Greenville Magazine Spring 2021: Salute to civic clubs

Greenville LIFE in the EAST

SPRING 2021

Salute to civic clubs Groups have given back for more than a century INSIDE:

ROTARY, JUNIOR LEAGUE, OPTIMIST, KIWANIS, JAYCEES AND MORE

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Greenville: Life In The East

Spring 2021

contents Publisher Robin L. Quillon Editor Bobby Burns Contributing writers Beyonca Mewborn, Donna Davis, Kim Grizzard, Ashley Slade, Karen Eckert, Deborah Griffin Photographers Deborah Griffin, Aaron Himes Regional Advertising Director

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SERVICE ABOVE SELF

POINT OF PRIDE

WOMEN’S CLUB INSTILLS LEADERSHIP

POWER OF POSITIVE

CLUBS HELP KIDS

CIVIC MINDED

IN JAYCEE SPIRIT

PILLARS OF THE COMMUNITY

Craig Springer

Advertising representatives Tom Little, Christina Ruotolo, Ken Rhodes & Rubie Smith Creative services director Jessica Harris Creative services Lora Jernigan, Jasmine Blount Layout design Emily Leach

FROM THE EDITOR Civic clubs have been a mainstay of our community for a century. Their impact grows right before our eyes.

The Greenville Noon Rotary, one of several local Rotary clubs, plants hundreds of flags at the Town Common to honor local heroes, for instance. The Field of Honor also raises funds that the club distributes to a variety of local causes.

The Greenville Jaycees work closely with the City of Greenville to orchestrate a pair of signature events that townspeople look forward to every year: The Greenville

Greenville: Life in the East is a publication of The Daily Reflector and Adams Publishing Group ENC. Contents may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.

Christmas Parade and the New Year’s Eve Emerald Drop celebration.

The local Kiwanis clubs — there are eight of them in Pitt County — are known for their wide support of outreach efforts for local youth. The Greenville Optimists focus on youth as well, awarding scholarship money through annual essay and oratorical contests.

The organizations are diverse, with memberships that range in age, gender and background. Groups like the Junior League, the Lions Club, Ruritans and the Bachelor

Greenville LIFE in the EAST

SPRING 2021

Benedict-Twentieth Century Clubs fill out the quilt of community.

The groups do more than service, they provide companionship and camaraderie and help members improve themselves while they work to improve the lot of their neighbors.

With the spring issue of Greenville Magazine, we are happy to celebrate some of the local organizations that have helped make our community what it is. The salute comes, by the way, in the midst of a couple of significant moments.

Local Kiwanians are marking their 100th anniversary as the area’s first club, the Kiwanis Club of Greenville, was founded in 1921. The Greenville Rotary Club, which traces its roots to 1919, is marking the 100th anniversary of the construction of the

Salute to civic clubs Groups have given back for more than a century INSIDE:

ROTARY, JUNIOR LEAGUE, OPTIMIST, KIWANIS, JAYCEES AND MORE

world’s first Rotary Club building.

Local clubs are also looking forward to resuming more normal operations as the community and country continue to make progress in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dave Holec of the Greenville Noon Rotary Club helps place flags at the club’s Field of Honor at Greenville Town Common in 2019.

Spring 2021

We wish them all the best and hope you enjoy the magazine.

Greenville: Life In The East

— Bobby Burns 3

The Rotary Clubs of Greenville

Photo by Aaron Hines Rotarians work to install flags at the Field of Honor at the Greenville Town Common in 2018.

S E R V I C E

Above Self Pandemic can’t keep groups from mission for community

By Deborah Griffin

O

The Daily Reflector

ver 100 years ago, a group

sponsored seven more in eastern North

of 1.2 million business and professional

of businessmen realized

Carolina. The Washington Club was started

leaders. “Service Above Self” is the principal

their universal need for

and sponsored jointly with Wilson Rotary in

motto of Rotary, since it best explains the

friendship, understanding and

1920. In 1922, Greenville Rotary sponsored

philosophy of unselfish volunteer service

companionship and decided to establish

the Farmville Rotary Club and the following

of time and talent to local communities and

Rotary in Greenville.

year sponsored the Ayden Club. Greenville

the world.

The club started with 22 charter members

Rotary went on to sponsor and organize

In a normal year, each month, the clubs

and over the years the Greenville Club has

Robersonville Rotary in 1936 and later that

emphasize a different area of local service.

expanded to two other clubs: the Greenville

same year sponsored the Bethel Rotary.

Before the pandemic, the clubs met in-

Noon Rotary and Greenville Morning

Greenville and Goldsboro co-sponsored the

person — the evening and noon clubs

Rotary. Among the three clubs, there are

Rotary Club of Snow Hill in 1937.

meeting weekly, and the morning club twice

approximately 185 members.

The official charter, dated on Dec. 1, 1919,

a month.

Traditionally Rotary was a men’s

came from Rotary Headquarters in Evanston,

Each acclimated to Zoom and did not let

organization, but with the establishment of

Illinois, and established the Greenville

COVID-19 keep them from service to the

the Greenville Morning Club in 1986, the

Rotary Club as part of District 7. Today,

community.

club began allowing membership to women.

District 7 is made up of 41 clubs in eastern

The evening club, which had been

Each club has its own personality, said

North Carolina, which include around 1,500

meeting on Monday nights at 6:30, resorted

members.

to Zoom meetings every other week in July.

Stephen Walsh, president of the Noon Club, “depending on what you are looking for.”

Through the years, the Greenville Club Spring 2021

Worldwide, there are 33,000 Rotary Clubs

“It took a couple of months for our club

in 200 countries. They form a global network

to get involved in Zoom meetings,” current

Greenville: Life In The East

5

President Richard Taft, a retired OBGYN, said. The evening club is the original, and decidedly older, he said. He knew they had to take extra care with their members. “We’ve not had an in-person meeting yet,” he said.

Once they started Zoom meetings, “we asked different speakers to come speak to our club,” he said.

Dr. Clifford Calvin Hayslip from ECU’s Brody School of Medicine spoke to members “about how the pandemic has affected the hospital and Pitt County in general,” Taft said. “So that was quite informative. He said he didn’t think we could meet in-person as a club until everyone is vaccinated.”

Taft said he has tried to keep the club relevant.

“I tried to think of service projects we could do, given the constraints of the pandemic, and tried to continue to have good speakers and good meetings to keep people interested in the club,” he said.

Despite his efforts, a few members left the club, but they gained new members as well.

“We have had some challenges with membership with the pandemic,” he said.

“We are trying to show new members our goal of being relevant in the community, and the world — and keep our numbers where they are.”

Taft said they were still able to serve the community, albeit in a modified manner.

“This year we sponsored a blood drive in September for the hospital,” he said.

“Another thing we did was sponsor a Walk for Polio awareness at the Town Common.”

Polio eradication has long been a mission of Rotary International. Taft said the evening club was able to donate money to local charities as well.

“Within the community, we gave some money to A Time for Science, from our district grant,” he continued.

“And we’ve taken donuts to schools in the city and community to thank the teachers for being essential workers. We know they are having a hard time teaching during the pandemic,” he said.

Stephen Walsh is the current president of the Noon Club. His club was quick to

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Photos by Aaron Hines Rotarians work to install flags at the Field of Honor at the Greenville Town Common in 2018.

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jump on Zoom, he said, “but now they are

first time. It was wonderful,” he said. “We are

Fire-Rescue’s toy drive and supporting

clamoring to meet back in-person.”

going to use those funds to put together a

the Ronald McDonald House. The Morning

scholarship program for high schools.”

Club also helped provide scholarships to

He said their goal is to get back to inperson meetings by May. They want to

Walsh said they raised funds by

install WiFi in the Rotary Club Building first

selling pancakes, “but we also made a

so they can meet both online and in person.

lot of pancakes and gave them away to

Rawlison said that despite COVID-19, the

Walsh said the pandemic did not stop the

organizations like the Police Athletic League

Morning Club has “been percolating right

and JOY Soup Kitchen.”

along. We have increased our membership

Noon Club from serving.

“I am pleased to say that we have done just about every community event, and charitable work, that we would have done without the pandemic,” he added.

The Noon Club currently is joining with other clubs to collect food for the needy.

“We are about to kick off a huge food drive where we are partnering with other

“I am also kind of surprised — and

Rotary Clubs in Pitt County for the Bethel

very happy — we still have the same 87

Food Bank,” he said in march. The three

members. We are holding strong. I think that

Greenville clubs will participate in the food

is because the perceived value as a member

drive, as well as the Farmville and Ayden

is still there,” he said.

Clubs.

Walsh said they were able to do the Field of Honor, a few months later than originally

“So, we have been extremely active,” Walsh said.

planned, where 500 flags were placed at the

According to Greenville Morning Club

Town Common in honor of local heroes —

President Ina Rawlinson, their club is small

both living and dead.

but active.

They raised $10,000 through the effort,

“We have been meeting via Zoom every

which they plan to give away to 10 local

other Thursday morning at 7 a.m. Prior to

organizations.

that we had been meeting at the Biscuit and

“It was difficult for us to sell many flags

the Bean.

during the pandemic,” Walsh said. “The

“We used our grant funds to provide a

reason we were able to raise so much money

laptop to Community Crossroads Center,”

is we had a platinum sponsor — Greenville

she said. “This will help clients be able

Toyota. Thanks to their $10,000 donation,

to look for work and fill out employment

we are giving away all of that money to local

applications. It is also for children to use

charities.”

(for homework) who might have to spend a

The charities include the Center for Family

few nights there.

Violence Prevention, ReLeaf, N.C. Stop

“We also gave $500 to the center because

Human Trafficking, Sound Rivers, the Council

they are limited on the number of people

on Aging’s Meals on Wheels, Community

that can stay the night due to COVID-19,”

Crossroads Center, Hope of Glory Ministries,

she said. The money helped pay for a hotel

the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North

stay for a family.

Carolina, JOY Soup Kitchen, the Police Athletic League and the Salvation Army.

Walsh said they were also able to do “Shop with a Cop” before school began last year.

“We joined with the Noon Club to provide food during the pandemic last year; we provided grocery bags to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina;

“We met with about 26 financially

and provided school supplies to children,

challenged children from the Police Athletic

through to the Police Athletic League,”

League, and about a dozen police officers,

she said. “We also donated Teddy Bears

and took them shopping at J.C. Penney for

and Play-Doh to the TEDI BEAR Children’s

their school uniforms,” he said.

Advocacy Center.”

The Noon Club also held its annual

Other projects included joining with the

pancake breakfast in November, which

Noon Rotary to provide flags for the Field

Walsh said, raised thousands of dollars.

of Honor, ringing the Salvation Army bell

“We had to do it outside this year for the

8

Pitt Community College for continuing education nursing assistant students.

during the pandemic by at least seven.

“It has been a blessing just helping out in the community as we can,” she said. “Service above self — which is Rotary’s motto.”

About Rotary Rotary International is a network of more than 35,000 clubs with 1.2 million members around the globe who promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education and grow local economies.

The organization rallied in the 1970s to help largely eradicate polio and continues to focus on pockets where it still exists. Now, there are fewer than a dozen cases a year, worldwide.

Membership is open to all. Potential members are accepted by invitation.

Anyone can express interest in joining at www.rotary.org/en/get-involved/join.

All members are expected to attend meetings, be active and pay dues.

Following are local club meeting places and times (Most meetings currently are held online.)

• The Ayden Rotary Club: 6:30 p.m.

Thursdays at the Ayden Community Building, 548 Second St. ­• The Farmville Rotary Club: 6:30 p.m.

Tuesdays at Marabella Old World Pizza, 3750 S. Main St., Farmville. Call 717-3053.

• The Greenville Noon Rotary Club: noon Mondays at the Rotary Building, 809 Johnston St. • The Greenville Rotary Club: 6:20 p.m.

Mondays at the Rotary Building, 809 Johnston St. Call 355-2850.

• The Greenville Morning Rotary Club: 7 a.m. second and fourth Thursday at Biscuit and the Bean, 168 Beacon Drive, Winterville. Call 756-9843.

sat Christmas, collecting toys for Greenville Greenville: Life In The East

Spring 2021

On behalf of Greenville Morning Rotary Club, Mary Vincent (center) presents a check to Pitt Community College representatives in the amount of $400. Accepting on PCC’s behalf are, left to right: Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Development Services Tom Gould, Outreach Director Ernis Lee, Vice President of Human Resources Ina Rawlinson and PCC Foundation Executive Director Beth Sigmon. The check was presented to PCC in December of 2019.

Photo by Deborah Griffin The Noon Rotary and the Evening Rotary Clubs meet at the historic 100-year-old Rotary building at the corner of Johnston and Rotary Streets.

Members of the Greenville Noon Rotary Club ring bells for the Salvation Army in December, 2018

Photo by Stephanie McLean The Rotary Clubs of Greenville held its 10th Annual Golf Tournament in May of 2019.

In April 2020, members of the Greenville Noon and Morning Rotary Clubs participate in a food drive. Items collected benefited the Food Bank of Central & Eastern NC, Pitt County Senior Center and JOY Soup Kitchen.

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The Rotary Clubs of Greenville

President Stephen Walsh of the Greenville Noon Rotary, left, discusses painting the clubs 100-year-old building with Greenville Rotary member Hunt McKinnon. The building is being repainted this year after receiving a new roof last year.

P

O

I

N

of pride

T

At 100 year’s old, Greenville’s Rotary building is the first of its kind in the world — and members are working to maintain it for years to come

By Deborah Griffin

A

By Deborah Griffin

100-year-old historic gem,

the first building built “for sole purpose of

to E.T. Vinson, a recent past president of the

hidden in plain sight between

providing its members a convenient and

Greenville Rotary Club.

the campus of ECU and the

satisfying meeting place,” according to a “A

Rotary was founded in Chicago in 1905

Tar River, is wound within a

Brief History of the Greenville Rotary Club.”

“so professionals with diverse backgrounds

neighborhood that caters to both residents

The booklet written by Charles Sylvester

could exchange ideas and form meaningful,

Green states the building was erected

lifelong friendships,” according to rotary.org.

and dedicated within two years after the

The name “Rotary” reflected the practice

formation of the club in 1919.

of rotating where members met, usually

and college students.

Year-round, a stately, old brick structure, it has the distinction for being the first of its kind.

“It is the first club in the whole world to

various places of business.

The two-story Rotary Club Building, at the

have its own building. It is a very significant

But rotation did not appeal to the 22

corner of Rotary and Johnston Street, was

piece of property in Greenville,” according

founders of the Greenville Club. They wanted

Spring 2021

Greenville: Life In The East

13

a place to call their own instead of being

Walsh said they want to begin having

“subject to the vagaries of change in the

“hybrid” meetings for those not quite ready

place of meeting. The club met wherever it

to return in person after a year of meeting

could find a congenial roof and kind hands

by Zoom because of COVID-19.

the colors had to be approved by the Greenville Historic Commission.

“We have brought it back to what we think it was like,” added McKinnon, who

to prepare a meal — the basement of the

“We are equipping the building to meet in

is by trade an architect and teaches at the

Christian Church, The Memorial Baptist

person again, but we know there will be some

Oakwood School. “We don’t know exactly

Church, the Episcopal Church, in the new, but

who just won’t be comfortable yet meeting

what it was like, but we know the era. We’ve

then unoccupied store of John Horner and

in person. We don’t want to exclude them, so

brought it back to the colors that were in

Co., a corner in a noisy restaurant, or perhaps

we are going to begin doing hybrid meetings,

that era.

in a boarding house,” according to the book.

a combination of in-person, and being filmed

“We are trying to get it away from the

Early on, those men wanted a structure

live. We will have the faces of those members

modern look,” he continued, adding that

that are Zooming in on the big screen. They’ll

the windows (replaced many years ago) are

see us and we will see them,” he added.

completely modern. “In the long-term we

dedicated to their cause.

In the fall of 1920, six months after its organization, the club began raising “a neat

“Also, we always have a guest speaker

might replace those, but Rotary replaces

two-story brick building constructed at a

and there are times where the speaker has

things that are broken first. There is a lot of

cost of $20,000,” according to the book.

asked if we have internet — it’s kind of

need and we will afford the need as long as

“The home was well-equipped with a

embarrassing to say we don’t. Now, we will

money is available,” McKinnon continued.

dining room, kitchen, serving room, and

be able to proudly proclaim, ‘Yes, we have

“We first wanted to get the structure

storage space on the first floor, and the

WiFi,’” he said. “Our goal is no later than May

reliable. We would like to get the balcony

second floor was given wholly to a well-

to be set up for hybrid meetings.”

restored and do all the exterior repairs —

equipped gymnasium for the use of club

According to Hunt McKinnon, a member

then we are protected from the weather.

members and the Boy Scouts, who were

of the Greenville Rotary Club, the building

Then we can move inside and do other

permitted to use it without cost to them.”

has undergone several renovations lately,

things that are needed,” he added.

Seven years later, the building, located at

including a new roof (in 2020), at a cost of

Inside, photographs of past presidents

$30,000, along with structural repairs. This

from 100 years overlook the entrance and

“It did not take them long to raise the funds

year, the outside of the building will receive

wind throughout the dining hall. Each one is

and have the building built,” said Stephan

a new coat of paint, costing around $13,000.

black and white, even those from the more

809 Johnston St., was paid for in full.

Walsh, current president of the Greenville

“This building is very near and dear to

Noon Rotary Club, which meets in the building

our hearts,” added Walsh. “That is the kind

The dining room, filled with round tables

along with the Greenville Rotary Club.

of money most organizations would not be

and chairs, along with a head table, has not

able to write a check for.”

changed much over the years. At least two

“It is very rare,” Walsh continued. “We are the

recent decades.

oldest Rotary building that was built for a club.

A separate building fund members have

bricked fireplaces, no longer usable, give

“It was dedicated with appropriate

paid into for over 100 years certainly helped.

evidence to a time gone by. The kitchen,

ceremonies on March 14, 1921,” according to the book.

“And we have the numbers (of members)

behind double doors, is no longer used

to pull it off. We have around 89 members

for serving members, as the meals are all catered.

On March 14, Greenville Mayor P.J.

in each club. We also have the type of

Connelly wrote a proclamation and declared

membership, where, if a sudden thing

The upstairs, which was once used as

that “March 14 will henceforth be known as

happened, and the building fund was

a gymnasium, and at different times for

Rotary Day,” Walsh said.

cleaned out, they would just start writing

meetings of The Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts

Walsh said he found out recently theirs is

checks. They would make it happen. There

and Sea Scouts among other community

not the oldest structure that Rotarians own.

is a lot of love for this building and a lot of

gatherings, is now used for storage.

“I hear there is a castle in Scotland that was donated to Rotarians for their use, and they meet there. Of course, it is hundreds of

loyalty to Rotary,” Walsh added.

McKinnon said the renovations have been needed for a while.

years old, so they technically have the oldest

“It was a tremendous undertaking,” he said.

Rotary building — but we have the oldest one

“We are doing the painting sections at a time.

specifically built for Rotarians,” he added.

We are starting at the top and working our

This year, partly because of the

way down. We are going to be painting all of

pandemic, the building will be equipped

the woodwork that is directly under the roof,

with something founders could have never

which is a substantial paint job,” he added.

fathomed: WiFi.

14

Because of the building’s historic status, Greenville: Life In The East

Many of the windows have since been bricked in. Faint lines of the game of shuffleboard can be seen on the floorboards and an old oil heater sits abandoned, remnants of the past.

It is even rumored dances were held once in the upstairs.

With a new roof, and a new coat of paint, equipped with WiFi, the Rotary Club Building, will be ready for its next 100 years.

Spring 2021

President Stephen Walsh of the Greenville Noon Rotary, left, discusses paint color with Greenville Rotary member Hunt McKinnon while standing on the balcony of the second floor of the 100-year-old Rotary Club Building.

Inside the Building’s dining area, presidents’ faces from 100 years line the walls.

Specially selected colors had to be approved by the local Historic Commission to repaint the building.

Walsh stands at the entrance of the building.

Banners from Rotary Clubs from all over the world are lined up on the wall inside the 100-year-old Rotary Club Building. When a Rotarian visits another Rotary Club, they sometimes receive, as a gift, a banner from that Rotary Club, according to Walsh.

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Junior League of Greenville

Junior League of Greenville officers include from left: Ashley Van Liere, Becky Rooks, Demetria Ratte, front, Emma Hodson, Amy Becker, Lauren Thorn, middle, and Bethaney Ryals, Erika Taylor and Mary Craig Palmatary, back.

Kim Kazda and Amy Becker volunteered at the group’s Touch-A-Truck event at the Greenville Mall on Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Women’s club instills

leadership through community engagement Formed a decade ago, the group took a major step when it joined the Association of Junior Leagues International in 2017

By Ashley Slade

T

The Daily Reflector

he Junior League of Greenville

relationships formed through membership

Participants wear buttons with the

brings women together to

opened doors for her and helped her win a

phrase Ask Me Why I Wear Black. The goal

volunteer and lead in the

position as general counsel for Pitt County

is to spark conversation and awareness.

community.

Schools.

The organization this year also introduced

Initially the Junior Women’s Association,

“The opportunities that I had for leadership

a reusable tote bag for purchase with the

the group has been active since 2010.

and to develop skills in a safe space of other

slogan “This Bag Feeds Greenville.” Proceeds

In 2017, the local membership affiliated

women leaders really helped me rethink and

from sales and other efforts support local

with the Association of Junior Leagues

reprioritize my career,” she said.

feeding efforts.

International and became The Junior League of Greenville.

Locally and through the affiliation with

Touch a Truck, Big Night Out, Kids in the

AJLI, members have leadership training

Kitchen and Roast at the Rock are among

The group’s mission revolves around

opportunities and chances to carry them

initiatives the group organizes annually to

promoting voluntarism, developing the

out through participation in fundraising

support causes including the Food Bank

potential of women and improving the

and outreach projects such as the Little

of Central and Eastern North Carolina, The

community through effective action and

Black Dress Initiative, a social media-driven

Pitt County Council on Aging, Community

leadership of trained volunteers.

campaign to raise awareness about poverty

Crossroads Center, First Born Community

and its effects on women in society.

Center and other efforts.

“When I talk about the Junior League of Greenville, what I say to people is we are not

For a week each April, members wear

COVID-19 tested the group over the

really a service club. We are an organization

the same black dress or outfit to bring

last year, said President Erika Taylor, but

that helps women become engaged leaders

attention to hunger and food insecurities

members began to reimagine their activities.

through service,” said President-Elect Emma

in the Greenville community as well as

The league created a virtual fundraiser

Hodson.

the importance of physical activity and

called the Courage Over Comfort Race,

healthy eating habits.

which consisted of 5K, 10K to 1-mile fun

Hodson, who is an attorney, said skills and Spring 2021

Greenville: Life In The East

19

runs participants could do on their own and share on social media, Taylor said.

They partnered with 12 other Junior League groups across North Carolina and produced the first North Carolina Junior League Diversity Summit, which gives members the opportunity to hear from leaders in a variety of areas including health care and public policy.

Overall, members continued to have uplifting conversations to keep the group’s

About the League

The Junior League of Greenville welcomes women over 21 who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism regardless of race, religion or national origin. Criteria includes: • New member dues of $150.

• New members attend monthly membership meetings September through May. • New members contribute to and participate in league-sponsored training and events, engage in community volunteerism, and serve on various league committees throughout the year.

Member interest meetings are held each summer on the second Tuesday of August and new members are accepted through the end of August.

Learn more at https://jlgreenvillenc.org

momentum going, Taylor said.

“When we had first made a commitment to ourselves, to each other and our organization, we made it known that we are going to be courageous even when it is uncomfortable,” Taylor said. “And that has been a reoccurring theme for us: courage over comfort.”

The theme borrowed from Brene Brown’s bestseller “Dare To Lead” inspired members, Taylor said. “We continued to take a cultivated stance to keep each other uplifted and motivated by easing fears and opening up conversations. We didn’t mourn the past. We asked ourselves how are we going to make the best of our present and to make a better future.”

Junior League stands for diversity and empowerment, and its programs are geared toward helping women achieve their goals, Taylor said. “It’s all about knowing your worth and having a mindset of willpower. ... I wouldn’t be the person I am today or the leader I am today especially if it wasn’t for the Junior

File/The Daily Reflector Betsy Criscitiello, center, smiles after she cuts the ribbon and is applauded by Mayor Kandie Smith, left, and Anna Lodgemann, right, after the Junior League of Greenville joined the Association of Junior League International at the Hilton Wednesday, Sep. 13, 2017.

League. And I believe that is something that no one can take away from me and something that will remain with me forever.”

After a decade, the women involved with the league said the organization will continue to grow and do great things in Greenville. The goal is to expand in Pitt County and to other communities in the region.

“I don’t feel JLG is going to last for a long time, I know it is,” Taylor said. “We have a great network of sister Junior Leagues to lean on. We are going to continue to have a long-standing impact here in Pitt County.

And this is something that is going to be in the hearts and lives of our members forever.”

20

The Junior league donates $2,500 to the Medical Food Pantry, Nov. 13, 2019.

Greenville: Life In The East

Spring 2021

The Junior League hosts new member interest events like this social night at Tapped650 in Greenville, Aug. 11, 2020.

The league held its first S.W.E.A.T. Series class at Orangetheory Fitness Feb. 8, 2020.

A few Junior League members embracing “courage over comfort” as they step up for Service Saturday with Building Hope NC, Oct. 17, 2020

The Junior League board members pick up trash along Arlington Boulevard as part of their Adopt A Street program, June 27, 2020.

The Junior League’s Fall Special Meeting looked a little different in October 2020.

The Junior League participates in the Turkey Pack with First Born Food Distribution center. Members packed hundreds of Thanksgiving food boxes and distributed them to families in the area, Nov. 21, 2020

Spring 2021

Greenville: Life In The East

21

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Optimist Club of Greenville

Members of the Optimist Club of Greenville prepare Valentine’s Gift Bags for the children undergoing treatment at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at Vidant on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020.

Abbey Dunnigan, left, a senior at D.H. Conley High School, was the winner of the 2020 Spring Essay Contest. Optimist Club President Pamela Franks presented the award.

Pamela Franks, right, President of the Optimist Club of Greenville deliveres Valentine’s to the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at Vidant on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020.

Curtis Hardee recieves the President’s Award from Franks for his outstanding dedication and service, April 7, 2019.

Lou Anna Hardee, Christine Wilson and Beth Clem participate at the Greenville Oratorical Contest on Saturday, March 18.

24

Members served over a hundred girl golfers at the Greenville Country Club, April 6, 2019.

Greenville: Life In The East

Spring 2021

P

O

W

E

R

of positive Optimist Club is a friend to local youth

By Beyonca Mewborn

M

The Daily Reflector

embers say the Optimist

The contest offers participants a chance to

broaden what we do with the Boys and

Club is one of Greenville’s

win more than $20,000 in scholarships if they

Girls Homes’ Lake Waccamaw cottage and

best-kept secrets, but the

advance through regional and national levels.

the shelters at Elm Street Park.”

The Optimist Club of Greenville provides

The club now donates the proceeds from

The group has served Greenville and Pitt

secret needs to get out.

financial support to Pitt County Robotics,

the football concession to the Pitt County

County for 62 years, said Lou Anna Hardee,

the Optimist Little League team and the N.C.

Robotics teams through the Pitt County

the secretary-treasurer and past president.

Boys and Girls Home at Lake Waccamaw.

Schools Educational Foundation, Hardee

Chartered on March 30, 1959, the

Members also have supported the

said. The support helps the youth group

Optimist Club of Greenville was 30 local

community through Adopt-a-Street, respect

build and operate the robotics machinery in

businessmen coming together to serve

for law enforcement and first responder

competitions through the year, said Hardee.

the youth of the community; women were

programs and the Optimist International

Concessions sales were a good fit for

invited to join several years later.

Foundation.

Hardee, who ran stands at ball games

Their mission is to bring out the best in

Financial assistance is made possible

where her sons were playing sports in high

children by providing hope and a positive

through the club’s many fundraising activities

school, she said. “Even before they had any

vision.

including Christmas tree sales, fundraisers at

concession stands we operated one freely

Hardee has been a member since

Pizza Hut and Moe’s restaurants, yard sales,

out of the trunk of our car with drinks, snacks,

2005 and members have provided youth

barbeque chicken plate sales, the operation

bubblegum, and lollipops when we would go

opportunities in Junior Optimist Clubs,

of the football concessions at East Carolina

to see our son’s play, and it was open to all

essay contests, youth golf tournaments,

University and more.

the team members so that they could have a

youth in government week, bicycle safety,

“In the fall at the football concessions at

child seats safety checks and just recently

ECU, there is a booth that belongs to the

snack at break, or following the game.”

Hardee said when her sons graduated

their annual oratorical contest.

Optimist Club of Greenville,” said Hardee.

from high school that was the end of the

“It is a public speaking contest, and

“When they first built the stadium the

need for her and her husband to operate

students must prepare a presentation from

Optimist club was contracted to operate

concessions stands at school.

four to five minutes on a topic selected

the only concession stand that was there,

‘We had an invitation to join the Optimist

and assigned by Optimist International

and throughout the years we’ve maintained

Club and it seemed to fit what we have

Foundation,” said Hardee.

operations and we have been able to

already been doing all of our lives,” said

Spring 2021

Greenville: Life In The East

25

Hardee. “So we decided to join and little did I know all the things they did.”

She has since served as lieutenant governor of the district for three different years, the governor-elect and then the governor, “which I never dreamed that I would do,” said Hardee.

Hardee said that the pandemic has changed how the club operates. They still continue their work but it’s a mixed bag, she said.

“Well, when you’re looking at most members being in their 60s, 70s and 80s it has had a huge impact not only for the club in Greenville, but also for the district because we were meeting through November and then we decided not to meet,” said Hardee.

“Most of our people have already had the vaccine but we have some that are still practicing social distancing and staying at home because they are too concerned with being exposed.”

Hardee said that there are 18 members in the Optimists Club of Greenville and not all of them are equipped for the technology used during the pandemic.

“Some of our members don’t do Zoom or Teams and we’ve started virtual meetings,” said Hardee. “With the governor lessening restrictions we hope to resume meetings soon, but I’m thinking it will be at least May before we start looking at coming together as a group.”

The oratorical contest was held virtually and the club received compliments on the way that it was structured, said Hardee. “I did my best in securing everything in terms of judicial teams, and I set it up so that everybody could participate from home.”

“To be quite honest all the students are very familiar with virtual learning,” said Hardee. “With me being exposed to Teams and Zoom production, I felt it was something we could do without a problem.”

About the club The Greenville Optimist Club works to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.

The club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday at Parker’s Barbecue, 3109 S. Memorial Drive.

Visit www.greenvilleoptimist.org and facebook.com/greenvilleoptimists.

Club members are looking forward to when the pandemic is over and regular operations resume.

“We even tabled our $100 a Week for

inspiring respect for the law, promoting

20 Weeks raffle because we just don’t have

patriotism and work for international accord

“Well we hope to gain more members

the exposure and face-to-face contact with

and friendship among community life, and to

at some point and serve more youth in

people who would participate,” said Hardee.

aid and encourage the development of youth.

the community and we will probably

The overall purpose of the Optimist Club

“The Optimist Club of Greenville is

be conducting more fundraisers as the

of Greenville is to develop optimism as a

preparing for our district meeting in May,”

restaurants open up,” said Hardee. “You can’t

philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of

said Hardee. “We will be electing new officers,

go to Moe’s and fund-raise if they are only

the Optimist Creed by promoting an active

we’re always looking for new members to join

doing drive through and you can’t dine in.”

interest in good government and civic affairs,

us and inspire the youth in our community.

26

Greenville: Life In The East

Spring 2021

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Spring 2021

Greenville: Life In The East

27

Bill Hill receives the 2019-2020 Kiwanian of the Year award from University City Kiwanis President Don Leggett on Oct. 5, 2020.

ECU’s head football coach Mike Houston spoke at the second annual University City Kiwanis Great Golf Ball Drop before lunch, followed by the ball drop on May 9, 2019.

The University City Kiwanis participate in The annual Santa Project and share the magic of Christmas on Dec. 16, 2018.

The winners of the second annual University City Kiwanis Great Golf Ball Drop celebrate their victory on May 9, 2019. The event was held at the Brook Valley Country Club in conjunction with FCA’s Taylor Memorial Golf Classic. ECU head football coach Mike Houston spoke to the group before lunch, followed by the ball drop.

The Kiwanis Clubs of Greenville

hit, and everything at this time has been put on hold,” said Calvin Shearin, president.

The 1940s brought about The Kiwanis Club of Farmville, followed in 1961 by The Kiwanis Club of Winterville.

Two more groups emerged in the 1970s:

CLUBS HELP KIDS AROUND THE CORNER AND AROUND THE WORLD

The Kiwanis Clubs of Greenville-University City and Ayden-Grifton.

Greenville-University City, founded in 1972, is looking forward to celebrating its 50th birthday next year, said Bob Galbraith, president-elect.

The 1970s also marked the start-up of two Golden K clubs, which are specifically for retirees. The Kiwanis Club of Golden K, Greenville and The Kiwanis Club of Pitt Golden K, Greenville.

Chartered in 1975, Greenville Golden K was Kiwanis International’s first club for retirees in the world, according to Dorsey and fellow club member and past president Harold Jones.

The decade of the 1980s saw another first for Pitt County.

In this corner of the world, The Kiwanis Club of Greater Greenville, made up of 25 women at that time, was chartered in 1988, according to Joanne Honeycutt, president.

It was the first all-women’s club in Pitt County.

In fact, Honeycutt, a charter member of the club, said she believes that it was one of the

A century after the first club started in Greenville, nine are now active in the area

first all-women’s clubs —- if not the very first — in Kiwanis International.

“I was delighted to be a part of something that [was] being birthed, so to speak,” said Honeycutt, a retired educator.

Today “approximately one-third of all

By Karen Eckert

The Daily Reflector

Kiwanians are women and the percentage is increasing,” according to Kiwanis International.

K

The eight clubs in Pitt County, along with

iwanis club members think kids are terrific – and important.

mission.

“They are our future,” said

Neil Dorsey, member and past

president of The Kiwanis Club of Golden K, Greenville.

That emphasis on kids is reflected in Kiwanis International’s mission statement that describes the organization as “volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.”

Spring 2021

Pitt County has eight clubs to carry out that

a club in Washington that was established in 1947, make up Division 17 of the Carolinas District, according to Chris White, the district’s

History

2020-21 governor and member of The Kiwanis

The establishment of clubs happened

Club of Raleigh.

gradually over several decades, starting 100 years ago.

The Kiwanis Club of Greenville was founded in 1921, according to kiwanis.org.

“Our club is 100 years old. We were planning to have a celebration until the COVID Greenville: Life In The East

While The Kiwanis Club of Greater Greenville remains an all-women’s group today, the other clubs are made up of either all men or are co-ed, according to club leaders.

There are 200 Kiwanians on the rolls within the nine clubs, White said.

29

Helping Kids

of food insecurity, working with programs

retired teacher, coach and fitness trainer,

Members of Kwanis cite the mission of

that provide food to children who need it on

who was invited by church friends and

helping children as a primary reason they

weekends and holidays when they are not in

fellow golfers to attend The Kiwanis Club of

were drawn to the organization.

school, Dorsey said.

Greenville-University City.

The Kiwanis Club of Greenville-University

In past years The Kiwanis Club of Greater

Receiving a personal invitation from a

City raises funds for organizations such as

Greenville has supported the local children’s

friend to join Kiwanis is one way that people

the Ronald McDonald House, The Rocking

hospital and organizations that help women

can get involved, but it is not the only way,

Horse Ranch, Little League and girls softball,

who are victims of domestic violence,

Galbraith said.

Galbraith said.

Honeycutt said.

Other activities of Greenville-University

The Kiwanis Club of Greenville-University

City include sponsoring Christmas parties at

City sponsors six kids in Romania each year

the Boys & Girls Club, participating in Special

so they can attend a camp for children with

Olympics and ringing bells for the Salvation

severe health problems, Galbraith said.

Army during the holidays, Galbraith said.

The Kiwanis Club of Winterville has a

Each club sets its own program and activities, Dorsey said.

revolving griddle that they use for pancake suppers, the proceeds from which go to

Fellowship

supporting local schools, said Charles

In addition to serving others, Kiwanians like

Wilkerson III, president.

Many Kiwanis clubs grant scholarships to students in local high schools and colleges.

socializing with their fellow members.

In Greenville Golden K, Dorsey, a retired correctional administrator, said he enjoys

Among the clubs granting scholarships each

gathering with the other 25-30 members,

year are The Kiwanis Club of Ayden-Grifton

which include retirees from various walks of

to students at Ayden-Grifton High School,

life.

according to Bruce Gray, past president and a retired principal of Ayden-Grifton.

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Greenville awards three scholarships each year to young women in Pitt County public schools

Jones, a retired ECU music professor in that same club, leads members in singing at their meetings.

Meetings often include a program with a speaker.

who are seniors planning to attend East

Dorsey said he has enjoyed presentations

Carolina University or Pitt Community College,

by the American Red Cross and the North

according to Honeycutt.

Carolina Guardian ad Litem program, as well

Greenville Golden K gives a scholarship each year to a student in the automotive program at Pitt Community College, Dorsey said.

as coaches from ECU. Over the last year, because of the pandemic, the clubs have had to alter the frequency and

Pitt Golden K grants scholarships to nursing

location of their meetings as well as some of

students at Pitt Community College and East

their usual activities, but they are looking

Carolina University, said Bill Newill, a retired

forward to getting back on track, leaders said.

newspaper editor who is president of that club.

Dorsey said that his particular group hopes

Kiwanis supports students in the early

to resume in-person meetings in the next few

grades too.

One of the most well-known Kiwanis programs is The Terrific Kids.

months.

A few clubs, especially the smaller ones, have already been able to meet in person,

Greenville Golden K has contributed

following protocols such as wearing masks

bicycles in past years to two elementary

and maintaining social distance, leaders said.

schools, Elmhurst and Eastern, Dorsey said.

The bikes are given to the Terrific Boy and Girl of the Year, he said.

Kiwanians also reach beyond school walls to help children.

Greenville Golden K addresses the problem

30

Getting Involved Dorsey got involved with Greenville Golden K when he was invited by friends from church, he said.

The same was true for Bob Galbraith, a Greenville: Life In The East

Local clubs need and welcome new members, leaders said.

“The more you put in (to Kiwanis), the more you get out of it,” Wilkerson said.

“When you see what good is done in the community, it gives you a good feeling.”

For more information visit kiwanis.org.

KIWANIS CLUBS Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Following are local clubs.

Ayden-Grifton

Meets 6 p.m., Tuesdays, Bum’s Restaurant Contact: Phyllis Ross, president, 413-9187; Bruce Gray, past president, 714-5031

Farmville

Meets noon Tuesdays Farmville Golf and Country Club Contact: Randy Corbitt, president, 916-9914

Golden K Greenville

Meets 10 a.m., Tuesday, Masonic Temple Contact: Neil Dorsey, member and past president, 367-8310

Greater Greenville

Meets noon, first, second and third Wednesday, Brook Valley Country Club Contact: Joanne Honeycutt, president, 756-5432

Greenville

Meets noon Tuesdays, GK Cafe Contact: J. Calvin Shearin, president, 756-8888

Greenville-University City

Meets noon Mondays, Greenville Country Club Contact: Bob Galbraith, president-elect, 864-1511

Pitt Golden K

Meets 10 a.m., second and fourth Wednesday, The Seahorse Restaurant Contact: Bill Newill, president, wnewill@hotmail.com

Washington

Meets at King Chicken Restaurant, Washington Contact: Bobby Roberson, president

Winterville

Meets 7 p.m., first and third Thursday, IORM Building, 236 Main St. Contact: Charles Wilkerson III, president, 916-6088 Spring 2021

CIVIC MINDED Pitt County is dotted with a variety of civic clubs, many that have supported their communities for decades.

The Winterville Ruritan Club

recently

celebrated 81 years of service. Members have a history of service projects, from picking up trash along the highways to providing scholarships for students of need.

The club meets the second Tuesday of each month at their building in Winterville at the corner of Sylvania and Church Street across from A.G. Cox Middle School.

The building was purchased from Pitt County Schools in the early 70s and was first used as a church, then by the school for band and a classroom, the Boy Scout meeting place, and the first location for the local Winterville Historical Society.

The president is Keith Knox and the longest serving member is Treasurer Leck Keeter. Tony Moore is the secretary.

The group welcomes new members. Call 321-6700.

The Winterville Civitan Club

supports

a variety of local nonprofit agencies like the Ronald McDonald House, they adopt a family at Christmas and conduct service projects and fundraising, although the pandemic has postponed most work. The club currently meets by Zoom at 6 p.m. on the third Monday. Otherwise meetings are at Winterville Free Will Baptist Church, 489 Cooper St. Call Secretary-Treasurer Barbara White at 364-1779.

TRADE YOUR JOB FOR A CAREER!

Lions: The county is home to three Lion’s Clubs that

n

are part of Lions International, a service organization

n

with roots in support for the blind and visually impaired that supports leadership development, volunteerism

n

and local causes.

The Host Lions Club in Greenville meets at 6 p.m. on the second, fourth and fifth Monday of the month at RepExpress, 400 St. Andrews Drive.

Farmville Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on

n

n

n

Serving over 11,700 curriculum students each year Serving over 6700 continuing education students each year

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the second and fourth Tuesday at the Dixie Queen Restaurant, 9157 W. Marlboro Road

The Grifton Lions Club meets the 7 p.m. on the first and third Monday at the Grifton Civic Center, 437 Creek Shore Drive.

Spring 2021

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT PITTCC.EDU

Greenville: Life In The East

31

JAYCEES (Junior Chamber of Commerce), of Greenville

Photos by Aaron Hines The Greenville Jaycees along with the City of Greenville hosted their first ever New Years Eve Celebration at the Greenville Town Common on Dec. 31, 2019. The event featured the debut of the emerald drop countdown, live music, fireworks, a photo booth, snacks, drinks, and more.

In J A Y C E E Spirit Small but dedicated group hosts some of Greenville’s signature events

J

By Donna Davis

The Daily Reflector

essica Jenkins doesn’ t sign

out the “fun” in fundraising for the whole

our community,” Amy Moore said. “The

her communications with the

community.

Greenville Jaycees are always encouraging

traditional “Sincerely,” or “Best

“My favorite event, thus far, was the New

me to be the best me.”

regards.” Instead, the chapter

Year’s Eve Emerald Drop at the beginning

Jessica Jenkins joined the group because

president of the Greenville Jaycees

of 2020,” said Melinda Sampson, one of

she was looking for personal growth and a way

closes with simply, “In Jaycee Spirit.” And

the group’s vice presidents. The event at

to become more involved in her community. “I

the three words manage to convey a lot,

the Town Common was the city’s first public

always felt that a member of the community

from the spirited events the organization

New Year’s Eve celebration that featured a

should find a way to be involved in that

produces to the motivation behind them.

lighted emerald that dropped during the

community, but I didn’t know how to go about

countdown to 2020.

that until I found the Jaycees,” she said.

The name “Jaycee” stands for “Junior Chamber of Commerce.” The group

“The Emerald Drop was creative and

Bill Schroeder has been involved in

of young civic-minded adults ages

a strong community-building event. The

organizing the Christmas parade for five

21 to 40 is a leadership development

band (The Dickens Band) was wonderful,

years. “I love being able to make the

organization that is well known for

the environment was festive and that event

Christmas season a little more fun for

supporting burn victims through the

did bring in the new year with a feeling

Greenville and it’s just such a fun event,” he

North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center. But

of incredible possibilities. Little did we

said. “I even started wearing an elf outfit for

they’re equally recognized for sponsoring

know that the pandemic would hit shortly

the parade and I always get a lot of smiles

festive community events, like the annual

afterwards.” Proceeds from the Emerald

and great interaction with the children

Christmas parade. While their mission is

Drop benefited the Third Street Academy.

participating in or watching the parade.”

to be a “force of good” with an end-goal

“My husband and I joined the Jaycees

Of course, putting on a parade during a

to raise funds for nonprofits, they bring

to meet new people and get involved in

pandemic is marching to a whole new tune.

Spring 2021

Greenville: Life In The East

33

“We feel very fortunate that we were able to work with the City of Greenville to put on the reverse Christmas Parade in 2020,” said Jenkins. “I, personally, was very grateful that we were able to give that to our community and the children especially. It was such a hard year, it was nice to be able to end it on such a high note.”

Jenkins’ favorite Jaycees event was the Back to School Brewery Bonanza. “We put it on around the time East Carolina University was going back into session the fall of 2019,”

Photo by Aaron Hines The City of Greenville, and the Greenville Jaycees donate $6500 to the Third Street Education Center, Jan. 22, 2020. This money was raised from the New Years Eve Celebration that took place on December, 31st, 2019.

she said. “It was held in Five Points Plaza, gave back to the Humane Society of Eastern North Carolina and was a collection of local breweries, some food vendors and local craftsmen.” The Back to School event was one that had to be canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, but they are hopeful for 2021.

Five years ago, the Council on Aging’s Executive Director, Rich Zeck, approached the Greenville Jaycees and asked if they would be a partner in helping to raise funds to feed homebound, hungry seniors.

That led to their sponsorship of the annual Oktoberfest event that raises funds for the

Jaycee members gathered donations for the TEDI BEAR Children’s Advocacy Center, Dec. 8, 2020.

home-delivered meals program, known as Meals on Wheels, to those who have been on the waiting for weeks and months “Over the years, some of the names and faces of the Jaycees have changed but their heartfelt commitment to feeding seniors has not,” Zeck said. “Whether the Jaycees are flipping brats or scooping sauerkraut, their volunteering spirit inspires others to get involved in finding ways to serve our seniors. Without the Jaycees involvement, the waiting list might be over 250 lonely, isolated, hungry seniors waiting to be fed.”

Jenkins acknowledges that 2020 was a challenging year for the chapter. While

The group supports the Oktoberfest at the Pitt County Senior Center.

About the Jaycees

they were able to adapt to virtual meetings,

The Greenville Jaycees is a local chapter of the North Carolina Jaycees

the group was unable to host most of the

Requirements: Ages 21 to 40

planned events. “We missed out on the last three quarters of the year so we were not only unable to raise funds to benefit the community that we had planned on, but we also missed out on membership recruitment socials,” she said. “We need new members more than anything else as we have many members who are getting ready to age out.”

34

Mission:

Professional, community-minded men and women who wish to enrich their own lives while also giving back to their community.

To provide development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. Locally, the chapter determines community needs and provides solutions by planning and facilitating community service projects.

Members: 18. Nationally there are

Meetings: Open membership meetings

Demographics:

6,000 clubs and nearly 300,000 members

Greenville: Life In The East

are second Tuesday of the month at Pitt Street Brewing Company at 6:30 p.m.

Spring 2021

Jaycee Events Activities sponsored by the group include: • Donation Drive for Ruth’s House in Washington, with drop-off location at Great Harvest Bread Company.

• Squawk and Squeal: Shuck ‘N Pluck has been rebranded this year and instead of oysters will have BBQ pork and chicken plates on May 15. The event benefits Third Street School and plate pickup is there.

• Back to School Brewery Bonanza in August benefiting the Humane Society of Eastern NC. • Oktoberfest at the end of September, partnering with the Council on Aging.

• Greenville Jaycees Christmas Parade.

• Emerald Drop with the City of Greenville on New Year’s Eve.

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Greenville: Life In The East

35

Bachelor Benedict Twentieth Century Social Club, INC. of Greenville

James Fleming Secretary of the Bachelor Benedict Twentieth Century Social Club of Greenville

Members of the Bachelor-Benedict and Twentieth Century Club with their honorees at the club’s 2018 spring gala, from left, Jimmye L. Jones, Wendy Hazelton, Willie L. Moore, Kandie Smith, Johnny W. Mitchell, Mary Blount Williams, John Stevenson, Mary Perkins Williams, Raymond Reddrick, Rose Glover, Julius Jones, Ann Huggins, Zack Reddick, Mildred Council and Ernis Lee.

Bachelor Benedict Club in the 70s

The Bachelor-Benedict and Twentieth Century Clubs host galas to honor local dignitaries as fundraisers. COVID-19 dramatically hindered fundraising opportunities.

Members of the Bachelor-Benedict and Twentieth Century clubs line up as part of a salute to educator Lucille Gorham, whom the clubs honored in 2016.

PILLARS

of the

COMMUNITY Clubs that opened doors in the black community now struggling to keep their doors open

B

By Kim Grizzard

The Daily Reflector

eing barred from movie

sort, so they formed social clubs in order to

theaters and other social and

get together.”

and married men.

Like Barnhill, who moved to Charlotte and

entertainment venues did not

He estimates that there were more than

went on to represent Mecklenburg County

begin with shutdowns during the

half a dozen such clubs in Pitt County in

in the state House of Representatives,

coronavirus pandemic. In the early days of

their heyday, though only two remain.

members were prominent residents of

the 20th century, such doors were routinely

For their survival, Bachelor-Benedict and

the local black community. The club roster

closed to members of the black community.

Twentieth Century Club, chartered in 1945,

once included people such as physician

merged more than a decade ago.

and humanitarian Dr. Andrew Best and

That is one of the key reasons for the opening of the Bachelor-Benedict Club,

The name Bachelor-Benedict is not

John Bizzelle, the first African-American

which is celebrating 80 years in Greenville.

unique to Greenville; it has been used for

appointed to the Greenville City Board of

From the time it was chartered in 1941 as a

more than a century by several well-known

Education. Educator Raymond Reddrick,

social club until today, the organization has

organizations in other parts of the country.

who served on the Pitt Community College

served not only as a chance for camaraderie

A similar club in Indiana that became a

Board of Trustees for more than 30 years,

but a channel for civic and community

premiere African-American organization in

remains a member today, as does Dennis

involvement for black men.

the Midwest traces its roots to 1902. The

Chestnut, one of the first black students and professors at East Carolina University.

Club president Jimmye Jones was too

Bachelor-Benedict Club of Washington, D.C.,

young to remember its founding, although

which counts politicians, judges, government

“They were sort of a distinguished bunch

the Vietnam veteran has heard the story

officials, university and college presidents

of gentlemen,” said Jones, who was part

many times from members of the World

among its 141 members, began in 1910.

of the Twentieth Century Club before the

War II generation. Although these men had

Although the Greenville club does

merger. “The Twentieth Century Club was

risked their lives in foreign lands alongside

not have a national affiliation, one of its

formed just about the same time, but

their white counterparts, they were coming

founding members, the late Howard Barnhill,

the Bachelors were more educated. The

back to find that little had changed on the

is said to have attended the Bachelor-

Bachelors had a lot of people with degrees

home front in terms of equality.

Benedict Social Club of Norfolk, Va., which

and had a lot of entrepreneurs.”

“When they came home from the Second

was organized and founded in 1922.

Twentieth Century Club membership

World War, integration didn’t happen before

“I think that’s how we got the name,”

included more working-class individuals,

the ‘60s, so there was no place to go on the

John Stevenson of New Bern, a member

employed by area factories, said Jones, who

weekends,” Jones, 82, said. “They couldn’t

since 1985, said of the club, whose name

worked for Procter & Gamble after more

go to the movies downtown, nothing of that

reflects its membership of both unmarried

than two decades in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Spring 2021

Greenville: Life In The East

37

He recalled that the Bachelor-Benedict

shared food from their potluck gatherings with

Bern nearly 20 years ago. Because several

Club’s annual New Year’s Eve party was

the local homeless shelter and soup kitchen.

members no longer drive, those who do

a formal, not-to-be-missed event, where

The club sponsored college scholarships

provide a shuttle service of sorts to get

members wore tuxedos with tails.

“People worked to get invited to that,” he said, laughing. “If you weren’t invited to their New Year’s dance, you were considered a nothing in Greenville.”

for high school seniors and provided financial support for younger students at Third Street Academy.

Through the years, Bachelor-Benedict

others and from meetings.

“It’s a lifetime membership and a lifetime friendship,” Stevenson said. “… You do what you have to do.”

hosted financial planning sessions, political

The decline in membership has also meant

Stevenson remembers Bachelor-

forums and job fairs. It also has rented its

the end of some of the club’s longtime

Benedict being a somewhat exclusive

707 Wyatt St. location for wedding rehearsal

projects. Due to financial constraints, the

club, with potential members having to sit

dinners, family reunions and baby showers.

organization no longer awards scholarships.

for interviews and membership inquiries

“We’ve always been a mix of social-civic

Closures associated with COVID-19 cost

coming from people in Jacksonville,

orientation,” said Chestnut, 73, who joined

the group a year’s worth of rental income

Wilson and Rocky Mount. In the early days,

in 1977. “To me it has always been a matter

and forced the cancellation of last year’s

organizers maintained a cap on membership.

of pride in the African-American community

spring gala, which, in the past has honored

“Everybody wanted to b a part of that

that we had something. We could say, ‘We

such leaders as Reddrick, educator Lucille

have this building.’”

Gorham, Judge Wendy Hazelton, N.C. Rep.

club,” he said. “That was the club in Pitt County, in the eastern region. Everybody knows the Bachelor-Benedict.”

Stevenson, a Kinston native, had never heard of the club before he moved to Greenville from Chicago in 1983. A banking executive who had been affiliated with Jesse Jackson’s PUSH (People United to Save Humanity) organization in Chicago, he was pleased to learn that Greenville’s club shared not only a name but a mission BachelorBenedict clubs in other parts of the country:

But as its membership aged, Bachelor-

About the clubs The Bachelor-Benedict and Twentieth Century Social Clubs were formed to further the cultural enrichment of the members, their families, their respective communities, equal rights and social involvement. The clubs are located at 707 Wyatt St. Call 756-2096 for more information.

striving to promote a social atmosphere that

Kandie Smith, Pitt County Board of Education representative Mary Blount Williams, Pitt County Commissioners Mary Perkins Williams and Ann Huggins and City Council members Rose Glover and Mildred Council.

March marked the club’s first meeting in a year.

“We’re down to about 12 members now,” Stevenson said. “That’s barren, so that’s kind of hard on us.”

Ironically, it appears that a club that was formed to provide something for its

united members to help the underserved.

Benedict had to confront the same

members to do is now fading away because

Members banded together to contribute to

challenge as many other organizations face:

those opportunities are too numerous.

causes and effect change in their community.

The younger generation, as a whole, is less

“I guess it’s your upbringing,” Stevenson

interested in civic participation.

“People have more things to do now, more places to go,” Chestnut said. “Now

said. “I look back at how I was raised in Kinston.

“The youngest person we’ve got is maybe

I was raised, of course, by my parents, but I

50,” Jones said. “We just can’t get them to join.”

we’ve got so much entertainment.”

Still, members believe that for all that

was raised by the community. You listened to

With a dwindling membership and a

the younger generation has gained, there is

the adults in your community, at that time. …

building to maintain, Bachelor-Benedict

something the clubs provided that people

You’ve got to be a community first.”

made the decision to unite with the

are missing today.

While the Bachelor-Benedict raised

Twentieth Century Social Club, which also

“They miss the transmission of wisdom,”

money to purchase land and construct

had experienced a membership decline.

Chestnut said. “They just don’t get it

its own building, the club also helped to

The move provided the Twentieth Century

because they’re not fellowshipping. Sharing

support other organizations. It purchased

Club with its first-ever fixed meeting place;

wisdom, sharing knowledge, they’re totally

the first football uniforms for what was

the organization had mostly met in people’s

missing that. Part of that sharing wisdom and

then C.M. Eppes High School. (The Twentieth

homes for decades. For the Bachelor-

knowledge also has to do with citizenship.”

Century Club spearheaded a drive that

Benedict Club, it provided a larger dues-

raised funds to build the J.H. Rose High

paying membership to help pay to repair

School football facility.)

and remodel the club.

Jones agreed.

“I think they miss out on a feeling of contributing and being a part of

Club members and their wives, who called

Stevenson, one of about a half dozen

(something),” he said. “They miss out on the

themselves the Benedict-ettes, helped

members remaining at the time of the

community involvement. The donations to

prepare lunches for students before there

merger, has been making an hourlong

make your community, your neighborhood,

was a cafeteria at Fleming Street School. They

drive to meetings since he retired to New

your city a better place to live.”

38

Greenville: Life In The East

Spring 2021

Spring 2021

Greenville: Life In The East

39

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