Farmville NORTH CAROLINA
HONORING OUR PAST
SHAPING O UR F U T U R E
Café Madeleine The GlasStation EC ArtSpace Ainsley’s Angels COY gives back
2019
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Art, antiques, furniture, silver, jewelry and more
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In Farmville, historic buildings serve as creative canvases for beautiful murals. Designed with bold colors, the vibrant paintings collectively highlight the story of Farmville – a forward thinking town that embraces innovation, entrepreneurship and the arts.
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info@farmvillencchamber.org Farmville Magazine 2019
Contents 6
Baker turns passion into café
12
GlasStation molds creativity
18
ArtSpace showcases talent
24
Ainsley’s Angels remove boundaries
30
Foskey inspires youth
36
Start-up business creates buzz
40
COY pays it forward
ON THE COVER BY ANGELA HARNE
S TA F F A N G E L A H A R N E , P U B L I S H E R & E D I TO R A M B E R R E V E L S - S TO C K S , S TA F F W R I T E R D O N N A M A R I E W I L L I A M S , S TA F F W R I T E R TO M L I T T L E , A D V E R T I S I N G
Café Madeleine serves tarts in a bakery that transports patrons to New York or Paris. The Farmville-based bakery features an elevated menu, which is sure to delight all palates.
B E C K Y W E T H E R I N G TO N , L AYO U T & D E S I G N
Farmville NORTH CAROLINA
Farmville Magazine™ is published annually by The Standard newspaper. Contents are the property of this newspaper and may not be reproduced without consent of the publisher. To advertise in this publication, contact The Standard at 252-747-3883.
Farmville Magazine 2019
5
Coleen Starling
Retirement in Farmville
is a new beginning for Kansas native Story & Photos by Angela Harne
W
hen baker Coleen Starling retired,
organizations. People started asking her when
crème and rice soaked in chocolate,” Starling
she found herself bored and
she was going to open a bakery in town.
said. “I like to make cakes and play around
yearning for more. The Kansas-native loves historic homes and antiques. She happened upon Farmville and fell in love with an old home. “I found the home on the internet … I knew nothing about Farmville,” Starling said.
“Never” was Starling’s response. As the saying goes: Never say never.
Starling made a name for herself when she
Fast-forward four years. Starling is now the owner of Café Madeleine Bakery & Wine in downtown Farmville. The café officially opened its doors in August 2019. The bakery features croissants with ham
“We bought the house, and I planned to
and cheese, sausage and cheese, almonds and
be retired. I was bored, so I started baking
just butter. Café Madeleine serves morning
desserts. I made cakes for Farmville’s first-
buns,
responders dinner in 2015. That’s where it all
macaroons and various breads and cakes.
started,” Starling said. She started baking desserts for friends and
6
rolls,
scones,
started baking and serving her teacake, which is a traditional lemon sponge cake or cookie. A favorite treat she bakes, which inspired her café’s name, is madeleines, a small,
Soon, she and her husband had moved in.
cinnamon
with flavors.”
muffins,
“Our opera cake, what I call a fancy dessert, is many layers with an egg white base, pastry
traditional cake from Liverdun and Commercy of northeastern France. Starling’s favorite is the orange flavor madeleine made with orange blossom water, orange zest and Grand Marnier, a French liqueur. Another madeleine is made from rose and cardamom, a warm spice.
Farmville Magazine 2019
Café Madeleine has specialized brews by Lanoca Coffee and encourages patrons to stay and relax in the café, while enjoying a silce of cake. “When you pair a floral essence with spice,
Co., which created two coffee blends that are
it is like perfume. It is delightful to the taste
only available at the café. Bistro Blend is a light
buds and affects your smell,” Starling said.
coffee, and Paris Nights is a dark coffee.
The café’s bread is made fresh daily. it is nature and science to get a heavy crust,
“Of course, I used hamburger meat,”
Bags of the specialty coffee blends are also available for purchase. Lanoca’s Chill, the
said.
company’s cold brew, is also served at Café
“a few surprises,” Starling said.
Betty Crocker recipe book. The first recipe she tried: Veal in white sauce.
wine with foods,” Starling said.
glossy interior and beautiful flavor,” Starling Patrons can also try fruit tarts, éclairs and
By age 10, Starling, who is now age 61, started cooking family meals using the 1957
“Pairing coffee with foods is just like pairing
“I flavor with salt, water and natural air …
members all ate at different times.
Starling said. She then found her passion for cookies and pastries.
Madeleine.
Her parents each had a dozen siblings, so
Starling is a self-taught chef and baker.
The menu is ever changing with salads
“I was possessed by Julia Child. I’m amazed
and sandwiches also on tap, like chicken
her grandmothers were avid cooks.
by her,” Starling said, adding she was inspired
“They had to feed them, but cooking was
croissant sandwiches and various sandwiches
by Jacques Pepin and James Beard. “I can’t
not just nourishment, it was a gift of love,” she
on ciabatta bread. Soups have also been
remember a time I wasn’t interested in baking.”
said.
mentioned. “We are not run of the mill. We feature an elevated menu. I want to give Farmville something special,” Starling said. Stepping inside the café, one is transported to Paris or New York. “It is really flattering. That is what I was hoping for. I’m thrilled because I didn’t know if it would come across,” Starling said. The café offers patrons indoor and outdoor
Starling is the oldest of five. Her mother was never comfortable in the kitchen, a trait Starling did not inherit. “My mother wasn’t allowed in the kitchen growing up. My father was a picky eater,” she said. Her mother was a nurse, and her father worked for a petroleum company. Both worked long, odd hours,
so
her
family
Starling recalls sharing the kitchen with her grandmothers, who would don their aprons, and the aroma that came with it — rib-eye steak with sauerkraut or stuffed cabbage. Being of German and Russian decent, all of her family’s meals had an eastern European influence. Her favorite German meal is galumpkis, which is stuffed cabbage filled with rice, onion, ground beef and pork covered with a tomato sauce and homemade sauerkraut.
seating. It is the perfect place to enjoy a cup
“In the kitchen, I felt successful,” Starling
“
of coffee and a pastry, while visiting with friends or working on a laptop. “I find great joy in giving customers a lovely experience. I want them to feel comfortable, have conversations
and
enjoy
each other’s company,” Starling said. She has partnered with Lanoca Coffee
Farmville Magazine 2019
said.
We are not run of the mill. We feature an elevated
menu. I want to give Farmville
”
something special. - Coleen Starling
She joined her school’s 4-H club and crafted her skills in cooking and sewing. After graduation,
Starling
had the opportunity to travel to Europe. At the time, she was an art major. “I grew up
7
in Kansas. The grocery stores were dismal. Everything was in cans or boxes. Food became industrial,” Starling said, explaining this was the era when the food industry shifted to make cooking meals easier for women, so
Harris Teeter, Lowe’s Foods, Whole Foods and
We are all on a different journey, but it is
they could spend less time in the kitchen.
Raleigh-based Edible Art.
important you do what you love,” Starling said
“This was the opposite of what I wanted. This
“People should not be afraid of cooking.
is when we lost quality, flavor and knowledge
On the other side of that fear is a three-tiered
Café Madeleine, 3699 E. Wilson St.,
of cooking techniques.”
cake and beef bourguignon. It is quality over
Farmville, is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
complexity. I try to make my guests feel
weekdays, except Monday when the café is
welcome with wonderful flavor.
closed, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
A mother of four, Starling worked for 21 years in the cleaning service industry and held jobs in bakeries. She worked in the bakery at
8
“I’m just a plain old person from Kansas.
with a smile.
For more information, call 919-594-7553.
Farmville Magazine 2019
EE
Elizabeth Edwards Interiors 3 74 9 S O U T H M A I N S T R E E T FA R M V I L L E , N O R T H C A R O L I N A 2 7 8 2 8 Elizabeth@ElizabethEdwardsInteriors.com 704.868.6304
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Farmville Magazine 2019
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It’s Your Time to Teach! The East Carolina University College of Education partners with NC community colleges to offer online degree completion in elementary education, special education, and middle grades education through Partnership East. Coordinators are located throughout the state to serve students in their home communities.
QUALITY The cohort model provides a small college environment from the state’s largest producer of teachers. Students also benefit from individual advising, and collaborative friendships with other students. A predetermined plan of study assures timely course delivery. In conjunction with online instruction, students are placed in public schools to observe and practice what they are learning to insure mastery for future success. A full-time internship is required to complete the degrees.
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Farmville Magazine 2019
For information or to schedule a tour, please call Lindsay Annis, Director, at 252-916-3563, or email at lannis@farmvillenc.gov.
MAY MUSEUM & PARK Tuesday & Thursday 9-2 and by appointment for tours.
Farmville Magazine 2019
11
GlasStation instructor Mike Tracy guides Lyndsey Hogue as she makes her first gather of molten glass. (below) Emily Wilson polishes a piece of glass.
THE
Story & Photos by Angela Harne
T
he
East
Carolina
University
GlasStation has helped put Farmville on the map as an art hub in eastern
North Carolina. The
GlasStation
with a concentration in drawing. Enrolled at The University of Texas at Arlington, Tracy registered for a glass blowing
opened
its
doors
in October 2016 and held its first class in January 2017, under the direction of instructor Mike Tracy.
elective class. “I fell in love with it. It was pure luck and by chance,” Tracy said. He
graduated
from
college
and
Tracy, a native of Virginia Beach, Va.,
eventually returned to his hometown, where
who now lives in Farmville, never intended
he volunteered at the Crystal Museum
to pursue a career in glass. He was an
in Norfolk, Va. There he met guest artist,
architecture major.
John Miller, who started the glass blowing
“That lasted a day,” Tracy said. He then started to pursue a math degree. He got half way through that degree when he realized it wasn’t the right fit.
12
interest in art. He decided to major in art
program at Illinois State University. “I was thinking of going to grad school. I applied and got in,” Tracy said. He earned a master’s degree in fine arts
He took a semester off and worked on
with a concentration in glass, and soon
his hobbies, which were craft oriented, he
learned of East Carolina University’s plans to
said. He sculpted toy figurines and had an
start a glass blowing program.
Farmville Magazine 2019
He applied and was hired in December
moment.’ It is scary as hell. Many are nervous.
2016. A month later, he was teaching at The
They are gathering molten glass that is
GlasStation in Farmville for East Carolina
2,000 degrees,” Tracy said. “By the end of
University. In summer 2017, he began
the semester, they are gathering without
teaching classes for Pitt Community College,
worrying.”
too at The GlasStation. The GlasStation offers glass blowing I and II and advanced independent research studies.
For their final project, Tracy gives the students a theme to create a mixed-media piece. “If the theme is green, I don’t want
The 2,400-square-foot facility is housed
anything green, but rather what is means
in the former Eason Gulf gas station, which
culturally,” Tracy said. “Politics or religion,
was built in 1946. It features a grinding and
pick one. I’ll give them six emotions and they
polishing room, hot shop and spectator area.
have to pick one or I’ll ask them to do a non-
“I am infatuated by the glass process itself
literal self-portrait. I had one student take an
… the versatility. I love it,” Tracy said. Working with glass is a continual learning experience, too.
old window and make a shadow box, where one side was dark and the other was good. It showed the influences of life,” Tracy said.
Students are taught glass blowing skills,
Emily Wilson and Robert Hudak took
like how to gather molten glass from the
glass blowing II in fall 2019 through Pitt
furnace, manipulate the glass, polish and
Community College.
grind. They also create six fundamental
A ceramics artist, Wilson hoped to build
shapes, including a straight-sided cup, angled
her portfolio showing a combination of glass
cone, reverse cone, rounded bowl, a vase and
and pottery.
a spun-out platter. Classes are held twice a week for three hours per session. “When my students gather for the first time, I always tell them, ‘Remember this
Instructor Mike Tracy gathers and shapes glass into a vase.
“I’m learning new things and it’s fun,” Wilson said. Glass blowing is a completely new art form for Wilson. “I’m thankful for this opportunity. Not
Emily Wilson (above) shapes hot glass. Marilue Cook (far left) gathers glass. Robert Hudak uses the belt sander machine to grind a piece of glass.
Farmville Magazine 2019
13
many people can say they learned glass blowing,” Wilson said. “I’ve been somewhat successful, and hope to get better.” Hudak, a painter, is also thankful for the opportunity to learn another art form. The different shapes and colors of the glass inspire him, he said.
the glass doesn’t crack.” Like Hogue, Cook attended a glass demonstration and decided to enroll in the continuing education course. “I have always been fascinated with glass. It is art, chemistry and physics. It is hard, yet magical. Every shape
“I want to learn techniques and skills to infuse into
has its own challenges, and then when you add color that’s a
exhibits,” Hudak said, adding he wants to use an “emphasis
different influence and another challenge,” Cook said. “This is
on lighting” to enhance the glass.”
an amazing opportunity, not only to learn glass, but to learn
Lyndsey Hogue is a first-year glass blowing student. “I’m doing it,” she said, as she completed her first gather of molten glass. “I’m excited and nervous.” Hogue attended a glass blowing demonstration and knew immediately she wanted to be in the hot shop learning the skill. “I wanted to try something new and take my mind off my patients,” said Hogue, a full-time nurse. Eric Moore and Marilue Cook are second year glass
the medium.” Moore finds glass blowing “intriguing,” he said. “It is a complicated process, but fun. I think everyone should try it,” Moore said. And try it they are. Students travel to The GlasStation from Goldsboro, New Bern, Wilson, Greenville and beyond. “The Farmville community is so welcoming. This is a great thing for them. It is a special place. They are lucky to have it,” Cook said.
How the glass turned … Bynum Satterwhite, the trustee of the DeVisconti Trust, approached The Farmville Group, a grassroots organization of four local businessmen who work behind-the-scenes to encourage growth in Farmville’s downtown, several years ago, sharing his wish to use assets from the trust toward bettering Farmville, to spur growth by leading with the arts. In turn, Randy Walters, a member of The Farmville Group, approached Chris Buddo, the dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication at East Carolina University, to see if the university was interested in taking part in such a project. Walters, Buddo and Michael Drought, the then-director of the School of Art and Design at East Carolina University, met to share ideas, including launching a glass blowing program. “Glass blowing is an attraction, a destination place,” Drought said. Buddo added, “It is not just something you visit. It is a blowing students. “I thought I would try it out, and fell in love with the
David and Marion Stowe and Alec Allen became part of
process. It is addicting,” Moore said. “I have a passion. I want
the process to launch a creative arts center in eastern North
to conquer the next step to get the glass to do what I want
Carolina. The Stowe and Allen families contributed two
it to do.”
buildings — the former Eason Chrysler building and former
Glass blowing is a dance of sorts, Cook said. Using a hollow pipe, students gather the 2,200-degree molten glass.
Eason Gulf gas station — to the DeVisconti Trust. “Without their generous donation of the site to the trust,
“It is liquid, so it is a challenge to keep it from dropping
this never would have become a reality. They are a family
off the pipe, so you can form a shape. You have to dance
that is truly loyal to this community and they were all in,”
with the pipe and dance with your (glass blowing) partner,”
Satterwhite said.
Cook said.
East Carolina University held a competitive bid process to
Once the molten glass is gathered, the student blows
house its glass blowing program, and the Farmville site won.
through the pipe to form a bubble. Then the student gathers
“This is a clear demonstration of the power of the arts
more glass on top of the bubble. “You are blowing to push the air out to form the vessel you want to form,” Cook said. “You must keep the heat profile, so
14
spectator sport. It is really cool to watch.”
and its measurable impact because of such willing partners with The Farmville Group and DeVisconti Trust, who drove the vision,” Buddo said.
Farmville Magazine 2019
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EAST CAROLINA
ArtSpace A place for collaboration Story & Photos by Donna Marie Williams
T
he East Carolina ArtSpace is unique both
to merge the two buildings back together and
and new together. We really like that when we
in its design and concept and houses
expand the ArtSpace.
are shooting in the studio,” Winstead said.
the work of many talented artisans as well as other business.
“The building had been divided into two
The couple had searched for a place
parts. We joined them back together. We
outside of their home to operate for many
Craig Steffee, a physician and pathologist,
had to do down to the stud renovations. We
months before they discovered the ArtSpace.
and Tom Edwards, the owner of Todd D.
were able to save the important parts and
“It gives me a space away from my home
Edwards Construction Co., opened the
modernize it at the same time,” Edwards said.
to edit and some peace and quiet,” Winstead
ArtSpace in October 2017.
Steffee added, “This building has had
said.
The 12,000-square-foot building features
many lives and occupants over the hundred-
an art gallery on the first floor, along with
plus years that it has stood on Main Street.
three retail offices and a conference room.
It was divided into two separate properties
“It offers studio space and space where I
The second floor houses seven studios and a
many years ago, and I am proud that we have
can show customers albums we create for
common space.
been able to reunify it, honoring the past
them. It gives me space to photograph, if we
while bringing it forward into a contemporary
need it. It’s perfect for photography too … we’re
usage.”
able to pull off three to four different looks in
The ArtSpace is located in the former Sheppard Building, which was built in 1907 and has been home to a number of enterprises. “One of the most interesting uses of the building was in the late 1920’s when four
Renovations were completed, and the ArtSpace reopened to its full potential Jan. 9, 2019.
Winstead Photo & Video is located on the second floor.
the studio at the same time,” Winstead said. The couple has operated Winstead Photo & Video for six years and has become known
Farmville physicians joined together to share
The modernization of the ArtSpace is
resources and practice together on the second
predominantly felt downstairs where the
“We have done close to 200 weddings.
floor. Ninety years later, we are banding
art gallery exists while the upper half of the
We have a different photography style.
together to share resources, in that very
building maintains its “old world” charm.
We’re known for our lighting and story
space previously occupied by the physicians,” Steffee said.
for their wedding photography.
The aesthetics of the building played a
telling images,” Winstead said. “Our style
large role in Chad Winstead and his wife,
is more of a modern and dramatic take on
At some point in its history, the Sheppard
Beth’s decision to lease a studio for their
photography that focuses more on candid
Building was split into two different properties.
photography business Winstead Photo &
moments that don’t look candid. We attract
One of the divided properties went on to
Video.
the nontraditional wedding crowd-somebody
become Pierce Insurance and was later home to the ArtSpace. In May 2018, Steffee and Edwards decided
18
“It’s great. What drew us to this place was
looking for something different.”
the old time feel. They’re putting a modern
Winstead Photo & Video are one of three
spin on it as well. It’s kind of like a blend of old
photographers to have space in the ArtSpace.
Farmville Magazine 2019
Magnolia Photography, owned by Michele
more than simply sharing physical space with
Butterfield, and E.L. Crutchfield Photography,
like minded individuals. By bringing artists
owned by Erica Letchworth, operate out of
and other creative professionals together to
offices located upstairs.
share resources, consult with and learn from
A common room adjoins the offices
each other and work together, we hope to lift
of the photographers and helps to foster
all boats … and to encourage each creative
engagement between the tenants, which is a
individual’s own entrepreneurial endeavors,
goal of the ArtSpace.
giving them a place to begin or build a
Winstead Photo & Video has also utilized the common room to host photography workshops for those interested in learning more about photography. “We did photography workshops. It’s something to offer in that space where other creative photographers can come and learn from us,” Winstead said.
livelihood — and to put down roots,” Steffee said. Edwards and Steffee both desire for the
The business model of the ArtSpace is designed to help foster engagement and collaboration from the tenants of the building.
ArtSpace to bring artists and other creative
plans as well as experience with advertising
professionals together to collaborate, share
and marketing while artisans bring creativity
resources and learn from each other.
to the table and can bring a new perspective.
“We’re just super excited about the
By fostering an atmosphere that inspires
business model itself. We’re using the art
collaboration, the two will better their
Plans for the common room are evolving
gallery as the glue. Hopefully, we have an
chances for success and helps to prevent the
with the hope the room would be used by all
environment where everybody can learn from
two groups from finding themselves in a rut,
tenets of the building to collaborate with each
each other. It’s a good symbiotic relationship,”
Edwards said.
other, Edwards said.
Edwards said.
“That kind of place where folks feed off
The business model of the ArtSpace is
Artisans and business owner each bring
each other, that’s our end goal. We want to be
designed to help foster engagement and
a unique set of skills to the table. Business
a place that’s affordable, supportive and folks
collaboration from the tenants of the building.
owners occupying studios in the ArtSpace
can come take advantage of creative culture,”
“The purpose of the ArtSpace is much
have experience with developing business
Edwards said.
Elizabeth Edwards, the owner of Elizabeth Edwards Interiors, looks through fabric samples.
Chad Winstead of Winstead Photo & Video enjoys his office space and shared studio located in the East Carolina ArtSpace.
Lori Drake, the executive director of the Farmville Chamber of Commerce, believes the chamber’s move into the ArtSpace enhances the town’s mission to promote the arts.
Farmville Magazine 2019
19
The ArtSpace also desires to keep the
for a local blacksmith to add to their other
I’ve shipped them all over the world. They look
facility as local as possible with the art gallery,
artists. For me, it’s all about promoting the lost
cool for one thing. They are kind of graceful,”
which features 37 artists.
craft of blacksmithing and metalworking. It’s
Cameron said.
“The gallery focuses on eastern North Carolina. You have to be an artist living in eastern North Carolina, from eastern North Carolina or have art about eastern North Carolina to be exhibited in the gallery,” Edwards said.
a craft that’s been long forgotten,” Cameron said. Cameron is a former U.S. Marine and the owner of Farmville-based Paradon Forge.
Also housed on the first floor of the ArtSpace is Elizabeth Edwards Interiors. The business offers customers a customizable interior design experience.
“I used a traditional coal forge. There is just
“This is my design studio. It’s more of like
something really primitive about it. Taking a
an office. It’s where I keep my samples and
Artists Mark and Lynn Golitz of Morehead
piece of steel somebody wouldn’t even look at
supplies. It’s kind of my home base,” Elizabeth
City are one of many to display their art in the
twice and forging it into something someone
said.
ArtSpace. Mark has pottery while Lynn has
can use. Everything I use is all scrap metal. It’s
several paintings.
all recycled. I don’t order steel online like other
Elizabeth values the exposure of being located on Main Street gives her business.
“This is mind blowing. This is incredible.
smiths do. When I step into that shop, I just
“I never thought I would have a space
I am so honored to (have art) in this area.
feel like I’m back in Thomas Jefferson’s farm,
like this as my first office. It’s beautiful. I love
(ArtSpace) gives artists the opportunity to
back in 1700s. I just can’t explain it. When I
being on Main Street and seeing Main Street
showcase unabridged creativity, which really
walk into that shop, it’s a whole different
grow. I like being a part of that, especially as
excited me. It’s validating to me as an artist,”
world,” Cameron said.
a new Farmville resident. I don’t do a lot of
Lynn said.
The only electric tool Cameron uses is one
The ArtSpace’s gallery extends from
he constructed himself from various scrap
just including paintings and sculptures and
metal he calls the Appalachian Hammer. The
encompasses a range of artisan work, like the
Hammer is a 250-pound Ram that assists
work of Farmville blacksmith Kevin Cameron.
Cameron in shaping metal.
“There is a huge art revival that Farmville
Cameron is best known for his tomahawks,
is promoting in the city. I approached the
which are displayed along with several knives
ArtSpace to display and sell my work as a
Cameron forged.
blacksmith and artist. They had been looking
20
“That’s what I’m known internationally for.
advertising, so having my name on the front door helps me a lot,” Elizabeth said. It also serves as a convenient location for her business. “Being central downtown, I can walk to the bank, post office and walk to get coffee,” Elizabeth said. The location of Elizabeth Edwards Interiors also allows for creativity for Elizabeth and her
Farmville Magazine 2019
customers.
a community for the arts. The minute they
“People walk away with such a positive
“Being in a design business and being in
walk in the door, they are immediately seeing
impression of Farmville. People say they don’t
such a beautiful building with natural light
the artwork. It helps get your message across
expect to find this caliber (of art) in Farmville.
and being in my space in general is inspiring.
that we are an arts community. Where we’re
People expect to see something like this in a
Since I’m just starting out, I don’t have a full
located is so in line with what we’re trying to
large city,” Edwards said.
portfolio. When customers do come to my
accomplish with the arts,” said Lori Drake, the
studio, it gives them an immediate sense of
executive director of the Farmville Chamber
my design styles and style,” Elizabeth said.
of Commerce and Visitor Center.
Customers also must first walk through a portion of the art gallery before arriving at the office.
The chamber occupies one of the two main doors into the ArtSpace. “There is a lot of creative activity in
“It does provide customers an experience
Farmville. The chamber wants to highlight
where they can come to my office and touch
that. The chamber is dedicated to making
and feel samples. It adds another layer of what
the space inviting and it casts Farmville into
I can offer my clients,” Elizabeth said, adding
a unique space. We certainly hope to bring a
customers also have the option of selecting
lot of shoppers from out of town. We want to
art pieces for their home.
show them what we have to offer. They can
In April, the Farmville Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center also became one of the tenants of the ArtSpace leaving its space across the street. “I think this is wonderful for the chamber. We’re really trying to position Farmville as
come to the chamber and see what else is going on here,” Edwards said.
Steffee said, “Having the chamber under our roof is a natural reflection of the town of Farmville’s emphasis on the arts and creative industries as a central component of downtown revitalization and growth. The presence of the chamber adjacent to the gallery and artist studios invites interactions between the growing artist and creative community and the established business community. Each group can learn a great deal from the other.” East Carolina ArtSpace, 3747 S. Main St., Farmville, is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Having the chamber in the ArtSpace helps
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and by
create a visualization of the creative artisan
appointment. To schedule an appointment,
culture the town of Farmville is seeking, he
call 252-717-5064. For more information,
added.
visit at eastcarolinaartspace.com online.
H.B. Sugg High School alumni going the extra mile to making Farmville an ideal community!
ALL SCHOOL REUNION LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2020
OLD SCHOOL RETURNED: LABOR DAY WEEKEND 2021
Call Gene Willoughby for membership, 252-714-3888. Donations greatly appreciated. Sponsorships available
Farmville Magazine 2019
21
22
Farmville Magazine 2019
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Farmville Magazine 2019
23
Ainsley's
Angels
Story by Angela Harne
I
n addition to ensuring everyone can experience endurance events,
due to his wheelchair.
2012 for Ainsley Renee, the daughter of “specialized
Kim “Rooster” and Lori Rossiter. Ainsley
Ainsley’s Angels of America aims
wheelchairs” and was directed to
Renee loved the beach, sea air and wind
to build awareness about America’s
Ainsley’s Angels in Jacksonville, N.C.
in her face. Her father, Rooster, found a
special needs community through
She emailed the organization and
specialized chair so he could run with
inclusion in all aspects of life.
asked if she could borrow a wheelchair
his daughter. Ainsley Renee died in
From serving as advocates to
so she and Hodge could participate in
2016 at age 12. To this day, her father
providing education and participating as
the Reindeer Dash for Cash 5K race in
continues to serve as president of the
active members in local communities,
Greenville. They sent a chair the next
organization he and his wife created in
Ainsley’s Angels believes “everyone
weekend and gifted it to Hodge, who
memory of their daughter.
deserves to be included,” according to
became an Ainsley’s athlete.
Angel Ambassador Bethann Wilkie. “Ainsley’s
Angels
is
special
to
Farmville. Bobby Hodge inspired me to (become an Angel),” Wilkie said.
Wilkie
googled
Ainsley’s Angels is inclusive not only
The organization encouraged Wilkie
for its athletes, but also for members
to become an Ainsley’s runner and to
of the community. It gives people the
start a Pitt County ambassadorship.
opportunity to serve as an athlete —
Wilkie began running at age 30. For
either to push a chair or serve as a guide
Hodge is a Farmville resident with
her, running was a form of therapy. She
runner. Those with special needs can
cerebral palsy and scoliosis. He started
began training for the Boston Marathon,
participate as an athlete rider or as an
Farmville’s Crop Walk.
hoping to qualify. The mother of two
athlete runner.
“He wanted to go faster,” Wilkie said, explaining he was limited in his speed
“fell out of love with running,” she admits.
And those who do not have the passion to run can serve as a Guardian
Ainsley’s Angels refueled her passion
Angel setting up the Ainsley’s Angels
of running. Today, Wilkie will not run
information booth and watching over
without a chair carrying an Ainsley’s
the rider and runner athletes before the
athlete or rider.
race.
She joined Ainsley’s Angels thinking
Wilkie began her journey with
she would help a fellow athlete, but the
Ainsley’s Angels pushing Hodge in the
riders help her more than they know,
December Reindeer Dash for Cash
Wilkie said.
race. On a practice run through the
Ainsley’s Angels was founded in
town of Farmville, Hodge asked Wilkie if they could stop by his Nanny’s grave.
Team Lizzy members (L-R) Betsy Hughes, Lizzy and Lindsay Annis prepare for the Farmville 5K in May 2019.
“Look at my chair, Nanny. I’m going to be in a race,” Wilkie said, recalling Hodge’s conversation with his grandmother.
24
Farmville Magazine 2019
The Rev. Jarrett Banks runs with Bobby Hodge. Lindsay Annis and Lizzy celebrate completing a 5K race. Julie and Warren prepare to race with Bobby Hodge, while Betsy Hughes and Lindsay Annis race with Lizzy. She
was
amazed
by
Hodge’s
marathons. The ambassadorship had
would
excitement. She realized then what a
11 riders, who completed 430.5 miles,
explaining most events for people with
privilege it was for Hodge to be able to
including four half marathons.
special needs are held purposely for
race.
Wilkie pairs two runners with each
“I’ve run with Bobby, but I’m not fast enough for him,” Wilkie said.
is
included,”
Wilkie
said,
those with special needs, like Special Olympics.
rider per race. Wilkie
be
training
to
compete
Ainsley’s Angels go to 5K races and
Hodge relies on Bert Warren, and
in the local ambassadorship’s first
marathons across the state and nation
previously Jarrett Banks, to get him
full marathon in October 2019 in
to participate in the event. It is not
across the finish line in ample time.
Washington, D.C. She will race with
specially customized for the special
athlete rider, Lizzy.
needs community, Wilkie explained.
The Pitt County Ainsley’s Angels Ambassadorship
celebrated
its
first full year in 2018. To launch an ambassadorship, volunteers must raise
Lizzy’s twin brother, Jonathan, is an athlete runner, who runs with a guide. Pitt
County’s
ambassadorship
$3,000. Wilkie and local supporters
includes parents of riders, who run in
raised $25,000. They purchased 14
events, too.
Ambassadorship
the
Pitt
competed
including
an
inspiration. Wilkie has watched an athlete rider who pulled an oxygen tank behind him throughout the race. “The most exclusive race included Marathon, which recently included a
County
daughter to have independence from
blind man pushing a rider with a guide
in
her,” Wilkie said.
runner by his side.
21
four Angel runners competed, running miles,
are
another rider because she wants her
events, totaling 985.1 miles. Seventy554.6
compete
our racers,” Wilkie said of the Boston
transport and store the chairs. 2018,
who
“I have one parent who pushes
specialized race chairs and a trailer to In
Those
five
half
Parents are always thanking Ainsley’s Angels, too. “They never thought their child
“To
compete
in
the
Boston
Marathon, you have to qualify. I have tried nine times. They not only qualified but qualified while pushing.”
Ainsley’s Angels is inclusive not only for its athletes, but also for members of the community. It gives people the opportunity to serve as an athlete — either to push a chair or serve as a guide runner.
Farmville Magazine 2019
Wilkie’s husband, son and daughter are all athlete Angel runners. Her daughter, Nora, starting pushing Amelia, who at the time was 6-years-old, when she was age 11. “They are inseparable with a magical bond, and they wouldn’t have a bond without the Angels,” Wilkie said. “We are family. I love all the riders, and they love each other.”
25
they are included in all activities. I am
the organization and the joy she felt
more aware of the challenges some
running a race with the rider inspired me
face and I see the world differently.”
to want to see if I could enjoy running
Ainsley’s
Angels
has
expanded
Wilkie’s family.
Bert and Julie Warren and Bobby Hodge race. Amelia has Down syndrome. “We run with speakers and have Amelia’s favorite play list. We sing on the course and have fun,” Wilkie said. “Ainsley’s Angels has made running fun again. When I first started running, it was to PR (Personal Record). Now my
road races again,” said Lindsay Annis of Farmville. “I had fallen completely out
“Christmas morning, riders and their
of love with road races and the anxiety
moms are at my house. Amelia stays at
and stress I felt as I walked to the start
our house sometimes. These kids are
line made races not fun for me. I had
my family. I love my mamas. They are
forgotten what a gift it was to be able
amazing human beings,” Wilkie said.
to run and find joy in the movement
The Pitt County Ambassadorship
and friendships and fellowship in
has 15 active Angels, of who three are
the running community. I have only
athlete runners partnered with guide
been able to run one race, the one in
runners.
Farmville.
“We always need guide runners.
“It was a wonderful experience.
Some may think they are not a fast
We had a blast. Singing and listening
enough runner. We need slow runners,”
to music as we ran, chatting and truly
“
Ainsley’s Angels has made running
fun again. When I first started running, it was to PR (Personal Record). Now my goal is to get my rider across the finish line. I’m running a different race now. - BETHANN WILKIE
goal is to get my rider across the finish line. I’m running a different race now.” Wilkie’s son, Jackson, pushed for
Wilkie said, explaining most of the
enjoying the race without feeling the
11 events in 2018, totaling 80 miles.
athlete runners are not 10-minute a
anxiety and stress of the competition.
Jackson joined Ainsley’s Angels in 2017
mile runners. “We need guide runners
The end, finish line moment, when your
when he learned his teacher’s daughter
who can go slow with our athletes,
angel crosses that line is unexplainable
had a disability. He told his teacher
motivate them and keep them on the
and moving. I was in tears as she walked
about Ainsley’s Angels and asked to
run course.”
across the finish line. Betsy Hughes and
push her daughter in a race. Since
Once an athlete rider and their
I ran Team Lizzy. She was the most
then, Jackson and his running partner,
runner near the finish line, if the rider
amazing young woman. It was an
Cole, and angel, Marianna, has been an
is able, they exit their chair and cross
amazing experience that I hope I get to
inseparable team.
the finish line on foot. Some riders are
do again soon.”
“I am proud my children are out there giving of their time. Ainsley’s
26
able to race across using a walker, while others are assisted by their runner.
Angels teaches love and compassion,
The
and how to love unconditionally.
volunteers.
ambassadorship
has
Bert Warren and his wife, Julie, began running for Ainsley’s Angels four
110
years ago. “We learned of Ainsley’s Angels from
Kindness is underrated,” Wilkie said.
“I actually signed up to become a
our friend, the Rev. Jarrett Banks, who
“I now experience joy differently. I
runner after Bethann’s presentation
pushed another friend Bobby Hodge,”
appreciate the little things. I am quicker
for (Farmville’s) Coffee & History series.
Warren said. “Bobby has been an
to recognize individuals and make sure
Hearing Bethann tell the story of
inspiration for many people through his
Farmville Magazine 2019
fundraising passion for the Crop Walk. We knew how much Bobby enjoyed the runs, so when Jarrett moved away, we didn’t want Bobby to miss out on these experiences.” Julie added, “We love being around Bobby. He has a contagious joy, and his zeal for life is such an inspiration.
“
We love being around Bobby. He has
a contagious joy, and his zeal for life is
such an inspiration. Bobby is a delight to push in a race — he waves at everyone and always greets his spectators with enthusiasm and excitement. - JULIE WARREN
Bobby is a delight to push in a race — he waves at everyone and always greets his spectators with enthusiasm and
Hodge inspired Banks to participate
was late November 2015. I told him
in Ainsley’s Angels. The former pastor at
there was a race coming up Dec. 6 that
First Christian Church in Farmville has
we could be in. Bobby, who has never
“All races have been 5Ks, but Bobby
since started ambassadorships in Enid,
taken one step in his life, looked at
wants to do longer races, so this
Okla., Tulsa, Okla., Fort Smith, Ark., Little
me with this indescribable expression
December we are planning to run a
Rock, Ark. and Texarkana, Ark.
of excitement and said, ‘Jarrett Banks’
excitement.” The couple has pushed in 12 races with Ainsley’s Angels.
10-miler in the Reindeer Dash for Cash
“At our last race, we included 60
— Bobby always calls me by my first
fundraising race in Greenville,” Warren
persons with special needs,” Banks said.
and last name —, ‘you mean to tell me
said.
“Many people have recently asked me,
that I can be in a race?’ Shocked by his
The couple always races with Hodge.
‘How did you get started with Ainsley’s
response, I remember grinning from ear
Lesley Albritton of Farmville also runs
Angels?’ I know this may seem strange
to ear, shaking my head saying, ‘Yes, you
with the team on occasion.
to many, but there’s perhaps nothing I
can.’ ‘OK, I never thought I could be in a
“Bobby doesn’t like to be passed by
like more than waking up at 4:30 a.m. to
race,’ he shouted,” Banks said.
anyone and will let us know when this
lace up my running shoes and run 5 or
happens. He will encourage us to run
10 miles. I love the way running makes
faster,” Warren said.
me feel. I love the endorphins that it
Julie added, “Bobby likes the races
gives me. I love the way it keeps me
the most when we are able to go fast
relatively thin. I love the way running
— usually downhill. He knows it’s faster
allows me to enjoy nature. I love the
by the breeze in his face and the noise
way it gives me opportunities to see
the spinning pinwheel on the side of his
some glorious sunrises. I love the way
chair makes.”
running gives me opportunities to just
make new friends. I love the sense of
running freely is “a bit more challenging,”
accomplishment completing a race
Warren admits.
gives me. Do you notice a common
Pushing
someone
versus
“We get through the races with inspiration from Bobby. His enthusiasm is addictive. We are inspired through seeing the sheer delight he has from being in the race and watching as he shares his love for all the people he meets,” Julie said.
Banks and Wilkie picked up Hodge one afternoon to train. “I don’t even think we got a block down the road when Bobby spoke up, ‘Jarrett Banks, my neighbor who lives right here doesn’t know about this. We need to tell her.’ We pulled up on the sidewalk that led to her front porch and rang the door bell. As soon as she came
theme here? ‘Me, me, me.’ ‘I, I, I.’” Ainsley’s
Angels
changed
that
perspective for Banks. When Hodge learned he could participate in a race, he was thrilled. “I went over to his house, showed him some pictures and a video. This
Warren added, “Bobby has an incredible memory. If we tell him we plan to run a race with him, even if it is months away, he will not let us forget.”
Farmville Magazine 2019
Bobby Hodge (center) celebrates a race finish with his teammates and parents.
27
So, up on the side walk we went. I rang the door bell.”
Julie and Bert Warren race with Bobby Hodge in the Farmvile 5K in May 2019.
headstone, Bobby said, ‘Nanny, you
The three visited a few more
will not believe this, but I am going to
neighbors, when Banks told Hodge,
be in a race. Nanny, I never thought I
“Bobby, we really need to finish this
could be in a race before, but this is my
training run before the sun goes down
preacher, Jarrett Banks, and this is my
and it starts getting cold.”
friend Bethann, and they got me this
“For about two miles, Bobby
chair, and Jarrett Banks, when is that
laughed at every bump we went over.
race?’ Overwhelmed with emotion,
He waved at every passing car. And
I could barely speak, ‘It’s Dec. 6th,’”
he pointed out all of the places the
Banks said. “It was then he said, ‘Nanny,
sidewalks needed ramps in the curbs
please tell God to tell the angels watch
at the end of a block. Every time we
over me and my preacher Jarrett Banks
passed someone’s house he knew,
and Bethann in this race and keep us
he would tell me that we were going
safe.’”
to have to come back and tell them,
Ainsley’s Angels-Pitt County meets
‘cause they don’t know about this.’ I
at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Uptown
think he told us umpteen times, ‘Jarrett
Brewery for Pub Runs. This is a great
Banks, Bethann run faster.’
opportunity for new runners to train
“After about two miles, Bobby got quiet. For about a quarter of a mile, he didn’t make a sound. Bethann and
and practice running with a chair and athlete rider. The ambassadorship is also always
to the door, Bobby started telling her
I were quiet, too. Running a little faster
recruiting
all about it, ‘Hey, you will not believe
pace, we were just trying to breathe.
Angels-Pitt County works closely with
this, but I am going to be in a race.
Then Bobby broke the silence, ‘Jarrett
Pitt County Schools’ Field Days and
This is my preacher Jarrett Banks and
Banks, I know you are going to be mad
Special Olympics.
Bethann. I never thought I could be in
at me, but my nanny does not know
a race before, but now I am … Maybe
about this. We need to show her.’”
new
angels.
Ainsley’s
“Join our family. Races are always free for our runners and riders,” Wilkie
you can come and watch me in the
Banks and Wilkie assumed the
race,’” Banks recalled. “I think we made
nanny was a caregiver, and asked
it two more blocks, when he said,
where she lives. That’s when Hodge
Ainsley’s Angels, including how to sign
‘Jarrett Banks. My neighbor who lives
directed them to a cemetery. Hodge
up as a runner or guardian angel, visit
right here does not know about this
pointed to the headstone of his
ainsleysangels.org or email Wilkie at
either.’
grandmother, who died in 1989.
greenville@ainsleysangels.org.
If this is what your list looks like, you should be looking in Far mville! 28
“As soon as we pulled up to the
said. For
more
information
about
Visit us at ComeHomeToFarmville.com Farmville Magazine 2019
FRESH MEAT CUT EVERY DAY WE CARRY OUT YOUR GROCERIES WEEKLY SPECIALS START EVERY WEDNESDAY
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Farmville Magazine 2019
29
COMMITTED
TO GIVING BACK Story & Photos by Donna Marie Williams
F
or 32-year-old Justin Foskey, the unit
I wanted to give back to my community,”
2006 as a summer job and continued to work
director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the
Foskey said.
at the Farmville location during his summers
Coastal Plain-Farmville Unit, giving back
The idea of giving back to the community
to his community is essential and one of the
was not a new concept for Foskey. His parents,
Foskey graduated from The University
main reasons he decided to work with the
Randy and Regina Foskey, both of Farmville,
of Mount Olive in 2010 with a degree in
Farmville Boys & Girls Club.
had raised him and his siblings Coda, Randy
recreational league service and returned
Jr., Chris and Destiny Foskey, on the principle
home to continue working with the Farmville
of giving back.
Boys & Girls Club.
“The Boys & Girls Club is one of the jobs that would allow me to give back to my community as a whole,” Foskey said.
home from college.
“It was how I was raised. You come through
“Coming back and being able to have that
Foskey, who now resides in Greenville,
this community or any community and
summer job helped a lot. I started as part time
was born and raised in Farmville. He attended
you just want to constantly keep building
leader where I was helping around the gym. I
Farmville
the community. You see the obstacles you
would assist in the art room or any room that
had growing up even if it was good or bad
needed assistance. Mostly I spent the majority of my time in the gym,” Foskey said.
schools
and
graduated
from
Farmville Central High School in 2005. In high school, Foskey participated in
challenges. You know what you want to see get
basketball and football, ran track and earned
better or what you want to happen. You want
In 2012, he was promoted to the club’s unit
the coveted male athlete of the year award in
to continue to give back to the community,”
director. As unit director, Foskey prepares and
2005 for his participation in all three sports.
Foskey said.
implements programming, supervises staff
Foskey continued his education and pursued his basketball career at The University of Mount Olive. It was there Foskey committed to giving back to his community.
His parents also taught Foskey how to persevere through life. “They brought me up understanding the
and children, works to establish community partnerships and recruits new members for the club.
value of making sure you stay humble and
“Here at the Boys & Girls Club we try our
to always make sure you finish out the job
best to make sure the kids are safe, make
“I remember sitting down at our college
you desire to do — stick with it,” Foskey said,
sure it’s a positive environment for the kids
basketball practice and Coach went around
adding his parents have influenced his life in
and it’s a place they can have fun. We provide
the room and asked ‘What is something you
many ways.
opportunities for the kids,” Foskey said.
would want to do if basketball didn’t work.’
Foskey first began working with the club in
Opportunities for the students who attend
(Above) The Farmville Boys & Girls Club provides a room specifically for teens to have fun, relax and study. Justin Foskey feels it is important for teenagers like (L-R) Destiny May, 15, Elizjah Tyson, 14 and Janiyah McCarter, 15 to have a place to relax, have fun and study.
30
Farmville Magazine 2019
the club range and exist through partnerships the club has formed,
Justin Foskey uses sports like basketball to teach the importance of teamwork to students (L-R) Chance Joyner, 11, Zymir Harvey, 10, Kentaizia Jones, 10, and Zikeem Moore, 10. Justin Foskey helps Darryn Gardner, 8, with his pool shot.
Foskey said. “With the partnerships we form, the high school students have the opportunity to go to community college. They have the opportunity to work on soft skills, (we) help with creating resumes and we offer them the opportunity to do hands on activities with companies that come out and work with the kids,” Foskey said. High school students have also participated in Grow Local, a program through Pitt County Schools, which provides students hands on work experiences with partnering companies. Students have traveled to Greenville Utilities and the East Carolina Heart Institute to experience hands on learning activities. Partnerships with the club are vital. “One of our biggest partnerships we have is with the school system because that’s where we build relationships with kids coming to the school. We created club academy where we work with the school and
Justin Foskey assists students Jaylen Tyson (left), 13, and Tyvell Foskey, 12, with a computer learning program.
go out and sit in the classroom and get the understanding of how they are teaching the kids. We come back and sit with the kids and help them do their homework,” Foskey said. Other partnerships include Pitt Community College, Farmville Public Library, Farmville Police Department, Farmville Parks and Recreation, GameStop, East Carolina University and Greenville Utilities. Through the Pitt Community College program, students have gained employment. “From the five kids who went (to the community college), four of them ending up getting jobs from that program,” Foskey said. Students have also been able to experience sport activities, including watching their first NBA game or college game, and students have been able to experience amusement parks. At Christmas time, the club takes approximately 25 students to the
Justin Foskey and Amya Roberson, 11, review character traits.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain-Jack Minges Unit in Winterville to receive Christmas gifts.
Farmville Magazine 2019
31
Kentaizia Jones (left), 10, prepares to throw a basketball to Chance Joyner (center), 11, while Zikeem Moore (center), 10, and Zymir Harvey, 9, block. Javonte McCarter, 11, plays mancola with Justin Foskey, the unit director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain-Farmville Unit.
Foskey also feels it is important to recognize the students who attend the club.
Foskey has continued his love for basketball at the club.
in 2012. Since then, the team has seen two championships — in 2016 and 2019.
“We have certain expectation for them.
“We have a basketball summer league,
“That first year in 2016, the team won and
We like to recognize the kids as a whole as
and I created a spring break classic with the
I was so excited. Those are some of the same
they do well. As they see that recognition,
organization,” Foskey said.
kids that came through Boys & Girls Club and
they know this is a place they can come and
During the spring break classic and the
played for my traveling team. Farmville has
have fun, be recognized and experience an
basketball summer league, members from
been winning — in all sports. To see this past
opportunity,” Foskey said.
the Farmville Unit compete against other
year’s winning team, I had the same thing, with
Foskey also shares his value of community
local clubs including the Greenville’s Grady
seeing some of these kids come up through
service with the students who attend the club.
White Boats-E.R. Lewis Family and Jarvis
“Some of the kids have started a design
units, Ayden’s Dr. Ledyard E. Ross Unit and
the Boys & Girls Club. I remember some of
for change club. It’s a work in progress still. It’s one of the programs that has different stages,
Robersonville’s unit in Martin County. “We
just
want
to
make
sure
we
and it’s where they create a project where they
incorporate basketball and the clubs enjoy the
can make a difference in their community or
atmosphere. It brings the Boys & Girls Clubs
across the state,” Foskey said.
together,” Foskey said.
Of the various programs and activities
Foskey is also the assistant basketball
offered, Foskey enjoys the sports programs
coach for Farmville Central and has coached
the best.
a Farmville Parks and Recreation basketball
“As unit director for the kids, I’m big on sports,” Foskey said. It was through sports that Foskey became familiar with the club.
team in the past. Though sports, Foskey has been able to connect with the students who attend the club.
them playing on my rec team. Some of the kids that were on the team, they will come to the club now and they have jobs now. We can see from start to finish,” Foskey said, adding he loves seeing the tangible progression of his students. The students are what make the job worth it, Foskey said. “I always talked to the kids and the kids asked me, ‘Mr. Justin, what do you want to do?’ And I’m doing what I want to do. Just giving back to my community and adding to what’s already in place and trying to improve each
“Growing up … I always had my friends
“A relationship was built to where they
who called and said ‘Hey we’re going to play
were asking ‘hey, Coach Justin, can you train
basketball at the Boys & Girls Club.’ Back then,
this day or help me with this?’ It was building
we would knock at the back door to see if we
relationships to help them grow in life and in
could get in. I was playing ball with my friends,
general,” Foskey said, adding his favorite part
“I would like to see this Boys & Girls Club
and the unit director came in and said ‘You are
about being a unit director is “being able to
continue to grow and expand into more than
not a member of the club. You can’t play here.’
see these kids grow, to me, it’s more of the
just a program that is already offered through
So I came to the club just to play sports. There
excitement from knowing that you are doing
the Boys & Girls Club,” Foskey said.
wasn’t a need for me to come for the other
something good to help others out. I see the
day,” Foskey said. As for the Farmville Unit, Foskey has big dreams for its future.
The
Farmville
Unit,
3443
Park
St.,
programs. I was never an official club member.
impact that I have on the kids and how I help
Farmville, is open from 2:30-7 p.m. weekdays
Just growing up here, everybody knew I was at
the kids.”
during the school year and from 7 a.m. to 6
the park. I feel like that’s where I spent most of my time at,” Foskey said.
32
Foskey became an assistant coach with the men’s Farmville Central basketball team
p.m. weekdays in the summer. For more information, call 252-355-2345.
Farmville Magazine 2019
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Farmville Magazine 2019
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Farmville Magazine 2019
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Main Office 3714 N Main St. P.O. Drawer 49 Farmville, NC 27828
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35
BEE
DOWNTOWN
How a start up company is creating a buzz in corporate America Story by Donna Marie Williams Photos courtesy of Bee Downtown
A
passion and hobby of Leigh-Kathryn Bonner of Raleigh has transformed into a revolutionary business model and unique
Bee Downtown began when Bonner was a student at N.C. State University.
approach to saving a dwindling honeybee population that is creating
“It began as a passion project when I was a junior at State. I couldn’t
a buzz as Bee Downtown is continuing to receive recognition for its
keep a beehive at my apartment complex so I asked the company I was
unique design
interning for if I could keep a beehive on the rooftop. That’s how it ended
Since 2015, Bee Downtown has installed and maintained beehives
up starting. It just kind of snowballed from there,” Bonner said.
on corporate campuses in urban areas. The goal of the company is
Other companies and business soon began requesting for beehives
to help rebuild healthy honeybee populations while simultaneously
to be added to their facilities. The desire from other companies to invest
providing employee engagement and leadership development
in beehives inspired Bonner with an idea of something that had not
programming for partnering corporations.
been done before.
36
Farmville Magazine 2019
“
Nearing the end of college, Bonner was faced with a difficult decision of pursuing this new founded business idea or to pursue the typical route of accepting a lucrative job offer after graduation.
bee keeping to effective
classes were designed in conjunction with retired Army Col. Joe LeBoeuf. Bonner believes that a healthy corporation resembles a beehive with every worker having
leadership. If we can teach
a specific purpose and uses biomimcry to
year to show that I was profitable and they
people anything, it is to be
the company works for.
would fund my living expenses. They were nice
kind and be like a honeybee.
episode in my living room. They said I had one
Sharks,” Bonner said. Bonner’s parents, Gayle and Ed, wanted to ensure their daughter was prepared for the journey ahead of her.
Everything a honeybee
“
“My parents had me do a ‘Shark Tank’
We love connecting
leadership classes in addition to hives. These
touches it leaves better.
“We wanted to see if she had a good plan and if she was thoughtful with what she was
project the success of bees into the businesses “We learned a lot from the bees. They’re constantly teaching us things. Bee Downtown, overtime has turned to a service business where they get to have the hive and time with the bees and educational opportunities. We love connecting bee keeping to effective leadership. If we can teach people anything, it
trying to do. We wanted to see if she had a plan
- L EIGH -K ATHRYN B ONNER
is to be kind and be like a honeybee. Everything
and was taking it seriously and had a focus. Ed
maintain the hives for the company. Honey
a honeybee touches it leaves better,” Bonner
had a lot of good questions for her,” Gayle said.
that is harvested from the hive belongs to the
said.
Ed added, “The ‘Shark Tank’ format tested
company.
the idea for the business to make sure it was
“Employees really love to learn about
something she could make a living doing and it
agriculture. It’s very nostalgic. Employees aren’t
would bring value to customers.”
Since the beginning, Bee Downtown has strived to help the diminishing population of honeybees.
far enough removed from (agriculture) yet.
“Our goal is to help build a healthy honeybee
Bonner decided to take a leap of faith and
They still remember farmers and remember
population. Bees are one of nature’s most
to pursue her business that began on the
being outside playing. I think that’s why so
precious pollinators. Pollinators contribute over
rooftops.
many people love Bee Downtown. It allows
$150 billion dollars annually. Every third bite of
“Bee Downtown is not like other startups.
them that opportunity to reconnect with those
food you eat is thanks to a honeybee. Honey
We’re bees and bee boxes and relationships. A
moments and to get outside in nature …”
bees are especially important especially since
lot of people did not think that would be a start
Bonner said.
we changed agricultural practices from small
up,” Bonner said.
The companies that participate in Bee
agricultural farms to larger more corporate
Since then, Bonner has worked to expand
Downtown’s program often offer educational
the business with her company’s hives being
classes for their employees. These classes are
placed at several different Fortune 500
widely popular within the company. At Delta
companies, including Chick-fil-A, Bert’s Bees,
Airlines, an employee class for 120 employees
“At some point in society, people decided
Blue Cross Blue Shield, IBM, Georgia Power,
was overbooked within 10 minutes of opening.
farmers weren’t that important. Farmers are
The bees not only provide employees with
the smartest people I’ve ever met. I don’t ever
Delta and AT&T.
farms,” Bonner said. The company is also trying to challenge the way people perceive agriculture.
Bee Downtown charges an annual fee to
a chance to learn about agriculture, but they
want to devalue what people do. I want to
have the beehives placed at the company’s
also provide companies with a business model.
change the way people think about agriculture.
location. Employees of Bee Downtown
This has encouraged Bonner to offer executive
Agriculture is tough and
provide demonstrations of the beehives and
Through Bee Downtown, owner Leigh-Kathryn Bonner hopes to educate people on the importance of honeybees.
Farmville Magazine 2019
37
not everyone can do it. Bee Downtown is a
the very beginning of her journey.
small little company that can help swing the
“If we can teach people anything, it is to
pendulum back to respecting farmers,” Bonner
be kind and be like a honeybee and to leave
said.
everything better than it was,” Bonner said.
Bonner’s new approach has earned
Education is a large component of
notoriety across the United States. She
Bonner’s business model.
was named one of Southern Living
“I think she’s educated a lot of people,
magazine’s 2017 Southerners of the
and she has the right motivation. That
Year and was selected as one of Inc.
makes me proud. I’m really proud of her
magazine’s 2018 30 Under 30 Rising
and the whole team. They are passionate
Stars. Inc. magazine is a weekly magazine
for what they are doing,” Gayle said.
that focuses on small businesses and
Ed added, “Her mother and I are
startups.
incredibly proud of her. She took her idea,
“(Inc.’s Rising Stars) looks at 30 entrepreneurs
and she worked incredibly hard at it. She hired
across the country and says these are the rising
a terrific team around her. She is bringing
stars that are going to shape the way we look at the world and how businesses runs in the future,” Bonner said. Bonner was also selected to appear in Forbes’ 30 under 30 in 2019. “Forbes was one I never thought would even happen. That was a real big one for us,” Bonner said. Bee Downtown has also been featured on an episode of TED Talks. Bonner is the granddaughter of Farmville native Harold Flanagan and the niece of Jerry Flanagan. Harold and Jerry share a love of bees and beekeeping with Bonner and have helped her in her journey. “I am a fourth generation beekeeper. My family is from Farmville. My grandpa has kept bees for over 70 years. I grew up in Raleigh but loved coming to the farm. My grandpa gifted
Leigh-Kathryn Bonner holds a honey frame. She launched her business, Bee Downtown, as an initiative to save the honeybee population and to inspire people to get involved in agriculture. way for me to honor my family and agriculture. It’s a little bit different than how they have done it, but it still honors it,” Bonner said. Gayle added, “They’ve been a big help. She had a lot of support for what she is doing. She’s had a lot of people who supported her. That’s been a real beautiful thing to see. She and Daddy (Harold) are real cute together talking about bees. It’s a bonding experience for them.” Bonner’s
visit
to
Farmville
and
her
grandfather’s farm have encouraged her to pursue her dream. is part of my story,” she said.
us with agriculture. I love it. I love being outside
Bonner’s hope for the Bee Downtown’s
and getting my hands dirty. Bee Downtown is a
future is as big as the leap of faith she took at
38
companies that work with them not only through the installations of hives but through their employee engagement and leadership (program) … She has been able to evolve Bee Downtown to use that platform of urban beekeeping … to bring value to her customs through employee engagement.
They see
the unique value Bee Downtown can bring to their company. Not only can they make a contribution to sustainability, but they can engage and inspire their employees.” Despite the company’s success, Bonner has remained humble and consistent with the company’s mission. “If I can say at the end of my life that I did something that has value, then I’m proud of my
“Farmville is a special place to me. Farmville
Bee Downtown regional manager Scottie McLeod handles the bees.
value to her customers. She brings value to
life,” Bonner said. For more information about Bee Downtown or to participate in the program, visit beedowntown.com online.
Leigh-Kathryn Bonner was named one of Southern Living magazine’s 2017 Southerners of the Year, one of Inc. magazine’s 2018 30 Under 30 Rising Stars and appeared on Forbes’ 30 under 30 in 2019.
Farmville Magazine 2019
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39
CARRIE BAKER
Farmville Citizen of the Year Carrie Baker is known around town as the founder of the Lost Sheep Resource Foundation and one of the people fighting to preserve the former H.B. Sugg High School building. She has lived in Farmville since 1971, but she has always loved the town. “I never lived in Farmville growing up. I was between here and Fountain. I went to Fountain for elementary school, and then in ninth grade, we went to H.B. Sugg for high school,” Baker said. “I love Farmville. It was all we knew. Everything we needed, we came to Farmville. They had everything. We bought our groceries here, we shopped, went to the doctors office. It was all Farmville, Farmville, Farmville. I always
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR
wanted to live in town. I never did until I got married in 1971.” Baker was a member of one of the last classes to graduate from H.B. Sugg High School. In fact, her class thought they would be the very last. “We were the year before the last year at H.B. Sugg. We helped prepare for (integration),” she said. “We thought we were the last class, but they got behind on the construction
Story & Photos by Amber Revels-Stocks
and stuff. We were preparing to be the last class.” Her class graduated in 1970, and the school moved its
40
Farmville Magazine 2019
high school classes to the new Farmville Central High School for the 1971-72 school year. “It was our class that helped name the mascot and colors for Farmville Central,” Baker said. “They got five from Farmville High School, the Red Devils, and they came together with five from over here (at Sugg). They got together and named everything, decided colors, all of that.”
“
I love doing their hair. They never complain,
and we just sit there and talk. We have church with each other. I’ll cut the computer on and play gospel music. Sometimes, we’ll put on a good Christian, gospel movie. They just enjoy it.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement
-Carrie Baker
at the time for Baker. “We was excited that we were the last class, that we made it in there, and that we
they moved to a different building. They still
retired now, but on the Thursday of every
call it H.B. Sugg, which I think is nice.”
week, I do the elders,” she said.
were part of the change over,” she said. “I had
After graduating in 1970, Baker went
Baker styles hair for seven older women
never gone to school where white people
to Pitt County Technical School, now Pitt
who have been her clients since before she
went until I went to college.”
Community College. She studied secretarial
retired, and she loves every second of it.
She remembered feeling disappointed
science for two years.
"It feels wonderful (to do their hair). … I
when it was announced that the Class of 1971
“Then I decided, ‘I do not want to do
love doing their hair. They never complain,
would be the last graduating class at H.B.
this,’” Baker said. “So I went and worked at a
and we just sit there and talk. We have church
Sugg High School.
manufacturing job for 15 years. I made it all
with each other. I’ll cut the computer on and
the way up to assistant plant manager.”
play gospel music. Sometimes, we’ll put on a
“The whole time, we thought we were going to be the last. It was right at the end of the school year we learned they were going to
But eventually, Baker felt the pull to do something else.
good Christian, gospel movie. They just enjoy it,” Baker said. “The best part is to see them
have to go one more year. Then we were a little
“I wanted to be around people, and I
when I finish with it. I hardly do anything, but
bit disappointed,” Baker said. “Now after the
always liked to be hands on, so I went back
I’ll give them the mirror and they’ll shake their
high school left, they still had the elementary
to school and got my beautician’s degree. I’m
hair and talk about how much they love it.
school there for a number of years before
They seem like new women sometime.” She has vowed to continue to style their hair until they have all passed on. Baker has even had the opportunity to fix some of her client’s hair after they have died. “She was about 94, and she passed about four or five days after the picture was taken (for the black history celebration),” Baker said. “The funeral home called me to come do her hair because she’d asked for me to do it. They wanted me to place the hat on her like she would wear to church. “It’s a good relationship between your clients and yourself because you’ve Carrie Baker holds a prized picture of her with an “elder client.” The client died about four days after the picture was taken and had asked for Baker to style her hair for her funeral.
Farmville Magazine 2019
41
Things To Do:
been with her for a long time,” she continued.
more than 20 years before taking her semi-
“I was shocked. My good friend, Judy
“When you find a beautician you like, you
retirement. But she stays busy. Her work with
Gidley, (the former chamber director), told me
want that person to do your hair all the time.
the Lost Sheep Resource Foundation and the
to come to the banquet,” Baker said. “I was
You don’t want anyone else touching your
H.B. Sugg Alumni Organization won her the
surprised she kept the secret. She made me
hair. It’s made me part of their family. Their
prestigious Citizen of the Year award.
go with her because she goes to all of them.
kids know they can leave them here because they’ll be taken care of.” One of the best moments in her beautician career was helping a client with Alzheimer’s.
! ! ! O C E O C L CAL
“I couldn’t believe it. Even now when I
think about it, I wonder if they really knew what they were doing. I didn’t know anybody was looking,” Baker said. “When they actually
“I had been doing her hair for years. She
stood up and named all the things I have done
had gotten to the point where she didn’t really
over the last few years, I almost didn’t realize
recognize anybody,” Baker said. “Her daughter
who they were talking about. I think I started
brought her here, and she got halfway down
working even before I received my call to do
the sidewalk to my shop, which is back behind
the work.”
the house. She stopped, said ‘Carrie Baker,’ and took off running. “She recognized where she was going
She is the first African-American woman to win the award. Previously, it was the Farmville Man of the Year contest. After a while, two
before she even saw me. … She went and sat
awards were given out, one to an outstanding
right back in my chair. She didn’t say nare word
man and one to an outstanding woman. Then,
after that, but she knew where she was and
the awards were combined into the Citizen of
what she was here for. It really touched my
the Year.
heart.” Baker has great stories about all of her clients, having worked as a beautician for
Judy told me if I went out, I could get the name of the Lost Sheep Foundation out there. … “When I realized, I started shrinking down
in my seat and was like, ‘Help me, Jesus, because I don’t want to get up there and act like a fool.’ I know I said something, but I didn’t plan a speech, so I don’t know what I said.” Her son also knew she was receiving the
We are your complete Office Solution Provider award because arrived with flowers her. offering DigitalheBlack and White Copiers,for Color Digital Copiers, Network Printers, Fax “They must not have told the girls because Machines, Digital Duplicators, Wide Format Copiers/Printers, Computers Networking, they would’ve warned meand and let me get Digital Imaging and More...
prepared,” Baker said.
For Baker, the Lost Sheep Resource
is herSYSTEMS purpose from God. Winning COECOFoundation OFFICE
3
Fa
the award is just further proof.
Baker did not know she was going to
252-321-2400
“I know it was Him,” she said. “When you
Em
He is, and receive the award until herOfficial nameRicoh was called Partnerat Sincedon’t 1981 think anybody is watching, www.coeco.com the ceremony in April 2019.
He’s making plans.”
An Active Corporate Citizen For Over 30 Years
252-753-5323
42
A
Farmville Magazine 2019
J
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Transforming people’s lives so that together we can grow a better world.
www.aointl.com Farmville Magazine 2019
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Farmville, We've Got It All! Embracing progress while holding on to small town values makes Farmville a great place to live, work and grow Visit experience a community Visitus usand and experience a community with with small full culture & history. smalltown town charm, charm, full ofof culture & history.
East Carolina University & Pitt Community College campuses located downtown
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EASY ACCESS TO BOTH MEDICAL & INDUSTRIAL CENTERS IN GREENVILLE To learn more or to schedule a tour, call 252-753-6700 or email dhodgkins@farmville nc.gov