2020-2021 Winter/Spring
MAN ABOUT TOWN
Johnny Davis says Ayden is a place where everybody knows your name
INSIDE
Cooking New Manager Rounding Up Mayor’s Up Marvel’s Fitting In What’s New Message
Of the HGTV Show “Home Town”
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Thanks to Many, Town Moves Forward Despite Pandemic
16 Cooking Up Marvel’s
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Ayden: Where Everybody Knows Your Name
28 Fitting Right In
Not Horsing Around
THE COVER Photography by Deborah Griffin
2020-2021 WINTER/SPRING
2020-2021 Winter/Spring
MAN ABOUT TOWN
Johnny Davis says Ayden is a place where everybody knows your name
Bobby Burns Editor Deborah Griffin Staff Photographer Deborah Griffiin Donna Marie Williams Staff Writers Tom Little Advertising Emerson Designs Layout & Design
INSIDE
Cooking New Manager Rounding Up Mayor’s Up Marvel’s Fitting In What’s New Message
AYDEN© is published biannually by The Standard newspaper. Contents are the property of this newspaper and the town of Ayden and may not be reproduced without consent of the publisher. To advertise in this publication, please contact The Standard at 252-747-3883. Ayden Magazine |
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Thanks To Many, Town Moves Forward Despite Pandemic
Coronavirus. Wow. This virus has really changed our world — handwashing, social distancing, wearing a mask, closing nonessential businesses, nasal swabbing, virtual schools, WebEx meetings, etc. And, to add to an already anxious time, we have experienced social injustice and political unrest. No doubt each one of us has been affected in some way or manner and had to adapt accordingly. It has been a tough and challenging period in our lives. With vaccinations projected to be available within the next few months, we are hopeful this pandemic will end sooner rather than later. With that said, thank you for being resilient, positive, hopeful, flexible, understanding, and for loving each other during this difficult time. So as we navigate this new path, I believe the key to moving our town forward post-COVID and returning to some type of normalcy will be economic growth and development. Here’s just a few things to capture the economic opportunities we are in the process of doing in the Town of Ayden: • Investors plan to develop 840 housing plots (single-family homes and patio homes) around the Ayden Country Club Road area that has already been approved by the board. • Quilt Lizzy is in the final stages of their renovation/expansion project which will bring employment to our downtown. • The alley between Lee Street and the Town’s parking lot has been converted to a pocket park to allow a green space in our downtown area. • The Ayden Housing Authority purchased the IGA store located on Lee Street and is currently renovating it to become a family life center.
• Several downtown buildings are also in the process of being renovated. • Marvels restaurant opened in our downtown. • We are adding heat and air conditioning to the gym. • Martin Luther King Blvd will be upgraded. • A dog park will be opening in Spring 2021 at the District Park. • There has been an increase in patronage of our businesses downtown, on Hwy 11 and Hwy 102 as a direct result of the opening of the Southwest Bypass. As you can see, while COVID may have interrupted our lives, it has not stopped us from moving forward. The citizens of Ayden are committed to forging the way to a better town and a better community. I am convinced the year 2021 will be one of illuminating hope and renewed faith. So, as we enter the holiday season, I, the Town of Ayden and our board would like to say thank you for supporting your local community and leadership. All of us wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and may God bless you and your family.
Steve Tripp
And, on behalf of myself and the Town of Ayden, I want to share one last thing. We would like to say a huge thank you to our health care workers who have battled this coronavirus from its inception and have tirelessly provided incredible care for the duration. As we continue this battle, let’s help these workers and each other by doing our part to continue wearing our masks, washing our hands and social distancing. May God bless them and their families as they, too, stay the course. Steve Tripp is mayor of Ayden. Ayden Magazine |
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COOKING UP MARVEL’S
DOWNTOWN PROPERTY HELPS COUPLE REALIZE RESTAURANT DREAM STORY & PHOTOS BY DONNA MARIE WILLIAMS
“I want people to know that when they come here, they will have a good meal that’s done right. They will get a good amount of food.” Thomas Haselhuhn
The arrow in the Marvel’s logo is a tribute to co-owner Thomas Haselhuh’s late father, Bud.
The open space dining area at Marvel’s.
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Heather Baker and Thomas Haselhuh and children Aubrie, 2, and Braxton, 5, are excited to have Ayden’s newest eatery.
The couple behind Ayden’s newest restaurant aim to create dishes that make diners marvel.
and operated a pair of pizza delis in his home state of Michigan before selling the businesses to move to Garner.
Judging by the town’s response in just a few short weeks, it appears they hit their mark.
“I’ve been working in restaurants since I was 15 years old. I’m 44 now and I’ve done it forever,” Haselhuhn said.
Marvel’s — which serves up classic Americana with original recipes like the customer favorite Apple Bomb — is the culmination of a dream for Heather Baker and Thomas Haselhuhn, who opened the doors to their Second Street eatery on Oct. 2.
“I enjoy being in the kitchen and I enjoy people eating our food.”
“It was our big plan,” Baker said. “We started talking about it three months into our relationship.” The two became a couple seven years ago at a restaurant in Garner. They would later go on to work at separate establishments but continued working toward opening a place of their own. Operating a restaurant was familiar territory for Haselhuhn, who owned
But ownership is a new experience for Baker, who gladly accepted the challenge. “He wanted to go back to what he did best,” Baker said. “I knew pretty quickly owning a restaurant would fit my personality very well and it was something I wanted to do.” Their dream began to take form when they saw a Craigslist posting for the building at 495 SR Second St. “It became surreal when we found the building. We were blown away by how much it resembled our dream,” Baker said.
Even the name of the restaurant fell into place. The couple and their children, Braxton, 5, and Aubrie, 2, were visiting the building for the first time and began discussing what they would call it. Braxton, a big comic fan, suggested the name Marvel’s. “When we came in we saw the red chairs with M’s in them already here sitting at the bar. That sealed the name in. I took it as a sign,” Baker said. The building afforded the family the opportunity to open the restaurant on the ground floor and take residence on the second story. The town also was ideal, Baker said. Baker, who originally is from Clayton, has seen that town grow and is hopeful Ayden will do the same. “It’s nice to come to a small town,” she said. “I’m hoping this happens here, because it’s the main goal with getting the new businesses.” Ayden Magazine |
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“We found a nice little town,” Haselhuhn said. “We checked out the area and really enjoyed it. The town sold us on the downtown area and the things coming.” The couple took ownership of the building in June. They repainted, updated the facade and built a kitchen to meet their needs. The decor features a modern-retro design that highlights both Baker’s and Haselhuhn’s personalities. The logo, a red arrow, pays homage to Haselhuhn’s father, Bud. “He was part Indian and into bow hunting. It reminds me of him,” Haselhuhn said. “Having him reflected feels good. He didn’t get to see this restaurant, but I feel he played a role in it. He taught me how to cook on the grill. He and my mom instilled in me that love of cooking.” Before opening, the couple had to face a major hurdle — the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID played a role in some menu items and things we couldn’t get,” Baker said, adding they had plans to install a soda fountain but that is delayed until after the pandemic. The restaurant also will offer more seating once the pandemic has ended. Marvel’s currently offers burgers, wings, salads, sandwiches and more. “It’s a little bit of everything,” Haselhuhn said adding, “It’s a little bit for everyone — even the kids.” Their best-seller has consistently been the Ayden Apple Bomb sandwich.
It consists of turkey, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and crisp lettuce with apple butter on toasted sourdough bread.
“We want everyone to feel welcome and happy especially when they are leaving and full.” Heather Baker
“It was inspired by different places we’ve been and seen. It all came together in one. We didn’t expect it to go like that,” Haselhuhn said of the sandwich’s popularity. Baker added, “I was warned it would not go well. I think people got it because of the name. Then they tried it and it did really good.” Marvel’s burgers as well as its Reuben and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches also have sold well, Haselhuhn said. All food items are made with fresh, local ingredients and cooked with quality in mind. “I want people to know that when they come here, they will have a good meal that’s done right. They will get a good amount of food,” Haselhuhn said. Baker added, “We want everyone to feel welcome and happy especially when they are leaving and full.” Customers have felt just that, as the restaurant has gained popularity within the community. The couple already has hired five employees to help meet demand and has big plans for the future, including a patio and alcoholic beverages. “The first few weeks, we were super busy. Ayden came through and showed us support,” Haselhuhn said. Baker added, “Once we started with social media we received a lot of support. All the support we got online made us feel really good. We were not expecting the outcome we got.”
12 | Winter/Spring 2020-2021
Top: A customer favorite, the Ayden Apple Bomb, consists of turkey, smoked bacon, cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce with apple butter on toasted sour dough bread. Middle: Co-owner Thomas Haselhuh prepares a Philly cheesesteak. Bottom: Marvel’s features a modern-retro feel that reflects the personality of Baker and Haselhuh.
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Marvel’s offers a classic Reuben consisting of corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing on toasted swirl rye bread.
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Marvel’s offers a variety of side items including a customer-favorite, pasta salad.
MARVEL’S 495 SR Second St. | 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday | Indoor dining and curbside pick-up available To-go orders can be made at the store, over the phone at 252-304-2346 or online at www.toasttab.com/marvels. Daily specials are available and can be found on Facebook by searching Marvel’s Restaurant.
Heather Baker and Thomas Haselhuh and children Aubrie, 2, and Braxton, 5, are excited to have Ayden’s newest eatery. Ayden Magazine |
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“The Pool Room” a common name heard throughout Ayden, has been in operation in downtown Ayden since the 1940s. Renamed Andy’s Grill & Recreation in 1971, the Stocks family bought the iconic business and expanded its services from a pool hall to a restaurant that also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. “We were Andy’s way before the chain and outlasted them,” said owner and manager Johnny Stocks, whose father, Andy, bought the business in the early 70s. Stocks has watched his customers grow up over the years and their families expand. “Being in business 50 years, you develop relationships. Friends and family come to Andy’s when they are in town from D.C. and New York, just like they do at Bum’s and Skylight (Inn). “I have seen generations grow up, like kids who used to come in with their grandparents and now come back with their kids. I love it.”
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Ayden: Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Johnny Davis, commissioner and longtime teacher and coach, loves his hometown PHOTOS & STORY BY DEBORAH GRIFFIN
Ayden Town Commissioner and longtime coach Johnny “Chief” Davis has lived in the town he calls home for almost 50 years. “The thing I like most about Ayden is this is where I met my wife,” he said. He married Doris in 1970. Originally from Kinston, Davis added, “This is where we raised our family. We have three children — and raised two grandchildren — so we actually have five.”
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Davis appreciates the friendliness of Ayden. It is one of those towns where everybody seems to know your name. “It’s a small town,” he explained. “Most everyone knows everybody. If you don’t, then you know somebody kin to them.” He lives blocks from the heart of downtown and is out walking most days. He doesn’t get far before waving hello or stopping to chat with those he has met through the years as a coach and a teacher.
Well known and well-liked, every resident seems to have some connection to Chief. “I coached here for 50 years and taught school for 35,” he said. “I enjoyed it. I got to meet a lot of people.” He said he runs into “kids” he either taught or coached every day. “It is very seldom I have to pay for a meal when I am out — somebody will come up and pay for it,” he said, obviously humbled by the gestures.
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Perdue. In 2013, Davis received the town’s Citizen of the Year award. In 2017, Davis was elected as a town commissioner. His term is up next year, and he hasn’t made up his mind about running again. “The thing I like about being a commissioner is you get to interact with a lot of people,” he said. He said he has learned a lot about how government works. “What I really found out is that government is a slow process,” he said, laughing. “You can’t please everyone, so I try to make the best decision I can for the citizens. If that isn’t good enough, vote for somebody else the next time,” he added. Davis looks as if he stepped right out of the town mural. He is as much a fixture in the town as is the mural.
He has seen his adopted home grow the few years he has been in office. “We’ve had a couple of new businesses move in,” he said referring to Doghouse Tavern and Marvel’s restaurant. “I’m really glad we have started a new housing development with over 600 units,” he said — the new homes being built near Ayden Country Club. “It is one of our biggest accomplishments since I’ve been on the board.” His board also helped get Quilt Lizzy, a fabric company that is moving into the downtown area. It will add employment opportunities when it opens. The opening has delayed because of the pandemic.
CHANGING TIMES, BRIGHT FUTURE Davis has seen the town change for the better as he has grown older.
Davis walks through the new pocket park still under construction where a mural of Sammy Pierce, a World War II hero, is painted. Pierce was born in Ayden.
FROM TEACHER TO TOWN LEADER For five decades, “Chief” was synonymous with “sports.” “I umpired and officiated basketball, football and baseball here for 45 years. I’ve worked all over the state doing that. At one time, if you had a ballgame in Ayden, I was out there,” he added. “Now I have retired from all that. I’m still working a little bit. I teach driver’s education.
It allows me to stay involved with kids. That is all I’ve ever done since I was 21,” he said. At times he feels as if he has come full circle. “I’m teaching the kids of the parents I taught,” he said.
“I started here in 1968, in the old South Ayden High School — three years before integration,” he said. “That used to be the black high school. I coached football and basketball there. Just before integration, they moved me to Ayden High School, which was the white high school at the time. I worked there from 1970 to 1971.” In the Fall of 1971, the new high school, Ayden-Grifton, combined the black high schools and the white high schools from each of the towns under one roof.
His reputation and influence extend beyond the ball field.
“That first year was really tough,” he said “I had a lot of good people I worked with, and we got through it. Probably the hardest part of integration was the adults. The kids got along fine,” he said.
In 2010, Davis received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine from then-Gov. Bev
“The thing that helped most during integration the first year was sports. Sports Ayden Magazine |
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“It’s a small town. Most everyone knows everybody. If you don’t, then you know somebody kin to them.” Johnny Davis
brought everybody together. Sports was the one thing everybody had in common,” Davis added. “There were some tough days — we even went through a bombing at the school in 1971. But nobody was hurt.” Davis said the bombing was in retaliation for a black man who was killed by a white highway patrolman in the summer of 1971. “That started everything — rioting and carrying on. It was just the first semester, basically,” he said. But today, Davis feels that racism does not define the town. “We are over that now. We’ve got really good racial relationships now, I think.” He also said the town board consists of good people. “Our mayor has been there almost 20 years. Our mayor pro-tem has been there eight years. We’ve got a good board — we just need to get a little bit younger, I think,” he added, laughing. At 73, he said he is not the oldest one on the board. His long-range vision for Ayden is for the town to keep pace with growth. He said you can’t do that by clinging to the past. “The old, old school people like the status quo. But you can’t do that — you’ve got to move on. You can dream about backin-the-day, but it ain’t happening,” he said.
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The virus has affected the dollars usually brought in by a barbecue festival and the annual Collard Festival and other smaller events canceled due to social distancing restrictions. Davis is confident that demand will be high for activities once COIVD-19 is under control. “I believe we will continue to grow because we’ve got good leadership,” he added.
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Ayden Town Manager Matt Livingston, standing outside Town Hall, recently said Ayden has all the right ingredients for growth.
FITTING RIGHT IN
Ayden’s new manager says the town has lots to offer and room to grow STORY & PHOTOS BY DEBORAH GRIFFIN
New Town Manager Matthew Livingston says there is a lot to like about his new home: its central location, its mix of tradition and progress, and its people and professional staff. “I feel like it is a good fit for me, and I hope the staff and the board feel the same way,” Livingston said during an interview in November, about a month after he was hired. “We have a good staff here. They are confident, knowledgeable, hardworking people and I am very, very grateful for that,” he said. “It makes a difference having quality people. It means they are not just out there getting the job done, but it’s done in an excellent manner. He quickly realized Ayden is remarkable for many reasons — one being the locale.
To the north is the District Park, part of a longrange master plan, which includes a dog park, an amphitheater, ballfields and concession stand. “It will enable us to have things like regional tournaments,” he said. To the east are several new housing developments near the Ayden Golf Course, which will increase traffic to the downtown area. “That is what we want,” he said. “We want people to stop in and get out of their vehicles and walk around, especially at night and on the weekends. “We are adding things like a pocket park that will add to the community, to give the downtown even more character by increasing and enhancing its beauty, making it more walkable,” he added.
“I feel like we are the center of eastern North Carolina. If you look at Interstate-95 and the coast, and Virginia and South Carolina, Ayden is right in the middle,” he said.
To the west is the new Southwest Bypass, which brings additional traffic to the town.
He also feels Ayden the heart of what is central to the area.
“Ayden would be a better community if we had more shopping and restaurants,” he said.
“In many ways, the town of Ayden epitomizes the good things of what eastern North Carolina is all about — the reliance on faith and family, the small-town atmosphere, the friendliness, family traditions, and the food, I think it embodies a lot of that,” he said. “The people here are very special.”
Livingston said town leaders are discussing what distinguishing feature they could create to greet people as they enter the town from each direction.
He is excited about the current growth Ayden is experiencing. “We have a fair amount of room to grow both commercially and residentially. And we’ve got a good downtown — not everybody has that,” he said. “When you come downtown, it is not just historic, but it has a sense of place.” He said the architecture and barbecue are two of the town’s most distinguishing factors. “Another nice thing is the way it was laid out years ago. It is on a grid, so it is like neo-traditional town. It is very, very walkable,” he said. He feels that downtown is the center-point of the town’s expansion.
He envisions a downtown filled with shops.
“We want to put ourselves more on the map,” he said. “We are anchored by the entranceway into town at Ayden Golf Club and the bypass.” He would like to see a large master plan developed for the bypass area, which would include hotels, mixeduse shopping, apartments and patio homes. “The potential of what could happen out there is really special,” he said. Livingston brings over 16 years of town managerial experience, serving most recently as Plymouth’s interim town manager before taking on the new position. “We have a good staff here. They are confident, knowledgeable, hardworking people and I am very very grateful for that. It means a lot. It makes a difference having quality people. It means they are not just out there getting the job done, but it’s done in an excellent manner.
“We have a fair amount of room to grow both commercially and residentially. And we’ve got a good downtown — not everybody has that. When you come downtown, it is not just historic, but it has a sense of place.” Matthew Livingston
Town Manager Matt Livingston points out some of the features planned for the Ayden District which includes a youth baseball field among other things.
Previously, he served as town manager of Rolesville and Wallace, planning technician of Rock Hill, S.C., director of planning and inspection of Franklin County, and executive director of the Eastern Carolina Council of Government.
They are both are in the process of selling their individual homes, Livingston’s in River Bend, and hers in Goldsboro, before they move together to Ayden.
In 1988, Livingston joined the U.S. Coast Guard, retiring as chief marine science technician.
They are still deciding if they will build, or buy an existing home.
He has three children, a 25-year-old daughter who lives in California, and a daughter and son, who are in college. He recently married Ann Smith of Goldsboro on Saturday, Oct. 17.
In his free time, Livingston enjoys spending time on his boat, playing the piano and guitar and writing music.
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Not horsing around Young people can learn confidence, skills & responsibility at
Hooves & Harmony — & make friends and have fun. STORY AND PHOTOS BY DONNA MARIE WILLIAMS
Hooves & Harmony offers riders a unique experience that allows them to conquer their fears and gain confidence as demonstrated by a camper standing on a horse.
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Campers brush a horse before riding lessons.
A new Ayden business is bringing love and understanding of horses to the community through lessons and camps.
Private lessons are offered for children 5 years and up while Mommy and Me sessions are available for ages 2 and up.
Hooves & Harmony is located on the grounds of Murphrey Quarter Horses, which has served as a boarding facility for horses for 20 years.
Mommy and Me sessions are available for any adult or family member and can include riding lessons or a 45-minute session with the horse.
Angelique Murphrey and instructor and horsemanship program partner Corinna Stone decided they wanted to do something more. “We thought it would be nice to have a different facility. Something different to take care of mommies and children. This is a big need not only in the area but in all of America. We just thought, ‘why are we not doing something for the community and children?’” Murphrey said. Stone added, “With everything going on today it’s so difficult for children to be children. I am a firm believer that children should be in the dirt. Children should learn and get up and fall and try again and build teamwork and do something that will build confidence. Horses, for myself as a child, that’s what they did for me. I see too many kids with a tablet and think they need to have some sort of outdoor activity to build them as a person.” The desire and passion lead to the development of Hooves & Harmony, which opened its barn doors in October providing Mommy and Me sessions, Youth Horsemanship Camps and private riding lessons.
The Youth Horsemanship Camps offers children ages 5 and up the opportunity to learn how to care for a horse and well as the fundamentals of riding. Lessons are taught by Murphrey, who is a certified European riding instructor, and Stone. As a European riding instructor, Murphrey was required to attend school and work in a barn for five years before earning her certification. Lessons also are offered in a laid-back learning environment that focuses on safety and proper riding techniques, Stone said. “One of the reasons we started this is because we feel there are many barns that teach, we feel, the wrong way. We had a lot of children who came to us that got hurt or fell off a horse because someone didn’t teach them right. We had to work with these kids and adults and bring them back to the basics and rebuild their confidence and re-do what was done to them,” Stone said. “We teach them safety and the patience and understanding it takes to be a good rider and horse owner. Safety and understanding is a huge part of that. Everything we do we take our time to do it the right way. The majority of our lesson is focused on kids having a good seat, a good balance, and that they are confident and not pushing themselves where they aren’t confident.” The laid-back atmosphere extends to the grounds and community center approach of the facility by allowing children a safe place to play while parents ride. Ayden Magazine |
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A camper prepares to lead a horse for riding lessons.
“We have a place for the parents to go ride and the kids are safe and have a place to play with other kids,” Murphrey said. Stone added, “We have a lot of kids here. We set up different areas for the kids. Our horses are very nice. They are not afraid of the kids.
Campers at Hooves & Harmony learn more than just how to ride. They learn the responsibility it takes to properly care for horses.
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Watching children and adults gain confidence in themselves is both Stone’s and Murphrey’s favorite part of the job.
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“When I see a kid accomplish something and they have more confidence. You see them excited to come back next time and ready to do something new,” Stone said.
Along with learning how to ride the horses, lessons include proper care of the horses.
Stone and Murphrey have had the opportunity to watch as many children gained confidence in themselves and faced their fears. They remembered one student in particular who had both a love and fear of horses.
“She could not get on a horse. It was too high. It made her dizzy. She “It’s really important for a child to learn that there is more to a felt sick,” Murphrey said. horse. You have to take care of it. Ninety percent of having a horse is caring for a horse and 10 percent is riding it,” Stone said. “She loved horses, but she was scared of them. Now she is standing on a horse and she is so proud. Her confidence has grown.” “If they come here and the horse is tacked for them and ready and they don’t have to do any of the work they are not going to Children and adults also gain a sense of respect respect the animal or gain any benefits.” while working with horses. Through lessons and camps, children and adults also gain confidence that can last with them throughout their lifetime, Stone said. “I think horses, for one, are a great confidence builder. They teach them responsibility. They teach them an understanding of different personalities. They teach them how to have a goal and meet it,” Stone said.
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“They teach them how to work together as a team. The rider and horse are two separate beings. You have to work together with the horse to get it to go where you want with it. “
“We’re here for the community and we’re here for the kids. We just want a place for kids to be kids and not have any outside stressors.”
By learning how to care properly for the horse, children are learning responsibility, Stone said.
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“Horses have a mind of their own. It’s not like where you learn a machine and you push a button and make it work. Horses are a game of respect and understanding. If you’re having a bad day the horse is going to feed off you and maybe they won’t comply that day,” Stone said.
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“It’s learning how to take their cues and understand them. It’s learning how to gain respect from them and grow with them. There is always something to learn in the horse world.
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This is all done with the rider’s desires in mind, Stone added. “A lot of people come from barns and they are really pushy or expect too much out of them. We offer a very laid back environment. It’s at your pace. If you want to walk for 10 lessons, you walk for 10 lessons. If you want to really go out and become a champion rider, we will work with you in that way. We don’t have any gain of you doing more,” Stone said. Murphrey added, “For me, the kids have a choice. They can have fun and go on a trail ride or spend an hour on the track. Or they could be a competition rider. For me, I don’t care just so long as the kids have a good time.” Hooves & Harmony fosters a sense of community for adults and children who participate in the program.
Hooves & Harmony owner Angelique Murphrey prepares a horse for riding lessons.
“It’s a community. You have different people of different lifestyles and they all come together and form a barn family. I think that’s important for children as well to have a great social and emotional connection with people who have been strangers their whole lives,” Stone said, adding children in the camps often work together and build each other up during lessons. “We offer a facility where children can be children, get away from the screen, come get in the dirt and build with good friends. They are not doing this on their own. They have like-minded friends coming and they make wonderful friendships. Hooves & Harmony was established for the community and seeks to be an affordable option for enthusiastic riders.
A favorite part of the program is riding the horses.
“We’re affordable on purpose. We want to make sure we can meet the needs of the community and not just a small percentage of the community,” Stone said. Since opening in October, Hooves & Harmony has received positive feedback from the community and has gained momentum. “If things start working out for you and it’s a good momentum that’s where you’re supposed to be. If you feel a lot of resistance that’s not where you’re supposed to be,” Stone said. “The fact everything is moving in a great momentum means we’re doing everything we are supposed to be doing and this is where God wants us.” In the future, Murphrey and Stone would like to incorporate more classes including a showmanship class for advanced riders.
Hooves & Harmony instructor and horsemanship program partner Corinna Stone helps a camper clean out a stall.
On Dec. 13, Hooves & Harmony will hold its first fundraising event, which also will serve as a way to give back to the community.
A camper waits for further instruction before riding lessons.
Called Snowflakes and Horseshoes, the event will help support the facility and make improvements. It features several vendors, pony rides, hayrides, food trucks, a used tack sale and a visit from Santa. Hooves & Harmony is located at 4473 Pleasant Plain Road. For more information, like their Facebook page or call 910-260-9662.
WHAT’S NEW
Hooves & Harmony New and Marvel’s restaurant are not all that’s new across town. Here’s a sampling of some more developments.
AYDEN POCKET PARK Where: Alley off of Lee Street across from Andy’s Recreation and Grill What: Located in the heart of downtown, the town has transformed a vacant alley off of Lee Street into a green space designed for walkability and as a shortcut between downtown businesses. It is equipped with benches and a scenic mural created by Ayden native Mark Brown and featuring Lt. Col. Sammy A. Pierce of the United States Air Force. Why: The pocket park is the perfect spot to take a break from downtown shopping or enjoy a cup of coffee. “It adds character to the town. It’s a beautification initiative. It has functionality and serves as a place people can sit down and enjoy their day,” said Town Manager Matthew Livingston.
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Alison Bell and Jim Glennon of Old Time Expressions
OLD TIME EXPRESSIONS Where: 528 Third St. Who: Alison Bell is the owner What: Bell opened the thrift store in November 2018 but she’s always bringing in new items. It offers a variety of antiques and home furnishings and furniture reupholstering and refinishing, a selection of farmhouse style products and custom one-of-a-kind creations designed and created by Bell. Staff will also assist customers searching for that perfect piece of furniture.
Why: Bell has a passion for refinishing and repurposing furniture and saw a need in the community she desired to fill. “I love the idea of supporting a small town,” she said. What’s new: Auctioneer Jim Glennon took the opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic to become a certified auctioneer and soon Old Time Expressions will offer this service to its customers. “This will give people the opportunity to pick stuff up at a bargain while clearing inventory,” Bell said. When: Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Hours may vary due to furniture pick-up and delivery or estate sales.
FRYDAY NITE FISH, THE ORIGINAL BACKYARD Where: 521 First St. Who: Tonnia Tollard Wallace is the owner-operator What: Old school backyard fish fry that serves seafood and soul food. Why: Wanted to carry on her mother’s tradition of holding fish fries. What’s new: An area called “The Porch” has recently been added to the restaurant. The property next to Fryday Nite Fish was purchased to create a shelter for families to eat in, an extension of the backyard. The restaurant also is going mobile at the first of the year with a food truck while keeping the location in Ayden. Many customers come to the restaurant for catering, which often results in the restaurant selling out. The food truck will go to sites like the hospital and nursing homes so singular customers can come to eat at the restaurant. The business has had a clothesline in the backyard since it opened in March of 2019, similar to the clothesline in Wallace’s mother’s backyard. “What made hers unique is if you’re frying fish outside you would think you would just smell the fish but you also smelled her laundry detergent through the clothes,” Wallace said. When: Hours are 11 a.m. to sellout Tuesday-Saturday. Fryday Nite Fish owner Tonnia Wallace
AYDEN FAMILY DENTISTRY Where: 206 Third St. Who: Dr. Monica Molini What: Dental exams, cleanings, emergency visits, dentures, crowns, brightening, fillings, partial dentures, veneers, Invisalign. Why: Molini said she really likes small-town service and wanted to establish her family in a small North Carolina town. “There are so many offices nowadays, like corporate, that don’t have that small-town feel and so that’s what we wanted to do. We wanted to provide many, many services that you would find in the big city and just in a small town,” Molini said. What’s new: Since the office opened in 2015, threedimensional digital dentistry has been used in all its work. Through a form of digital dentistry called CEREC the office is able to nail crowns in a single day. “That’s pretty neat because it saves people time, for example, if somebody doesn’t want to take two days off work, which (otherwise) would be necessary for a crown, they could just get the treatment they need in one day,” Molini said. When: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dr. Monica Molini and a happy patient at Ayden Family Dentistry Ayden Magazine |
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