YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1978 w w w. j a m e s t o w n n e w s . c o m
weekly edition
Sept. 24-30, 2025 Vol 47 No 39 | 1 Section | 8 Pages
Compiled By Norma B. Dennis and Carol Brooks
First Thursday: Jamestown Riflemakers The First Thursday History Program on Oct. 2 will feature researcher and writer Michael Briggs who will talk about the Jamestown School of Longrifle Makers. Briggs will have several rifles made in Jamestown as well as related items on display. Explore the displays, images and information to spark enlightening conversation on this aspect of local history. The event will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Jamestown Public Library. Rotary Horseshow The Jamestown Rotary Club will host its 64th Annual Horse Show Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. The event, which is presented by the Piedmont Horseman’s Association, will be held at the Piedmont Saddle Club, 8001 Leabourne Road, Colfax, (just beyond the airport off Rt. 68). Bring the entire family and enjoy a free, exciting day of fun. Concessions and food will be available along with raffles and prizes. Sponsorships are available and all proceeds will go to local charities. Check out the Rotary website at https:// jamestownrotaryclub .com for photos of past horseshows. For more information, contact Michael Greth at 336-708-9571 or email mgreth53@gmail.com.
Mayoral candidates reply to questions, Part 1 compiled By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com The Jamestown News asked candidates for mayor to offer their opinion on several questions. The responses are listed in the order they were received by the Jamestown News. Susan Dickenson, Rebecca Rayborn and Greg Pittman’s responses are below. Part 2 of the responses will be in the Oct. 1 Jamestown News. Pittman became a writein candidate after the filing period so these candidates will not be part of the primary election on Oct. 7. The general election will be Nov. 4 at Jamestown Town Hall. Age Susan Clinard Dickenson: I’ll be 65 on Nov. 11. Rebecca Mann Rayborn: 47 Greg Pittman: 35
How long you’ve lived in Jamestown? Dickenson: 8 years Rayborn: All told, I have lived in Jamestown for 33 years. I was raised here, left for college and work, and moved back in 2010. Pittman: 20+ years
Work experience Dickenson: 2006-2022: Home Accents Today magazine editor-in-chief and retail editor in Greensboro. 1985-1994: Digital communications, database manager, researcher, project manager in the public and private sectors, Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. The decade in between, I was a stay-at-home mom, volunteer, substitute teacher, board member, elder, session member and freelance writer in Arlington, Va. and High Point. Rayborn: I worked in communications and advo-
Susan Dickenson
Rebecca Rayborn
cacy roles with nonprofit organizations for a number of years before starting my own small business providing contract support to local nonprofits. Currently, I’m a fulltime parent and volunteer. Pittman: I’ve done everything from executive search, to marketing at a local agency, to consulting for bourbon brands, to running all content and publishing for an international media group called Faith Driven Entre-
preneur. Currently I am one of the owners of Kindred Coffee in Jamestown. In the past I have served on various boards and committees for organizations such as CityServe NYC, New Canaan Society, and the Guilford County GOP.
Lions Club and library coordinate celebration of Constitution By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com If you recently drove past Jamestown Public Library and wondered why flags were surrounding it, they were there in recognition of Constitution Day, celebrated on Sept. 17. Members of Jamestown Lion’s Club have been placing flags at the library for this occasion for years. “We put out 50 flags, one for each state,” Pat Floyd, club president said. “In addition to me, Gene Hassell and Pinky Jordan (members of Jamestown Lions Club), Jim McGaha, library manager and Rebecca Mann Rayborn, Jamestown see celebrate, page 2 Photos submitted
Tall tales to top all others Jamestown resident Jim Lutzweiler is at it again — writing tales gleaned from his experiences and/or people he has met along life’s way. His newest book, “Period Pieces: Twelve Tar Heel Tales,” includes 12 tall tales he considers conversation pieces, which equip readers with the ability to top other tellers of tales on any occasion. Though mostly about native North Carolinians, other figures of renown have made their way into the pages as Lutzweiler says, “because of some true Tar Heel tangent.” The book may be ordered for $25 (plus $5 for postage) directly from the author. Contact Lutzweiler at stjimbow@gmail.com for details. Have an event that you think needs to be included in About Town? Email Norma B. Dennis at ndworddesign@gmail.com or Carol Brooks at cab1hp@gmail.com
(Above) Gene Hassell, Pinky Jordan, Pat Floyd and Rebecca Rayborn helped place 50 flags in front of the Jamestown Public Library in honor of Constitution Day. (Not pictured was Jim McGaha who also helped.) (At left) Pinky Jordan drives a pipe into the ground in which to put one of the flags.
Greg Pittman
High Point, am descended from Abbotts Creek Moravians and Deep River Quakers, and my parents’ families (Clinards, Waynicks, Sells, Welborns) have lived and farmed in the High Point/ Jamestown/Wallburg area for over 200 years. Rayborn: Husband Cory, Family daughter Katherine (age 10), Dickenson: My husband and mother-in-law Julia. Tim and I have four daughPittman: I’m the oldest ters and six grandchildren of four siblings, uncle to two living in four different states. I was born and raised in see mayor, page 7
Lions learn history of local education
By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com
The Lions Club is well known for its association and support of the seeing impaired, but membership in local clubs also provides opportunities for friendships and personal growth through leadership roles and programs of widespread interest. During the Sept. 11 meeting of the Jamestown Lions Club, members gained new insight into the development of local education and the part the Jamestown Public Library continues to play in its history. Gary Haynes,
president of the Old Jamestown School Association, acknowledged the library as the centerpiece of the town of Jamestown. He shared an in-depth account of the southern migration of Pennsylvania Quakers, many who settled in the Guilford County area. “The Quakers were advocates of education, teaching Bible studies along with the three Rs,” he said. “They established Subscription Schools, where several families see lions, page 8
Photo by Norma D. Dennis
Jamestown Lions Club member Troy Jordan shows a picture of Jamestown Public School as it looked when students attended classes there.
Council approves Georgia Gumerson of Jamestown utility payment crowned American United Miss Outstanding Junior Miss policy change By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com The Jamestown Town Council met on Sept. 17 with Councilmembers Sarah Glanville and Martha Wolfe absent. There was still a quorum since Mayor Lynn Montgomery is allowed to vote in such situations. Town Manager Matthew Johnson announced an Amended Utility Payment Policy. Residents will now get a second courtesy reminder [automated call]
Submitted by Katie Gumerson
before utilities are shut off due to nonpayment. “It’s my understanding that the cutoff list has dropped by about half,” Johnson said in response to the first notice. He urged residents to contact the Town if their contact information changes. The Council unanimously approved the amended policy. Council also unanimously approved a fall vender market to take place Oct. 25
Georgia Gumerson, a 7 year old from Jamestown, N.C., has been named American United Miss Outstanding Junior Miss, a title that is awarded based on community service, leadership, and character. The American United Miss organization is built upon three pillars: service, unity, and compassion. Gumerson’s work embodies these values, setting her apart as a role model for young women across the nation. Her platform, The Dragonfly Club, is an initiative she founded to promote advocacy among youth. With the mission “Everyone Deserves Clean Water,”
see council, page 2
see miss, page 7
Letters to the Editor
The Jamestown News will accept letters to the editor regarding the current Town Council and mayoral candidates. Letters to the editor should be concise, typically under 400 words, and must respond to a recent or upcoming event in Jamestown. They should include the author’s full name, be original work and avoid being submitted elsewhere, including social media. No bad language will be accepted. Send your letter to cab1hp@gmail.com no later than 5 p.m. the Friday before publication.
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