Thanksgiving weekend will kick off Christmas celebrations in several Nash County towns.
Red Oak will host their second annual "Red Oak Christmas" on Saturday, November 30.
This year's festivities will include the town's first ever Christmas parade.

The Advisory Committee for the Town of Nashville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is holding off on voting on a recommendation on whether to hand over athletics to Nash County.
The board met last Wednesday to discuss a recent public hearing that was held on the issue as well as to receive more information from Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director Marguerite Bishop.

Nash County Manager Zee Lamb proved he will do just about anything to encourage involvement in the United Way Giving Campaign.
On Friday, Lamb was duct taped to a wall, a plan he promised to follow through with if Nash County employees would increase their giving to the campaign.
Employees accepted the challenged and increased their giving by 54 percent.

A Red Oak native was recently elected President of the North Carolina Emergency Management Association.
Brent Fisher, who serves as the Assistant Director of Emergency Management and Fire-Rescue Division for Nash County, was elected President on Tuesday, November 5 at their fall conference in Wilmington.

The Coopers Ruritan Club hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet last Thursday night, recognizing those volunteers who help make the organization a success.
President Steve Williams began the evening by thanking the many volunteers who contribute their time each year to the fundraising events the club holds.

The Coopers Ruritan Club surprised Nashville Graphic reporter Amanda Clark with the Oustanding Leader of the Year Award last week during their annual Volunteer Appreciation Banquet.
Mike Glover, who chairs the club's Professional Business Committee, presented the award to Clark.

Nashville Planning Director Julie Spriggs was recognized earlier this month for receiving a special certification.
Spriggs earned her Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification through the North Carolina Association of Floodplain Managers.
The certification is presented to professionals who meet the requirements and complete a comprehensive examination on the programs and standards to reduce flood losses in North Carolina and the nation.

Investigators with the Nashville Police Department are continuing to seek information that will lead to an arrest in the homicide of Marquise Perry.
Perry, 27, of 1847 First Street, Nashville, was reportedly shot and killed at his Oak Tree Apartment home on November 14 during an armed robbery.
The incident happened between 4 and 6 a.m.

Representatives from a project management firm that may potentially be hired to assist with managing the construction of a new elementary school in Nash County gave a presentation to the Nash County Board of Education highlighting why they should be chosen for the project.
Executive Vice President Jeff Holstein and Senior Project Manager Chris Whitley of Cumming Construction Management presented the information, which included a brief overview of the company, the company's approach to managing projects and projects completed in the past.

An inmate at the Nash County Detention Center passed away on Sunday morning following a medical emergency.
The inmate, Damico Miguel Morrow, 20, of Washington, D.C., experienced a medical emergency while he was incarcerated at the detention center. First aid was reportedly rendered by several inmates and detention officers. Nash County EMS personnel responded and were able to stabilize Morrow before transporting him to Nash UNC Hospital for further treatment.

The Nash County Health Department has temporarily shut down Doug Saul's Barbecue and Seafood, after several cases of Salmonella were reported.
The operating permit of Doug Sauls, located at 813 Western Avenue in Nashville, was suspended on Friday, November 22 as there were conditions reportedly present to constitute an imminent health hazard.

A possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver a schedule I controlled substance, maintaining a place for a controlled substance and driving while intoxicated was reported on 11/17/19 at Jeffreys Road and Benvenue Road
A larceny of a motor vehicle was reported on 11/17/19 at 2241 S Old Carriage Road

Nash County Planning and Inspections issued the following building permits from November 18 through 22.

INCIDENTS
An uttering a forged instrument was reported on 11/13/19 at 131 Nashville Commons Drive
A murder, kidnapping and breaking and entering a residential was reported on 11/14/19 at 1847 S First Street
A possession of marijuana was reported on 11/14/19 at 222 W Washington Street

A local sweet potato operation recently celebrated its golden anniversary.
Farm Pak Products, Inc., the marketing arm of Barnes Farming Corporation, recently celebrated 50 years of providing sweet pototates for grocery stores and other food service outlets across the country.

North Carolina Wesleyan College has launched a new, yearly tradition that allows graduating seniors to leave a mark on campus that will continue to grow for years to come. The tradition involves the planting of tulip and daffodil bulbs on an area of campus chosen by the seniors.
Recently, NC Wesleyan seniors who will be graduating in December 2019 or May 2020 gathered on campus in front of Pearsall Library to kick off the new tradition.

Rocky Mount Mills announces that its 2nd Annual Tower Lighting will take place on Saturday, December 7. The event, which is free and open to the public, runs from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m and features a wide array of family-friendly entertainment to kick off the holiday season. WRAL Anchor Jeff Hogan will serve as emcee for the evening festivities.

Governor Roy Cooper recently announced new appointments to boards and commissions across the state.
"Having great talent on our boards and commissions is critical to North Carolina's economy, health and communities," Gov. Cooper said. "I appreciate these appointees for using their skills and expertise to help improve our state."

The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences will welcome visitors through the Thanksgiving holiday by opening its doors Friday, Nov. 29 through Sunday, Dec. 1. Typically, the Imperial Centre is closed the day after Thanksgiving.
The Imperial Centre will be open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30' as well as from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1.

Saturday, November 30 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Golden East Crossing Mall, 1100 N Wesleyan Blvd. $5 Amazon E-Gift Card and long sleeve t-shirt for all presenting donors.
Monday, December 2 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Edgecombe Community College, 225 Tarboro Street, Rocky Mount. $5 Amazon E-Gift Card and long sleeve t-shirt for all presenting donors.

Kindergarten classes at Nashville Elementary School made Native American attire to wear during lunch on Friday. Pictured is Mrs. BJ Arellano's class with their homemade Thanksgiving hats and vests on. Graphic photo by Amanda Clark

Gabriel Hickman

Lily Collins

Garrett Shearin's kindergarten students at Nashville Elementary are all smiles after hand-crafting their very own turkey shirts and hats.

The Tim Valentine Collection exhibit showcases more than 75 scrapbooks, WWII artifacts, photographs along with items representing Valentine's political career.

Friends and family gathered on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 to honor the legacy of former United States Congressman Tim Valentine during an unveiling ceremony for The Tim Valentine Collection in the Nash Community College Library.
Itimous Thaddeus "Tim" Valentine, Jr. was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on March 15, 1926 to Itimous Valentine and Hazel Armstrong. Raised in Nash County, he graduated from Nashville High School before the outbreak of World War II.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
The following students at Nashville Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
The following students at Nash Central Middle School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
The following students at Nash Central High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
The following students at Northern Nash High School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
The following students at Coopers Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
The following students at Bailey Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
The following students at Middlesex Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Nash-Rocky Mount Schools has released its Honor Roll lists for the first semester of the 2019-2020 school year.
The following students at Cedar Grove Elementary School made the A or A/B Honor Roll.

Braswell Family Farms, one of the foremost producers of premium and specialty eggs and feed on the East Coast, celebrated their annual Family Day on Saturday, October 19. The fourth-generation, family-owned farm held the company-wide event Saturday at Hill Ridge Farms where local hurricane relief organizations were presented with donations.

Lights of Love, an annual tradition aimed at honoring and remembering loved ones during the holiday season, will be held on December 3rd at 5:30 p.m., on the front lawn of Nash UNC Health Care. Dedications to honor loved ones are due November 22nd.
As Christmas trees are placed and decorated in the homes of Nash County residents, Nash UNC Health Care prepares a tree to be decorated with lights and ornaments that are sponsored by families who wish to honor and remember their loved ones, friends, coworkers, and even caregivers.

The Boice-Willis Clinic Diabetes Self-Management Education Program in Rocky Mount has been awarded continued Recognition from the American Diabetes Association. The program was originally recognized in 1999 and has been offering high-quality education services to the patients it serves for the past 20 years.
The ADA Education Recognition effort, begun in the fall of 1986, is a voluntary process which assures that approved education services have met the National Standards for Diabetes Self-Management Education Programs.

The Dortches Ruritan Club presented its annual donation to the Nash County Social Services Foster Care Holiday Toy Drive and this year, a new organization was included.
The Ruritan Club also gave a donation to a local jail ministry, which provides devotions and activities for women in the Nash County Detention Center.
Shannon McFerren, Social Worker for Foster Care Licensing, accepted the donation on behalf of the Nash County Department of Social Services.

Rocky Mount Elks Lodge #1038 recently purchased two sofas and other personal items for My Sister's House. Pictured are Michael Davis and Katherine Davis (far right) with the Rocky Mount Elks Lodge, and Executive Director, Emily Lemus (center.)

The Nash Shelter will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday. They will reopen on Monday for their regular hours. This would have been a great long weekend to welcome a new family member.
We want to thank this newspaper for always encouraging and supporting our efforts. In fact, it was their reporting that started our volunteer group, trying to save the homeless and lost pets from death.

"He who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (James 1:6)
If the truth was ever told about the effect that doubt could have in your life, the above verse hits the nail on the head.
Doubt is expected in the life of every believer. So don't be discouraged when doubt comes your way.

Happy Thanksgiving! Whether your day is spent watching parades or football, eating turkey and pie, or enjoying the company of others, I hope you'll spend some time intentionally reflecting upon everything you're thankful for.
Having a posture of thankfulness doesn't mean everything in your life is going right. It doesn't mean your heart is full of joy, your body is free from pain, or your mind is absolved of worry.

It was a great Sunday at Peachtree and a wonderful weekend.
The sanctuary flower arrangement Sunday was presented to glorify God by Fran and Bobby Bunn in loving memory of Bobby's parents Claral and Chessie Bunn.

Aftershock Youth at Kingdom International Church, along with two other area churches, is part of the Backpack Buddies Program in Nash County. BackPack Buddies is designed to provide children from low-income households nutritious kid-friendly groceries for the weekend when free school lunches and breakfasts are not provided. Aftershock Youth pack bags one night per month.

Welcome to Dennis and Cathy Rumley and Clyde and Donna Best as new members of Red Oak Baptist Church!
Congratulations to Brent Fisher who was elected as president of the NC Emergency Management Association!
Red Oak Baptist Church donated 317 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child! That's at least 317 souls reached with the gospel.

Gratitude to God not only honors Him, but is good for us (Ps. 92:1). In the Old Testament, He used the sacrificial system to teach His people to be grateful. When He established the Hebrews as His nation, He gave them very specific and detailed instructions concerning His laws and sacrifices so they'd know how He wanted them to live. Through these ordinances, He taught them three important truths: (1) God is holy, (2) man is sinful, and (3) obedience is essential.

Community Christian Church in Nashville recently honored veterans of the church for their commitment to the United States and for the cost they paid defending our freedom. Pictured (L-R) is: Mike Pinner, U.S. Marines; Earl Cary, U.S. Army; Jim Walker, U.S. Army and Kenneth Massengale, U.S. Air Force.

Union Hill Baptist Church hosted a special presentation on personal safety and self-protection.
The presentation was presented by Rocky Mount Police Cpl. Clay Wilder.
Wilder spoke on the different ways to take safety precautions.

I traditionally write a warm, fuzzy holiday column Thanksgiving week, mostly emphasizing the importance of supporting your local businesses.
This year- I'm changing tradition. I'm going to be a little selfish - not just for us -- but for the communities we serve.
This edition of The Nashville Graphic has been delivered into several additional thousand households reaching thousands of people who may not subscribe. This edition, as always, is packed full of information, local news, local sports and of course - holiday sales.

Sure, you've heard and read plenty about being grateful and thankful already.
Especially this year, with Thanksgiving coming "late."
But the great thing about Thanksgiving -- my favorite holiday -- is that it never gets old.
Right?

This photo originally published in The Nashville Graphic on December 17, 1970. Students in the fifth grade at Nashville Elementary School deviate from traditional decorations as they drape their Christmas tree with food. The class, taught by Mrs. Ruth Brewer, was participating in a pilot research project on school lunch programs.

NASH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL SLUGGER CANA SHROCK

ROCKY MOUNT -- There seemingly aren't any sports that Cana Shrock cannot conquer -- as evidenced by her glorious four years as an athlete at Nash Central High School.
During the 2018-19 school year, Shrock competed in an amazing five sports -- volleyball, basketball, indoor track and field, softball and outdoor track and field.

STANHOPE -- For the second time this season, Northern Nash and Southern Nash met on the gridiron for a matchup last Friday -- but the stakes were much higher on this occasion.
The clubs had met in Big East Conference regular season action back in October, with undefeated Southern Nash pulling away in the second half to defeat the upstart Fighting Knights.

NORTHERN NASH'S CHANCE SAVAGE

ROCKY MOUNT -- Nash Central made an early-season statement at last Thursday's inaugural Big East Conference swim meet of the 2019-20 campaign.
Central doesn't compete in the Class 3-A Big East, and instead dominates the Class 2-A Eastern Plains Conference.
But the Bulldogs take part in all Big East events, though the league also keeps its own stats separate of the other at-large schools.

BUNN -- Northern Nash will look to defend its championship at the annual Bunn Holiday Boys Basketball Tournament.
The tourney will be held from Dec. 26-28 at the Bunn Dome on the campus of Bunn High School in Franklin County.
NN claimed the crown last year with a victory over East Wake in the title contest.

ROCKY MOUNT -- The USA South Athletic Conference has announced its 2019 All-Conference awards for football.
Huntingdon's Otis Porter was named Offensive Player of the Year while his coach, Mike Turk, earned Coach of the Year honors.
The LaGrange duo of Terron Dixon and Randy Fillingame were named Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year, respectively.

NASH COUNTY -- Here are the updated brackets for the Class 2-AA and Class 3-A State Football Playoffs:

NASH COUNTY -- The 2019 boys soccer season proved to be a campaign of near-misses for the Southern Nash High School boys soccer program.
The Firebirds were solid the entire fall and put themselves one victory away from a Big East Conference regular season championship.
But a late loss to nemesis Franklinton dropped Southern Nash from a potential first to third place overall in the league.