Washington Magazine Sept/Oct 2015

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Better, stronger, faster Washington Triathlon a test of endurance

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Great tailgating recipes

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA

IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES & DEPARTMENTS 20

26

30

36

52 18

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WHAT'S IN STORE AUTUMN OUTINGS TAILGATING A piece of Washington: 16 52 Take tailgating to 30 Fall festivities: Retail stores a whole new level Local farms offer peaceful, seasonal enjoyment for families

are getting the community ready for the fall season

IN EVERY ISSUE

ON THE WATER

SMOKE ON THE WATER

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ART SCENE Artwalk: 26

Event highlights artistic community in Beaufort County

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A place to call home: Roberts house a study of scholarship and adventure

6 Publisher’s Note 8 The Scene 46 Advertiser Index 47 Cast a Line 48 Dining Guide 51 Word on Wine 56 Calendar 66 Why I Love Washington

Get out the grill and head for the game with these tasty recipes

THE GREAT OUTDOORS Obstacle Washington: Tackling the waterfront by land, river and road

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Ready for a little smoke?: Washington's famous barbecue competition is back again

ON THE COVER Farmville resident Carl Bonner, donning an Incredibles-themed jersey, sprints down the final stretch of road. He finished with the 11th-best running time among male athletes competing in the Sprint Triathlon.

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NOTE FROM ASHLEY

Washington inspires to hit the ground running

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’ve always admired runners. Anyone who’s attempted a run of even modest distance can appreciate the difficulty. Those with determination to take it on have earned my respect.

Many runners take to the road for simple exercise. Running is one of the most fundamental forms of athleticism and physical fitness.

I get energized simply from the sight of a runner cresting the bridge near Havens Gardens, beating a path at Goose Creek State Park or hitting the home stretch near Cypress Landing.

And then there are the competitive runners, those who live for the challenge of besting the field or crushing a personal goal. They show up for local races like charitable 5Ks or more extreme contests like our annual triathlon.

For these top athletes, a grueling 10-kilometer run is simply not enough. So they throw in a 1,500-meter Pamlico swim and a 25-mile bike ride for good measure.

Standing under the shade of a tree in Washington Park, watching local residents tackle this three-headed monster will leave you humbled and inspired.

As will the story of Washington’s Abby Herrit, who completed the Olympic Triathlon in impressive time. More powerful still, is the story behind Herrit’s motivation, Robin Clarke, a friend lost to cancer earlier this year. Try to keep pace with Herrit and other athletes on page 20. You might want to stretch first.

Slow from a run to a leisurely walk through Beaufort County’s arts scene.

Our community has long been rich in the arts and one special event highlights it in a unique way. Showcasing some of the best art from Washington and out of town, Artwalk has become a popular mainstay downtown. Read more about it on page 26.

To say that the Bath home of Gene and Susan Roberts is as impressive as its occupants doesn’t do justice to a

remarkable local couple. But it’s certainly a fitting residence for a pair steeped in scholarship and adventure. Welcome home to Bath Creek with the Roberts on page 36.

The change in seasons signals one of Washington’s signature events. Smoke on the Water, one of eastern North Carolina’s biggest festivals, means pig parades, barbecue and good old-fashioned fun. The event serves up plenty for a couple of days in October, but it offers even more in what it gives back to the community the rest of the year. Strap on a pig nose and join the fun on page 60.

Whether you find yourself on the run or moving at a slower pace, wishing you a breezy, enjoyable fall.

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.

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Publisher Ashley Vansant

Editorial David Cucchiara Caroline Hudson Jonathan Rowe Vail Stewart Rumley Contributors Kevin Scott Cutler Will Preslar Bartow Houston Virginia Finnerty Richard Andrews Marketing & Sales German Llodrat Cecilia Prokos Spencer Stanley Distribution Sylvester Rogers Art Direction Jason Scott 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 2015, Washington Newsmedia, LLC

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Arts of the Pamlico The Beaufort County Arts Council officially became Arts of the Pamlico on July 30 with a presentation and reception at the Turnage Theatre in downtown Washington. With the change, the 43-year-old arts advocacy non-profit embraces the regional arts mission with Arts of the Pamlico. A new website, new programming and a new focus on arts and artists from across the region, the organization continues to grow.

Christ Prokos and John Tate

Scott Campbell and Ned Irvine

Pat Lewis and Candace Dail

Reg Smith, Trent Tetterton and Leesa Jones

Andrea Holloway, Marti Davis, Carolyn Pitts and M.J. Peters

Joey Toler and Adam Feldhousen

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Dustin Dixon and Tim Boyer

Jessica and Joshua Yoder

Lisa Smith-Gargaro and John Gargaro

Bow parties Various groups in the county came together in their respective communities as part of a bigger mission to raise money for the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center.

Two particular groups hosted bow-making parties, social gatherings with a focus on creating bows to be sold to residents and businesses for the initiative.

Grace Gandt, Mary Jane Cooke, Deborah Page Wright and Nancy Hackett

Mary Tinsley and Edie Miller

Marilyn Bram and Janice Simons

Cherri Howdy and Jan Hindsley

Pat Axness, Eve Ide and Sue Brown

Annie Griffin, Betty Bowers and Sylvia Sutter

Betty Pruitt and Mary Anne Howard

Joan Long and Rev. Diane Tomlinson

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 9

OUT AND ABOUT

Fox Hollow Farms LLC ribbon cutting/grand opening

THE SCENE

Members of the community met July 23 for the grand opening of Fox Hollow Farms, Beaufort County’s newest event venue. Owner Gina Cantrell hosted attendees for a catered dinner by Yankee Hall Plantation and the Washington-Beaufort Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the venue as an addition to the local business community.

Wesley O’Neal, Chuck and Mia Williams, Bambi Cox

Ray McKeithan and Jerry Evans

Sue and Larry Smithwick, Rod and Gina Cantrell

Tom Stroud, Jackie Woolard, Aaron Adams, Marvin Alligood

Johnny, Courtney and Brittany Jones, Matt Karp, Joel Jones

Dana Murph and Mary Katherine White

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Richard and Debbie Charles

Richard Moore, Jordan Cantrell and William Taylor

Ruth's House reception Board members, volunteers and guests came together to say farewell to longtime director Deb Ryals at a small reception at the NC Estuarium. The event included shared memories and milestones achieved by the Washington nonprofit.

Kim Etheredge and Dot Moate

Samantha Heath, Ina Slade and Lisa Gibbs

Phil Ryals and Dr. David Swarner

Deb Ryals and Kathy Vasquez

Pam Clark and Deb Ryals

John and Shelly Rebholz

Patsy Wallace, Ann-Marie Montague and Cynthia Swarner SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 11

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Music in the Streets Washington Harbor District Alliance welcomed the community for July’s Music in the Streets. The event featured various musical acts, as well as local nonprofits and a lineup of classic cars and hotrods available for viewers' plaeasure.

Karin and Jeff Harris, Lulu

Rudy Roberson, Cheryl Nadarzynski

Inza and Scott MacKenzie, Gail and Pat Kenefick

Kevin, Natalie and Aubrey McRoy, Carmen, Jaxon and Daniel Folk

Randall, Mira and Christie Martoccia

Sophia, Michael and Elle Quidley, Nicki Woolard 12 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Richard Potter and Riley Youmans

Phoenix Rose, Sydney and Phedora Johnson

Kayla Rouse, Conley Raines, Allie Rouse, Teresa Stancill and Gary Leonard

Carla Bass, Marshall O’Neal, JoLynn Herbert

Lucy and Howard Goodwin

Meet the Pack Pam Pack football fans converged upon Washington High School on Aug. 7 to get the first glimpse of this year's team. Attendees got a chance to join the Washington coaching staff and players for dinner, while getting some brief information on the upcoming season.

Ravonda and Adriana Randolph

Melody, Charis and Billy Cutler

Logan Little and Matt Black

David Spain, Rebecca Spain, Randy Walker and Carolyn Walker

Jeff Mault

Jon Blank and Sam Crawford

Milton Cobb and Reggie Spencer

Calvin and Tabatha Woolard

Christie and Sammy House

Diamon, Ursula and Jordin Swales

Marty Barfield and Tim Little

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 13

SOCIAL , ECONOMIC and ENVIRONMENTAL

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Welcomes

DR. DAVID MICHEL David Michel, MD, FACR

We are proud to welcome David Michel, MD, FACR to our Rheumatology Department at 1850 W. Arlington Blvd. Dr. Michel is board-certified and comes to us from Christiana Care Rheumatology in Newark, DE. He earned his medical degree from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 2007 and completed his residency at New York–Presbyterian Hospital–Cornell. He completed fellowships at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases in Bethesda, MD and at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Michel has been dedicated to teaching and mentoring youth since his days as an undergraduate and continues this dedication today by serving as a youth leader at his church.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Michel, please call our Arlington Blvd. office at 252-413-6643.

Since 1965, Physicians East has built a reputation for excellence in comprehensive health care. Our multi-specialty, private practice has offices in Greenville, Farmville, Grifton, Winterville, Kinston and Beulaville.

Learn more at PhysiciansEast.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 15

WHAT’S IN STORE

A piece of Washington

WRITTEN BY CAROLINE HUDSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILL PRESLAR

Enjoy the season Decorate your home or office for the autumn season with a different kind of pumpkin décor and letter cutouts from Reader’s Digest books. These distinctive decorations are sure to put anyone in a festive mood and can be found at Little Shoppes on West Main Street in downtown Washington. Pumpkin, $20. Cutouts, $9.50 each.

Summer’s done Beat the morning drag and get ready for the back-to-school rush with a cup of coffee in one of these coffee mugs from Ashley Brooke Designs, complete with a colorfully designed message. They can be found at Cottage Junkies on North Market Street in downtown Washington. $24 each.

Cozy comfort Prepare for the cooler days with this Lilla P sweater poncho and Shira Melody necklace to match. It’s the perfect combination of warm and lightweight for those 65-degree days and can be found at Bloom Women’s Apparel at the corner of West Main and Market streets in downtown Washington. Necklace, $46. Sweater, $164.

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Inside project Quilting patterns from Cotton Fields Quilt Shop on Wharton Station Road in Washington are perfect for creative minds stuck indoors and are sure to keep you warm once completed. Shoppers can find patterns for a variety of projects, including blankets and table mats like the one shown here.

Fabric prices vary by amount. Patterns, $6.

A sip of fall Keep warm on those chilly autumn nights with a cup of hot tea, while also giving your home a one-of-a-kind splash of seasonal color. This antique Moravian earthenware teapot paired with antique tea tins from London can be found at River Girl Antiques on West Main Street in downtown Washington. Teapot, $45. Tea tins, $20 each.

A waterfront view Artist Kay Woolard’s hand-painted picture will bring the calming bliss of the waterfront to any wall.

Entitled “Master Fisherman,” the 16 x 20 canvas painting was inspired by Woolard’s neighbor.

More of her work can be found at Art on Market in downtown Washington. $180.

Leaves of color Don’t be afraid to be the standout house in the neighborhood. This handmade wreath is the perfect way to usher in the fall season at any home. Bring this and other fall decorations home to get ready for the season at Linda’s Flowers and Gifts on East 15th Street in Washington. $55.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 17

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Obstacle Washington Tackling the waterfront by land, river and road

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very year, for one day in July, the waterfront from downtown Washington to the mouth of Broad Creek transforms into what many consider to be competitive racing’s most physically demanding type of competition, a triathlon.

With it, the canvas-like backdrops, winding roadways and brackish waters of the Pamlico River become obstacles local and visiting competitors must traverse in order to reach the finish line.

But for Washington resident Abby Herrit, a seasoned runner and physical trainer, the triathlon proved more than simply a memorable experience, more than another check-mark on her bucket list. The months of preparation, the calories burned, the miles completed — it all had a much deeper meaning. From the first mile to

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the last, it served as an emotional outlet.

Herrit’s motivation was powerful.

Her friend Robin Clarke, a fellow employee at Fitness Unlimited who lost her battle with cancer in May, was just that. Along with her husband Jimmy, Clarke would lace up for the Washington triathlon every year and eventually convinced Herrit to do the same. “(Robin) got me into it and told me I would be good at biking,” Herrit said prior to July’s race. “I agreed because it was fun to do things like that with her. Now, I race competitively and this one, especially this one, is going to be different — really doing it in honor of her. There are some days where

STORY BY DAVID CUCCHIARA PHOTOS BY ASHLEY VANSANT

Raleigh resident Andy Snead enters the home stretch of the bike portion of the Sprint Triathlon.

Snead finishing the cycling portion in 32 minutes and 17 seconds.

if I don’t want to get up and do this workout, I can hear Robin saying I have to. It gives you that extra motivation.”

Shortly after Clarke’s passing, Herrit, who ran the sprint version of the race in 2014, began preparing for the Olympic Triathlon. She joined a local group of cyclists through Inner Banks Outfitters and biked weekly.

The 1.5-kilometer open swim being her most unfamiliar event, Herrit began swimming in the river regularly, building up her endurance and muscle strength.

“It’s really just spending the time doing it, following a plan and sticking to it, being dedicated to actually getting out on a bike ever y week,” she said. “You pick some days where you’re going to do longer workouts and those you’re

Durham resident Colin Bedford makes a push in the running portion of the Olympic Triathlon. Bedford finished fifth in his age group with an overall time of 2:51.39.

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Washington resident Abby Herrit, a physical trainer, took on the Olympic Triathlon for the first time. She competed in the Sprint Triathlon last year.

going to do shorter ones. Training and dedication is harder than the actual race, but it’s worth it.”

Herrit finished the 2014 Sprint Triathlon with a time of 1 hour, 35 minutes and 56 seconds, good enough for ninth-best among all female competitors. Her natural athleticism got her through the shorter version, but the Olympic race was twice as long, needing more concentrated and refined workouts.

When race day finally came, the hours of aquatic training, riding and running had paid off. There were few nerves and, outside of routine racing knowledge, only one thing on her mind.

“I thought about Robin the whole time,” Herrit said. “Any time I felt like I was ready for it to be over, I heard her telling me to keep going, cheering me on. She was definitely in my head the whole time.”

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Sporting bib No. 39, Herrit finished her first Olympic-sized triathlon in 3:08.21, making her the top-ranked local female competitor at the event.

Overall, the time ranked 64th among all participants and was the 21st-best mark among female athletes.

Driven by the competitive nature Clarke instilled years ago, Herrit will compete in next year’s triathlon in hopes of bettering her 2015 performance. She will also test her limits in a half Iron Man competition at the end of the year.

PREPPING FOR THE RACE In its eighth year, the 2015 Washington Olympic and Sprint Triathlon tested the mental and physical fortitude of nearly 200 athletes in July, drawing Beaufort County locals, triathletes from across North Carolina and out-of-staters from

Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

An FS Series-sanctioned course, one that requires its runners to fasten an RFID bracelet to their left ankle, is roughly 32 miles long for those choosing to race the Olympic version — a 1,500-meter swim and a 25-mile bike ride capped off with a 10-kilometer run.

The sprint is about half the distance of the Olympic, consisting of a 750-meter swim, 12.4-mile bike ride and a 5-kilometer run.

Herrit customized her own training regimen to address her racing discomforts, putting most of her energy and research into water aerobics, while making sure to bike at least once a week and run regularly.

“The first step is to basically find a group, whether it be a triathlon club or individual sport groups,” said Jason Biggs, a FS Series coordinator who has

Washington resident Sam Yates readies for the start of the Sprint Triathlon. She competed in the swimming portion of the race for her relay team.

organized the Washington Triathlon since its inception in 2008. For instance, a swim team, a group ride during the week or a run group would be efficient.

Those are always good to be a part of.

You’re more than likely surrounded with people preparing for triathlons, and it gives you people to work out with and have a good time.”

Swimming is typically the most difficult of the three events to prepare for, so most athletic trainers recommend establishing a steady routine of getting in the pool on a weekly basis, as well as training in open water locations like a river, sound or ocean.

Transitioning between each event is key because while an athlete is transitioning from one sport to another, he or she is also altering which muscles are being used.

“A lot of people will do what we call

a brick workout, which is where you ride your bike then run,” Biggs said.

“What you’re trying to do is transform your muscles from biking to running.

Even though you use a lot of muscles

QUICK TIPS • Whether it's running, biking or swimming, it’s better to train with a group.

• When race day approaches, make sure to use the final weeks of training to concentrate on the event that needs the most work.

• Don’t forget about nutrition!

• When training, make sure to become comfortable with swimming in open water.

• Look at the course map and plan out your race.

for both, they’re used in a different way.

Transitioning is key.”

Physically preparing for a triathlon takes more than just practicing raceday mechanics and weekly workouts.

The most important and often widely overlooked pre-race program, Biggs said, is nutrition. Avoiding processed foods is recommended, while loading up on produce and monitoring protein intake will help build up energy long term, thus allowing an athlete to sustain what can be a three-hour workout on race day.

“There’s multiple resources you can find online and in books, as far as training plans,” said Sam Yates, an athletic trainer at Fitness Unlimited who ran in this year’s triathlon. “There are three-month plans, six-months plans. It gives you a good foundation to know where you’re starting from.”

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A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Apex resident Heather Weeks-Honnold powered through the bike portion with a time of 35 minutes and 51, an impressive mark for her age group and the fourth-best time among females competing in the Sprint Triathlon.

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The Olympic and Sprint Triathlon is more than an event for those traveling to Washington from up and down the East Coast. It’s an introduction to eastern North Carolina culture and what this little town on the banks of the Pamlico River has to offer.

Brianne Gaal, 36, has one goal and one goal only — to win. And it’s the Washington Sprint Triathlon’s course itself that has her returning to the waterfront every year. For Gaal, a native of Morrisville, the allure is aesthetic, but it’s also function.

“It’s a really nice race,” Gaal said after crossing the finish line. “The water was really nice and it’s flat, which is great because it makes for a fast course. The venue is really great too, and this is my second year here.”

Gaal won the race in 2014 with a time of 1:14.17, beating out the second-place contestant by more than six minutes. This year, despite improving her time, it was a final stretch that came down to the final seconds. Gaal edged Elizabeth Skiba with a time of 1:10.07 to earn her secondconsecutive first-place finish.

“They have a finish strong series and I’m trying to win the series. This was an important race for me to acquire some points. I saw my friend at the turnaround and I was like, ‘Uh oh, I’m going to have to work hard the rest of the way to the end.’”

Sean O’Mara, a native of Montgomery, N.J., finished 12th overall in the sprint. It was his first time in Washington, but not his last, he said. A regular triathlon runner who competes with friends from Virginia Tech, the flat course resulted in one of his best times of the year.

“It was great, a nice flat course,” he said. “All the Virginia Tech courses are really hilly, so this is a nice break from that.”

Biggs, a Raleigh native, considers the course one of the best on the FS Series circuit.

“The downtown is a great environment for the race, a lot of stuff for the competitors to do. I think the riverfront where Washington Park is located is probably our best venue, as far as everything being close by and the transitions are all right there.

The course overall is flat — doesn’t mean it’s any easier. It means you need to go faster. Those things make the race very unique and makes for one of the better races on the circuit that we have.”

Formerly the BEAUFORT COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL That’s right, we’ve changed our name to reflect our expanded role in the communities we serve beyond Beaufort County. We remain committed to bringing art experiences to all citizens of Beaufort County in their own communities, but our programming now extends from Ocracoke to Aurora, so the name change seemed to be the next logical step in our evolution.

Please understand that we still operate as an arts council in the traditional sense - we are committed to all art mediums, our work with the schools, our encouragement of local arts groups, and our support for individual artists.

But with the Turnage Theatre as our home, we are also tasked with adding to our responsibilities that of a presenting organization. This an exciting opportunity for us, for our patrons, and for the greater community we serve. We invite you to join us in this new journey by attending a performance and/or becoming a member of AOP. We thank you in advance for your support.

Upcoming Events MAYER-KIRBY-MAYER Acoustic Group Thursday, Sept. 17

Featuring Peter Mayer, lead guitarist and songwriting collaborator in Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band, his son Brendan, and Scott Kirby, a self-taught fingerstyle guitarist who comes from the class of singer/ songwriters and folk-rock artists of the 1970s. Tickets now available online or at our box office.

THE BACKBEAT Saturday, Oct. 24

It’s 60’s night at the Turnage! Based in Chapel Hill, NC, Beatles & 60's rock & roll band The BackBeat pleases crowds of all ages with hits from the Fab Four along with timeless classics from The Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, The Kinks and more! Come ready to dance in the aisles! Dress for the era!

It’s going to be a groovy evening, man!

EMERALD CITY BIG BAND and the

DONALD THOMPSON BAND Friday, Oct. 2 Emerald City Big Band, featuring music made popular by Glenn Miller, Count Basie, and more will open for the The Donald Thompson Band who will deliver rousing versions of blues, vintage rhythm ‘n’ blues and classic rock. A guaranteed high energy evening at the Turnage Theatre, sponsored by PotashCorp of Aurora.

TERROR AT THE TURNAGE II: The Hitchcock Hour Friday, Oct. 30 7:30-11:30PM

This annual fundraiser returns for its 2nd year for an evening of macabre music, seasonal movies on the big screen, costume contests, hors d' oeuvres, libations, and much, much, more! There will be more details to come, but get your tickets now! Last year was a sellout!

Visit us online at www.artsofthepamlico.org for more information about these and other events.

150 West Main Street, Washington, NC 27889 PH252.946.2504 email: info@artsofthepamlico.org SAVE THE DATE! OCT. 3-BCTMA OPEN MIC OCT. 15-17-FINE ARTS SHOW OCT. 17-BCTMA presents HUSH PUPPIES NOV. 6-BCTMA OPEN MIC

NOV. 7-USAF HERITAGE BRASS NOV. 21-JACOB JOHNSON DEC. 5-CHRISTMAS HOMES TOUR DEC. 12-JENNIFER LICKO CELTIC CHRISTMAS

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ART SCENE

Photo by Bobby Davis

Artwalk, one of Washington’s recurring events, features a lineup of local and out-of-town artists who showcase a wide range of artworks.

Artwalk

Event highlights artistic community in Beaufort County

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eaufort County is steeped in a rich art community, one that includes a vast variety of styles and influences. One of Washington’s premier events that spotlights both artists in the community and from out of town is a gateway into the many artworks influenced by the area and its people.

And though Washington Harbor District Alliance’s Artwalk is an event that promotes the artists and the galleries they are home to, it provides a means for area businesses to get in on the action and benefit from the crowds of residents and out-of-towners who attend.

Artwalk was conceived in 2009 as a new draw for the downtown business

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STORY BY JONATHAN ROWE district when several art galleries opened,featuring local artists. The art businesses — Arts of the Pamlico, which operates the Turnage Theatre, Lone Leaf Gallery, Riverwalk Gallery, Inner Banks Artisans Center and several others — as well as the WHDA, met to decide the structure of the event and how it would highlight various artists in the community, according to Neil Loughlin, owner of Lone Leaf Gallery.

“It was from a lot of feedback in the community, something in the community to have arts business featured,” Loughlin said. “People wanted to come out and support the shops."

Loughlin says the event began as biannual, but after it was well-received

by the community, it was held quarterly.

Some involved were even so pleased by the event’s success and popularity that it was moved to a monthly event, which ended up being a little too much, so it moved back to quarterly, according to Loughlin.

But regardless of the frequency in which it is held, its main mission remains to promote the local art community.

“It’s really to highlight the great artist studios and galleries we have downtown,” said Beth Byrd, WHDA director. “It’s a celebration of the fantastic artists in the area.”

Prior to Washington’s event, Byrd had visited similar events hosted in cities like Greenville and New Bern. Loughlin, too, had attended art-related events in the same

cities, and realized its popularity, he said.

And as a way to promote Washington to the surrounding areas and the region, out-oftown artists are featured each night the local event is held, bringing in out of town guests to view works from local artists, eat in local restaurants and spend valuable tourism dollars that benefit the area. The downtown business community extends its hours to accommodate attendees and benefit from the event’s draw.

“A lot of towns have art walks now,” Loughlin said. “It brings in a lot of people to downtown Washington that may not be able to get out here in the daytime. It brings artists to town that haven’t been in town before. We’re always bringing in new work.”

But more importantly, the event gives the community that supports its local artists a fun night to enjoy art, food and social interaction.

“It’s really built the support for the community that supports our artists,” Byrd said. “It’s accomplished that more than anything. It just gives the locals a fun evening that they can go out and socialize downtown.”

Local artist and doctor Jennifer Calfee, a member of Riverwalk Gallery, has been involved with Artwalk for the past two years and an artist all her life.

With a vast resume of skills, including acr ylics, photography, linocut and alcohol ink painting, Calfee believes that the event has provided a platform for local artists to display their work, a platform that wouldn’t be possible without the devoted art businesses and their artists. And with attendees interacting with artists about the inspiration and technique behind the various pieces on display it creates a very positive experience, Calfee says.

“I think it’s a great asset to our community,” Calfee said. “We have so many talented artists that choose to display their work here. We also host a visiting artist each time. It gives us

Photo by Bobby Davis

Jayne Wall, cofounder and artist at Riverwalk Gallery in downtown Washington, talks to an Artwalk attendee during a showcase at Lone Leaf Gallery.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 27

Photo by Meredith Loughlin

Artwalk provides an opportunity for local artists to showcase their work such as this Yves Klein blue hoof sculpture on reclaimed marble bases created by Beth and Chris Collier. Some out-of-town artists also get play through the event such as OneCanoeTwo based out of St. Louis, which creates handmade greeting cards.

a chance to host someone from the outside so we have a little variety. When I’m there, it’s nice when people come in and ask you about your art. People are very interested in your technique and why you choose to do the thing you do. It’s very fulfilling and being able to communicate with people who are 28 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

possibly buying your work.”

Though Washington may not be as big as other cities that host art events, it does have its advantages, including its talented and creative art community and the close vicinity.

“It’s a collective thing,” Loughlin said.

“The community is a very supportive art

community. To be a town this size and to have all the galleries and the Turnage, it’s impressive. The work, the quality, they can go to art walk cities and not even be as impressed when they come to Washington. That’s just their opinion, but it’s on par with other art walks I’ve been to.”

The community is a very supportive art community. To be a town this size and to have all the galleries and the Turnage, it’s impressive.

Lone Leaf Gallery in downtown Washington is all about art. Not only does it feature artworks by local artists during Artwalk, but its décor is even centered around local artworks like the handmade pillows by Von Collier, a label created by locals Beth and Chris Collier. Also, a coffee table at the gallery was handmade by Washington resident Hal Woolard using a tree stump.

Photo by Meredith Loughlin

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 29

FALL FUN

Jonathan Salas enjoys the fall sport of pumpkin rolling during a visit to Southside Farms in Chocowinity.

Fall Festivities Local farms offer peaceful, seasonal enjoyment for families

STORY BY JONATHAN ROWE

F

all is time of the year when the leaves are changing and falling from the trees, the cool, crisp air replaces the hot and humid and families flock to pick out that perfect pumpkin for Halloween and the fall season. Many choose to be festive by simply carving their selected pumpkins into

30 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

the traditional jack-o-lantern. Others want something more.

There are limited opportunities in the area for families to enjoy some family fun and celebrate the season of harvest, but a few farms between Beaufort County and its outlying areas offer seasonal activities and events for families to attend.

Pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and variety are in high demand during the fall season. Several farms in the area provide access to pumpkins for carvers to turn into jack-o-lanterns.

And those few locations, in addition to providing seasonal enjoyment for the whole family, simply wish to share their peaceful retreats with the public.

But the fun doesn’t sprout up overnight. Farms that offer fall activities plan months ahead for the season, in anticipation of area families coming out to join the fun.

Briley’s Farm in Pactolus has been hosting its fall event for about 16 years, launching preparation as early as the end of June, according to owner and operator Joey Whitehurst. As a way to extend its

season to more than just strawberries, the Briley family began to create an attraction that draws thousands of people — families, schoolchildren and the like.

“It’s something that extends our season and families can come out and enjoy it,” Whitehurst said. “It gives customers that buy from us in the summer the opportunity to come out and have a good time. It’s like a festival. When strawberry season ends, we start thinking about it and begin decorating and getting ready. And there’s a lot that goes into it. It’s pretty cool.”

Whitehurst says that while everyone is SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 31

always going to pick at least one traditional orange pumpkin, the farm offers around 20 different varieties of pumpkins and gourds, as well as Indian corn for decorative purposes. But Briley’s doesn’t only offer the opportunity for people and their families to visit the pumpkin patch and pick Prize Winners, Aladdins, Luminas, Munchkins, Neons, Creshaws, Snake gourds and other seasonal decorations.

It creates a fully operational fall festival atmosphere complete with an elaborate corn maze, hayrides and interaction with farm animals that many have little to no exposure to, something Whitehurst says is part of the reason he offers school, church and birthday groups access to the farm’s festivities during the day. And every school group that visits spends time at Briley’s learning center where they learn the ins and outs of farming.

“Most children have no idea about farming life,” Whitehurst said. “If I didn’t do it, I probably wouldn’t know either. It gives children an idea of how stuff really works — how it grows, why it grows and what different things are.”

Within the county, Raised in a Barn Farm in Chocowinity offers a similar setting, one that also focuses on the farm experience and giving back to the community.

Families can visit and purchase pumpkins from other local farmers who serve as vendors and create the experience of choosing from a pumpkin patch, says manager Mandie Boahn.

Last year, the farm held its Six Nights of Fright event, a haunted trail through a corn maze that Jason Hunt (top) and Taylor Ashley don't need a sandbox when there is a countrystyle corn box to play in at Southside Farms.

32 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

features all types of ghoulish surprises, as well as the Little Barn of Boos for younger children, put on by a local nonprofit. Both events were big hits among community residents and visitors alike. The Six Nights of Fright event will continue this year the last three weekends in October.

“Our goal is to send you home with wet britches,” Boahn laughed. “What good is it if it doesn’t scare you?”

But this year, Boahn says the farm has plans for an even bigger event, one that will create an atmosphere with festivities that Beaufort County has never seen before. The event will provide something for everyone in the family, Boahn says.

Starting Sept. 25, the farm offers six full weeks of daily fall festivities, inviting the entire community out for a good time with their families in a safe, clean environment. And like Briley’s, the farm opens for school and church groups.

“I am of a large family, and there’s nothing you can do around here that accommodates everyone and is fairly inexpensive so we do try to give the community a place to go with their families,” Boahn said. “There isn’t anything like this around here. I’m a mom of kids and teenagers. There’s not anything for kids to do. It’s nice to have something to do where everyone is safe. We want to have something for everybody.”

As part of the event’s expansion, Boahn is in the midst of creating an atmosphere perfect for daily fall festivities, and on weekends, the farm will host vendors, live musical acts like local group K-OS and pumpkin carving contests, as it will have carving kits for sale, Boahn says.

The highlight of the farm’s festivities will be an eight-acre corn maze, created by a company through the use of GPS, featuring 3.2 miles of trail and designs that pay homage to all the south-of-theriver schools — Chocowinity Primary School, Chocowinity Middle School and Southside High School — as well as SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 33

Raised in a Barn 4-H club. And as part of the farm’s mission to support the community, every person who visits and purchases a ticket to the festivities will be asked to vote for one of the three schools, giving each school a dollar from the proceeds for every vote it gets. Whoever has the most votes by the end of the season, Oct. 31, will have the pot doubled, Boahn says.

“Any time we do any kind of event and money is raised, some portion is given to something in the community — a family in need, schools, churches, organizations — whoever is in need,” Boahn said.

As the two farms and area residents gear up for the upcoming fall season, there are sure to be surprises, thrills and chills at every turn and what better way to get into the mood of the season than making new friends, witnessing new wonders and picking that perfect pumpkin to decorate.

“We want you to come get lost in Chocowinity,” Boahn said.

“You enter as a customer, but you leave as a friend.”

34 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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DOWN HOMES HOME

A place to call home STORY AND PHOTOS BY VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

36 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Roberts house a study of scholarship and adventure

P

Framed by two walls of built-in bookshelves, filled with books, and pieces of Asian art, the study at the Bath home of Gene and Susan Roberts is the perfect place to curl up with a book.

erched atop a gently rising bluff at the juncture of Bath and Back creeks, the home of Gene and Susan Roberts stands out. Not from the street side of the house, because there, it looks to be just another unassuming two-story home. However, from the other side, the creek side, it quickly drops its anonymity and becomes oh, that house.

What makes the Roberts’ home stand out is simple: two high-ceilinged, screened-in porches running the width of the creek-side of the house, one stacked atop the other as though the owners of this home know that life is best lived outside, taking in a view that travels straight down Bath Creek to the Pamlico River and absorbing the summer breeze that makes that trip in reverse. Built in 2008, the house may be new, but those porches are evocative of an older South, one in keeping with the history of the surrounding town.

Inside the Roberts’ home is another story — in fact, many stories there weave together to visually describe a life rich in both scholarship and adventure.

There are books everywhere, filling two walls of built-in bookshelves in the study; tucked into corners; stacked on chairs, upstairs, out of the way. Southeast Asian art, furniture and rugs abound, a style the couple adopted during the height of the Vietnam War, when Susan lived in Hong Kong with their children and Gene was embedded in Vietnam, the New York SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 37

We figured it would be nice to have a place to call home and park our stuff.

The Roberts’ kitchen is a corner of the open living area that fronts the Bath Creek home.

Both cozy and workable, it may just be the perfect kitchen.

Times’ foreign correspondent covering the war. They brought their appreciation for the culture and style home with them, from a collection of Vietnamese blue and white ceramic pieces to the simple yet elegant dining room table, chairs and buffet the couple had commissioned in Hong Kong, all of which were constructed without the use of nails.

“We’ve collected a lot of things over a lot of years,” Susan Roberts said.

38 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

It’s as though each place they’ve lived has been absorbed into their home: the Brazilian walnut flooring, deeply variegated in color, is the same as that found in their Upper East Side apartment in New York City; the ornate altar boxes, used to offer gifts of fruit and incense to the gods; even the architecture of their home was inspired by a long ago vacation rental in a small Gulf Coast Florida town.

They fell in love with the idea of a master

bedroom opening up onto a screen porch, a duplicate of the downstairs living area, and purchased a similar plan from Coastal Living.

“They have architects that modify it,” Gene Roberts said. “Whatever we wanted, they would just write it in.”

But long before their home was built, and before Gene Roberts’ career took the family across the world, the couple had strong ties to the Bath area. Both grew up

The idea was, later, when we had more money, we’d build a bigger, better house.

It was 40 years later.

in the Goldsboro area, in the small town of Pikeville, where Gene Roberts’ father ran a small weekly newspaper and taught journalism at the local high school. Gene Roberts started visiting his grandfather at his Bayview cottage in 1939 or 1940, he said; Susan Roberts’ family bought a cottage in Bayview in the 1950s. But it wasn’t until one summer night at the Bayview dancehall that the two officially met.

“The dancehall was quite a place. I mean, people came from all over,” Susan Roberts said.

From the Civil Rights movement to John F. Kennedy’s assassination, to Vietnam, the young family was on the move, but it was after the New York Times brought Gene Roberts back from Vietnam to make him the paper’s national editor that they began thinking about a permanent place.

“We figured it would be nice to have a place to call home and park our stuff,” Gene Roberts said. “It was Christmas of 1969. We came down to look around for a house and by accident just happened to drive down here.”

Two lots were for sale.

“I think those were the only ‘For Sale’ signs we’ve seen around here,” Gene Roberts said with a smile.

“We got lucky,” Susan Roberts added.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 39

“The view was so pretty.”

For years, Susan and their four girls would spend summers in Bath, at the modest home the Roberts built on the lot next door — built by a carpenter friend from back home in Pikeville. It was his first attempt at building a house and its low price tag came with a promise from the Roberts that they wouldn’t ask for anything too fancy. They didn’t.

Summers, Gene Roberts would commute on the weekends from New York City, and later Philadelphia, where he spent 18 years as executive editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer, back when direct flights from one major city to another made stops in small towns like Kinston and New Bern.

“The idea was, later, when we had more money, we’d build a bigger, better house.

It was 40 years later,” Susan Roberts laughed.

In 2008, the Roberts enlisted Patrick Tetterton to build the three bedroom home on the bluff. Now, the house next door is used for overflow guests when their daughters and their families come home to visit — home, because the Bath and Bayview area has been a constant for generations of the Roberts family.

It’s a dramatically different place than what is was in the 1970s, when Bath and Pinetown vied for the most economically depressed areas in the county, Gene Roberts said. Now, Bath is one of the most affluent.

“One of the interesting things is that so many retirees have come here, so there are so many different people,” Susan Roberts said.

The influx of retirees, along with their appreciation of Bath’s history and small town look, spurred a preservation movement in the town — a movement in which the Roberts have become instrumental.

“One of the reasons we got involved is we thought Bath had lost some buildings that shouldn’t have been lost,” Gene 40 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

The double-decker, screened-in porches on the creek side of the Roberts’ home ensure it's recognized from the water.

A view to the south and breezes to the north, the Roberts' home sits on a gently rising bluff near the intersection of Bath and Back creeks.

Roberts said. “Bath, most towns in eastern North Carolina the size of Bath, are in serious trouble and Bath is much more vibrant and keeping the town looking like a small town rather than a collection of houses is important.”

One thing that won’t change or be lost, however, is the encompassing view from the impressively casual screen porches of the Roberts’ home, and the recognition that comes along with their mention — yes, that house.

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ADVERTISER INDEX Acre Station Meat Farm, 48 Arts of the Pamlico, 25 Bayview Golf Course,58 Beaufort County Community College, 59 Bloom, 44 Century 21/Scott Campbell, 46 Century 21/Brenda Evans, 5 Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, 46 Coldwell Banker Coastal Rivers Realty, 3 Daughtridge Patio & Hearth, 45 Dr. Lee Lewis, DDS, PLLC, 58 East Carolina University Lifelong Learning Program, 41 Eastern Dermatology & Pathology, 58 Eastern Radiologists, 14 Diane Edwards/CBCRR, 19 Edward Jones/Rod Cantrell, inside front cover El Charrito, 48 Executive Personnel Group, 19 Eye Care Center, 50 Farm Bureau Insurance, 15 Feyer Ford, 35 First Bank, 65 First South Bank, 42 Fox Hollow Farm, 65 Gail Kenefick/CBCRR, 58 Gentiva, inside back cover Gerri McKinley/CBCRR, 34 GoldenWay Home Care, 58 Gregory Poole Equipment Co., 5 Grub Brothers Eatery, 50 Lone Leaf Gallery, 5 Mi Amor’s Pizzeria, 49 Moss Landing, 45 On the Waterfront, 48 Pair Electronics, 42 Phillips-Wright Furniture, 44 Physicians East, 15 & 43 PotashCorp Aurora, 14 Precision Eye Care, 64 Ridgewood Rehabilitation & Living Center, 15 Ruth’s House Antiques & More, 44 Scarborough Fare Catering, 19 Smoke on the Water, 14 South Market Antiques & Little Shoppes, 44 State Farm Insurance/Mauri Evans, 34 Stewart’s Jewelry Store, 7 Sylvan Learning Center, 18 Tayloe’s Hospital Pharmacy, 18 The Tavern at Jack’s Neck, 49 Vidant Belhaven, 42 Vidant Health, back cover Washington Yacht & Country Club, 18 Zaxby’s, 49

W

CAST A LINE

S

Red drum fishing on the Pamlico

eptember and October are two of my favorite months for fishing the Pamlico River. Humidity levels are lower and air temps are starting to cool, as we get more gentle (and sometimes not so gentle) breezes out of the no r t h e a s t . M y m e m o r i e s o f f a l l fishing always include pleasant temperatures and sunny blue skies.

September is an exciting fishing month because it’s when the adult red drum (sometimes referred to as "old drum," "bull reds," "giant redfish") are most abundant in the Pamlico Sound and higher salinity waters of the lower Pamlico River.

I n l a t e s u m m e r , t h e s e 3 0 to 6 0 pound fish enter the estuary for their annual spawning run, which rejuvenates the red drum stock each year. The following summer, we see the young-of-the-year puppy from last year's spawn. We have been seeing these fish already. Most of them are 10-15 inches in length.

The giant red drum fishery in the Pamlico River is truly a world-class fishery.

Anglers can travel to the Louisiana Delta and experience the best red drum fishing in North America and catch red drum up to the 40-inch class; however, only North Carolina's Pamlico estuary has an abundance of the oldest and largest red drum within their geographic range.

Large, old, adult red drum can be caught occasionally in other states or areas, but we have the most consistent catches and highest numbers of the adults. On an above- average or exceptional trip, anglers

WRITTEN BY CAPT. RICHARD ANDREWS

Captain Tom Johnson shows off a red drum out on the Pamlico River.

can catch well into the double digits of 40 to 54-inch fish. The best trip we've ever had produced 32 releases. All the fish were more than 40 inches. On many occasions, we don't encounter any less than 45 inches.

The fishery has evolved over the years and has an interesting history. Decades ago, most of the giant red drum in North Carolina were caught on the beaches of the Outer Banks out of the surf using fresh cut bait such as mullet or anything else that was readily available. Locals and fishermen along the sound knew the fish were in the sound, so they started fishing for them from the banks with surf fishing

gear, just as anglers were doing at the beaches. The bank fishing eventually evolved into fishing out of boats while on anchor at a desired location in the sound or river. This was the predominant method for decades and still is the most consistent and widely used method today.

Recently, more and more fish are being caught on artificial baits such as popping cork rigs, topwater baits, soft plastics and crankbaits. We are learning more and more about how to catch these trophies each year. It's a really exciting time to be a giant red drum fisherman in this area, so get on out there and try your luck at some Pamlico River trophy red drum.

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 252-945-9715 or richard@ tarpamguide.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 47

DINING GUIDE

48 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 49

DINING GUIDE

50 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

WORD ON WINE

The wine transition from summer to winter WRITTEN BY VIRGINIA FINNERTY

A

utumn, also known as fall, is the transition from summer into winter usually happening from September through November in the Northern Hemisphere. For many people it’s a sad time because it means the end of the fun, warm and carefree days of summer. However, for someone like me, who grew up in the tropics where the sun shines bright and hot and everything is green all year, fall is an exciting time. It brings cooler days and chilly nights that call for a new wardrobe; it means the leaves on the trees turn beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow, creating breathtaking sights; it means Halloween, my most favorite holiday, is around the corner. It also means football and tailgating! Even though I have lived in the U.S. since 1974 and I’m not a big football fan, both still seem new, exciting and fun to me, especially the tailgating part.

My early tailgating experiences, probably similar to those of most people in my age group, involved a hibachi grill, burgers, hotdogs and beer — not necessarily in that order. However in this the 96th season of the NFL, I think it may be a bit of an understatement to say tailgating has come a long way. Don’t get me wrong, you will still find burgers, hotdogs and beer, but often it might be more like gourmet burgers topped with blue cheese and caramelized onions paired with a jammy zinfandel; bratwurst on hoagie rolls served with a dry Riesling and craft beers, as well as omelets and bagels with lox and cream cheese accompanied by sparkling wine for morning games.

If you’re reading this article you are more than likely a wine enthusiast, and I’d like to suggest a few wines I’m sure you’ll enjoy this tailgating season.

Grilled or roasted chicken or fish, ham, guacamole or marinated goat cheese: unoaked Chardonnay • Joel Gott — California • Zolo — Argentina • Chimango — Argentina • Laurent Miquel Pere et Fils — France

Three-cheese pizza or Cuban sandwich: lightly oaked Chardonnay • Belcrème de Lys — California • Hidden Crush — California • Davis Bynum — California • William Hill — California

Hamburgers, steak, barbecued ribs or brisket, chili: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Malbec, Pinot Noir, Shiraz/Syrah, Dry Sparkling/Cava, Zinfandel • William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon — California • Spalletti Chianti — Italy • Don Miguel Gascón Malbec — Argentina • Coopers Creek Hawkes Bay Pinot Noir — New Zealand • Wakefield Shiraz — Australia • Jaume Serra Cristalino Cava — Spain

Breakfast/brunch: sparkling, Brachetto D’Aqui, unoaked Chardonnay (see above) • La Marca Prosecco — Italy • Domaine Ste Michelle — Washington • Sant’Evasio Brachetto D’Aqui — Italy

Virginia Finnerty is the owner of Pamlico House Bed & Breakfast and its in-house wine store.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 51

WHAT'S LET’S TO EAT EAT

Take tailgating to a whole new level

52 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Cheddar Broccoli Salad

WRITTEN BY KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER

T

FOOD PREPARATION AND PHOTOS BY VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

ailgating is a favorite pastime along the Pamlico River, but the old standby menus featuring fried chicken and hot dogs aren't the only game in town.

Thanks to a market catering to the needs of sports enthusiasts, most any favorite dish may be transported safely and easily. So kick up your next tailgating party with a spicy seafood dish, mouthwatering barbecued ham sandwiches, appetizers, cold salads and a little something chocolate, of course.

Give these delicious and diverse local recipes a try ... there's something here to whet any appetite. Each appears in a fundraising cookbook from the Washington Daily News' Pamlico Pantry collection.

Enjoy!

Marinated Shrimp Brenda Edwards First Free Will Baptist Church 2 pounds boiled shrimp (dressed); 1 onion, thinly sliced; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 1 cup Italian dressing.

Layer shrimp and onions. Top with lemon slices.

Pour dressing over top. Cover and refrigerate for 12 hours.

Barbecued Ham Sandwiches Lyda Bishop Gray The Wilkinson Center 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 cups ketchup; 2 tablespoons dry mustard; 1 cup chopped onion; 4 tablespoons margarine or butter; 2/3 cup water; 4 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 pounds thin sliced ham; large sandwich rolls.

Combine brown sugar, ketchup, dry mustard, onion, butter or margarine, water and Worcestershire sauce in a large pan. Cook 20-25 minutes. Separate ham slices and add to sauce. Heat thoroughly. Keep

warm in crock pot. Great for tailgating or sports party.

Sausage Balls Adra Kennedy First Presbyterian Church 1 pound sausage; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 4 ounces grated cheddar cheese; 1 1/4 cups Bisquick.

Mix all ingredients and roll into balls. Place on lightly sprayed cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. These stay moist, even when cold. Recipe may be doubled.

Naval Officers' Lemonade Nancy B. Furlough Beaufort County Arts Council 1 bottle Chardonnay; 8 lemons, squeezed; 2 cups sugar.

Mix all ingredients and pour over a pitcher of crushed ice. You may need additional sugar. Cut up a lemon and add to the pitcher for garnish. Yield: one pitcher.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 53

Creamy Dill Dip

Karen Jarvis

Washington Pediatrics 1 (8-ounce) package of cream cheese; 1 (8-ounce) container of sour cream; 2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped; 2 teaspoons dried dill weed; 1/2 teaspoon salt; vegetables or crackers for dipping; 2 tablespoons milk, if needed.

In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, onion, dill weed and salt with an electric mixer until fluffy. Chill up to 24 hours; if dip thickens after chilling, stir in one to two tablespoons of milk.

Serve with vegetables and/or crackers.

54 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Baby Ruth Cookies

Cheddar Broccoli Salad Faith A. Baker First Presbyterian Church 6 cups fresh broccoli florets, very finely chopped; 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup chopped red onion; 1 1/2 cups mayonnaise; 1/2 cup sugar; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or cider vinegar); 12 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled.

In a large bowl, combine the broccoli, cheddar cheese and red onion. Separately, combine the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar; pour this mixture over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate for at least four hours. Just before serving, stir in the bacon. Serve cold. Yield: eight servings.

Asian-Style Cabbage Salad Julie Howdy

Saint Peter's Episcopal Church Salad: 2 (3-ounce) packages ramen noodles, crushed; 1/2 cup slivered almonds; 1/2 cup sesame seeds; 1 package coleslaw cabbage; 6 green onions, chopped.

Brown noodles until lightly browned, adding slivered almonds and sesame seeds after browning begins to avoid burning. Remove from heat and cool. Mix cabbage and onions. Mix cabbage and noodle mixtures just before serving and add the salad dressing.

Dressing: 4 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 6 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 cup vegetable oil.

Mix together in a container with a tight lid. Shake well and chill. Yield: approximately eight servings.

Fruit Salad Lucretia Green/Bessie Radcliff Harris The Wilkinson Center 1 large can fruit cocktail, not drained; 1 large can pineapple tidbits, not drained;

1 large can pears, not drained; 1/2 cup maraschino cherries; 1 package fresh or frozen strawberries; 2 bananas, chopped; 2 apples, peeled and chopped; 1 small package instant vanilla pudding.

Combine fruit cocktail, pineapple, pears, cherries, strawberries, bananas and apples. Mix well and add instant pudding.

Baby Ruth Cookies Dorothy Smith Tri-Community Ruritan Club 1 1/4 cups sifted flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 stick margarine; 3/4 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla; 1 cup chopped Baby Ruth bars.

Sift together flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

Cream together margarine and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Stir in Baby Ruth pieces with the dry ingredients until well blended.

Chill for 30 minutes. Drop dough by 1/2 teaspoons onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until done. Remove from cookie sheets and cool on wire racks.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 55

CALENDAR

OUT AND ABOUT SEPTEMBER

All Month Thursday Night/ Saturday Morning Jam • Turnage Theatre •

Open jam Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. 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. Hosted by the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association.

Every Saturday Saturday Market • Downtown Washington•

8 a.m. to noon, from April 18 through October. The market features local growers of fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers, and delicious, fresh-baked goods. You never know what you might find; the products are always changing! Call 252-946-3969 for more information.

River Roving Educational River Tours • NC Estuarium •

Learn about the history and habitats of the Washington waterfront. These boat tours cruise the Pamlico River Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 10:30. No admission fee or other cost is involved for the tour, but advance reservations are required.

Riders should check in 15 minutes in advance. Children must be at least 6 years old to ride; a responsible adult must accompany children under 16.

Call 252-948-0000 for reservations.

Sept. 3 – Oct. 22 Photography exhibit

by Justin Casey and Bobby Davis • Turnage Theatre •

Free and open to the public. Call

252-946-2504 for hours or more information.

Sept. 1 SUP Fit Class • Inner Banks Outfitters •

6 p.m. Call 252-975-3006 for more information.

Sept. 5 Historic Washington Ghost Walk Downtown Washington 8 p.m. Join us as we journey through three centuries of supernatural activity in the oldest town in America named for General George Washington.

Our buildings, cemeteries and streets are haunted … very haunted. This 90-minute ghost walk begins at Harding Square, in the rose garden at the foot of Market Street, beside the Washington Chamber of Commerce/ Visitors Center. We begin selling tickets at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. walk. Tickets are $10 per person, cash only, no reservations. For more information, call Terry Rollins at 252-402-8595.

Sept. 7 Tar Kilns and Turpentine – A Labor Day Celebration!

• Goose Creek State Park •

Celebrate Labor Day by seeing how North Carolina’s first settlers worked to survive. We will be going back in time and “working” a real tar kiln. We will actually produce tar and pitch like many of our ancestors once did. This program will last approximately one hour. We will be outside, so please dress for the weather. Meet at the park visitor center and we will take a short walk to the demonstration area. Call 252-923-2191 for more information.

Sept. 10 Senior Dance Washington Civic Center 7 p.m. Singles and couples over 50 are welcome to come and dance the

56 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

night away. Admission is $7. 50/50 drawing. Door prizes. No alcohol/no smoking/no children.

Sept. 11 Palmetto Boardwalk Hike • Goose Creek State Park • 10 a.m.. Take a walk through a hardwood swamp and see how it is changing into a marsh. Meet at the visitor center. Call 252-923-2191 for more information.

Sept. 12 Git’ Down Downtown!

• Festival Park •

5 p.m. Come hear the American Idol finalist and country singer Emily Minor. $13 adults, $10 with student ID, $15 at the gate. Call 252-947-1487 for more information.

"Talent Contest" • Tar Heel Variety Theater • First round of eliminations in this two-day event. Call 252-975-2117 for more information.

Sept. 13 PotashCorp Community Day • Camp Boddie • 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, open to the public event features kayaking, shooting sports, canoeing, rowing, arts and crafts, ecology tours, snake talks, face painting and more. Call 252-4953908 for more information.

Sept. 15 Flatty Creek Hike • Goose Creek State Park • 10 a.m. Come out and take a short hike down to Flatty Creek where we will get a great view of the marsh habitat and the Pamlico River. We will discuss some of the habitat along the way. Meet at the Goose Creek Trail parking lot at the entrance to the

primitive campground. Call 252-9232191 for more information.

Sept. 17 Mayer-Kirby-Mayer Acoustic Group featuring Gary Green • Turnage Theatre • 8 p.m. Three amazing musicians in their own right come together once a year for a brief East Coast tour as a trio. Peter Mayer is best known as lead guitarist and songwriting collaborator in Jimmy Buffett's Coral Reefer Band. Call 252-946-2504 or visit ArtsofthePamlico. org for tickets or more information.

Sept. 18 Music in the Streets • Downtown Washington • 6:30 p.m., every third Friday. Main Street is closed to make way for four areas of music and fun activities for kids and grownups alike. It’s a time to relax and take a deep breath and catch up with the neighbors and friends you’ll likely see. Or a time to cut loose and dance in the street! You decide. Shop in the stores, dine in the restaurants and enjoy all the Washington Harbor District has to offer! Call 252-9463969 for information.

Sept. 19 Prom Part 2 • Washington Civic Center • 7 p.m. ACCEPT (All Challenged Children/ Citizens Educating People Together) fundraiser. Call 252-9455627 or 252-623-9516 for tickets or more information.

Mallard Creek Hike • Goose Creek State Park • 10 a.m. An easy 1-mile hike through pine hardwood forests ends at a small overlook on Mallard Creek. Meet in the last parking lot. Call 252-9232191 for more information.

Clays for Cause charity event

OUT AND ABOUT

Movie Series

• Hunters’ Pointe Sporting Clays •

9 a.m. Call 252-975-2529 or visit www.hunterspointenc.com for more information.

Intracoastal Waterway Celebration

• Historic Bath • 7 p.m. Movies are shown on the lawn beside the Bath Community Library and Town Office. Bring the family, a blanket and chairs for a fun night in Bath.

Sept. 27 “Snakes Alive”

• Belhaven •

9 a.m. Belhaven became the birthplace of the Atlantic Intracoastal Water way 87 years ago when the 21-mile canal connecting the Alligator River and the Pungo River was completed. This final link afforded boats a safer “inside passage” from Maine to Florida. This year’s events include the return of the popular seafood chowder tasting, a blessing of the fleet, kayak poker runs, displays of antique boats and cars, a Coast Guard cutter, a Roaring ‘20s fashion show, a fine arts/crafts juried show and more. For more information, contact 2015icw@gmail.com.

Sept. 25 ArtWalk • Downtown Washington •

5–8 p.m. A free-to-the-public showcase of local visual art takes place on Main, Water and Market streets.

This quarterly happening celebrates the art and artist residing in the "The Arts Capitol of the Inner Banks." Join the celebration. Explore. Shop local.

Support the arts. Call 252-947-1487 for more information.

Second annual Dining in the Dark fundraiser for the North Carolina Blind Center • Washington Yacht & Country Club •

6 p.m. There will be a champagne reception, dinner and a live and silent auction. Tickets are on sale for $50 each. Call 252-946-6208 for tickets or more information.

Sept. 26 Bath Library Outdoor

• Goose Creek State Park •

2 p.m. Are you curious about snakes? Are you scared of snakes? Join us for a fun afternoon where you will learn about some of North Carolina’s native snake species. There will be live snakes throughout the program. Meet at the park visitor center. Call 252923-2191 for more information.

OCTOBER

ALL MONTH Thursday night/ Saturday morning Jam • Turnage Theatre • Open jam Thursday nights 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. Hosted by the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association.

Every Saturday Saturday Market Downtown Washington 8 a.m. to noon, from April 18 through October. The market features local growers of fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers and delicious, fresh-baked goods. You never know what you might find; the products are always changing! Call 252-946-3969 for more information.

River Roving Educational River Tours • NC Estuarium • Learn about the history and habitats

of the Washington waterfront. These boat tours cruise the Pamlico River Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 10:30. No admission fee or other cost is involved for the tour, but advance reservations are required.

Riders should check in 15 minutes in advance. Children must be at least 6 years old to ride; a responsible adult must accompany children under 16.

Call 252-948-0000 for reservations.

Oct. 2 Emerald City Big Band • Turnage Theatre • 8 p.m. Come hear the big-band music that introduced the N.C. Symphony at Festival Park last year.

Call 252-946-2504 for tickets or more information.

Oct. 3 Historic Washington Ghost Walk • Downtown Washington • 8 p.m. Join us as we journey through three centuries of supernatural activity in the oldest town in America named for General George Washington.

Our buildings, cemeteries and streets are haunted … very haunted. This 90-minute ghost walk begins at Harding Square, in the rose garden at the foot of Market Street, beside the Washington Chamber of Commerce/ Visitors Center. We begin selling tickets at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. walk. Tickets are $10 per person, cash only, no reservations. For more information, call Terry Rollins at 252-402-8595.

Paddle Bath & Marine Flea Market • Historic Bath • This popular event returns for 2015! Rent or bring your own kayak to paddle the waters of Bath Creek, collect a poker hand at numerous stops along the way. The winning hand at the end of the course wins the spoils!

For the first time this year, a Marine Flea Market will be added. Call 252946-9168 for more information.

Night at the Opry • Tar Heel Variety Theater • A tribute to the men and women of country music like Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Brad Paisley, Faron Young, Hank Williams and so many more. A great night of family entertainment. Call 252975-2117 for tickets or more information.

Alzheimer’s Walk • Redmen’s Lodge • 9 a.m. The education fair will provide experts, including East Carolina University doctors, legal aid, health specialists, and free materials to assist caregivers and to educate the public about Alzheimer’s disease.

Silent auction, flu shots, exhibits, 2-mile walk, pizza lunch. Call 252-964-2192 for more information.

Oct. 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 $7. 50/50 drawing. Door prizes. No alcohol/no smoking/no children.

Oct. 15-17 51st Annual Juried Fine Arts Show • Washington Civic Center • Juried work will exhibit through December. Free and open to the public. Call 252-946-2504 for more information.

Oct. 16 Music in the Streets • Downtown Washington • 6:30 p.m. Every third Friday, Main Street is closed to make way for four areas of music and fun activities for kids and grownups alike. It’s a time to relax and take a deep breath and catch up with the neighbors and friends you’ll likely see. Or a time to cut loose and dance in the street! You decide. Shop in the stores, dine in the restaurants and enjoy all the Washington Harbor District has to offer! Call 252-9463969 for information.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 57

Welcome to our town ! selling waterfront lifestyles

Gail kenefick REALTOR©, GRI, SRES

NAVIGATING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

COASTAL RIVERS

REALTY Main Office Cell: (252) 945-3030 239 W Main St. Office: (252) 975-8010 gkenefick@embarqmail.com Washington, NC 27889 coastalrivers.com | gailkenefickrealestate.com 58 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Time to Tee It Up For a Great Cause!

Set Your Tee Time for the

22nd Annual

Fundraising tournament proceeds go to provide emergency student grants through the Beaufort County Community College Foundation.

BCCC Foundation Golf Tournament Friday, Oct. 16, 2015

Washington Yacht and Country Club •Raffles •Prizes for Holes in One & Closest to the Pin!

Team and hole sponsorships are now being accepted.

For more information or a registration form, contact Marcia Norwood at 252-940-6218 or Serena Sullivan at 252-940-6326.

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BEAUFORT COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

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5337 US Hwy. 264 East, Washington, NC 27889 252-946-6194 • www.beaufortccc.edu SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 59

SMOKE ON THE WATER

State barbecue judge David Burke hones in on a choice sample from this entry into the 2014 state barbecue championships at Smoke on the Water.

60 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

Ready for a little smoke?

STORY BY CAROLINE HUDSON

It’s one of Washington’s biggest events. The smell of savory meat rising up on a cloud of smoke, cookers spending all night perfecting a taste, pig noses dotting faces in the crowd.

Visitors come from all over to experience the town’s very own claim to fame — Smoke on the Water.

Barbecue and showmanship go hand in hand at Smoke on the Water. Many entrants also decorate their tents and cookers, like this Halloween-themed display, complete with fake smoke and neon lighting.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 61

The festival has continually grown in its 18 years, with each year turning out to be bigger and better than before. And it’s not just barbecue. The festival offers so much more, including the Iron Order motorcyclists, a classic car show and a chili cook-off.

Newer to the event is the dragon boat races, in which participants are train and race on the big paddle boats, a feat that requires teamwork and some patience, too.

Pam Anderson, of the Washington Noon Rotary, which heads up Smoke on the Water, said she starts preparations for the festival months in advance — gathering sponsors, speaking with city leaders to work out the road details,

Smoke on the Water has become the biggest festival Newport native Charlie Meeks, who’s taken home the state barbecue championship trophy more than once, is considered one of the best in the barbecue contest business.

in North Carolina, except for the seafood festival in Morehead City. It’s just growing and growing.

One of the keys to winning barbecue is how moist the pork is after hours of roasting.

62 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

organizing vendors and getting cookers signed up to compete.

“There’s something for everybody all day long,” Anderson said. “And it’s just a lot of fun.”

The festival is a go-to event for crowds in the mood for some old-fashioned, Southern fun — and not to mention authentic, eastern North Carolina-style barbecue. Creating the perfect taste for the barbecue is more of an art than anything else, a masterpiece of smoky palate and vinegar pungency.

Charlie Meeks is one of those so-called artists. He’s perfected his barbecue and took home the first-place title last year — not to mention several other times as well.

You could say he’s a natural at this,

but it’s the thrill of competition and longtime familiarity for Washington that keeps him coming back.

Mostly, it’s just fun.

Qualifying as one of the more lighthearted parts of the weekend, the Smoke on the Water event kicks off with a pig parade down Main Street, a funeral procession of sorts that honors the pigs about to be cooked.

It may sound a little gruesome, but it’s really all about having a laugh, said Lisa Woolard, who organizes the parade.

The faux maudlin procession involves a coffin supplied by a local funeral home, flowers and a sacrificial (fake) pig on its way to hog heaven.

Adding to the tomfoolery, Rotary members don pig noses and a high school band leads the parade with “mourners” following, in a New Orleans-style second line procession.

Woolard said people have always enjoyed the parade and love to get a good laugh out of the goofy pig noses. It’s just a way to start off the weekend event and get people in the spirit of barbecue.

“They think we’re crazy,” she said. “If you like to eat, it’s the place to be, especially for some good, down-east barbecue.”

After the parade, the cooking begins and continues through the overnight hours, into the next day. This is no competition for the weak.

Anderson said the event organizers always welcome anyone who wants to compete, but there is also room for cookers who just want to help feed the crowd — a crowd she hopes will continue to grow in years to come.

Anderson said she thinks the festival should qualify as one of the biggest food festivals in the state.

“It’s just growing and growing,” she said.

Washington native Brownie Futrell, who has judged barbecue competitions all over the U.S., loves to embrace his roots at the big event and is usually

In the dark of the waterfront, coals are prepped for an all-night roasting in hopes of cooking a barbecue champion.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 63

one of four people judging the barbecue competition. He said the competition was divided into two separate contests: North Carolina Pork Council’s cooking over gas and North Carolina BBQ Association’s cooking over charcoal or hardwood.

Futrell said the gas-cooking contest places more emphasis on skin crispiness because it’s easier to turn up the temperature and crisp the skin with a gas cooker.

When judging the meat, he said he looks for a few specific things: whether or not the meat is moist, whether it’s cooked properly — not over or undercooked — and whether the sauce complements the meat instead of overpowering it.

All of the judging is independent, and judges do not know the outcome until the results have been tallied, Futrell said.

“It’s always special judging in your hometown,” he said. “Washington has as

Washington has as nice a setting as any place I’ve judged. … I’m really proud of what we’ve done in our community.

nice a setting as any place I’ve judged. …

I’m really proud of what we’ve done in our community.”

Washington may not have the attractions of Morehead City or the urban allure of Raleigh, but Smoke on the Water doesn’t need any of that. Ultimately, it’s the community aspect of the event that sets it apart from other festivals. It’s a festival of the people, by the people, for the people.

“This is a festival that gives back to the community it’s held in,” Anderson said. “We keep all the money local and give back to our community.”

The Rotary gives proceeds from the barbecue festival to a variety of area nonprofits, including Ruth’s House, Eagle’s Wings and the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center, among several others.

“This is a community effort, and we want everyone to be involved in it,” Anderson said.

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Y’ALL COME BACK

R

Why I love Washington Home is where the heart is WRITTEN BY BARTOW HOUSTON | PHOTO BY WILL PRESLAR

ather than addressing “Why I love Washington,” perhaps — at least in my case — a better title might be “Why wouldn't I love Washington?”

Why not, indeed.

You see, I am a native son. A first generation Washingtonian, my parents moved here in 1936, put down roots, and stayed. Along came their red-haired little boy in February '39, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Well, my history, at least. We all have our own history, do we not?

No question, I was blessed to grow up in a solid middle-class family in the historic little town nestled along the banks of the Pamlico. Blessed, indeed.

My school days were spent at St. Agnes Academy, John Small School, then Washington High School. Good teachers, good friends, good experiences. Oh, how I loved the Pam Pack. In my early years, my father and I rarely missed a football or basketball game.

And then came my time to don the navy and white. It was a wonderful, exciting, memorymaking time. To this day, I love my former team mates, and will never, ever, forget those who have received their final promotion. I agree with the English poet who wrote, “Count where man's glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was, I had such friends.”

My high school choral and quartet experiences rivaled my love of athletics.

This has provided a carry-over for a lifetime.

Although my Sally, also a native, and I lived away from here for many years — our two daughters, Sarah and Mary Bart, spent their growing up years in Manteo, on Roanoke Island, on the Outer Banks — we felt the tug of hometown inexorably calling to us.

Since our return almost a quarter

66 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

BARTOW HOUSTON

century ago, we have seen so many truly positive changes take place both here and in the region. While our wonderful waterfront is the centerpiece of our fair town, perhaps the best thing to happen is the arrival of so many good and special folks who picked us; who chose to come and live here, and in the surrounding environs.

These good citizens have made much of Beaufort County, not just Washington, an even better place to live. Their contributions, on many fronts, are indeed almost inestimable.

If home is where the heart is, and I believe this to be true, then “why wouldn't I love Washington?”

Why not, indeed.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 67

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Or, call 800-472-8500 for an appointment with a doctor near you.