The story of The Good Samaritan as found in Luke 10:30-37 in the Bible details what makes a good neighbor. It is not locale, but mercy or compassion that is key.
Steve Hamilton’s compassion for those in Western North Carolina so drastically affected by Hurricane Helene prompted him to suggest a project to his employers at Absolute Comfort Heating & Cooling, Inc. in Jamestown that would provide some relief for those in the devastated areas. The thought was to collect food, toiletries,
cleaning and first aid items and pack them in reusable five-gallon buckets. Kids’ buckets were planned to include personal items along with stuffed animals, coloring books, games and more. All were to be flown to designated distribution spots. Emails sent to customers of Absolute Comfort listing the types of items needed to fill the buckets saw an outpouring from local individuals and groups. Little did anyone at the business realize the far-reaching affect the project would have.
After Michelle Hilhorst’s mother, a customer of Absolute Comfort, received the email she told her daughter, who currently lives in Washington state about the
project. Michelle posted the list of needed supplies on her own Facebook page.
“When I saw that post I liked the grassroots effort of this small town,” said Kristy Szablya. “I live in the small town of Pullman, Wash., were Washington State University is located. I trust Michelle and she trusts Absolute Comfort so I thought I would get some red buckets with the WSU logo on them to fill. Unfortunately I could not find any.”
As a member of the WSU Parent Chat Café Facebook group, Szablya asked where she could get some of the red buckets. Inquiries resulted in 25 donated by Home Depot and another 50
collected by various individuals. Szablya soon found 75 buckets dropped off at her house and monies from WSU parents and friends in her care.
“This is an amazing
mendenhall hosts true tales of the macabre
By CaROL BROOKs FreeLANCe WrIter cab1hp@gmail.com
Jamestown is an old community, settled in 1752, so there are bound to be several ghost stories for a town over 270 years old. The town’s most famous ghost, Lydia, is still believed to haunt the old railroad underpass. Some claimed to have seen a Confederate soldier peering out an upper window of the Coffin (Yellow) house that faces Oakdale Road or heard footsteps at the library when no one could be found.
But on one Saturday and one Friday night this year the focus will be on ghostly tales from the Mendenhall Homeplace.
For 363 days of the year, the historic Richard Mendenhall Homeplace at 603 W. Main St. is a model of peaceful Quaker living.
For two evenings this year, on Oct. 19 and 25, “True Tales of the Macabre: An After-Dark Tour of Mendenhall Homeplace” will take over the decorated 200-plus-year-old home with true spooky tales.
For the third year, visitors can hear true stories as they walk through the Mendenhall House, alongside the barn and to the Dr. Madison Lindsay Medical School. The stories will be adjusted for young children.
“There will be familiar stories and some new ones,” said Rachel Orio, one of the organizers.
“For years we’ve heard about local urban legends and ghost stories that may — or may not — be true,” said Shawn Rogers, director of Mendenhall Homeplace. “Now you’ll have the opportunity to hear true tales of the macabre that occurred in the very places where they will be shared.”
By CaROL BROOKs
WrIter
FreeLANCe
cab1hp@gmail.com
Jamestown has a new planning director, José Colón. Colón is a native of Puerto Rico but has lived in the state for 25 years, with 15 of those years working in the Piedmont Triad region. He has over 12 years of experience in local and regional planning working with Rockingham and Davidson counties, City of Greensboro and the Piedmont Triad Regional Council. Colón replaces Anna Hawryluk who left for a position elsewhere. The Jamestown News will profile Colón in an upcoming issue. One item of interest to many people in town was
group,” Szablya said. “The idea just exploded; it happened in three days time.”
Using donated funds, Szablya ordered supplies from her home in Washington and had them shipped to
Absolute Comfort in Jamestown. She noted they were being shipped to a business so they would not be delivered after hours.
COMPILed By CaROL BROOKs
The Town of Jamestown’s website has been updated and is now easier to use. It is now available in many languages by clicking on the small blue “A” to the right of the Council Agendas tab. The website is also ADA compatible and has a search tab. New online bill pay is available. You may sign up for mass emails, alerts and the newsletter by clicking “I Want To” at the top. A video tutorial is available on the Town’s Facebook page.
LOOSE LEAF PICKUP BEGINS
Many have heard of Minerva Mendenhall’s ghost who is said to have appeared in and around the house and, having died in it, still inhabits the Mendenhall House. Ghosts often are believed to refuse to leave the house where they died. Two more of Richard and Mary Mendenhall’s seven children, Judith and Nereus, also had some exploits that warrant a macabre tale or two. These two also died in the house.
And with Dr. Lindsay’s Medical School on the grounds, one can only imagine the mischief they got into as they searched for bodies to practice on as well as all the autopsies performed.
“I plan to have some ‘specimens’ in the medical school,” Orio said.
Ghostly sights and sounds are not limited to this event or evening hours throughout the year. Visitors during the day — as well as Rogers himself — have heard
footsteps, but found there was no one else around.
The first year’s event brought lines were so long that Rogers extended the event to two days last year.
“Attendance was really good,” he said. “We had more people the second night than the first.”
Tours run consecutively from 6:30-9 p.m. with groups of 10. The cost is $15 per person, payable by cash, PayPal or check made out to the Historic Jamestown Society. Parking is on-site or across the street at the medical office.
All proceeds benefit the Historic Jamestown Society.
For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, call 336-454-3819 or email director@mendenhallhomeplace. com. Full tours of the property are available during the week.
New planning director hired
included in the Council’s consent agenda, which is not discussed at the meeting but voted on as a whole. The item was approval of an amended Public Comment Policy. These were minor changes and included changing the time to sign up from prior to 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. and deleted “after all public hearings” in Section III-B.
Several special groups were recognized at the Oct. 8 Jamestown Town Council meeting.
Pinecroft Sedgefield Fire Department Chief Derek Carson received a proclamation from Jamestown Mayor Lynn Montgomery declaring October as Fire Prevention Month. The resolution recognized the many dangers that fire cre-
ates and suggests Americans test smoke alarms this month as well as develop and practice a fire evacuation plan.
“We owe a great debt to our brave first responders and firefighters who run toward the scene of a disaster to fight fires and smoke,” Montgomery read. She later pointed out that PSFD has sent trucks and manpower to western North Carolina to help with the disaster following Hurricane Helene.
On a lighter note, Friends of the Jamestown Public Library were recognized in a proclamation declaring Oct. 20-26 as Friends of the Libraries Week.
National Friends of Libraries Week promotes
see HIRed, PAGe 2
The annual loose leaf pickup will begin Oct. 22. The Town reminds residents to make certain leaf piles are free of debris as well as away from the curb, mail boxes, cars and trash cans.
GOLF COURSE ANNIVERSARY
Jamestown Park Golf Course, 7041 East Fork Road, turns 50 years old this year. To celebrate, town staff are looking for memorabilia from the course, including photos, logo clothing and hats, logo golf balls, etc.
Additionally, staff members are looking for former employees, golf association members and long-time players to participate in the celebration on Oct. 25. If you can help, contact Golf and Parks & Recreation Director Scott Coakley at scoakley@jamestown-nc. gov or 336-454-4319, the clubhouse at 336-454-4912 or email Golf Pro Marcy Newton at mnewton@jamestown-nc.gov.
Photo submitted
Kristy szablya, Michelle Hilhorst and susan Mittelstaedt, left to right, with bubble wrapped buckets ready to check in at an airport in Washington state. see HeLP, PAGe 2
Photos by Carol Brooks (Top left) PsFd Chief derek Carson and Mayor Lynn Montgomery. (Top right) Councilmember
Pam Burgess and Bridgid, Kyle and Bob Murphy.
(at left) Councilmember Rebecca Rayborn, Jean Regan, emily Wagoner and Julia ebel.
Photo courtesy Historic Jamestown Society
Mendenhall Homeplace will again be the home of “Tales of the Macabre” Oct. 19 and 25.
Wednesday OcTOber 16, 2024
The problem now was getting the 75 buckets to Jamestown. One estimate for shipment was $800 for 12 buckets. She thought about driving, but could not get across county in time to have the buckets from Washington filled and delivered to Western North Carolina along with the ones from Absolute Comfort.
When Szablya discovered the buckets could be counted as luggage, she along with Hilhorst and another friend, Susan Mittelstaedt, also of Washington, decided to fly here. They not only wanted to deliver the buckets, but also to provide hands-on help with the project.
The buckets were stacked six deep with some supplies and a lid on the top one. They were then wrapped in bubble wrap and plastic packing tape. The total cost for the bucket luggage was $190.
“We put the remaining lids in our carry-ons,” Szablya said. “We arrived at the airport in Greensboro at 11 p.m. Oct. 8. The whole thing when off without a hitch.”
Hamilton picked up the buckets from the airport and took them to Absolute Comfort on Main Street, Jamestown. The women stayed at an Airbnb in Greensboro, arriving at the business Wednesday morning to begin packing the buckets.
A note of encouragement was
groups who support libraries across the country.
Focusing on the third week in October each year, the observance provides the opportunity for groups to increase awareness about membership opportunities, their goals, and projects. The week celebrates the contributions of friends groups across the nation. Their dedication to local libraries leaves a lasting, positive impact on their libraries and communities.
The Council’s Community Corner recognized Bridgid and Bob Murphy of Cakes by B’s Blue House Bakery for their efforts in organizing a fundraiser to
LIFELINE
From The Front
taped to the underside of the lids on each red bucket. In part it read …
“This bucket is sent to you with lots of Cougar love from the families of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, and filled with supplies from Coug families and families from Washington state and fellow North Carolina families and others from around the United States as well.
“We will continue to support and cheer you on from afar here in the Pacific Northwest …”
After working on the red buckets in the morning, the women helped pack more Absolute Comfort’s buckets in the afternoon.
Employees made several trips to Smith Reynolds Airport in Win-
ston-Salem from which the buckets would be flown. Signature FBO (Fixed Base Operations) arranged the flights.
In addition to the 75 filled buckets provided by “neighbors” in Washington state, Absolute Comfort, with help from the community was able to fill 132 buckets. Cash donations also were used to purchase water and fuel for the plane.
Photos submitted (at left ) szablya, Hilhorst and Mittelstaedt, left to right, pose with filled buckets ready to be loaded onto a plane at the smith Reynolds a irport in Winstons alem. (Below) e mployees of a bsolute Comfort Heating & Cooling made numerous trips to the airport to take a total of 207 buckets filled by “neighbors” in Washington and in the Jamestown area to aid relief efforts in Western north Carolina.
Cecil Brockton - District 60 Cecil.Brockman@ncleg.gov (919) 733-5825
n.C. Senate Michael Garrett - District 27 Michael.Garrett@ncleg.gov (919) 733-5856
help another Jamestown business that experienced significant water damage.
In his Manager’s Report, Matthew Johnson said the new Town website is live. It has several new features. See “About Town” on this page for those features. The final Music in the Park was very well attended.
“The last one was a knockout,” Johnson said. A portion of Guilford Road was closed to accommodate extra food trucks, crowds and dancing.
The Town Council often selects a student from Ragsdale High School to represent the school on the
Lumos is pleased to offer Lifeline, a program that provides discounted telephone or broadband service to eligible customers.
Program Description
Lifeline is government program, and customers must be eligible to receive the program’s benefits. Customers are allowed one Lifeline discount per household. Customers cannot transfer their Lifeline benefit to anyone else, even if he or she is eligible for the program.
Eligibility
The Lifeline program is available to customers who have an income at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines, or who participate in one of the following assistance programs: Medicaid Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Public Housing Assistance Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
Documentation of one of
at lifelinesupport.org.
Voice Service Phase Out
The Federal Government is phasing out Lifeline for voice service. Below are the revised reimbursementfees.
From 12/1/2024 until 11/30/2025 — $5.25 per month. Stand-alone
Still willing to help, Szablya, Hilhorst and Mittelstaedt borrowed a vehicle and drove to Boone on Thursday to help Lisa Hawley, owner of Southern Roots in Jamestown, provide hot meals for those in need before flying home to Washington on Friday.
HIR ed
Council. This year, senior Benjamin Arnold is the representative. Arnold related some of the many upcoming events at the school.
The Fall Litter Sweep on Sept. 28 had a small turnout of people the day after Hurricane Helene came through to help pick up litter but they managed to collect 16 bags of trash.
“It’s always so important for us to realize that even one person can do so much, so even small in numbers, what an impression we were able to make that day in keeping our community beautiful,” said Elizabeth Greeson, coordinator of the Litter Sweep.
Parks & Recreation
Director Scott Coakley reported golf course rounds were down this quarter but not by much. Several weather-related events brought over 23 inches of rain to the course. There
The people hard-hit by Hurricane Helene have received help from civilians from numerous states as they begin to put their communities and lives back together. It not only shows “neighbors helping neighbors,” but also is an example of what America can be — United.
were also 12 days over 90 degrees. Revenue for the quarter was $415,000.
Coakley expects the new basketball court at the playground to be poured this week. The old court was broken up.
He announced the Jamestown Park Golf Course will host a 50th Anniversary event on Oct. 25 from 1-3. More details are to come.
Public Comments
Only one person spoke during the Public Comment period.
“The reason I’m here tonight is to make you aware of two things,” Alvin Robinson said. “No. 1: The Town of Jamestown will soon be part of State Senate District 26. It is currently represented by Senator Phil Berger. Under Berger’s representation, the Town of Summerfield — a town similar to yours in terms of being a smaller town in the area — was recently deannexed, not the entire town but a portion of the town, about 1,000 acres, under a forced de-annexation circumstance.
“This happened when a developer who owned land within the Town of Summerfield could not get the Town and its citizens to
agree with his plan to bring unwanted residential development into the community, which would take away from the town’s desired rural setting. That developer is also a financial supporter of Senator Berger. There is a conflict of interest there.
“It is certainly OK for a landowner in such a town to desire to develop their land but it is not OK for a state legislator to use his or her authority to forcefully push and promote the desire of an individual, especially a big financial supporter in front of what the people of such an area truly want.
“I bring this to you as somewhat of a warning because we are approaching [the November 5 election] where we will have an opportunity to do something about that.”
Robinson’s second point is that he is running for N.C. State Senate District 26 against Phil Berger and Steve Luking. Robinson is with the Constitution Party.
“I believe in limited government and not government overreach like we see happen in Summerfield.”
The Council meeting may be viewed online at www. youtube.com/c/TownofJamestownNC. Click on “Live.”
Letter to the Editor
that will lead to the best life for YOU.
When you vote for President and Vice-President, continue down your ballot and choose judges who make decisions considering YOUR values. When the Democrats held the majority of seats on the North Carolina Supreme Court, they ruled that extreme partisan gerrymandering violated the N.C. State Constitution.
They also ordered the State to pay $677 million dollars to provide N.C. public school students with a sound basic education. Republican justices reversed both of those decisions after becoming the N.C. Supreme Court majority during the November 2022 elections. Court elections matter!
Justice Allison Riggs, currently on the N.C. Supreme Court, has had a passion for fairly serving North Carolinians such as YOU, and should remain. Let’s support her and the others who will restore integrity to the court. Those in contests for seats on the N.C. Court of Appeals are Judge Carolyn Thompson, Martin Moore, and Ed Eldred. Let’s give ourselves the equity in voting we are promised in the Constitution, and our children and grandchildren the quality of education they deserve.
Beverly Brooks Greensboro, N.C.
GUilford Co. Alan Perdue - District 2 aperdue@guilfordcountync.gov (336) 451-6707
Kay Cashion - At Large kcashion@guilfordcountync.gov (336) 274-6272
JameStown
Mayor Lynn Montgomery lmontgomery@jamestown-nc.gov (336) 454-7185
Pam Burgess pburgess@jamestown-nc.gov
Sarah Glanville sglanville@jamestown-nc.gov
Mayor Pro Tem Rebecca Mann Rayborn rrayborn@jamestown-nc.gov (336) 848-9583
Town Clerk / Assistant Town Manager Katie Weiner kweiner@jamestown-nc.gov (336) 454-1138
Town Manager Matthew Johnson mjohnson@jamestown-nc.gov (336) 454-1138
Bewitchingly Bold deviled monster Eggs: A Spooktacular Treat for Halloween!
As Halloween approaches and the ghosts begin to roam, why not conjure up a wickedly delicious twist on a classic treat? Let’s take deviled eggs and dress them up for Halloween! Deviled Monster Eggs — a delightfully deliciously dreadful addition to your festivities!
After a night filled with sugary treats, your guests will be thrilled to sink their teeth into these wickedly delicious eggs, perfectly dressed for the occasion. Ideal for little witches and wizards alike, these colorful creations are sure to be the highlight of your haunted gathering. To counterbalance the sugary indulgence and prevent the kiddies from transforming into real monsters with a sugar meltdown, serve these delightful deviled eggs, brimming with protein.
This technique is easy. Start with hardboiled eggs, gently cracking the shells all over with the back of a spoon. Then immerse the cracked eggs in food coloring to create mesmerizing web-like patterns, transforming them into eerie edible delights.
As I did recipe tests with my family, we were spellbound with every egg we peeled. Each egg was like opening a present. The vibrant crisscross lines and colorful spider web designs emerged like magic, using only black coloring. It’s like Halloween, Easter and a spooky Christmas all mashed up into one hauntingly good treat!
DEVILED MONSTER EGGS
Yield: 12 deviled eggs
Prep & Cook Time: 30 minutes
Dye Time: 4-24 hours
Special equipment: a gallon-size plastic zip-top baggie
One dozen eggs
1 teaspoon gel food coloring, black
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup white vinegar
Your favorite deviled egg recipe or try mine below
To boil eggs: Place eggs into a saucepan, cover with water and heat over mediumhigh heat, bringing to a full boil. Boil for 5 minutes and remove from heat. Cover the saucepan and let eggs sit in hot water for 12 minutes. Drain the eggs and place in ice water for about 10 minutes, remove from the ice water and place in the refrigerator until ready to color.
To color: Place gel food coloring, water and vinegar in the zip-top bag and smoosh it together. Be careful, as the gel coloring will stain. Use foil to protect surfaces and wear old clothing. I even used latex gloves to save my mani. Using the back of a spoon, lightly smack the eggshells to make cracks. Lots of cracks. Place the eggs in the baggie with the color and smoosh it around to cover the eggs. Place the bag into a glass casserole dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or better, overnight. The longer it sits, the more intense the color will be.
To make deviled eggs: When ready to prepare, peel the eggs. This is fun, so invite the kiddies. Slice eggs lengthwise; place yolks in a bowl and the fabulously colored egg whites on a platter cut side facing up.
EASY DEVILED EGGS
12 hardboiled eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon mustard 1 teaspoon vinegar
Salt and pepper
Mash egg yolks with a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste to the yolks. Mix thoroughly. Place mixture in a piping bag or plastic bag and snip the end with scissors. Pipe into cavities of egg whites.
Remember, this technique isn’t just for Halloween — save it for Easter to create pastel tie-dye eggs or use strong tea for a beautifully subtle brown design known as Chinese Tea Eggs. No matter the occasion, these Monster Deviled Eggs will leave your guests saying “oooh and aahh!” in delight.
• Sometimes dry erase markers and permanent markers look the same in a hurry. Ever grabbed a marker to write a note on a dry erase white board and found that it wouldn’t wipe off? To remove permanent marker from a white board, try using a pencil eraser. Rub lightly on the marker areas only, working from the outside in. It should come off.
• Rusty bicycle handles can be unsightly and a pain. Make a paste of salt and lemon juice (three parts salt, one part lemon juice), and use it to rub the rust away with a dry cloth.
• What will you do with all that candy from trick-or-treating? Make your holiday cookie plans now, and you can freeze some for later baking use.
• “If you have magazines or books that you are finished reading, perhaps you’d consider donating them to local seniors centers. You can look in the yellow pages to see if there are any near you. Often, the seniors are grateful to have new reading material.” — T.C. in Florida
• Many more of us are using the reusable fabric shopping bags nowadays. A few cities have banned the use of plastic bags for retail shops. These bags are much better for the environment, and can hold a lot more groceries per bag. One thing many people forget to do is wash them. You can take out the plastic insert (if there is one) and toss them in the washing machine. Hang to dry and you’re carrying around a much cleaner bag!
• To sharpen scissors, fold over several layers of aluminum foil and cut into strips.
Send your tips to Now
coffee break
Salome’s Stars
WEEK OF OCT. 21, 2024
ARIES (March 21 to April 19)
The high standards you set for yourself don’t always translate into the behavior you expect from others. A relationship problem can be resolved if you’re more flexible and less judgmental.
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Not enough party bids to satisfy the Bovine’s fun-loving side this week? Go ahead and throw one of your own. Then prepare for some serious work coming up early next week.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20)
A new and intensely productive cycle kicks in on the 30th. Be careful not to get too stressed out, though. Make time to restore your energy by relaxing with family and friends.
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) This could be a good time to share some of your plans with those closest to you. Their comments could give you some added insight into how you might accomplish your goals.
LEO (July 23 to August 22)
An attack of self-doubt might be unsettling for the usually super-
assured Feline. But it could be your inner voice telling you to hold off on implementing your plans until you’ve reassessed them.
VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) This is a great time for you to reward yourself for all your hard work, specifically by taking a trip you haven’t spent months carefully planning to somewhere you never thought you’d be going. Embrace spontaneity!
LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) Some misunderstandings resist being resolved, but your sincerity in wanting to soothe those hurt feelings wins the day. By month’s end, a relationship should begin to show signs of healing.
SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) A hectic job schedule begins to ease by the end of the month — just in time to blow off all that work-generated steam on Halloween. Meanwhile, a family situation runs into an unexpected complication.
SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) A cutting remark in the workplace needs to
be handled with finesse. Remember, how you respond could determine the depth of support you gain from colleagues.
CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Once again, that Capricornean stubborn streak sets in and could keep you from getting much-needed advice. Fortunately, it lifts by next week, just in time for you to make an informed decision.
AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A surprise trip early in the week could lead to other unexpected offers when you return. Word to the wise: Avoid talking too much about this until you’ve made some decisions.
PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Learning dominates the week for perspicacious Pisceans who are always looking to widen their range of knowledge. Looking ahead, a series of important job-linked commitments begins next week.
IF (PG) — John Krasinski (A Quiet Place) wrote, produced, directed, and voiced a character in this fantasy comedy that’s fit for the whole family. Led by Cailey Fleming (Loki) and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool & Wolverine), IF follows 12-year-old Bea (Fleming), who moves into her grandmother’s apartment as her father awaits heart surgery. One day, Bea starts seeing unfamiliar creatures who are accompanied by a man named Cal (Reynolds). After they give her quite a scare, Cal explains that he works with the matchmaking agency to give imaginary friends, aka IFs, new homes before they disap-
pear. So, Bea decides to embark on an adventure with Cal to help the IFs find their new children. A few voices in the cast you might recognize are Blake Lively, Emily Blunt, George Clooney, Matt Damon and Steve Carell, among many others. Out now. (Amazon Prime Video)
Woman of the Hour (R) — Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect) chose to make her directorial debut with a dicey crime thriller that is based on the true story of serial killer Rodney Alcala. Taking place in 1978, the film picks up just as aspiring actress Cheryl Bradshaw (Kendrick) lands a gig on a dating show called “The Dating Game.” As the bach-
elorette, she gets to interview three potential suitors on the show, one of them being Rodney himself. After Rodney successfully charms her, Cheryl wins a date with him, but romance will be the furthest thing from her mind once she realizes that she could be his next victim. Tony Hale (Veep) and Daniel Zovatto (Station Eleven)
Strange But True
By LUCIe WInBORne
According to 19th-century Welsh tradition, any infant whose nails are cut before the age of 6 months will become a thief.
• In 1974, the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis published a paper titled “The Unsuccessful Self-Treatment of a Case of ‘Writer’s Block.’” It contained a total of zero words.
Every second, a large hurricane releases the energy of 10 atomic bombs.
• Female kangaroos can stop the development of their joeys in a process called embryonic diapause, which allows them to give birth when conditions are right, or wait until another joey has left their pouch.
• The Subway restaurant chain uses 16 acres of lettuce per day.
• In parts of Europe, people believe that if you light a cigarette from a candle, a sailor will die.
Researchers at the University of Arizona discovered that the ability to see the color red comes from a gene attached to the X chromosome. Since women have two of
those chromosomes, they perceive the redorange spectrum better than men.
Bubble gum was originally pink because that was the only food dye available in the factory where it was made.
• The term “sabotage” originated from French textile workers throwing their wooden clogs, known as “sabots,” into machinery to protest industrialization and automation in the 19th century.
All newspapers in the British Library were ironed by hand to ensure a clear image before they were microfilmed.
• The 1967 Outer Space Treaty forbids any nation from trying to own the moon.
• During WWI, German measles were called “liberty measles” and dachshunds became “liberty hounds.”
Thought for the Day: “Sometimes people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know why I look this way.
I’ve traveled a long way and some of the roads weren’t paved.” — Will Rogers
co-star in the film, which releases on Oct. 18. (Netflix)
Caddo Lake (PG-13)
— This hair-raising thriller hails from producer M. Night Shyamalan and stars Dylan O’Brien (Saturday Night) and Eliza Scanlen (The First Lady). Scanlen, who’s no stranger to the thriller genre, plays a young
woman whose 8-year-old sister, Anna, mysteriously vanishes at Caddo Lake. Even though her family searches tirelessly to find her, the clues behind Anna’s disappearance are few and far between. Meanwhile, a young man (O’Brien) returns to his family home near Caddo Lake, which triggers violent memories of when his mother died in an accident on the lake. Could these two tragic stories actually be intertwined? Watch now to find out. (Max)
Disclaimer (TV-MA) —
It seems that we have an abundance of suspenseful thrillers rather than typical horror this spooky season! This new psychologicalthriller series was written/ directed by Alfonso Cuaron (Roma) and based on the 2015 novel of the same name. The extraordinary Cate Blanchett (Tar) stars as Catherine Ravenscroft, a celebrated journalist known for revealing hidden truths within different institutions. But when a newly released novel includes her as a character, a deeply hidden truth of her own is publicized for the world to read about. The first two episodes are out now, with subsequent episodes being released every Friday. Fun fact about the series: Finneas O’Connell, who frequently collaborates on music with his sister, Billie Eilish, composed the score. (Apple TV+)
Cate Blanchett, left, and sacha Baron Cohen star in Disclaimer
mourning practices varied in the area
By CaROL BROOKs FreeLANCe WrIter cab1hp@gmail.com
No matter the customs, practices or symbols used to mourn a loved one, every culture shares the universal themes of remembrance, honor and respect for their deceased.
We mourn in our own ways. In many cultures, mourning for the dead is a very private thing, something to be kept to oneself, often taking place behind closed doors. In others, it is a very open time, to be celebrated by all.
The High Point Museum’s program “Mourning in the Piedmont” delves into the practices and traditions of mourning by early area residents like Quakers, Native Americans, Scots Irish and African Americans. Visitors of all ages are welcome to come at any time during the program and interact with costumed interpreters.
“It’s going to be in the Hoggatt House on Oct. 19,” said Museum Curator of Education Sara Blanchett. “The back room is going to be staged like they are having a wake. We will have one of our mannequins under a sheet and things staged with descriptions why they are in there, like salt and a bowl of water.
“As you walk into the room you get the feeling there needs to be some semblance of respect, but [you are] also a little bit unnerved. It makes you think of how you carry your own grief. How it makes you feel.”
Most cultures have similar observances: a going home ceremony, visitation and celebration of life, Blanchett said.
Jamestown has been a Quaker community for many years. Blanchett said Quaker funerals don’t have any rituals or sermons, but they may have a short message. It is a quiet time, with people speaking when they feel moved to do so. They understand the body is not the person, it’s just a body.
“In doing research I have found that nothing much has changed in terms of how Quakers have their meetings,” Blanchett said. “No matter what the event, we are here to honor the people if we feel moved to get up and speak, then there is space to do so. It’s culturally understood that we’re all here for this person for whatever our relation is to that person, we all have a story, we all have a feeling.”
Many other denominations are also following this custom these days.
Quakers did not believe in owning slaves, although some did acquire enslaved people through marriage outside of the faith.
“Salt and ash are a tradition of enslaved people,” Blanchett said of the African-American custom of burying the two with the deceased. “Salt is a preservative and ash absorbs diseases. To this day, it’s more of a celebration than a mourning.”
African Americans soothed a lingering spirit by offering items they enjoyed during life – to celebrate the life. Music has always been
Taking a riverboat cruise
a part of that life so the funerals would consist of a lot of prayer and singing. But many enslavers did not allow their churches to be used so mourners had to find other locations.
Native American tribes like the Keyauwee also inhabited the Jamestown area before the town came into existence. The tribes believed that death is not the end, but a transition into the spirit world.
“I know Native Americans had these large burial mounds for their chiefs and they would be buried with important items,” Blanchett said. “There are those who wanted to deliver the dead back into nature because they had a close relationship to nature so they would burn the body on a kind of altar with incense. It depends on the tribe and even the makeup of the environment around them.”
Blanchett does not know if local tribes isolated themselves or mingled with the other residents, marrying and accepting new rituals.
“We’ll have Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) Nov. 2 for the Hispanic culture. It is a joyful thing because they’re going home and you have drinks and food and you sit around and have visitation with each other.” There will be a colorful altar, or ofrenda, display in the lobby Oct. 22 to Nov. 2.
Photographs of loved ones are placed around the ofrenda surrounded by offerings. The objects used symbolize life’s elements: water, fire (candles), earth (food) and air. The favorite food and drink of the loved one are included as
The Hoggatt House at the High Point Museum is the site for “Mourning in the Piedmont.” shown from last year is a “body” laid out for mourning. On top of the body are a bowl for water and a washcloth, for cleaning the body as part of the preparation for the visitation/burial, etc.
well as marigolds, incense, toys, sugar skulls, fruit and chocolate. Some cultural rituals have changed over the years but some remain.
Visitors to the program will learn many other rituals about mourning, such as how High Point furniture companies often made coffins since both furniture and coffins are made of wood. Learn about the difference in a coffin and a casket Saturday as well as the difference in a tombstone, gravestone and headstone.
There are different mourning languages including the language of flowers and gravestone symbology.
“You might see an angel or a cross in the graveyard of any church that is of a certain time period. You can identify what they are trying to say with that language,” Blanchett said. For instance, angels are a guide to heaven and purple hyacinth is a symbol of sorrow.
Mourning is not only an expression of grief. It is also the building of community. It is the process of recovery for the traumatized, thereby making it more for the living than the dead.
Sigmund Freud once said that “for successful mourning to take place the mourner must disengage from the deceased, let go of the past, and move on.”
The water was calm and the weather was perfect as the Barefoot Queen made its way south on the IntraCoastal Waterway at North Myrtle Beach. This was it — my river cruise.
I have never wanted to take an ocean cruise but the idea of a Mississippi River cruise has always intrigued me. The cost and the time involved made that an unlikely possibility. But when my daughter and I learned about the riverboat cruise off the coast of South Carolina, we decided it just might be a nice substitute. The authentic wooden riverboat, built in 1974, features two climate-controlled dining areas and three outdoor deck spaces. It looks like an old-fashioned riverboat seen in Western movies.
“Are you going to pilot this boat?” I asked Captain Tuck as he welcomed pas-
NORMA B. DENNIS ndworddesign@gmail.com
sengers from numerous states spread out, finding preferred places inside or out.
that had been grand-fathered into the community.
sengers onboard for the hour and a half ride.
“I am going to paddle it,” he replied smiling, a misleading statement since the paddles at the boat’s stern are for decorative purposes only.
But “paddle” it he did.
The large red and blue paddles appeared to churn the water as the Captain skillfully glided the 70-foot vessel away from the dock and into the waterway. Pas-
They quickly became engaged in the entertaining dialog and variety of songs, many by request, that singer/narrator Les Marple provided throughout the trip.
Among the most interesting details he shared were the depth of the waterway — 9-13 feet, depending on the tide — and the noticeable color of the water.
“The water is clean,” he explained. “It appears dark due to naturally occurring tannins from plants, which give the water a tea-like color.”
The slightly dingy color was best seen in the wake of passing boats, which also gently rocked the larger Barefoot Queen. At one point along the waterway, the houses changed from large to larger as the boat approached the Grande Dunes community. Valued at $2 million and upwards, several belong to well-known celebrities, such as Johnny Depp, Vanna White, Oprah Winfrey and the late Jimmy Buffett. Although the houses were various shapes and sizes, the rooftops were all made of tile to maintain a certain unity. There were some exceptions for a few older homes with shingled roofs
After navigating about seven miles of the scenic watery corridor, Captain Tuck turned the boat around for its trip back to dock at the Barefoot Marina.
One family of six from Fayetteville, N.C., seemed to especially enjoy the sun and scenery.
“We come to North Myrtle Beach often,” the mother said. “But this is the first time we have taken the opportunity to ride on the Barefoot Queen. It has been everything we expected.”
I, too, was impressed with the peaceful scenery, the live entertainment and the friendly staff. Of course, I
cannot pretend it was in anyway a substitute for a Mississippi River cruise, but it was relaxing. And it did add another element of fun to a pleasant weekend with my daughter.
After the cruise, a chat with Captain Tuck revealed he not only spends time providing leisurely rides on the riverboat, he also owns a yacht for his personal pleasure. It was built 52 years ago at Hatteras Yacht on Kivett Drive, now Martin Luther King Jr. Drive in
before the
The saying must be true, it is indeed a small world after all.
Photo courtesy High Point Museum
High Point,
company moved to New Bern, N.C.
Captain Tuck welcomed norma and every guest as they arrived for a cruise aboard the Barefoot Queen.
Les Marple’s songs and factual dialog kept those on board entertained during the hour and a half cruise.
Kenyon, a deckhand on the Barefoot Queen, took time to chat with norma.
The wake from passing boats gently rocked the larger Barefoot Queen.
Photos by Norma B. Dennis and submitted although built solely to enhance the boat’s appearance, the blue and red paddles on the boat’s stern seemed to churn the water as it moved along the waterway.
