E A S T E R N C A RO L I N A ’ S L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E
Winter 2011/2012
Local Home Features 2011 Holiday Gift Guide Holiday recipes from local chefs
Test her eyes this Christmas ... See just how wide they open when she unwraps your gift from Churchwell’s! Shoppes at Brentwood • 237-7166 Mon.-Fri. 10-5:30 www.churchwells.com
Christmas Creations Presented by Interior Accents
WILSON’S LARGEST CHRISTMAS STORE Over 60 Decorated Trees ~ Custom Decorating ~ Wreaths Garlands ~ Arrangements ~ Ribbon ~ Bows
1900 Hwy. 301 S. Wilson • 252-206-9880 Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Newly Renovated Showroom. Fresh Look. Great Style!
Fine Home Furnishings • Custom Window Treatments • Lamps Oil Paintings • Custom Bed Ensembles • Blinds • Carpet • Florals • Prints
2024 Hwy. 301 South, Wilson Monday - Friday 10-5 • Saturday 10-2
by
Wilson Drapery & Design, Inc.
291-5575
2001 Downing Street, Wilson, NC 27893 www.wilsontimes.com
Morgan Paul Dickerman, III Publisher
____________________ Shana Hoover
Director of Sales and Marketing (252) 265-7858 shana@wilsontimes.com
Bradley Hearn
Special Sections Editor (252) 265-7848 bhearn@wilsontimes.com
Account Executives:
Table of Contents 5
Glad Tidings Served
8
Two easy recipes from Wilson chef to consider while entertaining this holiday season
10 The 2011
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Holiday Gift Guide
See what’s available in local stores this shopping season...
Beth Robbins
(252) 265-7849 brobbins@wilsontimes.com
Gingerbread Houses and Holiday Crab Bisque... enjoy!
____________________ Contributors
I Am Wilson
Writers: Janelle Clevinger, Bradley Hearn
30 What’s your tradition?
Art: Gérard Lange | Graphic Design Keith Barnes | Photography Brad Coville | Photography Bradley Hearn | Photography Amber McDaniels | Photography Gray Whitley | Photography
Two local stores bring Christmas to town all year
Some of our Facebook friends answer the question
Wouldn’t life be easier with ONE AGENT to handle your insurance needs?
Home Feature:
Save time, money and a headache by coming to see a local agent who cares.
Two area homes dress up with Christmas style
252-292-5985 vincent.lively@ncfbins.com An Authorized Agent for
Vincent Lively, Agent 2853 Wooten Blvd. Wilson, NC 27893
See which of your friends and neighbors have been out and active in Wilson
FALL/Winter 2011
(252) 265-7827 lpearson@wilsontimes.com
recipes
28
NCMLNP40256
4
Lisa Pearson
19, 26 More winter
18, 24 “About Town”
(252) 265-7826 sonja@wilsontimes.com
Angie Bass stands in her dining room during the winter of 2010. Bass is one of many area women who take their home decor to the next level during the holidays. See more starting on page 20. Photo by Gray Whitley
Area church feeds hundreds in its annual Thanksgiving meal to the needy
Easy Entertaining
Sonja Hayes
On the cover
North Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. Farm Bureau Insurance of North Carolina, Inc. Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co., Jackson, MS An Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Get Real Auto - Home - Life WILSON WOMAN
Church continues legacy of giving
Dozens of people line up at Barnes Elementary School in 2010 for a Thanksgiving meal provided by Glad Tiding of Gospel Hall Church of Wilson.
Thanksgiving meal feeds hundreds
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What started over 10 years as a church food bank for the less fortunate, has expanded into a special day of giving for one local church. Glad Tiding of Gospel Hall Church of Wilson will once again feed approximately 200 needy citizens this Thanksgiving as part of its outreach ministry. The legacy “About ten years ago we were giving away food to the needy and then started having Thanksgiving dinners at Barnes Elementary School for those who didn’t have families and homeless people who didn’t have anybody to eat with,” said Jackie Jones, who coordinates the dinner for the church. “The meal is a good calling for our church to help those who are less fortunate than us to have a good Thanksgiving.” The Thanksgiving Day meal is open to anyone who either can’t afford a good hot meal or does not want to be alone on that holiday. All the food is homemade and includes turkey (baked, fried
WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
story by Janelle Clevinger photography by Brad Coville
and barbecued), ham, dressing, gravy, rice, sweet potatoes, candied yams, macaroni collard greens, cabbage and string beans, a spread of cakes and pies, and a variety of beverages. spreading the word Word of mouth is usually how people find out about the free Thanksgiving meal.“We’ve been doing this so long that people just know to come,” Jones said. “Last year, the Barnes Elementary School lunch room was full.” Church member Shirley Gardner has also been involved in the Thanksgiving feast since its beginning 10 years ago. Her heart goes out to those who don’t have the means to enjoy a good Thanksgiving meal. “You just want what everyone else has, getting together with family and having a good meal,” Gardner said. “If you’re a mother or father raising children by her or himself, it hurts to know that you can’t give your children that Thanksgiving dinner. And nobody FALL/Winter 2011
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Glad Tiding church provides hundreds of meals wants to be alone on a holiday.” About 20 people from Glad Tiding church help cook and serve the meal, which begins at noon on Thanksgiving Day. “We divide the food up among the sisters so it wouldn’t be a strain on any one person,” Gardner said. “But we make sure that there is enough food that nobody goes home hungry.” “We cook enough food for an army,” laughed Gardner. “And our food is cooked with love.” In fact, so much food is cooked that participants are encouraged to take home plates of food and leftovers are given to local boarding houses. The Glad Tiding church members do not mind giving up their Thanksgivings to serve food to others that day. In fact, the volunteers’ families are there as well as the church family. “Our pastor, Elder Sandy Jones, deacons, missionaries, sisters – the entire church family is there,” Gardner said. “Our pastor has been our inspiration, teaching us to work together for the good of all man. It’s because of him that this whole thing comes together so well. You’ve got to put your heart in it. If you don’t put your heart in it, it won’t turn out right.” “We take our Thanksgiving and give it to them,” Jones said. “It really makes us happier to see that they are being fed and to let them enjoy themselves. “It brightens us up to see them eat a good, hot meal on a special day, but it’s really not about us. It’s about those who are really in need.” After participants enjoy the meal, the entire group can socialize and stay as long as they’d like. “We laugh, we pray, we sing – it really depends on the crowd,” Gardner said. “We just want those who are alone or feel alone to know that there is someone out here that cares.” Glad Tiding Gospel Hall Church accepts donations of food for both their food bank and the Thanksgiving dinner. If interested in donating, please call Jackie Jones at 252218-8895. The ladies of Glad Tiding divide up the food preparation, so that they have enough to feed the packed Barnes Elementary cafeteria. They cook so much, they even encourage the participants to take food home with them.
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CHILD CARE ENROLL NOW!!! Affordable Rates
START YOUR CHILD’S EDUCATION HERE!
We are considered one of the BEST Child Care Centers in Wilson
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3424 Airport Blvd. • 291-1990 WILSON WOMAN
The meal is open to not just the homeless or needy, but anybody who wants to come or does not want to be alone on Thanksgiving. Often times, whole families will come together. After 10 years, people just know where to show up.
Shoes and Apparel
ReCollections At Wilson Hardware
Antiques • Glassware Collector Dolls Madame Alexander Pottery • Pictures • Music Jewelry • Handbags Homemade Jams & Pickles WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
Invitations • Calling Cards Note Cards • Napkins
Shoppes at Brentwood Wilson • 291-3899 M-F 10-5:30 • Sat 10-4
all custom printed
Unique Gifts 114 East Nash Street Historic Downtown Wilson 252-243-3174
Stop by & see our great selection of Christmas cards! CRANE & CO.
Offical Retailer
M-F 10-5:30 • 206-0619 Now Open Sat 10-2 thru Christmas 2839 Daisy Lane (Located inside Ross McDaniel Salon) FALL/Winter 2011
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Easy Entertaining
Lynne Bigness is a chef with Aramark at Barton College. She has lived in Wilson for 17 years.
For Lynne Bigness, cooking for the holidays — whether for your family, an office party or other event — is all about relaxing and keeping it simple. “Yeah, right,” you say? She believes that people put too much pressure on themselves because of the other stress this time of the year brings on people. If you’re entertaining, “make your food simple and nice and everyone will be happy,” she said. “Do not stress over it. They really won’t know if you screw something up or it’s not the way you had it planned. Whatever it is, you can probably adjust it or fix it yourself.” On the next page, Bigness lays out two extremely simple recipes to keep in mind while looking for something to prepare for those visiting relatives. For the first dish, wrap some figs or dates with bacon. For the second, wrap asparagus spears with a little prosciutto and cream cheese. Now how easy was that?
Prosciutto-wrapped asparagus is a favorite appetizer and an easy one to prepare when family comes to visit.
FAMILY MEDICAL SUPPLY Located Behind Bojangles
Now That We Are In Our New Home... Watch For Upcoming Remodel.
Home Oxygen C-pap / Bi-pap Hospital Beds • Wheelchairs
• Compression Hosiery • Diabetics Therapeutic Footwear • Diabetes Management • Mastectomy Products Medical Equipment & Supplies Due To The Tornado We Have Moved To:
1800-A Parkwood Blvd., Wilson
265-9827
Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-5:30pm 8
FALL/Winter 2011
• Respiratory Care • Incontinence Supplies • Mobility Aids • Self-Care Products • Trapeze Bars • Overbed Tables • Bathroom Safety Products • Wound Care Supplies • Air Flotation Mattresses • Orthopedic Supplies • Patient Lifts • Enteral Feeding Pumps • Enteral Nutrition
• Ostomy Products Specialty Walkers • 3 & 4 Wheeled Rolling Walkers • Walkers with Seats and/or Baskets • Walkers with Hand Brakes Seat Lift Chairs • Power Wheelchairs • Scooters • Ultra-Lightweight & Specialty Wheelchairs
WILSON WOMAN
A
Find the Perfect Gift for Everyone on your list!
Applewood Smoked
Bacon-Wrapped Figs or Dates
from Wilson chef Lynne Bigness with Aramark at Barton College Ingredients
24 figs or dates 12 slices of Applewood-smoked bacon cooked halfway
Marinade:
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar 1/2 cup soy sauce 1/4 cup olive oil
www.goldeneastcrossing.com
Preparation
Wrap 1/2 piece of bacon around 1 fig or date and secure with a toothpick and place in a dish, repeat for remaining ingredients. Pour marinade over the top of figs or dates and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Pour off marinade and back at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes until bacon is cooked.
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ProsciuttoWrapped Asparagus
from Wilson chef Lynne Bigness with Aramark at Barton College Ingredients
15 thinly sliced pieces of prosciutto 15 trimmed and blanched asparagus 1 8-ounce package of cream cheese at room temperature
Preparation
Lay out 1 piece of prosciutto at a time, spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the prosciutto and roll the asparagus up in the prosciutto.
*Be sure to go to www.wilsonwoman.com for more recipes from Lynne Bigness. WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
FALL/Winter 2011
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252-977-6464
See what’s available in Wilson stores this holiday season and all year round with our newest Holiday Gift Guide...
Red Accent Chest
This vintage Bombe in an aged brick red and rustic brown finish is sure to accent any home perfectly. It features a scalloped front, three drawers and hand-painted floral accents.
Hope’s Furniture, 252-399-4839
Flower Chair / Ottoman
Make your holiday shopping relaxing this year and stop by Hope’s Furniture and try out their great selection of chairs and sofas, including this solid-wood-framed chair with hundreds of fabric choices to match anyone’s decor.
Hope’s Furniture, 252-399-4839
Horseshoe Diamond Ring
Make your gift sparkle this year. Come to Churchwell’s and look at this horseshoe diamond ring, made 14-kt white gold, 1.19 cts of diamonds and designed by Anderson Bass, Churchwell’s custom designer.
Churchwell’s Jewelers, 252-237-7166
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Sapphire Diamond Necklace
Dress an outfit up any season of the year with this gorgeous sapphire necklace. Made with 14-kt white gold, 2.94 cts of sapphires and 1.11 cts of diamonds, this necklace is sure to turn heads. Custom made by Anderson Bass, Churchwell’s custom designer.
Churchwells Jewelers, 252-237-7166 WILSON WOMAN
Solid Wood Console Cabinets
Dwight’s TV carries a variety of solid wood console cabinets for your TV in a variety of finishes and styles. Sony Bravia 3-D, HD TV’s, 32” up to 65”. We also carry recliners and Oreck vacuums.
2012 Buick Verano
Meet the newest luxury sedan from Buick. Our engineers and designers worked closely to bring a thoughtful approach to every detail. From the elegantly sculptured exterior to a luxurious interior design, every inch of the 2012 Verano is purposeful and elegant.
Dwight’s TV, 252-237-4000
Medlin Buick GMC Mazda, 252-243-6106
Desk and Wall Calendars
Give the gift of organization for 2012. Fine Print Stationery has a great selection of desk and wall calendars to choose from.
Fine Print Stationery, 252-206-0619
WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
ReCollections at Wilson Hardware
Lots of gift ideas can be found at Wilson Hardware. Santas, Anna Lees, Madame Alexander dolls, White House ornaments, Jewelry, scarves and antiques just to name a few.
Wilson Hardware, 252-243-3174
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Black Sequin Ugg Boots
Great for any occasion, these black sequin boots from Ugg are on anyone’s list this season. Keep your tired feet fashionable and warm this season by stopping by JoLiAn Shoes & Apparel.
JoLiAn Shoes & Apparel, 252-291-3899
Niven Morgan Products
Stay clean, moisturized and smelling good all year round with any one of the variety of Niven Morgan products available at The Flower Pot. Body lotions, hand creams, bubble baths, candles and more are available in either the fresh, intoxicating “Blue Scent” or the sophisticated and sexy “Gold Scent,” Niven Morgan’s signature fragrance.
The Flower Pot, 252-218-4352.
2012 DODGE RAM 1500 EXPRESS QUAD CAB
6-speed automatic, V8, fog lamps, Hemi, MOPAR tubular side steps, remote entry, SIRIUS Satellite radio, CD, MP3, Roadside assistance, speed control, heated door mirrors, low tire pressure warning, brake assist, ABS, traction control, dual exhaust, and ST Popular Equipment Group.
Cox Dodge Chrysler Jeep, 252-291-3131.
2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
SIRIUS satellite radio, CD, MP3, 8-way power driver seat, dual zone AC, heated front seats, keyless Enter-N-Go, Garmin navigation, Quadra-Trac II 4WD System, remote start, security alarm, Bluetooth, leather, Roadside assistance, speed control, fog lights, ABS, alloys, and all-terrain tires.
Cox Dodge Chrysler Jeep, 252-291-3131.
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WILSON WOMAN
Tacori Diamond Engagement Ring and Band
Put a smile on your special someone’s face this holiday season with an antique-style platinum and diamond engagement ring and wedding band by Tacori.
Vaughan’s Jewelers, 252-243-5707
Three-drawer French Antiqued Black Chest with Gold Accents
Stuart Walston, Inc. is the place for all of your home decorating needs. From fabric to furniture to gifts and accessories, we can help you spruce up your home for the holidays or find the perfect gift to place under the tree. $2,185
Stuart Walston, Inc., 252-243-4940
Gingerbread House with Peppermints and Gumdrops (13.5”)
Christmas has arrived at Stuart Walston, Inc.! Visit us for all of the best holiday decorations to deck your halls. We have ornaments, Annalees, holiday figurines and much more! $100
Stuart Walston, Inc., 252-243-4940
Holiday Invitational Art Show and Sale
Once again the holiday season gets into full swing with the Arts Council of Wilson’s Holiday Invitational Art Show and Sale, Nov. 18 through Dec. 21 at the Wilson Arts Center! All our galleries will be brimming with original works of art from talented Wilson artists and many others from across the state. Paintings, photographs, glass and ceramic art, jewelry, hand-carved ornaments, Christmas decorations and more will be available. Be sure to bring your gift list and have a jolly good time shopping for unique, one-of-a-kind gifts of art!
Arts Council of Wilson, 252-291-4329
WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
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Home Furnishings
With a newly renovated showroom, Interior Accents has a wide range of fine home furnishings to give your home a fresh, new style.
Interior Accents, 252-291-5575
Home Furnishings
Christmas Creations
Wilson’s newest and largest Christmas store has over 60 decorated trees, custom decorating, wreaths, garlands, arrangements, as well as plenty of ribbon and bows. Located on Hwy. 301, it should be your first stop as you prepare your home for a festive holiday season.
Interior Accents is the perfect place to look for beautiful and classy gifts for anyone on your list. With a variety of custom window treatments, lamps, oil paintings, custom bed ensembles, blinds, carpet, florals and prints, you’d be tempted to just shop for yourself this season.
Interior Accents, 252-291-5575
Christmas Creations, 252-206-9880
2012 Nissan Altima 2.5S
Style and craftsmanship go hand in hand in this sedan. Unexpected upscale touches like stitched leather, heated front seats, wood-tone details, and patterned metallic accents are options that invite you to stay. Relish in the spaciousness and comfort of the available dual zone automatic temperature control. It will provide one ride you will never forget.
Lee Nissan, 252-237-4400.
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WILSON WOMAN
Santas by Karen Didion
These special and unique Santas come in a variety of styles — from traditional Santas to ones that appeal to outdoorsmen, wine or train enthusiasts — and have been featured in specialty gift shops across the United States. All of the attention given to the details make these collectible Santas special to give as a gift or collect all year round.
Creations by Culbreth, 252-237-8284.
Flameless Candles
Flameless Candles allow you to have it all: beauty, scent and ambiance, together with a safe and clean environment for the holidays and throughout the year. The candles are now 15% off at Creations by Culbreth through December 30.
Creations by Culbreth, 252-237-8284
Viena Wall Clock
Kencraft has a beautiful selection of clocks in a variety of styles like this Viena Regulator wall clock. We also have mantle and grandfather clocks to choose from, as well as clock repairs.
Kencraft, 252-243-0028.
Wellington Hall Mahogany Inlaid Sideboard with Fluted Legs Featuring a serpentine front with two doors and door drawers of elegant mahogany, this sideboard is the perfect accent to any home. Get it now while it’s drastically reduced. Sale price, $995 (reg, $1,895)
Kencraft, 252-243-0028 WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
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Shimmermint Elf
With a sparkling personality, this Shimmermint Elf is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Hanging from a chandelier or standing quietly on a mantle, these posable elves are sure to be a hit with young and old alike. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or are an annual collector, The Nook has the whole Winter Whimsey collection for you to choose from, including Santas, elves, mice and other animals.
The Nook, 252-243-2503
Pride Luxury Lift Chair
Available from Pride, come see this luxury lift chair with a biscuit back design at Family Medical Supply. This particular Chaise lounge comes with 3 positions, a 375-pound weight capacity and a 2-year limited warranty.
Family Medical Supply, 252-265-9827 (Wilson) 919-938-1991 (Smithfield) 919-359-0222 (Clayton)
Santa Savings
Pride Victory 9 Scooter
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Come by Family Medical Supply and give the gift of mobility this Christmas with a Victory 9 Scooter from Pride. This scooter comes equipped with a front headlight, front basket, 300-pound weight capacity and 5.25 maximum speed.
SALES SERVICE INSTALLATION
Family Medical Supply, 252-265-9827 (Wilson) 919-938-1991 (Smithfield) 919-359-0222 (Clayton)
APPLIANCE & FURNITURE 421 WARD BLVD., WILSON • 237-4000 (Across from The Creamery) WILSON WOMAN
Come see us at our new location! 4345 Raleigh Road Parkway, Wilson, NC Half way between I-95 & Airport Blvd. Wilson, NC • 252-243-0028
Gary Robbins
Field Representative 2405 C N Nash St. Wilson, NC 27896 252-674-7091 252-289-7835 Fax: 252-674-7093
Arts Council
HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL
High End, Top-Of-The Line Furniture Market Samples One-Of-A-Kinds Formal Dining Bedrooms ~ Occasional Accessories ~ Clocks
New Shipments of Furniture Arriving Daily!
Art Show & Sale
November 18 thru December 21
A BANKER’S HOLIDAY
FRIDAY DECEMBER 2 6pm-12:30am
nker’s011 a B A liday 2 Ho Live bands and auction, door prizes & fabulous food & spirits!
291-4329 www.wilsonarts.com
Also specialize in furniture repairs, refinishing, and clock repairs. Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:00 - 5:00 Sat. 10:00 - 4:00 kencraft7@gmail.com
Experienced • Dedicated Professional
ANGIE BAKER Broker, REALTOR
®
252-315-6959
About Town
Barton-Wilson Symphony
O
photography by Amber McDaniels
On October 13, the Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra presented “Symphony and Soul,” featuring guest artists Ryan Robinson, Allison Mossey-Ponzi, and Vonda Darr. Prior to the 7 p.m. performance, there was a wine reception at 6:30, allowing guests to mingle with one another and even some of the performers themselves.
Joe Cormick, left, Zhixiong Cai and Weize “Wade” Xiong pose for a photo during the wine reception.
2700 NASH ST., STE. B, WILSON, NC 27896
Pammie’s SPECIALTY CAKE & CANDY SUPPLIES Make your holiday more sweet! We Have:
Guest artist Allison Mossey-Ponzi relaxes before going on stage to perform with the orchestra.
CAKE & CANDY SUPPLIES CAKE PANS • ICING TIPS & MUCH MORE
We now have the
WILTON METHOD
cake decorating classes, edible images & gift cards available!! Authorized
Wilton Dealer
252-991-3544 2801 Ward Blvd. Suite 1L, Wilson Shoppes at Brentwood
Kaitlyn Kosuda and Kerstin Conrad wait in the lobby for concert to begin.
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WILSON WOMAN
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Gingerbread A Gingerbread Christmas House
from Wilson chef Lynne Bigness
Ingredients for Dough
6 cups all purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 4 teaspoons ground ginger 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 sticks (12 Tbsp) butter, softened 1 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar 2 large eggs 1 cup honey 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Make the Gingerbread Dough
Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl, set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed the butter and brown sugar until fluffy and well blended. Beat in the eggs, honey and lemon juice until well combined. Beat half of the flour mixture into the molasses mixture until well blended and smooth. Stir in the remaining flour until well blended. If dough is too soft, add a little more flour. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours, preferably overnight. Let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes before rolling out. Rolled out to 1/2�, bake at 300 degrees.
Bigness constructed this gingerbread house for an event in 2007. Gingerbread houses are perfect holiday family activities because they can be as big and elaborate as your family’s imaginations allow.
2012 BUICK VERANO
A THOUGHTFUL TAKE ON LUXURY
Assembling the House
Use posterboard or cardboard to practice the shapes you will use to construct your gingerbread house. Then use these shapes to trace-cut out your shapes from the rolledout dough. Place cut-out dough pieces back on the cookie sheet and bake an additional 1 hour or 1 1/2 hours.
Icing Cement
Beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and water until frothy. Blend in sugar on high speed until stiff, 5 to 10 minutes. Use immediately or cover and use within 8 hours (apply with a pastry bag or Ziploc bag with a small hole cut in the bottom corner. *With your baked gingerbread pieces and icing cement, construct your house, using the icing to hold the structure together. Apply whatever other candy (gumdrops, candy canes, etc) you wish, with the icing adhesive. WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
Medlin
BUICK GMC
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Subtle or splashy, decorating styles for the Christmas holidays encompass it all. story by Janelle Clevinger photography by Gray Whitley
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One tree is not enough for Angie Bass
Angie Bass decorates her Trinity Drive home with two trees: one that sticks to a traditional theme, and one that shouts “Bright Christmas” instead of “White Christmas.” The tree that occupies the dining room is classic and traditional, decorated in gold, silver and red with white electric lights. Bass and her husband Anderson, who own Churchwell’s Jewelers, cover that tree with ornaments handed down from her in-laws. “Most of those ornaments are sterling silver and have dates on the back, going back to the 70s and 80s,” Bass said. “And now we try to give our girls silver ornaments to carry on the tradition.” A fireplace mantle in the dining room is covered with classic live greenery. The den’s fireplace mantle also displays live greenery but is adorned with colorful glass Christmas balls. The Christmas tree in the Bass den can best be described as “whimsical.” “This tree has lots of color with pinks, greens, purples, yellows … all those fun colors,” Bass said. “We use colored lights and white lights and lots of little beaded picks on top of the tree, some of which have different colored ostrich feathers on them.” Bass said that the whimsical tree is her children’s favorite and they enjoy decorating it with her. “We reminisce about ornaments from years past and try to give the kids new ornaments each year that reflect with they did during that year, such as horseback riding, playing piano, ballet and soccer,” Bass said. “We have lots of what the kids made in preschool, some of which have their photos from back then on them.” Bass describes herself as “a little bit craftsy and a little bit artsy” and
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FALL/Winter 2011
In keeping with a traditional holiday decorating style in her dining room, Angie Bass covers the fireplace mantle with greenery, artificial berries and gold holiday horns. WILSON WOMAN
The Trinity Drive home of Angie and Anderson Bass combines traditional and whimsical decorating schemes at Christmas. The Bass dining room stays traditional, with heirloom ornaments on the tree and classic gold and red accents throughout the room.
adds some Christmas-themed artwork around the house that she has created. The outside of the Bass house stays traditional for the holidays, decorated mostly with pine garland under each window with pretty tartan-plaid ribbon. “We do have the light-up deer in the yard that move, however,” laughed Bass. Even though Bass’ two trees and house are filled with holiday decorations, she can’t resist adding more to her collection. But she knows that something has to give. “Lord, I have to buy new decorations every year, something to add to the collection,” Bass said. “For the very first time, I will be getting rid of some of my older decorations this year.” Bass is especially fond of this time of the year, despite it being incredibly busy as a business owner. “This is a special time of the year for us owning a jewelry store, and we enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holidays with people coming in at the last minute buying gifts,” Bass said. “And I decorate the store too, starting before Thanksgiving because the Shoppes at Brentwood Open House is right after that.” Bass begins adorning her home for Christmas the weekend after Thanksgiving and keeps the decorations up at least a few days after the New Year.
handbags • totes travel bags • accessories Water Resistant - Stain Resistant Machine Washable
SALE Now Thru December 30, 2011
Te r e s a N e l s o n decorates with fresh fruit and greener y
S
Sure, Christmas cards would have us believe that all Christmas trees are cut in our backyards, a star sits atop each one, and candles sit in the windows while snow falls gently outside, but that is rarely the case. In fact, December is often so warm in Wilson that fresh outside decorations go bad before the Big Day even gets here. Teresa Nelson, who decorates the outside of her Sierra Drive home with fresh fruit and greenery in her windows and erects an arWWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
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15% Off Gift Items 20% Off Mark Roberts Collection 25% Off General Christmas Decor
Creations by
Culbreth
222 Tarboro St. Historic Downtown Wilson
252-237-8284
www.creationsbyc.com
Gifts • Home Accents • Year Round Christmas Shop
rangement of a pineapple, lemons and real magnolia leaves over her front door, often has to decorate the outside of her home later in the month of December than she’d really like. “I sometimes wait until middle of December to put the display over the door so it will last until Christmas,” Nelson said. “It’s been so warm in years past that the fruit has started to go bad.” Nelson decorates in what she deems a colonial or traditional style. “A lot of people have gone to the artsy, contemporary type decorations,” Nelson said. “But I prefer to stay traditional.” Traditional for Nelson includes a live Christmas tree every year decorated with all white lights. “As a child we had an aluminum tree, eventually with one of those color wheels, and I promised myself that if I had the money as an adult, I would buy live trees,” Nelson said. “When my children were little, I tried to make Christmas fun for them and it’s still important to me.” In addition to the white lights, Nelson decorates her tree with ornaments collected over the years, including many made from items given to her and her husband from their children when they were small. “We have photos of the three children
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A traditional Williamsburg wreath and swag above the door greet visitors to Teresa Nelson’s Sierra Drive home.
WILSON WOMAN
on the tree,” she said. “Lots of memories are on that tree.” Nelson begins decorating her house for the holidays during the first weekend in December. Greenery used inside is now artificial, as she discovered years ago that real greenery wilts quickly with inside heat, not to mention the cost savings. Another way Nelson saves money is to reuse the ornamental picks used in her floral decorations, which are created by local florists. “I always keep the picks from the arrangements and bring them back to the florist every year so they can use them again in the interior table arrangements,” Nelson said. One of the first steps in Nelson’s decorating process is to switch out the china in her china cabinet to a set decorated with a Christmas pattern. Then she places red, glass balls around the china. Next, she changes out some of the artwork in the house with Christmas-themed art. Nelson and her husband pastor a local church, so the Christmas holiday is a very important one to them. “We don’t do a lot of entertaining, but we do entertain folks from the church one evening during the Christmas season and they always look forward to seeing our decorations,” Nelson said. Nelson doesn’t feel like she goes overboard with her decorating until the holidays are over. “I only feel that I go overboard when it’s time to clean all those decorations up,” laughed Nelson. “I keep accumulating them, but I finally gave away some of my decorations last year.” Red, green and gold hues draw your eyes to the festive mantle in the Nelson home.
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Using real fruit is part of Williamsburg-style holiday outside decorating, but can be tricky when used in the South’s warmer December weather. FALL/Winter 2011
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About Town
photography by Bradley Hearn
G.R.I.T.S. the Musical Performance and Art Exhibition
O
Plenty of folks came out for the first show of the Boykin Series XV season on September 23, featuring “G.R.I.T.S.: The Musical.” Based on the best-selling “G.R.I.T.S.” (Girls Raised in the South) series of books by author Deborah Ford, the musical featured four women of four generations celebrating all things Southern. A party in the lobby before the performance featured women in vintage Southern garb and a buffet of shrimp and grits, provided by Jac’s Grill.
Susan Webb, left, Fran Tyson and Clara Daughtridge, all local artists from Saratoga, had their paintings exhibited in the Boykin Center’s Hammond Gallery during the pre-party and got into the evening’s spirit by dressing like Southern belles.
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Among those enjoying the shrimp and grits and local art before the show were Pearla Lowe, left, Kathie Davis and Mary De Guehery.
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Holiday Crab Bisque
from Wilson chef Kathryn Meares Ingredients
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion 1/2 cup finely chopped celery 1/2 cup red bell pepper 1/2 stick butter 1 quart chicken broth 1 can Campbell’s tomato bisque soup 1 18.5-ounce New England clam chowder 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk 1 15-ounce jar mushroom alfredo sauce Garlic and pepper to taste 1 pound backfin or lump crab meat
Preparation
Saute 1/2 cup each of finely chopped sweet onion, celery and red bell pepper in 1/2 stick of butter. Add other ingredients. Bring to a simmer and add one pound backfin or lump crab meat. Return to a simmer. Makes 4 to 6 servings.
Kathryn Meares Catering, Inc., specializes in wedding receptions and cocktail parties. The business is owned and operated by Kathryn “Kitty” Meares here in Wilson and has been in operation for 35 years.
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Wilson is now home to two stores aimed at bringing the Christmas spirit to the area all year round. And each — one perhaps a temporary, seasonal store — offers complimentary items to give your home a festive spirit. The newest addition to Wilson’s Christmas decor market is called Christmas Creations and located at 1900 U.S. 301 S. and was started by Donnie Glover as an ancillary business to his other store, Interior Accents. Glover originally purchased the building in August, located not even a quarter of a mile up U.S. 301, as an investment but later found that he could expand the Christmas items that he would normally display at Interior Accents. And with an excess of 70 decorated Christmas trees on display, adorned with all kinds of ornaments and other accessories, Glover is appreciative of the larger space and not having to squeeze the seasonal items in a corner of his other store. “It’s a total Christmas shop,” said Glover. “We were really confined in the other shop.” In addition to the decorated trees, Christmas Creations also offers a wide variety of “sit around stuff” like electric and wax candles, Santas, elves, nativity scenes, snowmen, wreaths and garlands, as well arrangements and custom decorating. Glover is not
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FALL/Winter 2011
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sure at this point if the store will permanently be Christmas Creations, or whether he will rent the space. “It all depends on this Christmas,” he said. “I’m optimistic, though.” For now, though, he is thrilled that the opportunity to expand and divide his business into two separate buildings presented itself. “Everything works out from time to time,” said Glover. The other destination for Wilson shoppers looking for holiday-inspired gifts is permanent and has been a mainstay of downtown Wilson since 2009. Creations by Culbreth, owned by Culbreth Spivey, is located at 222 Tarboro Street and offers a vast array of holiday collectibles and gift ideas. For Christmas items, he offers a variety of ornaments, tree skirts, stockings, Lynn Haney Santas, Karen Didion Santas and Mark Roberts-designed products. But the store, Spivey insists, is great for gift ideas throughout the year. Come browse the merchandise for ideas for birthdays, graduations, items for the home or any other occasions. They carry many Beanpod candles, stationery and Cinda B handbags, totes, travel bags, baby bags and accessories — just to name a few. The life of Creations by Culbreth, however, goes back further than just the Wilson store. Spivey has been traveling to holiday shows and selling his gifts since 2004. He then created a full-service website where customers in other states could purchase items. The opening of the store three years ago was the third step he envisioned when he began traveling to shows many years before. “Ultimately, I’d like to become a destination place,” said Spivey. “Somewhere that when you think of Christmas, you think of coming downtown and going to Culbreth’s.” As was his plan, Culbreth is certainly becoming a Wilson-rooted brand, represented now at temporary shows, with a strong presence on the web and in the downtown brick and mortar building. Creations by Culbreth is open from 10:30 a.m to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 on Saturday. Christmas Creations is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM
FALL/Winter 2011
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Santa’s shopping at Stuart Walston, Inc. for his presents this year! Furniture, accessories, holiday decor and more
417 West Nash Street • Wilson, North Carolina • 252.243.4940 • www.stuartwalstoninc.com Mon. - Fri. 8:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat. & Sun. by appointment
Holiday Traditions
Q
The Wilson Times Facebook friends share their family heritage
Question Hey friends! What are your favorite holiday traditions?
Amy Bridgers Each Thanksgiving night we go to Meadow Lights near Benson. For our family, the trip signifies the end of Thanksgiving and the beginning of the Christmas season and festivities. The sights are beautiful. A visit with Santa and a ride on the train and merry-go-round are a delight for my children. We also enjoy the sweet treats that can be found in the country store.
Crystal Tharrington Battle My Dad has this “Christmas Competition” with my 2 sisters and I every year. It starts with the 12 days of Chirstmas texts that we have to get right and be the 1st to answer and then on Christmas day it’s like field day. We are very competive so it’s a ton of fun. So far every year I have gotten the “little trophy” but I plan on that changing this year.
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Beth Shumate Chapman
EASTERN CAROLINA PEDIATRICS, P.A.
Every Christmas Eve my family makes Homemade Pizza and watches the movie, The Christmas Story.
Missy Finley Johnson Thanksgiving night all my kids come help put up the tree and we watch Christmas vacation.
Christie Davis “THE HOMEMADE EGGNOG” The whole family gets to help even the little ones.....We use the imitation brandy flavoring and frozen yogurt. It is light and delicious!....no hangovers guaranteed!
Marilyn Logan We continue an old family tradition that consists of cooking a hickory smoked, salt cured, and pepper coated Surry County VA ham in an old fashioned lard stand and wrapping it in an old quilt for 12 hours. Breakfast Christmas morning consists of hot ham biscuits that melt in your mouth. Slap your Mama good!13 hours ago · LikeUnlike
Susan H. Andersen, M.D. • John H. Buck, M.D. Natalia Jaimes, M.D. • Christina G. Poythress, PA-C • Leesa G. Lawrence, M.D. • Mark Eldridge, PA-C
Suzette Gudac Gibson One of my favorite memories was always helping my mother arrange a tabletop manger scene. I now get to enjoy my daughters helping set up our manger and hearing my eldest tell the story of Jesus’s birth! Priceless!
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FALL/Winter 2011
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