The Nansemond River Pilot Club is celebrating its tenth year. As part of its celebration, members took part in various activities. On Oct. 5, they visited the Autumn Care Nursing Home on Pruden Boulevard to help residents make wreaths for their doors. On Sept. 26, members also took part in a &uot;Share Pilot&uot; event.

This is an opportunity to acknowledge various agencies in the community in which the NRPC supports and raise awareness to the public about NRPC’s principles of friendship and service.

There are three divisions in the club. The first is fundraising, which helps the many community organizations by providing financial support. Some of these are the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Assoc., and the March of Dimes.

The second division is projects. Within this area members visit the Autumn Care Nursing Home occasionally to help residents make craft ideas for their rooms. Members also provide items for the Children’s Center in Suffolk or lunch for Habitat for Humanity, volunteer at the C.A.R.E. Fair, and dress bears for the Salvation Army.

The third division is operations, which deals with administrative needs, conventions and installations.

The following is a brief history of the NRPC and Pilot International.

The name Pilot was chosen because it means &uot;leader and guide.&uot; It is symbolized by a riverboat wheel emblem that represents a steady course. NRPC’s motto is &uot;True Course Ever.&uot;

The organization is part of the Pilot International Foundation, which was founded in 1921 in Macon, Ga., 81 years ago.

Pilot International is a volunteer organization of executive, businesses. professionals, and from professional volunteers working together to improve the quality of life in communities throughout the world by serving those with brain-related disorders and disabilities.

There are about 25,000 adults and youth members worldwide with one of the major trademark programs being Brain Minders.

Within the Virginia District there are 17 Pilot Clubs. The Tidewater area has seven and two are located in Suffolk. There are seven Anchor Clubs which consist of high school age youths. Nansemond River High School has the local club in this area.

The first president of the NRPC was Gail Williams. Williams served from 1992-1993.

The current president is Faye Harrell.