ARBORETUM

Extension Master Gardener Sue Moore, left, and Master Gardener Volunteer Linda Tippette work in a garden at the Nash County Arboretum.

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Admire the landscape

Story by Jenny White Photos by Sarah Louya

One Nash County location perfect for admiring the changes in the landscape is it be the flitting of busy pollinators, the wafting of floral aromas, something budding or blooming, the forming the Nash County Arboretum. of new leaves and twigs and yes,

Located in front of and around the Nash even weeds popping up.”

County Agriculture Center on Eastern Avenue Master Gardener Linda in Nashville, the arboretum is a living mural of Tippette said her favorite the plants and trees found in eastern North garden to visit is the Tranquility

Carolina. Garden, but she spends most of

Nash County Horticulture Agent Matt her time planning and working

Stevens is the official superintendent of in the Homestead Project and the arboretum, but Nash County Extension Garden area.

Master Gardeners conceptualized it in 2000 “I’ve learned a lot from seeing the and have provided the ideas and manpower gardens here at the Arboretum and have to nurture and grow it since then. applied what I’ve learned to my gardens at

Stevens said after much prep work, the home. That’s the beauty of the arboretum — “ first plants for the arboretum were planted in 2004. “Today there are 11 demonstration gardens in the arboretum and what you can see in each garden changes through the seasons and over the years,” Stevens said. The demonstration gardens include the Rose Garden, Woodland Garden, Rain Garden, There is always something in motion in the gardens, whether it be the flitting of busy pollinators, the wafting of floral aromas,

Pollinator Garden, Terraced Garden, Patriot

Garden, 4-H Garden, Screening Garden, something budding or

Tranquility Garden, a Holly Garden and a

Homestead Garden that’s located behind the

Agriculture Center beside a historic log cabin which has been moved to the property.

While the gardens are beautiful to walk through and enjoy, Stevens said they’re also educational.

blooming, the forming of new leaves and twigs and yes, even weeds popping up.

-Master Gardener Sue Battle Moore

“People in the community can come and see options for their gardens at their homes. If you’ve got a shady spot where you can’t get anything to grow, our Woodland Garden can offer up some ideas. We try to show the community the diversity of plants you can plant in our area that are proven to work well with our climate,” Stevens said.

Self-guided tours are offered every day, from sunrise to sunset.

Master Gardener Sue Battle Moore of Rocky Mount says the arboretum is one of her favorite places anywhere.

“I see our arboretum as a virtual outdoor museum and classroom featuring Mother Nature at her best,” she said. “There is always something in motion in the gardens, whether

you can learn and enjoy at the same time,” Tippette said.

While neither Stevens nor Moore would pick a favorite garden at the arboretum, Moore said she’s spent a lot of time in the Holly Garden in the past year.

“It was left relatively unattended for a while, and it’s been fun researching and designing an up to date Holly garden with new species,” Moore said. “As with all gardens, it’s a work in progress.”

In addition to maintaining the Nash County Arboretum, Nash County Extension Master Gardeners also raise money to support the arboretum. Their biggest fundraising event,

Sue Moore looks out to admire the beauty of Arboretum at the Nash County Arboretum.

the Spring Plant Sale, will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on April 27 at the Agriculture Center.

Master Gardener volunteers curate a large collection of plants to sell including annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, vegetable plants, herbs and fruit plants. Tippette said there also will be garden accessories, a silent auction and a raffle with a generator as the prize.

“The best thing about the Plant Sale is all the Master Gardeners you can consult with and get good free advice on how to plant and grow what you’re buying,” Tippette said. “Master Gardeners know the best dirt.”

Moore said she and the other volunteers see the arboretum as a hidden gem in the Twin Counties and do the work to cultivate it and nurture it because it’s an important part of the community.

“It’s really something to be proud of, here in our little corner of eastern North Carolina. It’s a beautiful place, to come and learn, or just sit and relax and be closer to nature,” Moore said.

The Nash County Extension Master Gardeners are always looking for new volunteers. Master Gardeners go through a training and education program to receive a master gardener certification. Stevens said interested residents can contact the Nash Agriculture Center at 252-459-9810.

Jenny White is a Staff Writer for the Rocky Mount Telegram. 59

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n October, “The Wall That Heals,” I a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial, will be in Tarboro. It will be presented by the Edgecombe County Veterans Memorial Museum.

The stop, set to be held from Oct. 17-20 at Braswell Park, will be one of 33 across made across the nation. The wall will be open from 9 a.m. on Oct. 17 until 2 p.m. on Oct. 20. The Wall That Heals (TWTH) will be open to all visitors 24 hours a day and is free to the public.

In addition to The Wall, a mobile education center will also be open 24/7, and includes a “Wall of Heroes,” a digital history of local and area servicemen who fell in Vietnam. According to government archives, 34 servicemen from Edgecombe County died in Vietnam.

The Wall That Heals honors the more than 3 million Americans who served in the U.S. Armed forces in the Vietnam War and it bears the names of the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam.

The replica wall is 375-feet long and 7 1/2-feet tall at its highest point. It is an exact scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and is constructed in a manner that allows visitors to make rubbings of the names of those who died in service to their country.

TWTH allows many Americans the opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made and to pay their respects to the fallen.

“We’re extremely excited to be able to bring The Wall That Heals to Tarboro,” said Veterans Museum President Donnie Hale. “To have the opportunity to recognize those who made the ultimate sacrifice is 62

something, we think, that is very special.”

The Wall That Heals contains 58,276 names, including eight women, 31 sets of brothers and three sets of fathers and sons.

“The average age of the service members of The Wall is 22 years and nine months,” Hale said. “The youngest, Don Bullock, was only 15 years old when he was killed, and he was from Goldsboro. He was 14 when he altered his birth certificate so that he join the Marines.”

Bullock graduated from boot camp at Parris Island on Dec. 10, 1968, and died on June 7, 1969, during a night attack on An Hoa Combat Base when he was killed instantly while perimeter security.

Nearly 400,000 people visited The Wall That Heals exhibit in 2018. Since its debut in 1996, the exhibit has been on display in more than 500 U.S. communities.

“We hope that by bringing The Wall That Heals to eastern North Carolina that we offer as many people as possible to pay their respects and have closure,” Hale said.

Hale said tours will be available for school children and the mobile education center will include video displays that teach about the history and impact of The Wall as well as a map of Vietnam and a chronological overview of the Vietnam War.

The Edgecombe County Veterans Military Museum is a volunteer organization honoring the men and women from Edgecombe County who have served their nation in the military. It operates on donations and accepts no government funding.

For more information, email TWTHtarboro1019@gmail.

The Wall That Heals

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Zenley is one of the top attractions of the Livermon Park & Mini Zoo.

Story by Peri Wheeler Photo by Le i Hoggard

Livermon Park & Mini-Zoo

Located across from the Cashie Wetlands Walk, there’s a sight to see.

Those who have missed out on the opportunity should visit the free Livermon

Park & Mini-Zoo – located in the heart of

Bertie County.

Instead of traveling hours to go visit a zoo and paying entrance fees, there is one right around the corner. There are a variety of animals to see from pigs to a zebra. Find potbelly pigs, llamas, emus, miniature horses, alpacas, bighorn sheep and a buffalo.

There are also many feathered friends such as peacocks, pigeons, doves, turkeys, geese, guineas, pheasants and chickens.

In 2015, the Livermon Park and MiniZoo gained Zenley, who was the first Zebra to join the zoo. She is from King George’s, Va. and she is now 4 years old. She enjoys eating her hay and standing in the shade.

Zenley is like the other animals in the park and cannot be touched. Since her arrival there has been an increase in people that travel to the park, mainly to see her and the buffalo.

Cathy Wilson, who oversees the zoo in

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Left: Peri Wheeler takes a look at the turkeys. Right: Hunter Frazer, 7, loves visiting the park for the slides and peacocks. He is pictured with a couple of turkeys.

her role as a Windsor Commissioner, said, “Livermon Park and Mini-Zoo provides a safe, fun and exciting place for thousands of children and adults. Especially in the Spring there are busloads of students from many counties enjoying all that the park and minizoo offer. For many it is the first time they have seen a buffalo, lama, zebra, etc.”

There are some fun facts about zebras. A zebra basically does not do well as a domesticated animal. In other words, Zebras are not normally ridden. The zebra is part of the equidae family. This family also consists of horses and donkeys. Like most horses and donkeys, they stand up to sleep, they eat grass and hay, and they have amazing vision and hearing.

Since the equidae family enjoys being in herds, it was concerning when Zenley arrived at the park and she was young and slightly lonely. She now shares a pen with a pair of sheep who keep her company. Additionally, a baby goat is next door with its mother.

No one zebra has the same black and white stripes; they are all different and unique. A zebra’s stripes also work as bug repellant and they keep the bugs and horse flies away.

“Every year the Town of Windsor appropriates funds to maintain the facility and on occasion purchase new playground equipment,” Wilson said. “We have discussed adding a small giraffe but as with any new animal we have to thoroughly research all aspects.

“The park and mini-zoo run smoothly due to the dedication of Wayne Hill, who has been the department head for many years, and has recently celebrated his 30-year anniversary with the town of Windsor,” she continued. “Throughout the year there are unannounced zoo inspections. Thanks to Wayne we always pass ‘with flying colors’.”

Wilson said while there is much on site already, there are more plans for the future.

“Our future plans include moving the one room school house and possibly The Freeman Hotel to open space for a new attraction,” she said.

Peri Wheeler was a summer intern for the Windsor/Bertie Chamber of Commerce.

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GThe uardian

Beacham knows the story behind nearly every gravestone in the cemetery, even recalling which stones the family helped put down.

WILLIAMSTON MAN’S SERVICE PRESERVES HISTORY

Story & Photos by Sarah Hodges Stalls

Those who regularly drive past the historic Skewarkee Cemetery are likely to have seen a green truck parked under the trees.

The driver, Johnny Frank Beacham, has developed a special attachment to caring for the grounds that has connected them for decades.

Beacham, who recently turned 90 years old, struggles with why he remains here when so many others have passed away.

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“I can’t help but wonder,” he said.

Those who know Beacham know one of many reasons is to continue caring for the sacred ground first tended to by his special guardians.

It’s hard to imagine the now pristine cemetery so thick with underbrush, burials would have been extremely difficult, but that was the case just a few decades ago.

As a child, Beacham lost his father at an early age. He spent two years in Conetoe living with extended family.

Around the age of 15, Beacham returned to Martin County to live with Fenner and Gladys Bonds, his aunt and uncle. Gladys was the sister of his late father.

“They were so good to me,” he explained.

“He kept me out of trouble,” Beacham said of his Uncle Fenner.

The cherished connection with his aunt and uncle continued to strengthen over the years.

There was one day, following Beacham’s 1990 retirement from Thurston Motor Lines, which cemented his connection to the Skewarkee Cemetery itself.

“I don’t know where I was going, but I came by the cemetery and saw my uncle and aunt out here and she was pushing a lawn mower,” he explained.

Johnny Frank Beacham, 90, takes great pride in caring for the historic Skewarkee Cemetery in Williamston.

Her health made the task even more difficult.

That was when Beacham put his aunt in the truck and took her home. He fought back tears as he continued.

“I told her right then I never wanted to see her out here pushing a mower,” Beacham recalled.

“I promised them then and there we’d get

this place straight,” speaking of the cemetery.

The Bonds’ had been members of Skewarkee Primitive Baptist Church since the 1970’s and had ties to the church which went back even farther.

“Me and him (Fenner Bonds) had many hours out here,” Beacham said as he cracked a smile.

Beacham, along with his aunt and uncle, set out most of the bushes and the crape myrtles that dress up the cemetery grounds.

In 1999, Bonds and Beacham received the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteerism for their work at the Skewarkee Cemetery.

Although not technically brothers, which no one could convince them, Beacham and Bonds’ son, Noah Ray, became a team in many ways throughout their lives.

Once Noah Ray retired, the cemetery upkeep was just another way they worked together. And the generations began helping.

More help comes from his wife, Bessie. She keeps flower arrangements ready to be place around the cemetery.

Skewarkee Cemetery, originally utilized by

Skewarkee Primitive Baptist Church next door, is where a great deal of Martin County history was laid to rest.

Elder Cushing Biggs Hassell, a leader of the local Primitive Baptist Church; William Biggs, fallen Confederate soldier and many members of the Skewarkee Primitive Baptist Church congregation are laid to rest or remembered in the historic cemetery.

Beacham knows the story behind nearly every stone.

Another remembered there is Cecil Bradford Bonds, Fenner’s brother.

“Yea, I sure do remember him,” Beacham said pointing to his stone markers.

Only 21 years old at the time, Bonds was a member of the second battalion, 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, FMF; and was killed on June 15, 1944 in the Marianas Islands area.

It is just one more link to the past and one more resting place for Beacham to watch over.

Sarah Hodges Stalls is a Staff Writer for Eastern North Carolina Living and the Martin County Enterprise & Weekly Herald.

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

Sept. 15 Movie Night WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway on the Bigscreen will present “The Sound of Music” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is free, but a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Educational Program GATESVILLE – Merchants Millpond State Park will host “The Wonderful Beaver” from 2:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15. The program will discuss in detail the effects of beavers at Merchants Mill Pond and the effects wolves have on Yellowstone National Park. Merchants Millpond State Park is located at 176 Millpond Rd. in Gatesville. For more information, call 252-357- 1191.

Sept. 17 Open Mic Night WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host an open mic night Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Historic Turnage Theatre. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504. 70

Watercolor Painting Class WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host a watercolor painting class for adults from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17. Participants will paint an 8”x10” watercolor painting under the guidance of Carolyn Dail. The cost of the class is $50 for members and $55 for nonmembers. All materials are included. The Bertie County Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor. For more information or to register, call 252-794-9402 or email bertiecountyartscouncil@gmail.com.

Sept. 19 Digital Art Show WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Arts Council will host a digital art show open reception from 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. Submissions to the exhibit will be received Tuesday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept.14 during regular business hours from noon- 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Martin County Arts Council is located at 124 Washington St. in Williamston.

Sept. 21 Annual Benefit Auction COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Art will host its annual Benefit Auction Saturday, Sept. 21. The auction will include over 100 handcrafted works of art along with food and entertainment. The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Craft is located at 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, visit www. pocosinarts.org/benefit-auction.

Laboring in Halifax: 18th Century Trades Fair HALIFAX – Laboring in Halifax: 18th Century Trades Fair will be held from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Spectators will see demonstrations of working in the 18th Century in Halifax. There will be traditional crafts and trades. The event will be held at Historic Halifax, 25 St. David St. in Halifax. For more information, call 252-583- 7191.

Sept. 21-22 Dylan Moore Days Celebration HALIFAX – The Riding to RememberDylan Moore Days Celebration will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 and Sunday, Sept. 22. The event will be held at the Halifax County 4-H Horse and Livestock Complex, 1 Dog Pound Rd. in Halifax. For more information, call 252-578- 4964 or visit www.dylanmooredays. org.

Performance WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico’s AOP Players will present “Greater Tuna” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept 21 and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Tickets are $12 and $10. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 23 & 25 Taylor Religious Heritage Lectures MURFREESBORO – Chowan University will host the Taylor Religious Heritage Lectures at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23 and Wednesday, Sept. 25. Admission is free and open to the public. The lectures will be held in the Turner Auditorium inside McDowellColumns Hall at Chowan University, 1 University Place in Murfreesboro. For more information, contact Lou Ann Gilliam at 252-398-6317 or email gillil@chowan.edu.

Sept. 27 Art Walk WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host wine tasting and Chuck Phillip’s Acoustic Music from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Sept. 27 & 28 Carolina Country Stampede WILLIAMSTON – The Carolina Country Stampede will be held starting at 7

Smoke on the Water is planned for Oct. 18 and 19 in beautiful downtown Washington.

p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 and at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. The event will include food, vendors, rides and entertainment. The Carolina Country Stampede will be held on Main Street in Williamston.

Halifax County Harvest Days HALIFAX – The Halifax County Harvest Days will be held from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27 and 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. There will be entertainment, food, crafts and vendors. The event will be held at the 4-H Rural Life Center, 13763 Hwy 903 in Halifax. For more information, call 252-583- 5161.

Sept. 28 Hand On Art Festival WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host a hands-on art festival Saturday, Sept. 28 at Haven’s Gardens. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Couples and Singles Dance WASHINGTON – The USA Dance Chapter 6046 will host a couples and singles dance at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Tickets are $12 and $10. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Classic Car Show SCOTLAND NECK – Scotland Neck’s Annual Classic Car Show will be held Saturday, Sept. 28. The car show will host dozens of classic, vintage and muscle cars. Admission is free. The car show will be held at The Town Commons, 1310 Main St. in Scotland Neck. For more information, call 252-826- 3152.

Bigfoot In The Park HOLLISTER – The Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum will host “Bigfoot In The Park” from 9 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28. Participants will see the location of multiple Bigfoot sightings. There will be guest speakers and local vendors. Admission is free. The event will be held at Medoc Mountain State Park, 1541 Medoc Mountain Rd. in Hollister. For more information, call 631-220- 1231.

Oct. 1 Children’s Art Class WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host a Spooky Halloween Wall Hanging Art Class for Children from 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. Students will create Halloween wall hangings using four 5”x7” canvasses. The class is for ages 6 through 12. The cost is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The Bertie County Arts County Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor. For more information or to register, call 801-920-3773 or email rsusie@ aol.com.

Auditions WASHINGTON – Auditions for “A Christmas Carol” at 6:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. The auditions will be held at Historic Turnage Theatre, 150 W. Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact 252- 946-2504.

Oct. 4 Movie Night WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway on the Bigscreen will present “Kinky Boots” at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is free, but a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Oct. 5 Painting Pumpkins and Gourds COLUMBIA – The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Arts will host creatively painted pumpkins and gourds Saturday, Oct. 5. Participants will create their own oneof-a-kind painted pumpkin. The Pocosin Arts School of Fine Arts is located at 201 Main St. in Columbia. For more information, call 252-796- 2787.

Oct. 6 Educational Program GATESVILLE – Merchants Millpond State Park will host “The Wonderful Beaver” from 2:30 p.m.- 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. The program will discuss in detail the effects of beavers at Merchants Mill Pond and the effects wolves have on Yellowstone National Park. Merchants Millpond State Park is located at 176 Millpond Rd. in Gatesville. For more information, call 252-357- 1191.

Oct. 8 Acrylic Painting Class for Adults WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host an acrylic painting class for adults from 10:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8. Instructor Tina Fielder will guide participants step-by-step to paint a rustic barn scene. The cost of the class is $30 for members and $35 for nonmembers. The Bertie County Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor. For more information or to register, call 252-724-2880 or email bertiecountyartscouncil@gmail.com.

Highland Echoes WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host Highland Echoes from 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8. Tickets will range from $10 to $35 in advance and $15 to $40 at the door. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 910-338- 0787 or visit www.highlandechoes. com.

Oct. 11 Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho WASHINGTON – Clay Johnson Productions will present Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho” from 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11. The film is rated R. The cost of tickets is $7 for adults and $5 for students. Concessions will be available for purchase. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19 & 20 On Golden Pond LITTLETON – The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center will host “On Golden Pond” starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11, Saturday, Oct. 12, Friday, Oct. 18, Saturday, Oct. 19 and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20. It will tell the story of Ethel and Norman Thayer and their family, who have spent over 48 years in their home on Golden Pond. Tickets are $16 for adults and $9.00 for students. The Lakeland Cultural Arts Center is located at 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For more information, call 252-586- 3124.

Oct. 12 Aulander Peanut Festival AULANDER – The 6th Annual Aulander Peanut Festival will be held from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. There will be live entertainment, craft and food vendors and a cornhole tournament. 71

OUT & OUT & OUT & ABOUT! ABOUT!ABOUT!

Movie Night WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway on the Bigscreen will present “Hocus Pocus” at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is $5. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Annual Fundraiser SCOTLAND NECK – Sylvan Heights Bird Park will host its annual fundraiser from 6 p.m.- 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. The event will include entertainment, refreshments and a live and silent auction. Sylvan Heights Bird Park is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Parkway in Scotland Neck. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact 252-826-3186 or visit www.shwpark.com.

Oct. 13 Movie Night WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway on the Bigscreen will present “Ruthless” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is free, but a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Oct. 17-19 “The Turn of the Screw” WASHINGTON – East Carolina University will present “The Turn of the Screw” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 at Historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Oct. 18-19 Smoke on the Water Festival WASHINGTON - The Smoke on the Water Festival will be held Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19. The festival will include entertainment, food and craft vendors, chili cookoff, barbeque contest and a car and truck show. The festival will be held on the downtown Washington waterfront. 72

Oct. 22 Sons of Serendipity WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Concert Association will host “Sons of Serendipity” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is located at 150 W. Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-947- 2076.

Oct. 24 Quilts and Fiber Arts Show WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host Threads Through Time: Grandma’s Quilts and Fiber Arts Show from 5:30 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. The Bertie County Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor.

Concert WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association’s Concert Series and Arts of the Pamlico’s Historic Turnage Theatre will host the Celtic band, “Twisted Knot” at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is free, but donations will be greatly appreciated. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Oct. 26 Bear Grass Chicken Mull Festival BEAR GRASS – The Bear Grass Chicken Mull Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 26. The festival will include food, vendors, games and entertainment. The event is held on Bear Grass Road in Bear Grass.

Bertie Spooktacular 5K Jamboree WINDSOR – The Bertie Spooktacular 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk (color run) and Jamboree will be held starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. The Spooktacular will be celebrating 10 years with the color fun run/ walk. Participants do have the option of opting out of the color. For more information, visit www. spooktacular5k.com or The Good Shepherd’s Food Pantry’s Spooktacular on Facebook. To register, visit www.runtheeast. com or mail the entry form and payment to Bertie Spooktacular 5K, Attn: Virg Siefker, P.O. Box 895, Windsor, NC 27983. Homecoming MURFREESBORO – Chowan University will host Homecoming against Elizabeth City State University will kickoff at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. During halftime the 2019 Distinguished Alumni class will be recognized along with the 2019 homecoming court and the crowning of the 2019 Chowan University Homecoming Queen and King. Chowan University is located at 1 University Place in Murfreesboro.

“The Legends of Sleepy Hollow” WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico’s Bubblegum Theatre will present “The Legends of Sleepy Hollow” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Tickets will be $7 for adults and $5 for students. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Adult Dance WASHINGTON – The USA Dance Chapter 6046 will host a dance for couples and singles from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. The dance will be held at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Oct. 31 Trick Or Tweet at Sylvan Heights Bird Park SCOTLAND NECK – Sylvan Heights Bird Park will host Trick or Tweet from 5 p.m.- 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct 31. Children will participate in trick or treating in a safe, family friendly environment. An adult must accompany children, and there is no admission fee for adults accompanying children. Sylvan Heights Bird Park is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Parkway in Scotland Neck. For more information, call 252-826- 3186 or visit www.shwpark.com.

Until Nov. 1 Digital Art Show WILLIAMSTON – The Martin County Arts County will host a digital art show during regular business hours through Friday, Nov. 1. The Martin County Arts Council is located at 124 Washington St. in Williamston. For more information, call 252-789- 8470.

Film Festival WASHINGTON – The Marquee on Main North Carolina Film Festival will be held from 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 through 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Nov. 2-3 Fort Branch Civil War Re-enactment OAK CITY – The Fort Branch Civil War Re-enactment will be held from 8 a.m.- midnight Saturday, Nov. 2 and from 7 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. The event will include children’s activities, a time era correct dance, shooting of the canons and a battle re-enactment. The Fort Branch Confederate Civil War Site is located at 2883 Fort Branch Rd. in Oak City.

Nov. 3 Movie Night WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway on the Bigscreen will present “Driving Miss Daisy” at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is free, but a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Nov. 5 Children’s Art Class WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host a children’s art class “Getting to Know Van Gogh” from 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5. Students will learn the fork scrape painting technique to paint Van Gogh’s painting, “A Starry Night.” The class is for ages 6 through 14. The cost of the class is $15 for members and $20 for nonmembers. The Bertie County Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor. For more information of to register, call 801-920-3773 or email rsusie@ aol.com.

Nov. 5 & 6 Auditions WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host auditions for the Christmas Variety Show at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 and Wednesday, Nov. 6 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Nov. 7-9 Hearthside Craft Guild Holiday Sale WILSON – The Hearthside Craft Guild will host the 32nd annual Holiday Sale from 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 and Friday, Nov. 8 and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Artists and craftsmen will be selling locally produced arts and crafts. Admission is free. The holiday sale will be held at the Wilson Agriculture Center, 1806 South Goldsboro St. in Wilson.

Nov. 8 Movie Night WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico’s Broadway on the Bigscreen will present William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is free, but a $5 donation would be greatly appreciated. The Theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, contact Arts of the Pamlico at 252-946-2504.

Nov. 9 Concert WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host the Emerald City Big Band at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Nov. 10 Concert WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Community Orchestra will host a Veteran’s Day Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Nov. 12 Art Class for Adults WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host an art class for adults, “Beginner Tapeloom Weaving with Abbey” at a time to be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Students will learn how to weave ribbon using a tapeloom. The Bertie County Arts Council Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor. For more information or to register, call 252-794-9402 or email bertiecountyartscouncil@gmail.com.

Nov. 14 Concert WASHINGTON – The Beaufort County Concert Association will host “Shades of Buble” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Nov. 16 On The Border- Eagles Tribute ROANOKE RAPIDS – The Roanoke Rapids Theatre will host On The Border- Eagles Tribute with lobby doors opening at 5 p.m., theatre doors opening at 6 p.m., opening show at 7 p.m. and the headliner at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. The Roanoke Rapids Theatre is located at 500 Carolina Crossroads Parkway in Roanoke Rapids. For more information, call 844-778- 5483 or visit www.rrlive.com.

Nov. 18 Stand Up Comedy WASHINGTON – The Arts of the Pamlico will host a night of stand up comedy Monday, Nov. 18 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is $5. The theatre is located at 150 West Church St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Nov. 22 – 24 “Hansel and Gretel” WASHINGTON – East Carolina University will present “Hansel and Gretel” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Nov. 25 Thanksgiving Worship Service MURFREESBORO – Chowan University will host its annual Thanksgiving worship service at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 25. The service will be held in Turner Auditorium inside McDowell-Columns Hall. The service is free and open to the public. Chowan University is located at 1 University Place in Murfreesboro.

On the Border - Eagles Tribute will return to the Rapids Rapids Theatre on November 16. Photo by Randy Wrenn/RRSpin.com

Nov. 26 “A Christmas Carol” WASHINGTON - The Arts of the Pamlico will present “A Christmas Carol” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the Historic Turnage Theatre. Admission is free, but donations will be greatly appreciated. The theatre is located at 150 West Main St. in Washington. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Nov. 30 Couples and Singles Dance WASHINGTON – USA Dance Chapter 6046 will host a couples and singles dance from 7 p.m.- 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. For more information, call 252-946- 2504.

Dec. 3 Art Class for Children WINDSOR – The Bertie County Arts Council will host a children’s art class, “Winter Holiday Village Dioramas” from 4 p.m.- 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. Students will use the fork scraping technique on canvas to create Van Gogh’s painting “A Starry Night.” The class is for ages 6 through 12. The cost of the class is $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers. The Bertie County Arts County Gallery is located at 124 South King St. in Windsor. For more information or to register, call 801-920-3773 or email rsusie@ aol.com.

Dec. 7 & 8 The Christmas Story Drama WILLIAMSTON – The Christmas Story drama will be performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8. Refreshments will follow. The drama will be held at Macedonia Christian Church Family Life Center, 7640 U.S. 17 South in Williamston. For more information, call 252-792- 3540.

Dec. 8 Christmas Open House WINDSOR – Hope Plantation will host Christmas Open House from 1 p.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The Hope Mansion and King Bazemore House will be decorated with time period decorations. There will be live holiday music, refreshments, and horse and carriage rides. Admission is free, but donations will be greatly appreciated. Hope Plantation is located at 132 Hope House Rd. in Windsor. For more information, call 252-794- 3140 or visit www.hopeplantation. org.

Christmas Concert MURFREESBORO – Chowan University will host its annual Christmas concert Sunday, Dec. 8. The concert will feature a wide range of modern and classic Christmas favorites. The concert is free and open to the public. Chowan University is located at 1 University Place in Murfreesboro.

Jan. 27 Hike Trip WASHINGTON – A hike through Mallard Creek is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan 27. Join a ranger for a half-mile hike through the pine woods forest and ending at Mallard Creek. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy footwear and bring water. Participants will meet in the parking lot of the site park, 2190 Camp Leach Rd. in Washington. 73