Eastern Living - May 2023

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Bertie County

Early detection improves your odds.

We have to improve the odds.

Lung cancer remains the second most common form of cancer in North Carolina. Each year, 9,000 residents are diagnosed with it and more than 5,000 die because lung cancer symptoms oftentimes don’t appear until it’s too late. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There is a screening that can detect lung cancer early - before you have symptoms. And when lung cancer is caught early, survival rates can increase up to 90 percent.

To learn more about who should be screened, visit ECUHealth.org/breathe

VOL. 15, NO. 3 MAY 2023

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher Kyle Stephens kstephens@apgenc.com

Editor Thadd White twhite@apgenc.com

Layout & Design Thadd White twhite@apgenc.com

Michelle Leicester bertienews@ncweeklies.com

Photo Editor Jim Green jgreen@rmtelegram.com

Advertising Executives

Lou Ann Van Landingham lvanlandingham@apgenc.com Kelly Ayscue kayscue@rmtelegram.com

Chris Taylor ctaylor@rmtelegram.com

Staff

John Foley jfoley@apgenc.com

Brandice Hoggard bhoggard@ncweeklies.com

Editorial Contributors

Sandy Carawan

Sarah Davis

Sylvia Hughes

Lewis Hoggard

Donna Marie Williams

Kelly Grady

Vernon Fueston

The Rev. Webb Hoggard

Leslie Beachboard

Eastern North Carolina Living Magazine 109 South King St., Windsor, NC 27983 252-794-3185

twhite@apgenc.com

Charles Sawyer

An exemplary personal & professional life

Story

by Sarah Davis u Photos by Carol Hedspeth & Contributed

Since the 5th century BCE, neophyte physicians have taken an oath attributed to Greek physician and philosopher Hippocrates. Although little is known of the historical Hippocrates, a body of manuscripts referred to as the Hippocratic Collection has survived until modern times

In addition to information about medical matters, the collection includes a code of principles or ethics for teachers and practitioners of medicine. Through numerous translations and emendations in language to reflect time and place, the oath has been taken through the decades, centuries and millennia by medical school graduates who pledge themselves to refrain from harm, prescribe only beneficial treatments and live exemplary personal and professional lives.

More than six decades ago, one of the young physicians pledging to commit to such a life as he graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine was Dr. Charles Judson Sawyer Jr.

Prior to that time, Dr. Sawyer had already begun an exemplary life. An Eastern North Carolinian, he was born in Kinston where his father was a tobacconist with the Export Leaf Tobacco Company.

The family soon moved to Rocky Mount and was living there when he started school, but by Christmas of his first grade year, the family had moved to Windsor, and there he remained through high school where he participated in the East-West Football Game as an All State Center.

After two years as an undergraduate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict and served as a hospital corpsman and flight corpsman on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific.

Describing this time as a “wonderful experience,” he fondly remembers the flight surgeon under whom he served, Dr. Victor Prather.

After being discharged from the Navy on 6 August 1956, he returned to North Carolina, and on August 25, married Lois Peel of Windsor. Together, they returned to Chapel Hill, living in the Glen Lennox Apartments – he recalls for $60 per month – where he continued his undergraduate education before entering medical school and Lois taught first in Durham and then Chapel Hill.

The not-quite average student of his first two years was now an honor student. Between the Navy and a family (daughter Cathy (Mann) and son Judson were born during his time there), he knew his reason for being.

With his internship and residency at the Medical College of South Carolina in Charleston completed, he was ready to begin looking for a place to establish practice, to live his personal and professional life. He had offers from

Charleston, Tarboro, and Washington, but he came to Ahoskie, partly the result of a conversation his father had with Dr. Joe Lee Frank, a radiologist who divided his time among Ahoskie, Edenton and Windsor.

The radiologist was familiar with Dr. James Darden who was then practicing in Ahoskie and needed assistance. Seeing where the greatest need lay, Dr. Sawyer came to Ahoskie, “and the rest is history.” ... a history that begins professionally in a building where Sherwin-Williams is now located and personally in a house beside the Emergency Room; a history that records treatment of multiple generations for multiple maladies; a history that records service to patients in the office, hospital or home (in 2023, he still makes house calls).

He delivered babies, treated them as they grew and then delivered their babies and even their grandbabies. He has diagnosed patients and prescribed

beneficial treatments throughout their lives. He has laughed with patients; he has cried with patients; he has even yelled at patients.

On hearing of Dr. Sawyer’s planned May 2023 retirement, long-time patient Tommy Hurdle commented, “But I won’t know how to act with a doctor who doesn’t yell at me.”

He has been a part of patients’ and their families’ lives at the first breath and at the last. He has led an exemplary professional life.

After six months in the original location, the practice moved to the current DrugCo location before finally becoming a part of Roanoke Chowan Community Health Center in its current location.

Described as his “career idol” by former colleague Dr. Julian Taylor, Dr. Sawyer is credited with bringing Dr. Taylor to Ahoskie. Just as Dr. Sawyer came where he saw the most need, so did Dr. Taylor, following Dr. Sawyer’s advice that if any other place which had made him an offer had a greater need than Ahoskie, then Dr. Taylor should go there.

Dr. Taylor notes that Dr. Sawyer’s long practice has spanned a remarkable time in medicine. Dr. Sawyer learned and was trained in the traditional school of diagnostics, but practiced into the age of technology, an age in which the human side of medicine was influenced by the presence of the keyboard in the examining room.

Dr. Sawyer, however, refused to allow any diminishment of the human element in his practice, continuing the interpersonal relationships he had developed with his patients, thus combining the exemplary personal and professional aspects of his life.

Pointing to Dr. Sawyer as the reason many young folks in the RoanokeChowan region chose careers in the field of medicine, Dr. Taylor recognizes the

far-reaching effect of Dr. Sawyer on the practice of medicine in the area.

Calling Dr. Sawyer mentor, role model, and a great friend, colleague Dr. Michael Alston remembers his own teen years when Dr. Sawyer cared for the Alston family and inspired Dr. Alston to enter the field.

Noting that Dr. Sawyer has a tremendous work ethic and cares for his patients tirelessly in an unmatched manner, Dr. Alston says he has learned more about the “art” of medicine than the “practice” of it from Dr. Sawyer. Citing the standard of excellence in health care and community service set by Dr. Sawyer, Dr. Alston proclaims that Dr. Sawyer leaves a lasting legacy.

After a couple of years in the first home next to the Emergency Room where he was often called at all hours as the need arose, the Sawyer family moved to Stokes Street and lived there for three years, then building their home on Forest Drive in Colonial Acres. When they moved there in 1972, only three other homes were in the area.

As a young physician, Dr. Sawyer was dedicated to his patients, and that dedication has continued for years beyond which many others would have “taken

down the shingle.”

In the original Hippocratic oath, the new physician swore by a number of healing gods to uphold ethical standards. Anyone who knows Dr. Sawyer knows he swore by God and continues daily to uphold ethical standards.

His professional life as a physician is inexorably intertwined with his personal life as husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, citizen, friend and Episcopal churchman.

A pillar of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church since September 1965, he is an example for all – whether leading the grounds crew as they weed and mow the lawn on Saturday or leading the procession into the nave for worship on Sunday morning.

He jokes that he is the oldest acolyte in the Diocese of East Carolina. Every morning, about the time the sun rises each day, he can be found at the church in private devotion before beginning his day.

On that day, as on each before it, he refrains from harm, prescribes only beneficial treatments and lives an exemplary personal and professional life.

Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and educator and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

OF

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Jordan Davis Politics is about the whole county

Story by Vernon Fueston u Photos by Vernon Fueston & Contributed

Jordan Davis is what some people might call a “big fish in a little pond.”

Davis started his second term as one of Tyrrell County’s five at-large commissioners this January. A member of the county’s minority political party, he represents the state’s smallest county in terms of population, boasting only 3,245 residents.

Davis has deep roots in Tyrrell County. He operates a family farm that he owns with his father and sister and lives near Columbia with his wife, Carlie, and fiveyear-old daughter, Maggie. Davis said his family has lived in the immediate area for over two centuries.

Double Dee Farms has grown grains like soybeans, corn and wheat on their 2,700-acre farm for the last 60 years, but these days the big crop is potatoes, which he produces for chip manufacturers like Utz and Herr’s.

The farm seems big enough to occupy Davis’ time, so why would he do a crazy thing like run for office? He laughed when asked about that. He said it’s not for the money or the power. Tyrrell County holds little sway among North Carolina’s political elite, and commissioners are paid a mere $300 monthly.

Davis recalls first getting interested in politics as a 15-year-old during the turmoil of the 2000 Bush-Gore presidential election. He studied political science at the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. But it wasn’t until much later that he accepted an appointment to the county’s Farm Services Board, his first taste of public service.

Next, Davis filed to run for an open Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners seat. That required a $38 filing fee and a mandatory class in campaign finance laws. As elections go, this one was an easy contest. His bid was unopposed.

Two years later, he ran against opponents with very different views

for the first time. He said the campaign finance course could have been a better use of his time.

“I’ve always felt it’s better not to take any money from anybody in a place as small as our county. There’s no reason to anyway because you don’t do any big advertising,” he said.

That second campaign also taught Davis about the human side of politics. He said people had lost their ability to disagree agreeably.

“I think social media has made a significant negative difference in politics,” Davis said.

He experienced opposition for the first time, even from people he counted as friends. He resented that at first, but

he learned from it.

“It took a while, but you learn that we all have an opinion. Just because somebody disagrees with you doesn’t mean they hate you,” Davis said.

Davis is a registered Republican, but he has a view of partisan politics many folks think has gone out of style.

“My opinion is that once somebody is elected, it doesn’t matter who voted for you and who didn’t. You’ve got to look out for everybody, and that’s the biggest thing,” he stressed. “You’ve got to try to compromise, number one, and number two, you’ve got to make sure you’re looking out for everybody at one time.”

Davis said he lets his Christian faith guide his principles, but recognizes that

he represents many who don’t share his beliefs. He said the adage, “What would Jesus Do?” doesn’t give a concrete answer for every political and civic question. A good moral compass and common sense are also needed.

Davis said serving as a commissioner requires shouldering a lot of responsibility. There’s a constant battle to keep tax rates as low as possible. Property values are cheaper in the county than elsewhere in the region. That means lower tax collections per acre of land, so the county needs to collect higher tax rates or lower spending on what its citizens need.

The county has a high incidence of food insecurity, a measure of hunger among its citizens. The board recently took action to establish a food pantry in the county, a step that presented the commissioners with a hefty initial bill for a building and equipment. Though the money came from grants and not tax revenues, many questioned the expenditure.

A county like Tyrrell has priorities that other North Carolinians might find surprising.

Davis said that one of the most pressing needs has been maintaining

drainage ditches. Most of the county sits just two to ten feet above sea level, so letting rainwater and tidal flood waters run back to the sound is essential.

Trees and shrubs clog drainage ditches, flooding farms and residential property. And then there are the beavers. The county runs a constant war against their dams and standing water.

Besides problems, Davis said he and the other commissioners must look to the county’s opportunities.

He said Tyrell County is blessed with plenty of waterfront property that could bring new, more affluent residents. Replacing the Alligator River bridge in Columbia has opened up opportunities to widen the county’s tax base by attracting new businesses.

Tourism is another opportunity for Tyrrell County. Hunters have long come to the county for black bears, but ecotourism has a bright future, also.

A visitors center for the red wolf wildlife preserve is one example of an eco-resource that the county can capitalize on. The county’s marshlands and waterways provide opportunities for fishermen and birdwatchers. Campers visit the nearby Pettigrew State Park,

also.

Davis said he hoped citizens from around the region would take the opportunity to get involved with local government. He said the option is available to anyone.

The logical place to start is with local boards, he said.

Openings are frequently available for work on issues like schools, trees, conservation and tourism. He suggested that anyone interested contact officials in their town or county government.

But it’s essential to be realistic, Davis said. He suggested reading your town and county council meeting minutes as a great place to start. Asking yourself if the issues interest you is a good reality check.

And if you decide to run for public office, Davis suggested considering the cost of service in terms of the time you will be required to invest. He said he doubts he receives more than the minimum wage for the hours he puts in.

Vernon Fueston is a retired journalist who worked with the Bertie Ledger-Advance and Chowan Herald among others. He has written for Eastern North Carolina Living for many years.

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Wendy S. Hazelton Judge is a ‘beacon of light’

Story by Donna M. Williams u Photos by Donna M. Williams

Election night 2016, Wendy S. Hazelton received confirmation of a calling she felt two years prior when she first submitted her name to run for Pitt County District Court Judge. It was a night she remembers vividly and with warm emotions. It was also the night Pitt County received its first elected African American female judge.

A native of Windsor, Hazelton was the 13th of 15 children born to her parents. From a young age, she always knew she wanted to be a lawyer. Her path had been set in motion before she was even born.

“I had a brother that was killed about two months before I was born. My family never knew what happened to him. Once I found out about his life story, it became my mission as a young person to figure out what happened to him and bring that person to justice,” Hazelton said.

“There was a lot of speculation about whether or not he was killed or if it was suicide,” she continued. “Unfortunately, the library did not have a lot of information about his death or what took place, so I wasn’t able to dig into it the way I wanted to. That was my main reason for going to law school and when I got on that path, it stuck.”

Hazelton attended N.C. Central University in Durham where she received her undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice.

Seven years later, and still determined to reach her dream of being a lawyer, Hazelton earned her law degree from N.C. Central.

Her career then took her to Pitt County in 2007 where she began working as a public defender in both district and superior court.

“I really enjoyed that work. It takes a special person to do that work. It’s a position that I really enjoyed because people that come into the public defender’s office, they need someone to guide them through that process. They don’t know what their voice

is. I was able to be that voice for them,” Hazelton said.

During her ten years with the public defender’s office, Hazelton rose in rank, becoming an assistant public defender. Her career was spent advocating for her client’s needs.

“When I was an assistant public defender, you had a lot of people coming into your office. They may have an idea about the criminal justice system because many of them have been involved before,” she recalled. “But, they don’t know how to proceed or process the legalities of the system. That is where I came in. I have always been someone who likes for people to be treated fairly… It was important for me to make sure that my clients knew I was acting on their behalf,” Hazelton said.

“Being an assistant public defender is tough. I did a lot of begging for people and pleading for their cases,” she continued. “You have to have a heart for people and to do that for people all day. I think people

need to be treated fairly. They need to be treated the same.”

Feeling like her hands were tied, Hazzelton desired to do more - not just for her clients, but for all. She set her sights on running for judge and began campaigning two years prior to the election.

“I know (as a judge) you have the authority to help people a lot more in the respect that I wanted to do so. I decided to jump on the ballot and figure out if this was the way for me to be able to help people more. It has definitely been that avenue I was looking for,” Hazelton said.

Election night 2016 will be a night Hazelton always remembers and validates her desire to become a judge.

“It had been a long process. I campaigned for two years. I was tired. It was a close race. When those numbers came in and I was victorious, that spoke to me,” she said.

“Being the first African American woman, being kind of new to Pitt County

and not having the kind of footing that other candidates had, it said a lot,” Hazelton said. “I was able to bridge the gap between African American people and caucasian people, democrats and republicans.”

Hazelton knew her role as a Pitt County judge set an example for those that would follow in her footsteps. She understood the significance and holds it in high regard.

“Everyone is looking at you and they want to see how you are going to do and what you are going to do and how are you going to set the tone. It was pretty heavy in the beginning because I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. I wanted to make sure I crossed all the t’s and dotted all the I’s. It was a very proud moment as well that people thought enough of me - someone from Bertie County growing up the way I grew up… They put their faith in me. That always gets me,” Hazelton said. “These are shoes I wouldn’t trade for anything. I am able to be a beacon for ladies of all nationalities. They can say if she can do it, I can do it. I truly am grateful.”

As a judge, Hazelton prides herself on fairness, objectivity and puts her heart into her work and the people she meets everyday. Her efforts earned her a reelection in 2020.

“When I’m on the bench, I am not there as a democratic African American woman.

I am there as a judge… Everyone gets the same treatment… I am a neutral party. I’m sitting here listening to both sides. It’s weighing evidence and I have to apply the law and I have to make a decision,” Hazelton said.

“I took an oath to uphold my integrity, to uphold the laws of North Carolina and do what’s best in the position I’m in,” she said. “I believe as an assistant public defender I did that. I believe I am doing that now to the best of my ability. When I come in here everyday, I am proud to put those robes on. I’m proud to stand in front of the community that I have been a part of since 2007.”

Hazelton knows her decisions have significant impacts on the lives of those in her courtroom.

“I believe this is what I am supposed to be doing. I have the opportunity to meet so many people in different walks in their lives. It has allowed me to be able to assist people as they go through their journeys whether it be child custody cases or in juvenile court. I’m also able to pour into people and allow people to be a little more accountable,” Hazelton said.

“Sometimes it’s hard for people when they involve family or friends, but when you have someone who is a neutral third party looking in and saying you are wrong,

you shouldn’t do that - I think it covers much more clout than someone in the family that will always agree with the other person,” she continued. “It allows me to help other people hold themselves accountable, it also helps me to be able to assist them as they are moving through some difficult times. Child custody cases can be difficult, they are very emotional. I understand that people think with their hearts and not with their heads and sometimes they think they are doing the right thing but it is not the right thing.”

Dealing with the cases she does can be difficult, Hazelton said, but she is reminded of the good she does and has been thanked by multiple people in the community for her efforts.

“I want people to know that this is a position where someone has to have a heart for people. Many people think it’s an easy job to do and it’s really not. On any given day, any decision I make, someone is going to be upset with me because I did not agree with them,” Hazelton said.

“People in this position always try to do the best they can with the information they have. Most importantly it is a position for someone that has a heart for people. I have that heart for people. I love helping people. I think that’s what drives me the most,” she said. “I want to help people.”

During the difficult times in her career, Hazelton remembers how she felt election night and remembers she is serving with a purpose.

“When those numbers came in and I was victorious I said ‘okay there is no way I’m not supposed to be here.’ Things just happened in a way during that whole process that made me know and feel more comfortable about this being my niche. That was nothing but the grace of God for me,” Hazelton closed.

Donna Marie Williams is a freelance writer and regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

PO Box 607 231 US 13 Bypass Windsor, NC 27983 www.carolinapinehardwood.com

Phone: (252) 794-2780 Mobile: (252) 209-5582

Justin Jackson

Serving the people of his home community

Story by Lewis Hoggard u Photos by Lewis Hoggard, Thadd White & Contributed

When a job or position requires a person to take an oath before being able to perform the duties of that position, it means that the position is one that requires trustworthiness and fairness.

The position of police chief certainly needs those two attributes as the enforcer of the laws and keeper of the peace within a certain jurisdiction.

The importance of the role of police chief in small towns cannot be accurately measured. They keep the peace, but they must do so much more. The duties of that position can be resolving disputes between neighbors, family members, businesses, controlling traffic, serving warrants, keeping people safe and many more duties.

The police chief is the person that is looked to in times of crises to keep a level head and to provide leadership.

The town of Windsor has been fortunate to have many excellent chiefs of police in its history, such as Melvin Pierce, Freddie Bowen, Rodney Hoggard, Todd Lane - just to name the most recent ones. The police chief that currently serves the town of Windsor is Justin Jackson.

Justin was raised in Bertie County just outside the town of Windsor. His parents are Jackie and Lynn Jackson. He has two siblings, Travis Jackson and Dianna Jackson. He married a local girl, Rebekah Conner Jackson, and has two children - Caroline and Sophie - and a grandchild, Kinsley. He and his family reside within the Windsor limits.

Chief Jackson graduated from Bethel Assembly Christian Academy and attended North Carolina State University before deciding to get into the law enforcement field. He was encouraged by a close friend, Deputy Kenny Cobb.

After one ride along trip with Kenny, he was hooked. Tragically, Kenny was killed with his son, David, in a watercraft accident on the Cashie River in 2011.

Jackson attended Basic Law Enforcement Training School at Pitt Community College and went to work upon completion with the Bertie Sheriff’s Department and later the Windsor Police Department. With the Windsor Police Department, his rise through the ranks was quick. He went from patrol officer to corporal to detective to detective sergeant to lieutenant.

Chief Jackson was sworn in by retired Windsor Mayor Jimmy Hoggard in 2018, after being endorsed by retiring Police Chief Todd Lane and beating out numerous qualified candidates, locally and from across the state of North Carolina.

Former Chief Lane stated, “When Justin was appointed Chief of Police, I knew he would face challenges he has never experienced. I am glad to say he has met those challenges head on with success. The police department and citizens of

Windsor can be assured he will always be working with their safety at the forefront of his mind.”

His department has eight full-time officers and numerous part-time officers. His officers patrol the town of Windsor within the city and the extrajudicial area up to one mile outside the city limit. They may also be called to help the Bertie County Sheriffs’ Department in the county if needed.

When asked about working in his hometown, and enforcing the laws with citizens that he knows personally from growing up in the area, Chief Jackson said that is one of the things that make the job special and is not a hinderance but some help. And there are no places or people that he would rather serve than the citizens of the town of Windsor.

He is respected by his officers and is a leader that they can follow and trust.

Current Lt. Frank Ratzlaff stated that Chief Jackson is “an excellent leader and role model for our officers and citizens.”

He has assembled a great staff with a combination of youth and experience.

Although Windsor is a small town it has dealt with a few natural disasters, robberies and even homicides under Chief Jackson’s tenure as police chief, Chief Jackson has been a valuable leader in those difficult circumstances. Those major events may help define a leader but also dealing with minor traffic infractions with grace and humility can be so important in instilling faith in a leader.

The purpose of an oath to take an office is to remind the individual of the importance of their position and Chief Justin Jackson has taken that oath to heart.

Over the last five years as police chief, he has dealt with numerous tough and difficult situations that he did not know he would face. His leadership and consistency have exemplified what that oath requires

and demands.

Lewis Hoggard is Executive Director of

the Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

Photo Courtesy of Washington County TTA

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Jacqueline Frierson

Protecting the history of Perquimans County

Story by Vernon Fueston u Photos by Vernon Fueston & Contributed

Jacqueline Frierson leafs through a leather-bound book of archived manuscript pages until she finds the correct entry.

“Here it is!” she says, her finger on a line with an “X” instead of a signature. It is the mark of Chief Kilcocanen testifying to the sale of a parcel of land on the Pasquotank River called New Hope in Perquimans County. The date on the document is 1661, and she holds the original contract written with a quill and iron ink 362 years ago.

Frierson is Perquimans County’s Register of Deeds; among other things, she is responsible for maintaining the county’s records of land transactions.

The book she is holding has been de-acidified to keep the iron in the ink from destroying it. This document and thousands of others are housed in a floodresistant, fireproof and climate-controlled walk-in vault. Without that climate control, mites would have turned the county’s history to dust years ago.

She is also responsible for keeping what is known as “vital records,” literally the records of life in Perquimans County. Frierson safeguards and organizes birth, death and marriage certificates, military discharges, and other documents that bear witness to the generations that have called Perquimans County home.

Such records are needed for employment, security clearances, driver’s licenses, insurance claims and other practical reasons. Genealogists also treasure them, mining the information to build family trees.

Frierson said she does not collect taxes and parking ticket fines. She has nothing to do with court cases, either. She can’t even interpret the document a visitor might examine.

“Because this is an office that does recordings, we have people who want us to interpret what their document is,” she said. “We cannot do that. That is practicing law. We are not attorneys.”

Frierson said her office’s job is to record information, keep that information safe and provide what she calls “customer service” to the community.

“You learn to treat people with respect when they come in, no matter who they are,” she said. “You have to have people skills. When someone walks in that door, they are the most important person. Usually, that person has a problem. So when they walk in, they deserve your undivided attention.”

Frierson credited a lifetime of diverse experiences with teaching her that customer-centered approach to civil service. She did work behind the counter at a gas station before earning her Associate’s Degree from the College of the Albemarle. After that, she worked with a local attorney, J.C. Cole, where she dealt with real estate documents and court filings.

When Cole became a judge, he suggested Frierson apply for a vacancy at

the Perquimans County Register of Deeds Office. She got the job and credited the attitudes she learned dealing with the public and her legal work as qualifying her for the position.

She said she’s worked to instill that pride in customer service and a dedication to thoroughness in all her employees at the office.

“The law office work prepared me to take this job seriously. You learn to be a detail person,” she said. “You learn to check and double-check. We are liable for everything we do here and have to be bonded. There is no perfection, but you work toward perfection.”

Frierson said it’s getting harder to find workers who are prepared or willing to give personal service to the people she calls her “customers.” She said it is a sign of the times.

“The younger generation has lost those person-to-person skills. They often seem

more concerned about getting by than getting the job done,” she said.

“Technology is necessary, but you still have to deal with individuals. You have to deal eye-to-eye with people and actually talk. You can sit there and email all day long, but you’re going to get more done face-to-face and on the phone.”

Frierson said that civil service includes community involvement. She said she’s always volunteered to make Perquimans County a better place through activities like reading to kids in the schools and working on town beautification projects. These days she serves on the board of the Perquimans County Food Pantry.

She dismissed the notion that holding a position in county government brings wealth, power or prestige.

“There is no power here because we are not a policy-making office.” She said she could set the price of copies, for instance, but only within what is on statute.

Frierson said that while she’s satisfied with the salary that comes with her job, she could probably earn more in the private sector. She said that if money is a person’s primary driver, working for the town or county might not be the best choice.

And she said that while people respect her office and her work, heading an office in a small county hardly brings much

prestige.

So, why does she work in civil service?

“Because I love it. Sometimes I watch a person leave, and I know I’ve helped them. Every now and then, I get a note from somebody. It’s those little things you can do. People sometimes thank us, saying, ‘I didn’t know what I was going to do,’” she said.

When asked why she works in government when she could earn more in the private sector, she said the choice is about something other than money.

“Anyone who wants to get into civil service. You can’t do it for money. It’s just got to be something you truly want to do,” she said.

Vernon Fueston is a retired journalist who worked with the Bertie Ledger-Advance and Chowan Herald among others. He has written for Eastern North Carolina Living for many years.

Joe Ayers Service is in his family heritage

Story by John Foley u Photos Contributed

As strange as it may seem in today’s current political tide, the Oath of Office and swearing to its principals, is more than just a simple gesture before family members, friends, supporters and God.

Never since the current day’s oath was adopted by Congress in 1884 has an Oath of Office meant so much to so many.

The term oathworthy could define the future of oath taking and what it means to swear an oath in the first place. Webster’s defines Oathworthy as “One must be of sufficiently good character to be able to swear an oath and be believed.”

Joe Ayers has sworn an oath numerous times over his lengthy political career. The commissioner’s “oathworthiness,” is apparent to his constituents, supporters and those who have stood by as he raised his hand to serve Oak City as a Town Commissioner for 27 years and then following as a Martin County Commissioner.

“I was Oak City Town Commissioner for 27 years before being recruited by citizens to run for county commissioner,” he said. Ayers not only serves as a Martin County Commissioner, but also serves on the Martin County Airport Commission.

“It is a pleasure and great honor that I take the Oath of Office. I strive to serve and uphold the oath with great character and moral fortitude,” said Ayers as to his thoughts on swearing an oath.

The Oak City native learned the importance of the oath of office at an early age.

“My daddy was the driving influence to become politically knowledgeable and involved, which led me to running for office. My daddy was Mayor of Oak City in the mid-1950’s and served on numerous appointed boards and committees over his lifetime,” said Ayers.

East Carolina University was the 1978 launchpad for Ayer’s 44-year agricultural career that included farming and peanut

buying, along with agricultural product sales. He has also been involved with several small businesses and knows the importance small business makes in a community.

Ayers lives up to the oath he took, takes his position seriously and finds it rewarding.

“A lot of people say public service is a thankless job, I do not find that to be true,” he insisted. “Citizens tell me all the time that I’m doing a great job and to keep up the good work. This is extremely rewarding for me and just an awesome feeling.”

The North Carolina Constitution, approved in 1971, mandated persons taking office must take an oath of office, upholding legislation in previous constitutions.

Current Martin County officials are required to take the following oath: “I do solemnly swear that I will support and maintain the Constitution and laws of the United States, and the Constitution and laws of North Carolina not inconsistent therewith, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of my position on the Board of

County Commissioners of the County of Martin, North Carolina, and that I will not allow my actions as a member of the Martin County Board of Commissioners to be influenced by personal or political friendships or obligations, so help me God.”

Although he has taken the oath numerous times previously, Ayers doesn’t know what his future oath taking will consist of. His current vision is focused on Martin County and his daughter’s college softball career.

“My daughter is in school and playing college softball. I spend a lot of time with her attending school and softball events,” said the softball fan. “She is my world. So, for now, I will concentrate on my daughter, work and Martin County. In a few years, who knows, nothing is off the table.”

The commissioner shares concerns that the county population is declining and job opportunities are minimal. However, his efforts to help save the community college stand out in his political quiver.

“Sadly, our population is shrinking due to lack of job opportunities in the county.

On a positive note, a small group of us saved our community college a few years ago, after the State almost cut off funding,” Ayers shared. “Under new leadership, the college has flourished and provided training for technical careers, which helps our young people and helps recruit industry.”

Ayers also has his eyes set on education and is excited about the school board’s recent superintendent selection.

“The Martin Board of Education has hired an absolute gem for their Superintendent of Martin County Schools. Dr. Michelle White will prove to be an absolute great asset to our county to improve our schools. School systems are so vital to the health and growth of any county,” said Ayers.

Ayers has followed in his father’s footsteps and is committed to helping the citizens of the county while keeping an eye on wasted dollars.

“Being able to help our citizens, may it be through policy, or providing help and direction is important. I very much enjoy helping people,” he said.

Frustration grows for Ayers when he observes dollars being wasted along every level from locally to Washington. Elected officials benefitting for personal gain also frustrates the commissioner and he

highlights that topic in his advice to future leaders.

“Have a desire to help people. Be ready to work. Remember, you must have tough skin. Do not serve for personal gain,” advised Ayers.

John Foley is a Staff Writer for the Bertie Ledger-Advance, The Enterprise and Eastern North Carolina LIving.

Trayvian Taylor

Commissioner is a quick political learner

Story by John Foley u Photos Contributed

Travian Taylor didn’t grow up in Edenton dreaming of having the words “Chowan County Commissioner” in front of his name on a business card or sitting on a sign in front of his chair.

Political desires and the steps needed to become a politician never entered his wheelhouse. He grew up locally, attended Edenton schools, graduated from John A. Holmes in 2001 and began a career at Regulator Marine.

He was content and happy.

Taylor had civic experience as a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club and Edenton Parks and Recreation Department, but was far less than a political novice when he decided one day to run for Edenton City Council in 2019. He hadn’t pondered the decision for long, if at all.

“Random, out of the blue, just like that, I decided to run,” said Taylor, accompanied by a quick finger snap, adding, “With no experience.”

His friends questioned his motives and his mother suggested he rethink the thought, asking, ‘Are you crazy? You don’t know what you’re doing.”

He had no campaign staff, strategy or signage.

“When I ran I didn’t know what I was getting myself into,” said Taylor, who admittedly didn’t raise money for his campaign. In fact, he had never campaigned or thought of any of the components fueling political success.

Another issue Taylor didn’t address was his opponent, local Edenton Attorney Samual Dixon who was a 20-year town council incumbent with a lengthy town lineage representing Ward 2.

While the outcome of Taylor’s campaign strategy didn’t push him over the finish line first - he came in 157 votes behind - he gained experience challenging an incumbent with what is considered by some a stellar record. The taste of politics was enough for Taylor to think about

plotting a political future. Running against Dixon didn’t hand Taylor the win, but his name recognition and the local political scuttlebutt increased his local political notoriety.

It was Taylor’s political mentor, former Chowan County Commissioner Gregory Bonner, that jettisoned the council candidate’s career. Under the radar political maneuvering can be partially attributed to Taylor’s success and Bonner’s experienced campaign strategy. As a seasoned politician, and tenured commissioner, everyone expected Bonner to seek reelection, according to Taylor.

“I was very close to Commissioner Bonner and was made aware he may not run for reelection. I paid close attention and when he didn’t file, I filed on the last day. Nobody else filed,” said the Commissioner, slightly smiling.

As an unopposed candidate Taylor’s political future suddenly took on more responsibilities than he had earlier anticipated as a town council candidate. For Taylor, the steps to the commissioner’s table were led by a mentor and, now that he occupies a seat, he continues to learn

and gain knowledge by listening.

“I went in there fresh, blind. I knew nothing. So I sat back and listened. I studied what was going on and talked to other commissioners. They accepted me as a novice and have helped a lot,” he said.

His agenda is based on the needs of the citizens and his constituents. He knows the county needs more grocery options along with affordable housing.

“There is no affordable housing in this county that will suit middle income. We need to somehow address this problem,” said Taylor. “We also need another grocery store or market. We need options.”

Taylor enjoys his position on the commission as the young voice. His concerns stem on educating youth, seeing businesses in the county and in Edenton grow while continuing to add new businesses.

Comparing his commissioner’s seat to that of an executive director of a corporation, he also enjoys the current budget process.

“It’s budgets, budgets and budget meetings. We were in three days of budget meetings this week,” he stated. “It’s a lot of

paperwork and decision making.”

A current concern of Taylor’s constituents is the upswing in countywide crime and violence.

“In my community they call me on the crime problems all the time and want to know what is being done about it. I talk to the police chief, the sergeant and the sheriff frequently, and they continue to tell me they are working on it. We all have to work on it because the kids are starting out so young,” Taylor said.

When it comes to the recent controversy concerning the removal of the Confederate Statue in Edenton’s downtown, the commissioner had definite thoughts on the issue.

“I think they could leave the statue and simply erect a tribute honoring a famous African American, maybe Martin Luther King or someone of equal importance,” he said.

For Taylor, taking the oath of office was a moving and monumental moment. His mother, once thinking her son may not know what he was doing, was now more proud, as he stood ready to swear the oath.

In December 2020 unopposed Chowan County Commissioner-Elect Tray Taylor raised his right hand for the first time, swore to “truly execute the duties of his office” and became a Chowan County Commissioner.

“That was a very special moment. It meant I am going to do what is right to the best of my ability for this community through the help of God,” said Taylor.

Currently the commissioner has one year left on his term and following the lead of his mentor, has not decided if he will seek reelection.

John Foley is a Staff Writer for the Bertie Ledger-Advance, The Enterprise and Eastern North Carolina LIving.

Grandma’s Kitchen

Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron. The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of those who take an oath for an office they hold are the Presidents of the United States. My curiosity has always been; what kind of clothes they wore, what kind of pets they had, how did they travel and what did they eat.

Many of the Presidents ate about the same things we eat now. Some liked fancy foods and others just good ole country cooking.

Some liked fried chicken, Virginia ham, beignets and apple pie. Others liked Roast Boar’s Head, Turtle steak and Vinegar Pie.

Abraham Lincoln liked chicken fricassee, white almond cake and gingerbread cookies. It was debated whether he loved the cookies or claimed to because his wife, Mary, made them. Woodrow Wilson loved chicken salad and strawberry ice cream. I could have enjoyed

loved Cottage Cheese with ketchup. They all had other foods they liked as well. It’s an interesting read and you can find it on the Internet.

I have tried to include here the ones I might be interested in trying myself.

Thomas Jefferson loved macaroni pie and fried potatoes. Jefferson learned to really love macaroni pie while he was in Europe. He brought a pasta machine home with him so he could have it any time he wanted and he could introduce his guests to the pie. He is credited with starting America’s love of macaroni and cheese. I found a modernized version of his recipe on The National Archives.

George Washington liked hoecakes with butter and honey, roasted meats, hazelnuts and hot chocolate. It is said he loved the hoecakes so much, he had them every morning. I found the recipe on the Mount Vernon website.

John Kennedy loved clam chowder and lobster stew and, of course, Ronald Reagan loved his jelly beans. Weirdly, Richard Nixon

Eisenhower loved Beef Stew, corn pudding and Mamie’s Million Dollar Chocolate Fudge. Her recipe is all over the Internet.

W ashington ’ s h oecakes

½ tsp. Active dry yeast

2 ½ cups white cornmeal, divided

3 to 4 cups lukewarm water

½ tsp. Salt

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Mix yeast and 1 ¼ cup of the cornmeal in a large bowl. Add 1 cup lukewarm water, stirring to combine thoroughly. Mix in ½ cup more of the water, if needed to give the mixture the consistency of pancake batter. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.

When ready to finish the hoecakes, begin by adding ½ cup to 1 cup of remaining water to the batter. Stir in salt and egg, blending thoroughly.

Add remaining 1 ¼ cup of cornmeal, mixing alternately with enough lukewarm water to make the consistency of waffle batter. Cover with a towel and set aside for 15 to 20 minutes.

Heat griddle on medium high and grease lightly. Use ¼ cup of batter for each hoecake. Cook about 4 to five minutes on each side or until golden brown. Serve with warm, melted butter and honey.

12 ounces semisweet chocolate morsels

12 ounces German Sweet Chocolate, broken into small pieces

2 cups marshmallow cream

4 ½ cups sugar

pinch of salt

1 ½ cups (12 ounces) canned evaporated milk

2 tb. Butter

2 cups coarsely chopped nuts.

Butter a 9X13 inch baking dish or pan. Stir together the semisweet chocolate, German

chocolate and marshmallow cream in a large bowl. Bring the sugar, salt, butter and evaporated milk to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium high heat. Boil 1 minute. Reduce heat and simmer 7 minutes, stirring continuously. Pour over chocolate mixture and stir until smooth. Stir in nuts. Pour into prepared pan. Let stand at room temperature until firm, preferably overnight. Cut fudge into small squares. Store in airtight container for up to two weeks.

6 oz. Large elbow macaroni

3 cups milk

Jefferson ’s Macaroni Pie

2 teaspoons all purpose flour ½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 cups (packed) freshly grated Parmesan

2 cups (packed) grated mozzarella

2 cups (packed) Romano cheese

2 tablespoons butter

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees

Butter a 13X9 inch glass baking dish

In a large pot, of boiling water, cook the

noodles until tender. Drain but do not rinse.

In a large bowl, whisk milk, flour, salt and pepper until blended. Stir in 1 ½ cup of Parmesan, 1 ½ cup mozzarella and 1 ½ cup Romano cheese. Add noodles and butter and toss to coat.

Transfer mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top. Bake until cheese begins to lightly brown on top, about 12-14 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.

Day’s Trip Bacon’s Castle Surry, Virginia

Contrary to popular folklore, Bacon never lived at nor visited Bacon Castle.

Soon after Surry County was formed in the Royal Colony of Virginia in 1652, Arthur Allen built the high-styled Jacobean brick house near the James River, where he lived with his wife, Alice Allen.

Allen was a wealthy merchant and a Justice of the Peace for Surry County. When Allen died in 1669 his son, Authur Allen II inherited the house and property.

For those looking for a day trip filled with history and unique architecture, Bacon’s Castle, also known as the Arthur Allen House, is place to add to the list. Bacon’s Castle, located in Surry, Virginia is known as the oldest documented brick dwelling in the United States.

Built in 1665, Bacon’s Castle is recognized as an extremely rare example of Jacobean architecture of the new world. The house became known as Bacon’s Castle because it was occupied as a fort or castle by several followers of Nathaniel Bacon during Bacon’s Rebellion in 1676.

Bacon’s Rebellion was an armed rebellion by Virginia settlers led by Bacon against the rule of Governor William Berkley.

Around mid-September 1676, a group of Bacon’s rebel followers seized the property. The home was commanded at various times by William Rookings, Authur Long, Joseph Rogers and John Clements, retained control of the house for over three months while their caused declined.

The death of Bacon in October of the same year left his forces under the leadership of Joseph Ingram, who proved unsuited for the command. Ingram dispersed the army to other locations.

By the Civil War, Bacon’s Castle was owned by the Hankins family. James Hankins was a law student at the University of Virginia at the outbreak of the Civil War. He was a member of the Jefferson Society (a literary society) and was commissioned June 22, 1861 as first lieutenant of artillery, Fourth Regiment, Virginia Militia.

Later, he became the Captain of the Surry Light Artillery. William Underwood killed Hankins in a duel at Isle of Wight Courthouse.

Like other James River Plantations, Bacon’s Castle faced the problems of manpower due to the emancipation of slave and insurmountable debt following the Civil War.

John Hankins had mortgaged the property prior to his death in 1870. Unable to raise the money to pay the mortgage, his

S TORY BY L E SL IE B EACHBOARD

P HOTO S BY L E SL IE B EACHBOARD AND M ICHE LL E L EICE S TER

daughter-Virginia Hankins-sold the 1,200-acre estate in 1872 to the mortgage holder to pay off the debt and provide for her brothers’ and sisters’ education. The family moved to Richmond, Virginia, who became a teacher.

William Allen Warren purchased the estate in 1880, and sold it to his son Charles Allen Warren in 1909.

When Allen died in 1931, the estate passed through inheritance to his son, Walker Pegram Warren, who was born in the mansion. Warren and his wife used Bacon’s Castle as their second home until their deaths in a car accident in 1973.

The Warrens’ had no children, so the mansion, outbuildings and 40 acres of the plantation was acquired by the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities. The remaining 1,130-acres of the plantation was acquired by Virginia Senator Garland Gray and was later passed to his son, Elmon T. Gray. It is still devoted to agriculture.

After the Preservation Society acquired the house, it underwent restoration. Preservation activities continue while guests visit the site.

Bacon’s Castle now operates as a house museum and historic site with 40-acres of outbuildings including barns, slave and tenant quarters, smokehouses and a 17-century English formal garden.

In 2015, the Virginia Outdoors Foundation received a $257,996 grant from the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation to help the group purchase a conservation easement on 1,260 acres of privately-owned farmland surround Bacon’s Castle. The easement ensures the land will be permanently protected from residential and commercial development.

Guests may tour Bacon’s Castle from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and noon – 4 p.m. on Sundays between March and November. These guided tours give an inside look at the rare example of American Jacobean architecture, and the only highstyle house from the 17th Century. It is only one of three surviving Jacobean great houses west of the Atlantic Ocean.

Visitors will see many notable architectural features include

triple-stacked chimneys, shaped Flemish gables and carved compass roses decorating the cross beams in many of the public rooms, along with time-era correct furnishings and clothing.

One of the highlights of the tour is preserved writings on the wall in the children’s bedroom on the fourth floor and signatures and a love letter etched in window panes.

Between the mid to late 19th Century, Bacon’s Castle underwent several modifications, which can still be seen today.

An original one-story service wing was replaced with a taller Greek Revival wing. Around this time, the entrance was moved from the center of the main block house and diamond-pane casement windows were exchanged for double-hung dash windows.

Moving the door left a scar in the location of the original pediment surround. All changes were maintained in the restoration.

Visitors may also self-tour the grounds, outbuildings and gardens throughout the year. Group tours are available, and there is a gift shop. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1960.

Before or after a trip to Bacon’s Castle, visitors are recommended to travel approximately 10 miles down the road to historic downtown Smithfield, Virginia.

The downtown area is filled with a variety of antique stores, a bakery, an ice cream shop and restaurants.

A lunch or dinner recommendation would be the iconic Taste of Smithfield Restaurant.

The flagship restaurant and store of Smithfield Foods features the best hams from all over the world, over 240 different flavors of peanuts and memorabilia of the historic town.

The menu includes half-pound 100 percent Certified Angus beef burgers, signature sandwiches, salads, soups, homemade desserts and signature cocktails.

This trip can be made easily in one day and promises to be interesting to guests of all ages.

Leslie Beachboard is a longtime contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

County: Halifax

Marker ID: E-103

Date Cast:1992

MARK IT!

that successful politicians like O’Hara “were themselves the best symbols of black progress the most vivid manifestation of increasing black autonomy.”

O’Hara, he noted, was “intellectually the superior of John Hyman,” the state’s first black Congressman.

Anderson wrote that O’Hara “represented his district well during his four years in Congress,” introducing bills to provide aid to common schools, improve waterways, provide pension relief and erect public buildings.

Freedmen’s Convention of 1866 and served as chairman of the Halifax County Board of Commissioners from 1872 to 1876.

After study at Howard, he was admitted to the bar in 1873 and practiced in Enfield until he moved to New Bern in 1890.

He was a Republican candidate for Congress in five consecutive elections. His loss in 1886 was at the hands of Furnifold Simmons.

VVoters of the “Black Second”

Congressional district of North Carolina elected four African American representatives between 1874 and 1898. Virginia, South Carolina and Mississippi also had predominantly black districts in the late nineteenth century, but James Edward O’Hara (1844-1905) was the only black member of the Congress upon his election in 1882.

Historian Eric Anderson contended

O’Hara gained national attention in 1884 when he tried to attach an antidiscrimination rider to an interstate commerce bill, mandating equal accommodations for all railway passengers.

Born in New York City, James Edward O’Hara was the son of an Irish seaman and a West Indian woman.

In 1862 he accompanied a group of missionaries to eastern North Carolina, then occupied by federal troops. O’Hara acted as secretary of the North Carolina

O’Hara owned five tracts in Halifax County. Deed research reveals that one of those was “the place where James E. O’Hara now (1876) resides.”

The tract was further identified as being “situated in the fork of the Enfield and Tarboro and Enfield and Raleigh roads.”

This places the site just outside the Enfield town limits at the junction of N.C. 481 and S.R. 1220.

The current property owner and a county commissioner confirm that this tract and a house that remains are known locally as the “O’Hara place.”

REFERENCES

JAMES E. O’HARA 1844-1905 Black political leader. Member, U.S. House of Representatives, 1883-1887. Practiced law in Enfield. Lived 1/10 mi. S.

William S. Powell, ed., Dictionary of North Carolina Biography, IV, 388-389 – sketch by Joseph E. Elmore Eric Anderson, The Black Second: Race and Politics in North Carolina, 1872-1901 (1981) Frenise A. Logan The Negro in North Carolina, 1876-1894 (1964)

N.C. 481 (Glenview Road) at SR 1220 (Daniels Bridge Road) west of Enfield

Grace & Truth

Devotion to God

AAs I crossed the stage, a diploma certifying me as educated to lead people spiritually was put into my hands.

Dr. Mark Rutland shook my hand and said, “Preach the Word, son.” I would take these words to heart. Many days of stress and pain have found their way to my steps, yet these simple words have given me a clear focus to repeatedly step into the prayer closet, pulpit and meeting room.

The apostle Paul writes his last recorded words to his apprentice, Timothy, pronouncing a solemn oath over him. We are not sure of Timothy’s response other than his diligent obedience to the call of Jesus and the teaching of Paul.

2 Timothy 4 says, “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”

After serving in my church for a season, I sought ordination through the Assemblies of God. The General Superintendent from Missouri commissioned my wife and me together to preach the Gospel faithfully.

My pastor from Lakeland, Florida, and Pastor Buddy Denton of Askewville, prayed over me while laying on hands and commissioning us into the ministry. Amanda and I were humbled by the call and inspired by the admonishment of our leaders.

Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount to be wary of making vows quickly. Every minister of the Word must take with highest regard the magnitude of declaring the supremacy of God through preaching and leading.

Our communities do not need men and women who have forgotten our calling, purpose or need. We need those who will live a life worthy of our high calling. Those who know they will give an account for every word. May we declare with joy and total humility that Jesus is powerful enough to change everything!

If you know someone who has lived with deep devotion to the oath they have taken before God, take time to recognize and admonish such people.

Every marriage I perform, I tell the couple that the ceremony will be great memories, but the central focus is exchanging vows. I inform them that they are vowing to God that they will honor one another and not each other.

The vows before God state that I will cherish my wife according to my promise and God’s faithfulness, not my spouse’s. If my vows are based on a fallible person, they may seem voided so long as my performance outexecutes theirs. A marriage will only work if there is no scorekeeping.

The power of oaths is they govern us when people fail. Let God’s presence at your time of decision compel you to remain faithful and steadfast amid a

crooked generation and heat of community disagreement.

Not everyone will understand why you must stay true to a statement, but we must live the total weight of our words when we place our hand on the book and, with a sound mind, declare, “I swear that…” or “I promise to….”

Let us take these commitments as divine mandates to which we’ve submitted, and let’s remain faithful, even when we feel the urge to lower the standard.

God gave Paul’s words to Timothy and then crossed generations to speak them over me through great men. I will live this charge all of my days and hopefully get to offer this same admonition to others as I go.

P ASTOR W EBB H OGGARD

Let us take these commitments as divine mandates to which we’ve submitted and lets’s remain faithful, even when we fell the urge to lower the standard

Emanuel Webb Hoggard is Pastor at Askewville Assembly of God and a resident of Edenton. He can be reached via email at pastorwebb@hotmail.com

By Thadd White

They are leading our services, watching over our cities, preparing our budgets and treating our illnesses. People who take oaths to perform their duties are all around us.

PARTING SHOTS T

Doctors take the Hippocratic oath, while commissioners and other office holders swear allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and the state constitution.

I think, at times, people don’t think those who take oaths pay much attention to them. They believe words are just said because they are required.

As you read through pages of this Eastern North Carolina Living, I think you will find that is not true for the people we talked to. Our subjects were clear in their message – taking an oath matters and the words mean something.

Dr. Charles Sawyer spent more than six decades dedicating his life to treating the sick and wounded of the Roanoke-

Chowan region. He gave of himself, not just during office hours, but during every day of his life. As he retires, his dedication to his oath is praised by friends and colleagues.

Joe Ayers spent nearly three decades serving the people of Oak City, following in his father’s footsteps. He then moved to serve all the people of Martin County as a commissioner, where he still believes in the power of his oath.

Judge Wendy Hazelton followed what she feels is her calling and tries to help the people of her district every day. She followed her desire to help people from law school to the district attorney’s office to the bench.

Commissioner Travian Taylor learned politics the hard way, but works hard every day to serve his community and grow into his job. Chief Justin Jackson has given his life to protecting the people of

Bertie County, and specifically the citizens of Windsor.

They are just some of the people you’ll meet in the pages of this magazine, and they are just a portion of those who give their all every day to serve.

We hope that not only will you enjoy the stories of the people in this magazine and that they will inspire you to take time to meet your own leaders and doctors and those who take oaths. We think you’ll be glad you did.

We’ll be back in July when we do something we’ve never done before. We’ll share with you stories of mysteries that have gone unsolved in our region. They will be all kinds of mysteries and we look forward to sharing them with you.

Until next time, remember… all who wander are not lost. Continue joining us as we wander through Beaufort, Bertie, Chowan, Edgecombe, Gates, Greene, Halifax, Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Nash, Northampton, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Pitt, Tyrrell, Washington and Wilson counties.

Thadd White is an avid fan of Chelsea Football Club, a collector of memories, a believer in downtown and serves as Group Editor of four Adams Publishing Group publications, including the N.C. Press Awardwinning Eastern North Carolina Living.

“I think , at times, people don’t think those who take oaths pay much attention to them. They believe words are just said because they are required.

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