Book signing to benefit Cheer Fund

Pick up a unique, personalized Christmas gift for the history buff or murder-mystery lover on your list and support a good cause at the same time next Saturday.

Suffolk historian and author Kermit Hobbs will sign copies of “The Murder of Tiberius Gracchus Jones” on Dec. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Suffolk News-Herald office, 130 S. Saratoga St. Hobbs’ account of the true story of the murder, which took place in Holland in 1908, was serialized in the Suffolk News-Herald this summer.

The 52-page, full-color book includes lots of features not printed in the newspaper, including an extra chapter, photographs, maps, trivia, author’s commentary, newspaper clippings and the full text of a letter the man accused of the murder wrote from prison in February 1918.

“This series was one of the most popular things we’ve done in the Suffolk News-Herald since I’ve been here,” Editor R.E. Spears III said. “I’m excited that Kermit will be signing copies, and I can’t think of a better Christmas gift for someone interested in Suffolk history.”

The cost of the book is $10 plus tax, but those who purchase their book on Saturday will be contributing to a good cause as well.

“We’re especially pleased to be able to use a portion of the proceeds to support the Cheer Fund,” Spears said. “Fifty percent of the price of every book sold Saturday will go toward this worthy effort, which supports Suffolk’s Toys for Tots program.”

Donations to the Cheer Fund also are welcomed during the event and all year around. Cheer Fund donations are printed in the Suffolk News-Herald and can be made in honor of or in memory of a loved one. The donor can be listed anonymously if he chooses. The donor can also have his photograph taken giving the check to be published in the newspaper.

To give, write a check payable to the Cheer Fund and mail it to P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439, or stop by our office Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.