Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

Albemarle Winter 2019

Magazine

North Pole Exclusive...Santa Weighs In On Favorite Cookie & Gift, Elves, Why He Spreads Joy

Albemarle Winter 2019

Magazine

ON THE

COVER

Santa Claus is already planning his v isit to E denton's Chr ist mas Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 6. Albemarle Plantation resident Gary Lico, the man behind Santa, says portraying the jolly old elf is a calling.

Photo by Ercmy Tillmon North Pole Exclusive...Santa Weighs On Favorite Cookie & Gift, Elves, Why He Spreads Joy

Contents North Pole Exclusive

6

Area Groups Help The Needy

12

Candlelight Tour

16

Million Points Of Light

22

Beekeeping Class

28

Honey Cake Recipe

30

Calendar

34

Create Memories All Year Round

38

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/ Executive Editor Robin Quillon Editor Nicole Bowman-Layton Correspondents Kesha Williams Miles Layton Reggie Ponder Sally Francis Keyhayes Photography Ercmy Tillmon Kesha Williams

PRODUCTION Jasmine Blount

ADVERTISING

Advertising Director Sean O’Brien Account Representatives Rich Houghton Lisa Bailey Bev Alexander

SUBSCRIPTIONS 252-335-8076

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.

Thank you for picking up this edition of Albemarle Magazine. My husband, Miles Layton, and I are part of the team that now works on the magazine, which we hope will be something that entertains you and helps you learn more about this great part of North Carolina.

Contributor Kesha Williams has a feature on a family who puts together a fantastic Christmas light display every year. I've seen other families do this, and I know that when you do something like this, you do it to see the smiling faces of the people who drive by. Bringing happiness to someone just fills your heart.

Reggie Ponder has written about some of the ways we can help the less fortunate this holiday season. There are plenty of organizations to contribute to. Each help a different group of people who would go without a holiday if it weren't for these wonderful groups.

Sally Francis Keyhayes, a friend of the late contributor Rebecca Bunch, has written about this year's Candelight Tour of Homes in Edenton. Four centuries of homes, dating from the 1700s to the present, will be featured in this year's tour which takes place Dec. 13-14. And don't forget the other adventures going on during the tour, such as the artwork and cookies at the Chowan Arts Council and treats at the Cupola House.

While we're in Edenton, we'll stop by the College of The Albemarle campus. The culinary arts program and Beekeepers of Chowan County are teaming up to offer a beekeeping class starting in mid-January. The COA hives, which were cared for by the students and Chef Leslie Lippincott, produced 4 1/2 gallons of honey in their first year, which is unusual for hives. We also share the recipe they used at the Edenton Farmer's Market to attract people to the class this past year.

Miles Layton interviewed Gary Lico, who in retirement found his calling portraying a jolly man who comes down to North Carolina every December. The Perquimans County resident also has had a successful career producing several television shows, including "Forensic Files."

We hope you enjoy this edition of Albemarle Magazine. If you have any comments or story suggestions, send me an email at nlayton@ncweeklies.com.

Nicole

NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON Albemarle Magazine Editor

Albemarle Magazine ďťżWinter 2019

5

Santa Claus holds a miniature of himself as he ponders attending Edenton's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 6. Albemarle Plantation resident Gary Lico, the man behind Santa, says portraying the jolly old elf is a calling.

Submitted Photo

Exclusive

Santa weighs in on favorite cookie & gift, elves, why he spreads joy

By Miles Layton Albemarle Magazine

HERTFORD — Though Santa's workshop is at the North Pole, he spends a lot of time during the rest of the year in northeastern North Carolina — and even has a place at Albemarle Plantation.

Through connections to the North American Aerospace Defense Command that tracks Santa's sleigh each Christmas Eve, Albemarle Magazine was able to score an interview with Jolly Old St. Nick.

True to form, Santa was dressed in his red suit with the fur trim and his white beard was perfect. Moreover, Santa had a joyous demeanor that's hard to describe because when talking to him, you could feel warmth, a smile deep in your heart — and a desire to believe.

Worth noting, Edenton's American Legion Post #40 is hosting Breakfast with Santa on Nov. 23. Santa will be front and center for Edenton's Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Dec. 6.

“Last time I did this in Edenton, they put me on the antique firetruck and when we turned that corner, it was like the movie Polar Express. It was just amazing — all the sea of people and kids, everything. What a thrill. I'm all excited again. I can't wait for that,” Santa said.

Ready for the interview, the questions to Santa started out simple such as what is his favorite cookie.

“Snickerdoodle without a doubt — lot going on there,” he said. “There's lot of flavor and you got a little sprinkle on top — good stuff.”

Santa explained his ability to go down chimneys and enter homes.

"Santa has a special ability to snuggle in small places, but most of the time we're going in the front door,” he said. “And we have a magic key that enables us to get into every house one night a year.”

Santa shared his reasoning for planting roots at Albemarle Plantation

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in Perquimans County.

“North Pole can be kind of cold, so I come down to northeastern North Carolina a lot where it is nice and pleasant,” he said. “The cold up there — you get used to it like anything else. With climate change, it is getting a little warmer there. Sometimes I wear a T-shirt, so I’m not always in the fur-lined winter coat.”

As CEO of the world’s biggest toy factory, Santa is keenly aware of how important it is to be a good boss.

“I believe in the rights of the working elf — they are paid in kind,” he said. “I give them room and board, generous meals — all the cookies they can eat. Plus they get to play with all the toys. It's a sweet gig.”

On a related note, Santa shared his feelings about Elf on a Shelf — spying creatures who are not related to the hard working elves at the North Pole.

“Elf on a Shelf is a want-a-be. The elf does something that we never do which is hold something over a child's head," he said. "We want kids who are naturally nice. Not just kids who are acting up because of what some elf says. People say to Santa, 'Hey tell my kid to clean his room.' Santa is not the heavy, plus we are no substitute for bad parenting — Santa shouldn't be in that business. That elf should go a little softer on kids.”

Santa explained how he ‘s able to deliver toys in such a tight time frame.

“Not all countries and people celebrate Christmas,” he said. “To them, Santa Claus might be a good myth, but it's not real in their lives, so that eliminates a huge number of people.

Times zones work for us and the fact that there are so many people living in confined areas right now that it's easy to just drop off the presents and keep on scooting.”

Santa says Christmas seems to resonate in some places.

“I like to visit places that love Christmas, places that make Christmas the centerpiece of their town — Edenton is that kind of town; New York City is that kind of a city,” Santa said. “Almost any big city in Germany where they really get into it and it is beautiful.

Switzerland is like that, so is Italy.”

His favorite toy to give?

“Books without a doubt, because

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

what they offer lasts forever,” he said.

'Tis the season for Santa to put in long hours.

“Our shift 24/7 — as soon as the Halloween stuff is put away, we're cranking,” Santa said. “Of course, the elves are making toys all year. Day after Halloween, we really start gearing up the sleigh, putting the reindeer through their paces.”

Mrs. Claus is supportive of her husband’s efforts to spread joy worldwide.

“Mrs Claus is great — she has to contend with an overweight, over jolly guy all the time. She keeps me in line.

She keeps me scheduled — 'yay Mrs. Claus,” Santa cheered.

Santa shared his thoughts on his lead reindeer.

“Rudolph — he's starting to get a little bit cocky. All these years of the song being sung, he's like 'I am the Red-nosed Reindeer,'” he said.

Santa doesn’t rely on computers or social media to compile his famous naughty or nice list.

“I'm old school, so eye balling the list and writing down whose naughty and nice works best for me,” he said.

Albemarle Magazine would be remiss if it didn't share a small bit about a special man who makes Santa Claus come to life.

His name is Gary Lico and get this — he is the exclusive international distributor of "Forensic Files" television show. "Forensic Files," a pioneer in the field of fact-based, high-tech, dramatic storytelling, delves into the world of forensic science, profiling intriguing crimes, accidents and outbreaks of disease from around the world.

Lico of Hertford has built a worldwide audience for the show. He said the television series transcends national boundaries and continents because people love a good, well-produced crime show.

So how did a world renowned producer transform into Santa Claus, the ultimate international man of mystery?

“The thing about being a Santa is that it is really a calling,” he said. “I think most of us who are Santa on a regular basis will tell you that. I read this magazine ad, saying 'be a Santa Claus.' I thought, 'well, I'm the right size, my hair is white, let's let the beard grow.”'

Santa, portrayed by Gary Lico, discusses Christmas wishes with a child during last year's Candlelight Tour of Homes in Edenton File photo

Lico took a 9-part Santa course online with Ed Taylor, one of the great Santas.

“Taylor taught me how to dress, how to trim my beard, how to deal with crowds, how to deal with fussy kids, how to deal with special needs kids, how to deal with deaf kids, how to deal with blind kids — even special needs adults," he said. "Being Santa is more than putting on a white beard and red suit from Walmart — it digs a little deeper.”

Being Santa has changed Lico. He says it's made him a better person.

“Being Santa has made me more tolerant and peaceful, definitely,” he said. “I look enough like Santa when I'm not in uniform. I don't want kids to say that guy who looks like Santa just made a gesture

Santa wouldn't do. So being Santa helps me be on better behavior. While I'm not near where I want to be or should be, but it keeps me in check.”

What's the worst thing he's experienced as Santa?

“Nobody has peed on me and nobody has puked on me,” Lico laughed like a bowl full of jelly. “There's been a few crying babies, but that's to be expected.

Plus half the time I think it is the parents who need to understand that they are thrusting their child at a big guy in red — maybe that might make the child a little nervous.”

But in all seriousness, being Santa is not all Snickerdoodles and photo ops.

“Toughest story maybe — a kid asked, 'Santa will you bring my parents back together.' The only

thing you can say is 'Santa can't do that. I wish I could do that, but Santa can not do that. But what I will do is keep you in my thoughts and keep your family in my prayers.' There is a real spiritual element to Santa that I didn't really realize going in, but most of the Santa Clauses that I know — and I know about 450 of them are religious and spiritual people.”

He said the best part is when a kid looks up at Santa with sheer love and joy.

“What's really special is that when a child is 7 or 8 years old — the sweet spot of believing — when they just look and say, 'I just love you,'” Lico said.

After Christmas, there's a bit of let down for a lot of people, Santa included.

“Everyone has a little post-holiday depression I suppose or lower mood af-

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

ter the excitement of Christmas," Lico said. "Most of us Santas find that we get kind of sad. We miss the love.

Last year I saw upwards of 350 people — that's 350 hugs. That's a lot all of sudden to not have.”

Santa's spirit not only shapes the lives of millions of people each Christmas, but one special guy in Hertford.

“Being Santa affects me very deeply,” Lico said. “Being Santa has changed some of my behavior. I take it very seriously— all of us do really. I think anything you feel that passionate about when it goes away, there's a hole there.”

For more information about how to connect with Santa, email santa@innerbankssanta.com.

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AREA GROUPS AIM TO HELP DURING HOLIDAYS

By Reggie Ponder Albemarle Magazine A number of area organizations work together — and sometimes on their own — to bring Christmas cheer to struggling families in the Albemarle.

"We're all in here together," said Toni Sawyer, who coordinates the Red Kettle campaign for the Salvation Army in the area.

The Red Kettle campaign, which in many ways leads the way for holiday giving, is led by the Salvation Army but also involves numerous partner organizations.

Bell ringing was scheduled to begin Nov. 14, with some locations being added later. Among the kettle locations planned for this season are Walmart, Hobby Lobby, Big Lots, Roses, Walgreens, Belk and all four Food Lion locations in Elizabeth City, Sawyer said.

In addition, the Edenton Lions Club partners with the Salvation Army to ring the bell in Edenton, Sawyer explained. And a group of volunteers in Hertford provides oversight for the campaign there, she added.

About two weeks out from the start of bell ringing there were still a lot of time slots to fill with volunteers, but Sawyer said she was expecting lots of calls and has always found people in the Elizabeth City area eager to help out with the Red Kettle drive.

If you're interesting in ringing the bell contact Sawyer at 722-3306.

"Anything that we get is going to go to help someone," Sawyer said.

Another project spearheaded by the Salvation Army is the Angel Tree, which collects toys for distribution to area families at Christmas.

Christina Blackmon, youth evangelist with the Salvation Army, coordinates Angel Tree in the area.

"We do have a lot of organizations that will partner with us," Blackmon said.

Eventually some 25-27 Angel Tree locations are expected.

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As early preparations were being made for Angel Tree the sites already committed included Roses in Elizabeth City, Museum of The Albemarle, Muddy Waters Coffeehouse, the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce, Evangelical Methodist Church, Sandy Cross Baptist Church in Hobbsville, as well as Roses in Edenton and Feyer Ford in Edenton.

The latest date for Angel Tree gifts to be returned is Dec. 13 at the Salvation Army office at 602 N. Hughes Boulevard.

Local law enforcement also gets in on the act.

The Camden County Sheriff's Office is partnering with the Camden Charitable Foundation to collect toys for distribution by Camden deputies. In addition, the sheriff's office in Camden delivers holiday fruit baskets to people in the county who have become widows or widowers during the past year, explained Camden Sheriff Kevin Jones.

Pasquotank County Sheriff Tommy Wooten said Pasquotank deputies participate with the local Fraternal Order of Police in the Shop With a Cop program and assist with collecting and distributing toys in partnership with Twiford Funeral Home and the VFW. Local deputies also will volunteer at Food Bank of the Albemarle in November and December, Wooten said.

"We've got a lot of stuff going on," Wooten said, adding that more service opportunities during the holidays will be added later.

A representative from the Pasquotank County Department of Social Services noted that other organizations active in Christmas-related efforts to help others include the Chief Petty Officers Association and a number of fraternities and sororities.

In addition, Sawyer mentioned that the number of churches across the area active in holiday-related assistance is too great to list — and many do the work quietly with no expectation of recognition.

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

In this November 2016 file photo, Salvation Army volunteer Aaron Baker (right) rings a bell as Lisa Dubois makes a donation to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle in front of the Food Lion on Ehringhaus Street in Elizabeth City. Bell ringing — like the giving it inspires — is a timehonored Christmas tradition.

File Photo

In this Dec. 13, 2011 file photo, Lilly Zenil, 7, brings a stuffed animal horse to her shopping cart held by Pasquotank Sheriff's Deputy Michael Richolds during the Cops and Kids program at Walmart in Elizabeth City.

File Photo

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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

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Volunteers prepare a Christmas wedding display for the Candlelight Tour of Homes in Edenton.

Submitted Photo

Candlelight Tour showcases four centuries of homes decked for the holidays

By Sally Francis Kehayes Albemarle Magazine The Christmas Candlelight Tour in Edenton set for Dec. 13-14 is the 38th annual tour hosted by the Edenton Historical Commission.

The tour is a tradition that encompasses venue variety, offering visitors new experiences each year as well as different homes to tour. For two days in December the town, its pubic buildings, and 12 to 15 private homes welcome visitors.

For 33 of those 38 years, Edenton resident Susan Creighton has chaired the event.

“This tour is fresh and relevant because every year is different, and yet some elements stay the same," she said.

For example, the Groaning Board at the Iredell House, the wassail punch at the Cupola House, and the Chowan Arts Council ‘Perfection Confection’ are held each year.

"Everyone looks forward to these gourmet treats,"

16

Creighton said.

One thing that does change are the houses on the tour, she said.

"Different neighborhoods are showcased. This combination of tradition and change keeps the tour fresh,” Creighton said.

For some taking the tour, the houses are the draw.

Houses on this year's tour run the gamut from one built in 1787 to one built in 2009. The 1787 home was built by a sea captain; two 20th century homes on the tour were built for World War II Marine officers; other homes belong to a peacock lover, a quilt lover, a beach lover, people of strong faith, antique collectors, and a lover of nutcrackers.

For others the tour is a holiday tradition. Groups of friends and relatives make the tour their holiday ritual.

Peggy Wright, a tour volunteer for 25 years, is a familiar

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

Scenes from the 2018 Candlelight Tour of Homes in Edenton.

Photo by Nicole Bowman-Layton

face for many returning tour-goers.

“I love seeing the people who return year after year,” she said.

Wright and another volunteer, Annette Wright, say they look forward to seeing familiar faces each year.

“I can’t tell you their names. However, for each of the many years I have volunteered, I have seen recurring faces on the Christmas Candlelight Tour," Annette Wright said.

"If I don’t see them, I worry that something has happened as they always take the tour."

Annette Wright said there's even a couple who always sign up for the tour first. Tour volunteers also see a lot of people clad in the same attire — green plaid Christmas pants are a favorite — each year.

"There is comfort and delight in these traditions," she said.

For tour planners, part of the event's attraction is developing fresh ideas that tour-goers can incorporate into their own homes for the holidays.

Even though every year features different neighborhoods for the tour, some homes are repeat venues for the tour every seven to ten years. What keeps the tour fresh are the ideas homeowners develop, both with their seasonal decorations and home improvements.

Clara Stage, one of the organizers for this year’s tour, described homeowners who agreed to share their homes for this year's tour as "terrific" and "generous."

"Where else can you meet new friends and see old friends, as well as gather inspiration from all of them for

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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

17

your own family?” she asked.

Mike Ervin, executive director of the Edenton Historical Commission, and Joy Harvill, in-coming chairwoman of the commission, credit the town of Edenton, its businesses and its organizations, along with the homeowners, for making the tour such a December highlight.

“Not many small towns can attract 1,500 individuals to an annual event,” Harvill noted.

As president of the Garden of Eden Club, Harvill knows first hand the hours that go into preparing decorations for public buildings and homes. She also knows how awe inspiring the results can be.

Donna McLees, a professional decorator and the owner of Shoppes on Broad in Edenton, cited the tour for why she and other downtown business owners plan to keep their shops and stores open later while the event is underway.

The tours begin at 4 p.m. After the taking the tour, attendees can shop downtown. On Friday, they can

Mimi Starck (left) and Annette Wright, at Penelope Barker House, prepare for "Four Centuries of Homes for the Holidays," Christmas Candlelight Tour.

Submitted Photo

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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

Halstead Blvd.

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sing Christmas carols at the historic 1767 Chowan County Courthouse.

The following are a few things to see and learn during the 38th annual Christmas Candlelight Tour in Edenton: • Displays of antiques; • A collection of handmade red and white quilts, including one more than 100 years old; • Calvin Coolidge; • How taking down walls can bring peaceful surroundings; • How to make a beach; • How enclosing space can give new definition to a home; and Mary Steinburg pours mulled cider at the Cupola House during last year's tour. The building will be open to visitors during this year's tour as well.

Photo by Nicole Bowman-Layton

• How Christmas was celebrated at the end of the 1800.

Tickets for the tour are available by calling the Penelope Barker House at 482-7800 or visiting www.ehcnc.org.

Happy Holidays!

N U C O R I S T H E N AT I O N ’ S L A R G E S T R E C Y C L E R Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

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THE EDENTON HISTORICAL COMMISSION PRESENTS THE 38TH ANNUAL

Christmas Candlelight Tour

Friday & Saturday, December 13 & 14, 2019, Edenton, NC Eastern North Carolina’s premier tour featuring beautiful homes decorated in colonial & traditional finery

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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

Order tickets by phone or purchase at Penelope Barker House (tour headquarters) 505 South Broad St, Edenton, (252) 482-7800 $30 a person, in advance ($35 on days of the tour) $25 each in groups of 10+, in advance Tickets available online at ehcnc.org/events/christmas

MAJOR TOUR SPONSORS

Albemarle Magazine ďťżWinter 2019

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George Butts Jr. helps hang one of the 1.2 million individual lights for the South Mills Christmas Lighting Spectacular presented by the Eddie Walker family at 178 Nosay Road, South Mills. The light show stars Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28, and continues through Jan. 6. Hours are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. All donations received from the event will go to the Camden County Children's Fund.

Ercmy Tillmon/The Daily Advance

Million Points Of Light:

Mike Bo y metal tik ce welds the 7-f oot-tall i god he 's cr Eddie W alker fam eating for the ily's Chr istmas display.

Photo b y Mike B oyce

Walker family's Christmas Lighting Spectacular opens on Thanksgiving

By Kesha Williams Albemarle Magazine SOUTH MILLS — There’s no shortage of traditions associated with the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanks to Camden County resident Eddie Walker and his family, there's now another tradition: the beginning of the area home-decorating season for Christmas.

On Thursday, Nov. 28, the Walkers will turn on their 1.2-million Christmas light display at 178 Nosay Road in South Mills.

Walker said his family's Christmas Lighting Spectacular has been drawing visitors about six years. He saw a holiday light contest years ago and figured he, too, could string an alluring display for public enjoyment. Walker recalls seeing family sedans, buses and trucks rolling by his home as curious folks poked their heads beyond rolled windows. All, he said, were eager for a burst of

22

holiday cheer.

“The kids like to see all the color in the display, there are passionate about it," he said. "They ask ‘Mr. Eddie are you gonna have the lights out there again this year?' If I think I won’t do it one year, hearing some kid ask about the show is all I need to start planning another show."

Walker said he enjoys putting on the display because he believes it "gives people a feeling of happiness."

“I just felt like we needed something around here, something you can enjoy in North Carolina. You don’t have to drive to nearby Virginia to see a good light show,” Walker said.

Walker hires a light installer from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to set an estimated 1.2 million bulbs flickering across the front of his three-acre property. Some friends

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

Holidays at

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Albemarle Magazine ďťżWinter 2019

23

also help Walker stretch lights over trees, atop the porch, around decorative items and the rooftop. The light show is synchronized to the music broadcast on 90.5 FM. This year the Walkers will display stars and arches and more items that were not part of last year's display.

One special feature to the Walker family display this year is the inclusion of metal artwork by Elizabeth City artist, Mike Boyce.

A seven-foot tall metal tiki god is Boyce’s latest creation. Some of his past creations include metal dragon flies, metal flowers and sea turtles.

“There’s a lot of airbrush work involved in this tiki god," Boyce said. "This is the second year I’ve made something for this light show."

The Walkers' Christmas light show is visible 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thanksgiving Day through Jan. 6.

Visitors are welcome to leave donations that will benefit the Camden Charitable Foundation. The money helps organizers purchase shoes, clothes, toys and sometimes food for residents who need assistance.

Applications for assistance are available at the Camden County Sheriff's Office or the Camden County Department of Social Services at 117 N.C. Highway 343 North.

The Walker family South Mills Christmas Lighting Spectacular, shown here at 178 Nosay Road last year, opens Thanksgiving night, Nov. 28, and will continue through Jan. 6. Hours for the 1.2-million light display are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Daily Advance

Merry Christmas! from W.E. NixoN WEldiNg & HardWarE, iNc.

3036 Rocky Hock Rd., EdEnton | 221-4348/221-8343 24

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

Albemarle Magazine ďťżWinter 2019

27

BEE KEEPING CLASS

COA To Offer Second Beekeeping Class In January From staff reports

C Chef Leslie Lippincott, assistant professor and culinary arts program coordinator at College of The Albemarle's Edenton-Chowan campus, holds a jar of honey produced by bees who live in hives on the campus.

Submitted Photo

ollege of The Albemarle’s Edenton-Chowan Campus offered its first continuing education class in beekeeping this spring. In cooperation with the Beekeepers of Chowan County, the course offered a basic understanding of what is required to become a successful beekeeper.

Last fall, the Beekeepers of Chowan County approached COA about offering a course for the novice beekeeper. The beekeeping industry is on the rise and the college agreed that the special interest class could be a great opportunity for community members to get involved.

Leslie Lippincott, an assistant professor and p ​ rogram coordinator for the culinary arts program, noted that she and fellow members of the beekeepers group, Julie Murphy and Elizabeth Towe, participated in the Farmer’s Market in downtown Edenton to spur interest in the class.

“We decided to promote the course by making honey cake and cider with honey," she said. "As we were at the table, we noticed that our honey-infused items were attracting bees; eventually we had to move our table across the street from the other vendors."

Their efforts proved successful, as 17 people signed up to get additional information about the class, and 15 enrolled in the course that began in January. A beehive box was placed in a corner of the campus near the greenhouse used by the culinary arts program. When the course ended, Lippincott served as the main beekeeper throughout the summer months.

Lippincott explained that bees producing honey in their first year is almost unheard of, however the two hives at COA yielded 4 1/​2 gallons in their first pull. Each worker bee can produce up to 1/​12 of a teaspoon of honey and a hive contains between 60,000 and 70,000 bees. The bees were shipped in from Georgia. The Beekeepers of Chowan County were instrumental in receiving town approval to house the bees on campus.

Beekeepers of Chowan County meets at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of every month in the Chowan County Agriculture Building conference room.

The group, now in its second year, does various things to promote beekeeping such as visiting public schools, attending conferences and helping new beekeepers, such as Lippincott, earn their beekeeping certification.

Lippincott said the bee hives on campus may expand.

“My goal is to plant a garden for next spring with the types of plants the bees really like and then they will not have to travel so far for pollination,” she said.

She also explained that the college participates in natural beekeeping, meaning pesticides aren't used.

COA's upcoming Introduction to Beekeeping class will begin Jan. 14, at COA's Edenton-Chowan campus.

For more information, visit www.albemarle.edu/​wdce or email beekeepersofchowancounty2017@gmail.com.

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

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HONEY CAKE PREP TIME 25 mins

COOK TIME 40 mins

TOTAL TIME 1 hour 5 mins

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

4 eggs 2 tsp vanilla extract 2½ cups (315 g) cake flour 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt 250 g (2 sticks) butter 375 g (1½ cups) sugar 160 ml (2/3 cup) milk 60 g (1/2 cup) ground almonds Honey Glaze 60 g (1/2 stick) butter 60 g (1/4 cup) brown sugar, firmly packed 185 ml (1/2 cup) honey 1 tsp vanilla extract pinch of salt 2 tbs water

INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 180 deg C (350 deg F). Grease and flour honeycomb pull apart pan. Tap out excess flour.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, and vanilla until blended. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until light and creamy, about 3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, stopping the mixer occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Reduce the speed to medium, add the egg mixture and beat until well combined, about 1 minute.

4. Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk and beating after each addition until just incorporated. Gently fold in the ground almonds.

5. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake for 35 - 40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

6. Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter with the brown sugar, honey, vanilla and salt. Stir occasionally until sugar is dissolved, 2-3 minutes. Add the water, bring the mixture to a simmer and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the heat and keep warm.

7. Gently tap the cake pan on the counter top and invert on to a wire rack. Turn cake right side up. Place the cake over baking paper. Brush top and sides of cake with the glaze, including between the pull apart section. Let cool completely before serving.

Source: http://aspoonfulofsugardesigns.com

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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

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Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

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2 0 1 9 Calendar W I NTE R

November Monday, Nov. 18 Page after Page Bookgroup

The Page after Page Bookgroup will meet every third Monday of the month at 111 S. Water St., Elizabeth City, at 6 p.m. The group will discuss the book “Open Season” by J. Box.

Currituck Holiday Parade Signups are underway for the Currituck County Holiday Parade that will take place Saturday, Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is “A Disney Christmas.” Forms available at at go.ncsu.edu/ paradeentryform19. Contact: Sheila Gregory at 232-2261.

Tuesday, Nov. 19 ‘A Carolina Christmas’ Rocky Hock Playhouse will present A Carolina Christmas Tuesday, Nov. 19 through Dec. 19 at 749 Virginia Road, Edenton. Cost is $29.95 for adults, $28.95 for seniors 62 years and older, $22.95 for children, $27.95 for groups of 1024 and $26.95 for groups of 25 or more. The schedule and ticket information can be found at rockyhockplayhouse.com

Thursday, Nov. 21 ‘It’s Broadway Baby’ The Center Players will present “It’s Broadway Baby: A 10th anniversary Broadway Extravaganza” Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 21-23 at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 23-24, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12-18. Contact: 338-6455.

Wednesday, Nov. 27 Sweet Science Workshop

The Currituck County Center’s Sweet Science Workshop for kids ages 5-7 will be held Wednesday, Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Participants will need to wear closed-toe shoes and bring a bag lunch. The registration fee is $12. Deadline to register is Nov. 20. You can register through Eventbrite at cloverbudsweetscience19. Contact: 232-2262.

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Holiday Science Fun Workshop Pre-registration for the Currituck Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Holiday Science Fun workshop is underway. The workshop will be held Friday, Dec. 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for kids ages 5 to 7. The registration fee is $12.

Deadline to register is Dec. 13. You can register through Eventbrite at: holidayscience19. Contact: 232-2262.

Tuesday, Nov. 26 Gingerbread Workshop Museum of the Albemarle will host a Gingerbread Workshop Friday, Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. Attendees will design Grinch-like candies reflecting the museum’s Christmas decorations at Who-SeumVille. Registration is $22, or $20 for Friends of the Museum of the Albemarle and due by Nov. 26, if paid after Nov. 26 the fee is $25 per person and $23 for FOMOA members.

Registration forms are available in the lobby of MOA or can be located on Facebook or the Museum website. Contact: 335-1453.

Friday, Nov. 29 Rocky Hock Opry Show

Christmas

The Rocky Hock Opry will present its Christmas Show Friday and Saturday, Nov. 29-30 at John A. Holmes High School, at 7 p.m. on Friday and at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday. Cost is $10. Contact: 333-8567.

Grand Illumination

The Elizabeth City Downtown Holiday Celebration Grand Illumination will be held Friday, Nov. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Downtown businesses are encouraged to decorate their windows for the Holiday Window Decorating Contest.

Saturday, Nov. 30 Turkey Trot Kids First, Inc. Child Abuse Treatment Center Will host the 7th annual Turkey Trot 5k Run/ Walk & Gobble Wobble Fun Mile Saturday, Nov. 30 at Waterfront Park in Elizabeth City.

Registration is form 8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.; 5K at 9 a.m.; Diaper Dash & Tot Trot at 10 a.m.; Gobble Wobble Mile at 10:15 a.m. You can reg-

ister online at www.runtheeast.com. Contact: Victoria Avalos at 252-338-5658 or at vavalos@ kidsfirstinc.org.

DECEMBER Sunday, Dec. 1 'A Glorious Christmas'

The Albemarle Chorale will present its first Christmas concert of the season, "A Glorious Christmas" Sunday, Dec. 1 at Edenton United Methodist Church, 225 Virginia Road, Edenton, at 4 p.m. The concert is free and donations are appreciated.

Tuesday, Dec. 3 Crafty Adult Workshop

Perquimans Arts League will sponsor Arts on the Perquimans Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Perquimans Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are 10x10 outside spaces available for $40. Contact: 426-3041 or visit www.perquimansarts.Perquimans Library will host a Crafty Adult Workshop: Wine Bottle Snowman Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. Contact: 426-5319 to register.

Thursday, Dec. 5 Back To Basics Cooking Series The Currituck Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension will host a Back to Basics Cooking Series class on pound cakes Thursday, Dec. 5 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The class fee is $18. Reserve your seat at basicpoundcakes.eventbrite. com. Contact: Olivia Jones at 232-2261 or email: olivia_jones@ncsu.edu

Friday, Dec. 6 ArtWalk The First Friday Art Walk for December will be held Friday, Dec. 6 in downtown Elizabeth City from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Lighted Boat Parade

The Pasquotank Yacht Club will host its Lighted Boat Parade Friday, Dec. 6 at Waterfront Park at 7 p.m.

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

Grand Illumination

Historic Hertford Inc. will present a Grand Illumination Friday, Dec. 6 on the Perquimans Courthouse lawn from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. United Methodist Church will be selling chili from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Cost for the chili is $7.

Saturday, Dec. 7 Holiday Workshop

Currituck Library will host a Holiday Make It & Take It Workshop Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. Refreshments will be served.

Christmas at Who-Seum-Ville

Museum of the Albemarle will host a Holiday Open House: Christmas at Who-Seum-Ville Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. "The Grinch" movie will be shown at 10:15 a.m.; 12:15 p.m.; and 2:15 p.m. There will be a tiny tot Christmas train from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children under 80 pounds can enjoy a pony ride from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for $3. Carolina Carriage rides will be available from noon to 4 p.m. for $5. Santa will be visiting from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Contact: 335-1453.

Holiday Parade

MOBILE HOME PARK

The Holiday Parade will be held Saturday, Dec. 7 in downtown Elizabeth City at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 8 'A Glorious Christmas'

The Albemarle Chorale will present its Christmas concert "A Glorious Christmas," under the direction of Lyn Winslow Sunday, Dec. 8 at First United Methodist Church, S. Road St., Elizabeth City, at 4 p.m. Admission is free. Donations are appreciated. Contact: 221-8057.

CALL 453-3151

Albemarle Magazine ďťżWinter 2019

35

Monday, Dec. 9 New York City Trip

Currituck County 4-H will sponsor its 5th annual bus trip to New York City Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13-14. Cost is $115. Tickets can be purchased with cash/check at the Currituck Center of N.C. Cooperative Extension. All participants must complete a trip waiver by Monday, Dec. 9. Contact: 232-2262.

Friday, Dec. 13 'Oh Holy Night!'

Arts of the Albemarle will present "Oh Holy Night!" Friday, Dec. 13 at the Maguire Theater at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. Contact: 338-6455.

Breakfast with Santa

Historic Hertford Inc. will host Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 21 at 110 W. Academy St., Hertford, for kids ages 10 and under who are pre-registered and accompanied by an adult from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There will be pancakes, sausage, orange juice, milk and coffee and each child will get a picture with Santa. Children are free and the cost for adults is $5. To get a ticket, visit Carolina Trophy or e-mail office@historichertfordinc.org no later than Dec. 13.

Saturday, Dec. 14 Happy Trails Horse Camp

Currituck County 4-H will host a one day Happy Trails Horse Camp Friday, Dec. 20 at the Currituck County Rural Center, 184 Milburn Sawyer Road, Powells Point, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. for kids ages 8-14.

They will need to wear close-toed shoes and warm clothes. Cost is $5 per youth. Payment is due by Saturday, Dec. 14. Payment can be made in person or by mailing a check made payable to Currituck County at 120 Community Way, Barco, NC 27917. Contact: 232-2261.

Saturday, Dec. 21 'A Christmas Carol'

Arts of the Albemarle will present A Christmas Carol Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21-22 at 7 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. in the Maguire Theater. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. Contact: 338-6455.

January Friday, Jan. 10 Savannah Trip

The Perquimans Senior Center will take a trip to Savannah, Ga April 21-23. A deposit of $100 is due Jan. 10. Cost of the trip is $399. Final payment is due March 3. Contact: Beverly Gregory at 426-5404.

SHARE YOURSELF & CREATE MEMORIES ALL YEAR ROUND

By Miles Layton Albemarle Magazine

Generally speaking, I'm not a Thanksgiving and Christmas type of person.

Not a Grinch, but I dread the calorie count associated with Thanksgiving and the money spent for Christmas shopping.

And then there is the Festivus aspect of the holidays.

If you don't know what Festivus is, Google the term as it relates to the television show Seinfeld.

Festivus is a holiday for the rest of us — a time of airing of grievances with family during this most special time of year.

More often than not as a newspaper reporter, I have had to work the holidays. Unless some idiot has burned down his house because he didn't read the instructions about how to deep fry a turkey (true story), I've usually had to write the standard story about folks volunteering their time to serve a holiday feast at the local homeless shelter.

Most reporters find it sad work because they see whole families with small children eating with legions of adults who have no place to stay for the holidays.

Rather than embrace that harsh reality, I've often chosen to volunteer in the serving line or kitchen so as to make things easier by offering an extra set of helping hands and maybe provide a little joy to others as I pour gravy on their turkey and mashed potatoes.

Afterwards, I eat the same fare as the guests, which is often quite good. Either at the table or serving lines, I get to genuinely interact with others, listen to their stories — none of which I put in print so as to preserve and protect their privacy.

What I've learned over the years is that while the human spirit can suffer through emotional and physical

deprivation, hunger and homelessness, the soul can endure if others are willing to reach out, share a little bit of themselves.

For me, doing something, small or large, is more important than cooking a giant bird, spending money that I don't have on presents or traveling to some relative's home to hear stories that make Festivus seem closer to truth than fiction.

Another thing that brings me around is celebrating Christmas with our three children. For them, this is a magical time of year filled with candy, toys and gifts.

Though our family struggles daily to make ends meet, it is nice to see their eyes light up when they see what's under the tree.

All of them knowing that though we are poor, we are rich in spirit — no one complains that they didn't get what they wanted for Christmas. And that's the gift they give me and their mother — the gift of a character in that they know it's not the size of the present, it's the size of the heart that matters most.

These moments endure long after the wrapping paper is put away and the brown turkey meat that nobody eats has turned green in that Tupperware container that keeps getting pushed to the back of the refrigerator – until it is discovered in the spring.

Rather than Festivus, there is a better way.

The best holidays don't have dates, but can happen year round, sometimes spontaneously – a gift here, time spent there.

Rather than assigning a date to a season, share yourself and create moments year round with others to make the world a better place and honor God.

The Layton family (l-r) Robert, Miles, Samantha, Nicole and Joseph enjoy a reading of “A Christmas Carol” in 2016.

Submitted Photo

38

Albemarle Magazine Winter 2019

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