“Crossroads” is coming and we need your help.

As we have done since 2001, Roanoke-Chowan Publications (the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald and Gates County Index) annually publishes its “Crossroads” edition in February. This month-long section is full of features and photos on the individuals and groups that make our little corner of the world so special.

At a recent staff meeting, we devised a game plan for Crossroads – 2009. After tossing around several ideas, we opted for a historic theme.

We’re asking our readers for help in making sure that we have our history correct.

In our “Health & Education” issue (published Feb. 7), we’re looking for the area’s oldest practicing doctor and oldest active school teacher. Additionally, we’re seeking out family members where the art of practicing medicine has been handed down through the generations.

On Feb. 14, we will publish our “Commerce & Industry” special section. Here, we’re looking for the area’s oldest business and oldest family farm.

“Our Faith” is scheduled for a Feb. 21 publication date. We need help in locating the oldest landmark church of each denomination in the local area as well as the oldest living member of each. Additionally, we are seeking faith-related “miracle” stories from our readers.

Crossroads – 2009 will wrap-up on Feb. 28 when we publish the “Community” section. There, we are looking for the area’s oldest civic clubs, scouting organizations and volunteer fire department. Also, we are seeking the Roanoke-Chowan area’s oldest married couple as well as the oldest individual.

As part this year’s special edition, we are also seeking nominations from our readers for “Unsung Heroes.” These are people who are always there to help their friends, neighbors and even total strangers. But yet they are the ones who always seem to be behind the scenes. We want the spotlight to shine on them for a change.

We welcome all input from our readers. Please contact Cal Bryant (252-332-7207 or cal.bryant@r-cnews.com) with any information you can supply as well as your nominations for “Unsung Heroes.”

We appreciate your efforts in helping to make Crossroads – 2009 a success.