Washington the Magazine Nov | Dec 2018

T

H

E

M

A

G

A

Z

I

N

E

WATERFRONT WONDERLAND Find beauty on the Pamlico River day & night

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 1

NOTHING FEELS, SMELLS OR WEARS QUITE LIKE FINE LEATHER FURNITURE. And, for those who need a little extra comfort, this line features Power:

Power Headrest, Power Footrest, Power Lumbar.

Visit us to see these and other popular pieces by

BIG BARGAIN FURNITURE

120 W. Main Street in Downtown Washington 252-946-4448 | www.bigbargainfurniture.com

WHITE GLOVE SERVICE | FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 5

In this issue

FEATURES & DEPARTMENTS HOLIDAY HISTORY 27

DAYS OF YORE: Go back in time with Christmas and Thanksgiving memories

27 'TIS THE SEASON 34

IN EVERY ISSUE 8 10 22 48 50 58 60 62 66

Publisher’s Note The Scene What's in Store Cast a Line What's to Eat Travel & Leisure Calendar Dining Guide Why I Love Washington

GET IN THE SPIRIT: 10 Fun-filled events define the Beaufort County holidays

34 WATERFRONT WONDERLAND 40

BRIGHTLY SHINING: Washington Harbor Walk of Lights illuminates the Pamlico River

40

ON THE COVER HAVE A HEALTHY HOLIDAY 44 FESTIVELY FIT: How to stay fit in this most wonderful time of the year

WINTER WONDERLAND: The Washington waterfront was alight with Christmas in December 2016 when kayaker and photographer Paul Harding captured this photo of a festive twilight. The Harbor Walk of Lights is sponsored by the Washington Harbor District Alliance and the City of Washington. Read more about this

44 6 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

annual holiday event on page 40.

(Photo by Paul Harding)

Publisher Ashley Vansant Editorial Matt Debnam Sean Finnerty Vail Stewart Rumley Contributors Richard Andrews Paul Harding Bartow Houston Ann-Marie Montague Harold Robinson Jack Williams Advertising Director David Singleton Marketing & Sales Mary Cabeleira Cecilia Prokos Amy Whitaker Distribution Sylvester Rogers Art Direction Elizabeth Reed Contact information Washington the Magazine P.O. Box 1788 Washington, NC 27889 Advertising inquiries 252-946-2144 Ext. 221 Subscriptions & change of address 252-946-2144 Washington the Magazine is published six times a year by Washington Newsmedia, LLC. Copyright 2018, Washington Newsmedia, LLC.

A NOTE FROM ASHLEY

SEASON'S GREETINGS

I

t’s that most wonderful time of the year, a time when memories that last a lifetime are made. In this holiday issue of Washington The Magazine, we visit those memories, as well as explore opportunities to make some festive new ones this season.

On page 27, we go back in time to Christmases and Thanksgivings of yore as longtime Washington Daily News columnists Bartow Houston and Harold Robinson share their memories of holidays past, and we get a glimpse of long-ago, and some lost traditions that defined seasonal celebrations in Washington, as told in through the words of Rena Harding Davenport.

We look to Hope Plantation in nearby Windsor to get a firsthand view of what Christmas was like in colonial North Carolina. Every year, the Historic Hope Foundation invites the public to experience the past through tours, rides in horse-drawn carriages and more, at the plantation’s Christmas open house. Learn more about this festive day trip on page 58.

As time goes by, those past traditions have evolved to presentday events the young and young at heart look forward to each year. From the toy train exhibit in Belhaven to visits with Santa on the front porch of the River Road home of Barbie and Tommy Alligood, Christmas parades and Christmas concerts, there is no

shortage of ways to ring in the season with friends and family. Read the Top 10 Ways to Celebrate the Season on page 34.

One such event is Washington Harbor District Alliance’s Harbor Walk of Lights, where the entire Washington waterfront is alight with boats, each decorated for this annual, festive contest. Find out more about this winter waterfront wonderland on page 40.

The holidays are more than events, however. It’s the season of plenty, and it wouldn’t be the same without some favorite foods making an annual appearance. Recipes handed down through generations have become their own traditions, and you can find some of them on page 50, shared by some of Beaufort County’s finest cooks.

It’s also the season of giving, when finding the perfect gift is on everyone’s mind. Look no farther than page 22 where local businesses show off some of their holiday finest.

Here at Washington The Magazine, we wish you joyous events and the perfect gift of the happiest of holidays!

Ashley Vansant, Publisher

We would love to hear what you think about Washington the Magazine. Email us at news@ Write thewashingtondailynews.com or write to P.O. Box 1788, Washington, NC 27889. Letters chosen for publication to us may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of Washington the Magazine.

8 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

We hear stories everyday of dreams and aspirations

from our students, many of whom would not be at BCCC without scholarships. Our donors are the reason why they will walk across the stage at graduation with a degree in hand! Their generosity allows us to keep sending graduates to work and onto university. Each donation we recieve is an investment in the future of our region and in the individual hopes of its people. Our students belong here, and your generosity makes their dreams a reality!

-Serena Sullivan, BCCC Foundation

Last year, the BCCC Foundation awarded over $150,600 through more than 270 scholarships. A donation is an investment that contributes to the future and success of our students. For additional information about making a gift to the BCCC Foundation, contact Serena Sullivan at (252) 940-6326 or email her at serena.sullivan@beaufortccc.edu.

THE SCENE BLACKBEARD 300TH A weekend full of events commemorated the 300th anniversary of the pirate Blackbeard’s death. Many believe that Blackbeard, or Edward Thatch, was a Bath native, not just a resident, during his latter years when he led an expedition of the sons and slaves of Bath’s plantation owners to salvage the treasure of a sunken Spanish armada. The weekend of Oct. 19-20 started with a gala affair at the Turnage Theatre, in which history lovers were treated to “A Taste of 1718,” consisting of foods common to the colonial era, as well as a bit of “new” history as told by historian Kevin Duffus, and a hilarious game show, “Will the Real Blackbeard Please Stand Up?” An all-day celebration followed the next day in Bath, including a children’s pirate parade down Main Street, the very same street that Blackbeard walked 300 years ago.

Susan Kavanaugh, Connor and Melinda Monahan

Bubs Carson, Wayne Woolard II, Wayne Woolard, Chuck Guard, Therese Guard, Elna Lewis, Jason Pair

10 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Adrienne Johnston, Al Johnston, Donna Francis, David Johnston Kyle Alligood, B.J. Marsh

John and Heather Thienpont

Gary and Kay Brinn

Bath Mayor Jimmy Latham, Kevin Duffus

William and Susie Taylor, Jason Pair

Larry and Rita Lee

Bridget Jefferson, Tiffany Coltrain NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 11

THE SCENE POWER OF THE PURSE The Power of the Purse was readily apparent Oct. 2 as men and women from throughout the community gathered for the annual fundraiser at the Washington Civic Center.

Raising money for the Beaufort County United Way, this evening event has been held annually for a number of years.

Marcia Norwood and Joann Goddard

Carolyn Pitts, Wendy MacDonald, Judy Cerise, Judi Ward, Mary Fenwick and Sharon Miller

Meg Howdy, Bob Schultz and Thomas Alligood

Linda Schafer, Shirley Grahek and Judy Cole

Lou Hodges, Virginia Finnerty, Ed Booth and Eltha Booth

12 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Candace Miller, Ashley Singleton and Hailey Norris

(Front) Rita Spruill, Sandra Spruill, (Back) Jennifer Banks and April Alligood

Sally Love, Ed Booth, Jim Fenwick, Jim Madson and Chris Whitehead

Kay Summerfield and Lyn Paradise

Sadie Fowle and Mary Margaret Alligood

Nidia Martinez and Treva Inzerillo

Ashley Woolard and Jennifer Hodges

Tanya Dixon and Pat Beacham

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 13

Protect your world Auto • Home • Life • Retirement

Call me today to discuss your options.

Some people think Allstate only protects your car. Truth is, Allstate can also protect your home or apartment, your boat, motorcycle - even your retirement and your life. And the more of your world you put in Good Hands®, the more you can save.

Ryan Whitford 252-946-3904 1121 Walmart Dr. Williamston, NC

Insurance subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Insurance Co. Life insurance offered through Allstate Life Ins. Co. & Allstate Assurance Co. Northbrook, IL; Lincoln Benefit Life Co., Lincoln, NE; and American Heritage Life Insurance Co., Jacksonville, FL. Securities offered by Personal Financial Representatives through Allstate Financial Services, LLC (LSA Securities in LA and PA). Registered Broker-Dealer. Member FINRA, SIPC. Main Office: 2920 South 84th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506. (877) 525-5727. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.

14 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

224246

700 W. 15th St. Washington, NC

THE SCENE READERS' CHOICE RECEPTION 2018 Gathering together the best of the best in Beaufort County, The Washington Daily News hosted its annual Reader’s Choice Awards on Thursday, Sept. 20. Honoring reader-selected winners in more than 100 categories, the event was well attended by people from throughout the community in a wide variety of professions.

Deborah and Roland Wyman

David Steele, Colleen Knight and John Groesser

Linda Sheppard, Debbie Rouse, Donna Castro and Brandy Williams 16 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Susan Cox and Christy Watkins

Katherine Grace Pinkham and Landis Pinkham

Brandy Allen, Madison Perry, Carla Jennette, Kristen Greene and Sheila Edwards

Rebecca Clark and Pat Stegall

Page Blackburn, Laura Horton and Amanda Hanna

Jenny Smith, Leah Smith, Candace Bonney and Teagan Hartley

Gerri McKinley and Maria Wilson

Glenn and Genna Wetherington

Abigail ingram, Faith McKeever, Stacy Peaden, Julie Ingram, Nancy O’Neill, Marie Peedin, Amie Fulcher and Tim Fulcher

Carla and Keith Mitchell

Carolyn and Randy Walker

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 17

Amanda Burton, Kim Bragg, Erin Cagle, Katlyn Caton, Lisa Gargaro, Sarah Watson, Savannah Connell, Melissa Gamber, Chastity Kinney and Katie Rasberry

Aimee Young and Rachel Midgette

Lori Chapman Melton, Wells S. Armstrong and Tim C. Melton

Daniel Haskett, Linsey Prewitt, David Ward

Eric and Joanna Slade

18 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Mandy Gurkin and Justin Pate

Dr. Elizabeth Brown, Alexander Livingston and Dr. John Livingston

Heather and Tom VanStaalduinen

Mia P. Williams, Vicki Waters, Susan Nichols, Karen Moore, Brandy Allen, Nancy Bowen, Brenda Leal, Noelle Gargaro, Melissa Roark, Crystal Cornelius, Frank Ethridge, Helen Masten and Bruce Elder NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 19

THE SCENE PAMLICO PIN-UPS On Oct. 4, Arts of the Pamlico hosted the launch party of the 2019 Pamlico Pinups calendar. A large crowd came out for the reception, curious about this “racy” calendar in which ladies of a certain age “bared it all” for a good cause. The 2019 calendar is a fundraiser for the Open Door Community Center, a homeless women’s and children’s shelter being built in Washington, and is for sale at many locations across the county. To see where, visit A Piece of Washington on page 24 of this issue of Washington the Magazine.

Bettie Bonner Bradshaw, Jeffery Phipps

Jane McCotter, David Carraway, Lisa Hodges

John and Sue Nicholson

Dorothy Collins, Carol Ahlman

20 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Sue Nicholson, Judy Jennette

Anthony Comella, Liz Reed

Tracey and Harold Robinson

Lee Vann, Carolyn Wetmore

Amy Lupton, Brenda Rogers

Sue Kammers, Betty Eschenbauch

Marcia Norwood, Tammy Condrey

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 21

WHAT'S IN STORE

A piece of

Washington WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ELIZABETH REED

a.

Scents of the season Cozy up with a candle that will make your home ready for the holiday season. From toasting marshmallows on an open fire to drinking cider on a winter night, these candles add a welcoming cheer to your home and can be found at the Purple Plume in downtown Washington for (a.) $18 a piece.

Sending Joy Send Christmas cheer to friends and family with holiday cards from the Purple Plume. These cards come blank on the inside with a variety of designs for $22.95 (b.).

b.

22 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

c.

Stocking stuffer stones Beautiful, simple and dainty stones perfect for a gift exchange to friend or family. Found at Souther Grace Boutique, these pendants come in array of different colors for $8 a piece (c.).

Hunting enthusiast Shopping for men can be difficult, but the outdoorsmen need look no further than NautiLife in downtown Washington where you can find what he always wanted. To keep his head warm, a BOOTS, BEER & BONFIRES baseball cap with a mesh back for $25.95 (d.). For the beer at the bonfire, a bullet shell bottle opener for $13.95 (e.). Finally, decorate his man cave with a hunting sign for $15. 95 (f.).

f.

d.

e.

Care against the cold Protect your skin against the winter months with Old Whaling Co. products found at the Cottage Junkies in downtown Washington. Choose from bath bombs for $6.95 (g.), handmade bar soap for $6.95 (h.), or body butter for $14.95 (i) in a variety of scents to keep your skin silky smooth.

g.

h.

i.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 23

k.

Recipe Encyclopedia Keep track of your grandma's secret recipes the oldschool way. Handwritten and made with love, this recipe tin box will keep your secret concoctions safe all year long.

Find the recipe tin box at the Purple Plume (k.) for $34.

j. o.

Poinsetta princess The perfect Christmas dress to keep your daughter looking like a festive princess. Find these beautiful dresses at the Graceful Goose in downtown Washington for $38.95 (j.).

l.

Calendar Girls New year, new calendar. Beautiful locals "bared it all" For this Open Door Community Center fundraiser for (o.) $15.

They can be found at the following locations: Washington – Arts of the Pamlico, Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Rivers Realty, Century 21, Lemonade Art Gallery, Little Shoppes, The Secret Garden, Stewart's Jewelry Store, The Rich Company, North Carolina Estuarium, First Presbyterian Church; Aurora Fossil Museum; Bath – Bath Visitors Center, The Rich Company, Bath Office; Belhaven – Belhaven Community Chamber of Commerce; Greenville –Monzas.

24 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

m.

Knitted warmth Stay toasty this season with a variety of different knitted head gear. From beanies (l.), $10 to ear warmers (m.), $8 Southern Grace Boutique protects you from the cold.

WASHINGTON HARBOR DISTRICT

The Southern Nest Vintage, Antiques, Home Décor, Collectibles, & Gifts

Let Us Decorate Your ‘Nest’ For The Holidays!

133 West Main Street Downtown Washington, NC (252) 940-1486 Hours: Monday – Saturday: 11am – 6 pm Sunday: 1 pm – 5 pm Email: thesouthernnest@earthlink.net

FINDING THE RIGHT POLICIES FOR YOU!

Gail Kenefick, Broker ®

REALTOR - GRI, SRES

mobile: (252)

office: (252)

945-3030 975-8010

gail.kenefick@coastalrivers.com

Waterfront and Luxury Home Marketing Let an Experienced Professional Navigate the Real Estate Market for You! gailkenefickrealestate.com | coastalrivers.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

HOLIDAYS of days gone by

A Christmas tree on Main Street blares holiday music through a mounted loudspeaker in the late 1940s.

COMPILED BY MATT DEBNAM | PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACK WILLARD There is a certain sense of timelessness surrounding the holidays. While some things may change over time, many holiday traditions remain the same, with family members carrying on the traditions laid down by their forbearers. In Washington, the holidays have changed greatly over the course of the past century, and in this edition, area residents share their recollections of holidays in Washington in days gone by. ⋇

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 27

Christmas Customs IN WASHINGTON WRITTEN BY RENA HARDING DAVENPORT Born in 1916, Rena Harding Davenport wrote at length of the way things were in Washington in the early 20th century, sharing some recollections of her father, who was born in 1890. In the conclusion of a nine-page document on the traditions and customs of Washington, Davenport shares memories of Christmas customs in days of yore.

Christmas in Washington was always gay. All the stores in town remained open until ten o’clock from December 1st until Christmas. Mr. Scott Frizzell’s Store was a great institution. All the things for Santa Claus came from either Scott Frizzell’s or Willie Buckman’s. Stores which sold fruit or candy had tables on the sidewalks. Mr. Archbell always ordered celery, parsnips and cranberries for the Christmas trade.

Christmas parties and dances always came after Christmas.

Decorations at St. Peter’s Church at Christmas were famous all over eastern Carolina. Church women met in the old Telfair kitchen in the Morton’s yard and worked for a week to make the decorations. Everybody in the church who had a farm or a horse sent a load of evergreens. Hundreds of wreaths were made and yards and yards of roping. Stringing long pine needles was the most tedious of the jobs.

Each Christmas John Kooners rode about town in a horse and buggy dressed in grotesque costumes and wearing masks. They sang and blew horns. Any house that gave them a drink would have good luck in the New Year. They always rode Christmas afternoon.

The Christmas trees were mostly dressed with homemade ornaments and candles in little holders were put on the tree, but seldom lit because of the danger of fire.

Big family dinner parties were held all over town.

My father borrowed Mr. Floyd Christmas trees line the center of Main Street in the mid 1960s.

Berry’s dray to take us caroling on Christmas Eve night.

Christmas is a great time at our house and my father is very fussy about his Christmas tree. It must be the biggest one he can find and decorated with all the ornaments it will hold.

So at this Christmas time I bring you thoughts of Christmas and customs of Washington that have passed. I remind you of a new Washington that is taking the place of the old. Today Washington is becoming an up-to-date small city. New people have come to Washington and brought us new customs, new recipes and new thoughts for a new day, but let us not forget the past.

28 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Christmas Memories — TOYLAND WRITTEN BY BARTOW HOUSTON Skipping ahead to the next generation, Bartow Houston shares memories of a young man growing up during the height of World War II. While the war was a constant presence in daily life for Americans, at Christmastime, that reality slipped away for young Bartow in a special place at the Belk-Tyler building — a place called Toyland.

As time passes, the mists of memory swirl ever greater, but some things still linger.

Especially sweet are the memories of childhood Christmases. How much is really true, and how much is absorbed by listening to others tell of Christmases past through the years, makes valid specificity questionable.

I do, however, clearly remember the excitement engendered when Toyland opened each Christmas season on the third floor of the Belk-Tyler Co. It was magical in the display of so many wondrous toys. Oh, yes.

During the war, even during the war, Toyland opened. And as just a little fellow in those early ’40s, visiting that third floor of the first (of three) Belk-Tyler buildings was such an experience. The elevator ride was exciting too.

The store was on the north side of Main Street, and had opened in 1936. In 1955, the unused Keys Hotel and Carolina Dairies building directly across the street was acquired, and greatly altered and refurbished. In 1972, a new store was opened in the relatively new Washington Square Mall.

But it was in the original building, the former Bowers Brothers store, that Toyland was such a magnet during the holidays. Good memories. As childhood slipped away, I became more and more aware that Christmas was a real hardship for struggling families, and that toys were almost a luxury for far too many.

Also, as a child, I didn’t really understand how the war was such an almost ever-present concern to so many of my elders here on the home front. I knew there were shortages, rationing, but they weren’t realities that were foremost in my mind.

But Toyland? The electric trains. The wagons. The dolls.

The stuffed animals. So many wonderful and diverse things to make the eyes of any youngster big and bright — it was a smorgasbord of all kinds of wonderful offerings, so it seemed to those of my young generation.

And so it was during Christmas seasons, so many years ago.

While Bartow Houston enjoyed the wonders of Toyland at BelkTylers in the 1940s, this advertisement from an early 20th century edition of the Washington Daily News invites local children to enjoy Toyland at J.K Hoyt, “Washington’s Greatest Store.”

OPENING OF TOYLAND TUESDAY , NOVEMBER 23RD, 8 P.M.

THE NEW AND NOVEL TOYS SHOWN THIS XMAS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT OUR STORE FROM TUESDAY NOV. 23, AT 8 P.M.

SPECIAL WINDOW DISPLAY SHOWING THE MOST MAGNIFICENT TOYS HANDS CAN PRODUCE. ONLY IN VERY LARGEST CITIES CAN SEE SUCH AN ASSORTMENT OF TOYS THAT WE ARE SHOWING FOR YOU TO SELECT FROM.

GOOD OLD SANTA WILL CERTAINLY BE ASTONISHED

SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY EVERYBOD INVITED TO OUR OPENING OF TOYLAND. BRING THE CHILDREN, SANTA CLAUS WILL GIVE THEM A POST CARD TO HIM

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 29

Downtown Washington is decked out for the holiday season in the early 1960’s. McLellans Department Store is pictured on the left. McLellans and Belk were the last chain stores to leave downtown. Belk left in 1973 with the building of Washington Square Mall.

30 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Memories OF THANKSGIVING AND CHRISTMAS

Wreaths announce the Christmas Season as pedestrians stroll down Main Street in the early 1960s.

AS TOLD BY HAROLD ROBINSON Growing up nearly a decade after Bartow Houston, Harold Robinson shares memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas traditions in the 1950s, from family gatherings to the joys of boyhood. Mr. Robinson’s recollections have been transcribed from an audio recording.

Thanksgiving was the first holiday after you had been in school from September to November. Thanksgiving day was always one of the days you spent with family. I can remember growing up, we would go out to Old Ford and spend the day at my grandmama and Granddaddy’s. Everybody gathered there and we ate. There was food galore. There was always, of course turkey, but there was always a big pot of collards, boiled potatoes and oyster dressing.

Dad was never there on Thanksgiving. He was always out hunting on Lake Mattamuskeet and we would always take him a turkey sandwich and cranberries. There was more food than you could possible imagine, and my grandmama would always cook it on a wood stove. It always tasted better.

The Friday after Thanksgiving, as a boy, I loved it. That was the day you always wanted to be a little bit overcast and a little bit chilly, because that was the day you wanted to go build your fort. Later in the afternoon, you know you were going to go have a big sandlot football game, but in the morning, we would build forts, snuggle in there and sometimes we would even build a fire. We thought we had died and gone to heaven. I used to hardly be able to sleep Thanksgiving night, thinking about not having to go to school the next day.

Christmas began when you first got your Sears-Roebuck Christmas catalog and you were already planning for Dec. 25 because you looked through the catalog and you knew what you already wanted.

You waited until they turned on the Christmas lights on Main Street.

There was a great, big Christmas tree at Harding Square.

That was the greatest time of the year, because everybody was happy. My dad would always go to the hardware store and buy stick candy and hard candy, because that’s what he grew up with. We had plenty of fruit — tangerines, oranges, apples and bananas.

Christmas Eve day was the happiest time of the year. Everybody went to church on Christmas Eve night at the 12 o’clock candlelight service. On Christmas morning, we would be up at 4 o’clock and we could not go into the living room until Mama and Daddy were up.

When everybody was up, we would go in there and open up the presents and see what Santa Claus had brought. Then Daddy would go in there and fix the best cheese biscuits I ever ate.

In the afternoon, you could hear roller skates. Everybody got a pair of roller skates and on Ninth Street, you could hear them going up and down. It was the smoothest road that you could skate on. It would be 100 or so kids on Ninth Street, all skating up and down.

Those were my fondest memories.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 31

Listing or Selling?

Trust Your “Gem” To Gerri!

Gerri McKinley Broker/Owner

REALTOR® - GRI, CRS, ABR-trained

Multi-Million Dollar Producer gerri.mckinley@coastalrivers.com mobile: (252)

office: (252)

945-1582 975-8010

coastalrivers.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

32 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Financial Planning Retirement Planning Strategies Estate Planning Strategies

Ameriprise Financial has been helping clients to be brilliant for more than 120 years.1 If there’s anyone you care about who might benefit from a first or second look at their financial plans, we would be happy to help.

Please give me call.

Michael Wetherington, CPRC® Financial Advisor

Wetherington and Wells Financial A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. An Ameriprise Platinum Financial Services® Practice

155 N Market St, Ste 219, Washington, NC 27889 252.946.7526 • michael.wetherington@ampf.com 1

Company founded in 1894

An Ameriprise Financial Franchise. Investment advisory products and services are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 33

TOP 10 WAYS

TO CELEBRATE the

SEASON Get in the holiday spirit with these fun-filled events WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

A

s the holidays roll around and the end of year draws nigh, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season across Beaufort County. From annual fundraisers that always draw a crowd to celebrations in song, from evening walks down a festive waterfront to a toy train display that delights young and old alike, these events are not to be missed for those in the mood for some holiday cheer. If you don’t catch Santa at Chocowinity’s Christmas parade on Nov. 17, there are more five more opportunities at parades in Aurora, Bath, Belhaven, Edward and Washington — in Belhaven and Washington, parades are only the start of day-long, family friendly festivities. While these events may have made the Top 10 list, there are plenty of others to be found at littlewashingtonnc.com and artsofthepamlico.org.

Celebrate the season with one or all! ⋇

34 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Santa on the Porch, River Road, Washington NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 35

1. SANTA ON THE PORCH Dec. 15, 3-6 p.m.

For 23 years, the River Road home of Barbie and Tommy Alligood has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland where children can have a seat on Santa’s lap and tell the jolly old elf what they want for Christmas. A fundraiser for J&J’s Animal Rescue, visitors to this North Pole abode are only asked to bring a donation of pet food for our furry friends. In exchange, they get a meet and greet with Santa and his elves, some treats and a memory to carry for a lifetime. The Alligood home is located on River Road in Washington Park.

36 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

2. TOY TRAINS OF BELHAVEN Since 2012, residents and visitors alike have been thrilled by this train collection at the Old City Hall in Belhaven. Don Stark’s collection of Standard Gauge Tinplate toy trains, sprawling through two rooms, takes visitors back to the days of yore, when toy trains were on every child’s Christmas wish list. On display through the month of December, it’s an event that calls to the young and young-at-heart. For dates and times the exhibit is open, visit the Toy Trains of Belhaven page on Facebook.

3. THE EMBERS CHRISTMAS CONCERT Dec. 21, 7 p.m.

Ever-popular beach music legends The Embers light up the Turnage Theatre with Christmas cheer for this annual concert. Led by Washington native Craig Woolard, The Embers put on a fantastic show guaranteed to put anyone in the holiday spirit.

Tickets are $22 in person at Arts of the Pamlico or $25 by credit card or through PayPal. Don’t wait to get your tickets — it’s always a sellout show! For more information, call AOP at 252-946-2504.

4. TURKEY TROT Nov. 22 Fitness Unlimited’s annual Turkey Trot flies under the Thanksgiving radar, but anyone looking to burn a few calories before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner is welcome. Everyone gathers at Festival Park on the Washington waterfront at 8:30 a.m., then sets off on a walk or run (depending on the preferred mode of exercise) down East Main Street and through Washington Park to meet back again at Festival Park. The price for taking part? Bring canned or non-perishable food items — they’ll all be donated to Eagle’s Wings, the local food pantry.

There’s no registration; just show up.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 37

5. CHOCOWINITY PARADE AND EXPO

8. HOLIDAY TOUR OF HOMES

Nov. 17

Washington, Dec. 1 Belhaven, Dec. 8

Chocowinity traditionally launches Christmas with the first Christmas parade of the season, held in conjunction with its annual Christmas Expo at the Chocowinity Volunteer Fire Department. A fundraiser for the fire department, the expo features vendors with handmade and home-baked goods and gives holiday shoppers the chance to get a head start on giftbuying, while supporting their local craftspeople and first responders. For more information, visit Chocowinity VFD’s Facebook page. Expo opens at 7 a.m.; the parade is at 10 a.m.

6. CHRISTMAS PARADES Aurora, Dec. 9 Chocowinity, Nov. 17 Washington, Dec. 1 Bath, Dec. 2 Belhaven, Dec. 8 Edward, Dec. 16

Most decorate for Christmas, but those who’ve donated their homes for holiday homes tours go above and beyond. Get an inside look at historic and new homes during each of these annual tours. Arts of the Pamlico’s Christmas Tour of Homes is slated for Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while Belhaven Chamber of Commerce’s Candlelight Homes Tour will be Dec. 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Get decorating ideas and satisfy curiosity about what’s behind those closed doors with these fundraisers for AOP and various nonprofits in the Belhaven area. For more information, visit artsofthepamlico.org or call the Belhaven Chamber of Commerce at 252-943-3770.

The holidays haven’t arrived without a Christmas parade or two. In Beaufort County, we have six, each held on different days. First responders, school bands, motorcycle groups, non-profits and businesses all pitch in to the holiday festivities, each out-doing the next with their holiday floats. Kids, bring a bag, because the takeaway is lots of candy thrown by Santa and his many Christmas parade elves. Washington and Belhaven’s parades each coincide with a day of Christmas events.

7. LIGHT UP THE CITY Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m.

Washington officially welcomes the season with the lighting of the trees on Main and Market streets. Light Up the City not only offers refreshments at Arts of the Pamlico, but Turnage Theatre galler y performances by the hand-bell choir River City Ringers and the Sassy Southern Sound Quartet, followed by a community theater production of “A Christmas Carol” on the Turnage Theatre stage. Downtown merchants stay open late, offering Christmas shopping and revelry to ring in the season. For more information, visit artsofthepamlico.org.

9. HARBOR WALK OF LIGHTS A walk down Washington’s waterfront during December is a holiday treat, as boatowners vie for the best-decorated boat on the docks. Top prize means free dockage for them and an enchanting stroll for everyone else as Christmas lights up the Pamlico River. The display lasts from Dec. 1 through the end of the month.

10. SOUND RIVERS OYSTER ROAST Nov. 10 A decades-long tradition, the Sound Rivers Oyster Roast brings oyster-lovers galore out to the Washington Civic Center grounds to gorge on steamed oysters under the stars. The environmental advocacy nonprofit’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the event includes craft brews, chili, a silent auction, raffles and live music to dance the night away. For more information, visit soundrivers.org.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 39

BRIGHTLY

shining

Washington Harbor Walk of Lights

illuminates the Pamlico River

WRITTEN BY BY MATT DEBNAM PHOTOS BY VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

A

s the chill winds of December descend upon the Washington waterfront, a certain beauty and stillness falls over the Pamlico River. Reflecting in its starlit waters, other lights, less celestial, can be seen shining in the water from the masts and gunnels of the boats there moored.

For the past four years, these ship-bound lights have shined brightly upon the river, a festive accent to the already beautiful waterfront during the annual Harbor Walk of Lights.

The ones who deck Washington in this festive attire are none other than its boaters, and the resulting picture is a shimmering, sparkling sight of holiday magic.

“As a lot of people do, we had a deal on Christmas Eve where the boats would light up and do a nautical parade,” Washington Waterfront Docks attendant Tom Watson said.

“But that would require a lot of time and effort to set up from start to finish. The other disadvantage was it was for only one night and if the weather went south, it didn’t turn out well at all.”

40 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Lights from a decorated boat cast reflections on the water during the 2017 Harbor Walk of Lights.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 41

An inflatable ensemble depicts Santa Claus on a jet ski towing a wakeboarding reindeer.

Featuring a Christmas tree on its front decking, Dave Rummel’s Perpetual Karma won third place in last year’s Harbor Walk of Lights contest. (Rick Brass) 42 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

As with many holiday traditions, this lighted flotilla on the waterfront evolved over time, eventually taking the form it is today.

Three years ago, the Harbor Committee came upon an idea that would help fill empty slips and put on a more semi-permanent display at the harbor.

The group decided that for the month of December, the docks would allow boats to moor there for free if owners agreed to decorate their vessels.

In the first year, the idea turned into a smashing success. With not a single empty slip, the waterfront was alight with festive cheer, and people from Washington and beyond came in droves to see the pretty sight.

“It brought a lot of traffic down here (to the waterfront),” Watson said. “At the end of it, we decided to have a potluck supper for everyone involved in it. That was when the Jeanie B was here, and it was a real big success. If you were coming across the Highway 17 Bridge coming northbound and it was a calm night, it was a pretty remarkable display of lights coming off the water.”

2017 saw a full house again at the waterfront, with participation expanding to Moss Landing Marina and Haven’s Wharf. This year, Watson and the staff at the waterfront hope to see the event bigger and better than ever. As the season fast approaches, the lights will soon return, and Washingtonians and guests will have the chance to vote on their favorite vessel.

“It’s not just a one night thing,” Watson said. “It’s the whole month… It’s been well received, and we look forward to doing it again this year. Hopefully it will be a continuing tradition.”

While the waterfront itself will be awash in holiday cheer, the downtown business district as a whole will likewise be bright with the spirit of the season.

With the lights drawing in visitors from other areas, Washington Harbor District

Palm trees and traditional Christmas Trees give some arboreal variation to the waterfront decorations.

Alliance Director Meg Howdy sees the Harbor Lights as a benefit for local businesses. Her organization partners with the city each year to help put on the event.

“We’ll have prizes donated by local businesses for the best-decorated boat,” Howdy said. “Last year, we had more than 11,000 hits (online)

from people looking at those boats, and it wasn’t just from people in Washington. It was people all over the country looking at the lights and sharing them.”

The Harbor Walk of Lights begins on Dec. 1, and will be on display throughout the holiday season. ⋇ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 43

KEEPING FITNESS A FESTIVE PART OF YOUR HOLIDAYS

WRITTEN BY SEAN FINNERTY

S

taying fit and healthy can be hard enough as it is, with making sure you take time out of your day to get some exercise and eating the right types and proper amounts of food. But when the holidays come around, maintaining health and fitness goals can be even harder.

Whether it’s because of overindulgence on the sweets, no access to a gym when visiting family or your schedule has become so overwhelmed you can’t stick to the normal workout routine, the holidays can be a tough time for those not wanting to lose the progress they’ve made throughout the year.

But don’t get the holiday blues, because Andrew Waters, a National Strength and Conditioning Association certified personal trainer at Washington’s Fitness Unlimited has five tips for those aiming to not pack on some holiday weight. ⋇

44 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 45

THINK AHEAD. When holiday season comes around, that can also mean you’re going on vacation somewhere or going to many parties. Waters suggests planning ahead of time and getting into a mindset of what you can and can’t eat, researching ahead of a trip whether there is a gym nearby or with all that goes on during the holidays with family visiting, etc., think ahead about when you can squeeze a workout session into your schedule.

“Just the more you think ahead and plan, you might not be able to stick to it completely, but at least if you’re already thinking about it, you’re going to set yourself up to succeed more,” Waters said.

GO AHEAD AND PLAN TO INDULGE A LITTLE BIT. “I think, sometimes, where people fall off is, especially beginners a lot, is they try to do too much, too soon,” Waters said.

Instead of completely cutting yourself off from delicious holiday treats, Waters suggests allowing yourself to eat some of what you crave during the holidays without going too far. Go ahead and have some of Grandma’s red velvet cake, but then stay away from the cookies.

“Go ahead and plan to indulge a little bit, but don’t get too crazy,” Waters said.

BE CREATIVE. That goes for your workout routine, as well as for what you eat. Waters suggests doing something a little different. Instead of going to the gym or running on the treadmill, switch it up and sign up for a holiday run, like a 5k. Also, head to Google to find healthier versions and alternatives to classic holiday recipes.

“There’s a lot of information out there that you can go and look and get some of your holiday favorites, that same flavor but it will be healthier and more towards whatever your goal is,” Waters said.

KEEP YOUR GOALS IN MIND. “Just making sure it’s at the forefront of your mind, whatever it is, whether it’s ‘I want to lose 10 pounds, I want to put 10 pounds on my bench press.’ Keep that in mind, by sticking notes on your mirror, on your steering wheel, etc. Just keep it there,” Waters said. “I think having goals, it really helps to narrow your focus, vs. this general ‘I just want to lose weight.’ Once you set a goal, ‘I want to lose 10 pounds,’ now you have something that your mind is now focused on and now you can start planning for that.

HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP. Waters considers this the most important tip, because it’s a lot easier to stay on track during the holidays if you have someone, like a training partner, family or friends, that keeps you accountable. Waters suggests someone else who is trying to accomplish the same goals as you, as you will both be going through the same thing and be able to support each other.

“Surround yourself with positivity, what’s going to help you reach those goals,” Waters said.

46 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

WORKOUT CIRCUTS

Push-up

position by pressing through the balls of

Begin by lying face down with your hands

your feet while keeping your chest up.

shoulder width apart. Push up from the ground, making sure to keep your hips in

Jump squat

a neutral position. They should not sag or

Take a shoulder-width stance with your

Here are two examples of workouts

be up real high.

toes pointed slightly outward (make

suggested by Waters that can be done

Lower yourself back down to the starting

sure your knees follow your toes as you

anywhere, anytime — including during

position

perform this exercise).

Set your hips back like you are sitting

holiday trips. They consist of two circuits, containing four rounds each, with rest of

Staggered push-up

in a chair while keeping your chest up

30-60 seconds between rounds.

Begin by lying face down with your

until your knees are parallel with your

hands staggered (one hand lower than

hips. Press through the balls of your feet

the shoulder and the other hand above

and jump up into the air. Land back in a

the shoulder). Push up from the ground,

squatting position.

1.

making sure to keep your hips in a neutral position. They should not sag or be up

Lunges

real high. Switch staggered positions

Take a shoulders-width stance and lunge

each set or round.

forward, making sure that the forward knee becomes parallel with your hip,

Circuit #1

Burpee

keeping your torso upright. The knee

Four rounds of

Begin in a standing position. Squat

should not pass beyond the toes. Press

4x 10 push-ups

down, move into the push-up position.

through the ball of your foot back to the

4x 10 air squats

Do a push-up and move back into a

starting position. Repeat with other leg.

4x 5 pull-ups or 10 Supermans

squat. Jump up with your hands reaching Side lunges

towards the sky.

Circuit #2

Lunge to the right with your right leg’s

4x 10 lunges

Pull-up

knee becoming parallel with the hip and

4x 10 frog crunches

Hang from the pull-up bar with a

your left leg extending. Press through the

4x 10 side lunges

shoulders-width grip. Pull yourself up,

ball of your foot back to the start position.

squeezing your shoulder blades as you

Lunge to the other side.

come up. Once your chin is above the bar, begin lowering yourself back down.

2.

Circuit #1

Planks Begin in an extended push-up position,

Superman

keeping your hips from sagging or sitting

Begin by laying on your belly with your

up high in the air. Engage your core by

arms extended in front of you. Raise your

squeezing your belly button in. Hold this

upper torso and your legs at the same

position for 30-60 seconds.

time. Hold for one to three seconds.

Lower back down to the starting position.

4x 10 burpees

Frog crunch Begin by lying down on your back. Bring

4x 10 lunges

Air squat

your feet together and let your knees fall

4x 5 pull-ups or 10 Supermans

Take a shoulders-width stance with your

to the side.

toes pointed slightly outward (make sure

Place your fingers on the back of your

Circuit #2

your knees follow your toes as you perform

head (do not pull on your neck) and bring

4x 10 jump squats

this exercise). Set your hips back like you

your torso up until your shoulder blades

4x 10 staggered push-ups

are sitting in a chair while keeping your

come off the ground (do not tuck your

4x planks (hold for 45 seconds)

chest up until your knees are parallel with

chin). Lower yourself back down to the

your hips. Come back up to the statring

starting position.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 47

CAST A LINE

THE MOST BEAUTIFUL TIME TO BE ON THE RIVER

T

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPH BY CAPT. RICHARD ANDREWS

he holiday season in November and December is one of my favorite times to be on the water. The beauty of late fall is abundant on the Pamlico River, and the boat traffic is nearly nonexistent, leaving all the beauty to just a few fishermen who are enjoying the river’s bounty. When I think of fall fishing on the Pamlico, I am reminded of abundant catches of speckled trout and striped bass. Both fish are delicious table fare, and I can smell the fresh fillet hitting the hot grease even as the fish hits the net and comes into the boat. Most of my charters ask me how I like to cook fish, and I always tell them that there are two ways to cook fish…fry it or foul it up. Sometimes I substitute another word for “foul” to add a little emphasis. You get the point, but many cooking methods and recipes yield tasty results, and cooking and eating fish should not be the only reason to go fishing on the Pamlico. Let me think of a few more.

This time of year brings a unique beauty to the Pamlico. The stark backdrops contrast nicely with the bright orange sunsets. Although speckled trout are arguably the favorite among local anglers, fishermen shouldn’t ignore the recent abundance of striped bass (locally known as rockfish). Over the last three years, the Pamlico has had some amazing numbers of juvenile stripers. Catches of 50-100 fish in an outing are not uncommon. Stripers spend their early years in the river before reaching adulthood and migrating out to the ocean. The stripers always have a way of showing up to the party in full force.

Anglers consistently catch stripers up to 30 inches, with an occasional 30-35 inches, or larger, landed.

My personal favorite method for catching

A pair of anglers takes in a beautiful sunset while fishing for striper on the Pamlico River near Bath.

stripers is on topwater lures in shallow water. Witnessing the feeding instinct of a large, hungry striper in less than two feet of water is something everyone who fishes the Pamlico River should see, as it’s quite the sight. I have consistently caught stripers on topwater when the water temps are in the low 50s. When water temps are cooler, many of the winter stripers move to deeper water within and adjacent to the main river channel. Using soft plastic lures, such as the shad or paddle tail style, or jerk bait style plastic on a heavier jig head (1/41/2 ounce, depending on depth) will yield consistent bites.

Stripers also are very structure oriented, and the upper Pamlico and lower Tar Rivers have plenty of it. Structure fishing is typically most productive when there is a current or moving water. The direction of the current is not as important as the movement. With upstream flows from the Tar and the ever-changing wind affecting

48 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

water levels in the upper Pamlico and lower Tar, we typically have some current flow in our fishing grounds.

Other species such as speckled trout (specs) can also be caught in abundance in the winter. Many outings might yield better catches of speckled trout or an abundance of both specs and stripers. On more than one occasion, both species can be caught interchangeably in the exact same place.

I encourage everyone who loves spending time on the Pamlico to get out and enjoy our fishery. It can present a tough learning curve for beginners; however, with some time spent on the water and with a some degree of effort, anyone can enjoy our river’s bounty.

Capt. Richard Andrews is a resident of Washington and the owner of a local year-round guide service offering fishing excursions on the Pamlico and nearby rivers. He can be reached at 252-9459715 or richard@tarpamguide.com. ⋇

The vision and the resources to take you further.

Since 1893, BB&T Scott & Stringfellow has provided sound investment guidance to clients throughout the Southeast. We take no shortcuts. We make no assumptions.

We always put our clients’ interests first. And we remain focused on every stage of their journey toward economic success and financial security.

R. Scott West Managing Director Financial Advisor

Barbara Lee Client Service Associate

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

BB&T Scott & Stringfellow is a division of BB&T Securities, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. BB&T Securities, LLC, is a wholly owned nonbank subsidiary of BB&T Corporation. Securities and insurance products or annuities sold, offered or recommended by BB&T Scott & Stringfellow are not a deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by a bank, not insured by any federal government agency and may lose value.

BEAUFORT COUNTY OFFICE

(252) 975-8010

239 W Main St Washington, NC

COASTALRIVERS.COM

PITT COUNTY OFFICE

(252) 321-5200

610-D Old Village Rd Winterville, NC

s e h s i W y a d i l o H t s e The Warmur Family To Yours From O 252-321-5200 610-D Old Tar Village Rd Winterville, NC

Each Coldwell Banker Office is Independently Owned and Operated

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 49

WHAT'S TO EAT

HAPPY HOLIDAYS along the Pamlico Side dishes, desserts are perfect compliments to any meal

WRITTEN BY KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER PHOTOGRAPHS AND FOOD PREP BY VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

T

hanksgiving and Christmas entertaining takes many forms, from family gatherings to church banquets. While turkey, ham and roasts usually take center stage, everyone knows it’s the side dishes and desserts that make a meal truly memorable.

In this issue, we offer up a variety of recipes showcasing familiar favorites as well as a few that just may put a different spin on holiday dining. So whether you are a traditionalist when planning your meal or you have more of an adventurous nature, there’s something here to tempt the palate of any guest.

As usual, these recipes appear in the Washington Daily News’ collection of Pamlico Pantry cookbooks and they represent the best of Beaufort County.

Enjoy! ⋇

50 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Bacon wrapped green beans NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 51

BACON WRAPPED GREEN BEANS Renee Cole & Judy McRoy Hodges Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church, Chocowinity

1 pound bacon (cut in half); 4 cans (14.5-ounce) whole green beans; 1 stick butter; 2 cups brown sugar.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut bacon in half. Open and drain green beans in large bowl. Wrap five or six beans with bacon. Place all wrapped beans in 9 x 13 inch casserole dish. Melt butter in small bowl and add brown sugar. Mix well and pour evenly over wrapped beans. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until bacon is crispy.

52 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

PUMPKIN BREAD Vicki Paul The Wilkinson Center, Belhaven

3 cups sugar; 1 cup oil; 4 eggs, beaten; 1 (one pound) can pumpkin; 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 2 teaspoons soda; 2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 1 teaspoon allspice; 2/3 cup water.

Combine sugar, oil and beaten eggs. Add pumpkin and mix well.

Sift together dry ingredients and add to pumpkin mixture. Add water, beat thoroughly and pour into two greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 53

POST-THANKSGIVING SOUTHWEST TURKEY CHILI Vail Stewart Rumley Washington Daily News

1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound leftover turkey, chopped; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves of garlic, chopped; 2 (15.5 ounce) cans of great Northern beans, rinsed and drained; 1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth; 2 (4 ounce) cans chopped green chiles; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup whipping cream; fresh cilantro and grated cheddar cheese to top.

Heat olive oil in Dutch oven. Add onion and garlic and cook over medium heat until onions are soft. Add spices: salt, cumin, oregano, black pepper and stir over heat. Stir in cayenne and chipotle and cook for two minutes. Stir in chopped turkey, then add great Northern beans. Stir and cook for a few more minutes.

Add chicken broth, bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20-30 minutes, partially covered.

Stir in whipping cream and sour cream. Remove from heat and serve, topping with grated cheese and cilantro. **Note: This recipe is great with cornbread!

THREE YELLOWS & AN ONION Sandra Andrews The Wilkinson Center, Belhaven

2 cups water; 3 ears corn, cut kernels off cob; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 medium yellow squash or zucchini; 1 medium onion; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/4 teaspoon dill weed or 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Cook squash, corn and onion covered in water until vegetables are just tender. Drain. Stir in butter and desired seasonings (dill weed or Italian seasoning).

Toss gently until butter melts. Sprinkle vegetables with cheese. Cook covered until cheese melts.

54 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 55

Holiday Recipes SWEET POTATO CASSEROLE

grated; 1 cup raisins; 4 tablespoons vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; Jan De Hoog 1/4 pound butter, softened.

Terra Ceia Christian School Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cube 6 cups cooked, mashed sweet bread and put in large bowl. Add potatoes; 2 cups evaporated milk; evaporated milk and water. Pour eggs 1 cup sugar; 2 sticks margarine; 4 over the mixture and mix well. Add eggs, beaten; 4 teaspoons vanilla; 1 pineapple, apple, raisins, sugar, vanilla cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup plain flour; and cinnamon and mix well. Cut butter 1/4 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup in pieces and add to mixture. Mix all margarine; 1 cup coconut (optional). ingredients well. Pour into a greased Beat together potatoes, milk, sugar, 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Bake for 30margarine, eggs and vanilla. Pour in a 40 minutes or until golden brown and greased 9 x 13 inch pan. Mix together cooked through. brown sugar, flour, pecans, margarine and coconut. Spread on top of potatoes. CRANBERRY CHUTNEY Bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes. Marilyn Roth Serves 12 to 14.

Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, Washington 3 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup CARROT SOUFFLE cider vinegar; 1 (10-ounce) package Helen Atkinson frozen, chopped onions; 1 cup currants First Presbyterian Church, Washington (or raisins); 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 pound carrots, peeled and 3 tablespoons finely grated ginger root; chopped; 3 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 (12-ounce) packages cranberries; 1 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup butter, melted; cup chopped pecans, optional.

3 tablespoons flour; 1 teaspoon baking Combine sugar, vinegar, onions, powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. currants, allspice and ginger root in Bring carrots and water (to cover) large saucepan and cook on mediumto a boil in medium saucepan. Cook high heat until sugar dissolves. Add 45 minutes or until very tender. Drain. cranberries and cook 10 minutes, Process carrots in food processor until or until berries have popped. Stir in smooth. Stir together carrot puree, eggs pecans. May be frozen or processed and remaining ingredients. Spoon into as you would jelly. Eliminate pecans lightly greased one-quart baking dish. if freezing or processing. Serve with Bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees or until turkey or ham at the holidays or as an set. Yield: eight servings. appetizer over a block of cream cheese.

EASY BREAD PUDDING Susan Simpson St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Bath

1 loaf stale French bread (or 5 cups cubed stale white bread); 2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk; 1 cup water; 6 eggs, beaten; 8 ounces crushed pineapple; 1 large Granny Smith apple, 56 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

KAHLUA PECAN PIE Donna Wagner First Presbyterian Church, Washington

9-inch pie crust; 3/4 cup sugar; 2 tablespoons flour; 1/2 cup Kahlua; 3/4 cup evaporated milk; 1/4 cup butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 3 eggs; 1/2 cup dark corn syrup; 1 cup whole and chopped pecans; 1/2 cup heavy cream, whipped; pecan halves.

Set oven at 400 degrees. Cream together butter, sugar, vanilla and flour.

Mix well. Beat in eggs, one at a time.

Stir in Kahlua, corn syrup, evaporated milk and pecans. Mix well. Pour into prepared pie pan. Bake 10 minutes then reduce heat to 325 degrees and bake until firm, about 40 minutes. Chill.

When ready to serve, garnish with cream and pecan halves.

HOLIDAY CITRUS SALAD Janet Bradbury Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church, Washington Salad: lettuce cups; red or pink and white grapefruit wedges, cleaned; avocado slices; pomegranate seeds.

To make individual salads, place grapefruit wedges on lettuce. Place several slim slices of avocado among the wedges. Top with a large dollop of onion dressing. Finish with pomegranate seeds over the top.

Onion Dressing: 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon grated onion; 1 tablespoon dry mustard; 2 tablespoons white vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon celery seed; 1 cup vegetable or canola oil.

Combine sugar, grated onion, dry mustard, vinegar, salt and celery seed and mix well. Add oil slowly while constantly beating. Make dressing at least a day or two before using.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 57

TRAVEL & LEISURE

CHRISTMAS past

DESTINATION: Hope Plantation LOCATION: 132 Hope House Road, Windsor DISTANCE: 40 miles TRAVEL TIME: 45 minutes

The King-Bazemore House, moved to the Hope Plantation, is a rare example of colonial American architecture.

58 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Hope Plantation offers a glimpse of holiday history STORY BY VAIL STEWART RUMLEY | PHOTOGRAPHS BY HISTORIC HOPE FOUNDATION

A

step back into the holidays of yore is only a short trip away.

Live music, refreshments, horsedrawn wagon and carriage rides await visitors to historic Hope Plantation in Windsor during the Historic Hope Foundation’s annual open house.

On Dec. 2, the public is invited to tour the circa 1803 mansion and its accompanying property, the King-Bazemore House, built in 1763, each dressed for the holidays in period decorations. There’s no charge for the event, but donations are appreciated.

The home of Gov. David Stone was built on land granted to the Hobson family by the Lords Proprietors of the Carolina Colony, sometime in the 1720s. A combination of Federal and Georgian architecture, it’s built on an above-ground basement and topped by a hipped roof and widow’s walk, the latter of which is framed by a Chinese Chippendale balustrade. Hope Plantation started its life as a self-contained plantation — it produced what the people it supported used: wheat, corn, oats, rye, flax and cotton, cattle, sheep, hogs, horses and timber, and was home to a water-powered grist mill, a still, saw mill, blacksmith’s and cooper’s shops and buildings for spinning and weaving.

The King-Bazemore House is one of few remaining homes like it in North Carolina, featuring brick end walls and “hall and parlor” design, common in colonial America — the hall may have been used for cooking and the parlor was the general living space and/or bedroom. The King-Bazemore House was moved to the plantation from its original site four miles away, and today is furnished based on the 1778 inventory of its owner, William King.

While the site is open to the public and guided tours are offered daily, take the short trip to see the planation in its colonial Christmas glory this December.

The Annual Christmas Open House is set for 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2. ⋇

Built in 1803, the Hope Mansion combines Federal and Georgian architecture, and its floorplan based on Abraham Swan’s “The British Architect.”

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 59

OUT & ABOUT

CALENDAR

NOVEMBER

ALL MONTH BCTMA Jams

Turnage Theatre Thursday night/Saturday morning jams.

Open jam Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Musicians and fans are encouraged to attend and play. There is no admission fee. Sponsored by the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association. For more information, visit www.bctma. org/ or call 252-946-2504.

54th-Annual Juried Fine Arts Show Turnage Theatre The 54th Annual Juried Fine Arts Show is on display all month at the Turnage Theatre.

The opening reception will be held 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, with the exhibit running through Dec. 2. The show is free and open to the public. Call 252-946-2504 for more information.

Thursday Shag Nights Ribeye’s Steakhouse Thursday Shag Night, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. DJs playing beach, soul, R&B and more every Thursday night throughout November. Instructors available for lessons, $5 cover. 252-8330936.

Nov. 3

I.C. Improv Turnage Theatre Watch the I.C. Improv troupe brighten up the room with laughter; audience participation encouraged. 7 p.m. 252-946-2504.

Nov. 4

Rose Haven Garden Party Rose Haven Center of Healing Come join Pamlico Rose, Arts of the Pamlico, Alexis Davis, Realtor, Carryout by Chrislyn, WIMCO and others to celebrate the journey leading to the Betty Ann Sands Healing and Artful Gardens at Rose Haven, part of the Rose Haven Center of Healing for female veterans.

Refreshments and musical entertainment featured. 2:304:30 p.m. www.pamlicorose.org.

Nov. 8

Beaufort County Traditional Music Variety Show Turnage Theatre Beaufort County Traditional Music Variety Show featuring area traditional musicians and talent. 7 p.m. The event is free; donations appreciated. For more information, visit www.bctma. org.

Nov. 8

Senior Dance Washington Civic Center 7 p.m. Singles and couples over 50 are welcome to come and dance the night away. Admission is $8; 50/50 drawing; door prizes. No alcohol/no smoking/ no children.

Nov. 9

Steve Creech Quartet Turnage Theatre 7:30 p.m. Featuring vocalist Rasheeda Waddell at Arts of Pamlico blues and jazz night.

252-946-2504.

Nov. 10

Rockin’ for the Vets Turnage Theatre

60 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Join local musicians on stage for this benefit for veterans.

Sponsored by Rock the Pamlico, 1 p.m. 252-946-2504.

Sound Rivers Annual Oyster Roast Washington Civic Center Lawn 6 p.m. Each November for more than three decades, members and friends have gathered together to celebrate our waterways while enjoying delicious oysters, craft beer from Duck Rabbit Brewery, live music, a silent auction and fun at our annual Oyster Roast. Music this year is by Pamlico Sound Machine. New this year, we have a VIP Ticket option, including early access to oysters at 5 p.m., wine tasting and a welcome gift! Call 252-975-7211 for tickets or more information.

Nov. 11

Beaufort County Community Orchestra Turnage Theatre Join this all-volunteer orchestra for a concert honoring our veterans, 3 p.m. 252-946-2504.

Nov. 15

Ladies’ Fall Crawl Downtown Washington 5-8 p.m. Get a head start on holiday shopping at this ladies’ night out, where downtown merchants stay open late for shoppers and offer a variety of fun Fall Crawl perks.

Vocal Trash Turnage Theatre Vocal Trash, a high-energy percussion/vocal/dance troupe, one of five performances offered by the Beaufort County Concert Association’s season, 7:30 p.m.

252-946-2504.

Nov. 16-17

“A Little Night Music” Turnage Theatre East Carolina University’s Opera Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical. Nov. 16, 7:30 pm.; Nov. 17, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 252946-2504.

Nov. 17-18

Thanksgiving Combo Fun Shoot Hunters’ Pointe Sporting Clays Call 252-975-2529 or go to www.hunterspointenc.com/ Events.html for more information.

Nov. 17, at Hunters Pointe ; Nov. 18, at Rose Hill.

Nov. 20

Light Up the City Downtown Washington/Arts of the Pamlico Launch into the holidays with this annual downtown lighting of Main and Market streets. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. with the tree lighting, followed by handbell choir River City Ringers at 5:30 p.m. and the Sassy Southern Sound Quartet at 6:30 p.m. in the Turnage Gallery. At 7 p.m., watch Arts of the Pamlico Players’ production of “A Christmas Carol” on the Turnage stage — a guarantee for Christmas spirit. 252-9462504.

Nov. 25

Broadway on the Big Screen Turnage Theatre Broadway comes to the Turnage screen with “Present Laughter 2,” 2 p.m. Free with a suggested $5 donation. 252946-2504.

DECEMBER

ALL MONTH

BCTMA Jams Turnage Theatre Thursday night/Saturday morning jams. Open jam Thursday night from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and every Saturday morning from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Musicians and fans are encouraged to attend and play. There is no admission fee. Sponsored by the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association. For more information, visit www.bctma. org/ or call 252-946-2504.

Thursday Shag Nights Ribeye’s Steakhouse Thursday Shag Night, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. DJs playing beach, soul, R&B and more every Thursday night throughout November.

Instructors available for lessons, $5 cover. 252-833-0936.

Dec. 1

Christmas Open House and Candlelight Tours Historic Bath 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. See historic structures decorated for the Christmas season throughout the Town of Bath. Tour the Palmer-Marsh and Bonner homes for no cost from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., and visit the homes by candlelight (donations welcome), with vignettes depicting holidays gone by.

Stop and listen to the carols, share some cider and cookies, then venture to Bonner Point to wave and cheer on the Bath Holiday Flotilla. Call 252-9233971 for more information.

Washington Christmas Parade Downtown Washington 10 a.m. Get in the holiday

spirit with Washington’s annual Christmas parade.

Christmas Tour of Homes Turnage Theatre The fundraiser for Arts of the Pamlico is a holiday favorite, as local homeowners open up their homes dressed in their Christmas finest to visitors. The self-guided tour runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 252-946-2504 for more information.

3rd Annual Children’s Holiday Shop

Dec. 8

“Polar Express” Turnage Theatre Family are welcome at this favorite holiday movie and event, 3 p.m. $5. Call 252-9462504 for more information.

Dec. 13

Senior Dance Washington Civic Center 7 p.m. Singles and couples over 50 are welcome to come and dance the night away.

Admission is $8; 50/50 drawing; door prizes. No alcohol/no smoking/no children.

Turnage Theatre Dec. 14 11 a.m. – noon. Children Swim with Santa are invited to their holiday Moore Aquatic Center shopping for inexpensive, 5:30 p.m. Pool time, fun, f u n g i f t s fo r M o m , D a d , games, hot chocolate and Grandpa and Grandma. Call even Santa himself reading 2 5 2 - 9 4 6 - 2 5 0 4 f o r m o re “’Twas the Night Before information.

Christmas.” Call 252-975-9644 for more information.

Community Messiah

Turnage Theatre Noon. Join in this community sing of pieces from Handel’s Messiah, or just listen to the show. For more information, call 252-946-2504.

Dec. 2

Bath Christmas Parade Historic Bath 2 p.m. There’s Christmas spirit galore to be found at this annual parade in North Carolina’s oldest town.

Dec. 7

Beaufort County Choral Society Christmas Concert Turnage Theatre 7p.m. This all-volunteer choral society always wows the crowd and gets the toes tapping during their annual Christmas performance. 252946-2504.

“A Christmas Story” Turnage Theatre 7:30 p.m. Based on the humorous writings of author Jean Shepherd, this beloved holiday movie follows the wintry exploits of youngster Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), who spends most of his time dodging a bully (Zack Ward) and dreaming of his ideal Christmas gift, a “Red Ryder air rifle.” Tickets are $5; concessions will be on sale before and during the movie.

252-946-2504.

Dec. 16

Broadway on the Big Screen Turnage Theatre Broadway comes to the Turnage screen with “Holiday Inn,” 2 p.m. Free, with a suggested $5 donation. 252946-2504.

Dec. 21

The Embers Christmas Concert Turnage Theatre 7 p.m. An annual tradition, beach music legends The Embers, led by Washington n a t i v e C r a i g Wo o l a r d , perform onstage at the Turnage. Concessions, wine and beer for sale before a n d d u r i n g i n te r m i ss i o n .

Tickets on sale now: $22 in person or $25 by credit card or PayPal. Visit www. a r t s o f t h e p a m l i co.o rg fo r more information or call 252-946-2504.

Dec. 22

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Turnage Theatre 2 p.m. In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children’s tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who. Tickets are $5. Concessions will be available for sale before and during the movie. Call 2 52 - 9 4 6 - 2 5 0 4 fo r m o re information.

National Lampoon’s “Christmas Vacation” Turnage Theatre 7 : 3 0 p . m . C o m e e n j oy this holiday fun favorite as it returns to the Turnage, sponsored by McLawhorn Engineering PLLC. $5 tickets cash, $7 credit card/Paypal.

Hot popcorn, cold drinks, fresh hot brewed coffee, hot chocolate or ice coffee.

Call 252-946-2504 for more information.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 61

DINING GUIDE

THE PERFECT PLACE TO PUT YOUR CUPCAKES 62 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

DINING GUIDE

SHARE YOUR RESTAURANT WITH WASHINGTON

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 63

SERVPRO® SYSTEM SERVICES

ADVERTISER INDEX A 1 Awards

57

Acre Station Meat Farm

62

Ameriprise Financial

33

Alexis Davis/Century 21

14

Arendell Parrott Academy

65

Arts of the Pamlico

64

AssureVest Insurance Group-Ryan Whitford

14

BB&T Scott & Stringfellow

49

Beaufort County Community College

9

Big Bargain Furniture

4, 25

Bloom Women's Apparel

25

Carolina Wind Yacht Brokerage

64

Carryout by Chrislyn

62

Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty

49

Cottage Junkies/Graceful Goose

33

Daughtridge Patio & Hearth

65

Dellinger's Pawn

25

Dowry Creek Marina

5

Eastern NC Realty

33

El Charrito

63

Executive Personnel Group

32

Farm Bureau Insurance

32

Feyer Ford

15

Gail Kenefick/Coldwell Banker

26

Gerri McKinley/Coldwell Banker

32

G.W. Walker & Sons

25

Hunter's Pointe Sporting Clays

64

Kelly O Crisp/Edward Jones

26

Mauri Evans State Farm Insurance

49

Robinson Jewelers

14

Secret Garden Gallery

25

Scott Campbell/Century 21

67

Servpro 64 Sloan Insurance

25

Southern Grace Boutique

25

Stewart's Jewelry Store

7

Tayloe's Hospital Pharmacy

57

The Meeting Place

3

The Rich Company

57

The Southern Nest Antiques

25

United Country Respess Real Estate

64

Uptown Brewery

63

Vidant Medical Group

68

Washington Yacht & Country Club

26

Washington Harbor District Alliance

2

Wells Fargo

14

Wine & Words ... & Gourmet

25

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 65

WHY I LOVE WASHINGTON

The people make the town WRITTEN BY ANN-MARIE MONTAGUE | PHOTOGRAPH BY MATT DEBNAM

W

hy do I love Washington?

The answer to this is simple for me … it is the people.

Many places in our beautiful country have water access, nice buildings, history and monuments; but it is the people of Washington and the surrounding county that keep me here.

There is a wonderful blending of those whose roots have been here for many generations along with those of us transplanted here from other parts of the country. We all work together to continue to make Washington a great place in which to live, work, retire and play.

As the executive director of Eagle’s Wings Food Pantr y, I see firsthand the generosity of our people; I see firsthand how we work together to help each other when needs arise. I see firsthand the spirit of volunteerism that permeates throughout our community in the many acts of kindness I witness each and every day. I have never lived anywhere else where this spirit of caring and generosity has been so alive and demonstrated.

Just one prime example has been the work done by volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence. Many gave of their time to assist others; many gave of their talents to organize relief efforts; and many gave of their “treasure” to ensure agencies had the means to help.

Washington is a caring community in which all peoples are valued and respected.

I see this with our local church families. With any kind of disaster or distress, church families organize and assist in many valuable ways. I witness this with our own volunteers at Eagle’s Wings; I witness this with the women who help other women and children at Ruth’s House; I witness this with the people who work with the homeless men at Zion

66 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018

Shelter and the soon-to-open Open Door Community Center for homeless women and children. I witness this with all of the many agencies whose missions are to help those in need.

I see goodness and mercy all around Washington and I am most grateful to be a small part of this caring and loving community! ⋇

Deepti Ananthula, MD Carrie Amici-Good, NP

Two new specialists caring for you in Washington Dr. Deepti Ananthula, an internal medicine specialist, and Carrie Amici-Good, a nurse practitioner, have joined Vidant Internal Medicine in Washington.

Look to Dr. Ananthula for care of diabetes, thyroid disorders, digestive issues and conditions affecting senior citizens. She completed residency training in internal medicine at St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, New York.

A native of Washington, Ms. Amici-Good focuses on diabetes management, dementia, cognitive impairment and health issues affecting seniors in addition to joint and trigger finger injections. She earned her master’s in nursing and nurse practitioner certification in women’s health and adult gerontology from University of Alabama, Birmingham.

As part of a nationally recognized patient-centered medical home, Dr. Ananthula and Ms. Amici-Good are part of a team dedicated to your best health. They offer timely appointments to meet your busy schedule and give you a direct link to Vidant Beaufort Hospital.

Schedule an appointment at 252-946-2101.

1380 Cowell Farm Road Washington VidantHealth.com