III.
In addition to the sentences, Strickland was also ordered to pay $233,559 to the United States Department of Agriculture Risk Management Agency and $64,856 to the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

Nash County Commissioners held a public meeting last week to provide results of a fiscal impact study done on the Nash-Rocky Mount School System.
The study was done by MGT of America, Inc. at the request of commissioners and reviewed the local funding provided by both Nash and Edgecombe Counties.
Commissioners are considering a potential realignment of school systems to follow county lines after hearing the results of the study. Some commissioners feel the study shows funding levels are not equitable.

A FEW TIPS -- Nashville Police Lt. Joey Corbett (at left) shows Nashville Boys and Girls Club member Jermaine Bryant (at right) how to hold a baseball bat during a Badges and Baseball program at Glover Park.

Nashville Police Officers spent part of their day last Wednesday playing baseball with youth from the Boys and Girls Club.
Nashville Unit Director Boris Ashford said he called up the police department to see if they would be interested in partnering with the organization to play baseball as part of Badges for Baseball, a mentorship program that pairs police officers with local kids to learn and play baseball. Ashford said officers were more than willing to come out.

Butch and Claudia Mull are the new owners of Church Street Grill in Nashville. Pictured above, the couple holds a picture of the original Pete's Drive-In, which eventually moved to Church Street opening as Pete's, and is now known as Church Street Grill.

A Nashville couple has taken over ownership of the Church Street Grill.
The restaurant officially opened under new owners Butch and Claudia Mull on February 16. Nashville's Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting last Wednesday, April 8.
Butch grew up going to the grill when it was known as Pete's. He said he has always loved to cook and jumped at the chance to take over the restaurant when the former owner retired, which happened just after he retired from the Forestry Service.

INCIDENTS
An assault on a female and all other offenses/ROD was reported on 4/6/15 at 1836 Aspen Court
A breaking and entering a commercial and damage to property (vandalism) was reported on 4/6/16 at Glover Park, 1434 S First Street
A damage to property (vandalism) and assault on a female was reported on 4/6/15 at 125 Wheeless Circle

A felony larceny and damage to property was reported on 4/6/15 at 11248 Taylors Store Road
An obtaining property by false pretense was reported on 4/6/15 at 3328 Ed's Drive
An assault on emergency personnel was reported on 4/6/15 at 10669 Seven Paths Road

Nash County Planning and Inspections issued the following building permits from April 7 through April 10, 2015.

Nash Community College has been training law enforcement officers through its Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) program for 16 years. Since 1999, approximately 420 cadets have graduated from the NCC BLET program and gone into their communities to serve and protect local citizens, many in the Twin Counties.

Nash County Commissioners met with legislators last Thursday night to discuss a number of issues that could impact the county.
Legislators who attended the dinner included Senator Angela Bryant and Representatives Bobbie Richardson and Jeff Collins. Senator Buck Newton was unable to attend.
A recent local issue Nash Commissioners have been discussing is the possible realignment of school systems to follow county lines of Nash and Edgecombe Counties. Senator Bryant made her feelings known to commissioners last week.

Larry and Laurie Faucette, of Charlotte are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Nicole Lynne Faucette, of Castalia to Matthew Tyler Habit, of Castalia. He is the son of Chris and Renee Habit, of Red Oak. A May 30, 2015 wedding is planned at the Magnolia Manor Plantation in Warrenton.

Chris and Lea Anne Flora, of Nashville, announce the birth of their daughter, Gracyn Louise Flora, born December 18, 2014 at 12:25 a.m. at Nash UNC Health Care. She weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces and was 19 1/4 inches long. Maternal grandparents are Tim Williams and Doris Wells of Rocky Mount and the late Louise Williams. Maternal great-grandparents are the late Charlie and Della Joyner and the late George and Nellie Williams, all of Rocky Mount.

Thursday, April 23 from 12 until 6 p.m. at Englewood Presbyterian Church,100 South Englewood Drive, Rocky Mount
Friday, April 24 from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Englewood Presbyterian Church,100 South Englewood Drive, Rocky Mount
Tuesday, April 28 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Environmental Services Building, 1221 Thorpe Road, Rocky Mount

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recently announced that Boice-Willis Clinic of Rocky Mount has received NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Recognition for using evidence-based, patient-centered processes that focus on highly coordinated care and long‐term, participative relationships.
The NCQA Patient-Centered Medical Home is a model of primary care that combines teamwork and information technology to improve care, improve patients' experience of care and reduce costs.

Public safety agencies nationwide recognize the critical role played by Public Safety Telecommunicators. These professionals are the true first "first responders" and one of the most critical contacts citizens have with emergency services. Every year, the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as Public Safety Telecommunicators. In 1992, Congress proclaimed it a national week of recognition. Accordingly, Nash County Emergency Services will recognize National Telecommunicators Week during April 12-18, 2015.

TJ House and Hunter House (L-R) play a game of Cornhole on Saturday at the Collins Street Block Party.

Brianna Frazier (at right) gets her face painted on Saturday during the Block Party. Face painting was one of many events held at the annual event.

In an award ceremony on April 22nd, Nash Community College (NCC) will honor Robyn Raynor Perkerson of Spring Hope with the 2015 Nash Community College Outstanding Alumna Award recognizing her achievements as a past graduate to provide inspiration for current students. She was selected for the College's highest alumni honor for her excellence in leadership and service, and dedication to lifelong learning.

The Financial Management Consulting Group recently released its 2014 "North Carolina Bank Performance Report" which ranks Providence Bank as number 4 in overall performance compared to the other 68 commercial banks, savings banks and thrifts chartered in the state. The rating is based on asset quality, return on total equity, return on assets, efficiency ratio, loan growth and deposit growth. The report rates all the banks in North Carolina regardless of asset size.

Englewood Baptist Church will host rap artist FLAME on Friday, May 1.
Several churches in Rocky Mount, along with the NRBA, came together to bring the artist to Rocky Mount.
Flame will be joined in concert by special guest The Ambassador featuring Humble Tip. Advance tickets are $5 with tickets at the door costing $7.
The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. with other events beginning at 5 p.m.

Congratulations are extended to Anna Hill upon being accepted to the Duke Youth Academy on a full scholarship. Anna attends Red Oak United Methodist Church. Everyone's very proud of her and the youth at ROUMC.
It is time already to begin planning this year's Fruit of the Spirit 5K. Runner/walker registration is now available! On eventbrite.com search "2015 Fruit of the Spirit 5K Race and Walk." Last year over 200 people participated! This year will be even bigger! Register now for a special early bird discount!

On a beautiful spring morning Peachtree folks gathered for worship at the church. Pastor Whitehouse's sermon was titled "Stand and Fight." It was based on scripture passage from James 1:13-15, which was read by Beth Baines. The pastor said that temptations visit us every day, but we must resist them. Sinful thoughts and desires will grow until they take possession of our lives. But God will give us courage and strength to resist them. The choir sang "I've been Changed," under the director of the pastor.

There is a sense in which Christianity is a two-stage affair. There is emphasis upon the spiritual. Jesus puts it this way. "You must be born again" (John 3:7). New birth is spiritual. The Holy Spirit in the human heart is a down payment on good things to come. God "gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge" (2 Corinthians 1:22). This is stage one.
There is a second stage. "We ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body" (Romans 8:23).

The Aventon Angels were active this week in the neighborhood. Allyson and Cran Keffer picked up the truck that belonged to Rudy Shearin, Sue Shearin's late husband. They did a much needed cleaning, inside and out. A fantastic job was done making the truck look "almost" new again. The Keffers even fixed the leak around the back cargo light, plus adding new seat covers and floor mats. Sue said she was "overwhelmed" to say the least and that she is once again convinced that she was in the right place (Aventon) thanks to Rudy's foresight and determination getting them back home.

Sunday School began on Sunday morning at 9:45 with Mrs. Frances Hedgepeth at the piano and call to worship by Earl Cary. Church service followed after classes were held. It began with Bonnie Matthews at the piano and Mary Lee Bass at the organ. Welcome and announcements were given by Earl Cary, one of our elders. The audience sang, "We Have Come Into His House," led by Chris Matchem. Praise hymns were "God is So Good" and "The Wonder of it All."

Hattie Alston, Nashville Service Center FSA Program Technician, was recently recognized through the NC Farm Service Agency District 6 Employee Recognition Program for going beyond the call of duty to assist Nash County farmers. Hattie began her employment with the Nash County FSA Office on April 7, 2014 as a Program Technician. She retired from Ag Carolina Farm Credit on March 31, 2014 after 34 years of service.
"Working with farmers for many years has made the transition to FSA much easier.

Mama always said, "Associate with people higher up than you. They can lift you up. If you associate with people lower than you, they will take you down."
Following Mama's admonition, I sought the company of Wesley Ferrell, native of Southern Nash County. I think his family worried about my bringing him down.
Back in the day, nineteen and seventy-two, Wesley and I enjoyed an experience that later became the embryo of remarkable endeavors that shaped both my professional and personal life. We borrowed a canoe from Phillip Witherington, a biology instructor at LSU, known then around Wilson as Lee Street University.

If you're lucky enough to have a $20 bill tucked into your wallet or purse, slide it out and take a look; if not, you can always put a hold on taking selfies and texting to pull up a photo of the currency on your iPhone.
Check out the old guy. He looks a little scary, and appears wrapped in an old cloak. You can practically smell the pungent rubs mixed with cigar smoke that probably filled the rooms where he spent his time.

"I Speak for the Trees"
The Lorax by: Dr. Seuss
Yes, I speak for Nashville's trees -- and I speak for me!
Have you noticed (I'm sure you have unless you're blind) that Duke Energy Progress is saving us from future winter power outages by trimming the trees on or near the power lines.

Pictured above is the Nashville High School Class of 1965 which will be celebrating its 50-year reunion Saturday, April 18 at the Nashville Community Building.

KEY CONTRIBUTOR. Northern Nash's Alexus Hill (25) was outstanding as a freshman this season for the Gardner-Webb women's basketball team. Hill was a four-year starter for the Lady Knights under Grover Battle. (Photo by Tim Cowie/Gardner-Webb Univer

RED OAK -- Assembly Hall -- home to the Indiana University Hoosiers -- has been the site of many historic basketball moments through the years.
For former Northern Nash standout Alexus Hill, Assembly Hall will also serve as the base of one of the most important moments of her young life.
Hill's first-ever college game as a member of the Gardner-Webb University program was at Indiana last November as the Runnin' Bulldogs took on the Hurryin' Hoosiers in a match of fleet nicknames.

TARGET PRACTICE. Southern Nash's Ryan Marlowe rips an offering during last Tuesday's diamond matchup against Roxboro Person at the Golden Leaf Invitational Baseball Tournament in Wilson.

WILSON -- Southern Nash is still in the process of building under new baseball coach Todd Brewer -- so it's pretty much expected that the Firebirds' results will be a mixed bag as the campaign progresses.
That's exactly what happened last week for the Firebirds at the annual Golden Leaf Invitational Tournament, which was held at both Fleming Stadium and Wilson Fike High School.

ROCKY MOUNT -- The women's tennis team of North Carolina Wesleyan College captured the second USA South Conference regular season championship in program history over the weekend with 9-0 sweeps of Huntingdon and LaGrange at the Slick Family Foundation Tennis Complex on the NCWC campus.
Wesleyan completes conference play with a perfect 12-0 record, giving the Bishops their first-ever out-right crown.
NCWC had previously shared the 2012 title with Methodist and Meredith.

PEMBROKE -- University of North Carolina-Pembroke third baseman and former Wilson Tob Collins Cuthrell was named to the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award midseason watch list.
Cuthrell prepped at Rocky Mount High School.
The award is college baseball's equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. Cuthrell is also the only Division II player on the 60-man list.

ELM CITY -- After a week full of wicked weather in the area, the sky finally cleared and greeted race fans and drivers with a nice Spring afternoon last Saturday at County Line Raceway.
Spectators were in for a treat as the Renegades of Dirt South, an Open Wheel Modified touring series, made their first of two visits for the 2015 season to the 3/8th mile clay oval in Elm City.

RED OAK -- After a successful stint at the Golden Leaf Invitational Tournament -- along with a few days off -- the Northern Nash baseball squad is back to the business of seeking a repeat of its 2014 Big East Conference regular season championship.
Northern's final pre-break game -- one day after Derrick Carter's momentous no-hitter -- came last Tuesday against Jamestown Ragsdale in the finale of the Golden Leaf Tourney in Wilson.

ROCKY MOUNT -- North Carolina Wesleyan College's baseball team celebrated its 2015 Senior Day on Sunday afternoon by posting an 11-10 victory over LaGrange College in extra innings.
The two teams had previously split Saturday's doubleheader, setting up Sunday's rubber game that saw Wesleyan tally the USA South series win.
Prior to the game, head coach Charlie Long honored the seven senior members of his squad: Brad Guengerich, J.J. Rodriguez, Marcus Kornegay, Stephen Machin, Lee Dunn, George Moore and Ricardo Ciuffetelli.

ZEBULON -- A dominating pitching performance by starter Steve Janas paved the way as the Carolina Mudcats won their third straight game 4-2 versus the Salem Red Sox on Sunday afternoon at Five County Stadium in Class A Carolina League baseball matchup.
Janas allowed just one hit and struck out six in a brilliant six inning scoreless effort.
The Mudcats (3-1) used a familiar formula for their third straight and series clinching victory.

Former Northern Nash High School hoops standout Alexus Hill enjoyed a strong freshman campaign as a member of the Gardner-Webb University women's basketball squad.

Southern Nash High School's Ryan Marlowe slides safely into third base during last Tuesday's tournament game with Roxboro Person.

Southern Nash's Lukas Overman delivers a pitch during last Tuesday's baseball matchup.

Audience favorite, pianist Thomas Pandolfi, will perform at Cherry Hill on April 19th. Mr. Pandolfi returns for his third appearance at the 1850's concert venue with a program of European masters and American classics.
Pandolfi is a graduate of The Julliard School, earning both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees as a scholarship student. He has been touring internationally since 2008, appearing in concert halls in China, Canada, Germany, Eastern Europe, Wales and many locations in the United States.

Agnes Joyner Turner, 84 passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015. She was born in Nash County January 11, 1931 to the late Redmond and Mollie Davis Joyner. She was preceded in death by her husband, McCoy Turner and five sisters and one brother.

Alvis Williams, 45, of Rocky Mount, died on April 9, 2015.

Danny Tobias Mann of Jacksonville, 54, died on Thursday, April 9, 2015.

Earl Emory McKeithan, Jr., age 79, of Rocky Mount, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2015. He was born on June 29, 1935 in Columbus County, NC to the late Earl Emory McKeithan, Sr and LuLu Muzelle Dutton McKeithan.

Geraldine B. Nelms of Nashville 82, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2015.

Herman Sauls, 68, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2015. He was born in Wayne County to the late Eddie and Addie Sauls. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by brothers, Garland, Kenny, Walter, Marvin, Rex and Chester Sauls and a sister, Sadalia Sauls.

Hubert Hawkins Vester, Sr., 93, of Spring Hope, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2015. He was born November 13, 1921 in Nash County to the late, Ralph and Mencie Deans Vester. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Mazelle Jones Vester, four brothers, Willard, Bernice, Woodrow and Curtis Vester and one sister, Christine Price.

James Curtis Knight, 57, of Rocky Mount, died on April 12, 2015.

John Alvin Coley, Jr., 60, passed away April 11, 2015. He was born in Edgecombe County March 19, 1955 to the late John and Amer Coley. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Obie and Marvin Coley.

John Lewis Hardy, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. He was born in Rocky Mount on June 22, 1929 to the late Robert Keeling Hardy and Mildred Lewis Hardy.

Johnny Elwood Lynch, age 84, Wednesday April 8, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife Laura J. Lynch. He is survived by his daughters, Veronica Adams (John) of Spring Hope, Elaine Bone (Carlton) of Nashville; Son, Stanley E. Lynch (Angie) of Red Oak; brothers, William (Bill) Lynch, Mitchell Lynch, Marvin Lynch, and sister Ellen Robbins; five grandchildren; great-eight grandchildren.

Kenneth Tucker, 49 of Spring Hope, passed away on April 13, 2015.

Leslie Earl Darby of Nashville, 74, passed away, Sunday April 12, 2015.

Linda Gail Newsome age 70 passed away on Wednesday April 8, 2015. She was preceded in death by her husband Atlas Newsome, she is survived by sons Roger Newsome and James Newsome; siblings, Barbara Berry, Fay Taylor, Charles Shearin, Margaret West, Tony Shearin and David Shearin.

Loretta Battle, 84, of Rocky Mount, died on April 9, 2015.

Mable Louise Mills Jones, 82, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2015. She was born October 20, 1932 in Halifax County to the late Elvis and Maggie Mills. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Harry E. Jones.

Madelyn Eloise Smith Brewington, 66, passed away April 11, 2015. She was born in Nash County to the late Selby and Mable Smith. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a brother, Tom Smith and a sister, Erma Hall.

Mary Agnes Caldwell, 86, of Newark, New Jersey, and formerly of Enfield, died on April 12, 2015 in Newark, N.J.

Pastor Willie Earl Richardson, 63, of Castalia, died on Thursday, April 9, 2015.

Patsy Faye Batten Fisher, age 77, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2015. She was born in Nash County on July 16, 1937 to the late Willis and Carroll Lowe Batten.

SPRING HOPE -- Paul Sledge, Jr., 79, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015.

Phyllis Lepak of Rocky Mount, passed away on Monday, April 13, 2015. She was born May 14, 1954. Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Grimes, and her sister, Marlene Grimes Lancaster.

Rosa Lee Cooper, 85, of Whitakers, died on April 13, 2015.

Sandra Bradberry, 66, passed away April 9, 2015. She was born on September 1, 1948 to the late Jack and Katrina Marks. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a brother, Timmy.

Stanley Pope of Rocky Mount, 57, died on Monday, April 6, 2015.

Thomas Craig "Chip" Hilliard, 48, of Philadelphia, Pa., passed away on March 31, 2015.

Willie Smith, Jr. 88, of Rocky Mount, died on April 8, 2015.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. - Zelma Smith, 68, Brooklyn, New York, died on April 10, 2015.