THE CALM ROOM

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A place of calm Edenton-Chowan Schools offers respite for students

Story by Nicole Bowman-Layton Photos by Nicole Bowman-Layton & Kim Ullom

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

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 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.

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

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OUT & ABOUT!

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.

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

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

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 801- 920-3773 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 Information 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.

April 11 Annie Jr. 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. Registration is required. For more information or to register, visit www.artsofthepamlico.org/events.

April 18 Beer, Wine and Food Festival 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.

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.

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Tarboro Downtown Live

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.

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For more information or to register, call 252- 823-7241 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. 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 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 801- 920-3773 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.

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