Jim Thorpe Inducted Into The Hall of Fame 2005 – His Historical Marker In Rocky Mount, NC Is Standing Again

A Thorpe marker first installed in 1960 told passersby that Jim Thorpe came to the city in 1909 to play baseball for the Rocky Mount Railroaders. The marker was accidentally struck by a mowing service. It took several years, but the marker stands again. Jogging your memory: A year after Thorpe won his two gold … Continue reading Jim Thorpe Inducted Into The Hall of Fame 2005 – His Historical Marker In Rocky Mount, NC Is Standing Again →

Janice Beavon Gravely – Comes to Jesus Not as a Stranger, but as a Friend

One of the loveliest things about a friendship with Jane Gravely has been the gift of her mother. I took this sweet photograph of Janice Gravely at the 2019 Hall of Fame Banquet. She was 98 years old. We had a special few minutes alone, holding hands and quietly talking. To me, she was the … Continue reading Janice Beavon Gravely – Comes to Jesus Not as a Stranger, but as a Friend →

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 →

Stepheny’s Telling Of The Story of the 16th Twin County Hall of Fame Banquet – PART 2

Stephen King, the writer, thinks the best stories are about the people rather than the event. That was true in telling this year's story of the 2019 Hall of Fame banquet. It is inspiring when you add together the long and varied list of accomplishments this year's inductees have contributed to the life and times … Continue reading Stepheny’s Telling Of The Story of the 16th Twin County Hall of Fame Banquet – PART 2 →

Stepheny’s Telling Of The Story of the 16th Twin County Hall of Fame Banquet – PART 1

“Live your life in such a way that you'll be remembered for your kindness, compassion, fairness, character, benevolence, and a force for good and respect for life, in general.” - Germany Kent What a difference a year makes in the evolution of a new enterprise like The Event Center. The venue for the Hall … Continue reading Stepheny’s Telling Of The Story of the 16th Twin County Hall of Fame Banquet – PART 1 →

Hall of Fame Inductee – Peter Varney – How Different Things Would Be

A few years ago I realized I knew so little about the people who have been the architects of my life, those that have orchestrated the world I know. When the politically correct editing of our history began, I changed my reading habits and started to read a steady stream of non-fiction about our Presidents … Continue reading Hall of Fame Inductee – Peter Varney – How Different Things Would Be →