Greenville LIFE in the EAST
SPRING 2022
SPRING has SPRUNG Season brings celebration of life
INSIDE:
EARTH DAY, FARM APP, GARDENING, CLEANING OUT, BASEBALL, EVENTS
Family owned and operated, proudly serving Eastern Carolina for over 15 years. Our friendly, professional staff is made up of local people you know. We are your local Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning specialist. 24 Hour Emergency Service!
Washington (252)927-0025 | Farmville 252-753-4914
Monday-Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm www.emiheatingandcooling.org
EARTH DAY: Publisher Robin L. Quillon
Green Roof Farm is helping to sustain the planet and its venerable proprietor, Dr. Earl Trevathan.
Editor Bobby Burns
FARM TO MARKET:
Contributing writers Emily Bronson, Donna Davis, Ginger Livingston, Pat Gruner, Patrick Mason Photographers Willow Abbey Mercando, Scott Davis Regional Advertising Director Craig Springer
Advertising representatives Christina Ruotolo, Lewis Smith & Rubie Smith Creative services director Jessica Harris Creative services Lora Jernigan Layout design Emily Leach
Growing with technology, app connects consumers and agricultural businesses.
LAWN & GARDEN: Spring into the growing season as experts offer advice to create a plant-filled paradise.
SPRING CLEANING: Parting with sentimental favorites can be difficult, but sometimes clearing clutter can help build relationships.
PLAY BALL:
Welcome to the jungle, where baseball and good times meet.
EVENTS:
Music, festivals and more celebrate the season.
4-9 11-15 18-20 24-25 26-28 29-31
Greenville: Life in the East is a publication of The Daily Reflector and Adams Publishing Group ENC. Contents may not be reproduced without the consent of the publisher.
Dr. Earl Trevathan is no spring chicken. Based on Donna Davis’ story about him in this spring edition of Greenville Life in the East, however, he is a very youthful 98-year-old.
Greenville
A founding member of the local Sierra Club chapter, the Cypress Group, he purchased his family’s ancestral home place, now called the Green Roof Farm, in Fountain in 2007 and has since planted thousands of trees and implemented measures to sustain the land and its resources.
LIFE in the EAST
SPRING 2022
Trevathan was a good steward of people for decades as a pediatrician and public health practitioner in Greenville. Among his other pursuits, as Donna writes, is being a good steward of the planet.
It’s only fitting the farm will be the site of the one of the community’s centerpiece Earth Day celebrations on April 24, which you can read more about in Donna’s story. Such events are crucial at a time when the planet faces dire threats from climate change, and many organizations around Greenville are offering Earth Day programs to educate and inform as well as entertain. To name a few, check out the offerings through East Carolina University (campusoperations.ecu.edu/sustainability/earth-week) and its Biodiversity Initiative and Department of Biology (biology.ecu.edu/biodiversity), as well as the N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences-Greenville/Contentnea Creek (atimeforscience.org).
SPRING has SPRUNG Season brings celebration of life
INSIDE:
EARTH DAY, FARM APP, GARDENING, CLEANING OUT, BASEBALL, EVENTS
Tulips bloom at Raising Grayce Farm on Stanley Road in Greenville.
Spring 2022
We are lucky to live in a place where access to the natural world is so abundant. This edition of Greenville Magazine helps readers explore that world a bit with pieces on gardening and the NC Farm App, which literally helps users explore the state’s agribusinesses. Along with stories about the seasonal tradition of baseball, a little bit on spring cleaning and a sampling of events to help you find ways to start the season right, we hope you enjoy our slices of Life in the East and wish you all the best as the flowers bloom world greens up around us.
— Bobby Burns
Greenville: Life In The East
3
Dr. Earl Trevathan, 98, purchased his family's ancestral homeplace, now called Green Roof Farm, in Fountain in 2007 and has since measures to sustain the land and resources.
A bridge built by Trevathan is part of a trail system on the farm that will host an Earth Day celebration organized by the Cypress Group of the Sierra Club and other community organizations on April 24.
EARTH DAY A farm and a fountain of youth Green Roof Farm is helping to sustain the planet and its venerable proprietor, Dr. Earl Trevathan
P
By Donna Davis
ecans crunch underfoot as wind chimes swing and sway like gangly legs of children from the wraparound porch, their high voices noisily competing for attention. A Mule, the four-wheel species, gets stuck twice hauling visitors around to see the farm, weaving carefully between tree plantings and ponds before miring up in rich, sloppy, signature wetlands muck. To the idle passersby, this stretch of land straddling county lines is the very vision of the sleepy rural South. Little do preservation industry spearheaded by the retired pediatrician who has outlived many of his patients. He calls the family homeplace on 1822 Old Market Road in Fountain “The Green Roof Farm.” Family and friends might just consider it 98-year-old Dr. Earl Trevathan’s own Fountain of Youth.
Healing children and the environment The retired pediatrician might have hung up his white coat, but his legacy is anything but forgotten. His name has been emblazoned on the front of the Pitt County Spring 2022
By Scott Davis
Health Department building since 2012. After serving four years in the Navy during World War II and completing his medical education, he was drawn back to Greenville. “Drawn is the word. We needed doctors back here,” Trevathan said at the farm last month. “Dr. Malene Irons encouraged me to come, ‘We have a practice we can turn over to you.’”
I don’t even like to go out anywhere with him because you go out for a 15-minute jaunt to the grocery store and it takes an hour and a half. Everybody in there had him as a pediatrician.” He remembers the time before Burroughs Wellcome pharmaceuticals built a manufacturing facility here (the site
sort of sense we had a medical center here. And we ought to go ahead and go for a medical school. Not everyone agreed with him. But in the long term, he was right.”
and was trying to recruit employees to relocate to Greenville. “I went to Tuckahoe, New York, and spoke to that crowd. ‘Come to Greenville!’ They wanted to know how common snakes were. And when you walked through swamps, did you have boards to walk on. They thought we were really primitive. I just told them to come down here and start eating collards and they would certainly decide this was a little bit of heaven.” But his memories of the people who made the pilgrimage are fond. “I looked after all those children. And they could
chancellor, drove the establishment of the medical school in 1969. Trevathan has his own renown. “He is a celebrity!” his eldest daughter, Wenda Trevathan says, smiling. “I tell you
of Burroughs Wellcome. And they were smart and joined civic clubs and got on the Board of Education and did so many things and brought a new level of community life to Greenville.”
operated with federal Hill-Burton Act
after the war and after the GI bill, he said. “In all the other towns they had private ownerships. With that background and that number of young doctors coming
Greenville: Life In The East
5
Ponds and wetlands at Green Roof Farm serve as a backdrop for weddings and parties held at a barn built with reclaimed wood. The wetlands environmentally sensitive and needed trees.
Purpose and Repurpose Trevathan retired from his vocation in 2000 and assumed his avocation, as he calls it. “I’ve got a new bridge just built. It’s white against a green background and a big horse barn behind it.” Trevathan’s creative vision for the farm has been a driving force from the time he surprised
far as part of the Conservation Reserve He considers the project of rehabilitating
Enhancement Program (CREP). “It's
the homeplace and farm once owned by
the rehabilitation of wetlands that are
his grandfather, Henry Turnage, and making
not used for pasture or anything else.
environmentally conscious improvements
It’s a state and federal government
his relief and recreation.
program that was initially funded by
“It involves my interest in certain issues
the Clean Water Act. Four years ago we
related to the environment. I married into
had our area surveyed and they found
that passion. My wife, Ruth, was a National Park Service daughter. Her father, Paul R.
environmentally sensitive and needed
Franke, was superintendent of several
trees that lived in wetlands easily and
description of simple structures on the
of the western parks. So she grew up in
provided natural food for wildlife and
property paints a vivid picture.
the parks. Zion, Bryce Canyon, the Grand
bees. So our trees are chestnut swamp
his family and bought it in 2007. His
“That single bridge is an artistic piece
oak and swamp oak.”
to me. From there you just turn around
on waking me up to environmental
He’s also planted 200 silky dogwoods
and see the panorama of buildings
things. She started the trash pickup in Pitt
and 200 buttonbushes with large blooms
and white fence with three barns on
County. She and I started the Sierra Club,
the property that are built with old tobacco barn wood. Everything on this
“The land and space is deeded helped it get organized.” Trevathan has planted 6,000 trees so
over to the state of North Carolina as a conservation resource. They have
ownership for 15 years and they pay me annually. After 15 years it reverts back to my ownership. That program is very successful throughout the state and is renewed every year. It’s good money for the farmer, and it’s wonderful for the environment.” All the barns and outbuildings on the farm were constructed with reclaimed wood, mostly from old tobacco barns. upon a time a chicken house) that is used as a wedding and event venue by his granddaughter, Lauren Daigle, is built with solid, reclaimed planks. “My daughter, Wenda, and her husband Gregg Henry, will take back 10,000 square feet of planks to build their new house in Santa Fe, New Mexico. That just shows you what salvaging and saving can do. The wood is over 150 years old and it is tongue and groove. If that isn’t exciting! I have a passion for that project, that work and what I’m doing.”
Nature and Longevity These days Trevathan takes great joy “The most exciting thing to me is that the martins came in the day before yesterday,” he says with a gleam in his eye. “See the gourds there? The martins have arrived!” on the farm and he explains why. “Why do you plant a flower? It’s beautiful. But it also is a very valuable natural ingredient to healthy nature. We’re sweating the stress on the honey bees now. All they do and contribute … pollination for things that grow and bloom.” He’s gradually adding to the farm “everything in the world I thought was attractive,” including a trail through the facility, benches along the way, bird observation and a spot overlooking wetlands where he has four little ponds plus a large pond about 3 acres in size. Though it’s a constant work-in-progress,
Travethan describes the project as lifesaving. “As energetic as I’ve always been, I’m healthy enough to do things, not to just be pushed over to an old folks’ home, to sit on a swing out front all afternoon.” That leads to the question that he gets asked quite often. To what does he attribute his remarkable longevity? Trevathan, who says he is “98 and one half,” responds, “I don’t think they are as impressed with my age so much as what I do. And they think, as old as he is, what is he doing out on that tractor all day? My mother lived to 103, two weeks shy of 104. My grandfather on my mother’s side lived to 85, and on my father’s side to 95. You might say we are genetically endowed.” But he is blessed with more than just a healthy gene pool, and explains it like this: “I think the greatest attribute I can imagine for myself is the degree of enthusiasm I have for learning, doing, wanting to see what’s going on. I wake in
the morning and start the day with things out there that are curiosities that I want to know more about, or keep up with. And I feel a lot of people don’t ride that same horse, they don’t feel that same way. I go to the Sierra Club meeting and I’m the oldest person there and I look around and wonder why others don’t want to hear about what we do with our wastewater.”
Environment and stewardship Trevathan is not alone in his interest in the environment. He has found many kindred spirits in the Sierra Club. The group has been preparing for a large Earth Day celebration at the farm on April 24. The event will include wagon tours of restoration/conservation efforts; presentations on climate change; experts to address gardening questions and best practices for sustainable methods; demonstrations by environmental groups; antique farm tools; music, food and fun activities. Trevathan’s friend, Dr. David Ames, is chairman of the Cypress Group. “ M y pass i on for env iron m ent preservation was sparked by hiking and camping activities as a Boy Scout as well
changes,” Ames said. “What I remember as lively, colorful underwater coral gardens in the Caribbean have now become stone cemeteries covered by algae but otherwise devoid of life.”
“There is now a great deal more awareness of climate change and its impact on the planet. However, we are still far short of the adaptions that need to be made if global catastrophe is to be avoided.” Susan Redding said that while she has been a longtime supporter of the Sierra Club, she has only been able to be more active as a volunteer since her retirement a few years ago. “I don’t think there was any singular event that had me thinking about the fact that we all share this space and we need to be careful
8
only place we have to live right now.” She said the best thing that’s happened
was Dr. Trevathan's family farm that he was restoring. I thought it was beautiful,
there is so much more awareness of the need to be good stewards of the Earth. “Unfortunately, the increases in numbers of people sharing this space, combined with the drive of many corporations to make profits the priority over
large restored barn. It reminded me of my mother's family farm in Sampson County where I have many fond memories growing up.” Redding described the farm as “a lovely place that reminds us to keep places and spaces cared-for and preserved for future generations.” Musician Bill Redding also is a member of the Sierra Club chapter and is helping to plan the Earth Day celebration, primarily organizing the music and sound. “Lightnin’ Wells will be playing and then the NuClear Twins. I’m just planning to play one song, ‘Keep Greenville Green.’ It’s a song I wrote and sang at a (Greenville) City Council meeting some years ago after some developer clear-cut a huge tract of land on Tenth Street to build a large student housing complex.” Redding explains that his interest in environmental issues stems back to his early adolescence in learning about these things from folk singers such as Pete Seeger. “Saving the Earth from the ravages of global warming has now, of course, become dire and we all must do whatever we can to help control it. Programs like Earth Day at The Green Roof
led, in my opinion, to a very fragile world.” Club member Sylvia Bjorkman said, “I think there is greater awareness through both science and what we can see through our personal experiences that our climate is changing. We see in the news that we are having stronger storms, and temperatures through the seasons are changing. There is more research showing the negative impact of singleuse plastics and 'forever chemicals' in our water, potentially impacting our health, and especially our children's health. There is also more information on what we can do individually to intervene if we choose to do so and believe that we can invest in our planet.”
Celebrating Earth Day The Green Roof Farm’s fresh air is charged with excitement like the night before a harvest festival or hoe-down. Six thousand trees are starting to bud and it won’t be long before white blossoms announce spring in all of its glory. It has been two long years since a proper Earth Day celebration with real people could take place due to the pandemic. Organizers are pulling out all the stops for the event on April 24. Ames said he is especially looking forward to the programs that will be presented by youth. “Their ownership of climate protection is critical. The public listens to their voice and they will own the consequences of what we currently do.” Bjorkman, chair of the club’s political committee for the Cypress Group, said the venue for the celebration, she drove out to see it. “It was then I realized this Greenville: Life In The East
“For many years I have chosen to live in a country setting so as to be closer to the Earth, live at a slower pace and hear natural sounds rather than the hum of the city,” said Lightnin’ Wells, who lives in the Fountain area not far from Travathan’s farm. “Right in my neighborhood is a most wonderful spot established by my friend Dr. Earl Trevathan, which he named Green Roof Farm, and I can't think of a nicer place to spend Earth Day this year. I'm planning on providing some music for part of this event and plan on playing some old time music that dates back to days when people were closer to the Earth. When you hear songs that deal with animals, hard times and trains you can bet that it's probably an old time song.” Spring 2022
EARTH DAY CELEBRATION The Cypress Group of the Sierra Club, in association with National Earth Day 2022, local schools and environmental groups, is sponsoring a public Earth Day celebration at the Green Roof Farm, 1822 Old Market Road, Fountain, 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 24. The event will include wagon tours of
fun activities. Here is a breakdown: Four public schools involving over 70 students, grades K-12, are presenting group environmental projects. car for display/demonstration along with information on what North Carolina is doing regarding recharging stations and incentives. The Eastern Carolina Village and Farm Museum will be presenting displays on food preservation, recipes from the 1800s, with local jams and use of herbs and spices in seasoning and preserving food. live animals. Duke University graduate students will be presenting
concentrations and recommendations for how these concentrations can be addressed locally.
demonstration showing what lives in pond water. Fishing poles and bait will be available for parents who may supervise their children in a catch and
restoration of the farm using sustainable farming practices. Clear Twins and Bill Redding
FIND OUT MORE About the local Sierra Club and Earth Day celebration: facebook.com/nc.sierra.cypress.group and www.sierraclub.org/north-carolina/cypress About Dr. Earl Trevathan (Autobiographical stories written by Trevathan and compiled by Calvin Mercer): https://pittcountyhistoricalsociety.com /dr-earl-trevathan-stories-1 The main house at the Green Roof Farm was home to Trevathan's grandparents, Henry and Alice Turnage. It was built in the 1790s.
211 East Arlington Blvd. Greenville, NC
Elite Properties
LIST YOUR HOME WITH CONFIDENCE
ALTERNATIVE to the Big Box Stores For Your Outdoor Needs
Frankie Atkinson Peggy Bryan 320-3832 717-7799
Tahaia (Kunny) Brothers
531-1872
Camilla Lynch 717-7229
Merilu Davis 717-4453
Karen Hanley 714-1922
Austin Overstreet Dale Manning 289-8222 341-8660
Salt Wood Products Inc.
3016 Jones Park Rd., Greenville, NC 252-830-8875 1/2 mile from Pitt County Fairgrounds, across from Agri Supply
Jami Jo Manning 717-7706
Lisa Manning Keith Vandiford Eddie Williams 531-1203 916-6403 714-7126
To view all our listings, visit our website
www.century21eliteproperties.com
W edd ddi dd i ng g Wedding trio
come build YO U R P ER FE CT
jewelers Since 1969
10
Greenville: Life In The East
633 Red Banks Road RobinsonJewelers.com 252-321-7000 Spring 2022
Graylyn and Natalie Brown pick tulips at Raising Grayce Farms in Greenville. Along with Will Brown, they hope that being on the Visit NC Farm App will
By Pat Gruner
FARM TO A MARKET
By Willow Abbey Mercando
Growing with technology App connects consumers and agricultural businesses
Spring 2022
Greenville: Life In The East
11
Raising Grayce Farms relies on technology to network with other agribusinesses as well as potential customers and has helped a small family
12
Greenville: Life In The East
Spring 2022
Spring 2022
Greenville: Life In The East
13
“Technology is critical as far as marketing
Justin Lawrence of The Village Market in Winterville uses the Visit NC Farm app to promote events at the business on Winterville Parkway. "Agrotourism gives your something, especially in a city like Greenville, a place where you can live and still be close to agriculture."
14
Greenville: Life In The East
Spring 2022
In February, the app was installed 835
of helping all our partners across the
times with 4,928 active users, according
A newer feature of the app is giving
to the state Department of Agriculture
tourists and locals the ability to plan
and Consumer Services analytics. Tourism is especially hot in the spring, summer and fall, according to local experts. “Spring break, when people start
state do that and make it a wonderful experience for everyone.” That means more chances for farmers
“You can build your own itinerary and trips,” said Sierra Jones, communications
to get acquainted with the public and one another through the app.
director for Visit Greenville NC. “It has
“We have gotten to connect with
those kinds of things trigger that
special events. You can see what kind of
future events through the Visit N.C.
consumer demand,” said Leigh Guth,
festivals or plant shows are going on and
Farms App,” Natalie Brown said. “There is
director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension
really break it down as to what kind of
Service Pitt County Center. “When my
agriculture experience you are looking
Flower Farm, we are working with to get
family travels for our standard week at the
for. It even has lodging features if you
her on the app so we can work altogether
beach, we pick up a watermelon on the
are looking to stay on a farm or book an
and promote altogether.”
way. We are Down East so we always pick
Airbnb type experience.”
getting itchy for strawberries, sometimes
up butterbeans or some of those fresh
Planting the seeds for collaboration means sowing a community.
tomatoes. Yes, now we go to the same
history is important for marketing. Helping
places because we know that, but for the
evolve agrotourism is essential to the
many people who are traveling new to the
economic future of an area like Pitt County.
coast, even from out of state, having this
“We are trying to share the history
tool no matter where they go in the state,
and evolution of agriculture in the area,”
they can kind of plug in their destination
Jones said. “This app does a great job
learned a lot through other local people.”
The Village Market in Winterville, started by a Pitt County farming family, sells a variety produce and meats and holds events wares. The business is among dozens of Pitt County sites on the Visit NC Farm app.
Spring 2022
Greenville: Life In The East
15
Washington’s Harbor District is the perfect port of call for dining, art, antiques and boutique shopping. With dozens of unique shops and fabulous eateries all located in a charming riverfront community. Downtown is a fun and friendly place to be. It’s an escape from the ordinary. Shop, Dine & Play in Washington’s Harbor District! o., o Paper C c li m a P y Art b n, NC Washingto
Great Rates and Service Since 1950!
Thurs. & Fri. 10-4 Saturday 8-4 harbordistrictmarket.org
140 West Main St. Washington, NC (252) 947-1487
HOME-BUSINESS-AUTO-LIFE-FLOOD-BOAT-BONDS
Toll Free 1-844-226-7456 252-946-6114 • Fax: 252-946-9474
Fancy That Creations
Wine & Words...& Gourmet
Unique Handmade Jewelry & Gifts. Contact us for custom orders for special events.
220 & 228 West Main Street, Washington • 252.974.2870
Owner: Lynn Toler
Located in the Harbor District Market, Downtown Washington, NC (252) 943-9506 • Shop In-Store Or Online fancythatinformation@gmail.com www.fancythatcreations.com
~ Wine Bar Now Open!~ Available For Events
A wo world ld of go good ood o taste on Main SStreet
• Wine From Around • Gift Baskets & Gift Certificates the World es • Craft Beer, Cider & Sake • Gourmet Food • Cheeses and Deli Fare • Charcuterie MONDAY CLOSED TUES & WED 11 - 6 THURS 11 - 8 FRI & SAT 11 - 9, SUN
12 - 7
/wineandwords
The Southern Nest & Vintage, Antiques, Home Décor, Collectibles, Gifts, & Old Fashioned Candy
Check Us Out ! 133 West Main Street Downtown Washington, NC (252) 940-1486 Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11am – 6 pm Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm Email: thesouthernnest@earthlink.net
252.946.2611 121 N MARKET STREET DOWNTOWN WASHINGTON STEWARTSJEWELRYSTORE.COM • “LIKE” US ON
whda.org WashingtonHarbor DistrictAlliance @whda_nc whda_washington_nc
ARTS, MUSIC, THEATRE & MORE Just 20 Minutes East Of Greenville, NC
THEATRE
CLASSES EVENTS
• Onstage • Performances • Opera • Dancing
• Pottery • Painting • ArTipsy • Art Classes
• Live Music • Art Exhibits • Concerts • Receptions
YOUTH • Summer Camp • Bubblegum Theatre • Art Classes • Broadway Kids
For more info visit: www.artsofthepamlico.org
ARTS OF THE PAMLICO’S HISTORIC TURNAGE THEATRE 150 WEST MAIN STREET • WASHINGTON, NC 27889
144 W Main Street, Washington, NC 27889 (252) 940-0109 • www.SecretGardenGallery.net
CHART A NEW COURSE
AT LITTLE WASHINGTON SAILING SCHOOL Custom Bridal Jewelry Swarovski Crystals Creations ~Earrings Find Me At The Harbor District Market In Downtown Washington, NC Thursday-Saturday
We Also Make Custom Creations 757-332-0500 michelleelainedesigns@gmail.com
Youth Sailing Program: June 6 - August 13, 2022 One Week Classes for Ages 9-18 No Experience Necessary Adult Classes Now Available REGISTER NOW 128 S. Market St., Washington | www.littlewashingtonsailingschool.org Follow Us On Facebook Or Twitter @LWSailing
THE
LEMONADE AR T GALLERY & GIFTS
Woodwork • Pottery • Jewelry Wearable Silk Art • Photography Framed Fabric Art • Gifts Watercolor • Acrylic • Oil Paintings
201 W Main Street Washington, NC 27889 Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm
(252) 495-3141
thelemonadeartgallery.com thelemonadeartgallery@gmail.com
Mo onday nda - Friday F iday 1111-5,, Sat a 10-5 1 0,, Sun un 1212-4
Hannah Smith, a horticultural agent with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service in Pitt County, says spring is the time to prepare
Ken Stillwell of Carolina Seasons Nursery on N.C. 903 North in Greenville said people like him at locally-owned nurseries can help folks choose the best kind of plants for their gardening needs.
LAWN & GARDEN Spring into the growing season Experts offer advice for creating a plant-filled paradise By Ginger Livingston
E
By Willow Abbey Mercando
Landscaping
ven before the last blast from frosty air is swept from eastern North Carolina, spring makes its presence known. Ortho, Scotts or Image.
everyone still has time to create their own
Lawn care
When people become comfortable with
Ken Stillwell, co-owner of Carolina Seasons
Spring 2022
Greenville: Life In The East
19
Stillwell recommends expanding the bed and personalizing the plantings. Camellias sasanqua, a fall-blooming evergreen shrub, works in a variety of soil types and lighting. “There is a lot of plant variety out
summer that later turn copper in the fall. Audubon North Carolina recommends it for sheltering certain bird species.
attacks caterpillars, Stillwell said. “Those are safe for most things. I don’t usually recommend anything stronger
Another alternative growing in popularity is clover, Smith said.
Stillwell said.
there now so you can add lots of purples
“It is perennial, it comes back year after
The best defense against insects is a
and golds and yellows,” he said. “It’s not
year and a lot of people in the industry are
healthy plant, Smith said. Pests most often
like it used to be where it was just basic
growing mini clover or microclover, and
are attracted to plants that have been
shrubbery and a few things that bloom.
they can be cut or mowed similar to a turf,”
damaged in another way. Making sure they
There are hundreds of plants.”
Smith said.
are in the right location and are receiving the
With that many plants, choice can be overwhelming. Stillwell said shopping at locally owned nurseries can help because the owners know the area and what works and doesn’t work.
New ideas Stillwell’s parents opened Carolina Seasons Nursery in 1978 when it was an azalea nursery. He took over in 2003 and Andrea Pike joined as a co-owner in 2004. That’s when the nursery started retail sales along with its wholesale business. Today, they operate a 10-acre nursery. Other long-time nurseries and garden
Clover lawns are a relatively new idea. In
right mix of water, fertilizer and pruning make
the past clover has been treated as a weed
them less susceptible to insects and weeds.
because it’s invasive. It will spread into
Eat what you grow
nearby gardens. It also leaves stains on clothing, especially the clothing of children who have been playing on it. “It certainly it wouldn’t be for everyone,” Smith said. “It is not an equal replacement (to grass).” However, it requires less meaning it needs less fertilizer. Most varieties also produce flowers, which attract bees.
Earth-friendly
centers include Plant and See, 400 Old Tar Road, Winterville, and Little’s Nursery, 480 U.S. 13.
Smith and Stillwell said gardeners are becoming more conscious about creating gardens that contribute to the environment,
they want to do. We show them plants that
especially to the health of pollinators. “A lot of perennials are really good
Stillwell said. “I’ve found that most people
attractants, like bee balm, daylilies,
know what they want, they just don’t know the particular plant they need.” Plantings of ornamental grasses also add interest to a landscape, Smith said.
attracted to,” Stillwell said. His favorite perennial that blooms all summer long is “Hot Lips” salvia which
Fountain and pampas grasses do well
Smith said. Stillwell said he saw an increased interest in vegetable gardening when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in 2020. It was a combination of people looking for to activities outside the home and because they were concerned about shortages in grocery stores. "We’re starting to come full circle in that we are getting more people interested in growing what they can,” Smith said. “That’s where a lot of these innovative growing styles are coming from because they are trying to make the most of their space. I think it’s interesting.” Late April and early May is a good time to plant almost any vegetable, she said. Tomatoes, squash, many varieties of beans, and other leafy greens all do well, she said.
are pink muhly and little bluestem. Pink he said.
highly resistant to deer grazing and is low
If attracting bees and butterflies is
maintenance, according to the North Carolina
important, gardeners need to be careful about
Extension Gardner’s website. It produces
the pesticides they use. Stillwell recommends neem oil, which is made from the oil of neem
Little bluestem also is a North Carolina native. The extension gardener’s website
birds, mammals and plants but can be slightly
said it performs best in average, dry to
toxic to aquatic animals and plants.
medium moisture, well-drained soil in full
As long as its sprayed at dawn and dusk,
sun but tolerates a lot of soil conditions.
when bees aren’t active, it poses little danger.
It needs to be cut back to the ground in
Individuals who want to get rid of
early spring to produce blue leaves in the
caterpillars can use dipel, a bacteria that
20
Most people plant herbs and fruitbearing plants because they are attractive,
cucumbers, sweet corn, collards, spinach
in the region, but two native ornamentals muhly is resistant to disease and pests, is
Another trend in landscape gardening is incorporating vegetables in the plantings.
Greenville: Life In The East
Okra and peppers are plants that prefer a late starting time because it is “good and People train trailing plants such as cucumbers and squash to grow on trellises and tomato cages to save space, he said. Peppers only need to be planted 10 inches apart to grow. Tomatoes need more space, however. “We really are at an advantage being in the eastern part of the state because there are a number of vegetables that have extended seasons,” Smith said. Spring 2022
Home gardening boomed during the pandemic shutdown, Smith said, and the popularity continues as people are trying new and innovative growing styles "because they are trying to make the most of their space."
• Exceptional Selection • Knowledgeable Staff
• Competitive Pricing • Experienced Installers
156 Tilco Drive, Winterville • 252.756.9308 www.fullserviceflooring.com
DISCOVER IT YOURSELF 1 ASSOCIATE IN ARTS/SCIENCE 2 BIOTECHNOLOGY 3 HEALTH INFORMATION
Cosmetic Dermatology
Our Cosmetic division in Greenville Offers the latest advances in beauty, dermatology and laser technology. No referrals are required for any of our cosmetic procedures. To learn more about our services please visit our website or call for an appointment today!
TECHNOLOGY 4 MEDICAL ASSISTING 5 PARALEGAL 6 CRIMINAL JUSTICE 7 ACCOUNTING & FINANCE: FINANCIAL SERVICES 8 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: TECHNICAL SUPPORT 9 COMPUTER INTEGRATED MACHINING 10 WELDING
PITTCC.EDU Spring 2022
Greenville: Life In The East
21
Elaine Anderson REALTOR/Broker elaine@century21trg.com The Realty Group
1420 East Arlington Blvd. Ste.B Greenville, NC 27858 Direct 252-347-7021 Business 252-355-7800 www.century21trg.com
211 East Arlington Boulevard Greenville, North Carolina 27858
Mobile 252-531-1872
Kunny Tahaia Brothers Buying, selling, investing or relocating specialist Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
2019 Centurion Producer
Elite Properties
Broker, Realtor®
Office 252-215-0015 Fax 866-291-4913 Century21.com KunnyBrothers.com
Each Office independently Owned and Operated
Kari Paramore REALTOR® DIRECT- 252.917.4906 OFFICE- 252.355.6000 Ext. 2143 KariParamore@kw.com KariParamore kw com
Keller Williams 1708 East Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC 27858 Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated.
GRI
Producer 2003-2019
Multi-Million Dollar Club
Your Full-Service
Local Realtor
Representing buyers, sellers and investors with experience & integrity.
REALTOR® GRI, SRES
“Waterfront and Luxury Home Marketing”
Each Coldwell Banker Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Leigh Guth, director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Pitt County Center, teaches a class about building relationships by sharing personal items with a story. She's holding a box given to her by friend Angela Grady of Williamston 40 years ago along with a hand-written note about why the box is special.
SPRING CLEANING
Who gets grandma’s yellow pie plate? Parting with sentimental favorites can be difficult, but sometimes clearing clutter can help build relationships
S
pringtime brings new life and with it often comes the urge to purge and declutter. But when it comes to cleaning out the attic, the kitchen cabinets, an overpacked closet and the like, sentimentality can slow a good spring clean to a sputter. Cherished but rarely or never used to throw away, even if they haven’t seen daylight in decades. Perhaps they belonged to a departed loved one or recall a special memory. Guth, director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Pitt County Center. But she has a strategy that might help. Think of decluttering as an exercise in creating relationships rather than simply purging personal items, said Guth, a 17-year
24
instructor of the class, “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie Plate?” “One of the things we talk to people about is, as you think about giving an item to someone, think about what the story is behind that item,” Guth said. “And share that with them, so that they know why it’s important.” Stories are passed down along with items. So while it may be important to part with an item, preserving the memories that are attached to it is equally important, Guth said. Unlike a house or a car, most personal belongings don’t have a title to them, Guth said. Items like jewelry, china sets, collectables and more are considered “nontitled property,” she said. Before unloading such items, Guth said it is pivotal to determine intentions, interests and to donate a baseball card collection to Greenville: Life In The East
By Emily Bronson By Willow Abbey Mercando someone who collects baseball cards than to a grandson who does not care about baseball. “We also talk to folks about making sure the person they are giving an item to has an appreciation for that item,” Guth said. Downsizing and transferring personal property can be a celebratory time in everyone’s life, Guth said. Each time she has taught “Who Gets Grandma’s Yellow Pie in her own life and has learned something herself from the class discussions. In recent years, Guth and her brother closed on their late mother’s house. While sorting through her things, they came across a shallow candy dish once used as an ashtray. Both wanted to keep it for themselves, which naturally sparked a conversation about the memories attached to the dish. Guth told her brother she remembered Spring 2022
using it as a child as the steering wheel to an imaginary car because of its circular shape. Similarly, her brother shared that he valued it because their grandmother used to always “Having that tie that ties my brother and I together to people who are no longer here, it has allowed us to have a special connection about remembering why that (dish) was important to us,” she said. Jamee Durrett, the store manager of My Sister’s Attic in Greenville, said there are both feelings of relief and hesitation for people who are donating their personal items to the thrift and consignment shop. Many people will bring in bags of items into the shop, Durrett said, but they will go through their things one last time before handing them over to her to sell. “I have had people bring donations in and then, as they look in the box, they say, ‘Oh wait, you can’t have that one. That one means too much to me,’” Durrett said. The process of decluttering and donating said the hardest items for people to part
with are those that are sentimental to them in some way.
a unique item, Artis said.
like the uniqueness of these items.” Her company helps families who have lost a loved one sort, sell and donate their belongings, Artis said. During these home clean-outs, she said she constantly sees the vulnerability that comes with giving up sentimental belongings. However, Artis advises clients to avoid keeping items just because it belonged to a beloved family member. “If someone passes unexpectedly, we do house clean-outs,” Artis said. “Sometimes family members are undecided about what exactly they want to get rid of even though they know they need to get rid of it.” Sometimes, a single small item is enough, she said. After not being able to attend the funeral of her recently deceased grandmother, a granddaughter came into Artis’ store and found a cookbook that belonged to her, Artis said.
things sometimes daily. Some people just
part of her job that she never gets tired of, Artis said.
said the best thing to remember is just because you are giving up a momento, you aren’t giving up the memory attached to it. As humans, we have needs, Durrett said, selling or donating items, we can begin to meet these needs. However, she said that “Some people come in and they are excited because it feels great to unload,” Durrett said. “And others are certainly more hesitant.” Sale Thrift & Vintage Shop in Winterville said people on the receiving end of the decluttering Regular customers at her store come in to browse the shelves to make sure they
your care. your choice. We offer these services: • Medical Care, including wellness checks, chronic condition care and sick visits • Primary Care Sports Medicine • COVID shots • Mental Health Care, including individual and family therapy • Virtual visits for patients, when appropriate
Call 252-695-6352 today for an appointment! Se habla español. We accept most insurance and offer care on a sliding fee scale to qualifying patients.
261 Belvoir Highway | Greenville, NC | gchcinc.org This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Hum man Services (HHS) under grant number H80CS10607 Health Center Program, in the amount of $8,654,913 or 48% of total program costs with $8,956,453 or 50% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are tho ose of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov. GCHC is licensed by the state of North Carolina, led by an independent Board of Directors, and is an FQHC Program grantee under 42 U.S.C. 254. GCHC receives HHS funding and has Public Health Service (PHS) deemed status with respect to certain health or health-related claims, including medical malpractice claims, for itself and its covered individuals.
Spring 2022
Greenville: Life In The East
25
PLAY BALL
Welcome to the jungle East Carolina University Pirates baseball fans Parker Johnson, Josh Thomas, Sean Sullivan Jungle at Clark-LeClair Stadium in March during a game against Virginia Commonwealth.
Where baseball & good times meet
By Patrick Mason
By Willow Abbey Mercando
J
acob Coman remembers attending his age of 12.
of Texas at San Antonio, and Coman watched the action from a designated seat
cheering for the home team.
members. With armpits pressed against the
ECU BASEBALL HOME GAMES
Games are played at Clark-LeClair Stadium. Visit www.ecupirates.com for tickets.
Spring 2022
Greenville: Life In The East
The two began what is one of the most
27
OTHER PLACES TO WATCH BASEBALL THIS SPRING:
Stalwarts of the Jungle say the banter with players from opposing teams is generally good-natured. Sometimes, they even get batters to sign the "K" boards they hang to represent their strikeout. Pirate players at the end of a victorious outing will leap over the fence in what's known as the "Jungle Jump."
PROFESSIONAL: Following the scare Baseball this year, the Down East Wood Kinston’s Grainger Stadium for another for the Class-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers opened on April 8 on the road at the Carolina Mudcats before the Woodies made their home debut on April 12 for The Mudcats, based in Zebulon, are a nearby rival these days for the Wood made Five-County Stadium its home opens play by hosting the Woodies and later in April travel to play them in Kinston.
and they soon realized that this was the place to be.
COLLEGE: Community College baseball team also is in the midst of its season, playing its home games at the Minges-Overton Complex located on the school’s campus in Winterville. As always, the
Williams Jungle, was named after ECU alumni Walter Williams. He and his wife, Marie, were prominent donors. And, as
from local high schools and beyond, and the team started the season with a lopsided winning record. HIGH SCHOOL: Eight nearby high school baseball teams also are in full swing, including Ayden-Grifton, D.H. Conley, Farmville Central, Greene Central, North Pitt, John Paul II, J.H. Rose and South Central. Rose, which plays many of its home games in historic Guy Smith Stadium, is the defending 3A state champion. SUMMER LEAGUES: As college teams players will begin fanning out both locally and across the country to join NCAA-sanctioned summer or “wood bat” leagues to not only stay in game used in all pro leagues. Close to home, in Wilson and Morehead City) and the
the Jungle as it was with a donation hinging Williams has his name on a number of athletic facilities: Williams Arena inside Minges Coliseum, Williams-Harvey Teams Building, Smith-Williams Center (Hall of Fame), Williams Strength & Conditioning Williams Jungle and Williams Hitting Facility. the center fielder for North Carolina during a game years ago, and has fond memories of interactions with parents from opposing teams. “Did Dean Smith give you baby blue
a storage bin that is strapped closed by a bungee cord when not in use. The bin itself has a large impression after being used as a seat for years. And, whenever an opposing center him to sign his board. “Some of them will sign it and some
At the conclusion of games, the cheering section in the Jungle doesn’t fade away. It grows louder. Megaphones boom with the name of Pirates players, and fans hammering their hands on the They come, too.
fan saying that day. “Just chirping at him, into the arms of the rowdy fans in what is second inning three more feet, then the third inning three more. Then the worst hit one over his head.” Center f ielders have a unique relationship with the Jungle inhabitants. Just to the left of the batter’s eye in
teams in Tarboro and Edenton). 28
stands, ready to hold wooden squares with the letter ‘K’ in bold, red font. Fans hang the wooden ‘Ks’ on a metal
Greenville: Life In The East
The players have been jumping for years, and they will be jumping for years to come. After all, everyone is welcome. member of the Jungle as far as we were concerned,” Brown said. “You meet so many good people who just love baseball and a good time.” Spring 2022
EVENTS Spring ahead Music, festivals more celebrate the season
Weekend adventures North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Contentnea Creek, 949 Contentnea Lane, Grifton, will host Weekend Adventures from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through June. The free event will include kayak lessons, guided trails hikes, and planetarium shows. Visit atimeforscience.org.
Message of Easter The Message of Easter, a 90-minute outdoor drama depicting the last days of Christ as told in Scripture, will be held at 8 p.m. April 13-17 at 2925 Piney Grove Church Road, Williamston. There is no charge to attend. For more info visit, www.messageofeaster.org
‘Junie B. Jones’
Chih-Long Hu will perform A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall
Spring 2022
Magnolia Arts Center, 1703 E. 14th St., will present “Junie B. Jones, The Musical” at 7:30 p.m. April 14-16 and April 2123. Additional matinee performances will be held at 2 p.m. April 16-17 and April 23. The musical is an adaptation of four of Barbara Park’s best-selling books, brought to life in a not strictlyfor-kids musical that celebrates themes of friendship, acceptance and humility. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and senior adults. Visit magnoliaartscenter.com.
Greenville: Life In The East
Spring Eggstravangaza The Greenville Recreation and Parks Department will host Spring Eggstravaganza from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Park Access Road. The free, community event will include games, candy, an egg hunt, medical screenings, employment support and school resources. In case of rain, the event will be moved to 9 a.m.12:30 p.m. April 23. Call 329-4269 for more information.
Piano concert East Carolina University’s School of Music will host a performance by pianist Chih-Long Hu, the Sandra G. Powell endowed professor of Piano at University of Tennessee, at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 18, at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall. Free. A livestream will be available at www.youtube.com/ecu schoolofmusiclive. Call 328-6851.
Guitar ensemble East Carolina University’s School of Music will host a performance of the ECU Guitar Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall. Free. A livestream will be available at www.youtube.com/ ecuschoolofmusiclive. Call 328-6851.
29
Wind ensemble
Dogwood Festival
East Carolina University’s School of Music will host a performance of the ECU Symphonic Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, in Wright Auditorium. Free. A livestream will be available at www.youtube.com/ecu schoolofmusiclive. Call 328-6851.
Farmville Dogwood Festival The annual Farmville Dogwood Festival will be held April 21-24. The event will include food, musical entertainment, amusement rides, arts and crafts and commercial vendors. The Dogwood Bash will begin at 5:30 p.m. April 23. It will feature
‘Romeo and Juliet’
Dogwood Festival
ECU/Loessin Playhouse will present William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” at 7:30 p.m. April 2023 at McGinnis Theater on campus. Additional matinee performances will be held at 2 p.m. April 23-24. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $10 for ECU students and youth. An online viewing option is available. Visit ecu. edu/arts or call 328-6829.
Billy Taylor Jazz Festival
Dogwood Festival
East Carolina University’s School of Music will host a performance of the ECU Jazz Ensemble at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall, Room B110 as part of the Billy Taylor Jazz Festival. Free. A livestream will be available at www.youtube.com/ecuschoolofmusiclive. Call 328-6851.
Jason Aldean Tribute, and Who's Experience. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Visit farmvilledogwoodfest.com.
Fine Arts Celebration Greenville Museum of Art, 802 Evans St., will host its 48th annual Fine Arts Celebration at 7 p.m. April 22. The indoor-outdoor, cocktail-attire event, "Starry Night at the Museum," will include musical entertainment, dancing, live and silent auctions, an open bar, hors d'oeuvres, open bar, prize drawings and displays celebrating this year's theme. Tickets are $100 for members and $125 for others. Visit www.gmoa.org or fac2022.givesmart.com.
Family Earth Sciences Night Billy Taylor Jazz Festival River Park North, 1000 Mumford Road, will host Family Sciences Night from 6-8 p.m. April 21. Celebrate N.C. Science Fest and Earth week with an evening of family friendly science experiments and demonstrations with the theme of air, East Carolina University Opera Theater
Opera theater
Vanessa Rubin to perform at Jazz Festival Gala
30
East Carolina University Opera Theater will perform a double bill of “The Prodigal Son” by Benjamin Britten and “Sister Angelica” by Giacomo Puccini at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, and Friday, April 22, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 401 E. Fourth St. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $5 for students and are available at www.ecuarts.com. For more info, call 328-6247.
Greenville: Life In The East
East Carolina University’s School of Music will host a Jazz Combo Concert at 8 p.m. Friday, April 22, at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall, Room B110 as part of the Billy Taylor Jazz Festival. Free. A livestream will be available at www.youtubecom/ ecuschoolofmusiclive. Call 328-6851.
Unnatural Resources Fair The 30th Annual Eastern Carolina Unnatural Resources Fair will be held from April 22-24 at the Greenville Convention Center, 303 Greenville Blvd. Find info at www.unnaturalresources.org, email jponder@unnaturalresources.org or call 355-1039.
Spring 2022
Jazz Festival Gala East Carolina University’s School of Music will host the ECU Billy Taylor Jazz Festival Gala at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in Wright Auditorium. The event will include ECU Jazz Ensemble “A” with special guests Bobby Watson, saxophone, and Vanessa Rubin, vocals. Free. A livestream will be available at www.youtube.comecuschoolofmusiclive. Call 328-6851.
Queen Anne’s Revenge The Queen Anne’s Revenge Lab will hold its annual open house from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at the QAR Conservation Lab, 1157 VOA Site C Road. This free event will include demonstrations on how conservationists and archaeologists use chemistry, physics, technology and other disciplines to conserve 300-year-old artifacts. It will include hands-on activities and educational demonstrations. For more info, visit www. qaronline.org or call 252-744-6721.
Studio concert East Carolina University’s School of Music will host the ECU Cello Studio Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall. Free. A livestream will be available at www.youtube.com/ecu schoolofmusiclive. Call 328-6851.
Senior show ECU’s Gray Gallery will host the BFA Senior Group Exhibition from April 25May 6. The show will feature painting, drawing, printmaking and ceramics. An opening reception will be held from 5-8 p.m. May 6 as part of the First Friday Artwalk. Visit ecu.edu/arts.
Chorale and concert choir East Carolina University’s School of Music will host the University Chorale and Concert Choir at 7:30 p.m. Monday, April 25, in A.J. Fletcher Recital Hall. Free. A livestream will be available at www.youtube.com/ecuschoolofmusic live. Call 328-6851.
Spring 2022
Shad Festival
Alisi Motu-apuaka waves to family at ECU's graduation in May 2021
The Town of Grifton will host its 50th Shad Festival from April 27-May 1. The event will feature carnival rides, food and craft vendors, art show, petting zoo, antique tractor show, live performances and a parade. The Fishy Tales lying contest will be held in the Grifton School Media Center at 6 p.m. April 26. The Shad Festival Parade will begin at 10 a.m. April 30. Visit griftonshadfestival.com.
Gardening program River Park North, 1000 Mumford Road, will host a gardening program from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 30. The free event will feature the park’s
Miss Grifton 2014 shad festival
what to plant and when to harvest. Call 329-4560 or e-mail bwilliams@ greenvillenc.gov.
Senior choreography ECU’s School of Theatre and Dance students will present Spring Senior Choreography Dance Concerts at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. April 30 and noon and 4 p.m. May 1 in Burnette Studio Theater in the Messick Theater Arts Center. This is a ticketed event. Call 328-4788 or visit ecu.edu/ arts.
Wild About Mom The Greenville Recreation and Parks Department will host Wild About Mom from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, April 30 at Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Drive. The event will include a guided Arbor Day-inspired hike through the park, a lake-side picnic lunch and a take-home tree to plant as a family. Tickets are $10 each. To register, visit greenvillenc.gov or call 329-4567.
Gene Oakley giving a lecture on a late model twin cylinder vertical marine steam engine at the 43rd Annual Grifton Shad Festival
Grifton Shad Festival
ECU graduation The East Carolina University Spring 2022 Commencement ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. May 6, inside Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. Visit commencement.ecu.edu.
Greenville: Life In The East
ECU Cello Studio Concert will take place April 24
31
Summer
THE
OR
THE
Y REF DAIL LECT
Y REF DAIL LECT OR
Y REF DAIL LECT OR
THE
N NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD! 21 RE
F L E C T O R.C O M
RE
F L E C T O R.C O M
RE
F L E C T O R.C O M
AWARD WINNING SALES & SERVICE 3615 S Memorial Dr, Greenville • 252-321-3000
www.greenvilletoyota.com FREE