In the Valley in November

Adoption Awareness celebration

The  month of November is designated as the National Month of adoption. Halifax County Department of Social Services will sponsor a adoption awareness celebration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 1, at Halifax County DSS, Highway 301, Halifax. There will be free games, food and fun.

Halifax Resolves Chapter SAR to Meet

The Halifax Resolves Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 12, at Ralph’s Barbecue in Weldon. The speaker will be Betsy Hudgins who works in the Genealogy Department at the Halifax County Library in Halifax. She will speak on the U.S. Census of 1790.  If interested in attending the meeting as a guest or for information about the SAR or its activities, contact Ken Wilson at (252) 537-5406.

Home For The Holidays

“Home for the Holidays” will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Halifax County Agricultural Building Auditorium in Halifax. The program will be presented by family and consumer science agents in Halifax and Edgecombe counties. Call the Halifax County Cooperative Extension Office at (252) 583-5161 to sign up for either presentation.

Free business plan workshop

We all know that the economy is not in good shape, but it does not mean that you must throw away your dream of starting or enhancing a business.  One way to turn that dream into a reality is to write a business plan. A free workshop on Nov. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Halifax County Library will teach participants how to write a winning plan. Volunteers from the Rocky Mount chapter of SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Businesses will be the facilitators.  The plan, prepared in advance, allows one to review the pros and cons of the business before making an emotional or financial commitment to it.  Many financial sources require a business plan. Those who are interested may register for the workshop by calling 583-3631.

Board of Health

The Northampton County Board of Health will meet at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, in the Northampton County Health Department Conference Room, 9495 N.C. 305 Highway in Jackson.

Drive-thru flu clinic

The Halifax County Health Department is offering a drive-thru flu clinic from 9 a.m. until noon, on Friday, Nov. 14, at  Kirkwood Adams Community Center.

Fundraisers for Dylan Moore

American Legion Post 38 will hold a dance featuring 70s and 80s, disco, country and beach music from 7 p.m.-until, Friday, Nov. 14. The DJ will be Robert Powell. Tickets are $10. There will be food and BYOB (no brown bagging).

The post will also sponsor The Legends of North Carolina at 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21. Featured will be Elvis, Barney Fife, Ernest T. Bass, Louie Armstrong, Roy Orbison and The Gaddie Girls, along with local talent. There will also be a Chinese Auction and food available. Tickets are $10. No alcohol.

Anyone interested in buying a ticket to either event can call Kathy Walker at 533-9334 or Forest Hills Hair Salon at 535-4030.

Christmas cards

If you would like to make your own Christmas cards, visit the Roanoke Rapids Public Library for Scrap & Share Christmas from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15. Bring supplies or pre-register and pay $2 for supplies. Call 533-2890 to register. The library is located at 319 Roanoke Ave.

Christmas bazaar

New Life Church of Christ, behind the Cinema Theater in Roanoke Rapids, will hold its annual Christmas bazaar from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15. The fellowship cafe will have hot dogs, chips, drinks, chili, navy beans and bake sale items being sold all day. Eat in or take out. There will also  be barbecue chicken plates from noon-until. Tickets are $6 per plate. There will also be shops set up with items such as toys, Christmas decorations, gift sets, handmade items, glassware, rings, home decor, clothes, books and much more. A silent auction with collectibles and special items will be available. For tickets or  information, call Linda Jones at 537-9419 or 536-1171.

Stew sale and more

First United Methodist Church, 339 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids, will hold a Brunswick stew sale on Saturday, Nov. 15, behind the church. Stew will be $6 per quart, which will be ready for pickup between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. To place orders, call 537-2173 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Also, the women will hold a bake sale in the fellowship hall of the church. There will be baked goods, including cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, muffins and rolls. Also available will be frozen spaghetti sauce, soups, jams, jellies, pickles, chicken salad and pecans.

Exodus for Youth to meet

Exodus for Youth Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives and futures of our youth in a four-county area (Bertie, Halifax, Hertford and Northampton counties), will sponsor its monthly meeting from 10 to 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at Pleasant Plains Baptist Church, 801 U.S. 13 South, Ahoskie. All area youth groups and their leaders are encouraged to attend. The Honorable Juan E. Vaughan Sr., sheriff of Hertford County, will be the motivational speaker. For information or directions, contact Wendell Hall at (252) 358-4611, Ronald Gatling at (252) 209-5458, Eddie Buffaloe Jr. at (252) 537-1926, Judge Alfred Kwasikpui at (252) 534-1785, Vernon Bryant at (252) 535-2274, Gregory Browning at (252) 308-0741, Judge Cy Grant at (252) 794-9406, Norman Cherry Jr. at (252) 794-4077 ext. 210, or Emma Johnson at (252) 345-5331.

Fall and Christmas craft fair

The Adventurers of Lake Gaston Baptist Church will hold a fall and Christmas craft fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Church Family Life Center.  All booths for the fair are full with some crafters coming from as far away as Greenville.

The Adventurers have three openings for its Dec. 12 day trip to the Edenton Christmas Home Tour. For information, call Michele Updike at (252) 535-4519.

Down East ALS support group

The Down East ALS Support Group (Lou Gehrig's disease) will meet on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. at the Outpatient Regional Rehabilitation Center of Pitt County Memorial Hospital, 2310 Stantonsburg Rd. (U.S. 264), Greenville.   The speaker will be Rebecca Chamblee, of ComForcare Senior Services.  Anyone from eastern North Carolina is invited to attend if they have an interest in learning more about ALS.  Meetings are free and open to all.  For more information call Linda or Lewis Forrest, (252) 746-4221 or (252) 746-2778.

Organ donation seminar

Halifax HealthLink in Becker Village Mall is hosting a free educational seminar for anyone interested in learning about organ donation. The event will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18. Joy Lawson of Carolina Donor Service will present “The Gift of Life,” an insightful look at organ and tissue donation. Light refreshments will be served. For information, contact Jackie Cieslinski at (252) 535-4334.

J.T. Doles membership drive to hold kick off

The J.T. Doles Chapter of Elizabeth City State University will hold a student recruitment reception at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Chaloner Recreation Center, 200 Dixie St., Roanoke Rapids. The university representtives will be available to discuss undergraduate and graduate admisisons, financial air, student services, HCC/ECSU Teacher Prep Education and other career servcies and options. Students, parents and educators are invited to meet and greet with the ECSU chancellor, faculty, staff and alums. For information, call Grady Dese, ECSU admissions director, at 1-800-347-ECSU (3278) or J.T. Doles President Benny Hodges at (252) 586-3729.

Farmers market

The Roanoke Valley Farmers Market will remain open until Nov. 19. Fresh local produce, baked goods, breads, cakes, pies and preserves will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Got yard sale and flea market items? Bring them to the Farmers Market. Booths are available for $10 a day to sell items. For information, call (252) 583-5161

Halifax-Northampton retired school personnel to meet

The Halifax-Northampton retired school personnel will meet at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Carolina Restaurant, East 10th St., Roanoke Rapids. Special guests will be the Roanoke Rapids Fire Department. Members are asked to bring non-perishable food items for the Community Food Drive. Momentary doations will be taken for the Halifax County and Northampton County Foster Children’s Christmas programs. Margaret B. Hawkins, president, invites all retired school personnel to attend this important meeting.

The Northampton County Family Caregiver Support Program, through the Office on Aging, will meet at 11 a.m.,  Thursday, Nov. 20,  in the Conference Room at the new Northampton County Cultural and Wellness Center at 9536 N.C. Highway 305, Jackson. Guest speaker will be Mona Taylor, Department of Social Services, Adult Medicaid Supervisor. She will be speaking on eligibility requirements for Medicaid and necessary steps for entering Nursing Home Facility.   The public is invited and it is a free seminar to all Northampton County residents.  For more information, contact Carolyn Wheeler at (252) 534-1668.

Halifax County Historical Association to meet

The Halifax County Historical Association will meet at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, in the fellowship hall of Halifax Baptist Church on Prussia Street. This will be a very interesting program featuring the discussion the progress of the book. The cost of the meal will be $10 per person. Reservations are required by noon, Wednesday, Nov. 19, and may be made by calling Christine Peedin at 537-9249, Judy Manning at 537-5708 or Vinnie Hinnant at 583-7251.

Optimist Club Christmas trees

The Optimist Club of Roanoke Rapids will begin it's annual Christmas tree sale on Saturday, November 22 at Bone's Athletic field at the corner of Becker Drive and Hunting Ridge Road.  The trees are freshly cut from the NC mountains.  Proceeds go to fund 2 scholarships for area youth.

Department of Social Services

The Northampton County Department of Social Services board will meet at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 25, in the Hazel Collier Board Room at the DSS building in Jackson.

HCC offers Effective Teacher Training class

Halifax Community College will offer an Effective Teacher Training class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, now through Dec. 17. The class is designed for substitute, pre-service and in-service teachers. Taught by instructor Rick Eason, activities will enable educators to effectively integrate research and practice. Participants will receive 3.6 CEU credits for completing the class. Cost is $60.  For information and to register, call (252) 536-7216 or (252) 536-7212.

R.V. Shrine Club to hold turkey shoot

The Roanoke Valley Shrine Club will hold a turkey shoot from 6 to 8:30 p.m., on the following dates: Nov. 28-29, Dec. 5-6 and Dec. 12-13, at the Shrine Club. There will be shoots for turkeys, hams, bacon and a money round. For information, call Beauford White at 532-3481 or Terry Mabrey at 532-4438.

Collecting toys

Alan Vester Nissan, in conjunction with the Halifax County Department of Social Services, will collect new unwrapped toys for the foster care and underprivileged children. Donations may be dropped off at 320 Becker Drive. To make arrangements for donations to be picked up, call Kenneth Turner at 537-1041. Final collection date will be Dec. 12.

Calling Angels

The Calling Angels has set two locations to help a foster child for Christmas. Anyone wishing to help may go to Glitz-N-Glamour located in Becker Village Mall in Roanoke Rapids or at the Lake Gaston Flea Market in Henrico/Lake Gaston area. Please pick a foster child’s name from the tree and return the gift with the child’s name attached by Monday, Dec. 8, in Roanoke Rapids, and by 3 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 7, in Henrico. For information, contact Teery Dawes, Cathy Wallace or one of the other volunteers, at (252) 535-2508 or 532-6522.

Seaboard Christmas parade

The Town of Seaboard will hold its annual Christmas parade at 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6. The line up will be at 12:45 p.m. Participants are welcome. The tree lighting ceremony will be held at 5:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 5. For information, call Laquitia Barnes at (252) 578-5079. Vendors set up fee will be $50. The theme will be “A Celebration of Love, Joy and Peace Within Our Community.” Anyone wishing may bring non-perishable can goods for needy families.

HCC offers Effective Teacher Training class

Halifax Community College will offer an Effective Teacher Training class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, now through Dec. 17. The class is designed for substitute, pre-service and in-service teachers. Taught by instructor Rick Eason, activities will enable educators to effectively integrate research and practice. Participants will receive 3.6 CEU credits for completing the class. Cost is $60.  For information and to register, call (252) 536-7216 or (252) 536-7212.

Stroke and osteoporosis screening

Residents living in and around the Roanoke Rapids community can be screened to reduce their risk of having a stroke. The complete screening package now includes a new heart rhythm screening, checking for irregular heartbeat, which is a major risk factor for stroke. Life Line screening will be held at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 2, at Park Baptist Church, 1136 Virginia Ave., Roanoke Rapids. For information regarding the screenings or to schedule an appointment, call 1-977-237-1287 or visit  www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

Trip to Charleston, S.C.

A chartered bus trip with the Sunshine Travel Club to Charleston, S.C., is planned for Dec. 5-7. The trip will include a tour of one of America’s oldest working living plantation, a tour of Charleston, dinner and a cruise on the Spirit of Carolina. For information, call Pat at 537-6549 or Shelia, 535-1804.

Garysburg Christmas Parade

The town of Garysburg is now accepting entries for the annual Christmas parade to be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13.  Any civic, church group, school, business, antique car or tractor are encouraged to participate. Bands floats, classic cars, motorcycles, horses, homecoming courts, fire trucks, etc., are welcomed.  Call the town hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 536-2167 for entry forms or information. Deadline for entries is Thursday, Dec. 11.

Seeking crafters

The Conway Volunteer Fire Department will sponsor its 17th annual “Ho, Ho! Ho! Christmas Craft Show” from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, at Conway Middle School. Plans for the show includes lots of crafts, food and fun.  Each 10 by 10 foot booth space is $35. Space is limited and the deadline for applications is Nov. 14. All proceeds benefit the Conway VFD.  For information, call Tracey Flythe at (252) 398-9371.

The State Employee’s Credit Union District 34 will hold its fourth year of Operation Christmas Stocking, Support Our Troops. Help make this the best Christmas Holiday ever for our deployed men and women serving overseas by stuffing a Christmas stocking to send to them. Boatsie’s Boxes is a nonprofit, 501(c)3, charitable organization dedicated to supporting troops when they are far from home. Donations can be made to Boatsie’s Boxes of N.C. and sent to State Employee’s Credit Union, 161 Old Farm Road South, Roanoke Rapids NC 27870, attention B. Gayle Pigford, or go to the Web site at www.Boatsie.com.  The size of stockings are 20 inches long either hand made or store brought. Pick up a pattern at the Credit Union. All kinds of items, from travel toiletries to snacks, gourmet coffee, chewing gum, clothing such as large and extra large socks, Christmas cards and candy, and whatever you think they would enjoy. All items must fit into the stocking. Please slip stitch to top close and keep contents from falling during shipping. Also, if you wish, you may enclose a note of good cheer, your name and address or e-mail. All items need to be in the drop box at Becker Village Mall by Nov. 15.

Special programs at T.J. Davis Recreation Center include:

Self defense:  classes will be held from 7 to 8 p.m., on Tuesdays; instructor, Ricky Jordan.

Shagging:  dance from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Thursdays. Cost is $10 individual, $15 couple residents; $20 individual and $30 couple non-residents. Instructors will be Danny Haislip and Stephanie Light.

Toddler time:  free fun time in the gym for mommy and child form 9 to 11 a.m., on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

Fall fitness classes, ongoing, pay per month:

Step aerobics:  moderate high impact, from 5:30 to 6:30, Monday and Wednesday.

Aerobics:  low moderate impact, from 6 to 7 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday.

Karate:  Tuesdays, 7 to 8 p.m.; instructor, Fran Harvell.

These classes will be $10 for residents and $20 for non-residents.

Also, a walking program for non-residents, where participants may use the indoor walking track costs $10 for non-residents for two months of access.

For information about any recreation center event, call 535-2847 or come by T.J. Davis, 400 East 6th St., Roanoke Rapids.