When BB&T closed its branches in Newsoms and Courtland, the bank donated furniture and other items to non-profits and churches in both communities.

The Courtland office in Shands Plaza closed on Dec. 23 and gave items to True Word Christian Church and New Hope Baptist, said Melinda Shortridge, branch operations manager for BB&T in Norfolk. Benefiting from the closing of the Newsoms branch on Jan. 6 were the Ruritan Club, Barnes and Newsoms Methodist churches, Newsoms Baptist Church and Newsoms Volunteer Fire Department.

“We always try to do that when we have our closings, or if we consolidate,” Melinda said.

Bruce Trew, president of the Newsoms Ruritan Club, said the organization received two filing cabinets, two tables and some trash cans.

Also chairman of buildings and grounds at Barnes Methodist Church, Trew said the church was given a table, filing cabinet and trash cans. The Rev. Darwin Edwards received a desk for the parsonage.

“I thought it was a nice gesture,” Bruce said. “Certainly a lot of people were upset the bank closed. It was a nice thing for them to do.”

The Rev. Jason Wise with Newsoms Baptist Church also commended BB&T for its gesture.

“I think it’s a wonderful thing,” Jason said. “It’s a big shame they are leaving town. I disagree with them greatly. It was very generous of them.”

Melinda isn’t sure about BB&T’s plans for the building it owns in Newsoms.

“We want something to be able to go in so we can keep that community vibrant,” she said.

BB&T rented its office in Courtland.

• Retired NCAA Division I basketball referee is affiliated with The Anatomy of Movement and Real Life Test.

Rose, who grew up in Franklin and lives in Courtland, has struggled with osteoarthritis, the leading cause of disability in this country, according to a news release.

One in five Americans is affected by osteoarthritis and research shows that people suffering from chronic hip or knee pain wait on average seven to 11 years before undergoing joint replacement surgery.

Rose hurt his knee early in his career; his pain became a daily struggle as he dealt with steroid shots, leg braces and physical therapy. His breaking point occurred at halftime during a game in Texas, according to the news release. After years of pain, anti-inflammatory medicines and sleepless nights, he had knee-replacement surgery.

Rose continues to work at Southampton High School, where he is responsible for disciplinary and detention measures and coaches tennis.

GWEN ALBERS is managing editor of The Tidewater News. Her email address is gwen.albers@tidewaternews.com.