Albemarle Summer 2020
Magazine
Adjusting to a new normal during the coronavirus pandemic.
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ON THE
COVER
Baby carrots are displayed after being recently pulled out of the ground at a Victory Garden in Edenton. Nicole Bowman-Layton Albemarle Magazine
Contents Victory Garden
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Helping Gardens Grow
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A Black Thumb Tries To Go Green
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Albemarle Residents Maximize Time Region Offers Safe, Entertaining Activities
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Pandemic Forces Postponement Of Spring Festivals
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For Young Entrepreneur, Biz Blooms
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Day Tripping: Windsor & Bertie County
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Master Grilling A Thick Cut Of Meat Calendar
26 28
Water Shows That Best Plans Are No Plans
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ALBEMARLE MAGAZINE
is a publication of The Daily Advance, an Adams Publishing Group newspaper 215 S Water Street Elizabeth City, NC 27909
EDITORIAL 252-335-8117 Publisher Robin Quillon Editor Nicole Bowman-Layton 252-368-9281 Correspondents Miles Layton Nicole Bowman-Layton Kesha Williams Anna Goodwin McCarthy Photography Nicole Bowman-Layton Miles Layton Kesha WIlliams
PRODUCTION Jasmine Blount
ADVERTISING
Advertising Director Sean O’Brien
Stay-at-home orders. Working from home. Wearing face masks to the grocery store. Shopping has become like going through a constantly moving maze -- everyone shuffles down the aisle in one direction. Don’t forget something or you’ll have to start over. This is part of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. While it is easy to feel stuck due to all the restrictions, we thought this edition of Albemarle Magazine should show a little about how life goes on during the pandemic. Those of us who still have them go outside in our own yards. In fact, Google Trends noted that in late March, interest in growing a garden hit an all-time high, while searches for "growing vegetables from scraps" was up 4,650% from years past. Inside the magazine, I talk about growing my own garden in downtown Edenton and the role the Extension offices throughout the region play in helping residents grow their own food. Miles Layton provides a glimpse of Bertie County. Kesha Williams and Anna Goodwin McCarthy both have several good stories. Some festivals that were postponed during the spring and early summer are working on coming back in the fall with a new focus and activities. Another article looks at other things to do during the "new normal." Despite the pandemic, several businesses in the region opened their doors. We take a look at those businesses in an article. We hope you enjoy this edition of Albemarle Magazine. If you have any questions, comments or future story ideas, email me at nlayton@ncweeklies.com.
Nicole
Account Representatives Rich Houghton Lisa Bailey Bev Alexander
NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON Albemarle Magazine Editor
SUBSCRIPTIONS 252-329-9505
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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Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
Albemarle Magazine ďťż Summer 2020
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Currituck County Cooperative Extension Office hosts informational videos on gardening on its YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube. com/currituckces . This photo is from a video on fertilizing your soil. Submitted photo
Victory
GARDEN By Nicole Bowman-Layton Albemarle Magazine
While people have been hunkered down at home during the coronavirus pandemic, some tried new hobbies, such as bread making, making homemade cleaning supplies, and even getting to that home improvement project that never seems to get done. Interest in gardening surged in March, in part due to seasonal changes, but also because of an increasing food supply anxiety amid the coronavirus outbreak. According to Google Trends, searches for “growing vegetables from scaps” was up 4,650% from years past. Nurseries, home improvement stores and gardening centers in all parts of the country reported that seeds, plants and gardening tools were flying off the shelves. George Ball, the chairman of Burpess Seeds, told Reuters that the company sold more seeds in March than any time in the company’s 144-year history, forcing them to put a hold on new orders for one week to play catchup.The trend also has reached northeastern North Carolina, with local NC State Cooperative Extension Offices noting an increase in inquiries about gardening techniques. Katy Shook, Horticulture Extension agent based in Chowan County, noted that her office has heard reports of very busy garden centers throughout the region. Shook runs a regional Master Gardener program that serves Chowan, Gates and Perquimans counties. “Most of the calls we’ve received are about gardening from a hobby standpoint,” she said of the group’s helpline. “During the stay-at-home orders, people want a way to be outside with their families. We’ve had a few ask for resources to help secure more food at home.” Cameron Lowe, director of the Currituck County Extension Center, also noted an increase in information requests. “We have seen somewhat of an increase in folks growing their own food in home gardens this year -- which very much excites us! Fresh, whole foods are an important component to a healthy diet.” The topics of questions vary during the season. Currently the center is fielding a lot of requests for information about tomatoes, Lowe said. The Currituck center hosts videos on different agricultural topics at https://www.youtube.com/ currituckces . In terms of growing your own garden, July may seem too late to start a garden, but that isn’t so. Shook said northeast North Carolina has two growing seasons. “Usually there’s a first season where you plant from April to May. In mid-August, you can do a repeat planting of summer crops. Or you can wait until mid-September to October to plant crops for a cool season,” which would be
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
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root vegetables, lettuces and greens, she said. North Carolinians usually have until Thanksgiving to grow produce before the first frost. “Sometimes, we don’t have a hard freeze during the winter, so those crops can carry you into the spring,” Shook said. The idea of Victory Gardens has been around since World War I, when families were encouraged to grow their own food in "war gardens" in wake of a growing food crisis. During World War II, Extension Offices were tasked with helping families and school children learn about gardening and promoting victory gardens with the goal of preventing a repeat of the nationwide food shortages during World War I. In 1942, roughly 15 million families planted victory gardens; by 1944, an estimated 20 million victory gardens produced roughly 8 million tons of food — which was the equivalent of more than 40 percent of all the fresh fruits and vegetables consumed in the United States. In past and present, victory gardens boost morale, ease burdens placed on local farmers, and combat food supply demands. Similar to cleaning and baking, tending to a garden also relieves stress and anxiety, which peak during unprecedented times. "When we interact with green, outdoor environments we tend to breathe more deeply and at a more regulated pace," says Monique Allen, author of "Stop Landscaping, Start Lifescaping." This "oxygenates the blood and releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers."
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HELPING GARDENS GROW By Nicole Bowman-Layton Albemarle Magazine Regional N.C. Cooperative Extension Offices have several ways in which they promote gardening. Horticulture Agent Katy Shook said the Master Gardeners, a group of community volunteers from Chowan, Gates and Perquimans counties, recently gave out packets to local food pantries as part of their Grow to Eat program, which is in its sixth year. The packets contain four types of easy-to-grow vegetable seeds -- cucumber, squash, peppers and tomatoes -- grow bags and instructions. The program, which NC State Extension Master Gardener program, serving Chowan, Gates and Perquimans counties, has given out Grow to Eat packets receives funding from various at local food banks for about six years. This year’s packet includes grants, is a way to help lowseeds, grow bags and instructions. income families in the area Nicole Bowman-Layton/Albemarle Magazine have a source of fresh produce. Some master gardeners also are involved in an effort to promote food security by growing an extra row of vegetables in their own gardens, Shook said. The resulting produce is given to a local food pantry registered in the ampleharvest.org program. Extension offices also are working with local farmers to get unpicked food out of the fields and on to families’ tables, Shook said. The Currituck County Cooperative Extension office has its own garden and orchard that provides teaching opportunities. The center’s website, currituck.ces. ncsu.edu , features articles on various topics, including the progress of their Victory Garden. The garden has eight raised beds that are planned by the Cooperative Extension staff each year. “Students that are involved in the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Community Service and Restitution program provide volunteer labor to establish and maintain the gardens. Some of this service is court mandated, but several of these students return to continue working with the project. Other 4-H programs and Extension Master Gardener volunteers also assist,” Center Director Cameron Lowe said. When the center is open, classes are held on various agricultural concepts and produce from the gardens are used in cooking classes. Extension Offices are currently closed to the public due to the pandemic, though people can call or go online for information.
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
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Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
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A BLACK THUMB TRIES TO GO GREEN
Robert Layton compares a sunflower to his height during a recent visit to the Laytons' Victory Garden. His sister calls it the “survive the apocalypse garden.” The tallest sunflowers, as of late June, were over 6 feet tall.
By Nicole Bowman-Layton Albemarle Magazine When word of Governor Roy Cooper’s stay-at-home order was announced in March, my first thought was: How am I going to feed everyone? Our family of five people and two dogs planned to start a garden anyway, but the executive order gave us more of a reason to get things going and expand our effort. When planning a home garden, you need to figure out what areas get the most sunlight. If you live near the water, you also may need to think about flooding. One side of our yard is filled with trees lining a fence. While I live a good quarter mile from the water, our backyard has been known to flood during heavy rains. I learned through a tour of the Iredell house a few streets up from my home in Edenton that in the 1700s and up to the early 1900s, our backyard used to be where a creek was. The waterway went from where the current Queen Anne Creek and Edenton Bay meet, behind the 1767 Courthouse, all the way to where the U.S. Post Office is now on Broad Street. It was also a former gravel parking lot, which is evident by how my carrots look all twisted and gnarled, unlike their straight store-bought cousins. In fact, a flash flood washed out the first garden I ever planted at our home. The day after the flood, I found a few of the baby plants and put them in pots. They did OK, but not like they would have if they had room to spread out. But we keep trying, especially this year. We hoped the garden could supplement our grocery store shopping, so we could save money and spread out our trips during the pandemic. It’s still early in the summer, so we’ll see. This year, we’ve enlisted help from various extension offices and Facebook groups dedicated to victory gardens, or as my daughter calls it, our “survive the apocalypse” garden. Thanks to the local extension office, I was able to connect with an Extension service in Florida that put together a Victory Garden program that has been very helpful in helping me identify pests and other problems with my plants. Apparently, you shouldn’t plant mint straight into
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Photos by Nicole Bowman-Layton/ Albemarle Magazine
the ground or it will take over your garden. My rule of thumb is to just leave stuff alone and let nature do its thing. However, that doesn’t always work out. We have some volunteers -- remnants from pumpkins, watermelon and decorative fall gourds -- that I just threw in the garden when we were done with them. It seems like every single seed sprouted sometime this spring, so I had to separate the plants out to other spots, remove some and hope that we get some gourds on the vines this season. The other volunteers we have are squirrels. They dug up some of the seeds I space out in the garden plot and bury them wherever they want to for the fall and winter. And they seem to be better gardeners than I am. Their plants have sprouted all over our lawn in little clusters here and there. My patient husband/lawn maintenance crew dutifully mowed around the squirrels’ gardens. In fact, one of our biggest and most thriving plants is a pumpkin vine the squirrels planted. I learned through the extension agencies and books to be a little more watchful of the garden. Like a farmer once told me, “You never learn how to do something well until your life depends on it.” I took this to heart this year, as we make our way through this new normal. I think the most rewarding part about the garden is sharing it with the kids. They like hunting through the leaves looking for fruit and vegetables to eat fresh off the plant -- even though I’ve warned them against the practice. When we drive past fields in rural North Carolina, they seem to appreciate the fact that they know what corn, peanuts cotton and soybeans look like in their natural form and the work that goes into getting stuff ready to harvest. This little plot of dirt is our victory. We are learning something new -- how to successfully grow fruit, herbs, flowers and vegetables and we get to enjoy the results of our hard work. Hopefully, we’ll be able to expand that knowledge for years and generations to come.
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
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ALBEMARLE RESIDENTS MAXIMIZE TIME ON THE HOME FRONT
Hibiscus plants like this rich pink-colored one are favored for both their blooms and ability to endure summer's heat. They vary in size and can grow from the ground or in pots where they can brighten decks and patios. Photo Courtesy Kesha Williams
Extension agency sees uptick in website visits, requests for information
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By Kesha Williams Correspondent
oastal Carolina lifestyle trends have long featured small group gatherings, handmade crafts and menus high in comfort foods. This year, following all the recommendations to limit the size of gatherings because of COVID-19, is no exception. The hosts of small gatherings are finally ready to drape tablecloths across outdoor tables where guests can pause to marvel at the coastal decor before loading their plates. Adults are introducing simple outdoor activities to teens and tweens, such as cornhole, badminton and doubledutch jump rope as well as song routines. For those who haven’t had enough computer screen time, a list of virtual tours of the nation’s and world’s famed museums, national parks and aquariums is just a click away. UNC-TV, the state's public television network, offers its members video-on-demand access to Public Broadcast System programs. Gardeners have been busy planting, fertilizing, snipping and clipping. The results: fresh peppers and tomatoes just ripe to complement char-grilled burgers, hot dogs, or blackened shrimp kebobs. The work of flower gardeners is fully displayed beside patio tables where arrangements of bold zinnias, sunflowers, peonies and dahlia sprout. Rich color tropicals, such as the hibiscus adored for its 4- to 8-inch wide flowers, enliven decks and paver walkways. News reports of increased online sales of cookware and bakeware justify the steady roll of delivery trucks to home cooks and bakers. Scan tables across multiple neighborhood yards to find seasonal favorites including berry cobblers, apple cream cheese bundt cakes, grilled corn, cobb salads, hush puppies, baked fish, salsas, Carolina style beef brisket,
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Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
We have 29 new subscribers on our YouTube Channel ...
crisp veggies awaiting creamy, home-stirred onion dips. Food servers at these gatherings often model originally designed face masks hot off a local seamstress's twodecade-old sewing machine. Newly hung hammocks, freshly painted lawn chairs and tables await eager guests. Simply put, extended time on the home front this spring has yielded some positive results. Ellen Owens, director of Cooperative Extension in Pasquotank County, said there has been an increase in the number of people visiting the agency's website. They frequently contact Extension agents for tips that fulfill the
best southern living dreams. “Grace Manzer has gotten a good response from homeowners asking lawn and garden questions, which she has addressed by making field visits to homes, following social distancing," Owens said, referring to a local Extension agent. "We have 29 new subscribers on our YouTube Channel, PasquotankCES. We also have a large number of folks who are viewing our social media pages as well: 307 visits to our website during May and June." Cooperative Extension agents have also kept busy responding to area citizens by phone, email and by creating videos. Owens said the office's agriculture agent created educational videos to assist farmers on how to recognize and treat issues with crops. The horticulture agent created videos to teach citizens how to maximize their efforts growing plants and flowers. There were even calls to Cooperative Extension agents for tips on warding off pesky, destructive woodpeckers. The agents didn’t forget about kids who were eager to expand what they were learning through home-bound instruction. “4-H began offering online lessons on embryology for the school children as well as science lessons and activities that could be completed by students at home," Owens said. "We continue to offer these virtual opportunities for citizens. Video links can be found on our website https:pasquotank. ces.ncsu.edu under the Pasquotank Staying Connected tab.” Garden activities have long been credited with reducing stress, relaxing busy minds and developing patience. The Pasquotank Cooperative Extension office is currently open but in-person programs continue to be limited, according to Owens. To request specific educational programs or information, call the office at 338-3954 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
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Learn how to sail or row on the Pasquotank River through the River City Community Sailing group. A sailing camp is offered for kids ages 8-16 the weeks of July 6-10 or July 13-17. Adult sailing class sessions are offered on July 11 or Aug. 15. File photo/The Daily Advance
REGION OFFERS SAFE, ENTERTAINING ACTIVITIES Outdoor recreation, history tours allow for social distancing while having fun
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By Anna Goodwin McCarthy Correspondent
rom kayaking on glistening waterways to taking a tour of historical homes, northeastern North Carolina offers a variety of safe and entertaining activities. The following is a list of things you can do: • Take a tour of history in Edenton through guided trolley rides. The trolley ride travels through the beautiful town allowing riders to learn about local history. Embark on a ride from the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center at 505 South Broad Street and hear interesting notable facts about sites from this guided trolley tour. For more information, visit the Visit Edenton website at https://www. visitedenton.com/trolley.php. • Self-Guided Walking Tour: Enjoy history at your own pace with a self-guided walking tour of Edenton on the Edenton Museum Trail. Follow the signs and links at https://www.visitedenton.com/sites.php#site-museumtrail to find out information about featured sites including the 1758 Cupola House, the Cotton Mill Village, 1736 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. • Museum of the Albemarle is offering online sessions called “Virtual History for Lunch.” The online lectures which range in topics may be viewed from your own device whether it be laptop, computer, tablet or phone with internet access. A virtual tour of the MOA and its exhibits is also available at https://moa.oncell.com/en/ index.html. For more information, visit the Museum of
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the Albemarle Facebook page or website at https://www. museumofthealbemarle.com/. With the picturesque landscape that surrounds us in northeastern North Carolina, it is quite easy to find outdoor activities that are pleasing for all ages. Here are a few: • Dismal Swamp Canal: Hike, bike, jog or simply take a stroll on the trails at the Dismal Swamp State Park in South Mills. Rent a kayak and paddle down the Dismal Swamp with incredible views of wildlife. Bring your own canoe or kayak or rent one of your own choice. For more information call (252) 771-6593. • Adults may join the Wednesday Paddle Group in Edenton for kayaking in the evenings. The group meets Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. at Colonial Park. People may bring their own kayaks or they may contact Mary Sawyer if they do not have access to a kayak and she will provide one. There is no fee. Contact Sawyer at the Edenton-Chowan Recreation Department at mary.sawyer@chowan.nc.govto join the group or find out more information. • Learn how to sail or row on the Pasquotank River through the River City Community Sailing group. A sailing camp is offered for kids ages 8-16 the weeks of July 6-10 or July 13-17 at 2 to 5 p.m. for $150 each week. Adult sailing class sessions are offered on July 11 or Aug. 15 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for $50 a class. “Rowing 101” class sessions are July 25 or Aug.22 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. for $25 a class. A rowing camp is available for ages 12 and up on Aug. 3-7 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for $150. No prior experience
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
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ConCEalEd Carry ClaSSES nra inStruCtor Trolley rides are a great way to take a tour of history in Edenton. The trolley leaves from the Penelope Barker House Welcome Center at 505 South Broad Street. File photo/The Daily Advance
is needed, but participants in all classes must know how to swim. For more information, visit https://www. rivercitycommunitysailing.com/. • Hit the links at the YMCA at the Pines. For more information visit https://www.ymcashr.org/gof-courseymca-pines or call 252-335-0278. • Take advantage of the various opportunities for outdoor fun through the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Parks and Recreation Department. Play golf at the Knobbs Creek Par 3 or swing the distance at the driving range at The South Park Sports Complex. Challenge your family to a game of tennis or pickleball sending your serve over the net at the Elizabeth Street Tennis Courts. Make your steps count at the walking trail around the River Road Soccer Complex. For more information and a listing of all parks and services, visit the Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Parks and Recreation Facebook page, go to the website at https://www.cityofec.com/?SEC=9A0A06B6-91C1-43C8B01C-C0494E945138 or contact Darris Sawyer, recreation superintendent, at 252-335-1424. • Scenic views can be found for the entire family on the walking trail at the Perquimans County Parks and Recreation. For more information, call 252-426-5695. • Stroll downtown Elizabeth City and meet artists while visiting shops and restaurants in Elizabeth City during the First Friday ArtWalk during the first Friday of each month. To view information and a list of participating artists follow the Elizabeth City Downtown, Inc. Facebook page. Whether you are sailing the Pasquotank River in the afternoon summer breeze, or browsing an informative museum history lecture from your own phone, there are many ways to enjoy northeastern North Carolina.
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Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
Albemarle Magazine ďťż Summer 2020
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PANDEMIC FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF SPRING FESTIVALS, EVENTS
Some organizers adjust plans to include smaller gatherings
T
By Kesha Williams Correspondent he arrival of COVID-19 this spring brought home a daunting reality: many of the fun public events normally held across the Albemarle would have to be canceled or
postponed. According to Coleman, more than 60 exhibitors "from near and far" signed up for the event before the pandemic forced its cancellation. “More than 30 Green Saves Green members devoted 16 months to planning and organizing Love Your River, a free family-friendly celebration of our waterways scheduled for April 18," she said. "(Love Your River) was to take place at Museum of the Albemarle and adjacent waterfront parks, offering something fun for everyone all day long. Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, kids fishing, pontoon boat excursions, a (U.S. Coast Guard) boat, the (Elizabeth City State University) mobile planetarium and STEM trailer, and a bounce house were to be on site." According to Coleman, more than 60 exhibitors "from near and far" signed for the event when the pandemic forced its cancellation. "We were just putting the finishing touches on our event plan when coronavirus crashed the party,” she said. Green Saves Green will be able to proceed with some of its activities this year, Coleman said. “Our RiverKeepers team has its eyes on the water,"
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she said. "In fact, our volunteers were out (recently), collecting samples from area rivers and creeks for testing. No sign of blue green algae yet, but Our Clean Water for the Albemarle campaign remains active, with a link for citizens to report any algal blooms or fish kills they see." Elizabeth City had to postpone its annual N.C. Potato Festival traditionally held in May. Organizers are still holding out hope the event can be held in October. Also postponed until later is the Tarwheel Century, traditionally another spring event in Elizabeth City. The Camden Heritage Festival organizers had hoped to hold the educational and promotional event celebrating Camden County on Saturday, Sept. 12, after postponing it from its original scheduled date, May 22. However, organizer Brenda Bowman said the festival committee had to postpone the festival again "since we cannot have mass gatherings." The festival's new date is Saturday, May 22, 2021. Paddle for the Border, an event coordinated by multiple agencies including Dismal Swamp State Park, the city of Chesapeake’s Parks Recreation and Tourism, the Camden Tourism Development Authority, had to be canceled, bringing an end to months of planning, said Donna Stewart, director of Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center in South Mills. “This annual event filled in record time this year and the
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
organizers made the decision to offer a refund, or allow the registered paddlers to retain their spot for next year," Stewart said. "Approximately half of the 375 paddlers opted to retain their reservations for next year. The event was rescheduled to next spring on May 1st, 2021, if authorities have lifted restrictions. Registration for this event usually goes live at the beginning of the New Year." The Currituck County office of N.C. Cooperative Extension opted to hold virtual experiences for youth instead of summer face-to-face camps scheduled for 4-H members. The organization still plans to hold its annual 4-H chicken show Oct. 10. Currituck Master Gardeners also still plans to hold its 12-week master gardener class in September. Cooking classes will continue to be offered but likely will be conducted in a hybrid format with both live and online components. Cameron Lowe, director of Currituck Cooperative Extension, said her office's staff are offering some cooking courses to serve the needs of area cooks. “All skill levels of adult participants are welcome for our cooking classes," she said. "In a typical class participants receive instruction on kitchen safety, knife-handling techniques, food safety and techniques of cooking whatever cuisine they are making, as well as nutrition education and (information on) wise food choices." Currituck Extension also plans to hold small fruit production and fall gardening classes well and will be continuing its virtual classes as well. Lowe said residents will continue to find weekly, live online classes on a variety of topics at https:// currituck.ces.ncsu.edu/live-from-extension-videos/. Spontaneous fun is still an option at area recreation sites in Elizabeth City. Darrius Sawyer, recreation superintendent for the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, said residents can enjoy the Par 3 golf course at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center but the golf shop remains closed. While pavilion space is available for public use at South Park Atlantic Complex, the shop connected to the driving range is closed. Open play spaces are available. Other options for local recreation include the Enfield Park splash pad, its outdoor basketball court, the skatepark and field areas for softball and kickball. Picnic tables at Dog Corner and the Harney Street tennis courts are also available for public use. FunJunktion’s walking trail and its splashpad are available. In Perquimans County, patrons can enter the Perquimans Arts League gallery three days a week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. According to Blair Jackson of Arts of the Albemarle, AoA staff are planning online events and contests. The art center's gallery on Main Street is also now open. The Mariners Film Festival, a free event normally held each Tuesday evening at Mariners' Wharf Park throughout the summer, has been canceled for this year.
No Loose Ends 252-333-6023
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Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 9-5 Sunday 11-4
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264-4437
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Layaway now available! 20% off In-store sale...All clothing on sale until July 31st. Shop Early! ToILET PAPER foR SALE!
(252) 335-5252 401 South Griffin St., (252) 338-8965 Suite 175 Elizabeth City, NC 27909 www.daniellesbridalandtuxedo.com
Portable toilet rentals Ben McPherson - Owner 252-339-2142
sPecial events wedding units construction holding tanks agriculture
Dennis Elliott - Route Manager 252-340-5659
albemarle Rent-a-Jon Flush-able units now available
209 Charles Street, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Office (252) 334-1616 • Fax (252) 334-8575
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
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FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR, BIZ BLOOMS DURING PANDEMIC Chowan County native opens business right before stay-at-home order implemented By Anna Goodwin McCarthy Correspondent
Starting your own business can be hard when you're 19. Noah Sawyer had to start his floral business during the middle of a pandemic, although he didn't know that's what he would be doing when he opened The Watering Can in Edenton earlier this year. Photos Courtesy Noah Sawyer
N s an arrangement o wn i f ro Sho s es
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oah Sawyer did not know what to expect when he decided to open his first storefront in the middle of a pandemic. The 19-year-old first started his floral business, The Watering Can, earlier this year. Sawyer was in college and on the path to becoming a nurse when he realized his true dream would be to open his own business. “I wanted to open a business,” he said. “This is what I wanted to do with my life.” Sawyer said he grew up watching his grandmother, who was a floral designer when she was younger, arrange flowers. “My grandmother had an influence on me,” said Sawyer. “She was my best friend, and I always looked up to her.” Sawyer previously worked at Halseys Lawn & Garden in Edenton where he learned about plants, flowers and landscaping, but he did not have any professional experience with floral design. Having never taken a floral design class, Sawyer soon discovered he had a natural talent for arranging blooms in an array of splendid styles and variations. Opening in January, Sawyer’s mother, GiGi Charlebois, let him operate his business out of her Edenton Coffee House Bakery & Cafe on 302 South Broad Street. “Everything started to fall into place,” Sawyer said. Along with his mother’s guidance and the assistance of an accountant, the 19-year-old learned how to start and maintain a business. Before long, Sawyer decided it was time to open his own storefront. “It was a big undertaking,” said Sawyer. r ye
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The Watering Can .
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Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
Sawyer said he contacted other businesses in Edenton to gain advice about opening his own storefront. Opening his business on 203 South Broad Street in Edenton in March, Sawyer was worried about how it would fare during the middle of a pandemic. “None of us knew what to expect,” said Sawyer. “I began to get a little worried.” Sawyer relied primarily on social media and word of mouth to spread the news of his business opening. Soon he was making arrangements for funerals, baby showers, birthdays and anniversaries. Sawyer said he took all the necessary precautions during the pandemic to make sure everything was safe for his customers. Wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing, Sawyer offered curbside pickup and no touch delivery. Ringing the doorbell, he would wait for his customers to be in view and step back and leave the arrangements for delighted customers. Sawyer had steady business from
his customers, but he knew the true measure of success would occur on Mother’s Day. A holiday where florists are usually very busy, Sawyer did not have any idea if it would be the same in the midst of COVID-19. “Mother’s Day came, and blew everything out of the water,” said Sawyer. The Watering Can was extremely busy with orders from customers trying to do something special for their mother with a beautiful arrangement of flowers. Sawyer said since Mother’s Day, he has been very busy and business hasn't slowed down. “I never thought it would take off and go as good as it has gone,” he said. “We have been so blessed.” Sawyer describes his floral design as elegant. Utilizing greenery like the Bells-of-Ireland, he mixes in flowers like Gerbera daisies, roses, peonies and sunflowers. A High and Magic yellow rose is a type of bloom Sawyer uses that is yellow with orange-reddish tones fading to the top.
“I don’t want to be cookie-cutter,” said Sawyer. He spends most of his time at his new business working on his floral designs. “I feel like I am here all the time,” said Sawyer. “I am very happy.” He offers additional goodies such as Bertie County peanuts and packaged teas. An assortment of potted plants is also available for customers looking for an alternative gift idea. Sawyer is looking forward to the upcoming holiday season. With natural elements like pine cones and greenery, and a unique collection of roses, Sawyer is anticipating a joyful Christmas season. Born in Chowan County, Sawyer was excited to start his own business on Broad Street where he grew up frequenting Edenton businesses. “I can’t believe this is my reality,” said Sawyer of his dream that has come true. For more information about The Watering Can, visit its Facebook page or call or text 252-484-0916.
W.E. NixoN
WEldiNg & HardWarE, iNC. 3036 Rocky Hock Rd., Edenton 221-4348/221-8343
Downtown Elizabeth City's street-lit benches and pathways give Clyndell Godfrey the low-light photography challenge he welcomes. When weddings and anniversaries last beyond sunset, he's prepared to continue the photo shoot. Photo courtesy Kesha Williams
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Day Tripping:
WINDSOR OFFERS TASTE OF HISTORIC LIFE ON THE CASHIE RIVER Bertie County seat was once transportation hub
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Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
A broadwalk offers small watercraft access to the Cashie River, which runs through Windsor. Nicole BowmanLayton/Albemarle Magazine
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By Miles Layton Albemarle Magazine
un is out and I've still got cabin fever. Maybe a lot of folks do to the point of rebellion because of the pandemic, but I needed to break away from the house by exploring eastern North Carolina so as to get to know the people and places better in our backyard. Windsor came to mind immediately because, while I've been through Bertie County on occasion to go fishing or kayaking, I've never toured the historic downtown or know much about the people, past or present. For folks who don't know, locals pronounce the county's name as Ber-tee, with an emphasis on the “tee” and Windsor is more or less two syllables – “Winser” – where the “d” is silent and the “sor” sounds more like “ser” which is different than the way high-falutin people pronounce House of “Wind - sor” with its emphasis on “d” and the “sor.” County was formed as Bertie Precinct in 1722 from the part of Chowan Precinct of Albemarle County lying west of the Chowan River. It was named for James Bertie, his brother Henry Bertie, or perhaps both, each
having been one of the Lords Proprietors of Carolina. Established by an act of the Colonial Assembly in 1768, on the site known as Gray’s Landing, Windsor has served as the county seat of Bertie County since 1774. Founded as a port on the Cashie River, which rises and falls in Bertie County, Windsor was the center of a thriving agricultural and timber industry. Entered in the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, Windsor encompasses the same 100 acres of the original town. King Street is the heart of the Historic District, which includes many fine examples of 18thand 19th-century architecture. The churchyards of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, Cashie Baptist Church, Windsor United Methodist Church and St. Elmo Baptist Church contain the graves of many prominent former citizens of the town. First, yes, there are nice large homes along King Street and around the downtown core centered a business district and county courthouse. Want to see some really old gravestones? Then check out the cemetery by St. Thomas' Episcopal Church. Parish was established in Merry Hill in 1722 before it moved to Windsor in 1839. Windsor Mayor James Hoggard, who is very knowledgeable about all things Windsor and Bertie County, is distant kin to the family of early settlers from Hoggard's Mill, formerly the county seat between 1722 to 1769. Filled with stories about local history, Hoggard told me about a battle between Union and Confederate forces that is part of Civil War Trails that crisscross the region. Fought Jan. 29-30, 1864, the skirmish was intended to disrupt Confederate recruiting efforts. When three federal transports with 1,000 men attacked a Confederate cavalry regiment with between 200-300 soldiers in Windsor, the rebels had no choice but to retreat. Soldiers and prominent Southern sympathizers were taken hostage. Confederate accounts of the battle had a different point of view of the two-hour battle, with their version of the story reporting how the Yankees were driven from Windsor. Another stop to add to anyone's bucket list traveling through eastern North Carolina is Hope Plantation – the restored home of former North Carolina Gov. David Stone (1770-1818). One of the finest examples of Palladian design built in timber, the manor house is slightly modified by neo-classical elements. The facade has five bays and a pedimented double portico with the original Chinese Chippendale balustrade. Crowning the house is a widow's walk, with matching railing. The interior of the house displays a height and grandeur rare in the region, and is furnished with a unique collection of period furniture, art and artifacts. History aside, Hoggard said there is plenty to do in town or nearby. He touted the tree houses by the Cashie River – yep! Pre-coronavirus, these tree houses were booked solid most every night because, well, wow! The insides feature a queen-size sleeping platform and a sleeping loft. Outside of the treehouses is a gathering area in which
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there are chairs and benches so guests can experience the outdoors together. River tours are common and kayak rentals a must because it's a neat trip paddling down the Cashie River, particularly after a good rain when the water gets to flowing pretty good. Worth noting for kayak or beach enthusiasts, maybe check out Bertie Beach near the mouth of the Chowan River on the Albemarle Sound. This isolated sandy beach, part of the county’s Tall Glass of Water project, offers a commanding view of the Sound where folks can either swim or kayak up the “coast” of Bertie County, maybe even paddle across the Sound to Edenton if the water is flat and the wind is favorable. While exploring different places and destinations forms a mission statement for travelers, the secret to a good trip is meeting new people, maybe hearing new stories. That's what keeps folks coming back. Joseph Cherry, 90, grew up in Windsor and knows most everyone in town. His family's insurance agency, J.B. Cherry Insurance, was founded by his father, Joseph Sr., in 1912. When my young sons and I met Cherry as we were exploring town in search of everything from egg rolls (Windsor’s China King has great egg rolls) to a good hamburger, he welcomed us into his office and shared stories about the town. When Cherry was a boy, he sold the Bertie Ledger on a street corner – sometimes as many as 250 newspapers at a time – because downtown was so busy back in those days. “Growing up, everyone came to town to go shopping on Saturdays. You
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The Bertie County Courthouse is among some of the historic buildings in Windsor. Nicole BowmanLayton/Albemarle Magazine
didn't have to lock your doors. Everybody knew everybody – that's still pretty much true today,” said Cherry who grew up on Granville Street but now lives on King Street, two doors up from the Cashie River. “I'm a longtime Windsor person. I love the town, yes I do.” Cherry talked about local sports – he was sports editor of the Bertie Ledger once upon a time – and he talked about his family, how other notable folks in town or who he knows from my neck of the woods, Edenton – lot of crossover between communities. In essence, that conversation with Cherry showed my sons what the South used to be like when you visit folks and shared stories over a glass of tea. Oh my, Joe Cherry, 90, of King Street, who has lived and worked in his hometown for decades, said Windsor is a good place to visit, maybe raise a family and get to know your neighbors. Miles Layton/ Albemarle Magazine
how times have changed, but still remain the same in some places, special places like Windsor. Cherry talked about the flooding from when Hurricane Floyd invaded in 1999. My boys were amazed as Cherry pointed to the water marks when the floodwaters came into his insurance agency located on South King Street. Cherry joked that there was so much water in the streets, that he could drive a boat through much of downtown – joked that he gave his wife Della that cruise she always wanted; she didn't think his quip was funny. An avid University of North CarolinaChapel Hill Tar Heels fan, Cherry showed my sons a special Carolina blue bag. When you opened it, a marching band performed the Tar Heels' fight song. Boys were impressed. Cherry talked about the Livemon Park & Mini Zoo, which has a zebra, a few impressive buffalo, among other animals. He talked about a vibrant arts community and the town's many museums, including one dedicated to farms, which has old farm equipment, and another dedicated to trains because Windsor was a transportation hub. Soon by the early 1900s the railroads became a connecting link between the steamship lines and points north. Products, including lumber from various mills, were brought by rail to Windsor, making it somewhat of a port of entry for the area. 'Windsor is a good place to raise a family, maybe stay awhile – people have deep roots in our community,” Cherry said.
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
The Tall Glass of Water Project in Bertie County includes a beach on the Albemarle Sound. Nicole BowmanLayton/Albemarle Magazine
BERTIE COUNTY From Staff Reports
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ccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 741 square miles, of which 699 square miles is land and 42 square miles (5.7%) is water. Spots of interest: Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge: Refuge is made up of various tracts of land - some of which are accessible only by boat via the Roanoke River (Great & Goodman Islands, Broadneck Swamp, and Hampton Swamp). The Refuge has only one designated Hiking Trail, the Kuralt Trail which is a <1 mile total trail located off of Hwy 13/17N; however, there are two maintained roads along Hwy 13/17 that are available for walking. Info: https://www.fws.gov/ refuge/Roanoke_River/ Tall Glass of Water Project: Project celebrates the rich natural and cultural landscape of Bertie County. To get there from Elizabeth City: Take US 17 South toward Williamston. Approximately 1 mile after Chowan River
Bridge, turn right onto Bal Gra Road. Follow the signs for parking. Info: http://www.co.bertie.nc.us/projects/2019/ tgow/tgow.html Livermon Park & Mini-Zoo: Located at 102 North York Street, Windsor. The park offers various animals for viewing, picnic pavilions and playground equipment. The Cashie Wetland Walk, a boardwalk trail, is nearby. For information or to reserve picnic pavilions, please contact Wayne Hill at 252-794-5553 or livermonpark@gmail.com. Cashie River Tree Houses: Treehouses are a place to relax and enjoy the awesome view and the sounds of nature. You may also use them as a base to explore the river on a kayak/canoe, or to do some fishing or hunting. Nightly rates are $65 per treehouse (sales tax included). For all Treehouse Rental Information, contact Billy Smithwick 252-724-0994. For more about Bertie County: http://www.co.bertie. nc.us/
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HOW TO MASTER GRILLING A THICK CUT OF MEAT Being patient among keys to perfect steak, chicken, etc.
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By Metro Creative
thick cut of meat grilled over an open flame can make for a mouth watering meal. While such an endeavor likely won't lead to any complaints around the dinner table, many people still shy away from grilling especially thick cuts of meat. A thick cut of uncooked meat can intimidate even the most devoted grilling enthusiast. Such cuts tend to take a long time to cook, and many a grilling devotee has put in that time only to end up with a dried out piece of meat. So what do? The following are some ways to master the art of grilling thick cuts of meat. • Reverse sear the steak. According to Omaha Steaks, reverse searing involves bringing the steak up to temperature via indirect heat first, then searing the outside second. Reverse searing ensures the outside of the steak does not become charred while the inside takes its time cooking. This requires using both direct and indirect heat. When using a gas grill with multiple burners, it's easy to create direct and indirect heating zones by only turning one set of burners on. When using a charcoal grill, move the hot coals to one side of the grill and leave the other side empty. Omaha Steaks recommends maintaining a grill temperature between 250 and 300 F and placing the meat over indirect heat first, keeping the steak there until a digital thermometer reads roughly 10 to 15 degrees below the desired temperature of the meat. The steak can then be moved over direct heat so all sides can be seared. • Salt the meat overnight. People hesitant to salt their meat out of fear of overconsumption of sodium should know that it's not necessary to use a lot of salt to create a flavorful piece of meat. A sprinkling of kosher salt over the surface of the meat is all that's necessary. Once the meat has been salted, store it in the refrigerator, uncovered, overnight, which allows ample time for the cut to fully absorb the salt, ultimately contributing to a juicy cut of meat. • Be patient. Once the meat has been taken off the grill, let it sit for awhile before slicing into it. The goal is to allow the juice inside the meat to redistribute so each bite is as mouth watering as possible. This is the same principle that leads Thanksgiving cooks to let turkeys sit for awhile when they first come out of the oven. While turkeys may require roughly 30 minutes of sitting, meat typically only needs between 10 and 20 minutes, with thick cuts requiring more time than thin cuts. Grilling afficionados need not be intimidated by thick cuts of meat. A few tricks of the trade can make it easy to serve up a thick piece of meat where each bite is juicy and full of flavor.
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SUMMER
2 0 2 0 Calendar July Saturday, July 18 Boat Regatta ELIZABETH CITY -- NC Governor's Cup Regatta will start at 11 a.m. in the Elizabeth City harbor. The event will feature classic moth boat, O'pen Bic, Topper, Topaz Uno and Argo.
AUGUST Saturday, Aug. 1 Edenton historic tour EDENTON -- Historic Edenton State Historic Site will host a walking tour entitled “Civil War to Civil Rights” at 3 p.m. Learn more about the important role Edenton played during the time between the Civil War and the civil rights era. Space is limited, reservations requested since space is limited. Tickets $2.50 per person. For information, call 252-482-2637.
The Roanoke River Lighthouse gets a fresh coat of paint earlier this summer. Historic Edenton State Historic Sites plans to host National Lighthouse Day at the structure on the Edenton Waterfront on Aug. 7. Nicole Bowman-Layton/Albemarle Magazine
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Friday, Aug. 7 National Lighthouse Day EDENTON -- This year's annual celebration of National Lighthouse Day observances will be held at the historic 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse, on the waterfront in Edenton, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If possible, Historic Edenton State Historic Sites will have the lighthouse open free to visitors. Info: 252-482-2637.
Albemarle Magazine Summer 2020
Sunday, Sept. 20 Cupola House Membership Association EDENTON -- Join the Cupola House Membership Association for their Membership Appreciation Brunch. Membership information can be found on the cupolahouse.org website. Saturday, Sept. 29 - Oct. 3 74th Chowan County Regional Fair EDENTON -- The Fair highlights Chowan's Heritage through exhibits, activities, amusement rides and entertainment with great food on the American Legion Fairgrounds. For information, visit their website, chowanfair.com. To purchase tickets in advance: send check or money order to: Chowan County Regional Fair, P.O. Box 390, Edenton, NC 27932.
Recurring Activities The NC Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cup Regatta is scheduled to be held July 18 in Elizabeth City. Moth boats, like the ones pictured here, will be among the watercraft competing in the race. File photo
Wednesdays and Saturdays Edenton Farmer's Market EDENTON -- Locally grown produce, fish and meats available weekly at 200 N. Broad St., Edenton, from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays. Info: edentonfarmersmarket.com Saturdays Downtown Waterfront Market ELIZABETH CITY -- Shop for handmade art-and-crafts and locally grown vegetables, fruits and flowers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Waterfront Park in downtown Elizabeth City.
Nighttime Tour EDENTON -- Historic Edenton State Historic Site will host a special nighttime tour of the Roanoke River Lighthouse from 7-9 p.m., at the lighthouse, located in Colonial Park, South Broad and West Water streets, Edenton. Cost is $2.50 per person. Reservations required, as space is limited. Info: 252-482-2637
New LocatioN opeNiNg SUMMeR 2020
Saturday, Aug. 22 Woman's Suffrage Event EDENTON -- Historic Edenton State Historic Site will share details of this first time event soon. Visit their Facebook page for details or call 252-482-2637. Saturday, Aug. 25 Adult Sailing Class ELIZABETH CITY -- An adult sailing class will be held from 2-5 p.m. with River City Community Sailing. Get out on the water and learn how to sail! Our goal is to provide a great craft beer Our goal is to provide a experience for family, great craft beer experience for family, friends, and our community.
SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER
friends, and our community.
We're all beer at Ghost Harbor! Feel free to bring
We're all beer at Ghost your "to-go" orders Harbor! Feelin free to bring in yourfrom "to-go"local ordersRestaurants! from local Restaurants!
Friday, Sept. 4 Boogie on Broad EDENTON -- Free family-friendly dance on Broad Street with tunes provided by the Band of Oz will be held at 7 p.m. in downtown Edenton. Eat in our restaurants or grab a bite from one of the food trucks. Beer and wine available for purchase. Saturday, Sept. 5 Historic Women's Tour EDENTON -- Historic Edenton State Historic Site tour features the notable women in Edenton's history. Reservation requested for the 3 p.m. walking tour as space may be limited. Tickets are $2.50 per person. The Historic Site Visitor Center, is at 108 N. Broad St., Edenton.
Historic Pailin's Alley, Downtown Elizabeth City NC
252-599-1030 ghostharborbrewing.com Historic Pailin's Alley, Downtown Elizabeth City NC
Albemarle Magazine ďťż Summer 2020
252-599-1030 ghostharborbrewing.com
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Since moving to eastern North Carolina, the Layton family has traded in its mountain hiking gear for watercraft as they find new ways to explore the region they call home.
Water Shows That Best Plans Are No Plans
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By Nicole Bowman-Layton Albemarle Magazine BERTIE COUNTY -- During a recent sunny day, my husband and I packed two kayaks and headed down to the Roanoke River in Bertie County. We expected a quick trip, but as with all great adventures -- it ended up being a bit longer than we planned. It was a true three-hour tour. We ended up going around Goodmans Island, which lies where the Albemarle Sound meets the opening of the Roanoke River. There’s two openings to the Roanoke, by the way. We didn’t know we were going around an island at the time. We just thought we found this cool path along a bridge then headed one way to avoid a fast-moving current that was downstream in the opposite direction. Like many waterways along the Albemarle Sound, the Roanoke River offered a beautiful pathway into the interior of northeast North Carolina. Taking in the region in a different way makes you appreciate it more. You could see rows of turtles sitting on logs; the same muddy water that has been used by generations of Americans for travel, trade and pleasure. It’s almost a spiritual experience sometimes. My husband has seen porpoises in the Albemarle Sound during his kayak trips. He’s almost died a few times -- as the kids and I have driven to various places on the sound to pick him up -stranded and exhausted. But every time, he comes back with a smile on his face and a new appreciation for this part of North Carolina we call home.
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It can also be a metaphor for life. At one point, everything is calm, peaceful. Sometimes you get a wicked wind that makes the same water a perfect place for speeding with a sail -- a thrilling adventure. That same wind can really pick up, making you worry about whether getting back to land is possible -- that near death experience you learn from but never want to repeat. It was like that with our tour, everything was calm until we hit where the rivers meet the sound. Then we had to make a do-or-die decision -- keep flailing around in our kayaks and turn back or keep going paddling to a point that my husband vaguely remembered on a map. We kept going, hugging the riverbank as much as we could. Eventually, a row of cypress trees opened up, revealing an opening. We found shelter from the wind, and a long way home along the other opening of the Roanoke River. Once we got out of that scary part, there was a bit of euphoria. As we counted down the numbered bird houses to our destination, we saw even more of what makes this region in North Carolina beautiful. And as the boat ramp and our car came back into view, there was a big sigh of relief. We made it. Sometimes the best plans are not making plans. You make the best of your situation and just let things evolve as God intended. As we navigate through this new normal during and after the coronavirus pandemic, I hope this edition of Albemarle Magazine will help you make the most of your time in one of the best regions of North Carolina.
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