Tag Archive for: #townsvillenews

The Local Skinny! Louisburg College Graduate with Vance Co. Roots Honored

A Long Island, NY councilman with local ties got a surprise on Veterans Day from a VFW post whose members he had come to honor for their service.

During his summer vacations to visit his grandmother in Townsville, it’s probably safe to say that Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews didn’t imagine the career path that would take him to Glen Cove, NY on Long Island and playing a role in the politics there.

Those summers in Townsville, which he referred to as “away camp,” were spent working in the tobacco fields. He graduated from Louisburg College in 1981.

In 2020, he was elected to the Glen Cove City Council, which is where VFW Post 347 is located. In recent years, Stevenson-Mathews visits with the local post on Veterans Day to thank them for their bravery and dedication in service to their country, according to a press release about the turn of events for Stevenson-Mathews.

This year, he arrived at the post for the ceremony with “I’m Proud to be a Veteran” lapel pins, which he distributed to each member present, the statement explained. In a surprise twist, prior to the start of their standard service, it was the councilman who was celebrated. The VFW members surprised Stevenson-Mathews with a plaque honoring him for his meritorious and distinguished service to their post.

“I was truly surprised and humbled to be presented with such an important and distinguished honor,” said Stevenson-Mathews. “To be acknowledged by veterans, who sacrificed so much in their own lifetimes is a true honor and will be something I will always cherish.”

Stevenson-Mathews is a public relations consultant as well as an acting and vocal coach and he recently created a Facebook page for the local VFW. He also was one of the first on the scene recently when the post building caught fire. The Facebook page has allowed the post to garner support – and the funds – needed to rebuild, according to VFW member and trustee Joseph Moores.

“Gaitley has been a tremendous help to all veterans, especially our VFW Post 347,” Moores stated.  “He touches base with us before important meetings to ensure our voice will be heard. Gaitley is a loyal friend and we wanted everyone to know how much we appreciate him.”

Stevenson-Mathews, a native of Red Springs, NC, grew up with a strong sense of civic duty, faith, and commitment to community. His family also served in the military. His brother, retired Colonel J. Hunter Mathews, Sr., served two tours of duty in Afghanistan. His father, James H. Mathews Sr., who is originally from Townsville, NC, served in the Navy during World War II and his mother, Jean Gaitley Mathews, served in the Cadet Nurse Corps.

Stevenson-Mathews has not forgotten his North Carolina roots. “I continue to draw on the inspiration of my professors at Louisburg College and thanks to having spent summers in Townsville (NC) as a young teenager, I am appreciative for having seen and learned the value of hard work and of supporting family and community.” “I will always value my years growing up in North Carolina,” said the councilman.

“I knew both of Gaitley’s parents,” said Louisburg resident and former Louisburg College professor Janet Taylor.  “It does not surprise me at all that Gaitley is so committed to his community on Long Island. He was certainly raised with a strong sense of the importance of serving others.

Stevenson-Mathews is the son of the late Jim and Jean Mathews of Red Springs, the nephew of Doris and Lewis Reavis of Warrenton and of the late Alma and Richard Mathews of Henderson, and the grandson of the late Martha Catherine Riggan Mathews of Townsville.

Nutbush Presbyterian Church to Hold Clothing Giveaway – Sat., April 27

-Information and photos courtesy Kelly Smith, Nutbush Presbyterian Church 

Nutbush Presbyterian Church in Townsville, NC will be the site of a clothing giveaway on Saturday, April 27, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Men’s, women’s and children’s clothing and shoes will be available.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vance County Announces Keith Duncan as Fire Marshal

Vance County is pleased to announce the hiring of Keith Duncan as the County Fire Marshal beginning on November 14th. In this new position, Mr. Duncan will serve as the county’s liaison to the Volunteer Fire Departments and will be available to assist them with insurance ratings, training and other needs. He will serve as the county’s lead fire investigator and will be responsible for conducting fire prevention inspections of local schools, businesses and churches as required by the state. He will also lead the county’s fire prevention education efforts.

 

Duncan has spent the last 8 ½ years as fire marshal for Halifax County, NC and has an extensive fire background and qualifications. Mr. Duncan previously spent nearly 20 years as a fire lieutenant with the City of Roanoke Rapids, NC and has certifications as a fire fighter II, fire officer I, hazardous materials operator, emergency vehicle driver, and as a fire instructor II. Mr. Duncan holds a level III Fire Inspector license in addition to certifications in building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing codes.

 

Duncan is a knowledgeable individual and a welcome addition to the county’s management team and the Vance County community.