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
June 24-30, 2026 Vol 48 No 26 | 1 Section | 8 Pages
Stream of patriotism runs strong and deep Patriotism runs deep in the Pleasants family. History and the freedoms of the great nation of America have always been important. For years, the flag and Americana decorations have graced their home to celebrate patriotic holidays and Memorial Day remembrances. In 1976, Bill and Clarajo Pleasants, along with their two sons, Clarke, 7 years old, and Jim, 4 years old, dressed in colonial costumes to participate in the 200th anniversary of America’s founding and posed for a picture in front of the Mendenhall Homeplace. “We were visibly teaching our young sons that the history and freedom in our country is precious and must be protected and celebrated,” Clarajo said. “When working as a screenwriter, our younger son, Jim, once used historical data about our country as background for some of his writing.” But it was that iconic photo, taken in 1976 and kept on display in Bill and Clarajo’s home that has made the biggest impact this year. Clarke sees it every time his family visits Jamestown. When
Clarke, who lives in Tennessee, visited his parents recently, he recalled seeing videos online of families recreating photos from their childhood. “I began to think about the country’s 250 years and recalled being part of the 200-year celebration,” he said. “My brother Jim was able to spend more time with us on this visit, and I thought it was a perfect opportunity to get a family picture and have it taken back at the plantation (Homestead) just down the road.” The second photo was not quite as dramatic as the first in which the family’s clothing mirrored that normally worn in 1776. Jim’s pants were old football pants, green in color rather than the lighter canvas color traditionally worn. But they looked the part. “We wore our old cowboy hats purposely shaped into Tricorn hats,” Clarke said. “I don’t remember posing for the picture, but I do remember running around the plantation that day and exploring all the rooms of the Homeplace.” Clarke is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel and currently teaches at Middle Tennessee State University in the Aerospace Department. Although he learned as a youth the customs and courtesies of being an American citizen he notes he did not
Compiled By Norma B. Dennis and Carol Brooks Sheriff to hold Town Hall If you have ever wondered just what services the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office offers, now is your chance to find out. Sheriff Danny Rogers will hold a Town Hall Meeting in the Jamestown Council Chambers at Town Hall, 301 E. Main St., on June 25, from 6-8 p.m. At the meeting, Rogers will update the community on the services that the Sheriff’s Office provides and give insight to each of the operations that his Command Staff oversee. The public is invited to attend. JBA hosts guest speaker at special meeting The Jamestown Business Association invites all business owners or representatives to attend its next meeting June 29 at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Jamestown, 306 Guilford Road. Enter the event through the office. Michelle Bolick of the Guilford Merchants Association will share networking and GMA tips and tricks for businesses to help them grow, focusing on building connections and gaining knowledge. For more information, contact the JBA at JamestownBusinessassoc@gmail.com. GCS Earns National Communication Awards Guilford County Schools continued its streak of national recognition, earning 11 awards this year from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). The awards are: • A Golden Achievement award for District and School Logo Rebranding Initiative; • A Golden Achievement award for Celebration of Excellence; • Three Awards of Excellence for Video; • Two Awards of Merit for Video; • An Honorable Mention for Video; • An Award of Excellence for Writing; • An Award of Excellence for Graduation Handbook; and • An Honorable Mention for Photo. NSPRA awards represent the highest achievement for school PR professionals. Members of the Communications and Community Engagement teams will be recognized at the organization’s national conference in New Orleans this summer. “Our district produces exceptional content every day, and we are thrilled to have our work recognized at the national level,” said Chief Communications Officer Dr. Tracey Helton. 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
join the Air Force out of patriotism. “I specifically joined for the challenge it presented, the opportunity to serve our country, and the ability to give back,” he said. “Bill and I supported Clarke’s desire to attend the Air Force Academy as well as the 26 years of service he and his wife, see patriotism, page 2
Photos submitted
In 1976, the Pleasants family, which at the time included Bill, Clarajo, Clarke (7 years old) and Jim (4 years old), dressed in colonial-style clothing and had their picture made at Mendenhall Homestead to honor America’s 200th birthday. Fifty years later, the family posed in the same positions at Mendenhall Homeplace to highlight the occasion of America 250.
Potential developers sue Town after denial By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com A group of potential developers of 207, 209, 301 and 305 W. Main St. in Jamestown have sued the Town of Jamestown after both the Planning Board and Town Council denied their application to rezone the properties.
In a document acquired by the Jamestown News, the plaintiffs, BRC Jamestown LLC, Burkely Communities LLC, Ragsdale Brothers LLC and Frazier Family Partners LLC, filed the lawsuit on May 12 in accordance with N.C. General Statute 1-253 [and the following] and 160Dsee sue, page 2
New Horton development not getting mail By CAROL BROOKS freelance writer cab1hp@gmail.com The new D.R. Horton development, Kinsley, on Mackay Road is in the news again because new homeowners appear to be having trouble with mail delivery. Speaking with WGHP Fox8 News earlier this month, several residents say the U.S. Postal Service
does not recognize their new address, which is in Jamestown. “They don’t think my address exists,” one homeowner said. Apparently the new addresses are not listed in see mail, page 3
Happy Birthday America By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com The fun starts July 3 The lady is turning 250 years old and by any measure of imagination is certainly due special recognition. The lady — the United States of America — was officially founded in 1776 and the Town of Jamestown is hosting a birthday party for the community to celebrate on July 3 from noon to 3 p.m. at Wrenn Miller Park. A cookout will feature hot dogs, hamburgers and cake, provided free as long as supplies last. Adult beverages will be available for purchase from vendors. Music,
games and a photo booth also will be on site to provide additional family fun for all. “As we think about this historic milestone for the United States, it is important as a community to reflect on our local history as well,” said Councilmember Pam Burgess, Jamestown representative to the America 250 Guilford committee. “But it is not just about looking back, it is also about looking ahead to the future.” The afternoon activities will precede the Town’s second summer Music in the Park concert, which will kick off that night at 6 p.m. with the Special Occasion Band. see america, page 3
Music is his niche By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com There is an old expression about a piano player “tickling the ivories.” That is exactly what Paul Failla did as he sat down at his 100-year-old Steinway grand piano and played “Les Barricades Mystérieuses” by Francois Couperin, which was written in 1717. Much of the internal workings of the piano have been refurbished, but the ivory keys that once graced pianos of old are still intact. Failla noted there is a distinct difference in the feel of those keys verses that of see music, page 3
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Photos by Norma B. Dennis
(Above) The doors and walls in his main studio are filled with pictures drawn by students and their siblings as they wait to play or just listen to others practice their lessons. (At left) Paul Failla takes time to enjoy playing his 100-year-old grand piano during a break in his daily activities. A harpsichord can be seen in the background.
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By NORMA B. DENNIS FREELANCE WRITER ndworddesign@gmail.com