Christmas Cheer, Thanks for a Great Year—

Weldon In Action (WIA) celebrated its volunteers and donors at Weldon Mills Distillery on Saturday, December 20 to the music of Jolly Manning and abundant and creative refreshments by Gettin’ Sauced in the City.

Montre Freeman, Weldon’s new Town Administrator, was the featured speaker at the party. He discussed the promise of Weldon’s continued development and mentioned the possibility of a new strategic plan to guide future activities.

Dr. Jennifer Jones and McDonald Scott received awards for their role in and support of Weldon In Action meetings and events. Notable was their leadership in designing and implementing the involvement of Halifax Community College in the premiere of The Current of Time: An Oral History of Weldon on November 1, 2025.

Andy Whitby, well-known Weldon businessman and regional Santa Claus, was recognized for his imaginative creation of Lights In the Night, a Christmas light festival beginning on November 22, 2025. The downtown park area is lighted every night until January 6 with Christmas creatures, trees, and exhibits.

Dale Fredericksen was named WIA Volunteer of the Year for her dedicated and continual service in each of ten events. Additionally, she provides assistance to Halifax County Library and the Underground Railroad.

Donors who have provided support since the Weldon In Action’s beginning in July 2021, were recognized for their significant contributions: Judith Carroll Gardner of Raleigh and former resident; Bruce Tyler of Weldon Mills; and the Town of Weldon. Reverend John Smith, who served on the Town Council in 2021 accepted the award on behalf of the Town.

Special recognition went to the Weldon High School Class of ’73 for its support of the Ralph J. Bunche park. It pledged $10,000 which enabled Weldon In Action to qualify for a grant from the Cannon Foundation for the construction of the first phase of the park. The donor of the year was Bernard Kyle, of New York City and brother of Reverend Francis Kyle, who was killed in a traffic accident a year ago. Mr. Kyle has supported the Irvin Francis Kyle III Speaker series, the premiere of oral history documentary on November 1, and the Ralph J. Bunche park.

Myra Belgreat, who worked with Weldon In Action this year in coordinating events, was presented with a Christmas gift basket by Ms. Santa. Her service was supported by Resourceful Communities, represented by Ms. Olivia Percoco.

Weldon In Action is grateful for the support of its volunteers and donors, without whom it could not sponsor activities and projects to contribute to the improvement of Weldon and its future. WIA depends upon the generosity of volunteers and donors who give of their time, talent, and treasure.

Support us in our Mission:
Through projects and events, we will encourage community engagement, assist in economic development, and create accessible public gathering places to honor our rich history and inspire the future.

Happy New Year!

Alice Joyner Irby, President

January 2026