Marathon Jam is a non-profit, founded by John Santa of Reidsville, NC in 2009. The primary goal of The Marathon Jam gather and make music for 10 -12 hours straight in efforts to raise money for support of the Fort Bragg and Camp Lejeune Fisher Houses. These Fisher Houses are wonderful “comfort homes” where families can stay at no cost while a military loved one is receiving medical treatment.
The Marathon Jam’s, motto is: Curatus Per Musica (Healing Through Music) seeks to unite a diverse group of creative people and mobilize them to use their talents to raise money and preform outreach to improve the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for us.
Those who make the marathon and play for its entirety (10-hours) will be noted as IRON PICKERS and receive special recognition, as well as a cool T-shirt to commemorate the occasion. Several local veterans and first responders will be wrapped in a patriotic Quilt of Honor at the event . . . donated by IRON QUILTERS.
Our goal is to raise $5000 for this cause. Come out with friends and family to listen, play, and support our veterans. BBQ will be provided for musicians and hotdogs on sale for spectators. Hope to see you there!
Another debut during November will be the 1st Annual (print edition) of the library’s Veterans History Project. Harry Truman once said, “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices.”
Library staff and community volunteers have been busy creating a digital archive that is searchable by branch, campaign and names of individual veterans. This includes stories, interviews, photos, and memorabilia, along with documentation of special events and veteran organizations (Mission 22, VFW and Auxiliary, Marine Corps, DAR, Memorial Day, etc. . . .) You can find the archive on the library’s website and visit it often to read new stories as they are added. The Wilkes County Public Library Veterans History Project is always looking for additional stories. If you have a story from your family, or are a veteran from Wilkes county, living in Wilkes county, or connected to Wilkes County, then we want to hear from you. If you are interested in volunteering to help with preservation of these important stories, please call: 336.838.2818 x241
The first print edition will be released in November for Veterans Day, and all participants will receive complimentary copies of this keepsake book to share with family and friends. Books will also be placed in school libraries, community college library, county libraries, and assisted living facilities. Our hopes are to release an annual edition each year in honor of Veterans Day.
A BIG thank you goes out to the Friends of Wilkes Library and Town of North Wilkesboro for their support of this project. Funding for publishing was made available through the State Library LSTA (Library Science Technology Act) grant award.
The library is currently collecting “Thank –a-Vet” cards and has a card making station in the children’s department at the library. Drop by and leave a thank-you note. These will be distributed at the next VFW Veterans Coffee Call (9:00 a.m. on 11/8) and to veterans in our local assisted living facilities.
Library story walks will feature books in honor of veterans during the month of November. At Fish Dam Creek Park - The Wall by, Eve Bunting (recommended for ages 4-8) tells the story of a young boy who travels to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with his father to seek out his grandfather’s name. In downtown North Wilkesboro – The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by, Barbara E. Walsh introduces the history of how a Georgia schoolteacher established a red poppy as the symbol to honor and remember soldiers returning from World War I.
Other Complimentary programs include:
WWII Historian, Laura Bailey, visits on Nov 9 at 1:30 p.m. to share a presentation telling about Wilkes County’s response and involvement in the war. She will be bringing along artifacts for a show-and-tell demonstration.
The Talking Service Book Club meets every 2nd Friday in the library at 10:00 . . . in November the library is closed on the second Friday (November 11) for Veterans Day. The next TSBC meeting will be held on November 10, at 10:00 a.m. in VFW Post 1142 and all are invited to come out for a special S.O.S. Brunch (politely known as Hamburger Gravy on Toast). Our veterans have been reminiscing on this favorite meal, a staple to their diet, while in boot camp and in deployment.
On the evening of November 10, at 6:30 p.m., the library welcomes author Eric Groce to share his book; The Canteen: Sacrifice and Community during WWII (copies of the book will be on sale)
(from the publisher: Arcadia Children’s Books) . . . “With historical photos and impeccable storytelling, this extraordinary book chronicles an astonishing moment in American history. Starting Christmas Day, 1941, when transport trains on the Union Pacific Railroad stopped in North Platte to refill their water tanks, the local families of North Platte, Nebraska, came together to provide love, support, food, and morale to young soldiers involved in World War II—black and white—who briefly passed through their town. Troops poured into the North Platte Depot, "The Canteen," to find home cooked meals, birthday cakes, hot coffee, cold milk, magazines, postcards, and the warmth of a grateful and loving community. The stops lasted only ten minutes, but the people of North Platte made sure that everyone in their midst was taken care of. This remarkable story will inspire readers of all ages, as The Canteen nourishes all who have the privilege to visit.”
Following Veterans Day, on November 12, “The Crooked Road Ramblers,” will be entertaining at 2:00 p.m. in the Heritage Museum. Come out to hear some traditional music and dance to “Soldier’s Joy” . . . in partnership with Wilkes Heritage Museum, Wilkes Art Gallery, and North Carolina Arts Council.