JeffThigpen.com

Michelle and I had a great dinner with my sister Julie and husband Anthony Brown at a new restaurant in Wilmington. Julie is a hostess there and I was anxious to check it out to challenge her enthusiasm.  Wow. I was wrong. Rafaella’s was worth the trip.

Several observations. 1) Clean, great lighting, and atmosphere was comfortable; 2) Service was excellent; 3) Appetizers and Main Course was awesome; 4) It is family owned and the owner knows service and the kitchen; 5) And because of #4, the food is high quality and I left a big tip!

I recommend it!

“Some people come from nothing to being wildly successful and their response is, ‘I did this on my own.’ I came to a different conclusion. I believe that I did work hard, and I think people should work hard, but I think my country was there for me every step of the way.”

A new Iowa poll, released yesterday of likely Democratic caucus goers, shows John Edwards moving into the lead with just six days left. The Lee Enterprises newspapers poll shows John and Barack Obama at 29 percent each and Hillary Clinton at 28 percent, with 19 percent of Democrats still making up their minds.

John has moved up 5 points in just two weeks.

My mom, Geraldine “Carolina Mama” Thigpen from Burgaw, NC. UNC Tarheels celebrate 50th Anniversary of the 1957 team and 25th Anniversary of 1982 NCAA basketball championship. She gets Wilmington Star News Photo of the Year.

High Point Historian Glenn Chavis writes “In a time of hatred, some chose not to”

This is a perfect example of when historical research takes on personal significance. The information for this story was found in large part in the Transylvania County Register of Deeds office.

Scott Yost writes about the move in this week’s Rhino Times.

Vital Records abstracts were removed from the web in July 2007. We apologize for any inconvenience to land records professionals, geneologists, and citizens that use this service.

The abstracts have been restored under a registration and authentication process. To register and for more information, please go to Guilford County Online Services or call Larry Conrad, Business Process Analyst, at (336) 641- 2477.

Here are our 2007 Year End Accomplishments.

Highlights include:

* Property Records Education Partners (PREP) meeting February 2007
* New carpeting and workstations in the Vault in Greensboro April 2007
* Land Records and Vital Records Restoration July 2007
* Social Security Number Redation begins November 2007
* Guilford County Commissioners purchase BB and T building November 2007