Folks Journal - November 2018 by NCCOAST

Issue No. 5 I NOV + DEC 2018

JOURNAL

Folks

Thank You to our PATRONS Folks Journal would not be possible without the support of our PATRONS - businesses, artists, musicians, writers, performers, and individuals who contribute each month. Their contribution keeps Folks Journal in print and advertisment free, as well as directly pays for events that suppor artists in New Bern and beyond. To learn more go to www.folksjournal.com/donate or become a Patreon supporter of Folks Journal today!

FOUNDING PATRONS MIKE LENTZ JEFF DAIL GEOFF BOCCIA

THE GREATER GOOD GALLERY POLLOCK STREET PUB MJ’S BAR AND GRILLE SOUTHEASTERN LOCATING SERVICES THE BROWN PELICAN BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING SURF WIND & FIRE THE LAW OFFICES OF OLIVER & CHEEK PLLC BREWERY 99 CLEANING BY KATE THE JARVIS AT 220 DAN JAM PHILLIPS LYNNE BARON GOODWIN BEN WATFORD MICHAELE ROSE WATSON DOMINICK GIORGIANNI 317 POLLOCK ST SUITES EARL OF CRAVEN QUESTERS THE BIKE BOX PROJECT - PEDALING FOR PARKINSON’S STUDIO 413 KAITLYN BELLYDANCE NEW BERN CIVIC THEATER CITY STAGE AT THE CITY LAUNDRY COUNTRY TRAVEL & TOURS BOB CLARK CHEF JOSHUA STORTS MR RICK HANDYMAN MICHAEL WILLIAMS CHIP HUGHES JAMEESHA HARRIS DANA OUTLAW NEW BERN APPLIANCE BARBARA BROWN 2

ROB OVERMAN-OVERMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT LULA BALOU TRISH WILLIAMS CHARLES & AUDREY CUSHMAN CRAVEN ARTS COUNCIL - BANK OF THE ARTS CHARLES TENDELL - NEW BERN LIVE DONNA S. SLADE ALISA EVANS MIKE AMY WAINWRIGHT APRIL FITCHETT ASHLEY MCDANIEL BETHANY RICHARDS DOMINICK GIORGIANNI DONNA S. SLADE FLORENCE LAMAGNA JOHN LONG LAURA B. OVERMAN LYNNE GOODWIN MARIAN BISSETT ROBERT CLARK VICKI TILLETT

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR SUBSCRIBERS!

Mandy Mears, Strung Together, Gabrielle Christie, Sometimes Lions, & Crystal Bright November 17 @ 5 pm at The Brown Pelican 3

Departments 02

THANK YOU, PATRONS!

AQUARIAN CORNER A COLD SHOWER

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDERS + CONTRIBUTORS

CRAVEN ARTS COUNCIL CRITTERS AT BANK OF THE ARTS

THE BARON OF BROAD STREET OLD SAWTOOTH

PHOTOGPRAPHY MOMENTS BY ERIN SMITH

INSTA/FOLKS MS. MCDANIEL'S CLASS

HUNGRY? POT ROAST BY CHEF SMOKE OF THE FLAME

THIRSTY? MULLED WINE BY MEG UNFILTERED

EKPHRASTIC POETRY SNEAK PEEK 2018 BANK OF THE ARTS WINNER

ART AROUND TOWN STUDIO 413 + GREATER GOOD GALLERY

FEATURED EVENTS

BERNSIDES BY MELISSA BLACK

Features

NOVEMB ER + D EC EM BE R 2018

MUSIC HOT BUTTERED GRITS

PHOTOGPRAPHY MOMENTS BY ERIN SMITH

ART ~ PART ONE DONNA SLADE - THE FACES OF COLOMBIA

SPECIAL FEATURE A MEMORY BY TOM MCCABE

LITERATURE AMBER M. PARKER - CHILDREN'S AUTHOR

ART - PART TWO NEIL VENDRICK

HISTORY BEEKEEPING IN NC BY KATIE HOGAN

STYLE DIRTY BARN VINTAGE

FOOD TRUCK 3 KINGS

LOCAL FOLKS AUTHOR KEN CAPPS

FOOD CHEF SMOKE OF THE FLAME RESTAURANT

DRINK BRUTOPIA

NONPROFIT ANTOINETTE BOSKEY WITH COASTAL WOMEN'S SHELTER & YOUNG URBAN PROFESSIONALS

Missed an issue?... Folks Journal is now available for purchase directly on our website and drop-shipped right to your door. This is a great option if you were not able to find a free copy around town...they do get picked up fast and supplies are limited during hurricane rebuilding...Your support in purchasing goes a long way and assists so many creatives in our community. Purchase your copies today at www.folksjoural.com

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Howdy Folks!

JOURNAL

Well friends, we've had a time of it lately, have we not? Thanks to Flo, I know so many of us are still in the midst of cleanup and taking stock, rebuilding and wondering what the future holds. Our resolves have been tested, our patience strained and our hearts still heavy with loss. There were many occosaions when we wondered if Folks Journal would survive Flo, and I'm grateful to say that by the skin of our teeth, we have. I want to thank you all for continuing to enjoy our little Journal, and for your love and support during this time. Whenever one of you tells me how much you enjoyed the last issue, my heart swells and I know I'm exactly where I need to be. Meg and I are commited to our mission, to consciously co-create the unity in our community. Never before has being committed to this mission been so tested as it was with hurricane Flo. In fact, were it not for Flo, we may not have learned just how strong we are. Because of the hurricane, the Folks Journal team immediately hit the soggy ground running, organizing volunteers, raising over 10K in funds along side Gem Productions, The City Stage, and a host of other individuals. I am so proud of this team, and humbled that I get to surround myself with their creative energy each and every day. I am also proud that you get to continue to experience their work in these pages.

We love you New Bern, and we will do it together!!

-Leigh-Ann & Meg

Folks FOUNDERS Leigh-Ann Sullivan Meg Wethington EDITOR Melissa Black CONTRIBUTORS Leigh-Ann Sullivan Meg Wethington Geoff Boccia Melissa Black Jennifer Prem Arjan Bailey Evans Braedon Welsh Katie Hogan Ashley McDaniel Tom McCabe Jonathan Burger SUBSCRIBE Folks Journal is published 6 times per year and is free to the public. However, if you would like to gift a subscription, you can order online at www.folksjournal.com No part of this publication may be used without written permission from the publisher. Every effort is made to avoid errors. ÂŠ 2018 Folks Journal

CONTACT howdy@folksjournal.com 252.631.6761 317 Pollock Street Downtown New Bern, NC 28560 Office Hours Vary Call for Appointment

- Music -

Hot Buttered Grits

PHOTOS + INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED

ILLUSTRATION / ASHLEY MCDANIEL

Hot Buttered Grits is an improvisational acoustic/electric band from Eastern N.C. Since 2005 The Grits have been seving it up hot & fresh in clubs, at deck parties, festivals and backyards. Each member brings an eclectic array of influences to the group for a truly unique blend of music that defies classification. Howard Longino - Vox / Guitar Seth Smith - Vox / Guitar / Mandolin Jon Johndrow - Vox / Guitar Zach Meadows - Vox / Drums & Percussion Chris Buttitta - Vox / Bass WHERE DOES YOUR STORY BEGIN? 2005-. The Grits “evolved” into a band that year. Seth and Howard had been picking for hippies in Oriental for a little while. Seth and Zach were the Seth and Zach Experiment, which came about as an acoustic rap trio that booked an opening slot at Theo’s (where Bay Leaf is now), with Seth on guitar, Zach on djembe, and a guy named Kente free-styling. Theo’s was “the” place for bands at the time. Long story short, neither the Kente, nor the headlining band showed up, so they played 3 hours of unrehearsed music, it clicked, and never looked back. Howard sat in with Seth and Zach and never left. We started calling ourselves Hot Buttered Grits, added Chris on bass and Zach switched to a kit. A year later Howard moved to Raleigh and Johndrow (who was in a band with Zach called The Hanging Chads at the time) joined the group. No Grits story is complete without a mention of The Hog House, which was shed behind Chris’ house, where Zach, Chris, Jon, and a bunch of other weirdos had been making all sorts of experimental music for years.

original art and an avenue for people to have fun.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY? We’ve always been a band that has been uncompromising in the music we play and have always gotten off on having “that one guy” in the back get an obscure song or musical reference, even if everyone else is ignoring us. We like being the band that is there for people that don’t want to hear the hits, appreciate improvisation, and are willing to go on a musical adventure with us. I guess that all adds up to us contributing

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? We like to surprise people. Be it a themed Halloween show or bringing Joe Brown in for a soul set, we’re always dreaming up something big and new...currently our project is following our delusions of grandeur for the next big show...maybe adding some cool visual performance art to a set in the near future.

YOUR MAJOR STRUGGLES? Two things: Defining our music...I don’t think any of us have found a fitting description to this day. The other has been finding time to practice and keep it fresh by adding songs to our repertoire. When we started, only one of us had children, and a couple of us weren’t married. Now all of us are married and most of us have children. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE STRUGGLES? Letting the music speak for itself and not worrying about defining it. As far as practice goes, when we used to get together, it was as much of a hang session as anything else, and that was good because we learned how to listen to each other and jam together, as well as become friends. Now we are much more focused on learning new material and tightening up when we get together because the time spent practicing is more valuable since it affects our families.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GOALS? 9

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GOALS? (continued) FAVORITE LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN? Becoming better players together and continu- Joe Brown Band is the band we don’t want to ing to add new originals and covers. We’d like to make have to follow. another record as well. FAVORITE YEARLY NEW BERN EVENT? WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO ALL OF THIS IN NEW The Hot Buttered BBQ, if we do say so ourselves. BERN? We live here and we love this town. FAVORITE NEW BERN LANDMARK? Is the New Bern skyline coming over the bridge at MISSION STATEMENT sunset a landmark? To make people dance and to collectively shed our egos and let the music play us, rather than the other BEST IMPROVEMENTS? way around. Lots of places to play and listen to music. The Pelican, Harvey Mansion, The Bruin, and Blackbeard’s WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CHILL NEW BERN all have live music on any given weekend night. There’s STYLE? something musically for everyone. Also, the arrival of Playing music, listening to music, and taking Uber. The gypsy cab scene before was a ripoff! about music. We are all serious music geeks. SIGHTS ON THE FUTURE CITY? FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT? Watching the arts scene grow. Someone from out of Anyplace downtown. Chelsea and Capt. Ratty’s town once wandered into Brewery 99 and told Seth set the bar for good dining years ago. 247 Craven stays “New Bern has the perfect amount of weirdos.” That’s a on the cutting edge, and Bay Leaf and MJ’s can go toe to testament to the artistic and bohemian side of New Bern toe with any Indian joint or Raw Bar in NC, respectively. putting its finger print on the city. And the Country Biscuit.

Jazzy-Grassy-Trance-Funk

www.facebook.com/hotbutteredgritsband/ 11

- Art -

DONNA SLADE

Featuring "The Faces of Colombia – The Invisible Communities” Traveling Art Exhibition INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED

"Through these paintings I aim to raise awareness, so that others will become more enlightened about the struggles for fundamental human rights and social justice for these individuals who lost their source of livelihood and cultural identity." CURRENT & UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS : Vanderbilt University - October 21-November 16, 2018 Sawtooth School For Visual Art - Winston Salem - April 1 - April 30,2019 Caldwell Arts Center - Lenoir - May 3 - June 3, 2019 Craven Arts Council New Bern - July 2 - July 31, 2019 Queens University of Charlotte - Aug 26 - October 30, 2019

Faces of Colombia 12

Jhonny 13

WHERE DOES YOUR NEW BERN STORY BEGIN? My husband’s father grew up in Pamlico County, so I have been coming down East and surrounding area for over 40 years. When I retired after a 30-year career as a graphic designer/artist, I wanted to become active in the art scene in New Bern. In 2009 I joined Martha Williams in her studio and gallery, New Bern Artworks. In 2009 artists Jim Bisbee and Vicki Vitale joined us and we formed New Bern ArtWorks & Company, LLC. In 2011 the former Baxter’s jewelry store was purchased and Fine Art at Baxters Art Gallery and working art studios was established.

job. The intermediate world of artists is crowded, chaotic and generally ignored. The scope of media available today, plus the knowledge for pretty much anything, is as terrifying as it is liberating.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE STRUGGLES? As an artist and gallery owner you “work your way up the ladder” so to speak. You surround yourself with the most qualified, dedicated and talented people you can find. You work hard to create and establish a professional business and personal reputation over time. You stick to your values and follow your passion. You thank your patrons. You give back and support your community. You utilize all “social media outlets” along YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY? When Fine Art at Baxters Gallery, with the con- with specialized websites, local, regional specialized cept of working artist studios, was established the vision magazines, blogs, and electronic invites to promote. was to create a venue and environment for artists to You keep doing this over and over every day! work, exhibit, sell their work and share ideas while workWHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? ing to educate the public to the world of fine art. My current personal project is “The Faces of Co Along with my partners, I was committed to bringing high-quality fine art, paintings, glass, ceram- lombia – The Invisible Communities” Traveling Art ics, pottery, sculpture and jewelry all created by emerg- Exhibition. In July 2017, as part of a volunteer peace deleing and established local/regional artist, to down town New Bern. The goal, to help make New Bern an “Art Des- gation with the Witness for Peace organization, I had tination.” The gallery is dedicated to assisting the new the opportunity to visit Colombia, South America. I witcollector as well as corporate and experienced private nessed a very personal and revealing account of events and suffering endured by the Afro-Colombian and incollectors. Fine Art at Baxters Gallery has been an attrac- digenous communities under an oppressive governtion for both the local community as well as visitors from ment. Over the past year, utilizing the medium of colnear and far. What has been particularly gratifying has been the response of the local community in terms of ored pencil, I have created a series of 20 original painthow they appreciate our stewardship of this community ings that will travel throughout the country. The work in asset. People really appreciate the way we honored the the exhibition speaks to my personal account of events history of the building by retaining the look and fell of these people have endured. Events such as forced family and community displacement, killings, the recruitment the past. of children by guerrilla groups and drug cartels, death threats, suppression of school attendance by armed YOUR MAJOR STRUGGLES From a gallery perspective, (and I guess really, forces and fear of retaliation for reporting such abuses. from an artist perspective as well) the fine art business/ I returned from this emotional journey, asking myself market, the one where emerging art collectors and art- how can I help make a difference? The plight of these ists are found continues to erode. Art galleries and art people became the driver that has dictated my artiscollecting is not for everyone. Gallery openings and clos- tic direction. These paintings help expose the fragility ings have always been a feature of the art world. This and vulnerability of these people but also portray their is especially true with local small town galleries. For the strength and dignity. Through these paintings I aim to raise awarefirst time in 10 years, closing of small galleries out num- bered openings. Fewer people, especially the younger ness, so that others will become more enlightened generation, are visiting galleries and buying art. Collec- about the struggles for fundamental human rights and tors or those interested in art are finding other options social justice for these individuals who lost their source of livelihood and cultural identity that are less intimidating and more convenient. From my perspective, being an artist is a tough 14

Marina 15

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GOALS? Continue to promote â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Faces of ColombiaThe Invisible Communitiesâ&#x20AC;? exhibition and bring it to as many venues across the state and country as possible. Continue to create art that will initiate a dialogue with the viewer that will become a voice for human rights and help bring about change.

PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT? I think Langston Hughes can best express this for me:

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START ALL OF THIS IN NEW BERN? Over the eight or so years that I have been a partner at Fine Art at Baxters Gallery and involved in the art community, New Bern has become a very special part of my life. I have had the pleasure of not only meeting some of the most creative artists but also some of the most wonderful, caring and loving people I know. I want to continue to help New Bern grow and become the best that it can be across all walks of life.

SEE MORE OF DONNA'S WORK AT: www.donnasladeart.com

Young girl, San Antonio Community 16

"An artist must be free to choose what he does, certainly, but he must also never be afraid to do what he might choose" - Langston Hughes

Orlando 17

Faces of Colombia

A sneak peak at the exhibition, coming this summer to the Bank of the Arts...

Jhonny, young poet The Colombian government built a neighborhood named San Antonio to house individuals and families who were displaced from their original communities.

Young girl, San Antonio Community

Jhonny, a poet, from the San Antonio neighborhood told This little girl was playing marbles in the San Antonio me of his desire to finish schooling and read me one of neighborhood, the same neighborhood in which the his beautiful poems. He has since graduated from high school. poet Jhonny lives.

Faces of Colombia This painting shows some of the many Afro-Colombian and Indigenous activists and community leaders in Colombia. I want the paintings in this exhibit to portray the strength and dignity of Colombian activists and community leaders as well as their vulnerability as they work for social justice. This painting shows some of the many Afro-Colombian and Indigenous activists and community leaders in Colombia. I want the paintings in this exhibit to portray the strength and dignity of Colombian activists and community leaders as well as their vulnerability as they work for social justice. 18

Orlando

Marina Hinestrona This is Marina Hinestrona a leader of the community La Esperanza in the municipality of Buenaventura. La Esperanza is a primarily Afro-Colombian community that was displaced in 2004 due to the conflict between paramilitaries and guerrillas. Community members are concerned not only with maintaining their land but also preventing environmental degradation.

Orlando once lived in the department of Huila, but was displaced by the construction of the El Quimbo dam built by a Spanish company named Emgesa. At the time this meeting he had been protesting every day for three months using the same chains with which he had tied himself to the Seiba. Orlando once lived in the department of Huila, but was displaced by the construction of the El Quimbo dam built by a Spanish company named Emgesa. At the time this meeting he had been protesting every day for three months using the same chains with which he had tied himself to the Seiba. 19

Old Sawtooth

I had a favorite tree, right down on East Front St., before Florence had her way. He was a grand, old gentleman sawtooth, tucked away where a bear can surrender to the comfortable dimness of an afternoon nap. He was a handsome fella. Storms can be cruel at times. Naps were scarce there, for a spell. There was much to do, preparations for autumn, cleaning up the great piles of ruined treasures, and generally finding bearings in the sodden streets. A bear can’t help but feel a stabbing loss, seeing all these people displaced, their dens all topsy turvy, their belongings the casualties of weather, known now only in bittersweet memory. A cub’s lost toy, filthy and tousled, wedged between a shattered bookcase and what was once a beloved chair, can make the hardest of hearts swallow hard against a stray tear.

But the Bern is a stout lady, truth be known, and the ravages of weather can but quell her spirit for only a moment. She has the kind of steel spine and sassy resolve found in grannies and schoolmarms, and the sort of matronly affection doled out with a hickory switch and buttered biscuits. You can’t keep her down long; she won’t stand idle and wait for someone else to do what she can roll her sleeves up and accomplish on her own, thank you and pass the butter beans. I walked to Mitchell’s hardware for a plumbing fitting, sidling past a sow or two I’d rather avoid, and the place fairly shone, an oasis in mayhem. The sidewalk was afire with what must have been a thousand yellow blooms, foretelling the ‘Mum Festival just a week or so away. A pretty lady asked if I needed any help and I thanked her, and restrained myself from blurting, “Yes, ma’am, I do. My heart hurts and I just don’t know what to do. Our town got knocked around pretty good and there’s people who don’t have a roof over their heads, and they aren’t like bears, they can’t just sleep in the shade of the sawtooth and Oh God! Sawtooth is gone too! I need a bear hug and some berries and someone to tell me it’s going to be crackers, we just have to come together and…” That was not long ago, just a short few weeks. Great bear behold, though, the people have been busy. The streets are about cleared, the townsfolk are smiling again, and the heat has started to pack up and head out. You can’t keep a good town down, not with hurricanes or floods or broken hearts. The Bern will stand right up and meet your eye, Florence, just you look and see. The smiles are starting to crease, and the songs are being sung loud and proper. Turns out we didn’t need as much of the fancy government help after all. That’s not to say that things will go back to the way they were before. I’m going to miss the Pub, for sure. Ol’ Mike, he had the thing all figured out on Pollock St. And some of the neighbors ‘round certain places have packed up for an unknown, a procession that is hard to swallow. I’ll miss my cousin’s little house off the Trent, too, washed away as it was. I do feel the turn of Autumn, in breezes through bare branches, and I know the shadow by the way she turns away. It’s almost time for the big sleep, shuttered in and full of berries and beer. I guess I’ll wake from time to time to check on the neighbors, maybe tilt a bottle or two but it just isn’t the same when the days are short. It will be winter before we know it and the walks will be short and full of purpose. I will definitely miss Old Sawtooth when I find myself in search of some shade, or even just an old friend, next year. The days won’t be quite what they were, without his gentle, laconic conversation of rustling leaves, his idle sway, and the comfort of his company. But that’s how we tumble through this world. What we look upon with fondness must someday fade away, making room for the next old friend to be, and through change we find richness. A bear can only hope he can look at the canvas when the painting is done and smile more than he weeps.

- The Baron of Broad Street 21

INSTA/Folks @FOLKSNB

follows

@MS.MCDANIELS_CLASS

Ashley McDaniel is a fifth year art educator at Creekside Elementary in New Bern, NC. She believes in the power of creative instruction and how it can aid in developing many life long skills beyond the classroom. Critical thinking, making informed choices, communication, and empathy are just a few of the skills she hopes to pass along by means of her lessons. She believes creativity is taught when students are given parameters for a lesson and are asked to complete the project with their own decisions and sensibilities. This gives her students the freedom to explore content and media while reaching a visual goal unique to their own voice. Ashley is a fine artist and works in several mediums including pen and ink, scrimshaw, vitreous enamel, oil and acrylic paint, as well as dabbling in some digital imaging. She is local to New Bern, NC having grown up in Riverside neighborhood near downtown.

https:// www.instagram.com/ms.mcdaniels_class/ 22

Amber M. Parker - Literature -

PHOTO + INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED

WHERE DOES YOUR NEW BERN STORY BEGIN? My New Bern story began in 2012 when I moved here for an amazing job opportunity with Craven County Government. I was hired to be the new Human Resources Director on November 21, 2012. Once I knew I was moving to New Bern, I joined a New Bern Meetup group and quickly made friends in the New Bern area even before I moved here.

er the Midnight Snack Sneaker, which is about a hungry little mouse that sneaks out at night when people are sleeping and he sneaks their snacks.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE STRUGGLES? I overcome those struggles because of the help of my boyfriend, John Maier, and my friends. While I was busy working around the clock to provide public information related to Hurricane Florence, they helped me with my personal disaster. John rented a U-Haul and a storage unit for me and he and several friends packed up my belongings that survived the flood and moved them to storage. A week or so after the flood, another group of friends came over to help me clean and save what I could out of my garage and they helped with bringing the remainder of the damaged debris curbside. I am still working to create my new normal here in New Bern but the love and help from John and great friends is what has helped me the most!

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT? My favorite local restaurant is Bayleaf. Chicken Tikka Masala...need I say more?

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GOALS? My current goal is to continue to market my four currently published books while continuing to build upon my list of published titles over time. I spent several years conducting author visits in elementary schools YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY? around North Carolina and I hope to have the time and I work as the Human Resources Director and opportunity to do that again one day. Public Information Officer for Craven County. My biggest contributions to my community was serving as WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO ALL OF THIS IN NEW the Public Information Officer for Craven County during BERN? Hurricane Matthew and also Hurricane Florence. I spent I came to New Bern for a wonderful job opporcountless hours working in the Emergency Operations tunity and brought my creative hobby along with me. Center compositing and distributing press releases and While I have not expanded my creative hobby extensivesocial media posts. I also volunteer every other Sunday ly in New Bern, it is something I hope to do soon. as a shark safety diver at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and I have been volunteering there PERSONAL SLOGAN? for eight years. I also conduct author visits for local "Stories that make your heart smile!" school classes and libraries in North Carolina to share my children's books and love for writing. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CHILL NEW BERN STYLE? YOUR MAJOR STRUGGLES? Choosing just one way to chill New Bern style is My major struggles lately have been related to hard to do. I'd say a great live music performance by Hurricane Florence. I have been very busy working to The BiPolar Express out on the deck at Blackbeard's Triprovide the community with information they need to ple Play is probably my favorite way to chill out in New recover from Hurricane Florence while recovering from Bern but I also love a laid back Fall cookout with friends losing my own home in the flood as well. at Union Point Park.

FAVORITE BAR? My favorite bar is Prohibition. Natasha makes a great margarita. I love the atmosphere of their outdoor bar and dining area. The lights make the ambiance so warm and festive! FAVORITE LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN? The BiPolar Express 80s rock bank is my favorite local band. Josh Overby, Mike Lancaster and Wick Wickline not only look the part of rad 80s rock hair band members, they sound the part too with their awesome fun-filled setlist. I try not to miss one of their gigs if I can help it!

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? I am not actively working on a book at this time but my next project planned is a book titled, Piggy Peek- FAVORITE YEARLY NEW BERN EVENT?

New Bern SantaCon is my favorite yearly event. This event is an unofficial event but a day is selected for everyone to dress up like Santa or another Christmas character while visiting the downtown New Bern bars. There is nothing like looking down the streets of New Bern and seeing a sea of Santas! SantaCon for 2018 will be held on December 15 and I am already planning my costume! FAVORITE NEW BERN LANDMARK? Tryon Palace is my favorite New Bern landmark. I absolutely love the beautiful Tryon Palace gardens.

BEST IMPROVEMENTS? The best improvements in New Bern would have to be the addition of the new bars and restaurants downtown over the past several years, including The City Stage. The City Stage has the most diverse entertainment schedules I've ever seen for one location and I love it! SIGHTS ON THE FUTURE CITY? Right now, I'm hoping to see New Bern build itself back up to not only what it was pre-Hurricane Florence but into something even bigger and better. It is devastating to see my fellow community members and business owners struggle with the losses from Hurricane Florence. It is a very overwhelming time but I am hopeful we can all come back bigger and better than ever. #CravenStrong, #NewBernStrong

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT AMBER & HER LOVELY CHILDREN'S BOOKS, VISIT HER WEBSITE: WWW.AMBERMPARKER.COM

- History -

Beekeeping in NC WORDS / KATIE HOGAN

If you went downtown during Mumfest you may have noticed the Craven-Pamlico Beekeeper’s Association booth at the farmer’s market, complete with meandering honeybees, and perhaps it made you wonder about New Bern’s beekeeping legacy. A little poking around reveals that New Bern is surprisingly entrenched in the world of beekeeping. Bees were introduced to North America by the pilgrims in 1621, according to ship manifests, but didn’t make it to North Carolina until 1670. New Bern being the

capitol at the time, it’s safe to date the first honeybees in New Bern at about 1670 as well. Word-of-mouth says that Native Americans called bees ‘the white man’s flies’ but unfortunately no written record of this could be found. But when people think of bees in New Bern though it’s not the pilgrims that come to mind, but Tryon Palace. We know that Arthur Dobbs, Colonial Governor of North Carolina from 1754 to 1764, was an avid beekeeper and brought in six hives prior to the completion of the Palace— though there is some debate whether he got them from Winston-Salem or Edenton. In fact Dobbs was somewhat of a major contributor to the understanding of bees, as he was the first to recognize that bees pollinate flowers as they go about foraging. He gave a speech on the subject at the Royal Society in London in 1750. The beekeeping legacy of New Bern does extend into the modern day. The Craven-Pamlico Beekeeper’s Association was founded by John Brittle in the 1980s, and there are three master-level beekeepers in Craven County, as well as several journeymen-level beekeepers. The CPBA currently has 90 registered members in both counties, including two of the three beekeepers on the state committee board who live within 8 miles of New Bern. Unfortunately the flooding in the wake of Hurricane Florence did take out several hives downtown. So the next time you see honey at the farmer’s market or in a boutique, ask if it comes from New Bern bees! Not only will you be supporting your neighbors, you’ll be continuing the long legacy of honeybees here in our town.

BERNSIDES Christmas Eve settled over New Bern like the sword of ready in hand, he dashed for the exit. Damocles, an invisible clock ticking away the seconds until it would fall. Walmart was a madhouse, but it always was on Christmas Eve. James dipped and dodged through the “Look lady, let me start again. I don’t know what color crowds, his nimble body stopping only for second begreen it is. It’s green. Dark green. Look at the picture. fore bolting down another aisle. He dove into Toys with Do you want the green one?” James pressed his fingers a battle cry, drawing upon his extensive mosh pit expeinto his temples, speaking through his headset. He rience, he flung out his arms and danced his way forfound himself in an unusual position; he actually want- ward, snatching a Transformer toy from the shelf. ed to keep his job. At least for another month. “Because He then ran. Literally, he ran, like a frightened deer, as I’m a dude! I don’t know the difference in periwinkle and the angry mob of mothers glared in his direction. To salmon and those other made up colors!” He listened housewares, to sporting goods, to the wrapping paper again. “No ma’am, I’m not trying to imply that men section, arts and crafts, and finally, to check out. Next, can’t know more than the primary colors.” Again. “Yes, I James braved the streets and dashed from shop to shop, know what primary colors are.” And again. “What? No hoping for anything to be open. He ran toward the Black I’m not homophobic, what the- hrm. I’m sorry ma’am. Cat, checking his watch and breathing a prayer to the I should learn to better describe our products.” James’ universe. manager, a curmudgeonly fellow with a firm, round belly and a forehead that seemed to sweat in any climate, Lindsay stood in their living room, frowning at the tree. stood in the doorway to his office, headset on. James “What’s up babe?” Asked Matt, who was clumsily tyknew which call he was listening to, and summoned ev- ing yarn around a brown paper package. “It’s crookery scrap of patience he could muster. “Yes ma’am, you ed.” She responded, poking at a branch. The tree shed can return it if doesn’t match the couch.” In his mind, another pine needle, as if to express its lack of desire to James was already spending his paycheck. cooperate. “Well, what do you always say about letting things be what they are, maybe the tree thinks you’re Florence had hit New Bern with the full force of hurricane crooked. Maybe it’s trying to be straight, or maybe it just season behind it, leaving many at severe loss. Tiffany doesn’t want to be!” She turned to stare at him. “How lost her apartment, and most of what she owned. She much eggnog have you had?” “You’re driving.” He rewas living with Sam for now, and James knew she hated plied. “Mow.” Said the cat. being dependent. Matt, Lindsay and Sam had lost over a month’s wages, which no one wanted to mention, but Tonight was the group Christmas get-together. Sam they all knew was a major cause of stress. Matt was laid was cooking a feast, while Ahmad sat in the rocker, off during repairs, which were projected to takes months scribbling at something. Tiffany stood at the bathroom yet. Meanwhile, the call center received no damage, mirror, wiping her eyes. She looked at her bag of gifts, so James found himself working as many hours as he handmade bracelets with pretty glass beads, each percould stand. He knew the check would be worth it. It sonalized for the recipient. It was a nice gift, and well-inwas Christmas eve, and he was dedicated to making it tended, and she knew they would be appreciated. It a good time. 2:00 PM came begrudgingly, and James just wasn’t what she wanted to give. Life without means flew from his desk, forgetting to clock out. Paycheck al- had hurt Tiffany. She was thankful for what she had, but

BY MELISSA BLACK

felt stripped of all the work she’d done. So many years struggling to stand up, to be someone confident and strong, it seemed so far away now. It was crippling. She thought of Ahmad, another wave of tears came. ‘After everything, you still have so much. Be happy, damn you.’ She thought, then breathed deeply to compose herself, and exited the restroom. James arrived shortly after Matt and Lindsay, his arms full of packages, and everyone put their gifts beneath the tree. “Everyone,” Ahmad began, rising slowly to his feet. “ I’d like to say that I’m so thankful we can all be here, together. This world’s a damned crazy place, and I’m proud to know every one of you. Out little family here means the world to me. Y’all just remember that. Now anyway, let’s get to getting presents opened!” He raised his coffee cup of unknown contents before taking a long pull. Tiffany went first, handing out her paper-wrapped bracelets, which the group “ooh’ed and ah’ed”. “Oh Tiffany it’s beautiful!” Sam said, with tears in her eyes. “You used my favorite colors! Thank you!”

thank you!” She exclaimed, her smile wider than ever. To Matt, Lindsay gave a framed photo of the group, taken on Ahmad’s boat, and a book by his favorite author. To James she gave a new bathrobe. “Because you will never spend your own money to replace that thing, and I think it’s growing penicillin.” They all laughed and he thanked her. James’ ratty, moth-eaten bathrobe had been the topic of discussion on more than one occasion when someone got a look at more than they wanted to see due to an ill-placed hole in the fabric. The revelry continued and Lindsay delivered a new makeup palette and a big hug to Tiffany. To Ahmad she gave a small porcelain bird. “ I don’t know why, but every time I look at this bird, I think of you.” She said. “I don’t even know where you’d put it, but it just brightens my day, and I want it to brighten yours, because that’s what you do for everybody around you.” He face flushed and she busied herself with her shoelace. “That’s beautiful, Linds, thanks.” He said with a warm smile.

Sam passed out scarves and blankets that she’d knitted for them all with colors that matched their beaded bracelets, and James handed out his gifts, which were, as usual, toys. Ahmad gifted everyone a bottle of homemade wine, and stood. “I have a poem that I wrote. Next was Matt, who gifted vinyl records. Bob Dylan, for Want to read it to you.” Ahmad was at the point of ineAhmad, the Beatles, for Sam, and Rancid, for James. briation in which he skipped words that he deemed unLindsay realized these were from his own collection. To necessary. He wavered in place for a moment before her, he gave a package of mixed seeds, a selection of placing a steadying hand on the mantle, cleared his indoor planters, and a bag of potting soil. “You said throat and began. you wanted more plants in the house.” He looked at his feet. “I thought this would say that I wanted us to grow “You know I’m no good with words together.” Lindsay’s face turned bright, even her ears But you’re my favorite turds were aflame. “Thank you, thank you so much, that’s the So I have to express sweetest thing...” She managed, clearly overcome and Though with deep regret unsure of what to say. James’s shoulders shook in silent That I have a lump on my nerds” laughter. Tiffany threw a pillow at him. To Tiffany, Matt gave a portable record player, and a bag labeled as “Not like this, oh my god...” Said Sam, with a hand over “Mystery bag”. “The record player is used, and it’s not as her open mouth. good as your old one, but I tested it, and it works great. And when I went to Raleigh the other day, they were do- “Did you just...” Said James. ing this thing at Schoolkids, where you buy a bag of 5 records for like, cheap, but you don’t know what they are. Tiffany stared wordlessly, and Lindsay’s eyes filled with So, I hope there’s something good in there. The guy said tears. “Nope, nope, none of that.” Ahmad told her. every bag had at least one really good find. It’s a start.” She fought back tears and squeezed him into a hug. “With a limerick?” James asked, still dumbfounded. “Thanks, dude. You didn’t have to, but for real, thanks.” “It’s pretty far along, and we’re talking about treatments. Lindsay gave Sam a painting from her bedroom wall, Hopefully, I’ve got a few years left in me. Now then, I told the one that Sam had always admired. “Oh honey, everybody, and we can get on with Christmas. I don’t 30

want no special treatment, just had to tell you.” Ahmad explained, moving back to his seat. “This is not up for discussion, it’s a statement.” No one questioned him further. He knew they would all come around eventually to ask, and he would answer their questions, but now wasn’t the time. He just wanted it done so things could go back to normal. “With a limerick?!” Said James. “I thought it was funny.” Ahmad said with a grin. “Ahem, well. There seem to be more presents under that tree, who forgot to pass out gifts?” Sam tried. Matt took her cue and moved to check. “Looks like we all did, there’s something here for everyone but James, from... everyone but James.” He looked up at his friend, who sat innocently on the couch. “Weird.” Said James, checking his fingernails. “Better pass ‘em out, y’all must’ve forgot.” Gifts were opened and gratitudes exchanged with whoever was listed as “From”, but everyone knew the truth. James spent his entire paycheck buying them the gifts they couldn’t afford to give, and he had labeled them all accordingly. From Matt, Lindsay received a dainty silver necklace. From Tiffany, a beautiful stained glass lamp for Sam. The list continued, and everyone’s eyes lit with joy when another mysterious gift was exchanged. As they all laughed and talked, James slipped out for a cigarette. He ducked down into his collar to ward off the chill, and Ahmad stepped out beside him. They stood silently in the porch for a moment, and Ahmad stretched out his right hand. James shook it, and Ahmad nodded. “Good man.” He said gruffly, a catch in his throat. “You too.” Replied James, his own voice tightening with emotion. Ahmad nodded again and went back inside. Alone on the porch, James looked up to the stars and smiled. “Merry Christmas, everyone.”

- Food Truck-

3 KINGS

PHOTOS + INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED

Our story began when a friend offered to let me use a concession trailer which planted the seed. It was a two year process but the food truck is the final result. 3 Kings is a Christian, Veteran owned business dedicated to serving home cooked food at a fair price. 3kingsft.com 3kingsft@gmail.com 32

- Food -

CHEF SMOKE - THE FLAME INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED Chef Smoke may not be a man of many words, but his dedication to his hometown here in New Bern is profound. The multitude of social media posts during hurricane Florence show Smoke boots on the ground, serving delicious free food to a community struggling. Folks Journal is honored to catch up with the man behind the grill, and recieve a few amazing bear hugs from one of New Bern's favorite chefs.

WHERE DOES YOUR NEW BERN STORY BEGIN? Chef Smoke was born and raised in New Bern.

FAVORITE YEARLY NEW BERN EVENT? Taste of Coastal Carolina

2. YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY? Endless!! Chef Smoke is on the chamber board, TDA board, donates all left over food from the flame to RCS, uptown business professional, Neuse River Foundation.

FAVORITE NEW BERN LANDMARK? Neuse River

3. YOUR MAJOR STRUGGLES Transitioning from The Flame restaurant to building and opening a 10,000 Sq ft banquet hall. 4. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE STRUGGLES? Overcame this struggle by lots of dedication and long hours. Having a very strong work ethic and passion for food and beverage and the hospitality industry helped me get through those tough times. 5. WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? Dabbling in real estate! 6. WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GOALS? Continue to make a positive economical impact on this community. 7. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO ALL OF THIS IN NEW BERN? New Bern is my home and will always be my home. I could not imagine starting my business and being a part of any other community. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CHILL NEW BERN STYLE? Fishing! FAVORITE LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN? Local Jazz 34

BEST IMPROVEMENTS? Best improvement has been downtown New Bern. The downtown area has grown with new restaurants and attractions creating more tourist and a sense of community. SIGHTS ON THE FUTURE CITY? The ability to be able to host more conferences and conventions allowing people from out of town to see what New Bern has to offer.

- Drink -

PHOTOS

BRUTOPIA

/ MEG UNFILTERED

ILLUSTRATION / SAMRAE DUKE

VISIT BRUTOPIA AT 1201 US-70, NEW BERN, NC 28560

Aquarian Corner

WELLNESS WISDOM FOR A NEW AGE

It's the time of year for celebrations, relations, spirits, and connections (new & familiar). It's the time of year where our bodies & minds yearn to snuggle-in, find comfort in the arms of another, gather warmth from a fire to soothe our souls, and to reflect on a year's worth of achievements, losses, struggles, battles, and victories. There is no doubt in my mind that we, as a collective whole here in ENC, embody the essence of true warrior spirits – a group of roughnecks, salt-of-the-earth, real individuals who care about their communities in ways that demonstrate a true grit and appreciation for life. This demonstration of grit shone bright during the days during and after Hurricane Florence. As she swept over our lands, she not only drove pilings from their anchors in the sand and forced thousands from their homes, she also uncovered Us – forcefully washing away at our buried scars, scrubbing at our collective feelings of struggle, tearing open past wounds, inner battles, and feelings of inadequacy. She forced us to work beyond our own egos. Florence flooded us with much more than water – she flooded us with an awareness of our longing to belong. Sometimes it takes catastrophic events like Hurricane Florence for us to realize we are playing the game of life together – jokes on us, right? Florence, as she forced us out of our egos, has shown us that it is 110% okay to share the flood of emotions we all are undoubtedly still wading through after deluge. And yet, what a bad-ass place we live! Look around at all the wonderful, loving, and caring people abound! Have we begun to break free of the Piscean grip of relating to one another through egoic manifestations of non-reality? Did Florence bring an Aquarian flood of love? Just look around… Months later, there are still countless shoulders to lean on, friends there to lend ears, free meals to be had, constant communication about recovery efforts, and genuine connections (people reaching out) to belong and inviting others to belong as well.

make decisions about life and create relations with others based more on energetic connections & feelings. We will not base relationships on the thought principle of "what can you give me?", but rather "what can we experience together?". Relationships of all forms will take on this principle of selfless service. But don't be fooled. The Piscean Age, its values, achievements, and champions will not go gently into a different future. The collective ego of the Piscean world has been manifesting its will without limit and creating an unsustainable reality for a long time. It seems likely that the karma of these excesses will be the crucible for transformation, but Pisceans will not volunteer for the trip. Indeed, in the sunset years of the Piscean Age, we will surely witness every form of denial, destructive resistance, and actions that actually make things worse for everyone. While many Western minds are still in service of the ego rather than the soul, business as usual will continue to take the whole world towards breakdown. Those who have a rose-tinted view of a future in which we all vibrate at the frequency of grace and beauty will be shocked to see what ugliness arises in the next few years. (Singh, 2018) Now, I'm not a doomsday conspiracy theorist. Indeed, at times I do wear rose colored glasses. I also believe humans are inherently honorable vs. ignominious. Regardless, opinions fly around in the fall air like leaves being blown from trees. Some of you will read this and tune-in to the ethereal changes in the air, while some of you will read this and tune into the evening news. And you know what's great? Neither one of these responses to our emotional flood is "right" or "wrong". Nothing is ever that black or white. As we all try to navigate this flux in the collective human consciousness one thing I see as inherently beneficial for all of us to be aware of is the evolving energetic changes going on within our Self. After all, how can we belong in a state of Seva to others if we don't truly know ourselves?

This is a key Aquarian principle called Seva: This is a simple reminder. A call to selfless acselfless service. As we enter the Aquarian Age, humans tion. A written manifestation of thought that we are all will evolve into intuitive sensory beings; individuals who in this crazy game of life together - that we share the 38

F LOOD : LONGING TO B ELO N G BY J E N N I F E R P R E M A R J A N

flood, the ebb, and flow of emotions, high tides, and low tides of life experiences as a collective whole. It's through this reminder that I'm extremely humbled & excited to announce we'll be unveiling a new publication coming Spring 2019 named FLOOD: A Modern Almanac. FLOOD will bring you content based on modern Aquarian teachings, perspectives from the lives of readers, celestial calendars, articles on mind/body/spirit, nature articles (husbandry, fishing, hunting, hiking, foraging, gardening), modern apothecary recipes, health/wellness, food, brew, and a whole host of amazing directories and esoteric almanac related content. As we embark on this new almanac journey, all of us at Folks thank you humbly and sincerely for your support and awesome human connection given to us during the last year. Flo's flood certainly induced a creative itch inside our creative community and we're going for it - taking the proverbial "Bull by the horns". We're psyched to bring some amazing content to you in the next year via FLOOD: A Modern Almanac. If you want to learn more, inquire on how to become a patron of

services in our FLOOD Almanac directory, or just want to support your community in a different way, check out the FLOOD website: https://www.floodalmanac.com/ You can also email myself (Jen Prem Arjan: jen@floodalmanac.com) or Leigh-Ann (la@floodalmanac.com). Trust that we'll be happy to talk to you about all the amazing things in the works! Sometimes each person's load can only be taken collectively. Collectively we can pull the weight. We have a collective strength in us, hand in hand, in friendship, in the love, and in the affection. Do not keep things to yourself and say, ‘I cannot.' There is nothing you cannot do. – Yogi Bhajan

Works Cited Singh, D. (2018). Making Sense in an Age of Change. Retrieved from 3HO: Happy, Healthy, Holy Organization: https://www.3ho.org/3ho-lifestyle/aquarian-age/making-sense-age-change

Works Cited Singh, D. (2018). Making Sense in an Age of Change. Retrieved from 3HO: Happy, Healthy, Holy Organization: 39

Critters at Bank of the Arts BY J O N AT H A N B U R G E R This holiday season the Bank of the Arts will “Critters,” an exhibition of artwork featuring all creatures that fly, wiggles, walk, or slither, in the Main Gallery for November and December. The exhibition showcases the local talent of eastern North Carolina and provides the community an opportunity to view artworks on a relatable scale through the subject matter of their favorite animals. Executed in a variety of mediums and styles, works include painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, felting, and wood craft. Featured artists include Eileen Wroe, Evie Change, Michael Doresy, David Starbuck, Laura Gammons, Lee Errico, Donna Hodgins, Hutch Travers, and many more. All works will be for sale, and special holiday items will be featured in the Sales Gallery, alongside an exhibition of East Carolina’s Printmaking Guild in the Director’s Gallery. As always Craven Arts offers free gift wrapping of any purchases from Bank of the Arts. The Craven Arts Council will also host a variety of holiday crafts, musical performances, and movies throughout the season. All activities are free and open to the public, with no tickets required. Check the schedule below and see your favorite local musicians perform surrounded by beautiful works featuring animals, or bring the children by to created their own unique holiday crafts.

ABOVE - "IRISH DOG" BY KATIE SABA "FROM A DISTANCE" BY LISA BOHNWAGNER > RIGHT PAGE - "BAD ROOSTER" BY HUTCH TRAVER 40

Holiday Schedule December 1: 11am -12pm , 2pm-3pm: Dancing Elves 3pm-4pm: Craven Ukes December 8: 11am -12pm , 2pm-3pm: Popsickle Snowflake Ornament 11am -12pm , 2pm-3pm: Middle St Band December 14 (Artwalk) 6:30pm-7:30pm: Dayton Vespers December 15: 11am -12pm , 2pm-3pm: Painted Holiday Rocks 3pm-4pm: Darryl Fisher, Flutist December 21: 5pm-7pm: Classic Christmas Cartoons December 22: 11am -12pm , 2pm-3pm: Painted Clay Ornaments 3pm-4pm: Hans O’Shurak

ABOVE - "WHAT'S THAT, PUNGO TREE" BY DAVID STARBUCK < "BANANAS" BY DAVID STARBUCK RIGHT ABOVE > "MONARCHS' MIGRATION" EVIE CHANG HENDERSON RIGHT BELOW > "THINKING OF SOLITUDE" BY RACHEL KOSAB

- Nonprofit -

An Interview with Antoinette Boskey PHOTOS + INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED

WHERE DOES YOUR NEW BERN STORY BEGIN? My New Bern story begins on October 7, 1984 at what was then known as Craven Regional Hospital. This is home for me. Both my mother and father’s families live here and throughout Craven County. YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY? I am the Guardian ad Litem Supervisor in Craven County. I also serve as the Secretary for the Coastal Women’s Shelter Board, am a member of the local NAACP and have volunteered with organizations such as Wash Away Unemployment and the Boys and Girls Club. Additionally, I am a co-founder of Young Urban Professionals ENC and serve as the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors. Since the destruction of Hurricane Florence I have actively assisted in relief efforts to clean out homes, co-hosted a “Stuff the Bookbag” drive, fed people in need and volunteered at The Jasper G Hayes Omega Center. I enjoy helping others and our community in any capacity, no matter how large or small. YOUR MAJOR STRUGGLES One of my biggest struggles is seeing someone who needs help and not being able to assist them. I have a compassionate heart and want to do everything I can to help everyone. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day for me to help everyone in need and it can really bother me. On a more personal note, I am honored to be the mother to an amazing 11-yearold daughter. She has special needs and sometimes it is tough to navigate some of her struggles and how I can best help her succeed. She is so determined and a wonderful young woman. I am truly honored to be her mother and watch her grow during this journey. HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE STRUGGLES? I have overcome those struggles through soul searching and praying. I had to realize that I am only one person of many who is trying to help those in need. Sometimes God uses one person to plant the seed and brings along others who help that seed grow. I also had to learn that God has given us all certain skills and abilities. When we work together to utilize those skills, we can all accomplish great things for those in need. As a mom, 44

I had to learn that my daughter has a story for a reason and there are so many people who have already been blessed by her story. God knew that I was the perfect person to help guide her and I am grateful he blessed me to have her in my life. Sometimes as parents we feel that we fall short and question our ability to give our children what we think they need. We have to recognize that self-evaluation is the first way to know that we are good parents who are invested in our children’s future. I learned that my daughter’s struggles don’t just make her stronger, but they make me stronger. They make me advocate harder and those struggles have actually helped me gain many of the skills I utilize now to help others. I call her “my miracle baby”. My journey with my daughter has shaped me into the woman I am today. WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? Currently I am focusing on growing Young Urban Professionals ENC. Our focus is on economic development but specifically, in the coming year, we will work on educational programs to help people prepare for disasters and unexpected hardships through physical and financial means. I am also working on my business plan to start a consulting firm. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO ALL OF THIS IN NEW BERN? New Bern is home to me and it always has been. When I was younger I said I would never come back to New Bern. As I have grown older I have realized the beauty and potential of New Bern and how important home is to me. MISSION STATEMENT My motto in life is “do no harm”. If I can’t help someone I would rather step away. With a motto such as “do no harm” I truly strive to be a light for someone and improve my community in whatever way possible. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CHILL NEW BERN STYLE? Honestly, I don’t get much time to chill but when I do, I love being by the water. Whether it is at Union Point or sitting on my balcony, the Neuse River has always had

a calming effect when hearing the sound of the water moving. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT? I just love The Chelsea! Their shrimp and grits are amazing! Still, nothing is like Billy’s Ham and Eggs. They used to be where Country Biscuit is now. If it was still around, it would definitely be my favorite. FAVORITE BAR? I’d have to say that my favorite bar is the Harvey Mansion. I love music but especially live music. The set up outside is amazing when it’s not too cold. FAVORITE LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN? Joe Brown & The Band. I have known Joe since I was 3 years old, and he is a great childhood friend of mine. He and his brothers have always had the most beautiful voices and have exquisite talent when it comes to music. I am a die-hard Joe Brown fan. FAVORITE YEARLY NEW BERN EVENT? I like the Black History Month parade. I never had a favorite New Bern event until then. I grew up here and unfortunately, although New Bern is rich in African American history, in my humble opinion, it is not highlighted as much as other history. Even growing up here I never knew how much African Americans influenced New Bern’s history until I got older. I love that this parade is utilized to speak about black history and teach more about where I come from through the eyes of my ancestors.

The best improvement to New Bern for me was the bridge. I know that seems small or petty but I hate bridges, especially draw bridges!! However, having the bypass decreases the time I would have sat on the draw bridge and the draw bridge now looks sturdier than it ever has. SIGHTS ON THE FUTURE CITY? Growing up in New Bern I know many feel we do very well when it comes to how our majority and minority populations interact with each other. However, I have always noticed the great divide. That great divide is between the minority and the majority. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are some great people in New Bern. However, economic development, growth, and expansion are not displayed or dispersed equally here. To me it is evident just by how certain historical areas are maintained, while places like Duffyfield just deteriorate. Many don’t know that Duffyfield is full of history. You can also tell it by looking at how Bern St., Queen St. and West St. are maintained. There is so much minority history on just those three streets yet nothing to mark that history. Those are just small ways that the divide is evident. So for the future of the city, I would love to see more equality, more understanding of the struggles of those who are different from us, more acknowledgement of the great contributions of all…Black, White, Burmese...ALL. I want to see us as more than just a tourist attraction but as a place with the richest of all NC history. A place of opportunity for all, as it was seen when New Bern was the capital of North Carolina.

FAVORITE NEW BERN LANDMARK? My favorite New Bern landmark is not labeled named but I grew up passing it daily. There is this old house in a field off of Washington Post Road where the light is to turn to go to Spring Garden. I actually grew up in Spring Garden. That house amazes me because for 34 years I have passed by that house and it is still standing…..hasn’t appeared to change one bit. It doesn’t matter how many hurricanes and storms we have had, that house is still there. I have always wondered the history behind it. I want to be like that house, pushed by the wind, downtrodden by the rain and still standing strong, still the original, unadulterated me. It may not be the most beautiful landmark in New Bern but I know it is the strongest with no modifications or repairs. BEST IMPROVEMENTS? 45

- Photography -

Erin Smith "Moments"

A Memory

by Tom McCabe, Coatal Photo Club Member

You hurt. Oh, God, how you hurt. Bent to shorten your stature when you walk; lying still, living only pain when you don't walk. Your body paid a terrible price for living when you did. Earlier you'd have died younger, quicker. Later, you might not have died for a long time. I try to think of you as you were when you were young. You seemed so large, so strong, so safe as you buttoned me up for the cold walk to school. But I can only see you so shrunken with grief and pain and you are infinitely smaller and harder to touch. I remember racing the storms. I'd rush to the corner as the sky would blacken and the breeze would thicken, clouds tumbling and roiling, the wind quietly tapping and then suddenly and noisily awakening the sleeping trees. And I would race the clouds and feel the total joy of youth. My heart would beat the storm to the corner. Belmont Avenue seemed so very far away. Your voice above the wind, I would hear you calling to me: "Tommy, TOMMY!" At the corner where I could no longer hear you I would watch the cars and trolley buses and taunt the first drops of rain. And when they would come I would charge home as fast as I could, mocking the storm, daring the low clouds to make me wet, to drench me, and exhilarated by the fact they could not. As I ran down the street, my hair flying and my glasses slipping down my nose, I would see you, half out the door, anxiously watching me, anger in your voice as you called me again. I'd dart into the house as the rain got heavier and began to form puddles in the cinder street. Safe again. You'd ask me if I heard you calling me. I'd say sure but I didn't know what you wanted and the wind came and then I didn't hear you any more. You would just shake your head and walk back to the kitchen. I'd go out to the family room and take out a coloring book. Sitting near the window I'd watch the rain drip from the awning. My mind would play across the drops as I absently colored an elephant. I remember that elephant. He was racing too, across the African savannah, his trunk held high, trumpeting defiance to the world. I liked elephants. You would be working in the kitchen, clanging pots and running water, hisses of gas burners being turned on and the electric hum of the refrigerator, the slam of metal cabinet doors, the crackling of paper and foil all combining to make the peaceful noises of safety as I watched the storm's darkness soften and become the last moments of daylight. You would walk into the family room and your voice would tell me it was too dark to color as you switched on the light, filling the room with your love. A click and a hum told me you had turned on the television and that it was almost time for Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. "Oh, the days of the Kerry dancing! Oh, the ring of the pipers tune! Oh, for one of those hours of gladness, Gone, alas, like our youth too soon." Trips to the beach on hot summer mornings; the excitement of packing the old Buick for the always too long trip to Fox River Grove. You would always wear a blue bathing suit and never swam. You would only wade out to watch as we played and dove and jumped and splashed. Hot dogs and hamburgers on a grill, cold pop from a cooler, burying each other in the sand. Each day at the beach was filled to completeness with carefree joy, which has never been replaced as youth faded. There was always a carnival there in those early years. It had a swing that didn't swing but spun in a circle around a center pedestal, forcing the swing farther and farther out into space. My young hero-filled mind would make me a paratrooper jumping into France until the swing slowed down and you came into focus again, bringing me back to the hunger I felt as Dad would light the grill. We were always sorely disappointed as the light began to fade and a late afternoon storm rolled in. We would pack the car for the even longer drive home, so tired we would be asleep before we hit the highway. It seemed as though it was always raining for the drive home. 48

"Oh, to think of it, Oh, to dream of it, Fills my heart with tears." The look of subdued horror masked calm as I told you, years later, that I had joined the Marines. The parties of farewell, the jokes of elders who had been; all were part of missing you. And your love for me overcame your greatest fear and you flew to California to watch your first born march in perfect step and become a man. All the following years you kept all my letters in a shoebox that was yours in a dresser that was yours in a room that was yours in a house that was yours. I have them now. And when I read them I think of you and how very much I missed you then. "When the boys began to gather, In the glen of a summer night, And the Kerry pipers tuning Made us long with wild delight." And now, as you lay in these last moments of life, I remember. I am lost, for I know a moment will come from which there is no return. The end approaches like shards of glass moving in slow motion from a window broken in silence. It comes unheard and suddenly is no longer coming but is here. And when the little one, your first grandchild, and I sit alone tonight in the silence of a home you once shared, I will think of you. And as I look at her playing on the floor, I will know that you are here somewhere, still calling me in the wind and watching anxiously as I tempt the storms. And you too, I think, will remember those days. For my mother, 1981

- Art Part 2-

NEIL VENDRICK INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CHILL NEW BERN WHERE DOES YOUR NEW BERN STORY BEGIN? I moved to the area when I was six years old. It was a STYLE? long, long time ago, back before the turn of the century. With an ice-cold Pepsi, of course. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT? YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY? A lot of pizza. Some paintings. Occasionally some bad Mario's Pizza. guitar playing. FAVORITE BAR? YOUR MAJOR STRUGGLES Brown Pelican. Nothing compared with what some people have been .FAVORITE LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN? going through with Florence. Really devastating. Hot Buttered Grits HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE STRUGGLES? Everyday is a new day, a new beginning. FAVORITE YEARLY NEW BERN EVENT? Ghost walk. WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? Painting everyday. FAVORITE NEW BERN LANDMARK? The Croatan. WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GOALS? I just keep working, my stuff goes through so many BEST IMPROVEMENTS? changes that my plans are usually foiled! Hobby Lobby. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO ALL OF THIS IN NEW BERN? My family is here, my friends are here, it's home.

SIGHTS ON THE FUTURE CITY? We'll make it even better than before.

Follow Neil on Instagram at @neilvendrick PERSONAL MISSION STATEMENT Make something new.

- Style -

Dirty Barn Vintage PHOTOS + INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED

Dirty Barn Vintage is downtown New Bern's newest antiques and collectables store, but don't let that description fool you, this place is not your grandma's antique shop. Inspiration abounds in the unique items and clothing they find all over the country. Owner Richard Ball gives up the down and "dirty" for Folks Journal. Welcome to the neighborhood! WHERE DOES YOUR NEW BERN STORY BEGIN? I came to North Carolina in 2014 with the U.S. Coast Guard. I was stationed in Hobucken, NC out in Pamlico county. Given that there wasn’t much going on out there I decided to live in the closest city which ended up being little old Bear Town.

BERN? New Bern has a wonderful group of locals and young passionate millennials. There has a been an overwhelming influx of people moving to the area and we felt our store would be a perfect fit for the ever-growing city.

YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY? Since moving here my initial contributions were public service with law enforcement. After leaving the U.S. Coast Guard and building this business we have since helped with local volunteer work.

MISSION STATEMENT: Explore. Discover. Preserve.

HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THOSE STRUGGLES? We had a vision to merge both concepts into an open space shopping experience. We meshed traditional with modern and carefully curated each piece. We want a non-overwhelming shopping experience where customers can actually take their time and not feel rushed or overwhelmed while scouring for vintage goods.

FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT? Caution Food Truck puts out some quality burgers. Carolina Bagel for breakfast. Chelsea for dinner.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CHILL NEW BERN STYLE? Honestly, we are boring when we aren’t travelYOUR MAJOR STRUGGLES? ing. Given this situation we like to take the time at home The biggest struggle our business has had is to relax with our fur children and just walk around the bringing a more modern style of antiquing to a very tra- town. Preferably during the fall. Summer can be too hot ditional antique market. sometimes.

FAVORITE BAR? Prohibition. FAVORITE LOCAL BAND/MUSICIAN? Caffeinated Soul Boogie.

WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? Currently we are working on a travel blog and FAVORITE YEARLY NEW BERN EVENT? Mum Fest. potential video blog of our travels and how we acquire our items. We want the everyday person to be inspired FAVORITE NEW BERN LANDMARK? to follow their dreams. I really love the Outback Steakhouse sign coming over the bridge. Makes me feel right at home. In all seriWHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GOALS? Scaling our business to reach a broader range ousness, I enjoy the view of city hall as you come across of younger people and building a nationwide presence. the Neuse. Kristen loves the individual bears throughout and their fun character. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO ALL OF THIS IN NEW 55

- Local Folks -

author Ken Capps PHOTO + INTERVIEW / MEG UNFILTERED WHERE DOES YOUR NEW BERN STORY BEGIN? It actually began twice. When I moved here via the Marine Corps in 1991 I bought my first house in Havelock. It is there that I started my first business and in 93 that business grew exponentially and I needed to have more property to work off of. That is what led me to wehoe rd. Just outside of New Bern. It didn't take me long to discover how wonderful the city of New Bern was. WHAT ARE YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY? Well, I faithfully pay my taxes and I have managed to purchase, live in, and sell four different houses. The latest was my historic house on Hancock Street. I have been a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a Rotarian, and business owner for the last almost 30 years. Damn that makes me sound old but that's okay because I am. WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT PROJECTS? I am reinventing myself just a little bit. I am turning the byproducts of my business, wood, and to furniture. WHAT ARE YOUR CURRENT GOALS? That's a simple question. My goal is to stay out of my own damn way and not create problems for myself. I'm almost 60 now and I faithfully and diligently dispose of all the things that I either trip over don't use anymore or can't find space to put it. Oh yes and that applies to people too. I have found that cluttering up my house with stuff and life with negative people is not good for me. That's just my opinion of course. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO DO ALL OF THIS IN NEW BERN? I spent 13 years bouncing around from place to place living out of a sea bag and a footlocker while I was in the Marine Corps. I grew up in a picturesque little community in Texas where water and vast open grounds loaded with lush trees and pasture were abundant. Then came California, oh my God enough said. After I was transferred to the East Coast via Uncle Sam I discovered North Carolina more importantly New Bern.

I was in heaven and did not plan on leaving ever again. Water water everywhere and all I want to drink. I can fish all I want and that my dear is heaven. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO CHILL NEW BERN STYLE? It doesn't matter the time of year hot or cold breezy or calm I love to be in downtown New Bern when it is still and quiet early in the morning. I have all the shortcuts through various pieces and sections of town. I take my time walking quietly in the serenity of the stillness. I always notice little things and jam my pockets full of treasure. A penny, doesn't matter if it's heads up our ass up I pick it up. It's not just a penny gained it's a treasure. Painted rocks, I have found dozens and dozens of them. My reward for being first on the street. Conversations and backgammon with friends who will be there for the rest of my life in the wee hours on middle Street. A sticky cinnamon bun from my favorite bakery a guilty pleasure I feel no guilt for at all. The gentle rising of the sun across our beloved waters always draped in some incredible display of color and shine. It doesn't matter if the water is white with angry slapping waves are flat as reflective glass it is all part of my morning walk, my selfish indulgence of this wonderful place. FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT? MJ's of course. Oh yes I eat everywhere and enjoy every single restaurant in this town. 247 with my sweetie, the Chelsea is always my best standby in my sweetie's favorite as well, Baker's kitchen for breakfast of course and burgers with the best beer in town at beer Army. FAVORITE BAR? Hands down 99! I always go there to see what new concoction Pete has cooked up and I have never been disappointed. That is always my first stop when cruising the town at night. I never stay long in one place just enough to shake a few hands throw one back and quickly exit to the next. Thirsty Bruin is the place for meeting your friends, for me that is. And BTM for a late night B-52 before walking home, and yes you gotta walk home after making the trip through the entire place.

FAVORITE LOCAL BAND AND MUSICIANS? All of them! I have to mention Buck and Bruce first of all they are definitely my favorites. But this town gets so much talent crammed in the little spaces. Walking through town in the fall evenings the music coming out of each of the little bars and taverns is intoxicating and inviting. FAVORITE YEARLY NEW BERN EVENT? The car shows and street exhibits. Their casual and inviting. The slow pace of people meandering around leaning over the hoods and fenders of their dreams is calming to me and I love to see the faces of those who see something that they used to have, wanted to have, or marveled at all their lives. I'm not big on hustle and bustle that's one of the reasons I don't hang around in bars that long. The crowding and crunching of shoulders and people speaking inaudibly makes me want to find serenity as quickly as possible. FAVORITE NEW BERN LANDMARK. The Canon turned upside down in the center of

town. There's a little dot more like a depression on top of that Canon and from that depression they used to measure off the property markers. Stop by and read about that Canon there's an enormous wealth of history that it's buried in. BEST IMPROVEMENTS? The sidewalks without a doubt. There is so much coming in so much being done that's making our little town attractive to so many people. But the first step was making sure that where they stepped was as artful as the town itself. SITES ON THE FUTURE CITY? The future of our city is in the hands of the young. The old, sorry to use that word so abruptly, are pretty much in charge but it is the young that will be here a hell of a lot longer than they. There is no doubt that New Bern will grow there is no doubt that New Bern will change, but New Bern needs to listen to the voice of the young because it is they that will become the old. 59

Hungry?

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POT ROAST BY CHEF SMOKE INGREDIENTS:

PREPARE:

¼ cup pure olive oil 3 onions, sliced One 3 to 4 pound top or bottom round beef roast Flour for dredging 8 slender carrots, or fatter ones cut in half or quartered 3 ribs celery, cut in half 2 ½ cups beef broth 1 ½ cups hearty red wine 5 or 6 sprigs fresh thyme 1 rounded teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Salt to taste 2 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temp 2 rounded tablespoons flour

In large heavy flameproof casserole, preferably cast iron, over medium heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the onions until golden. Thoroughly dredge the beef in the flour, covering all the surfaces. Add to the pan and brown on all sides. The flour may cause the onions to burn slightly. This is good and will add lots of flavor. Add the carrots, celery, beef broth, wine, thyme, black pepper, and salt to taste. Reduce heat, partially cover, and barely simmer for 3 to 3 & 1/2 hours, turning the beef occasionally. Remove the carrots and celery when they are cooked and reserve. When the beef is falling apart tende, remove it from the broth. Remove the thyme sprigs. Knead the butter and two tablespoons flour together until thoroughly combined. Add the mixture to the broth and stir with a wooden spoon until you have a sauce the consistency of buttermilk. Remove from the heat. To serve, slice the beef and arrange on a platter. Cover with some of the sauce. Put the remaining sauce in a bowl or gravy boat. Arrange the carrots and celery attractively on the beef platter. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs if you like. Serve immediately.

Thirsty?

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MULLED WINE BY MEG UNFILTERED INGREDIENTS: 1 bottle of dry red wine 1 orange, sliced into rounds 8 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks 2 star anise 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup to taste Optional add-in: 1/4 cup brandy Optional garnishes: orange slices, cinnamon sticks and star anise

PREPARE: Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, and heat just barely to a simmer over medium-high heat. (DO NOT BOIL) Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let the wine simmer for 15 minutes. You can also throw all the ingredients with the exception of the garnishes in a crockpot on LOW setting for 2 hrs. Especially if you would like to double the recipe. Serve immediately or store in an old wine bottle or mason jar in the fridge. Slowly reheat on low to desired temperature before serving.

Peonies Mother picks pink and white peonies, roses, sweet peas. I wrap coffee cans in tinfoil. We fill jars with water drive to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Opening the metal gate, we walk through tall grass to graves of my grandparents mother’s infant brother who lived a month to her older sister’s grave who died from a tooth infection. When it rains petals scatter across gravesites. A strong wind rattles coffee cans to the fence line. Deer jump the gate to eat remaining blossoms.

First Place 2018 Ekphrastic Poetry Contest Craven Arts Council Poem Title: Peonies Poet: Judith Duncan Inspired by “Peonies” by Irina Ushakova All poems entered and based off the 2018 Bank of the Arts National Juried Exhibition featured in the September Issue of Folks Journal. Ekphrastic 2018 publication will be released in December for purchase price of $12. 63

Art Around Town.

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STUDIO 413 413 BROAD ST, DOWNTOWN NEW BERN

........................... GREATER GOOD GALLERY 228 CRAVEN STREET, DOWNTOWN NEW BERN

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