Courtland Health and Rehabilitation Center is putting together a Thanksgiving basket for a family.

To nominate a possible recipient, send a letter to the center, explaining why a certain family should receive the basket. Mail the letter to Administrator Evelyn Thornton, 23020 Main St., Courtland, Va., 23837, before Nov. 12.

The basket will be presented on Nov. 21.

• Franklin photographer Frank Davis on Saturday ran into 2011 Southampton County High School graduate DeShon Rollins.

A former cheerleader for Southampton, DeShon is a twirler for the Trojan Explosion Marching Band of Virginia State University in Ettrick.

A sophomore majoring in physical education with a concentration in dance, DeShon was featured twirling fire during the halftime show of the game against Elizabeth City State University.

He is the son of Phyllis and Olin Rollins.

• Franklin resident Kirby Markicich was recently featured in a television news story about Marymount University being one of the most diverse institutions in the Washington, D.C., region.

Appearing on 9 News Now, Kirby indicated her roommate is from Mexico, while Kirby comes from Franklin, where the population is half white and half black.

Going to Marymount was a culture shock for Kirby, but one that she said has helped open her mind.

A junior, she said she believes universities should consider race and ethnicity in their application process.

• Jamie Taylor of Jarratt sent in a photo of her son, Colton James, sitting inside a pumpkin at Allen’s Pumpkin Farm in Barley.

Colton is also the son of Clay Taylor and grandson of Vernon and Glenn Taylor of Franklin.

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