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
DEC. 24-30, 2025 Vol 47 No 52 | 1 Section | 8 Pages
New councilmembers, mayor sworn in
By CaROL BROOKs FREELANCE WRITER cab1hp@gmail.com
The Dec. 16 Jamestown Town Council meeting lasted one hour, but it would have been shorter except for the hugs and tears for — and by — the outgoing councilmembers and mayor. A large audience mainly consisting of new and outgoing councilmember families attended. The evening began with a resolution honoring Denise Johnson for her service on the Planning Board from January 2024 until September 2025. She was elected as chair by her fellow Planning Board members in June 2024. “She was a wonderful leader and was always kind in every interaction. Johnson consistently made decisions based on what she believed was best for the future of Jamestown, working to preserve the Town’s cherished small-town
charm while thoughtfully balancing development and growth pressures. “The Town of Jamestown appreciates her service and wishes her well on all her future endeavors.” Katie Weiner, assistant town manager and clerk, was surprised with a resolution from the Council and staff for her “dedication to the citizens of Jamestown, attention to detail, adherence to general statutes and North Carolina laws, and her desire to make the Jamestown community a better place now and for future generations.”
Manager’s report In his town manager’s report, Matthew Johnson thanked the Jamestown Rotary Club for organizing the annual Christmas parade. He also thanked the Public Services Department and staff for assisting the club to ensure everyone was safe.
The Town has completed over 12 full rounds of leaf pickup with a total of 105 loads of leaves collected. Loose-leaf pickup will continue until February. “On Dec. 5, the staff participated in a training session on Municipal Hospitality. The focus was on a mindset shift in how we welcome, serve and communicate with our residents, businesses and visitors,” Johnson said. “Our team has already begun working these concepts into daily interactions, with an emphasis on making every touchpoint with the Town feel more attentive, respectful, and helpful.” The first 2026-27 fiscal year budget workshop will be Jan. 22 from 5-7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Town offices will be closed Dec. 24-26 for the Christmas holPhoto by Carol Brooks iday. Solid waste services will The new Town Council. Left to right, Councilmembers sarah Glanville, Jim Gibson, Jim Westmoreland, and Pam Burgess see MayOR, PAGE 2 standing around Mayor susan dickenson.
Photo from Armstrong Family Collection
Clarence Mackay’s deep River Lodge.
Deep River Lodge/ Armstrong collection available at Raleigh library
O Holy Night
Photo by Norma B. Dennis
Wishing you peace at Christmas and throughout the coming year. norma and Carol
By CaROL BROOKs FREELANCE WRITER cab1hp@gmail.com In 2023, the High Point Museum exhibited artifacts from Jamestown’s Deep River Lodge and the Armstrong family. Edward Armstrong was superintendent of the Lodge. Titled “Fields and Feathers, Hunting at Deep River Lodge 18951935,” it was one of the most popular
exhibits at the Museum. As extensive as the exhibit was, only a small handful of the items collected locally could be on display. There were hundreds of letters, photographs and documents from not only the lodge but the owner, Clarence Mackay’s family as well. Jamestown’s Shanna Moore worked with the Armstrong family to sort and invensee LOdGe, PAGE 6
A peek at the past raises funds for the future By nORMa B. dennIs FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com
Photos by Norma B. Dennis
The theme “Mistletoe Memories” allowed sWC members and guests an opportunity to glance back at Christmases past. (above) Marvelous Marge (a.k.a. sara Burger) led the live auction to a successful conclusion. used to benefit various community organizations and nonprofits. A silent auction had women vying for their favorite items, and raffles for prizes donated by businesses and a 50-50 raffle had them carefully checking their tickets to see if they were the lucky winners. Money raised from the
50-50 raffle was given to Sedgefield Elementary School to fund an outing to the Science Center in Greensboro. Marvelous Marge from Noel, Miss., (a.k.a. Sara Burger) led the live auction, which had excitement building as bids continued to go higher and higher. Jewelry,
golf lessons, a meal for eight prepared by Sedgefield County Club Chef Joaquin Campos, and a trip to Alaska were among the many items Marge auctioned, as she enticed bidders to “up the ante” one more time. One hundred percent of the funds raised goes back into the community.
Of course any successful fundraiser takes lots of work and this one was no exception. Amy Ochs served as chair for the group. Committee leads included Heather Scimsher, Amy Lewis, Christy Kelley, Jude Fiorello, Robin Croiser, Sara Collins, Bonny Podiak and Melissa Klenke.
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A nostalgic look at Christmases past had Sedgefield Woman’s Club members and their guests smiling as they gathered for their annual Christmas luncheon/fundraiser on Dec. 5 at Sedgefield County Club. The title for the event, Mistletoe Memories: A Very Vintage Christmas, encouraged many ladies to dress as they might have as a child or as their parents might have dressed to celebrate the holidays. Several wore hair bows, hats or skirts puffed out by crinolines to help set the scene. A meal reminiscent of the past yet similar to today’s fare was served on chargers on loan for the occasion by Replacement Unlimited. Each one sported a different Christmas theme. The SWC uses the first Friday in December to ring in the season with good food, fellowship and opportunities to raise funds, which are
“What makes this annual luncheon more than a festive gathering is the way it transforms goodwill into actions,” Ochs said. “Every auction item, every moment together strengthens the mission and purpose behind it — to uplift and support our community.”