The Eternal Varieties of Councilmen Knight and Blackwell

I have spent some quiet time since the City Council meeting this past Monday wrestling with how to hold the eternal varieties of the discussion over Unity Cemetery. These adjective words describe the situation that night. without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing perpetual; ceaseless; endless:eternal quarreling; eternal chatter. Photographer William Manley and others have … Continue reading The Eternal Varieties of Councilmen Knight and Blackwell →

Tell Me I’m Not Wrong About The ‘Band of Brothers’ on Main Street

I tend to romanticize things on Main Street…..I offer no apology. This tendency explains how I came to believe there is a Band of Brothers changing the scene in historic downtown. I love meeting and writing about individuals from various walks of life and backgrounds investing their time and resources. It is these people saving … Continue reading Tell Me I’m Not Wrong About The ‘Band of Brothers’ on Main Street →

When The Stars Align – Whit and Robert Barnes Appear – Sons of Rocky Mount

It suits my romantic inclinations to write this Sorsby's Tale after spending time with Whit Barnes. This tale is my favorite kind of Main Street news.I love generational novels that cover family history. In this case we have the family that founded Bullocks Furniture in 1901 unto the 5th generation that rests in a tall, … Continue reading When The Stars Align – Whit and Robert Barnes Appear – Sons of Rocky Mount →

Stepheny Sings A Joe Cocker Song to Troy White – A New Face on Howard Street

I often sing a few lines from a Joe Cocker song when I think of those I am grateful for, love, and admire. I haven't met Mr. White, so it is unusual to connect a song with a stranger. There are exceptions. Mr. White is another 'angel unaware' that has come to Main Street. You … Continue reading Stepheny Sings A Joe Cocker Song to Troy White – A New Face on Howard Street →

They Say, ‘A Good Man Is Hard To Find’ But I Found One

"We will make caring more contagious than this virus and we will come out on the other side a much stronger community." -Charles Roberson His name is Charles "Verb" Roberson, a small business owner and an investor in downtown Rocky Mount. Charles thinks of the entrepreneurs investing in downtown as pioneers who have been willing to … Continue reading They Say, ‘A Good Man Is Hard To Find’ But I Found One →

Relaxing With “Seek” On A Sunday Morning – Vernon Franklin Sechriest – Journalist

Vernon Sechriest was associated with The Rocky Mount Telegram for 55 years. Back when journalists were a special bred, Mr. Sechriest's influence on aspiring writers and newspaper associates was said to be inspirational. A long-time editor and as a weekly columnist, he captured my attention when writing his bio for the program at the recent … Continue reading Relaxing With “Seek” On A Sunday Morning – Vernon Franklin Sechriest – Journalist →