Albemarle Winter 2020
Magazine
Holiday traditions continue, take on new twists, during pandemic
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Albemarle Winter 2020
Magazine
Dr. Alex Kehayes of Edenton will star along with the Center Players in "Letters to Scrooge" a musical Arts of the Albemarle plans to stage Dec. 12-13. Holiday traditions continue, take on new twists, during pandemic
Created by Hailey Ryan.
CONTENTS AoA Revives Holiday Favorite with 'Letters to Scrooge'
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Edenton Tour to Offer In-Person, Virtual Activities
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Simple Ways to Give Back Every Day
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Potential Substitutes When You’re Missing An Ingredient
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Belcross Bake Shoppe's Fruitcakes Bring Back Memories Trinity Luminary & Tolling of the Bells both tribute
20 22
What To Do With Holiday Meal Leftovers
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Safely Planned Holiday Events During COVID can still be Jolly
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Safe Entertiaing Options Calendar
27 28
Look Back on Holiday Memories
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ALBEMARLE MAGAZINE
is a publication of The Daily Advance, an Adams Publishing Group newspaper 1016 W. Ehringhaus St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909
EDITORIAL 252-482-4418 Publisher Robin Quillon Editor Nicole Bowman-Layton 252-368-9281 Correspondents Nicole Bowman-Layton Kesha Williams Anna Goodwin McCarthy Sally Francis Kehayes Photography Nicole Bowman-Layton Kesha Williams
PRODUCTION Jasmine Blount
ADVERTISING
Advertising Director Sean O’Brien Account Representatives Rich Houghton Lisa Bailey Bev Alexander
This edition of Albemarle Magazine looks at holiday traditions. With the pandemic going on, it’s difficult to think that life can ever go back to being normal. Traditions help people continue their lives. They are something reliable in uncertain times. Kesha Williams wrote an article that will help readers find creative ways to carry on traditions while being safe during the pandemic. She also visited Arts of the Albemarle. Its executive director Laurie Edwards has been instrumental in hosting a Ebenezer Scroogerelated play almost every year in the region. This year, AoA will host “Letters to Scrooge” in Elizabeth City. Anna Goodwin McCarthy also looks at traditions, heading to South Mills and Belcross. Trinity United Methodist Church in South Mills hosts a luminary display and Tolling of the Bells ceremony every year. Not only is it a holiday tradition, but it also honors those congregants who died in 2020. We also learn more about some of the tasty holiday treats made at Belcross Bake Shoppe in Camden. They make 53 pounds of fruitcake every week at the bakery during the holiday season. It’s that good. Sally Francis Kehayes, a tireless volunteer for many Chowan County organizations, contributed an article about the 39th annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, held in Edenton. The event is being hosted virtually and in-person this year. We hope you have a safe and joyful holiday season. Until next edition ....
SUBSCRIPTIONS 252-329-9505
NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON Albemarle Magazine Editor
CIRCULATION Chuck Edwards
ONLINE
See Albemarle Magazine at DailyAdvance.com Albemarle Magazine is a publication of The Daily Advance, The Perquimans Weekly and the Chowan Herald.
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AoA REVIVES
HOLIDAY FAVORITE
'LETTERS TO SCROOGE' Production will be performed Dec. 12-13 By Kesha Williams Correspondent
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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
The Ghost of Christmas Present (left), performed by Alana Houston, sings the Christmas carol, “We Need a Little Christmas” during the 2019 Epic Music Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol” in the Maguire Theater at Arts of the Albemarle. To the right is Ebenezer Scrooge, performed by Alex Kehayes. Both will reprise their roles in “Letters to Scrooge.” Albemarle Magazine file photo
ELIZABETH CITY— A familiar character — and a familiar actor who portrays him — is returning to the local stage just in time for the holidays. Ebenezer Scrooge, the self-absorbed, wealthy miser in Charles Dickens’ 1843 classic "A Christmas Carol," is the star of "Letters to Scrooge," a short musical that will be performed at Arts of the Albemarle's McGuire Theater Dec. 12-13. "Letters to Scrooge" is an original script written by AoA Executive Director Laurie Edwards and Colleen Brown and is based on the Dickens classic. Dr. Alex Kehayes of Edenton, who has performed the role of Scrooge many times in other productions, will return as the skinflint who changes his ways at the Christmas season. Joining Kehayes on stage for four 30-minute performances of "Letters to Scrooge" will be the Center Players, AoA's children's theater group. They will perform
brief songs, dances and humorous monologues. Edwards said "Letters to Scrooge" is designed to be light and fun. “This has been a ‘bah humbug’ kind of year," she said. "We actually started off with 'Letters to Santa' but thought 'Letters to Scrooge,' would be more fun." In "Letters to Scrooge," Kehayes' character will be the butt of jokes, including some about COVID-19, the global pandemic that's infected millions around the world, including 269,000 in North Carolina, and caused the deaths of more than a million, including more than 4,300 in the state. Now into its eighth month in the U.S., the pandemic has disrupted everyday life, forcing people to change the way they work, shop, play and socialize. Edwards is hopeful "Letters to Scrooge" can provide audiences an afternoon of escape.
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"We really think people need something to laugh about and we can bring joy to them with this short, fun show,” she said. Thirty area children are expected to participate in the show. Because of COVID-19 concerns, performers haven't been able to rehearse together as a group. Instead, they've been rehearsing via Zoom conference calls. During the production, the children performers will be seated at individual tables on the floor of the McGuire Theater. They'll then walk up to the stage and present their letters and songs to Scrooge. Edwards said the audience, which will be limited to approximately 25 for each performance, will be seated in the balcony away from the children. Brown said COVID-19 concerns presented challenges for staging the production — challenges she believes the arts group and its performers were able to overcome by working together “People are struggling with the thought of not gathering in large groups," she said. "COVID placed a 'bah humbug’ spin on the Christmas holidays but we can rise above it. We can come together as friends, give gifts and celebrate the season. We can rise above challenges.” Performances of "Letters to Scrooge" on Dec. 12-13 will be at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets to the performances are free and will be available on AoA's website. AoA is hoping to continue its Third Thursday Jazz Series in 2021, even if it has to be with smaller and safely distanced audiences, Edwards said. AoA also will be looking into using the Zoom app to broadcast live performances, Brown said.
Dr. Alex Kehayes, of Chowan County, will star as Ebenezer Scrooge in “Letters to Scrooge,” which will be performed at Arts of the Albemarle, in Elizabeth City. Submitted Photo
Avery Watson, from Arts of the Albemarle’s Center Players, rehearses for “Letters to Scrooge,” which will be performed Dec. 12-13 at Arts of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City. Photo courtesy Laurie Edwards
Edenton tour to offer in-person, virtual activities
A Christmas tree stands in the Barker House, which is the headquarters for the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour in Edenton. Nicole Bowman-Layton/ Albemarle Magazine
39th annual Christmas Candlelight Tour set for Dec. 11-12 By Sally Francis Kehayes Albemarle Magazine The 39th annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, sponsored by the Edenton Historical Commission, has been modified to allow both in-person and virtual visits of stately homes throughout this town along the Albemarle Sound. A new version of this annual event that brings visitors and residents into downtown Edenton demonstrates the commitment the Edenton Historical Commission has to Edenton and Chowan County. As Susan Creighton, tour organizer for 38 years, points out: “We must have this tour in some fashion so the financial support that visitors bring into our community continues.” The 2020 Tour is offered in two parts. The first is a tour of the historic, 1790 Littlejohn-Byrum home, transformed into “A Christmas Showcase Home of Holiday Decor.” The Showcase Tour is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 11 and 12, and is provided with health and safety guidelines in place. New owners, Stephanie and Joe Wach, are excited to be in Edenton and to open their restored home for this holiday decor showcase. As Stephanie Wach said when asked to be involved: “If it’s good for the Town, we want to do it!”
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Happy Holidays!
N U C O R I S T H E N AT I O N ’ S L A R G E S T R E C Y C L E R
Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
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Fifteen area florists and designers are decorating the downstairs rooms. This is a first for Edenton and remarkable in the variety of designs one can see at one time, in one location. Other events supporting Dec. 11 and 12 in Edenton are The Cupola House, “The Magic of Colonial Christmas;” The Chowan Arts Council, “Art within the Lights;” and the Historic Edenton State Historic Site’s James Iredell Grounds and Dependencies featuring apple pressing. The Penelope Barker House presents “The Year of the Woman” with antique clothing from 1910-1920s. The Garden of Eden Club continues its tradition of decorating historic public buildings. Christmas trees decorated by local businesses and nonprofits will light up the Cupola House gardens. A difference for 2020 is the health and safety guideline: No homemade food served in these sites. Another difference is availability. “Usually no one is turned away from the Christmas Tour,” Creighton said. “This year the number of tickets are based on the virus guidelines. Once that number is reached, no other Showcase Home Tour tickets can be sold. This is not the year
to wait to get tickets.” The second part of this year’s events is the Virtual (video) Christmas Candlelight Tour. This online program highlights delightfully decorated rooms in homes in Edenton and Chowan County — 18 in all. Athol and Mulberry Hill are two of four homes never seen on the Christmas Tour. Choral music by historic Kadesh AME Zion Church Choir, organ music from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Handbell Choir of Edenton Baptist Church are included. There is no limit to the number of Virtual Tours that can be purchased. A password is sent to email addresses on Dec. 11, which provides online access. Clara Stage, a Tour organizer for four years, points out: “This virtual Christmas Candlelight Tour will make a wonderful gift. Share Edenton with friends and family around the world. Give them the virtual tour, a great stocking-stuffer. All you need to do is supply their email address when you purchase the Virtual Tour.” Tickets for the Showcase Home Tour and the Virtual Tour are online at www.ehcnc.org/christmas or call 252482-7800.
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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
SIMPLE WAYS TO GIVE BACK EVERY DAY Metro Creative
Giving back to one’s community strengthens towns and neighborhoods and makes them better places to live. Many people volunteer with local charitable organizations, while others make annual donations that help charities and nonprofits achieve their missions. Giving back to your community can require a big commitment, but there are simple ways to give back each day as well. Whether you’re strapped for time and can’t volunteer or simply want to do a little more than you already do to support your community, the following are some simple ways to give back every day. Support a local business. Many small businesses have suffered mightily since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Such businesses help communities thrive in many ways, including employing local residents. In the United States, the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy reports that nearly 62 percent of the country’s net new jobs between 1993 and 2016 were created by small businesses. By supporting such firms, whether it’s ordering takeout or buying from local retailers instead of their big
box competitors, men and women are giving back to their communities while spending money they would be spending anyway. Giving back to one’s community does not require a significant commitment of time or resources. Simple things that can be done every day can strengthen communities and show support for your neighbors.
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POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTES WHEN YOU’RE MISSING AN INGREDIENT Don’t worry about emergency trips to the store Metro Creative When cooking or baking at home, few things can prove as frustrating as preparing a dish only to realize you’re missing a key item from the ingredients list. Such realizations often force cooks to stop what they’re doing and make emergency trips to a nearby grocery store. That can delay dinner time or make cooks feel rushed when they ultimately return from the store. But what if there was a way to substitute ingredients without risking flavor? Thankfully, there is. According to AllRecipes.com, cooks can easily make their own ingredient substitutions if they suddenly realize they’re missing an item listed in a recipe and don’t want to run to the store. But many substitutions won’t be direct, meaning 1 tablespoon of a particular ingredient will not always translate to 1 tablespoon of a substitute ingredient. The following substitution guide, courtesy of AllRecipes. com, can help cooks overcome the last-minute surprises regarding missing ingredients. Ingredient: Baking Powder Amount: 1 teaspoon Substitute: 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon of cream tartar OR 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 cup buttermilk (decrease liquid in recipe by 1Ú2 cup)
Can’t find a particular ingredient in your pantry for the holiday meal? Sometimes, you can substitute with other ingredients to get the same great tasting dish. Metro Creative
Substitute: 1 cup cracker crumbs OR 1 cup matzo meal OR 1 cup ground oats Ingredient: Brown sugar Amount: I cup, packed Substitute: 1 cup white sugar plus 1/4 cup molasses and decrease the liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup OR 1 cup white sugar OR 1 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar Ingredient: Butter (salted) Amount: 1 cup Substitute: I cup margarine OR 1 cup shortening plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 7/8 cup vegetable oil plus 1/2 teaspoon salt OR 7/8 cup lard plus 1/2 teaspoon salt Ingredient: Cocoa Amount: 1/4 cup Substitute: 1 1-ounce square unsweetened chocolate Ingredient: Corn syrup Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1
Ingredient: Bread crumbs Amount: 1 cup
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Ingredient: Lemon juice Amount: 1 teaspoon Substitute: 1/2 teaspoon vinegar OR 1 teaspoon white wine OR 1 teaspoon lime juice Ingredient: Lime juice Amount: 1 teaspoon Substitute: 1 teaspoon vinegar OR 1 teaspoon white wine OR 1 teaspoon lemon juice Ingredient: Mayonnaise Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 cup sour cream OR 1 cup plain yogurt Ingredient: Onion Amount: 1 cup, chopped Substitute: 1 cup chopped green onions OR 1 cup chopped shallots OR 1 cup chopped leeks OR 1/4 cup dried minced onion OR 1/4 cup onion powder
cup honey OR 1 cup light treacle syrup Ingredient: Egg Amount: 1 whole (3 tablespoons or 1.7 ounces) Substitute: 2 1/2 tablespoons of powdered egg substitute plus 2 1/2 tablespoons water OR 1/4 cup liquid egg substitute OR 1/4 cup silken tofu pureed OR 3 tablespoons mayonnaise OR half a banana mashed with 1/2 teaspoon baking powder OR 1 tablespoon powdered flax seed soaked in 3 tablespoons water Ingredient: Garlic Amount: 1 clove Substitute: 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder OR 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic OR 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt (reduce salt in recipe) Ingredient: Honey Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 1/4 cup white sugar plus 1/3 cup water OR 1 cup corn syrup OR 1 cup light treacle syrup
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Ingredient: Semisweet chocolate chips Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 cup chocolate candies OR 1 cup peanut butter or other flavored chips OR 1 cup chopped nuts OR 1 cup chopped dried fruit Ingredient: Shortening Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 cup butter OR 1 cup margarine minus 1/2 teaspoon salt from recipe Ingredient: Stock -- beef or chicken Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 cube beef or chicken bouillon dissolved in 1 cup water Ingredient: Vegetable oil (for baking) Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 cup applesauce OR 1 cup fruit puree Ingredient: Vegetable oil (for frying) Amount: 1 cup Substitute: 1 cup lard OR 1 cup vegtable shortening
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Belcross Bake Shoppe owner Michele Adlon makes 53 pound of fruitcakes twice a week. The shop sells one-pound, three-pound and five-pound fruitcakes. Submitted Photo
Belcross Bake Shoppe's fruitcakes bring back holiday memories Recipe passed down from previous owner By Anna Goodwin McCarthy Correspondent BELCROSS — When Michele Adlon bakes fruitcakes, she doesn’t just make one cake — she bakes 53 pounds of cake. With Christmas music playing in the background at her Belcross Bake Shoppe, Adlon and her daughters — Taylor
Bray, Jess Matthews and Randi Harrell — sing carols as they begin cooking fruitcakes in October. Adlon said she began receiving orders for fruitcakes in early autumn. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have wanted reminders of the holidays, and with their
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from Belcross Bake Shoppe’s previous owner, Gail Umphlett. Brandy is poured over the top of each fruitcake, helping prolong the life of the cake and keep its flavor. Adlon said her customers tell her the fruitcakes are moist. “People say these are the best fruitcakes they have ever eaten,” she said. In addition to the fruitcakes, Adlon makes fruitcake cookies, using whiskey instead of brandy. Adlon's fruitcakes are available for purchase at Belcross Bake Shoppe daily during the holidays. The shop is located at 269 US Highway 158 East in Camden. However, Adlon suggests people order fruitcakes a week in advance if they need them for a special occasion. The fruitcakes are sold in the pans they were baked in. A lid and decorative holiday ribbon are added so they can be given as a present. Adlon said her deadline for orders needed by Christmas is Dec. 19. In addition to fruitcakes, Belcross Bake Shoppe also sells a lot of other holiday cake favorites. Adlon's specialties include white chocolate cranberry cake, New York-style cheesecake, classic chocolate cake, white chocolate peppermint cake, pumpkin cheesecake and pecan pie cheesecake. Candied pecans, sweet potato ham biscuits and yeast rolls are also popular this time of year. Adlon said her shop also makes the crusts for its pies, which range from apple, pumpkin, pecan to sweet potato. For information about holiday favorites at Belcross Bake Shoppe, visit its Facebook page or website at http:// belcrossbakeshoppe.com or call 252-338-1286. ay-style ca k of holid e s dur iety ing var t he Ch
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combination of fruit, raisins, walnuts, pecans, flour, butter, eggs and spices, nothing says "holidays" like fruitcake. “Fruitcake reminds people of family,” said Adlon. “It helps people have good memories. It reminds them of their childhood.” Adlon said her 90-yearold father shared with her that when he was a boy, his family would have this one special dessert during the holidays. Everyone around the table would get a thin slice of fruitcake, and they all relished every bite. Adlon said she loves presenting her father with fruitcakes to bring back those special memories. But she acknowledges not everyone enjoys fruitcakes. “Sometimes fruitcakes have a bad connotation,” she said. “You either love it, or you don’t want to try it.” Adlon said she tries to encourage young people who have never tried fruitcake to taste it. They often find they appreciate the flavor, she said. She of course loves fruitcake. “I love fruitcake with a cup of coffee,” she said. Adlon makes fruitcakes once or twice a week during the holiday season at the restaurant she owns with her husband, Scott, her daughter, Taylor, and son-in-law, Douglas Bray. The process is extensive, so Adlon makes large quantities of fruitcake — 53 pounds of it — twice a week. It takes her between five and six hours to complete the 53 pounds of fruitcakes. Customers can choose between one-, three- and fivepound fruitcakes. A one-pound cake costs $12; a threepound cake is $33; and a five-pound cake costs $55. Adlon said the recipe she uses is one she purchased
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Trinity Luminary & Tolling of the Bells both tribute, celebration
‘It is something to look forward to in this troubled time’ By Anna Goodwin McCarthy Correspondent SOUTH MILLS — Luminaries will soon light up the night sky outside Trinity United Methodist Church in tribute to loved ones lost and celebration of the coming Christmas season. A Luminary and Tolling of the Bells service will be held Nov. 29, the first Sunday of Advent at 4:30 p.m. The event, which will be held outdoors, is open to the public. As the sun sets, the glowing luminaries are designed to instill a sense of joy in all who drive past the church. “It is something to look forward to in this troubled time,” said Carolyn Mullen, who coordinates the service. “I am hoping we will touch the hearts of people.” This is the 16th year the church has held the luminary service. In the past luminaries were water or milk jugs with candles, and they had to be monitored for safety. Now they are quart mason jars with wired Christmas lights, and are turned on every night. They will be turned on Nov. 29 and stay on through Jan. 1. Mullen, a member of Trinity United Methodist since
1968, said that in previous years the church would hold a Hanging of the Greens Christmas Musical. The church decided against holding the Hanging of the Greens service this year, however, because of the COVID pandemic. Because the Luminary and Tolling of the Bells service will be held outside, there will be ample space for social distancing, Mullen notes. People can stand, sit in chairs or stay in their cars in the church parking lot and view the service. In case of inclement weather, the service will be held on Dec. 6. Mullen said each luminary will be placed “in honor” or “in memory” of someone. People are able to purchase luminaries for $5. A booklet including the names of those being honored with a luminary will be available. Mullen said you don't have to be a member of Trinity United Methodist to place a luminary for the service. Many of those being honored with a luminary live in different states and some even live in different countries. This year, a luminary will also be placed in memory of
Trinity United Met Church of Sout hodist h Mills will host a Lu minary and Tolling of the Bells service Nov. 29 , the first Sunday of Ad vent, at 4:30 p.m. The outdoor event in front of the church will be open to the public. Submitted Ph
oto
Metro Creative
We hope when they leave they feel lifted up and loved... the horses who recently died of a mysterious illness at the New Hope Stables in Perquimans County. A new addition to this year's service will be placement of a lighted "angel tree" outside the church. It will feature angel cutouts, each including the name of someone who passed away in 2020. The church previously featured an angel board inside the sanctuary. Marc O’Neal, pastor at Trinity United Methodist, will give the welcome and invocation at the Nov. 29 service. The church bell will then ring and the names of those who died will be read from the church's 2020 For Whom the Bell Tolls List. In 2018 Billy Graham was honored on the list and a luminary booklet was mailed to the Billy Graham Library. The church received “ a very nice letter for this acknowledgement,” according to Mullen. “Silent Night” will then be sung as the angel tree is illuminated. There will be music throughout the ceremony by church members and all attendees will be encouraged to join in for
the singing of Christmas carols. The ceremony will include a flag tribute. Children will carry the American flag and the flags of all the states for which a person is being honored with a luminary. Then everyone will sing “God Bless America.” Mullen estimates the service will last for about 45 minutes. Bags of cookies will be passed out to attendees. “People are so touched we do this,” said Mullen. Mullen said one of the greatest compliments she receives about the annual service is the question: “Can I come again next year?” “We hope when they leave they feel lifted up and loved,” she said. Trinity United Methodist Church Address: 104 Main Street, South Mills, NC 27976 Pastor Marc O'Neal Worship services begin at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday Facebook:facebook.com/TrinityUMCSouthMillsNC/
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WHAT TO DO WITH HOLIDAY MEAL LEFTOVERS Metro Creative
Holiday hosts toil for hours to create lavish meals everyone will enjoy. It’s not uncommon for Thanksgiving tables to be covered with more food than guests can conceivably (and comfortably) consume. Leftovers are the norm, but without a plan for what to do with leftovers, food can spoil or end up in the trash. Here are some delicious and waste-conscious ways to put Thanksgiving or other holiday meal leftovers to use.
Wrap it up promptly
Even though you may want to sit around and chat with guests when the meal is finished, leaving food out at room temperature for too long can create a breeding ground for microbes that may lead to food spoilage and sickness. With a few helping hands, all foods can be packaged away in no time, ensuring that drumsticks or stuffing can safely be served another day.
Collect containers
Be sure to have reusable food storage containers, ziptop bags, foil, and plastic wrap at the ready. Before all of the food is put away, encourage guests to make their own doggie bags.
Organize a post-holiday pot luck
Turn leftovers into an opportunity to fraternize with friends or relatives who couldn’t make it to Thanksgiving dinner. Pool your leftover resources and enjoy the fruits of everyone’s labor. A pot luck can be a great place to gather after shopping Plaid Friday sales in the community.
Take care of the needy
Find out which organizations accept food donations. Even if you cannot donate previously prepared foods, if you have surplus packaged, boxed or canned items, you can bring them to food pantries and soup kitchens to help others.
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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
Safely planned holiday events during COVID can still be jolly Outdoor activities among options families can consider
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By Kesha Williams Correspondent
he holidays are generally a time for celebration, family and togetherness. None of that is expected to be different this holiday season except for maybe the togetherness. With the COVID-19 pandemic still surging in most areas, holiday event organizers are being urged to plan with caution and safety in mind. Experts say with a little creativity and flexibility, it’s still possible to be both safe and have a jolly good time. If the weather allows, outdoor events remain an option. It’s not uncommon for afternoon temperatures in North Carolina during December to reach 55 degrees or higher. Guests who enjoy mild days will gladly gather around the fire pit for an hour to enjoy the company of socially distanced friends and family. Stack the menu with tasty beverages — gourmet hot chocolate, flavored coffees and assorted flavored coffee creamers, a holiday punch, herbal teas or apple cider. If there is a specified ending time for the event, experts advise to begin removing menu items from serving tables/counters 10 minutes beforehand. Ellen Owens, director of the Pasquotank County Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension, recommends holiday event hosts remain mindful of several factors. First, consider your community level of positive COVID-19 cases before hosting a public event. Second, consider a location that can adequately accommodate, through social distancing practices, the number of people invited to your event. If an outdoor gathering isn’t practical for a cold December day, realize indoor gatherings pose
more risks than spacious outdoor settings. “Limit the number of people attending to help with social distancing," Owens said. "Keep extra masks and hand sanitizer on hand for those attending a holiday gathering." Other precautions include making sure guests have sufficient access to liquid soap and water, paper towels, sanitizing hand wipes and a bagged trash bin. Also, instead of hosting a potluck meal, events should encourage guests to bring food and beverages for themselves and members of their household. People who are preparing, serving or distributing food can reduce their risk of contracting or spreading COVID by wearing a facemask or face shield and gloves. Routinely clean and sanitize areas such as countertops where guests may have lingered to chatter or set their food or beverages. According to Owens, these safety precautions don't end when guests file out the gate or door. She recommends storing a set of supplies to sanitize and clean up immediately after your guests depart. “Once the gathering is over, be sure to remove and wash any reusable items such as tablecloths or cloth napkins," Owens said. And make sure you stay safe, too. "If you develop symptoms after a holiday gathering, take extra precaution such as isolating yourself for two weeks for two weeks to protect others,” Owens said. If your goal is to host an event at a public venue, determine in advance who is responsible for stocking adequate hand sanitizing supplies. Make sure the site offers suitable ventilation for attendees. It’s a good idea to make a tight guest list to prevent overcrowding.
Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
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Because of CO VID-19, virtual exchanges ar part of this ye e as much a ar's holiday se ason as desser corner of your t. Decorate a home or even a porch-covere a holiday scen d seat with e or seasonal activity. Then of it and send take a photo it to friends or family. Have th their photos to em send you. Kesha William
s Photo
People who are invited to attend a gathering should determine in advance if the guest list or the arrival time is flexible. Hosts and staff working at public venues are likely to strictly enforce social distancing regulations when it comes to the number of people who can be seated or served. There are countless ways to celebrate the holiday season without drawing a crowd to one site. One idea: Start a competition with friends to decorate a door frame, meal table, mantle, stairwell, or outdoor bench or chair. Then exchange photos or videos. A second idea: Three weeks prior to the date of a virtual gathering, plan to have fun despite the fact participants are seated at separate sites. Each person can secretly note on folded, holiday construction paper a low cost gift ($15) they would like to receive and relay that list to the virtual holiday event planner. Next, have the event planner make sure the lists are secretly exchanged via phone or internet. Gifts ideas may range from a classic movie DVD, a streaming gift card or something related to the recipient's hobby. Others include a holiday ornament or collector’s item, a newspaper or magazine subscription, or a gift card issued by a local business or arts council. Meet over phone or by video conference to celebrate each participant's gift and to reveal the person who sent it.
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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
SAFE ENTERTAINING OPTIONS Metro Creative
Entertaining has changed quite a bit in 2020. Governmentissued restrictions dictated how many people you could invite into your home or even your backyard. Large family gatherings, such as weddings or birthday parties, were put on hold. Many people are still cautious about crowds and maintaining their distance, even from close friends and family and even as safety protocols have been loosened.
Keep the guest list small
While you may want to invite as many people as possible, keeping the guest list small can help you keep better track of contact tracing should anyone develop symptoms or feel ill. It also limits the number of people with whom you come in contact. If you plan on entertaining routinely, stick to the same guest list over and over rather than inviting new people.
Maintain social distancing
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to urge people to remain at least six feet apart from one
another. Spread happens when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks and droplets from their mouth or nose are launched into the air and land in the mouths or noses of people nearby. The droplets also can be inhaled into the lungs. The CDC and other health organizations maintain that keeping at least a six feet from others reduces the likelihood that respiratory droplets will land on another person. More distance is always better. Leave room between seats around the dining table, and discourage crowding around entertaining areas.
Wear masks
Masks can be worn when maintaining distance is not possible. Although masks may not always be comfortable or fashionable, there are ways to incorporate them into the theme of your gathering. Ask everyone to wear a specific color or style of mask. Purchase extra masks for guests if you suspect someone may not own one.
Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
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Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash.com
2 0 2 0 Calendar
WINTER NOVEMBER
Newbold-White House The Newbold-White House in Hertford will be open for holiday shoppers on Saturdays in November and December from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The shop features a wide variety of items, some of them locally produced, as well as an indoor sale of antiques/collectibles. History Old Jail Tours Edenton Historical Commission will offer 30-minute tours of the old Jails on Saturdays only through November. Tour includes information about the 1767 courthouse, Old Jailer’s House, and stocks and a walk-through of the jail. Tickets are $5 per person ages 4 and over, free for ages 3 and under, and can be purchased at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center. Tours will leave from there at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tour is limited to six participants and mask-wearing is required. The Barker House is at 505 S. Broad St., Edenton, and can be reached by phone at 252-482-7800.
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Edenton Farmer’s Market Locally grown produce and hand-made items are available every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to noon, throughout the year, along with Wednesdays from 3-6 p.m. The market is at 200 N. Broad St., Edenton. Fall cooking classes The Currituck Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension will host a series of online fall cooking classes including Yummy Bread on Nov. 12 and Mouthwatering Biscuits on Nov. 20. All classes are at noon and will be available through the Zoom app. To reserve a spot, visit https://fallcookingseries. eventbrite.com. Contact: 252-232-2261. Tot Time at museum Museum of the Albemarle will host a virtual Tot Time program on the first Thanksgiving Thursday, Nov. 12, at 10 a.m. Event will include a hands-on activity. Families must register in advance by emailing lori.meads@ncdcr. gov with name and number of participants by 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9.
Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
Christmas Open House Destination Downtown Edenton invites the public to join downtown Edenton businesses for their Christmas Open House Nov. 13-14 during normal shopping hours.
Holiday ‘Sip and Shop’ Destination Downtown Edenton invites you to join local downtown businesses for a great evening of shopping and holiday cheer as the group celebrates “Lights of Joy” from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10.
History for Lunch Museum of the Albemarle will host its History for Lunch from Home program on Wednesday, Nov. 18, at noon. Dr. Hilary Green, associate professor of history in the Department of Gender and Race Studies at the University of Alabama, will speak on the topic, “Veterans, Comrades, and Leaders: African American Civil War Veterans in Northeastern North Carolina.” Register for the online lecture through the museum’s Facebook page or website.
Cupola House Open House Visit the Cupola House Dec. 11-12 to admire the beautiful Christmas decorations of this restored 18th century home. Renaissance music adds to the ambiance of this traditional Edenton class. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days at the house, 408 S. Broad St., Edenton.
Virtual 5K Turkey Trot The annual Kids First 5K Turkey Trot, traditionally held in Elizabeth City, will be virtually held this year from Nov. 22 and Nov. 28. Join us from wherever you are to run (or trot) to support Kids First. Register online at https:// runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=5249&eventId=430513 . Small Business Saturday Communities throughout the United States will host Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28. Come shop and eat and support local businesses throughout northeastern North Carolina. Holiday-related activities will be held, as well as sales and treats.
DECEMBER First Friday ArtWalk Enjoy a special Christmas ArtWalk in Elizabeth City on Dec. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. Artwork, artist demos and live music will set up throughout downtown.
James Iredell House Site Historic Edenton State Historic Site and Friends of State Historic Sites Edenton will host family activities Dec. 11-12 on the property of the Iredell Site, at 105 E. Church St.. Living history demonstrations will be set up. The Bandon Kitchen will be open, in addition to the Schoolhouse, Smokehouse, the 1756 Dependency and the Necessary. Friends of Historic Sites Historic Edenton will have Terra Cia Paper White and Amaryllis for sale. The free event will be held from 1-5 p.m. Confection Perfection The Chowan Arts Council gallery, on West Water Street, Edenton, will be a delight inside and out Dec. 11-12. Virtual Christmas Tour Enjoy Christmas celebrations with everyone’s health and safety in mind. The 39th Annual Christmas Candlelight Tour, to be held Dec. 11-12, will feature a virtual tour of 18 homes and an in-person Showcase of Holiday Decor inside the 1790 - Littlejohn-Gyrum home, along with other weekend activities that will accompany the tour. Showcase tickets are good for both days and can be pre-purchased for $15, while children under 12 years of age are free. Box lunches can be reserved and purchased days of the tour for $10 and enjoyed at The Venue on Water Street as you watch the virtual tour on the big screen. The tour is sponsored by the Edenton Historical Commission with tour headquarters at the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center. For information, visit online at ehcnc.org/events/christmas .
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Photo by S&B Vonlanthen on Unsplash.com
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By Nicole Bowman-Layton Albemarle Magazine
hen I was young, holidays were a magical time. My parents came from large families, so it was common to have about 20 relatives crammed into a relative’s house during either Thanksgiving or Christmas. For a while, my sister and I were the only grandchildren. Every year, no matter how far away we lived at the time, my father’s parents would assemble sets of Advent gifts -- a little trinket or piece of candy for each day in December until Christmas. Those daily surprises were the highlight of many December evenings. Santa left the toy shopping to my aunts and uncles. Despite the many times I told him I wanted a Nintendo or Cabbage Patch doll for Christmas, he filled my stocking with socks and underwear. The elves even knew my clothing size and made me a lot of sweaters and cold-sweater gear. I didn’t appreciate how much Santa and his elves wanted to keep me warm during winter. As an adult, I appreciate all those big holidays in which we travelled 13 hours so we could all gather around Grandma Dora’s fake tree on Thanksgiving that sat right in front of the bay window looking out into the street. I really miss the big boxes of holiday cookies -- with at least 12 different kinds of cookies -- she sent me while I was at N.C. State preparing for exams. My mom’s mother -- Grandma Marge (short for Marjorie) -- went to the same church as my dad’s family, so we’d all attend church together on Christmas Eve. After the service, we’d open presents from the people who weren’t there. Christmas Day, we’d open Santa’s gifts and the ones from the people with us. When my husband and I started a family of our own, I wanted to keep some of those traditions. I received Christmas ornaments every year, so that by the time I left
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home to start my own family, I could decorate a tree with ease. My kids receive ornaments every year. The past few years, I’ve gone to the Christian Bookstore and the Chowan Arts Council in Edenton to pick these up. I try to pick something they’d like, a dinosaur for a boy or a pig on skis for the kid who loves Minecraft pigs. They show each kid's personality. Since moving back to North Carolina, we either go to grandma’s house or she comes to us. She’s not a big chef during the holidays. That was my dad’s job, while she bakes. So, I try to carry on what he did, although I’m not brave enough, nor have the patience to smoke a turkey. My mom brings her famous pumpkin bread that I can taste as I type. On Christmas Eve, we try to indulge in a meal from another country. While living in West Virginia, we attended the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a festival honoring the traditions of Italians who settled in the area because of the mining industry. We tried that a few times until the youngest son decided he doesn’t like fish. We’ve also done some German cooking and Asian-theme holiday meals. Having stir-fry green beans rather than reheated canned green beans adds a little something extra. The big thing I hope my kids get out of it is the feeling of the holiday. It doesn’t matter where you live, how many presents are under the tree or what food is on the table. That Joy to the World, favorite fuzzy sweater feeling that comes with being with the people you love and doing something that brings you joy can’t be beat. While the pandemic has forced many of us to alter our holiday plans this year, let’s make the most of what we have. We have been blessed beyond measure in some way this year.
Albemarle Magazine Winter 2020
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