Genealogical Society

Scottish historian, researcher and author Dr. David Dobson will speak at the Moore County Genealogical Society meeting on Sunday, March 21.

The meeting will begin at 3 p.m., at Bethesda Presbyterian Church, 1002 N. Sandhills Blvd., (U.S. 1), Aberdeen. Enter through the white double doors at the back of the church.

Dobson is one of the top scholars of the Scottish emigration to North America and the author of several books. His published works have been revered by historians and genealogists alike.

A native of Carnoustie, Fife, he taught economics and business studies at Madras College, University of St. Andrews, and later was on staff of the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies at King’s College, Aberdeen, Scotland. He remains an honorary research fellow at the University of St. Andrews, and an Honorary Post Doctoral Fellow at Edinburgh University. He currently resides in St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland.

Dobson’s topic will be Scots in the Americas before 1700.

Visitors are welcome.

For more information on this special meeting, or on other Moore County Genealogical Society events, contact njones04@windstream.net or call (910) 369-2994 or (910) 947-2689.

Women of Weymouth

Gran’Daddy Junebug will entertain at the Women of Weymouth meeting on March 15.

The character is portrayed by Mitch Capel, who was born and raised in Southern Pines and was introduced to the world of storytelling at a very early age by his parents and grandparents. His grandmother, Elnora Leak Capel, read “A Cabin Tale” from the “Life and Works of Paul Laurence Dunbar” to him when he was 3 years old. The rhythm of the story and the genius of Dunbar was planted like a seed.

Capel and his brothers were encouraged by their parents to memorize the works of great poets to recite at church and civic events. It wasn’t until he had finished college, moved back home and started working with his father in the family business that Dunbar would re-enter his life.

His father, Felton Capel, shared stories of his youth and “creek talk” (a term used to describe the dialect of his hometown of Windblow), and he gave Capel the same Dunbar book that had been used by his grandmother. He studied the book over the next seven years, examining every word, every nuance, every moral and every intention of the author, memorizing it and reading the story to his kids. Telling the story one day to a friend, he was invited to recite it at a banquet where there were teachers in attendance who subsequently invited him to their schools.

Thus the seed that was planted 27 years earlier was being nourished and he developed the character Gran’Daddy Junebug, a tribute to his own grandfathers, who passed away when he was young.

Capel is now one of the most sought after entertainers in the world. He is a story teller, recording artist, poet, actor and author who has been bringing stories to life and delighting audiences throughout the United States with his warmth, wit and compelling storytelling style since 1985. He is considered the “national interpreter” of poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906).

He continues his family tradition of preserving culture and teaching through stories which teach personal responsibility and respect for self and others. His stories leave the audience with ancient wisdom, cultural knowledge of cooperation and collective responsibility as well as the importance of community, shared goals, empathy and always striving for excellence. Capel has received numerous awards for Artist of the Year from many national organizations. He has produced award winning storytelling cassettes, compact discs and published a motivational children’s book “The Jealous Farmer.” He has stage credits for “Driving Miss Daisy” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Capel is married to the former Patricia Peek since 1980 and has two sons. His hobbies included collecting works of Dunbar, writing, landscaping and collecting art. He is also an avid golfer.

“I am so thrilled to have been able to have Mitch come to Weymouth, and I am looking forward to his stories,” says Donna May, program chair. “It will be a wonderful program, and I invite guests to come.”

The WOW morning begins with coffee at 9:30 a.m. followed by the business meeting at 10 a.m. and the program.

Coin Club

The Moore Numismatic Association Coin Club will meet at 7 p.m., Wednesday, March 17, at the Aberdeen Fire Station, U.S. 1. The meeting was moved to this day for the month of March only.

The March meeting will finalize plans for a local two-day public coin show with a number of dealers Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2, at the Morganton Road Armory. A drawing for prizes will be held during the show.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Meetings consist of coin news and events, member presentations and discussions, and a coin raffle and auction.

Club membership is $15 per year, $6 for those 17 and under.

“New members are always welcome,” says Paul Brill, secretary-treasurer. “Interested people, beginners and advanced collectors are encouraged to visit and join the club.”

Call Brill at (910) 638-4542 for more information.

Sandhills CWC

“Finding Peace Despite Life’s Many Challenges” is the March theme for the Sandhills CWC monthly luncheon at noon on Thursday, March 18, at National Golf Club.

The vocalist will be Miss Greater Sandhills 2010, Emmy McLean, and the guest speaker will be Shirley Ryder.

McLean will present an interesting and informative program on skin care and will also share her vocal talents.

Shirley Ryder is from Front Royal, Va . She will share with us how she learned to enjoy peace despite the many challenges of life.

Sandhills women and their guests are welcome to attend the luncheon held at the National Golf Club in Pinehurst from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Call Joan at (910) 673-5146 or Anne at (910) 215-0074 to make reservations.

“Be sure to let us know if you will be taking advantage of our free nursery,” says a spokesman.

The cost of the luncheon is $13, all inclusive. A courtesy call is requested no later than Tuesday, March 16.