A publication of Historic Downtown Wilson, Wilson NC
012 inter 2 W / l l a F
– No. 4 Vol. 12
Destination: Downtown Economic Development Why Whirligigs? In the last edition of Destination: Downtown Economic Development, we explained how the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project (VSWPP) goes far beyond saving a world renowned local artHenry ist’s iconic Walston works and creating a world-class public park in Historic Downtown Wilson to serve as both a “commuKimberly nity living Van Dyk room” and an international tourist destination. We discussed the larger purpose for this project being a powerful creative economic development engine for the creation of jobs, the redevelopment of downtown property, the attractor of entrepreneurs, and an innovative educational tool to teach science, art, sustainability, history, and beyond. Hundreds of Wilsonians, now intimately involved, know how the project, which began as a grassroots movement has become quite complex and sophisticated and has gained national recognition in creative placemaking and creative economic development. We promised each newsletter to delve a bit
more in-depth about different aspects of the project. Last time, we discussed the Economic Development and Educational aspects. This time, we are going to focus on Park Design and Fundraising.
Park Design In the fall of 2011 and the winter of 2012, hundreds of Wilson community members helped create a compelling Conceptual Design of the park along with Durham-based landscape architects Lappas + Havener. A Conceptual Design was unveiled after this process in February 2012. Since then, a diverse group of volunteers and experts – called the VSWPP Design Team – along with Lappas + Havener, have been meeting twice a month to flush out the details of this concept, bringing it closer and closer to becoming reality. This group is charged with complex questions such as the design of the water feature, the look and placement of outdoor furniture, the design of the stormwater management system, the design and functionality of the shade structure and stage, the size and shape of the large green space that will double as a natural amphitheater, and more. Much of this interesting work is challenging, such as choosing and pricing various materials out of which the park could be built, how to create a park that is both engaging and has a high level of public
Several whirligigs are in the process of being renovated at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Repair and Conservation Headquarters located at the corner of Lodge and Barnes Streets in Historic Downtown Wilson. Times photo
safety, and how to light the Whirligigs to recreate the “night time magic” so many fondly remember. We also have a VSWPP Curatorial Team that is working with the VSWPP Design Team to fine tune the placement of the Whirligigs inside the park. They have to contend with issues such as where to place each Whirligig for maximum inspirational visitor experience, sensitivity to the original artist’s intention, and safe distances to place them in proximity to each other
and to other elements in the park. If you have noticed some “dirt moving” on the site of the future park, we have just completed geotesting. The final Design Development will be presented to the Wilson community later this fall at the VSWPP Repair and Conservation Headquarters. Everyone is invited, so stay tuned for more information on this event; then mark your calendar, invite your friends, and we’ll see you there!
See Downtown, Page 2
Historic downtown vision A crossroads of charm and innovation, Historic Downtown Wilson is the heartbeat of a diverse community where arts, culture and unique businesses draw people day and night. Find us on Facebook at “Historic Downtown Wilson”
Boykin Center powered by Greenlight Crossroads of Charm and Innovation A growing energy and excitement is happening in downtown Wilson. There is a new look, a new focus and a vision of what was, but, even better, what is to come. Wilsonians value their history deep in tobacco and cotton, antiques and barbeque. It was a way of life that molded character and created long-standing memories. One can see this heritage proudly showcased in downtown stores such as ReCollections by Wilson Hardware and James Gray & Company. ReCollections by Wilson Hardware features artifacts from Wilson’s past such as vintage signage and hardware, pottery, and tobacco-based décor. James Gray & Company offers a piece of history in the form of Raines & Cox framed photographs. Dating from 1947 forward, the black and white pictures depict nearly every facet of Wilson life from weddings, to schools, to street corners, to the tobacco industry.
As time moved forward, many of the things changed that defined life as Wilsonians knew it. One of Historic Downtown Wilson’s most recognizable buildings played out those transitions through the decades. When the Wilson Theatre opened in fall 1919, it was the downtown showpiece for the citizens of Wilson. Through good, and not so good years, the theatre evolved with the times, serving as a performing stage for traveling Vaudeville acts, silent movies, newsreels, “talkies”, morning cartoons, 3D movies, and even X-rated shows during the 1970’s when downtowns waned as businesses moved to malls. The City of Wilson purchased the Wilson Theatre in 1984 and organized the Wilson Community Theatre, Inc. Many felt that the theatre should be restored to its original splendor and that it still served a necessary role in the community. The reno-
vation project was well under way when, in 1995, the Theatre Board and the Arts Council of Wilson merged expressly for the purpose of seeing the project to fruition. Edna Boykin led the way with her generosity while many other groups and individuals shared the credit for making the Wilson Theatre renovation project successful and transforming it into the Edna Boykin Cultural Center in January of 1998. As our world has become more and more technology-based, with new requirements and expectations, The Boykin Center has yet again undergone a transition. In August, high-speed fiber optic broadband was installed in the city’s cultural “gem” by Greenlight, Wilson’s community-owned network which provides video, high speed internet, and phone with local service and support. “These improvements bring joy to everyone entering the door of
See Greenlight, Page 5
Friday, October 12, 2012 wilsontimes.com 2
Downtown: continued from page 1 Fundraising Of course, in order to build a park, the project needs the funds to do it. This is approximately a 7 million dollar project. All the resources for the project are being fundraised by the VSWPP Steering Committee and their Fundraising Sub-committee. The costliest parts of this project are the repair and conservation of the Whirligigs, the workforce performing this complex work over a two-year time span and the design, construction and infrastructure improvements of the park itself. To date, the project has raised approximately 3 million in both cash and in-kind donations, the majority of which as been from major national private foundations, as well as support from the North Carolina Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Substantial and prestigious awards have been received from the Kresge Foundation, the Educational Foundation of America, ArtPlace (collaboration of eleven national foundations, eight federal agencies and six of the nation’s largest banks), the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation, and Wilson County Tourism. The project just received inaugural grants from the NC Rural Center for workforce development in partnership with OIC and St. John’s CDC and from the North Carolina Arts Council for the governor’s SmART Initiative. In addition, several large grant requests are pending. However, to continue garnering this kind of large state and national level financial support, the greater Wilson community must show abundant financial support for the project as well. To that end, the local fundraising portion of the campaign for the project has just begun to get into full swing with the major gifts phase. During this phase, local and regional donors, both individual and corporate, are being asked for substantial gifts. To date, we have been blessed with several very generous local donors, both individual and corporate, as well as big-hearted volunteers hosting a variety of cultivation events at the VSWPP Repair and Conservation Headquarters. If you would like to attend one of these events being held in the future, please email Jenny Moore, Project Manager, at whirlgigpark@gmail. com. In addition, four Wilson families have stepped up to sponsor specific Whirligigs and one family is sponsoring a garden in the park. After completing the major gifts phase, the project will enter into other phases of local fundraising, which you will hear more about in the future. If you have not yet visited the project’s website, please check out www.wilsonwhirligigpark.com. You can even donate to the project through the website by hitting the DONATE button. If you would like to get involved with the project, please let us know that as well. We have lots of volunteer opportunities. Additionally, keep your eye on the future park site for a new sign that will help track the project’s fundraising efforts. We hope you have enjoyed and have been further educated by this closer look into two more intriguing aspects of the VSWPP.
Grant Monies Available for Brownfield Assessment The Brownfield Assessment Grant, recently awarded from the Environmental Protection Agency, assists developers by performing Phase I and Phase II assessments of properties that may contain health hazards such as asbestos, lead paint, and dry cleaning chemicals. A brownfield is “real property in which the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.” When there is a fear of contamination, a developer might pass on a redevelopment project due to the unknown financial risk of dealing with potential contamination.
The assessment grants allow the City to determine if contamination exists and develop a plan to correct problems if issues are found. It also opens the door to applying for an EPA Cleanup Grant if necessary. These benefits can mean thousands of dollars in assistance to a redevelopment project and mean the difference in getting a project off the ground or a developer moving on to another community. Wilson’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan, adopted by City Council in April 2010, places a priority on the redevelopment and revitalization of our older neighborhoods. This includes areas like the US 301 business corridor, downtown, Five
Points and other neighborhoods around the Ward Boulevard loop. As such, use of grant funds is prioritized for projects in these areas. Public involvement is of utmost importance to the success of the City’s Brownfield program. Please look for the first Public Forum for the new grant and make it a priority to attend to learn more about the program and the current Hazardous Assessment Grant. An announcement on this will be forthcoming at www.wilsonnc. org/brownfields. For more information contact: Michelle Brown at 252-399-2226 or msbrown@wilsonnc.org.
Whirligig Festival is back for 2012! Celebrating its eighth year, the Wilson Whirligig Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 3-4, 2012. The festival brings hand-made arts and crafts, two stages of live music, a variety of food vendors and many free kids activities to the streets of Wilson. Over 20,000 people attend the festival which runs Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday, 12 to 5 p.m. At the heart of the festival that celebrates Vollis Simpson’s whirligigs are a variety of handmade arts and crafts booths. Shoppers can find fine arts, recycled art, pottery, metal sculptures, jewelry, knits, kid’s crafts, holiday decorations and, of course, whirligigs…all brought to Wilson just in time to kick off the holiday shopping season. In addition to the creative booths, festival goers will also find non-profit organizations, sponsor booths, commercial booths and lots of food. New to the Whirligig Festival this year is a Cup Cake Challenge on Sunday afternoon. Free live entertainment on two main stages anchor both ends of the festival zone. Those attending the festival can dance in the streets to rock, county, R&B and beach music. This year’s musical entertainment includes The Wallers, The Band of Oz, Without Further Ado, East Coast Rhythm and Blues, and The Impacts. On Sunday afternoon, several church bands will be featured on one stage. The WhirliKidz Stage will bring children’s performance groups from all over Wilson and nearby by to clog, tap, cheer, step dance and give karate demonstrations. New in the Whirli-Kidz Zone this year is Kazoobie! Kazoobie will bring the fun of kazoos mixed with magic and kid’s entertainment three times each day. Two parking lots full of free children’s activities will offer inflatable slides, bounce houses, an obstacle course, carnival games and arts & crafts. For just a small fee, kids can try out the whirling, twirling Gyroscope Spinner or remote control race cars. The Whirligig Innovation Zone on Douglas Street is where festival goers can see Vollis Simpson’s colossal Whirligigs, view whirligig entries in the “build your own” Whirligig Contest 2012, and get their own creative juices going by handcrafting works of science and art. An expanded Merchant’s Village and opportunities to design your own kinetic sculp-
tures at the Scrap Exchange, make your own puppet with the Elkland Arts Center Puppeteers, and create chalk art on a Volkswagen Beetle car, make this zone THE place in the festival to bring out your inner artist! Also in the Zone, The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project Repair & Conservation Headquarters will be bustling for everyone to see the restoration of real Vollis Simpson Whirligigs and experience the wonder of these iconic feats of physics and design. The annual Whirligig Contest has been expanded this year and is open to children, teams, professionals and amateurs. Rules and entry fees are posted on the website of both the festival and the park project (www.wilsonwhirligigpark.com). The sculptures will be on display the week before and after the festival. Cash prizes for the contest range from $25 to $350. Featured this year will be a Whirligig Parade at 4 p.m. on Saturday. Kazoobie, from the Whirli-Kidz Zone, will lead the parade, followed by large, colorful puppets from the Whirligig Innovation Zone, local elementary children with hand-crafted whirligigs and the guest of honor, Vollis Simpson. They will wind their way through the festival to the future park site where the students will plant their hand-made whirligigs on the park grounds to create a field of whirligigs then continue to the Vollis Simpson Repair and Conservation Headquarters for the announcement of the Whirligig Contest winners. Volunteers are always needed. If you would like to volunteer, please sign up through the on-line registration form located on the festival website. Volunteer training is held each year the weekend before the festival. The annual festival is possible only by the donations and sponsorships of over 30 different sponsors. Those donating at the highest level include the City of Wilson, Wilson Tourism Authority, Wilson Downtown Development Corporation and Time Warner Cable. For more information and a list of the vendors, booths and more, review the festival website at: www.WilsonWhirligigFestival.com. The full schedule, festival map and vendor highlights will be printed in the Wilson Times on Thursday, November 1.
Friday, October 12, 2012 wilsontimes.com 3
Meet the staff of Historic Downtown Wilson serves as Executive Director for WDDC and WDP. Leading the partnership and staff, she focuses on economic development, property redevelopment, public-private partnerships, business recruitment & retention, public and private infrastructure improvements and design improvements, historic preservation, promotions, marketing, special events, and large special projects for Historic Downtown Wilson such as the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project. Ms. Van Dyk has 19 years of experience in Downtown, Neighborhood Business District and Community Development. Prior to her appointment with the City, as a social entrepreneur she was Founder and Executive Director of Neighborhood Ventures, a nonprofit serving 20 commercial areas in Grand Rapids, Michigan’s 2nd largest city, where she was instrumental in establishing Kimberly Van Dyk the State’s first Corridor Improvement DisThe department is headed by Ms. Kimber- trict in 2009. She holds a Master’s Degree in ly Van Dyk, Downtown Manager. She also Public Administration, a Graduate CertifiThe economic redevelopment effort in Historic Downtown Wilson is led by a dynamic partnership between the City of Wilson and two organizations, Wilson Downtown Development Corporation(WDDC) and Wilson Downtown Properties (WDP). These nonprofit boards and committees are headed by forward-thinking community volunteers who are listed in this publication. If you see them around in Wilson, please thank them for their visionary service. In addition, the City of Wilson assists these efforts by providing staff through the Office of Downtown Development. Although this is a very small department, it is staffed by progressive, energetic individuals with professional backgrounds perfectly suited to rise to the challenge before them.
cate in Nonprofit and Government Leadership and Administration, a BS Degree in Business Communications and a BA in German Language, all from Western Michigan University.
Susan Kellum The Downtown Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Ms. Susan Kellum, has 25 years of experience in marketing, promotions, graphic design, and local nonprofit board volunteer work. As a business owner and entrepreneur for most of her professional career, Ms. Kellum brings sensitivity to the needs of local downtown business owners and savvy on how to help them market themselves. In her previous career, customers included “Visit Charlotte” as well as other NC Tourism groups and the North Carolina State Zoo. Ms. Kellum’s current responsibilities include promoting Historic Downtown Wilson, organizing special
events such as the Downtown Alive concert series, the Downtown Farmer’s Market, and marketing all events happening in Historic Downtown Wilson. Other responsibilities include merchant cooperative events and public communication including newsletters, websites, social media and press releases. Ms. Kellum holds a BS in Business Management from Meredith College and a Journalism certificate from North Carolina State University.
Larissa Harper The newest member of our downtown team, Ms. Larissa Harper, Downtown Business Specialist, has recently relocated from the Piedmont-Triad area of our state. Her major responsibilities include historic property redevelopment, developer recruitment, business recruitment, developing business
See Staff, Page 4
The Arts Council of Wilson Presents ....
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From left to right, Ellen Hoj, Susan Kellum, Kimberly Van Dyk and Larissa Harper. Not pictured: Jenny Wiggins. Times
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City Market Café and Catering to open For downtown business owner Gaynell Stallings, the dream to own her own café began nearly 30 years ago. But it wasn’t until this past February that the owner of Park Place Consignments and The Wilsonian committed herself to the idea and focused on getting it off the ground. Now, City Market Café and Catering, located at 126 Tarboro Street, is in its final stages of completion, and it seeks to redefine how Wilson eaters think about quality food through its delicious and completely original sandwiches, soups, sides and other entrée options for breakfast and lunch. Along with consistent staples such as French onion soup, Reuben sandwiches, turkey sandwiches, crab cakes, shrimp and grits and much more, customers will find a different featured homemade quiche and soup every day. In addition,
City Market Café will also bake delicious, homemade cinnamon rolls daily, under the supervision of executive chef Peter Spear. Through fortuitous timing, Stallings recruited Spear, formerly of Le Doux Café, to oversee the kitchen and put his own unique spin on each dish. Using a variety of artisanal ingredients and flavors, Stallings assures that each sandwich and dish will be special and different than what customers are used to. The quality and variety of the food is just one of many variables Stallings focused on when making her café dream a reality. Among these variables was a desire to get people thinking about the food and ingredients they put in their bodies each day. “I really want to inspire more people to
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eat healthier,” Stallings said. The ambience is another thing Stallings has worked hard to get right. She wanted customers to feel at home and inspired while visiting. The decor is a mix of sophistication and elegance, though it’s relaxed at the same time — a combination, she says, that fits her style. “It definitely has a rustic, laid back feeling, but with a touch of sophistication to it.” As far as location, Stallings refuses to be anywhere else than the heart of Wilson. She says that people tried to scare her when
Staff
continued from page 3 retention programs, and building back a residential base in Historic Downtown Wilson. In her previous position as the Executive Director of the Kernersville Downtown Council, Ms. Harper worked with the town, business owners and residents to promote, preserve and develop the historic downtown. Ms. Harper’s prior career as a real estate broker, her work with the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and Greensboro Convention & Visitors Bureau, as well as her experience as an entrepreneur and restaurant owner provides a solid base for implementing the community’s comprehensive plan for downtown development .
Ellen Hoj Ms. Ellen Hoj actually works in the City’s Planning and Development Department as a Senior Planner. However, part of her time is spent helping in downtown development. Ms. Hoj is an experienced Urban Designer, City Planner, and Developer of Live/Work Townhouses and mixed use projects. She has practiced in private, not-for-profit, and public entities for over 30 years. Her Downtown Development projects in Wilson include managing the WDDC Design Committee including its façade improvement grant program; streetscape design manual for the future Industrial Artisan District which will surround the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park and the “Imagine This!”
she opened Park Place Consignments in April of 2008, saying that a business couldn’t survive downtown. As Park Place immediately thrived, the advice proved wrong, and City Market Café and Catering now marks her third business in the area. “I believe in downtown, period,” she said. “Downtown is exactly where I want to be.” In addition to catering, City Market Café will also offer bicycle delivery to the downtown area. A website and completed sign will be up in the next couple of weeks.
campaign, a storefront merchandising program for existing vacant storefronts. These projects complement her primary duties with the Planning and Development Services Department, including heading the current Unified Development Ordinance project.
Jenny Wiggins Ms. Jenny Wiggins Moore is a contract employee of WDP heading up the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project as Project Manager. Ms. Moore is a native of Wilson and came to the project last fall after having worked with the River Arts District in Asheville, NC and leading a creative economic development project as Associate Director of HandMade in America. She has 20 years of experience in working with publicprivate partnerships, arts councils, small business owners, and led the Green Hill Center for North Carolina Art in Greensboro through a period of unprecedented growth and innovation as Executive Director. Ms. Moore is responsible for all aspects of the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project including community engagement, Whirligig repair and conservation, park design, project marketing, fundraising, and finance, as well as developing the partnership that will ensure ongoing marketing and promotion of the park, events, educational programming, and care and maintenance of the park. Ms. Moore holds a MA in Art History and a BA in Art Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. As well, she studied sustainable landscape design at North Carolina State University.
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2012-13 Historic Downtown Wilson Boards & Committee Members Wilson Downtown Development Board of Directors President ……................… Henry Walston, Barnes Motor Parts, Inc. Vice President ................... Charlie Bedgood, IV, COPI Secretary …...................... Marion Snow, My Cutie Patootie Treasurer…............. Leigh Ann Braswell, City of Wilson Henry Walston, Barnes Motor Parts Eileen Rodri Carter, Comprehensive Rehab of Wilson Lisa Anderson, Property Owner (The North Star) Charles H. Bedgood, IV, COPI Leigh Ann Braswell, City of Wilson, representing Grant Goings, City Manager Jonathan Brooks, Imagination Station Science Museum A. P. Coleman, Wilson City Council Tart Thomas, Thomas and Farris Jamie Nance, Scooters and Stuff Brian Ellis, Newcomb Lighting Tim Williford, Wilson County Commissioner
Lynne Medlin, community volunteer Sgt. Stuart Haste, Wilson Police Department Mark Johnson, Wilson County, representing Ellis Williford, County Manager Dan Blackman, Arts Council of Wilson & First Citizens Bank Mayor Bruce Rose, City of Wilson Dr. Gayla Turk, Pro Music Conservatory Edward Fulford, Fulford Antiques Ken Hill, Merrill Lynch Marian Snow, My Cutie Patootie Gaynell Stallings, Park Place, City Market Café & Catering, The Wilsonian Dr. Michael Bell, St. John’s CDC Chuck Williamson, Chesson Agency
Economic Development Committee Ken Hill, Merrill Lynch (co-chair) & Edward Fulford, Fulford Antiques (co-chair) Mayor Bruce Rose, City of Wilson Leigh Ann Braswell, City of Wilson Bruce Beasley, Wilson Chamber of Commerce
Jay Hood, Hood Herring Architecture Greg Godard, UCP COG Jamie Nance, Scooters and Stuff Bobby Jenkins, Jenkins Bail Bonds Henry Walston, Ex-Officio
Design Committee Lisa Anderson, Co-Chair A. P. Coleman, Wilson City Council Isalene Thomas, It Is For You Boutique Jim Scarbrough, Broad Kenan Historic District Lew Langley, Dimples & Lace Photography Bryant Bunn, City of Wilson Engineering Department Brian Ellis, Newcomb Lighting Tenniel Mitchell, Old Wilson Neighborhood Association Henry Walston, Ex-Officio
Promotions Committee Eileen Rodri Carter, Comprehensive Rehab of Wilson & Marion Snow, My Cutie Patootie, (co-chairs) Bowie Gray, Wilson Hardware Lynne Medlin, community volunteer Margaret Langley, Dimples & Lace Photography
A Downtown Christmas Historic Downtown Wilson will be celebrating “A Downtown Christmas” - a festive, holiday weekend on Friday, November 30th and Saturday, December 1st. This will replace the three consecutive Friday evening holiday events in past years. Participating downtown shops, stores and nonprofits will be open from 5-9 pm on both Friday and Saturday evenings, along with many other exciting happenings for the people of all ages. Friday evening will kickoff the festivities with “Light Up Wilson”, the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of Wilson County Courthouse at 6 pm. Mayor C. Bruce Rose will have the
honor of lighting the tree after which entertainment will be provided by local elementary school children singing carols and festive music. The entertainment will be coordinated and supervised by Dr. Gayla Turk of downtown’s Pro-Music Conservatory. Before and after the brief program, Downtown will be alive with special attractions in various charming shops, roaming carolers, carriage rides, holiday movie “shorts” with hot chocolate sponsored by Wilson Police Department and Snowglobe Live! The first of its kind in the United States, this attraction features a giant, 15’ inflatable snow globe complete with
holiday décor elements and a large artificial snow play area. Up to six guests at the time can enter, play, pose and take home a great photo souvenir! The Playhouse of Wilson will present “It’s a Wonderful Life – A Live Radio Play” at The Boykin Center at 8 pm and Santa’s Workshop will be open at Pro-Music Conservatory offering holiday craft opportunities for the kids. The annual Jaycee’s Christmas Parade will start the festivities on Saturday at 4 pm. After Santa has ridden by in the last float, he will take his place on the Wilson County Courthouse steps to listen to the children’s wish lists. Carriage rides, carol-
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ers, movies, hot chocolate, popcorn, holiday shop sales and specials, and Snowglobe Live! will continue through Saturday evening until 9 pm…giving parade goers an entire holiday experience! A popular tradition from past years is being revived as merchants will vie for the best decorated holiday window, creating a merry view for pedestrians and carriage riders as they experience the holiday season in Historic Downtown Wilson. First, second and third-place ribbons will be displayed on the winning windows. Bring the entire family, celebrate the season and enjoy the festivities at A Downtown Christmas!
Officer Angela Harold, Wilson Police Department Culbreth Spivey, Creations by Culbreth Annie Ward, St. John’s CDC Ronald Loftin, Loftin’s Bailbonds Thomas Webb, Wilson Tobs Angela Zimmerman, Barton College Laura Dameron, Imagination Station Science Museum Henry Walston, Ex-Officio
Wilson Downtown Properties, Inc.
Tom Corbett, President, First Venture Properties Henry Walston, Barnes Motor Parts Steve Williams, James Grey & Co. Willie Williams, community volunteer Eliot Smith, Thomas & Farris Tim Williford, Wilson County Commissioners Frank Kidd, ACT, Inc. Jay Hood, Hood, Herring & Associates Sarah Slaughter, BB&T Susan Wainwright Hudson, community volunteer Leigh Ann Braswell, City of Wilson Ken Hill, Merrill Lynch, Ex-Officio Edward Fulford, Fulford Antiques, Ex-Officio
Greenlight:
continued from page 1
Historic Downtown Wilson’s own Edna Boykin Cultural Center and blend 21st century technology in a space filled with the charm and elegance that only our historical 1919 building can bring” stated Barry Page, Arts Council of Wilson Executive Director. Because of Greenlight’s contribution to the performing arts center, a recent live public auction of Edna Boykin’s estate was able to offer the option of bidding online with the live video and audio feed required by the auction house. In addition, two 50” video monitors have been installed in the main lobby, allowing the Boykin Center to eliminate the clutter of paper signage that has been used in the past for sponsor and event recognition, providing flexible, current information about the theatre’s events, and even streaming performances into the lobby so no part of a show must be missed. Ms. Boykin’s wishes, through the donation of a large part of her estate to the Arts Council of Wilson, were to provide quality performances to the residents of Wilson. Much quality entertainment requires state-of-the-art facilities for which the network will provide a base. Time moves on. Wilson and its downtown will move with it and will continue to be a crossroads of charm… and innovation.
Friday, October 12, 2012 wilsontimes.com 6
Upcoming events in your downtown: 2012
Fall & Winter
Movies in the Park 4th Friday of each month at dusk; weather permitting. Paul Berry Park, 200 Kenan Street. Free admittance. Popcorn, Candy and Drinks available. All proceeds from concessions benefit the Wilson Police Department Police Athletic League.
October 26: Beetlejuice
The Arts Council of Wilson http://www.wilsonarts.com 252-291-4329
The mission of the Arts Council of Wilson is to improve the quality of life for all the citizens of Wilson County by providing cultural leadership and opportunities in the arts.
An Evening with Frank Vignola – Saturday, October 27, 7:30 p.m. Boykin Center $20/$15 Students and Seniors http://www.frankvignola.com Get ready for some of the best acoustic guitar music around! Frank Vignola will be gracing us with his presence and his phenomenal music on the Boykin Center stage for an evening to remember.
A Banker’s Holiday – Friday, December 7, 6:30 - 12:30 p.m. Wilson Arts Center Join THE party that gets the party started! Friday, December 7. Wilson Arts Center. Fabulous food from local caters, spirits, a live auction and dancing the night away, starting at 6:30 inside the Arts Council with Brad Shackelford, Bill Myers & Friends. Then it’s outside to the Pavillion for Rubberband at 8:30 a.m. Tickets available through Oct. 31. Available at the Arts Council of Wilson. 291-4329
ACT! for Youth Disney’s Alladdin, Jr. Public Performances, October 12-14 and 19-21. School Matinees, October 11, 9 a.m. and 12 noon. All of your favorite Disney Aladdin characters and song.
School House Rock Live, too! Auditions, November 5-6, from 5:30-7:30 . Arts Council of Wilson. Grand Ballroom, 3rd Floor.
Visual Arts Events September 20 — November 4 Dan Finch & the Finch Studio Potters: Annie D. Boykin Gallery. Wilson Active Artists in Lowe Gallery.
November 15 — December Annual Holiday Invitational Art Show & Sale: All Wilson Arts Center Galleries. Invitation-only Preview Party for Arts Council of Wilson members is Thursday, November 15th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Show opens to the public on Friday, November 16th.
Barton College
www.barton.edu
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress – November 8-11 Alan Ball’s over-the-top bridesmaid comedy. Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre. Tickets available at door.
Barton College / Wilson Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert – November 18 3 p.m., Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre. Tickets available at the door.
Lighting of the Luminaries Christmas Celebration – November 27 6 p.m., Center Campus. Hanging of the Greens / Lessons & Carols featuring the Barton College Choir to follow in Howard Chapel.
With countless food, arts and crafts vendors to browse, more than 20,000 people attended the Whirligig Festival in 2011. The festival returns on November 3rd in Downtown Wilson. Gray Whitley | Times
Imagination Station
Holiday Camp-In: Friday, December 7, 6:30 pm. Childcare provided for A Banker’s Holiday sponsored by the Arts Council of Wilson.
Imagination Station is a science and technology center where everyone has the special power to explore. Discover why and how things work with over 200 hands-on exhibits related to space, health, the environment and more. See live animals up close, take a spin as a human gyro, walk inside a giant mouth, or watch your hair stand on end from 10,000 volts of static electricity. Toddlers five years old and younger will enjoy the Curiosity Corner. Live shows and demonstrations daily in the Merck Science Court room.
Chamber of Commerce
Science Says: 2nd Tuesday of every month (except July)
Wednesday, November 7, Wilson Chamber of Commerce
http://www.imaginescience.org 252-291-5113
An adult and child interactive learning program for 3 - 5 year-olds. Programs are designed around themes or books. Participants will learn about the themes through hands-on lessons and activities.
October 9 : November 13: December 11:
Nocturnal Creatures Solids, Liquids or Gases Journey Stories
Journey Stories:
Journey Stories is an exhibit prepared by the Smithsonian Institution in partnership with the N.C. Humanities Council. It will be here in Wilson at the NC Museum of the Coastal Plain from November 17 through December 29. November 15: Making Tracks (Book Discussion Series); Nothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad, by Stephen Ambrose. Discussion with Tom Douglass, East Carolina University. In collaboration with the Wilson County Public Library. 7PM in the Library’s Assembly Room November 17: Journey Stories, EXHIBIT OPENING. NC Museum of the Coastal Plain at the Imagination Station. 6-8 pm. November 20: Making Tracks; (Book Discussion Series) Jim Clark, Barton College will speak on railroads in poetry. In collaboration with the Wilson County Public Library. 7 p.m. in the Library’s Assembly Room. November 27: Making Tracks (Book Discussion Series) Rising From the Rails: Pullman Porters and the Making of the Black Middle Class, by Larry Tye. Discussion with Karen Zipf, East Carolina University. In collaboration with the Wilson County Public Library. 7 p.m. in the Library’s Assembly Room. November 29: “Journey Stories,” Lecture and tour of Exhibit at the NC Museum of the Coastal Plain, by Dr. Derek Alderman, University of Tennessee, 7 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Imagination Station. December 1: Kayak Journey on the Tar River; from north of Tarboro to Princeville. With walking tour of Tarboro, and lunch. Begins at the Imagination Station Science Museum. Contact Nancy Van Dolsen at the NCMCP for more information (nvandolsen@ncmcp.org). December 4: Making Tracks (Book Discussion Series): Riding the Rails, a film by Michael Uys and Lexy Lovell. Discussion with Willie Nelms, Sheppard Memorial Library. In collaboration with the Wilson County Public Library. 7 p.m. in the Library’s Assembly Room.
www.wilsonchamber.com 252-237-0165
2012 Golf Classic –
Friday, November 2, at Wilson Country Club. In conjunction with the Whirligig Festival.
Social Media Etiquette for Business –
Economy 2012 Annual Review and Outlook –
Thursday, November 8, 7:45 a.m. Wilson Chamber of Commerce
A Downtown Christmas
Wilson Downtown Development Corporation 252-399-2228
November 30 - December 1 Light-Up Wilson / Historic Downtown Wilson Holiday Celebration: Friday, Nov. 30, 5-9 p.m. An Historic Downtown Wilson celebration starting at 5 p.m. Mayor’s tree lighting ceremony in front of the Wilson County Courthouse at 6 p.m. Downtown stores will be open and lit, you may have your picture taken inside a 15 foot high snow globe, carolers will be singing, and the Wilson Police Department will be showing holiday film “shorts” and serving hot chocolate.
Wilson Jaycees Christmas Parade/ Historic Downtown Wilson Holiday Celebration: Saturday, Dec 1, 4-9 p.m. Christmas parade followed by festive Downtown Wilson holiday celebration. Downtown stores will be open and lit, 15 foot snow globe, carolers, holiday film “shorts” movies, hot chocolate and Santa!
Preservation of Wilson www.preservationofwilson.com 252-234-7694
Adopt-a-House Kick-Off – Oct. 17th - 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. 300 & 304 Vance Street Now is your opportunity to get involved in the revitalization of the historic districts! Preservation of Wilson and the Old Wilson Neighbors Association are working together to help implement the Barton Area Neighborhood Plan. Join Barton College students and volunteers as we give a hand to Ed Lackie and Kathryn & Kendall Bergheim, the new owners of these two historic gems, during the Barton College Day of Service on October 17th. Construction skills welcome, but not required.
Preservation North Carolina’s Executive Directors Retreat – November 8 & 9
Whirligig Festival
December 6: “The Green Book” with Calvin Ramsey. Reading of his play, The Green Book, which was reviewed in the New York Times and book signing of his children’s book, Ruth and the Green Book. 7 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Imagination Station.
Myrick Howard, PNC President, has invited Wilson to host the 2012 Retreat. Please welcome this group of non-profit directors as you see them moving around town during this two day retreat.
Award-winning street festival highlighting the vibrant, wind-powered folk art by Wilson County native, Vollis Simpson. 20,000+ attendees, 200+ vendors, 3 stages of entertainment, arts & crafts, food vendors, non-profit booths, Whirli-Kidz Zone and Whirligig Innovation Zone.
December 18: Making Tracks (Book Discussion Series): Housekeeping, by Marilynne Robinson. Discussion with Willie Nelms, Sheppard Memorial Library. In collaboration with the Wilson County Public Library. 7 p.m. in the Library’s Assembly Room.
Adopt-a-House Work Day – November 10 9 a.m. – noon
www.wilsonwhirligigfestival.com November 3-4, Historic Downtown Wilson, Saturday, 10-5, Sunday 12-5
For more information go to the website or call Kathy Bethune @ 252-234-7694
Friday, October 12, 2012 wilsontimes.com 7
Fireplace Center GAS LOGS
SHOP EARLY!
WAGONS
The Flower Pot
WILSON HARDWARE
116 East Nash Street • 243-3174 Historic Downtown Wilson Monday-Friday 8:30-5:30 “An old fashioned hardware store, with a new twist.”
Get it to Go
The Original Lunch Box Chicken Salad Sandwiches • Pimiento Cheese Sandwiches Moravian Chicken Pie • Chicken Drummettes
Sandwiches
Chicken Salad • Pimiento Cheese • Turkey • Ham
Cakes & Desserts
Assorted Cakes for All Occasions • Cookies • Cupcakes
Sugar Plum Shoppe, Inc.
111 Barnes St. • Wilson, NC 27893
Full Service Florist, Wedding Consultant, Event Planner, Specialty Gift Boutique & Custom Embroidery
Customizing Your Event with Simple Elegance
Call For Your Private Consultation 252.218.4352 Amy Norville, Owner • Hours: T-F 10-5:30 • Delivery Available
www.theflowerpotnc.com
November 3rd & 17th December 1st
45.00
$
Package includes 1-8x10, 1-5x7 and 4 wallets!
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT!
252-292-7575
134 Tarboro St., Wilson (beside My Cutie Patootie) www.dimplesnlace.com
Rummage Warehouse 315 Barnes St. • Wilson
Thursday • 9-5 Friday • 9-5 Saturday • 8-2 ESTATE CLEAN OUT GOODS Everything Under The Sun
WOOD STOVE
119 S. Tarboro Street 252-237-0294
HOURS: TUES.-FRI. 10AM-5:30PM • SAT. 10AM-4PM
Photography Studio
117 W. Nash Street • 291-6750 Shoppes at Brentwood • 291-9686
WOOD STOVE
Visit Our Unique Shops In...
Boutique & Brandname Kid’s Wear
All Holiday Decor
25% Off
Mark Roberts Fairies & Elves
20% Off
General Gifts
20% Off
Creations by
Culbreth
Like us on
BUY ONE - GET ONE FREE
Cannot be combined with any other discounts, coupons or punch cards.
Now Accepting Fall & Winter
222 Tarboro St.
Historic Downtown Wilson
252-237-8284 thegotochristmasguy.com
BARNES
INSURANCE AGENCY, INC.
Environmentally gentle paint that delivers superior performance.
LIFE - HEALTH - AUTO MEDICARE SUPPLEMENT - HOMEOWNERS MOBILE HOME - MOTORCYCLE COMMERCIAL
Pure Performance 100% Acrylic Latex delivers a superior performing paint that is gentle on the environment. Its zero VOC and low odor formula makes it an ideal choice for homes, schools, hotels, hospitals and more.
Phyllis Barnes Crowder - Agent Available at:
210 E. Nash St., Wilson, NC 27893
WILSON PAINT & WALLPAPER
(252) 291-2862
125 S. Tarboro St., Wilson • 243-4428 MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00-5:00
Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM
SCOOTERS & STUFF 214 Goldsboro St., Wilson, NC • (252) 293-9840
WE FINANCE Come see us for all your tire needs. State-of-the-Art Wheel Balancing
LARGEST SELECTION OF CUSTOM WHEELS
LOCATED DOWNTOWN WILSON 225 S. GOLDSBORO ST.
* Scooters * Youth ATV’s * Electric Scooters * Skateboards and all Accessories
PARTS, REPAIRS, AND SERVICE ON ALL MODELS
MYLES
HOME HEALTH AGENCY Frederick Myles, Jr., RN, BSN, MBA Registered Nurse/Owner
210 Nash Street East Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 206-1112
WOMBLE HARDWARE AND TACKLE, INC. 1109 Downing St. • Wilson, NC
• Cooling Systems • Radiator Repairs • Water Pumps • AC Repairs
WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL!
Animal Feeds 108-110 East Barnes St. • 243-2045
Art Batchelor
Ray Batchelor
• Fresh & Salt Water Fishing Tackle NC Wildlife Hunting & Fishing License Agent • Screen Window and Door Repairs • Storm Window and Door Repairs • Vinyl Replacement Windows • Hardware Items
230 S. TARBORO ST. • (252) 291-1122 “In The Heart Of Downtown Wilson” WWW.WOMBLEHARDWARETACKLE.COM
Friday, October 12, 2012 wilsontimes.com 8
Highlighted Available Properties n
100 Barnes St. SW
• Approx. square feet: 23,748 • For sale: $139,000 • Contact: Lewis Sparks • Contact phone: 252-399-0777 • Comments: Lots of potential. Three stories. Located in a revitalized area of Historic Downtown Wilson. May qualify for Historic Preservation benefits and other downtown incentives.
• Approx. square feet: 19,320 • For sale: $200,000 • Contact: Kim McCarl, kmccarl@wilsonnc.org • Contact phone: 252-296-3464 • Comments: Corner lot. Three stories. Located in revitalized area of Historic Downtown Wilson. May qualify for Historic Preservation benefits and other downtown incentives.
124 Barnes St. SW
314 Nash St. E
TVs and warrantycovered kitchen equipment included.
110 Tarboro St. SW • Approx. square feet: 1,100 • Price for lease - $500/mo. • Contact: Chuck Powell • Contact phone: 252-291-7400 • Comments: 1 story building located in a revitalized area of Historic Downtown Wilson. A total of three small rooms. Smaller room may be used for storage. May qualify for downtown incentives.
**NOTE: The information above is approximate and subject to change at any time. Independent verification is highly recommended.
311-315 Nash St. E
227-229 Nash St. E
• Approx. square feet: 2,852 • For sale: $50,000 • Contact: Kim McCarl, kmccarl@wilsonnc.org • Contact phone: 252-296-3464 • Comments: Corner lot. Two stories. Located in revitalized area of Historic Downtown Wilson. May qualify for Historic Preservation benefits and other downtown incentives
• Price for lease - $5,000/mo • Price for sale - $640,000 • Term of lease - 5 years • Approx. square feet: 4,000 inside; 4,000 outside patio • Contact: 919-222-2302 or darwincy@aol.com • Comments: Turn-key restaurant on a corner lot with large partially-covered patio that includes a full service outdoor bar. Seats 150 inside and 150 outside. Indoor and outdoor furniture, flat screen
For more information contact Historic Downtown Wilson at (252) 399-2395
• Approx. square feet: 19,320 • For sale or rent: contact owner • Contact: Ben Forbes • Contact phone: 252-237-6679 252-237-8046 • Comments: Lots of potential for retail or office. One story, large space with dedicated parking lot. May qualify for downtown incentives.
• Approx. square feet: 1,096 • Price for lease: $350/mo. • Contact: Allyson Moye • Contact phone: 252-291-1123 • Comments: Retail or office space on the corner of Tarboro and Kenan.
207 Tarboro St. SW • Approx. square feet: 2,000 • Price for lease: $550/mo. • Lease available in November, 2012 • Contact: Allyson Moye • Contact phone: 252-291-1123 • Comments: Lots of open floor space.
For more information on Historic Downtown Wilson contact: 252-399-2395
238 Tarboro St. SW
234 Tarboro St. SW • Approx. square feet: 1,248 • Price for lease: $500/mo. • Contact: Allyson Moye • Contact phone: 252-291-1123 • Comments: Great for service business in revitalized area of Historic Downtown Wilson.
Kimberly Van Dyk, Downtown Manager Susan Kellum, Marketing & Communications Coord. Larissa Harper, Downtown Business Specialist
Find us on Facebook at “Historic Downtown Wilson”