Eastern Living March 2020

EASTERN

LIVING N O RT H

C A R O L I N A

Arts & Entertainment Emily Harris Composer

Tiffany White Photographer

Etaf Rum Author

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FEATURES

58. KING’S COFFEE

The place to be in Murfreesboro

ON THE C OV E R

66. THE CALM ROOM Edenton/Chowan offers calming place for students

Laura Davis is a Martin County entertainer who has highlighted venues throughout the region Photo by Jim Green, Design by Becky Wetherington

68. OUT & ABOUT

72. VIEWS FROM OUR 12

Events happening in and around the 12 counties

Tarheel Independent Conference basketball tournament

VOL. 12, NO. 2 MARCH 2020 STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Publisher

Staff

Kyle Stephens

Gene Metrick

kstephens@ncweeklies.com

gmetrick@rmtelegram.com

Editor

shstalls@ncweeklies.com

Sarah Hodges Stalls

74. ALL IN A DAY’S TRIP

Learn about beautiful, historic Edenton

78.

SIX QUESTIONS

Laura Davis talks about her music career

Thadd White twhite@ncweeklies.com Creative Services Director Michelle Leicester

Amelia Harper aharper@rmtelegram.com Editorial Contributors Andre Alfred Leslie Beachboard

mleicester@ncweeklies.com

Nicole Bowman-Layton

Layout & Design

Sandy Carawan

Cal Bryant

80. GRANDMA’S KITCHEN

84. BIOGRAPHY

Sylvia Hughes gives recipes for finger foods

Styron Bond’s family has a legacy of learning

Becky Wetherington

Sarah Davis

beckyweth@gmail.com

Tom Harrison

Photo Editor

Elizabeth Johnson

Sylvia Hughes Jim Green jgreen@ncweeklies.com Advertising Executives

Miles Layton Corrine Luthy Mike Sweeney Jenny White

Lou Ann Van Landingham lavan@ncweeklies.com Jessica Mobley

86. REEL STORIES

88.

Mike Sweeney says prespawn season is upon us

The history of the freedom rallies in Williamston

MARK IT!

jmobley@ncweeklies.com

Eastern North Carolina Living Magazine P.O. Box 69, Windsor, NC 27983

Kelly Ayscue

252-794-3185

kayscue@rmtelegram.com

twhite@ncweeklies.com

Eastern North Carolina Living is published by APG Media Eastern NC, and is a subsidiary of the Bertie Ledger-Advance, Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald, Tarboro Weekly and Rocky Mount Telegram.

5

NASH county

Arab-American women featured in writer’s best-seller

S tory

W

J enny White

hen Etaf Rum came to Rocky

Deya, a high school student, seeks to

an all-girls Muslim school and my life

Mount 10 years ago, she knew

learn more about her late parents and tries

revolved around my home and learning

right away she had found

to balance her longing for independence

how to be a good daughter — and

a favorite place in Braswell Memorial

as a woman in a family where women are

eventually, a good wife and mother,” Rum

Library.

taught to be invisible and subservient to

said. “As a girl, I had no agency over my life

men.

in the way that boys did. Observing many

“I’ve been bringing my children here since they were babies,” she said.

6

by

While the book offers a glimpse into

women around me, I was taught that a

She never imagined a decade later

a world not usually visible to outsiders,

woman’s role was to be quiet and do what

she’d find her first novel on the shelves

the themes are universal: Hope, identity,

she was told.”

at the library. The New York Times best-

redemption, loss and women struggling to

After marrying young in a traditional

selling novel, “A Woman Is No Man,” by

balance what is expected of them versus

arranged marriage, Rum moved to North

Rum was released in March 2019.

what they dream about.

Carolina and had two children, Reyann, 9,

The book follows the lives of three

Rum grew up in New York City in a

generations of Arab-American women

family similar to the cast of characters in

as they seek to stretch the boundaries of

“A Woman Is No Man.”

and Isah, 7. The couple is now divorced.

Rum said she and her husband are part of a generation of Arab-Americans who

their cultural norms. Rum tells the story of

“The cultural traditions I describe in

have loosened the rules of their traditional

Fareeda, Isra and Deya — three generations

the book were much like my upbringing

culture — and because of that, she has

of a family living in New York.

growing up. I was very sheltered, attended

been able to pursue advanced college

degrees, eventually earning a master’s degree and teaching literature for five years at Nash Community College.

“It was when I was teaching literature that the idea of a novel about Arab-Americans first occurred to me. As I was looking for diverse literature for my classes, I realized this story from the female perspective did not exist.

And it needed to be told,” Rum said.

It didn’t exist, Rum said, because it would betray a centuries-old cultural norm that Arab-American women did not talk about — and certainly did not publicly criticize — their role in the Arab family.

Rum wrestled with the idea to tell the story and eventually started writing “A Woman Is No Man” in 2015. Originally the story was told mostly through diary entries of the character Isra.

“I knew from the beginning the fate of Isra, and her story was the focus of my book when I first started writing,” Rum said. “The story was about Deya learning about her mother through a diary she found.”

Rum said once she got an agent, they decided to rewrite it in third person and ditch the diary entry format.

“Oh, that was so hard,” Rum recalled. “In the end, it was definitely the best decision, but it was so hard to basically rewrite the whole book.”

Published by Harper Collins, the book is a poignant story of

“

I wanted the book to show how women are the ones who really have the power to break the cycle and change things for their children.

- ETAF RUM “I wanted the book to show how women are the ones who really have the power to break the cycle and change things for their

how families pass on secrets and

children,” Rum said. “It is extremely hard to

the resulting burdens from one

do and goes against what women are told

generation to another.

in conservative parts of the culture — but ultimately, women are the ones with the power to make things better for their families.”

Even more than filling a void on bookshelves across the world, Rum said she wanted to ensure she would break the cycle of suppressing the worth of girls for the sake of her own daughter.

“I have drastically broken the cycle for her (Reyann). I am considered an outlier for publicly speaking about these things and writing the story, but I want to raise her making sure she knows her worth,” Rum said.

Having her children know and understand their Arab-American culture is a priority for Rum as she co-parents with their father. The

7

children are close to their father’s

Arab heritage while teaching them the

traditional family.

values I think are important.”

Rum said writing about the secrets

Much like the characters in “A

of the Arab-American culture was

Woman Is No Man,” books are an

hard because she knew it would

important part of life for Rum and her

immediately be added to the list of

children.

many stereotypical and derisive insults about the culture and the religion of Islam. In the book, Rum clearly illustrates issues her characters face are cultural norms, not religious tenets.

“My need to tell the story of these women overrode my need to protect my culture. But like any culture, there are good things and bad things about it. There are many beautiful things about the Arab culture and it is still a part of who I am,” Rum said.

Rum’s children are a part of their father’s extended family, and Rum

Rum has brought her children to Braswell Memorial Library weekly since before they could read. First by reading to them and now encouraging them to find books of their own to read, Rum said it is important to show them the world outside their community.

“My kids grew up in Braswell’s story room, going to the summer reading programs and checking out piles of books,” she said. “I wanted them to grow up surrounded by books and the connections they offer.”

Rum is working on her second

wants it that way.

“It’s a hard thing to balance, and I don’t know if I’m doing it right,” Rum said. “But I’m doing my best to help them learn about and be proud of their

book, which she hopes will be released in 2021.

Jenny White is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram.

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10

11

HERTFORD

county

Arts at Chowan:

S tory by S arah D avis P hotos by T hadd White & Contributed

Mining the Gold; Polishing the Diamonds: Discovering the Art; Nurturing the Artist

A

mong the programs that attract

The School of Fine and Applied Arts

students to Chowan University

is also visible in the community - in art

in Murfreesboro, those housed

displayed at the Cultivator Bookstore and

in the School of Fine and Applied Arts are

Revelle Realty, in performances at King’s

among the most obvious.

Coffee, in productions at the Gallery

This is perhaps in part because of

Theatre in Ahoskie, or even in local

its visibility to the community through

churches with musical contributions to

exhibitions

worship.

or

community

pottery

classes in Green Hall; through plays and

12

One

might

think

the

students

concerts in McDowell Columns (Turner

attracted to the programs offered by

Auditorium); through recitals in Daniel

the School (Graphic Design, Studio

Hall (Briley Recital Hall); and through

Art, Printing Production and Imaging

printing produced in Horner Graphic

Technology, Drama, and Music) would

Communications Center.

already be deep into the study, having

at least begun to develop if not hone

to attend North Carolina Central

the talent in high school, but that is

University for jazz studies that will

not necessarily the case.

lead to a career in performing and

Of the three students highlighted here, only one had formal classes in

teaching. His favorite jazz musician is Vince Guaraldi.

the area of study prior to Chowan.

In the meantime, before he

Joshua Bryant, noted by both Dr. Mary

graduates from Chowan May 9, he

Hellman (Music) and Professor Steve

expects to participate in Theatre at

Harders (Drama) as an outstanding

Chowan’s spring production April 17-

student, had participated in his high

19. He has participated in six previous

school marching and jazz bands,

productions, playing the lead in three.

but he had no theatre experience,

His senior voice recital, to be

his high school did not even have a

presented in April, will include works

drama offering.

in French, Italian, German, and

From Kinston, he is a remarkably talented musician, possessing perfect

English.

In

reluctantly

discussing

his

pitch, but not reading music prior to

talent, he says, “If it makes me

his college experience.

uncomfortable, I want to do it.”

Saying he can never remember

His advice to musicians and actors:

not playing an instrument, he plays

“Practice to be better than you are in

drums, piano, and guitar, currently

the moment.”

“

The School of Fine and Applied Arts is also visible in the community - in art displayed at the Cultivator Bookstore and Revelle Realty, in performances at King’s Coffee, in productions at the Gallery Theatre in Ahoskie, or even in local churches with musical contributions to worship.

playing keyboard for the Chowan Jazz Ensemble.

On a similar note, Nicholas Adams, senior studio art major, advises

A voice student, he recently led

aspiring artists to “practice, practice,

“The Star Spangled Banner” and “Lift

practice,” and in an homage to one of

Every Voice and Sing” at the annual

his heroes, Kobe Bryant, Adams says

Rouson Memorial Lecture (Feb. 5).

you need to work 24 hours a day, 8

Off campus, at the United States

days a week.

premiere of Bagdad Cafe (Gallery

His intent is to “create art that

Theatre, September 2018), he played

sparks emotion in someone for the

drums, and, since September 2019,

greater good.”

he has served as pianist at Winton Baptist Church.

Looking to the future, he plans

Prior to attending Chowan, Adams had not studied art. In fact, if asked, he would have said his major interest

13

was in athletics, particularly baseball, which also requires constant attention.

Playing on the Hertford County High baseball team, he is remembered by Coach Chris Towell as hard-working, dedicated, and motivated, the type individual coaches wish comprised the entire team.

A Murfreesboro native, Adams graduated from Hertford County Early College High School, and then attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro before transferring to Chowan, where he says he has grown both as an individual and an artist.

One of his paintings is featured on the Chowan Arts website. Of it, he says that expressing emotions is not easy for him.

Following an episode of depression, he was able to identify a condition known as alexithymia or emotional blindness. In this painting, he attempts to convey that condition.

The multiple colors reflect his

different emotions. His hands are placed on the sides of his face to portray the frustration he experiences in not being able to convey his emotions and thoughts in words.

student who works at Highway 55 in Ahoskie,

Distinguished Professor of Art Chris Rupsch

cleans houses at the beach, and is completing

who has assisted him not only professionally,

an internship.

but personally. He has also felt the support of

Another Murfreesboro native set to

fellow students, family and friends.

graduate in May is graphic design student

Knowing he has grown as both an artist

Selton Vaughan. The same as Bryant and

and person while at Chowan, he especially

Adams, he began his serious study of art once

notes Professor Amin Rudaina and Professor

coming to Chowan.

Rob Buller’s classes as ones that forced him to

Having graduated from HCHS in 2012, he

expand his horizons.

Although Adams definitely plans to attend

spent some time in what he calls “a dark place”

For him, art is communication, and he

graduate school “someday,” his immediate

before emerging to enter college. During that

believes very firmly in the importance of

plans, following his Chowan May graduation,

time, he turned to art and found it provided a

communication at all levels. As Bryant and

include entering the workforce full time.

therapy to bring him out of the darkness.

Adams, he underscores the importance of

Because it will be in his field, it will be

As a student at Chowan, he says he has

somewhat different from his current situation,

felt the support of his professors, especially

His impending graduation affirms what

but it will also seem very familiar to a full-time

Dean of the School of Fine and Applied Arts,

he has always believed: “The impossible is

daily work/practice to develop one’s art.

possible.”

His immediate plans include full-time work in his field.

Works of Vaughan and Adams can be viewed in the 2020 Senior Art Exhibit March 26-April 24 with a reception set for 5-7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 in Green Hall.

Bryant can be seen in Theatre at Chowan’s spring

production

(Turner

Auditorium,

McDowell Columns Building) and in his senior recital (Briley Recital Hall, Daniel Hall).

Other upcoming events include recitals and the Community Chorus concert April 26 (Turner Auditorium, McDowell Columns).

For more information, visit Arts on the Chowan website.

Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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TYRRELL

county

Finding a home in Columbia

S tory & P hotos by Sarah Hodges Stalls

Artists from all over share at Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft

A

s a little girl growing up in the Tyrrell County

“The awareness that I was a part of a culture and a

seat of Columbia, Laura Casas did not feel

bigger community of individuals was eye opening for

overly connected to her Hispanic heritage

me,” she said. “That is when I dove into my family’s

rooted in Mexico.

She began to better understand how pottery is a

University to help those connections come together.

“pretty big deal in Mexico,” providing a livelihood for

The vessel – her love of art itself.

many families.

“I took ceramics my second semester,” she said.

Casas explained before she was born, her parents

“We had a project where we had to do a history,

made regular trips to Mexico to visit her father’s family

family-oriented project. We had to think about the

in the village of Nuevo León, Galeana; often bringing

history of your family and building a piece about that.”

back pieces of pottery she had seen her entire life.

Casas began thinking.

18

cultural history.”

It would take a college art class at Western Carolina

Later Casas would realize what an influence those

“The awareness that I was a part of a culture and a bigger community of individuals was eye opening for me.”

- Laura Casas pieces had on her artistically.

of study was on ceramics, Casa interned at

“It was that project that is what really

the Women’s Studio Workshop in New York -

told me I really wanted to do ceramics,” she

a three-month experience as their chili bowl

stressed.

intern. There she assisted them in making over

Casas said she feels “connected to nature and my loved ones when working with clay”.

“The potters in Mexico craft their work from scratch - digging up and processing their

1,000 bowls.

Next, she returned to Tyrrell County to become the Pocosin Arts’ Summer Art Camp Coordinator.

own clay and pigments. They work with their

“When I returned home - which by the way

hands. Pinching and pulling without a wheel -

was a very rewarding experience - I began to

the way their ancestors did it,” she added. “I

truly appreciate this community. While I was

wanted to mimic their touch and how they

in high school, I was absolutely dying to get

treated the clay - very personally”.

out of here and didn’t pay much attention

Casas continued, “It took me time to understand how ceramics helped me find my

to what eastern North Carolina had to offer,” admitting she did not even like the beach.

place in the world. By connecting and seeing

Now in her early twenties, she can

the resemblance between my own work and

see returning permanently to her home

the ones from my ancestors.”

community.

After completing her Masters of Fine Art at Western Carolina University, where her focus

Upon

completion

of

a

short-term

residency with Pocosin Arts in August 2019,

19

Casas transitioned to a new role on site, that of Americorps VISTA staff person. Her mission is to help build success of their new Smith Digital Fabrication Lab. “Americorps VISTA is a really unique program. It is like the Peace Corps, but its mission is to address poverty in the United States,” according to Casas.

VISTA members are placed at non-profits throughout the U.S. for one-year assignments to assist those organizations build their capacity to serve their communities.

Pocosin’s VISTA program is a part of East Carolina Univeristy’s NC STEM EAST Corp’s program directed by Dr. Betty Beacham. ECU’s STEM East program is intended to increase opportunities for regional youth to experience STEM-based education programs.

“It is a full-time position, so I am really learning how to create a work/work balance.

I spend my evenings and weekends here in the studio,” according to Casa. “My duty as a VISTA is to help Pocosin Arts build their STEM programs and develop resources to enable them to sustain and grow a vibrant program of STE(Arts)M education for area youth.”

Casas began her stint in September and the term ends in August.

“I feel that I am giving back to my community in a truly meaningful way and I am excited to be here,” she said.

“When looking back - growing up in a small community like Columbia and Tyrrell County, I am thankful for Pocosin Arts and what their presence has offered me. I took a few classes here and there growing up. Each class always left a positive impression,” Casa explained.

“It feels as if I have been a part of Pocosin Arts’ growing family forever,” she said.

Not a Native, but He Loves Columbia

“I feel that I am giving back to my community in a truly meaningful way and I am excited to be here.”

- Laura Casas

Those workshops have not been limited to metal work. He draws on his childhood origami skills, learned from his mother, to share the art with camp participants.

Bang’s upcoming workshop will be about a specific metalsmithing technique called raising.

“This means shaping a metal vessel from a flat sheet of metals by hammering,” he explained. “The interesting point is, Western and Asian approaches differ for this technique, while fundamentals of the metal stretching process are the same. By comparing two different techniques, workshop attendees can learn more about the metal raising process

Bang learned the craft under a Korean craftsman before he left his homeland.

He is nearing the end of his one-year stint as an artist in residence with the Pocosin arts School of Fine Craft.

His main technique for metal smithing is called hammering.

and find their own styles.”

He has been pleasantly surprised to find budding artist with such passion for his artform.

He has grown to love the area and is appreciative of the kindness extended to him from the community.

I like the disciplinary aspect of metal

When Bang concludes his residency in

smithing,” Bang explained. “Because it is

Columbia, he hopes to secure a teaching

of Fine Arts in the Department of Visual Arts

repetitive, requires hard labor and never

position and remain in the area.

at the University of Kansas. He arrived in the

allows mistakes.”

Taehyun Bang, a native of South Korea, came to Columbia after completing his Master

Check out Pocosin Arts School of Fine

states as an international exchange student in

Bang has been featured in shows and

Arts online at www.pocosinarts.org or call

the same department where he achieved his

received awards across the United States,

252.796.2787 to learn more about the array of

master’s degree.

Canada and his homeland for his creations.

workshops available in Downtown Columbia.

He completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts at

Since arriving at Pocosin Arts School

Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for

Kookmin University in Seoul, South Korea in

of Fine Craft, Bang has offered numerous

Eastern North Carolina Living and the Martin

their department of metalwork and jewelry.

workshops for visitors from near and far.

County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.

20

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21

HALIFAX

county

Weldon Mills Distillery

‘We like bourbon and we love live music.’

S tory by J im Green P hotos Contributed

E

njoy bourbon, whiskey and other

earlier this year with a New Year’s Eve

spirits?

performance by the Martin Terry Band.

Like live music in an intimate

setting for free?

Weldon Mills Distillery may be just the place for you.

culture, and if you don’t have places for musicians to showcase their talent, then you don’t have music,” Tyler said. “There is

Located just two miles off Interstate

a lot of good musical talent – it’s shocking

95 on the Roanoke River, Weldon Mills

at how many good bands there are within

Distillery is actually two venues located

a 50-mile radius of here. But with all that

within walking distance of each other (or

talent, there aren’t many places for these

you may take the trolley for tours), at 100

bands to play.”

and 200 Rockfish Drive.

“We like bourbon and we love live music. We feel like they go hand in hand,”

22

“Music has always been a part of

One of the things that makes the venues distinct is there is no cover charge to hear the bands.

said Bruce Tyler, who along with business

“We do not charge a cover,” Tyler said.

partner Michael Hinderliter opened the

“We pay the bands and hope our liquor

entertainment portion of the venues

sales will be strong. We want this to be a

place where bands can get their name

would allow. He has now called North

recognition out and continue chasing

Carolina home for 25 years.

His partner, from Chapel Hill, is

their dreams.”

The

distillery

4,000-square

offers feet

of

around

the entrepreneur, having started his

its

first business from his parent’s garage

34,000-square feet for bourbon

while still in high school.

and other liquor production, and a

“We’ve been friends a long time,”

makeshift stage area is set up for

Tyler said. “We always knew we

bands who may draw up to 300

wanted to start a business together,

people.

and once he said yes, we just had to

The other building, located in

look at where we could start it.”

what was a historic corn mill, is more

Tyler, who currently lives in Rocky

of an event space inside (corporate

Mount, found the buildings on a

functions, weddings, etc.) and features

historical preservation site and called

an outdoor patio where bands play to

the realtor to set up a visit.

smaller crowds.

“I didn’t know much about this

“Bands love to play on the patio,”

area, but once I saw the rocks poking

Tyler said. “There is something about

out of the water, how clear the water

the atmosphere – the café lights

was and how beautiful the overall site

strung out, the tiki torches going and

was, I couldn’t believe it was not being

people setting around the whiskey

used,” he said.

barrel tables.”

Tyler also learned through more

Tyler, originally from California,

research of the popularity of rockfish

has enjoyed music all of his life. When

season and the traffic influx off

he was in the U.S. Army, he would

I-95, which appealed to him from a

go to shows as often as his schedule

business standpoint.

“...once I saw the rocks poking out of the water, how clear the water was and how beautiful the overall site was, I couldn’t believe it was not being used.”

- BRUCE TYLER

23

“All of that played into why we

Past artists who have played

chose this site, and the fact we

either the patio outside or inside

could use both of the buildings

the distillery include Cooper

together,” he said.

Greer, R.T. Johnson, Eric Dunlow

Tyler

Hinderliter

Band, Cuz ‘N Kirk Experience, Tim

purchased the property in January

Cifers Band, Bill Lyerly and Matty

2019 and have made extensive

Begs.

renovations

and

over

the

past

Some artists booked to play in

several months. After obtaining

the near future are Running Shine,

their liquor license, they started

Bill Lyerly, Mikaele Buck Band,

booking bands on Friday and

Fueston Brothers, Tim Cifers

Saturday nights.

Band, Martin Terry Band, Boyd &

“What we found out was that

Johnson, Scrapbook, Tanglewood

the local population couldn’t

the Duo, Willie Peebles Band and

support us having music on both

SCE.

nights, so we went back to having

In addition, a big Memorial

live music on just Friday nights,”

Day all-day music festival is being

he said.

planned for May 23.

On music night, bars are open and beer stations and food trucks are available, Tyler said.

All types of music are being played at Weldon Mills Distillery: from bluegrass to country, rock, southern rock and blues.

24

“We still a couple of spots left to fill,” Tyler said.

and we want all of them to do

For more on Weldon Mills

well,” he said. “We just wanted

Distillery

ours to be a little different.

of events, visit their website

“I wanted our venues to have their

own

distinct

character

to them, like Cats Cradle in

and

its

schedule

weldonmills.com, their Facebook page or call 252-220-4235.

Jim Green is a Staff Writer for

Tyler believes there is room for

Chapel Hill and The Pour House

WMD as an entertainment venue

in Raleigh,” Tyler added. “The

in the region.

distillery has that edge to it, that

and is Sports Editor of the Martin

character, but we are adding

County Enterprise & Weekly Herald

modern elements to it.”

and The Standard.

“There are three other places around here that offer live music,

Eastern

North

Carolina

Living

Visit Historic

Plymouth, NC Photo Courtesy of Washington County TTA

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April 27 & 28, 2019 Downtown Plymouth 302 East Water Street, Plymouth, NC www.portoplymouthmuseum.org (252) 793-1377 25

HYDE

county

Capturing Dreams Through Creating Music

S tory & P hotos by Sandy Carawan

E

mily Harris views music as an art form

landscapes and waterscapes, especially Lake

similar to the way dance is an art form.

Mattamuskeet.

“Dancers show a story through their

“There are a lot of opportunities to see

dance, and try to convey an emotion with

things in Hyde County that you cannot see

their dance. The same can be said for music,

in other places,” Emily said. “We have a lot of

which can be used to tell a story and convey an

wildlife and beautiful nature that you really

emotion,” she said.

can’t see anywhere else.”

Eighteen-year-old Emily has been playing

Like a painter using his brush to capture

the piano since the age of six, but a few years

the colorful setting of the sun, Emily, too, as a

ago she experienced a turning point when she

musical artist, studies the unfolding of nature’s

transitioned from playing from sheet music to

scenes, imploring her senses to guide her, while

playing by ear, which allowed her to compose

rhythms dance in her mind inspiring musical

her own music.

notes to resound and ultimately match the

The picturesque surroundings of Hyde

26

movements she sees.

County serve as a source of inspiration for

Photography is one of her hobbies, and she

Emily’s musical compositions. She has lived

uses her photographs and videos as another

in Hyde County all her life and she loves and

source to complement her ability to compose

appreciates the wondrous beauty of its various

music.

“ Her

untitled

song

about

Lake

Mattamuskeet, a favorite site of hers, depicts details she observed to which she has matched musical notes:

leafless trees surrounded

by water flowing smoothly beneath sunset’s subtle pinks.

Emily uses her phone to record her music and saves it for later use to see how her pieces will work together.

“I have taken a lot of nature and wildlife photos, especially birds because we have a lot of waterfowl behind my house,” she said.

imagine in music sound fast-paced and highpitched.

“I think of the most beautiful moments

“Some of my photos help with the winter

that you could have in life and fit them into a

themes in my songs because I have pictures of

story and music,” she continued. “I make the

snow and icicles,” Emily maintained. “Winter

title represent what is happening in the song.

is my favorite season so I try to capture the

I try to capture moments, like a photograph.”

memories that I’ve had with snow. There’s just

Though she has composed countless

something about snow — the silence of it and

snippets of songs, she has two titled

having fun in it.

compositions and one awaiting a title.

“It’s kind of like a puzzle,” she says. “Each little piece of music can be put somewhere else, but I don’t know what part yet. It’s kind of like Jenga.”

Emily composed “Walk with Me” to represent a wintry feeling as she imagined people walking down a cobblestone road having fun in the snow. In February,

she

competed and performed her composition before a huge audience at the State Beta Convention in Greensboro.

When composing, she explains, “The right

Because she improvises when she plays,

“Dream Waltzer,” another composition,

hand plays a melody that’s higher up on the

much of her music is influenced by her mood

is a storyline set to music in which a person

piano to represent snowflakes falling, which I

at the moment.

waltzes and wanders through a dreamscape.

27

“The song changes tempo to represent

member South Korean K-Pop boy band BTS,

in May. She plans to attend East Carolina

each little dream the person is having, whether

but also run the gamut of genres such as

University in the Fall, majoring in Business

good or bad,” Emily said.

instrumentals, modern R&B, Chillstep, pop,

Marketing.

Her

untitled

song

about

Lake

movie soundtracks and some rap and opera.

“I’m hoping through having marketing skills

Mattamuskeet, a favorite site of hers, depicts

“I appreciate songs that are in other

that if I decide one day to open a business or

details she observed to which she has matched

languages,” she says. “I love how music from

try to market my own music I will have the

musical notes: leafless trees surrounded by

other countries can impact a person just as

skills to do so,” she said.

water flowing smoothly beneath sunset’s

much, even though it is not in their native

Fueled by her own desire that is matched

subtle pinks.

language. I feel like songs in other languages

by the support of her family and community

“I made the video before I made the song,”

help the listener focus more on the emotion

that kindles her flame, she says, “I am inspired

she says. “I like going to the lake. I just sit there

that’s being presented rather than the lyrics

by the idea that one can reach a goal and

for about an hour recording everything. I try to

and that works better with music.”

dream if they work hard enough. I am inspired

capture the sunsets mostly. I like to get videos

She gives back to her community not only

by a lot of the musicians I listen to who often

because I can hear the sounds of the plants

by playing piano at her church for communion,

spread the message of how dreams may

moving in the wind and the water hitting

but also at the nursing home every Christmas

take a while to achieve, but if you work hard

the shore. I usually record the video first and

and at yearly recitals. Additionally, she gives

enough any dream is achievable. They always

I try to make the music represent what is

back to her community and school by serving

say to put passion into your work, which I try

happening.”

as an active member of the Senior Beta Club

to live by. I’m also inspired by my community

of which she is president.

that has always pushed me to work harder and

When she is not composing her own music, she plays mostly piano pieces inspired

Emily,

a

dually-enrolled

student

at

Mattamuskeet Early College High School

by pop music or instrumentals.

encouraged me to improve. And I am truly thankful for that.”

Emily’s other source of inspiration are

in Swan Quarter and Beaufort County

Sandy Carawan is an English Language

her musical interests which not only span

Community College in Washington, will

Arts teacher at Mattamuskeet Early College

the globe from Irish singer-songwriter and

graduate not only with her high school

High School in Swan Quarter and is a regular

musician Dermot Kennedy to the seven-

diploma, but also her Associate of Arts degree

contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

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29

MARTIN

county

Paying It Forward Griffin proves you can go home again S tory

P hotos

W

by

hether it's a puppet show for the kids at

Still under the direction of Loretta Gurkin, teacher

church or a role in a Martin Community

of all things in the arts at Farm Life School, Griffin

Players show, Joey Griffin has always

would land his next big role a few years later.

brought his 'A Game' to the stage.

It has been this way since his first stage performance.

“Kindergarten at Farm Life School,” Griffin said.

“We were doing nursery rhymes at a PTA meeting probably, and I was Little Jack Horner.”

He stuck his thumb in a pie and “pulled out a plumb with a big ole purple thing on my thumb and said ‘what a good boy am I’,” Griffin explained.

The kindergartener got the laughs and realized he liked the feeling it brought.

30

S arah Hodges S talls J im Green & Contributed

by

“Santa - yes, I had two lines,” said Griffin, “I thought I was a star and I was on stage about two minutes.”

According to Griffin, Gurkin would be the first on a list of influences that helped him develop his love of the stage.

“Sometimes I get nervous getting kids to memorize a few lines and Mrs. Loretta had us memorizing an entire play, and the songs,” he laughed.

Today, Griffin has found his way back home to Farm Life and found his way to begin giving back, as so many did to benefit him.

“Joey Griffin takes his renewed spirit to the classroom at South Creek Middle and High Schools, encouraging students to be good to themselves and each other, and studying a little theater in between.”

Griffin is in his first year teaching

father-son

theater at South Creek Middle and High

friendship.

Schools.

He draws on a lifetime of experiences, afforded to him by several caring people

rapport;

and

cherished

“That was when I got my first taste of what I thought was the big time,” Griffin said.

along the way, and excellent training at

The interest to audition came from

Lees-McCrae College to give the students

two sources. Griffin’s parents had taken

his best.

him to Martin Community Players shows

Griffin looks back on his journey which crafted his love of theater and the stage.

before and his grandmother, Edna, took him to see “Fiddler on the Roof.”

Once students completed Farm Life

Regarding “Fiddler,” “I was in rapture,”

School, the next stop was Williamston

Griffin explained. “I might as well have

Junior High School.

been at a Broadway play.”

“The first day of junior high was one of the scariest days of my life,” he shared.

It was not always simple for the

Even though it was three-hours long, he still doesn't remember squirming in this seat. Impressive for a sixth-grader.

“country kids” to find their place amongst

“I was right there in a shtetl (a Russian

a group of students who had been

town or village in Eastern Europe) . . . in

together for years.

a Russian Jewish Village, populated by

“I started to find myself – as much as

people from Eastern North Carolina,”

one finds themselves in seventh grade,”

Griffin said.

Griffin relayed. “And part of that was

theater right there, that little group from

because I did my first Martin Community

Eastern North Carolina could transport a

Players play. It was “The Wizard of Oz.”

sixth-grader to a little shtetl in Russia.”

And he would soon meet the next major influence in his career and life.

“Allan Osborne did not know what to do with me once I auditioned,” he explained.

In his best Boston accent, imitating Osborne, Griffin elaborated on their initial meeting.

“I wanna use him but he is too big to be a munchkin,” Osborne exclaimed according to Griffin.

So, he was cast as a soldier.

"That's the power of the

And there was his friend E.T. Taylor, neighbor and one of the men behind “The Message of Easter.”

“E.T. introduced me to the theater on a bigger scale with The Message of Easter,” he said.

Taylor

approached

Griffin

about

auditioning for “The Wizard of Oz” with him.

“It just takes that little bit of encouragement to say, oh I can do that,” Griffin said.

And that would be the beginning of

That audition would be the first time

a mentor-mentee relationship; extra

Griffin and Osborne met. Taylor would

31

After graduating from Williamston High

remain an influence in Griffin’s life for many years to come.

"It opened me up to a whole new world of people," Griffin said.

As far as Allan Osborne, known to many as “Oz,” “He saw something in me I didn’t

School, the next stop on Griffin’s journey

He takes his renewed spirit to the

He studied theater at Lees McCrae where he

classroom at South Creek Middle and High

was introduced to another bevy of influences

Schools, encouraging students to be good to

that stick with him to this day.

themselves and each other, and studying a

In the years after college, Griffin stopped

little theater in between.

Griffin has also returned to his much-loved

doing theater.

“It’s like I tried to kill that part of me,” he

formed; they take someone with potential.”

Today, Griffin still considers himself

“Every day is a blessing,” he said.

would be Lees McCrae College in Banner Elk.

see in myself,” Griffin said. “I think that’s what mentors do. They don’t take somebody fully

amongst the world and back on the stage.

Martin Community Players.

“There are large towns in our state with no

recalled.

fortunate to have maintained a relationship

He found himself working in a box office

theater program of any kind,” he said. “How

with Osborne, even though miles have come

selling tickets for the stage he once was drawn

blessed are we to live in a town where some

between them.

to.

folks got together and decided to create a

From there, Griffin was auditioning for

Lifelong struggles with his weight overtook

every Martin Community Players show to

his spirit and his health began to decline. He

come along, admittingly auditioning for some

moved home to Farm Life.

roles he had no business trying for.

“That’s okay, I had the experience,” he explained.

“I knew from working in tobacco whatever I did with my life – it had to be in the air conditioner, and this was it,” he laughed.

Three special reasons helped to bring him back – Berkley, his nephew and nieces, Meredith and Elizabeth.

“I was finally able to realize I wanted to see them grown up,” he insisted.

Between gastric bypass surgery, two new

theatre and it’s still going today?”

“Thank goodness for Andy Weaver and everyone that still make this possible,” said Griffin.

Catch Griffin back in his element as the Martin Community Players present “The Sound of Music” on March 19, 20 and 21 and as Pontius Pilate in “The Message of Easter” beginning April 2.

By the high school years, Griffin would

knees (named Joni and Chachi) and tons of

Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for

add another influential force in his world, Lisa

love and support, Griffin has now lost nearly

Eastern North Carolina Living and the Martin

Davis, English teacher, and drama instructor.

300 pounds and regained his drive be back

County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.

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33

BEAUFORT

county

New group plans high-quality productions

A

t

the

Turnage

S tory by E lizabeth J ohnson P hotos Contributed

Theatre

in

Washington, the community

by

theatre group Arts of the

recognition. The group works to keep

Pamlico Players performs theatre

shows affordable by usually charging

classics, comedies and musicals for

$10 for cash payment or $12 for a card

audiences multiple times a year.

payment, he said.

performing

plays

with

title

Artistic Director for Arts of the

“Basically, what I’m trying to do as

Pamlico (AOP) Players Jeffery Phipps

Artistic Director is to be able to present

said he volunteers for his role and has

to the public high-quality productions

been involved with the theatre for

that are going to be professional

over 20 years.

quality as much as possible with our

The AOP Players is new as there used to be an old community theatre

limited resources that we have,” said Phipps.

program which left due to artistic

Art exhibit and event coordinator

differences with Arts of the Pamlico

for Arts of the Pamlico, Thad Aley has

and the Turnage Theatre, Phipps said.

assisted with set construction, stage

The AOP Players has been around

management and performed in AOP

since 2017 as part of Arts of the

Players productions such as Greater

Pamlico, he said.

Tuna.

Phipps said the AOP Players

34

are working to build their audience

Rehearsals for the plays require

the actors to commit to a minimum of 10 hours a week for four to five weeks, Aley said. Most shows have only two performances and sometimes three, he said.

The group usually performs three times a year with one production in the early spring and two productions towards the end of the year, Aley said.

Dinner Party will have performances on Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Mar. 1 at 3 p.m. Tuna Christmas, the sequel to Greater Tuna will have performances on the weekend Nov. 13-15, Aley said. A Christmas Carol will run on Dec. 11 and 12, he said.

“I think in all honesty they (the audience) can expect a well-produced show and a well-acted show. We have a really dedicated cast that does a terrific job of bringing these characters to life,

“

We have a really dedicated cast that does a terrific job of bringing these characters to life, directors that still their conception of the play into

being, as well as a wonderful costume designer, these are really well-done community theatre productions - THAD ALEY

directors that still their conception of the play into being, as well as a wonderful costume designer, these are really well-done community theatre productions,” Aley said.

Theatre Programs and Outreach Coordinator Erin Staebell said the AOP Players currently are producing two to three non-musicals a year.

Staebell said she has performed with the AOP Players in plays such as Greater Tuna and A Christmas Carol.

The group is currently rehearsing for Dinner Party by Neil Simon, Staebell said. There are about

35

10 members of the AOP Players but Dinner Party only requires six actors, she said.

A previous show performed by AOP Players, Greater Tuna, was originally a two-person show with 20 characters but the AOP Players split the roles between 12 people with each actor playing two to three characters, Staebell said.

For the past three years, the AOP Players have performed A Christmas Carol and the play has been incorporated as part of downtown Washington’s tree lighting, Staebell said.

“So there are activities down on the waterfront, people are kind of led up to the Turnage (Theatre) at the end of that and invited to come in and see a shortened almost radio broadcast style script of a Christmas Carol and then this coming November we’re going to do closer to the full length play

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most people are used to,” Staebell said.

Director of Dinner Party Natalie Stewart said she has directed A Christmas Carol for the past three years. She said she is not a member of the group, but when she has been asked to direct several plays, her first being A Christmas Carol in 2017.

Stewart said as a director she spends a lot of time figuring out where characters move on stage and on what line they will move.

“I just try to tell the story and make the story as clear as possible and try to make the relationships between the characters as clear as possible, I guess that’s my focus,” Stewart said.

For more information about performances, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

Elizabeth Johnson is a new contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

36

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37

GATES

county

S tory & P hotos

by C al B ryant

Jack of all trades

M

ack Powell’s long, heavily callused fingers are a testament of a lifetime of working with his hands.

Despite retiring in 2007 from White and

Woodley Mechanical Contractors of Ahoskie after 45 years of service, Powell still works

Semi-retired electrician also excels at building unique birdhouses 38

nearly every day as the owner of his own company – Mack Powell’s Electric Service. He’ll answer calls for assistance for the things that electricians do best – identifying problems with a variety of testing devices, and making repairs by replacing wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand tools and power tools.

“I sat around for about a week, looking out the window, after retiring from White and Woodley, but I quickly found out that doing nothing

this is fun,” Powell remarked. “And it all started

time,” he noted. “On some days I’ll get in my

on a whim.”

workshop and lose all track of time.”

At the outset of building birdhouses,

At the outset of his birdhouse-building career, Powell gave them away to family

Powell said it was a lot of trial-and-error.

“It took a while to get my style down

members and close friends as gifts.

“I’ve never gotten rich off them,” he

pat,” he admitted. “I’ve seen other types of

laughed. “Even the ones I sell now I just

homemade birdhouses and they all look

basically break even on the materials and

the same to me… I call it cookie-cutter

the time I put into making them. I just enjoy

construction. I take pride in the fact that no

making them.”

two of my birdhouses look alike. I like to be

His wood choice for birdhouses is a very

more creative.”

Case-in-point is his “guitar” birdhouses –

narrow list – cypress and red cedar.

wasn’t my cup of tea,” Powell said with a sly grin. “Retirement may be nice for some folks, but it’s not for me.”

But there’s something else that occupies Powell’s time, and it all started on a whim.

He was born and raised on Powell Lane, a short and curvy strip of asphalt that snakes its way through the sandy soil of

“

“Both of those woods are good to work

a house at the bottom, curving up to a long,

with,” he said. “I remember my daddy building

narrow neck, complete with homemade “strings.” Another looks like a barn….a birdhouse on each end,

I sat around for about a

another inside the loft with a

week, looking out the

another in the shape of an old

window, after retiring from

a cross steeple. Another has a

feeding area below. There is wooden church, complete with

White and Woodley, but I

quickly found out that doing

nothing wasn’t my cup of tea.

- Mack Powell

Gates County just off U.S. 13 near the Chowan River. In the 1990’s, his family’s

fishing boats with cypress, so I know that

homeplace was in need of remodeling,

wood will hold up, and red cedar is such a

to include stripping off the old, well-worn

beautiful wood; it has a lot of character. I’ve

weatherboard and replacing it with vinyl

tried working with pine, but it will warp and

siding.

rot, so I don’t use it.”

“My oldest sister, Ellen, asked me to make

He purchases the cypress from Gates

her a birdhouse from a piece of that old

Custom Milling. As for the red cedar, his

weatherboard,” Powell recalled while relaxing

“stash” comes from individuals calling him to

in a chair outside of his workshop located

remove those types of trees from their yards

almost directly across the road from his

when a storm knocks them down.

homeplace. “I told her I didn’t know nothing about building birdhouses; I’m an electrician.”

“After (Hurricane) Isabel, I thought I got enough red cedar to last me for the rest of my

The rest, as they say, is history.

life, but that hasn’t been the case. I’ve gone

As it turns out, Powell is more than capable

through all that storm-damaged wood and

of building birdhouses. A long list of satisfied

plenty more since then,” he admitted.

customers since 1998 – as well as a well-

His finished products made from cypress

stocked barn filled with his unique creations

are painted using exterior latex. The cedar

awaiting buyers – is a testament to his skill.

birdhouses are protected with several coats of

“When I got started on the very first one that Ellen asked me to build, I said to myself

clear polyurethane.

“I’ll work on the birdhouses in my spare

39

faceplate resembling a fish.

his life, Powell crafted his trade

He hired me on the spot and I

Powell said sales of the

as an electrician much in the

stayed there 45 years.

birdhouses are busier before

same fashion as to his honing his

Christmas.

skills as a creator of birdhouses.

“Mother’s Day and Father’s

In July of 1962, Powell was

Day are also busy times for

living with his sister in Norfolk,

buyers,” he added.

VA. There, his brother-in-law

On some Saturdays, Powell will fill a trailer with his creations

City of Norfolk.

when he told you something, you could take it as the truth because he was a man of his word,” Powell added about his former boss.

Now with his own business,

and park, with permission, at

“He made it easy for me to

Tar Heel BBQ – located at the

get a job; I did a lot of odds-and-

Powell’s work ethic – and the

intersection of U.S. 13 and U.S.

ends, to include some electrical

lessons learned from John White

158 in Gates County – and offer

work,” Powell recalled.

about how to treat customers –

the birdhouses for sale.

Returning to Gates County

is basically unchanged.

He also attends local craft

for Thanksgiving in 1962, Powell

“I treat people right,” he

fairs at various times to sell his

remembered “catching a ride”

stressed. “I don’t try to clean

handiwork.

with Reid Eure to Ahoskie.

their clock when it comes to

Now at the age of 77, Powell

“Reid had to pick up some

says he has no idea of how much

car parts at NAPA and White and

longer he will work… either as a

Woodley was located right next

licensed electrician or at his

door back then,” Powell said. “I

hobby of building birdhouses.

went in and asked about a job.

what I charge.”

The same can be said for his talents when it comes to using those well-worn hands to craft a beautiful birdhouse.

“I guess that’s all in the hands

It was a slow time of the year

of the Lord; I’ll keep going as

for them and I was told there

long as he lets me. I’ve had some

weren’t any openings. Just about

close calls, but I still have all of

the time I was turning to walk

my fingers,” Powell said with a

out the door, I heard Mr. John

Porch

White, the owner, speak up and

Roanoke-Chowan

said he wanted to talk with me.

and the Gates County Index.

hearty laugh.

As far as to the early part of

40

worked as an inspector for the

“Mr. White was a fine man;

To learn more about his work, call Powell at 252-814-8353.

Cal Bryant is Editor of Front Living

Magazine,

the

News-Herald

7309 US Hwy 64 Alt.. Robersonville, NC www.fillingstationnc.com

2082 Winslow Road, Robersonville, NC www.sunsetstables.org

Call Now to Book Your Wedding or Engagement Parties

41

WASHINGTON

county

S tory & P hotos

by T om H arrison

For the Love of Bears

T

he sun rising behind the black bear

while simultaneously issuing a loud “Whoof,”

It is for the love of bears that prompted

gilded the edges of his silhouette as

attempting to scare me away. When I didn’t

me to create the first N.C. Black Bear Festival

he looked back over his shoulder at me

flinch, it was as if he said, “Well, that didn’t

in 2015. The N.C. Black Bear Festival brings

work. I’m getting out of here!” and he ran off.

attention to these magnificent animals.

with disdain.

After all, I had interrupted his breakfast. I

That’s just one of thousands of encounters

The mission of the festival continues to

watched him at a safe distance through the

I have had with bears over the past 20-plus

be to educate people about the little-known

telephoto lens of my camera as he reluctantly

years. Black bears, unlike their grizzly and

North Carolina superlative we have the world’s

turned and walked away.

polar cousins, have a prey mentality instead

largest black bears here in the coastal plains

of a predator mentality. Their normal reaction

of the state.

But suddenly he stopped and looked over his shoulder in my direction once more. It was

is to run away from any threat.

Not only that, but according to the NC

as if I could read his mind and he was saying,

I have seen a squirrel chase a black bear

Furbearer and Black Bear Biologist, Colleen

“Wait a minute! This is my woods, my home

up a tree. (But they are still wild animals

Olfenbuttel, the highest black bear densities

and my breakfast. I’m not leaving. You leave!”

and potentially dangerous.

They shouldn’t

on the planet are not found in Canada

So, he turned and walked at an oblique

be approached.) When someone asks me,

or Alaska, but on the Albemarle/Pamlico

angle back in my direction. Then when he

“What should I do if I see a black bear?” I say,

Peninsula of North Carolina.

got closer, he turned directly at me and

“Enjoy the moment, because it will soon be a

slapped the ground with his two front paws

memory.”

42

Through

good

management

by

the

N.C. Wildlife Commission, the black bear

The N.C. Black Bear Festival has taken the state by storm – winning awards for

“Best

New

Festival”

in North Carolina, twice winning “Best Festival” in North Carolina and “Best Small Festival” in the eight southeastern states in its short five-year history. population has grown from approximately

Roanoke River, it is a mixture of bear festival

2,000 bears in the state in 1970 to about

and river festival.

There have now been bear

Bear-themed activities include Wild

sightings in all 100 counties of North

Bear Tours, Photography Tours, a Baby

Carolina.

Bear Dress-Up Contest, Run with the Bear

20,000.

The N.C. Black Bear Festival has taken

5K, Bear Necessities Paddle, a children’s

the state by storm – winning awards for

Bear Train Ride, the world’s first Mechanical

“Best New Festival” in North Carolina,

Black Bear Ride, the Black Bear Theater film

twice winning “Best Festival” in North

production and presentations by the N.C.

Carolina and “Best Small Festival” in the

Furbearer and Black Bear Biologist.

eight southeastern states in its short five-

On the water one can enjoy the above-

year history. The event has grown by leaps

mentioned paddle, as well as Airboat Rides,

and bounds. Last year the event attracted

Pontoon Boat Rides, Kids Fishing, Lazy River

people from more than 26 states and four

Tubing, the N.C. Black Bear Bass Tournament

foreign countries!

and the spectacular Reflections on the

Why all the fuss?

Roanoke Fireworks Show.

First, people of all ages and demographics

In addition, there is also live music on

seem to love bears. Secondly, Bear Fest is

two stages, a magic show, live car and

interactive. There is no shortage of things to

tractor transformers, a wonderful car show,

do with over 30 activities each year. With

a motorcycle poker run, helicopter rides, hot

the event’s location on the banks of the

air balloon rides, water slides, and an eye-

43

popping, jaw-dropping, heart-stopping aerial motorcycle stunt show.

This year the festival is adding a “flipper” who will turn somersaults with his motorcycle in the air more than two stories above the street. At the festival you can make your own stuffed bear or have a green screen photo or GIF of you riding a black bear and more.

Also new this year is a laser light show which is being added to the already astounding fireworks show on the river Saturday night.

Plus, there are always unadvertised surprises.

No one likes to open all their presents before Christmas, so the Bear Festival saves some surprises for you.

The success of this award-winning event goes much further than a weekend festival.

The community is getting on the bear train. There is now a black bear museum in Plymouth called Bear-Ology.

There is an

antique shop called Bear Necessities.

All

three

restaurants

in

downtown

Plymouth have 5’ tall plush bears they dress

new logo on their water tower and has bearthemed police cars.

changing Plymouth and Washington County.

For the love of bears, the festival is making

Last year the town created a new canoe/

a huge economic impact in the community

kayak launch called Bear Track Landing with a

and putting Plymouth on the map. This year’s

kayaking bear on top of the sign. The county

event is June 6-7. For more information, visit

has a new ambulance with a black bear on it.

NCBearFest.com or call 252-793-6627.

up seasonally. The town of Plymouth and

In addition, the Partnership for Downtown

Tom Harrison is an organizer of the N.C.

Washington County have adopted the black

Plymouth created a new open-air market

Black Bear Festival and a regular contributor to

bear as their brand. The town has painted the

called Bear Towne Market. Black bears are

Eastern North Carolina Living.

44

45

SUPPORT THE TOWN OF AULANDER

Attend this year’s Relay For Life event

Friday, May 15th, 2020 Bertie High School 6:00 p.m.

Temporary Hours for Aulander Town Hall Monday - Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed Friday Normal Hours will resume on June 1, 2020 Town of Aulander 119 S. Commerce St., Aulander, NC 27805 Phone: 252-345-3541 Fax: 252-345-1316

Carolina Pine & Hardwood, Inc.

Buyers of Standing Pine and Hardwood Sawtimber and Pulpwood PO Box 607 231 US 13 Bypass Windsor, NC 27983 www.carolinapinehardwood.com Phone: (252) 794-2780 Mobile: (252) 209-5582

For Reservations: wfd43@embarqmail.com or 252-724-0994

Be a kid again – sleep in a treehouse!

Nestled along the Cashie River the treehouses ar the perfect place to relax and enjoy the awesome view and the sounds of nature. You may also use them as a base to explore the river on kayak/canoe, or hunting or fishing.

Bertie County 46

Town of Windsor (252) 794-2331 www.windsornc.com

Windsor is more than a lifestyle!

where

Cooper Insurance Agency A division of Phelps Insurance Group, Inc Russell Phelps, President Dianne Phelps, Vice President 103 S. King Street, Windsor, NC 27983 252-794-4036

We offer complete insurance programs with small town service. Personal lines and commercial lines.

Contact us for a free quote today.

Little Golden

Skillet

Serving great food since 1972

103 W. Granville St., • Windsor, NC 27983 (252) 794-3468

Bertie Ledger–Advance Community News at your Fingertips Thadd White Editor twhite@ncweeklies.com The Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce represents and advocates business interests, promotes economic growth, provides leadership in community affairs, enhances the quality of life for the people of Bertie County and provides services and programs for its members.

121 Granville Street, Windsor, NC 27983 www.windsorbertiechamber.com (252) 794-4277

Falcons nip Knights

Baggett tourney wrap-up

Sport

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WEDNESD AY • JANU ARY

Michelle Leicester Creative Services Director mleicester@ncweeklies.com Jessica Mobley Advertising Manager jmobley@ncweeklies.com

• Roxobel • Windsor Hill • Powellsville Woodville • Merry • Kelford • Lewiston Colerainlle • Askewvi 980 S. Academy St. • Aulande r • Colerain Ahoskie, NC 27910 • Kelford • Lewiston Woodville • Merry Hill Aske • Powellsv wville ille • Roxobel • Aula • Windsor nde r • Cole rain 980 S. Academy Heating & • Kelf ord St. • Lew Ahoskie, NC Air Conditioning 27910 iston S 3 Woo 252.209.022 dvill B1 e • Mer 2019 11, ry Hill WEDNESDAY • DECEMBER • Pow ellsv ille • WEDNESDAY SportS Roxobe • DECEMBE

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Christmas Hours: at Hope slated Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

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47

Jim Green Sports Edito jgreen@ncw Leslie Beac News Edito lbeachboard

EDGECOMBE

county

Something Mystical St. Anne’s Chapel is home to multi-faceted programs S tory & P hotos by T hadd White Contributed P hotos

“T

his place is mystical above and beyond

being

a

deconsecrated

church.”

That’s how Tricia Wilson describes what

is now St. Anne’s Chapel, a former Episcopal church just outside Tarboro.

Wilson and her husband, Kevin, bought the former church which was built a century ago when they purchased their home on the same property.

Built in 1920, the church was used for 40 years.

48

“St. Anne’s was a mission for county folks who couldn’t get to Calvary (Episcopal Church, in downtown Tarboro),” Tricia Wilson said.

After six decades of services to parishioners, the church was deconsecrated in 1960 and set abandoned for the next four decades. And, not just abandoned, it was the site for multiple break-ins and more than a little mischief for children.

“It had become known as the haunted church, but we didn’t know that,” Wilson said.

“Only one window was left in the building and it is a hand-painted stained-glass window that has more than a few holes from bb guns.”

In 1999, the Wilsons purchased the property with the intention of living in the home and renovating the former church property for Kevin Wilson’s construction business office.

“We had no interest in making it what it is today,” Tricia Wilson said.

She said she and her husband were not religious in a structured sense, so they were

uncomfortable with the church.

The sale of the property was completed in 1999, but the Wilsons were still living in downtown Tarboro as they made plans for the transition – that’s when Hurricane Floyd struck North Carolina and one of the worst storms in the state’s history left the entire east coast a mess.

That included Edgecombe County, Tarboro and the Wilsons’ new property.

The St. Anne’s facility was surrounded by trees on all sides, but nothing damaged the slate roof of the church.

“That same thing has happened through all of our storms,” Tricia Wilson said.

Shortly after, the construction business was lost, and the Wilsons were deciding what to do with the church. The building had no wiring, no electricity, floors of the joists and windows broken out all of the structure. Even the front vestibule of St. Anne’s was missing.

It was about that time Tricia Wilson said she and her husband began having what was

“mystical experiences” in the chapel.

resulted in their decision to offer different

One of those was when Kevin Wilson was

programs at St. Anne’s. Since that time, the

uncovering the one window left inside the

couple has offered energy healing, yoga,

facility.

drumming, tuning fork programs and singing

“The energy pushed him off the ladder,” Tricia Wilson said. “He didn’t lose his balance, the energy pushed him off.”

bowl programs among many others.

Tricia Wilson said since she was in the medical field, it was all new to her and she

The Wilsons began thinking the facility

had to see proof before she began to believe

would made a good musical venue, so they

in such things. She calls that proof her rule of

cleaned it up, repaired it and began having

three – meaning she had to see something

musical showcases at St. Anne’s.

three times before believing it.

Unfortunately for the Wilsons, their

Tricia Wilson described the programs at St.

musical taste was different than their

Anne’s – and indeed the Wilsons themselves

neighbors.

– as “fish out of water” in eastern North

Tricia Wilson said she and husband love

Carolina. That’s why many of their programs

1960s and 1970s folk music and invited singer

bring people to Tarboro from outside the

songwriters to the venue to perform. It simply

region.

didn’t work out.

The Wilsons then had an experience that changed their lives. The two of them were

“I’m not saying St. Anne’s has been financially successful, but it has been spiritually rewarding,” Tricia Wilson said.

indeed all over the world.

The festival highlights musicians who “use music to help connect to your higher self.”

The event has grown larger each year and is now attracting more well-know artists. It is scheduled for October 23-25 this year.

In addition to other programs, St. Anne’s offers program featuring psychic mediums,

leaning and said a beam of light came through

One of the most controversial programs

that same window and both of them blacked

offered at the facility was a program called

out. She said even after they recovered, the

“Profound Profanity.” The program was

In addition to all of those programs, St.

designed to allow participants to use profanity

Anne’s is also available as a beautiful setting

to “let the bad air out.”

for weddings and the like. The chapel holds

two of them thought about the incident.

They began consulting theologians and began to discover their own spirituality.

“We have not been the same,” Tricia Wilson

“It wasn’t popular locally,” Tricia Wilson admitted.

animal communication and therapists.

about 75 people and can be decorated to suit the taste of the couple using the facility.

For more information on St. Anne’s Chapel,

said. “Since that time, the only thing we are

That event has led to one of the most

passionate about is our relationship with the

popular events held at St. Anne’s – Profound

divine and sharing that with others.”

Sound. The Profound Sound event draws

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North

people from all over the United States – and

Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

The change in the Wilsons’ spirituality also

visit www.stanneschapel.com.

49

BERTIE

county

Capturing the moment Tiffany White thrives on helping others savor memories S tory by T hadd White P hotos by T iffany White

C

hildren can change people’s

continued as they have grown into teens

lives in many ways.

and preteens.

For Tiffany White, it not

moving

from

a

home

photographer to a person who captures

– but a professional photographer who

memories for friends, neighbors and

is interested in preserving memories for

clients, she has loved every minute of

herself and others.

her endeavors. White has photographed

“It started when my children were

everything

from

weddings

and

younger – I began taking random candid

engagements to birthday parties and

shot of them, and my husband bought

even photos for newborn children.

me a camera for Christmas,” White said.

She said taking photos of children –

“That has turned into a passion to create

since that’s how she began her endeavor

memories for other people.”

– is still one of her favorite things to do.

White’s husband, Wesley, gifted her with a Canon camera and it is her chosen equipment ever since.

50

Since

only made her a loving mother of three

“I love kids,” White said. “They are the most fun.”

Another fun part of her job has been

The passion for photography began

what she calls the “Radiant Women

when her children – Madison, Landen

Shoot.” She invites women for a day of

and Noah – were younger, but has

pampering and photography.

“I was just thinking as mother, life can be stressful, so I wanted to do something for other moms and ladies,” she said.

and more than a dozen women have availed themselves of the opportunity to participate.

In addition to the Radiant Women’s Shoot,

Women sign up to participate in the event

White has been involved in a variety of other

in which White and her assistant, Courtney

professional shoots, including putting together

Lane, do hair and makeup for the ladies as well

a collage for the 51 House in Edenton.

as just offer a day of pampering.

From there, the ladies are photographed in groups and individually.

White said she enjoys all kinds of photography, but her comfort zone lies in natural outdoor lighting.

“We want them to just feel special for a day,” White said.

Another of her favorite shoots happened recently when she had a couple’s shoot

The event has been offered three times

involving her best friend and her friend’s husband.

“Its truly a passion for me. I’ve learned

“It turned out exceptionally well because they knew they could be themselves around me. It was the most laughter of any shoot I’ve ever been a part of,” she mused. “I suppose I was probably more relaxed as well.”

through photography a picture is a memory you’ll always have.

Having memories caught on film or in print is one you can always hold.”

- Tiffany White 51

she smiled. “The other two are less interested.”

As for her husband, White says he hasn’t regretted gifting the camera which set the stage for her current busy schedule.

“He doesn’t regret it,” she laughed. “He’s a big help. He helps build props and helps me on locations.”

White said the place she’d most like to do a shoot would be New York City. She said the business of the streets would make for a good photography session.

“Its truly a passion for me,” White said. “I’ve learned through photography a picture is a memory you’ll always have. Having memories caught on film or in print is one you can always hold.

“You will have that memory when the Another exciting shoot for White was the wedding of Abbey Walston.

“I enjoy weddings and all of them have been fun,” White said. “Hers just stands out. It was a good group to work with.”

White said she also enjoys her “campfire minis.”

“You get to see families be more themselves around a campfire – making smores and enjoying themselves,” she said.

White said her “campfire minis” were adapted from Katie Myrick, an Outer Banks photographer whom she admires.

For the business side, White said she currently maintains a schedule which allows her to work one or two weekends most months but isn’t so time consuming since she already works fulltime for the town of Williamston in neighboring Martin County.

“I had one year which was booming and every weekend or at least every other weekend was booked,” she said. “I missed time with my own children, so I felt it was important to slow down.”

As she looks to the future of the photography business, White said she has mixed emotions about how busy she’d like to be.

“Sometimes I’m content and other times I think I want to grow the business even bigger,” she said. “That’s probably not possible right

52

loved ones are no longer near for whatever

now with my fulltime job.”

When she is working, she often has help from her youngest, Noah, who she believes may follow in her footsteps in photography in some form.

reason,” she closed.

White’s photography and her booking information are available on Facebook as Tiffany White Photography.

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North

“He’s my little photographer in training,”

Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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2020 Season 41

Spanish Performance: Thursday, April 2, 2020 Seeing can lead to believing.

English Performances:

Friday, April 3rd thru Sunday, April 5th & Thursday, April 9th thru Sunday April 12th Hearing Impaired Date TBA 8pm nightly - No charge to attend

Piney Grove Baptist Church 2925 Piney Grove Church Road, Williamston, NC www.messageofeaster.org • 252-792-1342

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NORTHAMPTON

county

Dancing through life S tory

by

T hadd White T hadd White &

P hotos by Contributed

If there was a time Chelsea Davis Jernigan

She took weekly classes growing up, and

wasn’t dancing, it was also before she could

was on the competition team at the studio

walk.

she attended. Early on, it was Jeane Newsome

Jernigan, who has taught dance for the last 10 years at Progressions Dance Center, has been dancing since she was just two years old.

“My grandma signed me up when I was two,” she said. “I’m not sure if there was ever

instruction in dance.

After spending her formative years learning

dance,

and

graduating

from

Northeast Academy, Jernigan went on to further her education at Meredith College.

a point I didn’t enjoy it, but I officially fell in

While busy earning a degree in dance

love when I was old enough to start clogging.

education, she was part of the Meredith Dance

I was hesitant to try it at first, but my mom

Theatre and the Meredith Tap Ensemble.

encouraged me to give it a go and its been my favorite style of dance ever since.”

“The Meredith Dance Theatre was a challenge for me because it was solely a

Growing up in rural Northampton County,

modern dance company,” Jernigan recalled.

one might think Jernigan would plan to leave

“I had never participated in modern dance

her beloved childhood home to follow her

before, so it was all very new to me.”

passion for dancing, but she never considered

In fact, Jernigan didn’t make the team during her first audition and said she took

it.

54

and John Davis who provided most of her

After earning her degree at Meredith

three semesters of modern dance classes

College, she returned to her home county,

before she was ready to audition again. That

and opened up a dance studio in nearby

time, however, she was ready and made the

Roanoke Rapids.

team.

She now provides the same tutelage for

“The Tap Ensemble was brand new when I

students she received when she was a young

auditioned, so I’m pretty sure they took all of

girl learning dance for the first time.

us,” Jernigan mused.

In addition, Jernigan joined a clogging ensemble that was not directly affiliated with Meredith College, but held practices on the campus.

“It was called Second String Cloggers and was a combination of students from N.C. State and Meredith,” Jernigan said. “It was entirely student-led, and we would compete at the N.C. State Fair every year. There were some truly talented cloggers on that team, and I learned so much from them.”

“

Dance teachers are second moms, shoulders to cry on, voices of reason and motivational speakers – often times before they every get around to teaching dance.

- Chelsea Davis Jernigan

While enjoying the challenges of dance,

more than happy to do that – and of course,

classes satisfied the PE requirements without

Jernigan also was busy pursuing her degree.

dancing always makes people feel better so

running.”

Though she could have concentrated on

it’s sort of therapy all on its own.”

private studio dance, she felt it was better to take the more comprehensive approach.

“When you get a teaching licensure, you

From there, she signed up because it

Many would have assumed Jernigan always

filled some arts based general education

had her mind set on dance, but she said that

requirements, then it was because she wanted

wasn’t necessarily the case.

to do it.

get an arsenal of psychology classes as well,”

“I think a lot of people always assume

“Finally, in my junior year, my adviser

she said. “I think those have proven to be very

that opening a dance studio was my dream,

basically said it was past time for me to

helpful over the years.

even though I never really considered it until

declare a major and I needed to go ahead

“Dance teachers are second moms,

college,” she said. “I was not one of those

and officially decide,” she said. “I was already

shoulders to cry on, voices of reason

people who always knew exactly what I would

completing everything for the dance major, so

and motivational speakers – often times

do with my life.

it made sense at that point.”

before they every get around to teaching

“I had no clue what I wanted to major in

Still, Jernigan hadn’t decided to return

dance,” Jernigan continued. “If I can ever by

when I went to college, but I just kept signing

home and open a studio – that decision came

somebody’s ‘safe place’ to help them through

up for dance classes,” she said. “At first it was

when she was a senior.

whatever is going on in their lives, then I’m

because I loved it, and because the dance

Since that time, she has been training students in the art of dance – and being that second mom to them.

While admitting being a business owner doesn’t come naturally to her, Jernigan said she most enjoys being in the classroom.

She said in the classroom she never knows what to expect.

“It’s always different,” Jernigan insists.

“Every single year is different; every single class is different. If you add or take away just one person, the whole class dynamic changes

55

– so sometimes it’s almost like every class is a

As for the future, Jernigan said she plans to

new group even if its mostly filled with people

continue teaching students dance and trying

I’ve been teaching for years.”

to make a difference in their lives.

Jernigan began by teaching all of the classes

“As any teacher will tell you, the ‘light bulb’

herself, but learned her passion is teaching

moments are always wonderful,” she said.

older students. She now has other people

“When a dancer has been working on a step

who teach the younger dancers. Jernigan said

and it finally clicks, that joy and excitement on

the people who help her teach are “amazing”

their faces is always gratifying.

and calls them “a gift.”

“Another

special

moment

that

has

“This year was unique because I am

happened numerous times of the years is

teaching a group of kids who were in one of

when we are at a performance or competition

the last three- and four-year-old classes I

and the dancers take time to hold hands and

taught,” she said. “They are now 10, and it has

pray before they perform – sometimes it’s

been interesting to have them in class again.

the whole team, sometimes it’s a few girls

They’re exactly the same in so many ways.

together before solos or duets. It always

They are precisely who they were, just taller.”

warms my heart.”

Each year, the students at Progressions Dance Center put on a recital, and each year her students ask Jernigan to return to the stage to dance with them – and she never refuses.

Jernigan said she is always happy to see her students grow as dancers, but also as people.

Dance is not just a business for Jernigan.

She loves the challenge.

than anything else, which really resonates with me,” she continued. “I enjoy being onstage and entertaining the audience, but the best feeling in the world is coming off stage knowing you gave it your all.”

“I love performing with my students,” she

“I think for me it’s always been about doing

said. “Sometimes I have a hard time with it

my best and having fun when performing,”

because it feels a little vain to me, but they

she said. “I never enjoyed team sports very

Progressions

always ask me to, and I love to do it. I try to

much, but in dance you are always trying to

progressionsdancecenter.com.

get onstage once or twice during the recital if

dance better than you did the last time.

I can.”

56

“It’s almost more about self improvement

For

more Dance

information Center,

visit

about www.

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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57

• The Place To Be •

....in Murfreesboro Story by Sarah Davis Photos by Thadd White

W

ander down Main Street in Murfreesboro, and you’ll probably find yourself drawn into King’s

Coffee and Eatery.

Wonder why? Maybe it’s the seasonal decorations in the window, the sandwich board advertising the special and burger of the day, the free wi-fi, or the friends you spy through the windows.

There’s definitely something to attract you just as there used to be something to draw the crowds into Williams’ Variety Store.

Purchased in 2019 by Dail Gray, chief chef and creator of amazing dishes, the building has a long history in Murfreesboro. Beginning in 1949 as an entirely different establishment, it, nevertheless, has a long history of being a gathering place. Any youngster growing up in Murfreesboro was drawn into the store, whether for toys, goldfish, or candy, and never had to worry about being allowed to enter because the accompanying adult was just as interested in the eclectic inventory and, especially, in the candy counter.

Built in 1949 by Ben Cullipher for Ernest Williams, it began as a Ben Franklin with franchisee Williams, then transitioned first into Williams’ 5 & 10, then Williams’ Variety

hall, a woolery shop - and then, in the early

menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, wraps,

until closing in 1988. Having originally begun

2000s, was purchased by Laurie Brooks and

tacos, quesadillas, burgers, dogs, salads, pasta,

the business in another Main Street location,

Randy Roberts, who refurbished the building,

and breakfast items. Each day, there is a “Dish

Ernest Williams and his son, Charles, who

and opened it as a coffee shop with retail

of the Day,” a featured menu item at a 10

took over the business in 1970, served the

rental space, now primarily used as office

percent discount. The dish includes a non-

public in Murfreesboro for 52 years.

space.

alcoholic drink and side of one’s choice. There

Following the 1988 closing, the building

Since Gray bought the business, he has

housed other businesses - a night club, a pool

expanded the menu and the kitchen area. The

58

is also a children’s menu.

In addition to traditional drinks - colas,

"

For 70 years, the building at 117 East Main has been an important piece of the landscape of Murfreesboro.

Indeed, all who wander are not lost; some are heading for King’s Coffee.

"

tea and water - a number of specialty drinks can be had. Specialty coffees (both hot and cold), specialty teas and specialty milkshakes, often with each giving a nod to the season - December included a chai tea with eggnog -entice one to indulge. Recently added to the beverage list are beer and wine.

The dessert counter offers a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, reminiscent of the candy counter at Williams’ Variety.

Gray, a Como native, studied history and political science at Virginia Tech before journeying into culinary arts and the restaurant business. At Disney World, he worked as a food and beverage man prior to opening an English-style pub in Richmond. Somewhat self-taught as a chef, he studied under a British chef and a New Orleans one while in business in Richmond. Returning to Como, he managed the dining operations at Franklin’s Village at Woods Edge and the town’s country club.

Once in business in Murfreesboro, Gray’s reputation spread rapidly. The quality of his meals is well known. A favorite spot for lunch for Chowan University faculty and staff as well as local business people including lawyers and real estate agents, the usual crowd goes beyond local as folks from Northampton County and Southampton County, VA, can be seen sating their appetites.

59

In addition to daily specials and menu meals, Gray also caters, whether a party on the premises

2809 NC Highway 903 Stokes, NC 27884 252.717.5671

or a wedding rehearsal in a near-by venue.

Gray’s love is to be in the kitchen, preparing the food, making sure it is up to his standards, so he leaves the front of the operation to Kellie Gorham.

A New Hampshire native, Gorham has embraced her new home of Murfreesboro with a friendly greeting for all who come through the door.

24 hour EmErgEncy sErvicE

Besides making sure the wait staff are taking care of customers, she sees to sales for local artisans who are not charged for selling their creations.

Gorham says, “Allowing the display and sale of jewelry, pottery, and door hangings is a way to give back to the public who have so enthusiastically supported King’s.”

Gray echoes her sentiment.

Wander in, and you might see a bridge club playing or hear a band rehearsing. Another time you might see computers open whether for school study or on-line business dealings or just surfing the ‘net.

Open Monday-Tuesday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.,

Pre-buy & Lock in Programs avaiLabLe now

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Bring in 2-20 lb cylindersBuy 1 refill-get 2nd refill half price!

C: 252.717.5671 • O: 252.752.6423 • F: 252.752.6499

email: jmizell@stokescongleton.net

website: www.stokescongleton.com

Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Friday nights include live music from a variety of sources and genres. A Chowan student even held his senior recital there.

Gray says that although he has owned a pub (public house), King’s Coffee is far more of a public gathering place than any other he has seen. The citizens of Murfreesboro agree and probably in no small part because it is a road that leads down memory lane for many.

C.S. Brown High School-STEM English teacher and librarian Hugh Davis, a regular in the coffee shop, fondly remembers carrying a Lone Ranger lunchbox to Riverview Elementary School that he purchased at Williams’ Variety. Every trip to King’s evokes memories of Williams’.

For 70 years, the building at 117 East Main has been an important piece of the landscape of Murfreesboro. Indeed, all who wander are not lost; some are heading for King’s Coffee.

Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

60

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All Aboard the Choice Bus Story & Photos by Amelia Harper About 300 students from J.W. Parker

students from J.W. Parker Middle School

inmates never graduated from high school,

Middle School and Tar River Academy had an

listened, White talked to them about the

White said.

opportunity Friday to board the Choice Bus.

origin of the Choice Bus and the importance

The Choice Bus, created by the Mattie C.

of completing high school.

Stewart Foundation, emphasizes the positive

“We are here to give you an illustration of

choice of getting a good education by showing

how powerful getting an education is,” White

the contrast between school and life-time

told the students.

earning capacity and the consequences of

At the beginning of the presentation,

choosing to drop out — a choice that often

White asked the students how many would

leads to prison.

agree with the statement that “getting an

The

half-prison

cell,

half-classroom

education is important.”

converted school bus visually portrays two

Only three students raised their hands.

different life perspectives and allows students

White explained the average salary for a

to see how their choices now impact their

high school graduate is $27,000 a year while it

future.

is $16,000 for a high school dropout. Pursuing

Kim White, a presenter for the Choice Bus,

at least two years of training after high school

said a visit to the bus allows students to better

can help students earn an additional one

envision their options.

million dollars over their lifetimes, White said.

As a group of about 20 eighth-grade

62

On the other hand, about 75 percent of

She also encouraged students to make good choices about substances they use and the friends they choose as these can impact their life experiences and choices.

“All of you are packed with potential,” she said. “You need to nurture your potential, not shut it down.”

Chubby’s Carpet Center, Inc. By the end of the presentation and after a tour of the mock prison cell, the students seemed to have a better grasp of the importance of education. All of them said

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they planned to graduate from high school.

Tyreik Harold, a student at Parker Middle School, said he appreciated the presentation.

“It was nice. It tells us about our futures and stuff. It made me really think about finishing high school and going to college.

That way I could get a job and really help out my family,” he said.

The Choice Bus was made available to the students thanks to a collaboration between the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, Communities in Schools of North Carolina and State Farm.

CHUBBY WOOLARD Ph. 252-975-7544 Fax 252-975-7593

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chubbyscarpetcenter@embarqmail.com 63

Family highlights N.C. Aquarium S to ry by L e sl i e B e ac h b oa r d C o n t r i b u t e d P h oto s

O

ne local family made their television

young families with toddler boys or girls,

paddle

debut recently.

teenage boys and girls and adults who look

communications manager Danielle Bolton.

Monica

Bullock

and

her

family were selected to star in a television commercial for the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

"In July a couple of news stations had

to be in their 20s to 70s to portray the family tradition.

the

said

the

aquarium's

Bullock received a phone call on Aug. 7 that they were one of the families selected out of

Filming was scheduled on weekends throughout

boarding,"

August

aquarium

and

and other

September local

5,000 images and over 900 emails.

at

"The North Carolina Aquarium has been

places,

my family's favorite place to visit every year.

posted on their website a casting call for the

weather permitting. Each commercial took

When the casting call came out, I just knew

North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

approximately one day to shoot.

I had to submit photos of my boys. We were

in Atlantic Beach. I submitted our family

"We are interested in featuring local

pictures. We were one of the lucky families

talent to showcase family traditions. While

selected for the commercial," said Bullock.

these are unpaid positions, this is an exciting

There are five Bullock boys; however, three

opportunity to see the aquarium after hours

children were in the commercial: Chad, who is

and behind the scenes, as well as participate

1 year old, Kevin, who is 9 years old and Kent,

in special activities such as kayaking and

who is 17 years old.

The casting call began July 31 and ended Aug. 5.

The commercials were expected to feature

64

so excited that we were one of the chosen families," she added.

“

It was an awesome experience. We did some filming at the aquarium and some on the beach. It was all day filming. The experience will always be a special memory for my family.

�

- M on i c a B ul loc k

Bullock was also featured in the commercials.

"There was another actor who played my adult son. He is seen at the end of the commercial. He is a United States Marine who just so happened to be visiting the aquarium the day of the filming," she said.

"He resembled my sons and they needed him to play the part of my adult son. He was more than happy to play the role," Bullock added.

The Bullock family filmed the commercial on Sept. 15, and

went to the premiere of the commercial at the Big Rock Theater at the aquarium on Nov. 16.

The commercial aired Dec. 29 during the Carolina Panthers pre-game show on the CW and again on Dec. 30 during the "Nine On Your Side" morning news edition.

The commercial aired along with two other commercials recorded with other families throughout the NFL playoffs.

"Our commercial is about a mother and her young son enjoying the aquariums together. The son grows up at the aquarium sharing moments with his mom, who had become ill," said Bullock.

"It was an awesome experience. We did some filming at the aquarium and some on the beach. It was all day filming. The experience will always be a special memory for my family. I hope they continue to play the commercial because I have not actually seen it on television yet," she continued.

Although the commercials were unpaid positions, Bullock said her family received some wonderful gifts including a oneyear membership pass to all of the North Carolina Aquariums, and over 150 other zoos and aquariums across the country.

"This is Kevin's third time appearing on television. He was this year's First Alert Weather Kid on WNCT 9 and he made an appearance in the WNCT 9 Christmas commercial with Mrs. Claus," she said.

Bullock said she would be forever grateful for her family being selected for the commercial because of the wonderful memories at a place that has always been a family tradition to visit each year.

Leslie Beachboard is a longtime contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

65

calm

A place of

Edenton-Chowan Schools offers respite for students Story by Nicole Bowman-Layton Photos by Nicole Bowman-Layton & Kim Ullom

E

denton-Chowan Schools recently received a grant to offer a way

for students in each of the district’s four school, calm down and de-escalate their emotions when dealing with things.

Called “Calm Rooms,” the space at each school will offer toys that encourage children to focus, as well as mats, blanket, bolsters (think oversized, firm pillows), and eye-pillows. There are also books that relate to problems that student’s face in real life, such as divorce or moving, and deal with them in ageappropriate ways.

Each school will receive $3,800 to put the room in place.

During a recent school day at White

Oak,

second-grade

teachers

continued their training in meditation and mindfulness techniques with Patti Mordecai, co-owner of Arts and Wellness of Edenton.

Often the students who need to the Calm Room are usually quicker to anger than other students or are in a constant

66

state of “fight-or-flight,” teachers and school officials noted.

Mordecai noted that when a student is in a constant “fight-or-flight” response, their digestive system is unable to absorb nutrients from food and they are unable to sleep.

By learning mindfulness, students are able to eliminate the extra chatter around them and be present in the moment.

“Practicing relaxation is critical to physical and mental health,” Mordecai said. “Creative thinking happens while we are at rest.”

White Oak is going to run the pilot program

By learning mindfulness, students are able to eliminate the extra chatter around them and be present in the moment.

that will serve as the basis for other schools in the district. Each teacher at the school will be trained on how to use the Calm Room’s resources.

During the previous school year, the school worked with Mordecai to implement a yoga program, making the set up of a Calm Room easier than at the other schools in the district.

Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Michael Sasscer, encouraged the application of the Title 4 grant, which are meant to support the comprehensive needs of students in a variety of settings, strengthen family engagement, and bring America’s schools into the 21st century.

Sasscar noted that the grant helps the district with its strategic plan to remove barriers that prevent students from learning.

The goal is to have Calm Rooms set up in all four schools by December 2020.

67

&

OUT ABOUT! Out & About is a listing of events happening in and

around the 12 counties which make up the coverage region for Eastern North Carolina Living magazine.

Those wishing to have an event listed should sent it

*

to: Eastern Living, Attn: Out & About, P.O. Box 69,

This magazine went to press as the COVID-19 virus became a global pandemic. Readers should use contacts in listings to confirm an event before traveling to it.

March 27-29 Opera WASHINGTON – The East Carolina University School of Music Opera Theatre will host The Fantasticks with matinee and evening shows Friday, March 27; Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29.

The shows will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

March 27-28, April 3-5 The Marvelous Wonderettes LITTLETON – The Marvelous Wonderettes will be presented for five shows at the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center.

The show is a trip down memory lane with musical hits from the 1950s and 1960s, and is sponsored by The Farrington Foundation.

The shows are set for 7:30 p.m. March 27, March 28, April 3 and April 4 and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 5.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $9 for students.

For tickets, call 252-586-3124 Ext. 3 or visit www.lakelandcac.org.

The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center is located at 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton.

March 27-29 The Fantasticks WASHINGTON – The Fantasticks will host evening at matinee shows at the Historic

68

Windsor, NC 27983. Email events to Thadd White at twhite@ncweeklies.com.

Turnage Theatre.

The group is presented by the East Carolina University School of Music Opera Theatre.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

March 31 Children’s Art Class WINDSOR – A Children’s Art Class: “Black Canvas… Mason Jar Sage Bouquet” is planned for 4 p.m. Tuesday, March 31 at the Bertie County Arts Council.

The class will be for those ages six to 14.

The cost is $15 for children of members and $20 for children of nonmembers.

For more information or to register, call 801920-3773 or email rsusie@aol.com.

The Bertie County Arts Council gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor.

April 2-12 Message of Easter WILLIAMSTON – Piney Grove Baptist Church will present their 90-minute outdoor drama “The Message of Easter” during five performances April 2-12.

The performances are scheduled to begin on Thursday, April 2 with a Spanish performance. They will continue Friday, April 3 through Sunday, April 5 with English performances. The drama will continue April 9-12.

Pre-performance concerts begin at 7:15 p.m. and the drama starts promptly at 8 p.m. each night.

Admission is free.

For more information call the Drama In-

formation Line at 252-792-2924 or email info@messageofeaster.com.

April 3 Alive After 5 WASHINGTON – Alive After 5 will be held from 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 3 in Caboose Park.

Enjoy live music, beverages and a fun, casual atmosphere.

Beverages will be for sale and food trucks will be available.

For more information, email gwhitlock@ washingtonnc.gov.

April 3- 4 Writers Conference WASHINGTON – The Pamlico Writers Group will host a writer’s conference Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4.

The conference will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

April 4 Easter Egg Drop WASHINGTON – An Easter Egg Drop will be held at noon Saturday, April 4 at Washington-Warren Airport.

The Easter egg drop is for ages 12 and under.

For more information, contact Erin Ruyle at eruyle@washingtonnc.gov.

The Roxobel Ag Festival is set for May 2.

Park Explorer’s Day SCOTLAND NECK – Sylvan Heights Bird Park will host a Park Explorer’s Day from 9 a.m.4 p.m.

Receive 50 percent off the scavenger hunt books, endangered species passports and wetland safari challenge booklets.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Way in Scotland Neck.

For more information, call 252-826-3186.

Tarboro Market TARBORO – The Tarboro Market will open on Saturday, April 4 and will continue each first and third Saturday from April through October.

The market will feature grower/maker driven market that caters to local needs and demands.

It is open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. and is located at 526 North Main St. in Tarboro.

Prelude to Liberty HALIFAX – Prelude to Liberty is planned from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, April 4 in historic Halifax.

The event will feature information on the Halifax Resolves, as well as living history, activities, house tours, military encampments, historical vignettes and weapons firing demonstrations.

The Morattico Artisan Fair will also take place along King Street.

The event headquarters is the Historic Halifax Visitor’s Center which is located at 25 Saint David St. in Halifax.

April 10 Comedy Show WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host the IC Comedy Improv at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 10.

Tickets are $5 at the door.

The show will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

April 10-12 N.C. Herring Festival JAMESVILLE – The 71st annual N.C. Herring Festival is planned April 10-12.

The event kicks off with a Friday night street

dance from 7-9 p.m. followed by family fund, games, parades, vendors and more on Saturday.

For more information, visit ncherringfestival. net.

Registration is required.

For more information or to register, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org/events.

April 11 Annie Jr.

WASHINGTON – The Sails and Ales Beer, Wine and Food Festival will be held Saturday, April 18 at the Washington Civic Center.

There will be breweries, wineries, food trucks, vendors, live music and more.

For more information, email gwhitlock@ washingnc.gov.

WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico Bubblegum Theatre will present “Annie Jr.” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, April 11.

Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students.

The show will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

Nature Scavenger Hunt SCOTLAND NECK – The Sylvan Heights Bird Park will host a Nature Scavenger Hunt from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday, April 11.

Participants will have the opportunity to do a one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt free with the price of admission.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way in Scotland Neck.

For more information, call 252-826-3186.

April 13 through April 17 Spring Break Art Camp WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host Spring School Break Art Camp from 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 13 through Friday, April 17.

The camp is for Beaufort County children ages 6 through 15.

The cost of the camp is $75 for family members, $100 for non-family members or $100 for family memberships.

April 18 Beer, Wine and Food Festival

SpringFest TARBORO – The SpringFest Street Fair featuring Blue Ribbon Kidz Day is planned for 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18 in downtown Tarboro.

The event features music, street dancing, entertainers, bouncers, children and adult activities, food trucks, vendors and more.

It will be a family day of health, wellness, fitness and self-care.

For more information, email Tina Parker at tinaparker@tarboro-nc.com.

Earth Day Celebration SCOTLAND NECK – The Sylvan Heights Bird Park will host an Earth Day Celebration from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18.

Local organizations with an environmental focus will set up hands on educational exhibits for all ages.

The Earth Day Celebration is free with admission or membership.

The Sylvan Heights Bird Park is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way in Scotland Neck.

For more information, call 252-826-3186.

69

Tarboro Downtown Live

Todd Gurley M.A.D.E. Camp TARBORO – The Tarboro M.A.D.E. Camp will be held Saturday, April 25 at Tarboro High School. During the camp, Gurley and other coaches will provide participants with football guidance and hands-on instruction, including fundamental football skills.

Tarboro High School is located at 1400 West Howard Ave. in Tarboro.

Springfest

Halifax Resolves Ceremony HALIFAX – The N.C. Society of the Sons of the American Revolution will hold a wreath-laying ceremony at the Colonial Courthouse site at Historic Halifax at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 18.

There will be living history activities and routs of Historic Halifax in celebration of the 244th anniversary of the Halifax Resolves.

Swindell Sounds Music Concert BATH – The Swindell Sounds Music Concert

by Dave Raducha is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Coffee Arts.

The concert is $7.

The Coffee Arts is located at 103 Main St. in Bath.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

Open Dance WASHINGTON – Open Dance will be hosted Historic Turnage Theatre on Saturday, April 18.

The dance lesson will be held at 7 p.m. and the dance at 7:30 p.m.

The event is hosted by USA Dance Chapter 6046.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

April 22 Administrative Professionals Day ROCKY MOUNT – The Tarboro Edgecombe Chamber of Commerce will host its 68th annual Administrative Professionals Day from 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 22 at the Rocky Mount Event Center.

Lunch will be catered and Tara K. Williamson will speak on the topic: Lessen Your Stress – One Bubble at a time.

70

For more information or to register, call 252823-7241 or email director@tarborochamber.com. The cost is $25 per person and reservations are due April 17.

April 23 Spring & Sage Art Exhibition WINDSOR – The reception to kick off the Spring & Sage Art Exhibition is planned for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23 at the Bertie County Arts Council.

The show will hang from April 21 through May 29.

The Bertie County Arts Council gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor.

April 25 Music Festival WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association of the Arts will host the BOCO Music Festival Saturday, April 25.

Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.

The festival will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

Save the Frogs Day SCOTLAND NECK – The Sylvan Heights Bird Park will host Save the Frogs Day from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25.

Come learn about the importance of amphibians in the wetland ecosystem and get inspired to help save the world’s most rapidly disappearing animals.

Sylvan Heights Bird Park is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way in Scotland Neck.

For more information, call 252-826-3186.

WARRENTON – SpringFest is planned from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25 on the Historic Courthouse Square.

Two musical groups are scheduled: The Barketime Band and The Backyard Bluegrass Boys. The event will also feature a shag contest.

For more information, call 252-257-0775 or email townadministrator@warrenton.nc.gov.

May 1 Relay For Life TARBORO – Relay For Life Edgecombe County is planned for May 1 from 4 p.m. until midnight at Tarboro High School.

The theme will be “Wonderful World of Relay.” Campsites will be Disney-themed and all money will benefit the American Cancer Society.

May 2 Music on the Corner ROBERSONVILLE – Music on the Corner is planned for 2-5 p.m. Saturday, May 2 in Robersonville.

The event, which will feature live music, vendors and food, will be held near Main Street.

Roxobel Ag Festival ROXOBEL – The fourth annual Roxobel Ag Festival is planned for 10 a.m. Saturday, May 2.

The event will feature a parade, vendors, crafts and music.

The Ag Festival is held on Church Street in Roxobel.

For more information, email cegroxobel@ gmail.com.

Rockin For A Cause WASHINGTON – The 17th annual “Rockin for a Cause” Rock-A-Thon Fundraiser and Craft Show is planned from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 2 at The Blind Center.

&

&

&

OUT OUT OUT ABOUT! ABOUT! ABOUT! Donate, sponsor a client or come out to shop the craft vendors.

Music, concessions and face painting are planned.

The Blind Center is located at 221 North Harvey St. in Washington.

For more information, call 252-946-6208.

May 3 Orchestra Concert WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Community Orchestra will host a concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

The concert is free, but donations are appreciated.

The Concert will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

May 5 Children’s Art Class WINDSOR – The Children’s Art Class: “Abstract Art on an 8x10 Canvas” is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 5 at the Bertie County Arts Council.

The class will be for those ages six to 14.

The cost is $15 for children of members and $20 for children of nonmembers.

For more information or to register, call 801920-3773 or email rsusie@aol.com.

The Bertie County Arts Council gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor.

May 8-17 Clue, On Stage LITTLETON – Clue, On Stage will be presented five times on the Mark Taylor Main Stage of the Lakeland Cultural Arts Center.

The performance is set for 7:30 p.m. May 8, 9, 15 and 16 and at 2:30 p.m. on May 17.

For tickets, call 252-586-3124 Ext. 3 or visit www.lakelandcac.org.

The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center is located at 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton.

May 15 Bertie Relay For Life WINDSOR – The Bertie County Relay For Life is set for 6 p.m. until midnight on Friday, May 15 at Roy L. Bond Jr. Stadium on the campus of the former Bertie High School,

located at 715 U.S. 13 North in Windsor.

For more information, contact Bennita Dunham at bennita.dunham@cancer.org.

May 15-16 Pinetops 300 Tractor Pull PINETOPS – The Pinetops 300’ Tractor and Truck Pull is planned for Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16 on School Street in Pinetops.

The event begins at 7 p.m.

There are approximately 110 pullers throughout the weekend ranging from 1,700 pound mini rods to 5,000 horsepower jet engine tractors.

Admission is $20 for ages 12-and-up. Children 6-12 are $5 and children under five are free.

May 16 Swindell Sounds Music Concert BATH – The Swindell Sounds Music Concert

by Bob Daw is set for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at Coffee Arts.

The concert is $7.

The Coffee Arts is located at 103 Main St. in Bath.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

May 21 Downtown Tarboro Live Music Series TARBORO – The Downtown Tarboro Live Music Series is planned for each third Thursday from May through September.

The event is held from 6-9 p.m. at the Courthouse Square and features live music, food trucks and beer.

Admission is free.

For more information, call 252-641-4242.

May 22 Art Walk WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host an art walk from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, May 22.

The art walk will be held at the galleries throughout downtown Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

May 23 Open Dance WASHINGTON – The USA Dance Chapter 6046 will host a open dance with dance lessons at 7 p.m. and the dance at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 23.

The dance will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

May 29 Gala of Music WASHINGTON – The East Carolina University School of Music will host a Gala of Music at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 29.

The event will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

May 30 Comedy Show WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host the IC Comedy Improv at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 30.

Tickets are $5 at the door.

The show will be held at the Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 West Main St. in Washington.

For more information, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org.

June 6 Bertie River Fest MERRY HILL – The second annual Bertie River Fest is planned from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Saturday, June 6.

The event will feature a day at the river, plus multiple vendors and events.

The River Fest will be held at 243 Bal Gra Rd. in Merry Hill.

For more information, visit http://www. co.bertie.nc.us/

July 25 Blue Crab Festival SWAN QUARTER – The Mattie Arts & Visitors Center will host the Blue Crab Festival from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25.

The event will feature art/craft vendors, food vendors and children’s activities.

It will be held on the greenway in the center of Swan Quarter.

71

12 Views From Our

Tarheel Independent Conference 2019-2020 Basketball Tournament at Lawrence Academy in Merry Hill

72

Andre Alfred / A.A. Imaging

73

ALL IN A

Day’s Trip

Visit Edenton

Story by Miles Layton Photos contributed

Nestled by a serene bay bordering the Albemarle Sound, Edenton offers small town charm, a bit of history and places to stroll and relax.

Accolades include Coastal Living Magazine calling it a “Dream Town,” Forbes Magazine naming it one of America’s Prettiest Towns, and it also made the cut in Smithsonian magazine’s America’s 20 Best Towns.

There are a variety of things to see and do.

1767 Chowan County Courthouse A Colonial era capital, the first stop on any tour should be the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse located at the corner of Court and King streets.

The Courthouse is open Tuesday– Saturday from 10 a.m.– 4 p.m. Guided Docent Tours, $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for children Two early U.S. Supreme Court Justices – James Wilson and James Iredell – practiced law within the courthouse that has been recognized as a National Historic Landmark since 1970 and its classic Georgian style architecture is the finest of its kind in the South.

If the large front wooden doors are open, any one of the judges chronicled on the walls could see Edenton Bay as he presided

economy, the plantation was valued at one-

North Carolina’s Supreme Court still

over a justice system that traces its cases

half million dollars. The will became a court

back to the Revolutionary era.

holds sessions periodically within the

case when Johnston left the estate not to

historic courthouse.

According to the North Carolina judiciary,

family, but to three close friends. Luminaries

one of the more interesting early cases at the

of the state bar and former governors were

courthouse happened in 1867, its centennial

participants in the trial.

year. The case was around the will of James Cathcart Johnston and Hayes Plantation.

Even in the depths of the post-Civil War

74

And maybe after taking a tour of the courthouse, maybe walk barefoot on the

Perhaps the most noteworthy debates

Courthouse Green, a grassy spot bordered

prior to that were in 1861 around secession

by historic homes, some dating back to the

from the United States.

1700s.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Nearby on Church Street sits St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, the second oldest church building in North Carolina, begun in 1736. The parish, organized under the first Vestry Act of 1701 holds the oldest charter in the state. Three colonial era governors are buried in the churchyard.

It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tourists may note the presence of an effigy – a buzzard – hanging from the Magnolia tree’s branch high in the air above over the grave of Edenton’s

sometimes want to pop a squat on the

the buzzards may have followed. Who

namesake

ancient magnolia trees.

knows?

Charles

Eden,

former

governor and an acquaintance of the

And legend has it that when Eden’s

Wives’ tale or not, the best way to

dreaded pirate Blackbeard. The effigy

body was reinterred from his estate in

learn more about the Colonial era church

is meant to scare away buzzards who

Bertie County to the church’s graveyard,

is to see its sanctuary and graveyard.

Roanoke River Lighthouse Roanoke River Lighthouse is a must see on any tour of Edenton. Located on Dock Street by Colonial Park, the lighthouse serves as a beacon not only for boaters seeking solace after a day spent fishing on the Albemarle Sound, but tourists who want to know more about one of the last screwpile lighthouses of its kind in the nation.

Originally, the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse was moved from the mouth of the Roanoke River to its permanent location over by Edenton Bay. Interesting tidbit – Waff Contracting of Edenton, who moved the lighthouse, also assisted with moving the Cape Hatteras lighthouse.

Roanoke River Lighthouse is open for tours, giving you a complete look of life on the water from a light keeper’s perspective.

Maybe afterwards, rent a kayak or canoe from the harbormaster and explore Edenton’s waterfront or take a trek out into the bay and perhaps the Albemarle Sound.

75

ALL IN A

Day’s Trip Penelope Barker House The Penelope Barker House Welcome Center is a waterfront historic house offering information and maps, trolley tours of historic sites, exhibits, restrooms and a book and gift shop.

It is known as Edenton’s Living Room and a nice place to relax and enjoy the views of Edenton Bay. And on a sunny day, pack a lunch perhaps because the Barker House’s porch overlooking the bay and Water Street’s historic homes is a good place to sit in a rocking chair.

Open year round 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Home to the Edenton Historical Commission.

Edenton Trolley Tour times: Mon, Wed–Saturday 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. At present the 2nd floor has one of the finest 18th century furniture exhibit on display through January.

Sunday Trolley Tours — 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (Seasonal)

Iredell House Home of James Iredell, North Carolina Superior Court Judge and Attorney General during the American Revolution, and an Associate Justice on the first U.S. Supreme Court.

It is also the birthplace of James Iredell Jr., Governor of North Carolina.

Tours scheduled at 2 p.m. each day, Tuesday - Saturday. $2.50 for adults, $1.50 for children. To see this site, visitors can purchase tickets, cash or check by visiting the Historic Edenton Visitor Center, 108 North Broad St. - open 9 a.m. – 5p.m.

Tuesday - Saturday. The Iredell House is closed until April 1 for inside painting.

Cupola House Built in 1758 for Frances

House open daily on guided

Corbin, an agent for Lord

walking tour. Maybe come on

Granville, one of the eight Lords Proprietors. The gardens were

restored

from

1769

Wednesdays to talk to a group of dedicated volunteers known

Sauthier Map of Edenton.

as the Wednesday Weeders

National Historic Landmark.

as they plant flowers and

Gardens

maintain a great garden.

open

daily

and

Miles Layton is Editor of The Perquimans Weekly and a contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

76

Town of Ahoskie

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It’s not about mourning death, it’s about

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Golden Skillet 706 Catherine Creek Rd. S. Ahoskie, NC 27910 (252) 332-5111

77

6

Q uestions

78

with

Laura Davis S inger /S ongwriter

1

AT WHAT AGE DID YOU

about how they play certain variations

Crate in Washington. They have been

BEGIN SINGING AND/OR

of chords which creates “their sound”,

more than welcoming and supportive

GET INTERESTED IN MUSIC

and I consider “their sound” as my

of my style of music.

AND WHAT SPARKED THAT

foundation when it comes to my

INTEREST?

music.

so far, but I’m hoping to expand my

Jumping to my second strongest My entire life I’ve always been

influence,

Prince.

I

admire

creativity and genius approach to

family members who can play an

thinking outside of the box. His

instrument and sing, so I think I was

flawless technique at blending genres

destined to have at least some degree

gives me the confidence to do the

of interest in music. My fascination

same and I always try to incorporate

towards music started when I got my

that in my music as well.

first guitar at the age of nine. I began

3

2

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR STRONGEST

MUSICAL

INFLUENCES AND WHY?

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF PERFORMING?

My favorite part of performing, alongside the singing and playing of course, is the reaction I get from the

I’d like to credit both of my parents

audience. I’ve watched people dance,

for introducing me to all kinds of

I’ve seen people smile and I’ve even

music and encouraging me to have

had people come up to me after a

an open mind when listening. With

show with tears in their eyes telling

that being said, I’ve been influenced

me that my song touched them in

by many styles and artists.

some special way. As a songwriter

My strongest musical influences are Alison Krauss and Union Station and Prince. Yes, I know they are worlds apart but good music is good music.

Anyway, I was first introduced to Alison Krauss and Union Station

that’s all you can ask for.

4

audience in the near future.

his

around music, and I have several

singing shortly after.

Virginia is the farthest I’ve traveled

WHERE ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE PLACES

5

WHAT GENRES OF MUSIC ARE

YOUR

FAVORITES

TO PERFORM, AND DO

YOU HAVE A SONG THAT YOU CONSIDER YOUR FAVORITE TO SING? My favorite genres to sing are bluegrass, folk and contemporary because they compliment my voice.

However, when it comes to playing I CANNOT pick a favorite! I love them all! When You Say Nothing At All is my favorite song to perform. This song is very special to me being that it is the first song I learned how to play.

6

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO TAKE YOUR MUSICAL CAREER IN THE FUTURE?

TO PERFORM, AND WHAT

I want to take my musical career

IS THE FURTHEST YOU HAVE

on the road. Going on tour has always

TRAVELED TO PERFORM?

been a dream of mine. In addition to that, I want to do some producing,

when my mama received a Lonely Runs Both Ways CD as a Christmas

Out of all the places I’ve had the

whether it’s my own music or

gift. I was absolutely mesmerized!

chance to play at there are two

someone else’s. Hopefully, one day,

Ironically, that same Christmas I

that stand out. I really enjoy the

I’ll get signed as a songwriter and/

was gifted with my guitar. There is

atmosphere at both Weldon Mills

or musical artist. Most importantly, I

something so special and unique

Distillery in Weldon, and the Wine

want to be respected as a musician.

79

Grandma’s

Kitchen Sylvia Hughes with her grandmother, Bertie Dameron.

We all have family gatherings or other

For a social event, you might choose a natural

special events when we prefer finger foods over

color linen tablecloth. For this type of occasion

traditional meals. Finger foods do not tie us to

you could also use linen napkins. You might

the kitchen, but allows us to mingle and enjoy

place a symbol of the event in the center back.

the event with our guests because most can be

For instance, a piece of art or sculpture for an Art

prepared ahead of time and set out just before

Show or an example of workmanship at a Craft

guests arrive.

Show.

Finger foods are just the right thing for wedding

Candles are appropriate for any occasion. They

receptions, Super Bowl parties, birthday parties,

can even be your center piece. Colors and scents

piano recitals, Bridal or baby showers and other

can be matched to your special event.

social events.

Food should always be placed with meat items

Preparing a table setting for your event is

first, vegetables next, then fruits. Desserts should

pleasing to the eye and shows what the occasion

be the last items in the line. It is easier for guests

is celebrating.

to choose their preferences if each kind of offering

For a wedding you might use a white tablecloth with a lacy one on top. You could place flowers

is placed together instead of randomly placed on the table.

the color of the bride’s bouquet in the center back

Platters, three tiered stands, chafing dishes or

of the table. White cloth napkins would be better

other food containers can help make the table

than paper.

beautiful.

For a birthday party, choose a bright color cloth

It has been quite a while since I have hosted

with the cake as the centerpiece and confetti

such events, but have been in a group at times to

scattered across the table to make it festive. Paper

help put them together. The only event I normally

napkins and plates with a birthday theme would

host at home now is Christmas Eve. We have

be fine for a Birthday Party.

started having finger foods on Christmas Eve so

For Super Bowl parties, a cloth with the image of a football field and small footballs around the table would be attractive. It is easy to find paper plates and napkins with a football theme.

we can grab a plate of food and congregate in a more relaxed environment.

Here are some ideas for finger foods. I hope you enjoy them.

Sylvia Hughes is a retired newspaper editor and columnist residing in Windsor. In addition to three sons, she has a gaggle of grandchildren, many of whom love cooking with her just as she did with her mother and grandmother.

80

Shrimp Dip

sauce, Add lemon juice, chili ed ten sof , ese che am 1 – 8 oz. Cre until well Worcestershire sauce and stir 1/3 cup mayonnaise blended. ½ teaspoon lemon juice ces and t (no uce Sa Cut the shrimp in small pie 3 tablespoons Chili add to cream cheese mixture. sweet) ce sau ire before rsh ste rce ¼ teaspoon Wo Chill at least two hours ked 4. oz. Tiny shrimp, coo cheese serving.

Beat mayonnaise and cream Serve with crackers together until smooth.

iches w d n a S a e T d la a S n e k ic h C e Delux breasts, cut 2 cooked whole chicken in small chunks grapes ½ cup halved seedless red s ¼ cup finely chopped pecan ½ cup finely diced celery ¼ cup dried cranberries Salt and pepper to taste hold salad Mayonnaise enough to together 16 slices white bread Butter at room temperature

pper to taste.

Season with salt and pe e to hold Add enough mayonnais ingredients together. e of each Spread butter on one sid butter side of bread slice. Top half of ad. Top with bread with chicken sal down. Remove another slice, butter side . crusts and cut diagonally

d and store; If you wish to make ahea h waxed paper place in container, top wit per towels over waxed en, and moist pa ick ch ine mb co , wl bo to serve.

In a large per. Refrigerate until ready pa . ies err nb cra d an y grapes, pecans, celer

Mini Cheese Balls

2 – 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened slightly 16 oz. Sharp Cheddar Cheese, grated ½ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Mix cream cheese and cheddar with hand mixer until smooth.

Add garlic powder, lemon juice and Worcestershire until well blended With greased or moistened hands, roll into 1 inch balls.

Refrigerate at least an hour.

Place chives, pecans, sunflower

seeds and freeze dried cranberries in individual bowls.

Roll each ball in one bowl to cover.

Place sturdy toothpicks in each cheese ball and serve with crackers or bread chunks

You can serve skewers with a slice of ham, a blue cheese chunk and an apple slice or a slice of chicken, Swiss cheese and an olive Fold meat in half twice to place on skewer, add cheese and an olive or apple slice 81

Call or visit us: Greg Shepherd, CIC Teresa Harrison, CIC Williamston 252-792-5125 www.theboydagency.com

Locally owned & operated Edward, Toby & Greg Casper

Open 7am-6pm Mon.-Fri.

82

Explore Williamston visit the wonderful shops in downtown Williamston

The vision and the resources to take you further.

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603 E. Blvd., Williamston, NC 27892  252-508-7168  BBTScottStringfellow.com

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83

biography •

Legacy of

Learning

B o n d Fa mily Ma d e M ar k on E duc ation Story & Photos by Sarah Hodges Stalls

S

tyron Bond's career was spent in front of Bertie County students, usually teaching History. One may argue the

life of this educator and his family should be taught as its own block of local history.

Now more than 70 years of age, Bond still resides in Williamston. He may no longer have to issue grades, but he is definitely still teaching. His home is a treasure trove of photos and memorabilia that have matching stories, still fresh in his mind.

"I went to Elizabeth City State University," explained Bond.

A busy student, he also attended barber school, following in his father's footsteps, and had a barbershop on campus in the student union.

In the shop one afternoon a teacher from Bertie Junior High School came in and told the student teacher about an opening.

"I applied for it," said Bond. "Best thing I ever done."

84

“

He may no longer have to issue grades, but he is definitely still teaching.

One of many educators in

She brought the world to his

his family, Bond began teaching

fingertips and he never hesitated

at Bertie Junior High School in

to explore. The colors and images

1972. He would remain there

are still so vivid in his mind.

20 years until he and other staff accompanied ninth graders to Bertie High School.

Many

students

"We had a good life," said Bond.

This was in a time that many

remember

"Mr. Bond" as the man who always had nickels and dimes in his drawer if a student needed them.

families of color could not say the same.

"We

did

not

want

for

anything," he continued.

The

comfort

experienced

"Some teachers would have

by the family of Styron Sr. and

something to say about me

Annie Bond in Williamston was

helping a student that way, but

a result of hard work. The family's

the students were what is was all

Washington Street store survived

about," said Bond.

in a time where others would not.

family would see them through

age up higher so she could be

The tragedy of his career was

Before Styron Jr. began cutting

family tragedies and the unrest of

arrested," he explained. "She put

the loss of his brother, Clinton,

hair, he was working in the family

a racially divided south. As teens,

Williamston on the map. We all

who died at his school.

barbershop.

Styron, Jr. and his sister, Jackie,

did."

"It was during a pick-up

"Once we had three barbers,"

game," according to Bond. They

he recalled. "I had to sit on the

had done their student teaching

stool and give them a ticket every

at the same school and under the

time they finished cutting a head

same teacher.

of hair."

"Everyone thought I'd change

The Bond family will always

schools, but I made it through,"

have

the veteran educator explained

that are deeper than any high

cracking a smile.

school classroom. Affectionately

ties

to

Bertie

County

One of many teachers in the

referred to as "Over Home," the

Bond family, Styron Jr. gives a

family home place was a special

portion of the credit to his late

place for all the grandchildren to

mother, Annie, who was also a

visit as children and even today.

teacher and librarian. It was not

Going

only her career that intrigued

Road, Bond knew he would see

him, but one specific act that

his grandmother on the porch

contributed to his thirst for

when he arrived "Over Home."

knowledge.

Decades later, his face still lights

"Those

encyclopedias

down

Cedar

Styron Bond Jr. can be viewed

marches in the area. A randomly

on YouTube narrating additional

captured photograph of his young

historical

sister illustrates the time and

troubled 1960s in Martin County.

stories

from

the

today in the National Museum

Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff

of African American History and

Writer for Eastern North Carolina

Culture in Washington, D.C.

Living and the Martin County

"My sister Jackie, she put her

Enterprise & Weekly Herald.

Landing

she

up when he talks about the farm,

bought me, I saw the colorful

her orchards and the mules he

Aztecs and the Incas," Bond's

can still call by name.

eyes lit up as he explained.

were no strangers to Civil Rights

The strength of one man's

85

Prespawning is upon us 86

I

know the weather has been a little on the nasty side lately, but believe it

or not the largemouth have been

like a spawning flat is nearby or

The rain and warmer days

deep water is close. Look for the

have been letting the

details and use that to find other

looking forward to this all winter

bass know that spawning

long.

season is right around the

The rain and warmer days have been letting the bass know that

corner, and it’s time to feed

spawning season is right around

up and get ready for that

the corner, and it’s time to feed up and get ready for that special time

special time of year.

of year.

If you have friends who fish for

work different water depths with

largemouth you will notice almost

the same lure. This allows me to

every catch they show a picture of

cover more water with one cast.

areas that have similar features and that will put you on some of the biggest fish of the year. This time of year you can catch huge fish and sometimes they are in shallow water while other times they are out in deeper water.

I like to focus on single, isolated structure like a log on an outside bend or a bush that overhangs into deeper water. These little details are sometimes the key to a fish of

is a bass that is larger than normal

What you are trying to do is

with some fish over five pounds

search for those early spawning

- even from the guys who don’t

fish by covering a lot of water and

normally catch that quality of fish.

at various depths. You need to

What is happening is the first

pay attention to the water temps

of water there can be huge fish in

of the spawning fish are moving

now more than any other time of

it. The biggest largemouth I ever

up towards shallow structure and

year because a change of just two

caught was in my kayak in February

putting on the feedbag in order to

degrees one way or another could

on a Rattle Trap in less than two

fatten up for the upcoming spawn.

mean the difference between a

feet of water in the middle of the

The water temps are playing with

great day or a zero.

day so if you

a lifetime.

Don’t forget that the ponds heat up first so if you have a small body

Once you get your first strike

are looking for

you need to slow down and look

a personal best

You can catch them by pitching

at the area that the fish came

get out and start

soft plastics to the bank and

from. What is the water depth

hunting.

working the lure down the drop

and temperature? What kind of

Now

offs or you can throw a crank bait

retrieve was it fast or slow? Look

parallel to the bank and work it to

at the details of the area and try

deeper water.

to match the details in other areas,

Mike Sweeney is a columnist for

but make sure you fish those spots

The Daily Advance in Elizabeth City

the 50-degree mark which makes some of the early fish move up.

One of my favorite baits is a Rattle Trap this time of year because I can cast it a mile and

thoroughly before moving on.

The fish are there for a reason

is

the

time to do it.

and a regular contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.

87

County: Martin Marker ID: B-67 Original Date Cast: 2010

MARK IT! Title To Begin Here

MARKER TEXT FREEDOM RALLIES Mass meetings at Green Memorial Church for 32 days, June-July 1963, & nonviolent marches, led to the desegregation of local public facilities.

Rabore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam Information courtesy of the voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources ea rebum.

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U.S. 17 Business (Main Street) at Henderson Street in Williamston.

REFERENCES David C. Carter, “The Williamston Freedom Movement: Civil Rights at the Grass Roots in Eastern North Carolina,” North Carolina Historical Review (January 1999): 1-42 Capus M. Waynick and others, North Carolina and the Negro (1964)

88

W

illiamston, seat of Martin County on the Roanoke River, was a “hotspot” of the civil rights movement and Green Memorial Church was the epicenter. David C. Carter, now a professor at Auburn University, wrote about Williamston while a doctoral candidate at Duke University: “If a ‘Second Reconstruction’ failed to topple the barriers to racial equality in Martin County, the experience of building a genuine community in protest and the dramatic personal transformations that resulted from participation in the Williamston Freedom Movement still remain to inform the struggles of a future generation in a Third Reconstruction.” Those in the movement “demanded basic human rights” and thereby the democratic transformation of an inherently unfair system.

“Almost invariably,” according to Carter, protests originated at Green Memorial, a Disciples of Christ church rooted in the Holiness tradition. Founded in 1897 as River Hill, the church took its name in 1933 from its second pastor John R. Green.

Discontent simmered after the acquittal of white men charged in 1957 with the murder of a local black man. Protesters, keenly aware of civil rights protests across the South, made it their goal to desegregate schools and the public library. Organizing the efforts were a local woman, Sarah Small, and Golden Frinks (1920-2004) of Edenton, a friend of Martin Luther King. As the protests continued, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference held biweekly nonviolence training sessions at the church.

Remarkably, protests continued for 32 consecutive days beginning on June 30, 1963, involving as many as 400 people, many of them children and teenagers, singing and praying, before marching uptown, about a half-mile to the courthouse.

State troopers and local deputies kept close watch over the activity. Rallies were suspended temporarily after the Governor’s office organized interracial meetings but resumed in the fall, when 12 white ministers and seminarians from Boston joined the effort. The Ku Klux Klan organized rallies outside town.

In contrast to the summer rallies, which were nonviolent, protesters engaged one evening in bottle-throwing and some recall use by authorities of electrified cattle prods. A boycott of local businesses was short-lived. Town officials instituted use of parade permits but notably took gradual steps to desegregate facilities with the exception of schools. Kennedy’s assassination coincided with the end of direct action and protesters witnessed the passage by Congress of the Civil Rights Act on July 2, 1964, ending legal barriers to public facilities.

89

PARTING SHOTS Thadd White

We decided to cast a wide net with this

Jim Green took a trip to Halifax County

story on Etaf Rum, an author whose book tells

edition of Eastern North Carolina Living

where he toured the Weldon Mills Distillery –

the story of an Arab-American woman. The

magazine. We wanted to focus on arts and

where bourbon is made and live music draws

book, “A Woman is No Man” was a New York

entertainment, but we didn’t want to just have

crowds each weekend.

Times Best Seller.

Chowan University has a host of talented

In this magazine, you’ll also meet cover

Though their stories are good ones – and

students in their arts department and Sarah

model Laura Davis, who is a 24-year-old

we tell a few here – we wanted to open up our

Davis introduces readers to a few of them.

singer/songwriter from Martin County. She’s

horizons to all genres of art. You’ll read about

Their talent and skills are remarkable.

the feature in our Six Questions segment.

people who are considered traditional artists.

Joey Griffin returned to Martin County due

You’ll learn more about the life and family

to declining health, but – as Sarah Hodges

legacy of Styron Bond, who spent a career

Stalls shows in her story – he has

teaching the students of Bertie County in this

Though their stories are good

found the joy of being back home

edition’s Biography.

ones – and we tell a few here – we

and a passion as he teaches the

In addition, you’ll learn more about

next generation the beauty of

beautiful Edenton as our friend Miles Layton

drama.

guides you through the historic town and its

composers, dancers, metal workers, venues and actors.

wanted to open up our horizons to all genres of art. You’ll read about composers, dancers, metal workers, venues and actors.

We wanted to showcase artists of all types.

And I believe we have done just that if you thumb through these pages.

Washington

County

will

again host one of the region’s

many reasons to visit in this edition’s All in a Day’s Trip.

most popular festivals – the

We’ll be back in two months with our third

N.C. Bear Festival. Both arts and

edition of the year. We’re holding the theme

entertainment are on display

to that one a little close to the vest, but you’ll

during the wonderful event held each year in Plymouth.

Chelsea Davis Jernigan learned her love

enjoy it.

Until next time, remember… all who wander are not lost.

You’ll meet high school senior Emily Harris

of dance during her formative years in

Continue joining us as we wander through

from Hyde County. She plays the piano

Northampton County. After honing those

Beaufort, Bertie, Edgecombe, Gates, Halifax,

and composes her own music based on the

skills at Meredith College, she has returned

Hertford, Hyde, Martin, Nash, Northampton,

beautiful surroundings of Lake Mattamuskeet.

home to open a dance studio which draws

Tyrrell and Washington counties.

Sandy Carawan’s story will remind you of the

students from throughout the region.

talent of the next generation.

90

You’ll also want to read the Jenny White’s

Thadd White is Editor of Eastern Living Magazine and the Bertie Ledger-Advance.

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