Tyrrell County’s Country Magazine September 2014
www.ScuppernongGazette.com Photo by Ingrid Lemme
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PUBLISHER: INGRID LEMME ~ EDITOR: MARGIE BROOKS
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Quote of the Month
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In many ways, September feels like the busiest time of the year: The kids go back to school, work piles up after the summer's dog days, and Thanksgiving is suddenly upon us. ~ Brene Brown
DEAR READER
Inner Banks
Porches &Decks Arthur Lee McKinney 252-394-5411 www.facebook.com/arthur.mckinny Almjusticemckunney@gmail.com
Welcome Ms. Margie
I am delighted to welcome our former editor Margie Brooks back! Ms. Margie is a highly respected, former resident of Swan Quarter who relocated last year to lil' Washington. Over the years,
It seems unreal --but Labor Day weekend is here! It was a good summer, the temperatures were bearable and the mosquitoes on vacation... I really am looking forward to my friends Phyllis and John's visit and going on more day trip adventures with them and discovering more of the surrounding areas and my first she has worked with many nonprofit organizations with a focus on economic and community development in eastern NC. She has agreed to serve as our interim editor while I search for a permanent replacement. Ms. Margie
party on Legion Beach! "Anything that floats, but a boat" is promising to be a fun event and though I didn't build a float, I am looking forward to the sack race and all the other games that were so much fun when I was young! Wishing ya'll a wonderful September and see ya'll this weekend at Legion Beach! Love Ingrid it is a pleasure once again working with you. Ing!d, Publisher
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www.ScuppernongGazette.com September 2014 Photos by Ingrid Lemme
AMERICAN LEGION SCUPPERNONG POST 182! BY INGRID LEMME Serving our great country is an honor and most veterans and service people I have met during my lifetime continue to personify the love and pride they have for the United States of America by continuing to serve through some kind of community involvement. My late husband Sunny, a Vietnam veteran, served for many years as a volunteer fireman and EMT. Our service men and woman and veterans are often pillars of our
communities. This became obvious to me when I finally got to personally meet some of the members of our local American Legion Scuppernong Post 182 at their meeting place on Legion Beach. Across our proud nation, hundreds of local American Legion programs and activities strengthen it - one community at a time. Millions of dollars in donations at the local, state and national levels have been raised to help veterans and their families and to provide college scholarship opportunities. The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to
mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organization. It is committed to mentoring youth and the sponsorship of wholesome programs in local communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and the continued devotion to fellow service members and veterans. Tyrrell County veterans who served in World War I organized the local Post which was chartered in the mid-1940s. The property, home of the Post, was donated by the Smith Family in honor of their son, Norman E. Smith, a veteran killed in World War II. Membership consists of local Tyrrell County veterans and
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veterans who have relocated to the county. Presently there are sixty members representing veterans from all of the wars and conflicts since World War II. Bill Voliva is the Post 182 Commander and the ViceCommander is Gary Schmidt. The other local officers are Adjutant Rudy Patrick; Finance Officer/Treasurer Leroy Spivey; Post Service Officer Mike Crowder; Chaplain Walter Davenport; Sergeant-at-Arms Howard Liverman; and Historian Ray McClees (who is unfortunately missing on the cover photo). Commander Bill Voliva explained: “Post 182 is responsible for serving its
members, maintaining and enhancing its facilities and promoting and serving the local community. Presently, the Post promotes other local civic organizations such as Friends of the Tyrrell County Public Library. Programs in the local school system are also sponsored such as Boys State, Student Trooper and the summer Baseball League. We actively participate in local events such as The Scuppernong Riverfest Parade, Rivertown Christmas, the Veterans Day Ceremony and the Memorial Day Service. Post 182 is very fortunate to have a group of talented veterans who strongly believe in their country, family and local community.
The Post appreciates the support and participation of the local community.” Post 182 meets monthly (second Monday evening). Tony Harrell (39, United States Marine Corps) laughs: “I joined because a fellow member asked me to come just to check it out - this is my 6th year! I think Howard Liverman’s cheese biscuits keep members coming back, too! LOL! I enjoy listening to the guys talking about their service time and Columbia's history. I've learned so much about the community from them. I truly enjoy the camaraderie and we're always looking to add new members.”
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Leroy Spivey Post 182’s Finance Officer says: “For many years The American Legion Scuppernong Post 182 and Legion Beach has been a special place for the citizens of Tyrrell County. It will continue to be as the Post makes upgrades and repairs to the building and grounds that are made possible by the support given by the community. The members would like to extend their appreciation to the community for their past and future support.”
www.ScuppernongGazette.com September 2014 Photo by Ingrid Lemme
With Bill Voliva as their Commander, this diverse group of men seems to be well represented. “Legion Beach” is the kind of place where these dignified men can let their guard down, relax with a cold beer and watch the sun set on the Albemarle Sound as they share memories and plan for their future. And it seems that almost everyone who spend summers or grew up in Tyrrell has a story to tell about Legion Beach. Roland Marshall (some might remember him as Butch) wrote: “I spent a lot of time visiting my grandparents in the 1960’s. I had a lot of good times - swimming, playing pool, and dancing to the tunes of the 60’s coming from the juke box. On some Friday and Saturday nights there were so many people there they would be sitting outside on the picnic tables. Legion Beach was the only place close to Columbia where the teenagers could go. There are really a lot more memories I could possibly write about.”
Local artist Barbara Fleming is one of the kids that grew up on Legion Beach. She says: “I LOVE the American Legion beach! Always have, always will. And now I look forward to the upcoming events, and the ‘Anything that Floats but a Boat’ race on Labor Day weekend.” Legion Beach is located on the Albemarle Sound. Along with the solidly built clubhouse, a
beautiful new covered multi-use open shed was recently added. The concrete slab for the shed was laid by Olian Spencer. There are four large picnic tables. Three of the tables dedicated to the late Mrs. Sue Spivey by her husband Leroy Spivey and her brother Bill Voliva and other members of the family. It has the feel of a spiritual place with well-kept
grounds and a wooden walkway that leads out to the swimming pier. This dock has become my sanctuary. Whenever the weather is good I bike here with my yoga mat and do my stretching. I really feel blessed that I live just up the road and only a block from the Sound. On a nice day I sometimes sit here to write (I am working on a book or on my magazines). How appropriate to write the Legion Beach story here at Legion Beach on a mild summer afternoon, protected from the sun! Leroy Spivey, Post 182’s Finance Officer says: “For many years The American Legion Scuppernong Post 182 and Legion Beach has been a special place for the citizens of Tyrrell County. It will continue to be as the Post makes upgrades and repairs to the building and grounds that are made possible by the support given by the community. The members would like to extend their appreciation to the community for their past and future support.”
Tyrell County’s Veterans Administration (VA) Service Officer, Mike Crowder (who is also the Service Officer for Post #182), is available to help veterans and their families with questions regarding their VA benefits and completing the forms necessary to apply for those benefits. He can also help veterans obtain copies of their military records. His services are free. His office is located at 801 Main Street in Columbia. His office hours are every Wednesday from 10 am until noon. At other times, Crowder may be reached on his cell phone 252-706-0418.
www.ScuppernongGazette.com September 2014 Photo by Ingrid Lemme
ORGANIC FARMING: WHAT IT IS AND MORE!
control.” So let’s break this down some more. Crop rotation is a basic practice that most conventional agriculturalists use to help manage pests. It entails the rotation of various crops over the years on the same land to keep the number of certain pests away thereby lowering the
BY: ERIC GODWIN Organic farming is growing more globally now than ever before due to individuals becoming more and more aware of where their food comes from and how it is grown. They want to know how it is planted, raised, cared for, harvested, and processed. So here are the big questions: What is organic farming? How long has organic farming been around? How big of an impact does organic farming have on our environment and economy? Is organic farming more efficient and healthier when compared to conventional agricultural production? Well, let’s find out! What is Organic Farming? According to Wikipedia, organic farming is defined as “a form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost, and biological pest
specifically in organic farming due to the use of natural pesticides on the crops. Green manure is basically a cover crop that is grown and plowed into the soil to act as a fertilizer to help replenish the soil after a crop has been harvested. Compost is decaying organic matter (mainly plant material) that is decomposed and used to fertilize the land. Most people compost simple things at home such as salad and fruit scraps, grass clippings, and pulled weeds.
How long has organic farming been around?
Note that the photos that we chose to accompany Mr. Godwin’s story were taken at Green Valley Farms in Tyrrell County. I like to thank the owner of Green Valley Farms and his crew for allowing me to take the photos there! ~ Ingrid Lemme, Publisher
risk of having to use an insecticide on the crop. Using crop rotation as part of their integrated pest management practices the farmer can save a ton of money. This is practiced
Organic farming has been used in the United States since the 1940s. At first, it was not very popular, but in recent years the idea of preserving natural resources and eating healthier has helped it make a comeback. People starting growing vegetables organically on a small experimental scale to feed their own families or to feed their own livestock. It has now grown into full-scale operations that have stringent requirements that must be met in order for
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the products to carry the organic label. How big of an impact does organic farming have on our environment and economy? Organic farming has a huge impact on our environment by reducing the amount of pesticide run-off into our water supply. One favorable practice puts buffer zones in place to prevent potential runoff from entering our waterways and another uses natural fertilizers and pesticides on the crops. Compared to conventional farming, organic
www.ScuppernongGazette.com September 2014 Photos by Ingrid Lemme
farming does not have a large impact on our economy, but it is growing. It is estimated that organic farming boosts the United States’ economy by over $22.9 billion annually. Is organic farming more efficient and healthier when compared to conventional agricultural production? To some people, organic farming is an efficient way of supplying food for our global economy. Personally, I do not
believe it is as efficient as conventional agriculture. I think that organic farming is a great way of showing our agricultural diversity and it does help impact our environment and economy, but it is not efficient. There is little scientific evidence that shows that organic farming products are healthier than conventional farming products. The best part of the whole organic farming vs. conventional farming debate is that it is making more people aware of agriculture and its importance.
"4-H DELEGATION ATTENDS ANNUAL ELECTRIC CONGRESS.
A delegation from Tyrrell County attended the 67th annual 4-H Electric Congress July 14-16 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee. Two hundred 4-H'ers, adult leaders and NC Cooperative Extension Agents from 59 counties attended the three day event. Since 1947, Duke Energy and Dominion North Carolina Power have
TYRRELL COUNTY 4-H! YOUNG CHEFS "Fifteen Tyrrell County 4-H'ers participated in the "Young Chefs" program over the summer! This program was designed for the Cloverbud age 4-H'ers, ages 5-8! They focused on learning manners and basic etiquette skills in the kitchen and at the dinner table! Participants cooked and prepared several dishes during their 2 day camp!
sponsored the annual congress to emphasize energy conservation and safe electricity use. The 4-H electric energy program is one of the most
popular activities among Tar Heel 4-H'ers. The 4-H program is a youth education program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, based at North
Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State Universities. More than 227,782 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 20,333 adult and youth volunteers. Pictured from left are Buddy Swain (adult volunteer), Layah Fauth, Melva Lilley (adult volunteer), Jon Mark Swain, Margo Lilley, Jacob Fauth, Michelle Williams (COSS Administrative Assistant) and Wayne Huddleston, business relations manager, agriculture market, Duke Energy.
"TYRRELL COUNTY 4-H’ERS EARN TOP HONORS AT STATE 4H CONGRESS Two Tyrrell County 4H’ers received top honors during the recent State 4-H Congress. This year’s 4-H Congress, held in Raleigh June 21-24, attracted 541 youth and their adult leaders for activities including presentations on a variety of subjects, leadership and citizenship training, service opportunities, officer elections and more. Grace Swain, 17, daughter of Buddy and Susan Swain of Columbia, was inducted into the 4-H Honor Club, one of the highest honors a 4-H’er can achieve. New Honor Club members were tapped during a candlelight ceremony Saturday night, June 21. Membership in the Honor Club is based on service to the 4-H program, leadership, moral standards, 4-H activities and project achievement. Less than one-half of 1 percent of North Carolina 4-H’ers are selected for membership each
year. Members must be at least 16 years old and have a minimum of three years 4-H experience.
knowledge of a variety of subjects. He won the 11- to 13year-old division of the open class competition.
Swain is a junior in home school and a member of the Columbia Seniors and Sew Simple Teens 4-H clubs. She has been active in the 4-H program for 11 years. Swain also received the Dr. Eloise Cofer Family & Consumer Science trophy at an awards reception held Monday,
Jon Mark Swain, 10, son of Buddy and Susan Swain of Columbia, won 2nd place in the Cecil & Leonard Competition! Nine 4-H'ers from Tyrrell County attended Congress at NCSU! Mackaen Coltrain, Emily Sawyer, Catherine Suter, Grace Swain, Elizabeth Suter, Letty Swain-Hernandez, Gabby Smith, Elana Fauth & Layah Fauth. Layah Fauth, 13, was chosen from the District competition to open the ceremonies with the singing of the National Anthem!
June 23. Three state trophy winners were recognized at the event. Sam Clough, 10, son of Mark & Karen Clough of Columbia won silver in his division, Agriculture Science for his presentation on Potatoes. Jacob Fauth, 11, son of Michael and Miriam Fauth of Columbia, won gold in a contest designed to test 4-H’ers’
The 4-H program is the youth education program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension, based at North Carolina State and North Carolina A&T State Universities. More than 227,782 young people between the ages of 5 and 19 participate in North Carolina 4-H activities each year with the help of 20,333 adult and youth volunteers. To get involved in the 4-H program in Tyrrell County please contact 4-H Agent, Bridget Spruill @ 252-796-1581 or e-mail bridget_spruill@ncsu.edu
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‘ROUND THE OLD OAK TREE BY BARBARA SNELL KREBS
A few years back (OK, more than a few.) when my daughter turned three, we threw the typical children’s birthday party--ice cream, games, crafts, etc. And since Colette was lucky enough to be born in August, she had many outdoor birthday parties. (Better to have the wee beasties running amok outside rather than inside, don’t you think?) At any rate, we were hosting about eight to ten little girls in our back yard with lots of games to keep them occupied. Of course in this age group, some
parents tend to stay at the party and lend a hand (thank goodness!), and so we moms were keeping half an eye on the girls while we talked. I had evidently turned away to do something and when I looked back, Colette was leading a pack of girls up to the top of her swing set. There was a ladder that ran the length of the top of the set, which she liked to climb on and crawl across. Typical Colette behavior, so I thought nothing of it. That is, until I noticed a couple of the other moms, whose faces were pale, eyes were big, and whose expressions ranged from horrified to terrified. I looked back at the swing set to see what dreadful thing might be happening. Were wolves chasing them? Had a crazed ax murderer suddenly appeared in our yard? But I could see nothing amiss. Colette was sitting happily on top of her swing set like she always did and was coaxing the other girls to come join her. And that’s when it dawned on me. The other women were appalled at the thought of ANY child dangling six feet above the earth. So I did the only thing I knew to do. I herded them all back to terra firma and distracted them with food. I would like to say that I
learned my lesson, but I didn’t. How could I? From as far back as I can remember, one of my favorite past times was tree climbing. The higher, the better. And I had done nothing to discourage my daughter. On the contrary, I’d smiled lovingly as she developed her own passion for trees and climbing. So if you’re like me, you remember certain trees as though they were favorite buddies, because obviously, they were! Two in particular stand out in my mind. Though both are now gone, when I was a kid, they loomed large--both figuratively and literally. At that time we lived in the house that stands on the corner of Sound Side Road and Deweys Pier Road. I loved both trees for different reasons. The first, a pine tree, was tall and
perfect for climbing. I would ascend as high as I could until the tree began to lean a little under my weight, and I knew it wouldn’t be safe to go any further. But at that height, I could see over the roof of my two-story house, so I knew I was up in the clouds! Heaven, indeed. I also built a tree house in that tree, and by that, I mean I managed to nail three boards to two relatively level branches. OK, so it tilted a little, but I could drag a book up to my platform, lean against the rough bark of the tree, inhale the tar scent of the pine and enjoy quiet time in my arboreal haven. And though my physical body may have been in that tree, my mind was often soaring wherever that book took me. And that leads me to my second tree, the old oak. We knew it was old because it was HUGE! I played a game of walking on the portion of its roots that were above ground,
never once touching the soil as I circumnavigated the girth of that centuries-old tree. During the summer, the bookmobile used to park under that oak, using its vast swath of shade to offer some protection from the sweltering seasonal sun. The bookmobile was supposed to park at Miz Annie Van Horn’s store, a few
When I was a kid I had insomnia about once a week. The kind where you can’t fall asleep no matter what you do. Tossing and turning, bed became a miserable place to be. So once the 11:00 news was off and my parents had gone to bed, I would wait until I was sure they were asleep. And then I would quietly
Photo Caption: This pine tree was a favorite for climbing. To the right, the oak tree offered travelers shade by day, and to a certain little girl, a playground after dark.
hundred yards down the road, but since there was no shade there, it wasn’t long before the vehicle migrated to our yard. The tree also played its part in my midnight adventures – no, not that kind! Still, Dad, don’t read this next paragraph!
creep downstairs and out into the night to play in the yard. That oak was one of my favorite nighttime playgrounds because, as challenging as it was to walk across its roots in the daytime, it was exponentially more difficult in the dark. At night, I was a heroine chased by bandits, on a
narrow mountain path, where one misstep meant certain death, crashing onto the boulders below. And yet, speed was of the essence to stay ahead of my pursuers. Or I was being chased by pirates, running across narrow shipboard planks, where tripping meant falling into the crocodile-infested waters beneath. Of course, I sometimes had to interrupt my game to hide from oncoming cars. I was pretty sure that if someone spotted me in the yard that late at night, word would get back to my parents, so at the first hint of a vehicle, I would simply walk behind the tree and let its wide
trunk hide me. Doubtless, whoever was driving home that late at night probably wasn’t paying attention to anything at the side of the road, but I wasn’t taking any chances. And so now I have my own tree climber on my hands. Colette’s favorite tree is a maple in our front yard. She named it Treeco, and she has lured many a friend into its welcoming branches. I happily sacrificed the pachysandra underneath it so she could enjoy the same pleasure that I knew as a child in a tree. Oh, and even years later, Colette was still terrifying other moms with her climbing exploits. When she was about
10, a neighbor called to tell me Colette was in the tree in our front yard. “Oh, don’t worry about it. She climbs that tree all the time,” I replied. “But you don’t know how high she is!” the concerned neighbor protested. “OK, I’ll go check on it,” I assured her. But I didn’t really need to check. I knew EXACTLY how high she was-as far up as she could go without the branches breaking. They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. At least in this case, that seems just about right.
Save # Dates!
“IT’S SCUPPERNONG TIME” BY ANN WARD, PRESIDENT GREATER TYRRELL COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The fall is such a wonderful time of the year to live on or near the Scuppernong River. We still have boating and fishing activity taking place and the leaves will soon start to turn colors. We also have a wonderful festival that will take place on October 11 -our 23rd Annual Scuppernong River Festival. This year will be even more special as we celebrate all of the wonderful attributes of living here. The theme for this year’s festival is “Goodness Grows on the Scuppernong,” and how true that is! We will showcase local agriculture, crafts, home made
goodies and much more! Tshirts for the event are on sale at the Town Hall and County Administrative Building. We will also have local and visiting vendors (with some new Main Street and food vendors). New activities are planned which will be a treat for the young and old alike. Our morning and afternoon
entertainment will feature local and visiting artists and our evening entertainment will star two local bands, Jonny Waters & Company and Ty Fleming and Blackwater.
We have special guests
participating in the parade as well as showcasing their talents during the day including Miss North Carolina, Miss Goldsboro, and our NC Watermelon Queen. If the weather permits, we will have helicopter rides and water activities during the day. Although fall will technically be over, we want everyone to reserve December 4-7 and make plans to attend Columbia’s Rivertown Christmas, sponsored by the Greater Tyrrell County Chamber of Commerce. It will feature four days of wonderful food, fellowship and fun to start off the holiday season! Yes, it is truly Scuppernong Time and you don’t want to miss out on it! www.visittyrrellcounty.com
POCOSIN
PONDERINGS… BY JOSHUA CRAIG Pocosin Arts is abuzz with excitement over all of the things that are happening in the month of September. Our After School Art Classes begin September 3rd and 4th with General Art classes for students in grades 2nd through 5th each Wednesday and grades 6th through 9th each Thursday. Classes are held from 4-6 pm. Painting, drawing, sculpting, collage and more are all covered in these 6 weekly classes. The 6-week sessions are only $65 dollars and scholarships are available. To register please visit: www.pocosinarts.org/afterschool-programming Our building at 201 main street is undergoing renovations to raise the ground floor above flood elevation and to expand and upgrade the metals and ceramic studio areas. We are excited to see the project progress and photos will be posted on our Facebook page from now until the project is finished. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/
Pocosin-Arts/34605651534 to keep up with all of our upcoming programs and follow the renovations from start to finish. The Pocosin Arts Resident Program was begun in 2007. Now in its 7th year, we are delighted to welcome our two newest resident artists who
will be arriving in early September. Stephanie Klausing, a ceramic artist from the San Mateo, CA (a suburb of San Francisco) and Samantha Clarke, a metalsmith/jewelry artist and recent ECU graduate will be in residence through December. Our staff is busy preparing for our upcoming Pocosin Arts Benefit Auction and Low Country Boil which will be held on Saturday, October 4. We have been busy
contacting artists, photographing work, preparing the catalog, making arrangements for tents, tables, food, music, and much more. Those who remember the good times of Pocosin Arts’ "Steamed Blue to Red Hot Lively" annual hard crab dinner and auction will love our new take on the familiar theme.
For more information about this event and to make your reservations, visit www.pocosinarts.org/benefitauction. For more information about Pocosin Arts, visit us at www.pocosinarts.org and be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook so you’ll receive up-to-the-minute event details. We’d always love to see you in person at our gallery, 201 Main Street in downtown Columbia.
SUMMER STAFF CREATES SUCCESSFUL CAMP SEASON BY SARA LILLEY PHELPS Chase Luker, Program Director of the Eastern 4-H Center does not take the job of recruiting and hiring summer camp staff lightly. The task doesn’t last a week or even a month, it is constant. Like the 4H Motto, “To Make the Best Better”, Chase applies this philosophy to every camp staff hire. The summer staff at the Eastern 4-H Center consists of camp counselors, program leaders, lifeguards, lead counselors and the camp director. These positions are generally filled with students, entering or attending college, completing degrees and masters programs. They come from homes in our community, our state and even our world (international staff). During the camp season, summer staff become a part of the Eastern 4-H Center and its community. Despite their life experiences, they all leave our area with a new appreciation for the environment, the people who live here and the youth that they
have served throughout the summer. The following is just a glimpse of some of the experiences as told by the Eastern 4-H Center’s summer staff. Not too far down the road in Gates County traveled camp counselors, Xavier Roscoe and Jerick Garrett. Once a 4-H camper himself, Xavier has always wanted to work at the Eastern 4-H Center. He arrived to summer staff training straight from his high school graduation and plans to begin his college
studies in the fall. As a camp counselor, he has the constant responsibility of campers, ‘round the clock. Xavier finds the Center most unique because of its size and the acres that surround the Center and makes it secluded. As for our community, Xavier states that “it’s similar to Gates County and reminds me of home”. Jerick’s impression of
Columbia is like Xavier’s, “the community, although small is great because you almost become a local because you see the same faces at the only places to go.” Jerick is a rising senior at NC State University, majoring in parks, recreation and tourism management. His long term goal is to one day, manage a facility much like the Eastern 4-H Center or a community center with programs for youth and adult alike. As a camp counselor, he feels that his job is to provide and safe and friendly atmosphere for his campers. Jerick’s goals for the summer have been met through the youth that he has served at camp, for example, “it’s great to hear a shy kid singing a camp song as loud as they can and smiling with their new friends . . . I only have to worry about how to make them stop for lights out.” Camp staff also travel across our great state of North Carolina to work at the Eastern 4-H Center. Just west along highway 64, health coordinator, Courtney Shearin calls Rocky Mount “home”. Unlike the other camp staff, she has spent the last year at the Eastern 4-H Center. Courtney completed her bachelor’s degree at UNCWilmington in 2013 and
continued working at the center after last summer’s camp season. As health coordinator, Courtney has the responsibility of administering first aid and medications to campers. “This being my 2nd summer at the 4-H Center, I hope to build on the knowledge I obtained last year and bring that knowledge into my future career as a pediatric occupational therapist.” Since Courtney has lived in the area for the past year, she feels “that this
community is beautiful and quaint”. From the capital city of Raleigh, Emmanuel Horton is the lead male camp counselor this summer. Emmanuel is a senior at NC State University studying to be an industrial engineer. His daily work ensures that every camper has “a fair, safe and fun experience.” His “goal for the summer is to leave lasting, positive impressions on each and every life I come in contact with, including staff and campers
alike.” Emmanuel has enjoyed the opportunity to work at the Eastern 4-H Center and considers the center most unique, “from the elegant view of the sunset, to the cleanliness of the modernized buildings and cabins; it provides a camp experience like no other.” Emmanuel also appreciates the small town community because you get to know everyone on a first name basis. Driving across the state, counselors from Asheville,
Charlotte, Monroe, and Hayesville made their way to the Eastern 4-H Center for the summer. Leaving the mountains for the coast, James Goethe returned to summer campas this year’s camp logistics coordinator. From daily supplies to adventure camping, James secures all items that are needed minute by minute. As a rising senior in environmental technology, James plans to join the Peace Corp after graduation, then pursue his graduate degree. “I chose to spend my summer here because I not only love the location, but my co-workers here are second to none.” James commends the small town community as “extremely open and responsive towards creating a caring and safe environment.” Edward Kageorge left the Queen City of Charlotte to join the summer camp staff as recommended by his friend and summer camp co-worker, Joseph Rickards. As the rock wall instructor (challenge course/team building), Edward secures all elements for the safety of campers. He came to the center to help youth “overcome fears” and challenge themselves for greatness. Edward’s goal for the summer is to “build futures, help
kids accomplish goals or gain new experiences.” For himself, he hopes to “refocus my own goals in life and climb over my own walls in life.” Whether on challenge course or the center’s dock in view of a summer sunset, Edward chose to spend his summer here because it’s “a change of pace from the city life of Charlotte . . . I love working outdoors and seeing others excel at their own achievements.” Camp counselors, Sharice and Tiffany traveled east to join their
co-workers this summer. Both have ‘round the clock responsibilities with campers throughout the week. Sharice, from Monroe, NC is a business student attending NC State University. Her job duties include 24-hour care of campers, “my duty is to make camp fun for campers in a safe environment.” She admits that coming to rural eastern North Carolina was an
adjustment, “when I first came, I didn’t know what to expect but I don’t think I expected such a nice facility. It’s definitely a beautiful campus!” Tiffany, a rising senior at Western Carolina University, is a NC teaching fellow planning to teach high school science. With her campers in tow, songs can be heard before you even see Tiffany’s group! Tiffany’s goal for her summer camp experience is to “ensure all camper have the best experience and safest experience possible. I want this to be the summer camp they never forget.” Tiffany also left her home in the mountains for the coast. She was most surprised by the Center’s “quality of the amenities as well as the location (Center’s) at the bay . . . very different from summer camps back home in the mountains.” Despite the distance from home, Tiffany thinks that Columbia is “the only other town I’ve been to that truly reminds me of home. I come from a town with 2.5 traffic lights and it’s good to find other small towns with personality.” As stated above, summer camp counselors come from down the road, highway and even by plane! International staff are chosen
through the assistance of CCUSA – Camp Counselors USA. All campers (and staff) have the opportunity to learn the culture and facts from the international counselors. In the past fourteen summers, counselors have come from all corners of the world to work at the Eastern 4-H Center. Louis Adam, an international staff member, is from England – the United Kingdom. Louis returned this summer as the waterfront aquatics coordinator who strives
for “safety and learning in a new environment”. Louis has completed his master’s degree in civil engineering and credits summer camp for teaching him “a lot of practical and people skills that I will continue to use in life.” As for the center’s location and the uniqueness of its community, “the location and setting for the surrounding community is quintessentially characteristic of southern culture and offers a friendly atmosphere for foreign visitors.” Louis also
acknowledges that in his summers at the Eastern 4-H Center, “I have found: friends for life, skills that will go with me throughout my career, and family that will forever tie me to North Carolina.” Quality staff and their commitment to the 4-H youth in North Carolina makes the summer camp program successful at the Eastern 4-H Center. For more information about summer camp and programs at the Eastern 4-H Center, contact Chase Luker at 252 797-4800 or chase_luker@ncsu.edu
GOT MUD?
“IT’S COMPLICATED” ST. ANDREW’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH INVITES ALL TO ATTEND
“Tyrrell County’s Opportunities and Challenges” All presentations are at 7 PM Starting September 17, 2014 with Dr. Christine Avenarius Professor of Anthropology, East Carolina University: ”Managing Water In and Around Tyrrell County: Local Voices on How to Reconcile Economic and Ecological Needs”
October 15, 2014: Kim Wheeler, Executive Director, Red Wolf Coalition: “Living with Red Wolves” November 12, 2014: Ladd Bayliss, Coastal Advocate, NC Coastal Federation: “Working with NC Watermen to Remove Abandoned Fishing Gear” -Please plan to join in refreshments afterwards.
Photo below by Frances Smyth
DECIMA ET QUINTA DECIMA MODO TYPI
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Winner of the MSG Weight Loss Competition is Doris Bailey, she lost 20lbs in 3 1/3 weeks through exercising and watching her diet! 14 people had signed up and 4 were actively competing. Runner up is Ann Ludford, she lost 11 lbs and 3rd place is Janie Gibbs, she lost 4 lbs. 1st price was a $30 Gift Card for Food Lion, 2nd price $20 and 3rd price $10. Congratulations Miss Doris!
EPIC JOURNEY LEADS THROUGH COLUMBIA PEOPLE ON THE MOVE… WALKING! BY INGRID LEMME For me, meeting Karl Bushby for the first time was like looking into the eye of the matrix of our world geography. Since the dawn of human evolution, humans have migrated across continents in search of food, shelter, safety, and more hospitable weather. And, in many cases, people on the move didn't
fly or travel by boat - they walked - just as people have for eons. But let me start from the beginning. I recently walked into our local vinery on a nice Sunday afternoon for a cup of coffee at Elements, a little coffee shop located within the wine shop “Vineyards on the Scuppernong.” Seleni Gonzalez, the young lady behind the counter, promptly greeted me and pointed out a gentleman sitting at one of the tables, working on his laptop. “The man is a National Geographic walker, he walks around the world,” she was clearly excited.
I introduced myself to
Karl Bushby and learned that he is trying to complete the longest walk in history - unless the Russians stop him. He had just arrived from Plymouth, pushing his belongings on his cart called “The Beast” across the bridge and into Columbia. A camera is attached to his gear documenting his globe-crossing journey. As we visited, the handsome, weathered, and humbly charming 45-year old man shared his fascinating story. Presently, he is on his 3,000-mile walk from Los Angeles and headed to the Russian Embassy in Washington, DC where he hopes to convince the Russian government to grant
him a visa so he can complete the longest continuous walk in human history. On November 1, 1998, at the age of 29, Bushby began walking from Punta Arenas, Chile at the southern tip of South America. Everything he owned was in "The Beast" and he only had $300 in his pocket. Since then he has traversed the entire length of South and North America, completed the first recorded crossing of the Bering Strait on foot and progressed two-thousand miles into Siberia. His goal is to finish the remainder of his journey across Asia and Europe back to England. To date, he has walked 20,000 miles of
the 36,000-mile journey over the course of 15 years.
town seemed a long way to push “The Beast.”
At this point I asked Karl if there was anything I could do to help him. “Yes there was either accommodations at one of the local shelters or a place to set up his tent for the night,” was his request. Of course I mentioned the Brickhouse Inn, our local Bread & Breakfast, but I understood that might exceed his limited budget.
In the meanwhile, Mrs. Everett of Everett Marine at Cypress Cove, and her daughter came into the winery and the three of us debated the possibilities. Mrs. Everett even called Pastor Larry Chandler of the Wesley Memorial Church to ask for assistance. When Pastor Larry, who had been attending a local event, returned our call he was happy to provide a bed and shower at the parsonage for the night and even offered dinner and breakfast the next morning at Mike’s Kitchen.
Now I was on a mission finding this fascinating man a place to sleep in a real bed, take a shower, and enjoy a good dinner. I even considered my guest room, but another 5 ½ miles out of
Later that evening I picked up world-walker Karl
www.ScuppernongGazette.com September 2014 Photos by Ingrid Lemme
Bushby for a home-cooked dinner at my house. Througout our meal, which he claimed to thoroughly enjoy, I learned the long story of his epic adventure, known as the “Goliath Expedition.” A British ex-paratrooper, walking adventurer, and author, Bushby is currently attempting to be the first person to completely walk an unbroken path around the world. The Goliath Expedition is his attempt to walk around the world "with unbroken footsteps,” from Punta Arenas, Chile, to his home in Hull, England. I was so moved by his story that when I dropped him off at the parsonage later that evening, I cried.
You can tract Bushby’s progress with real-time GPS tracking and virtually walk alongside him as he crosses the continent. He also posts frequently via Twitter and Instagram @Bushby3000. Video
clips and photos of his sojourn are available at http:// bushby3000.com – or better yet, meet up with him along his route – walk with him, take him a sandwich, or offer to put him up for a night! Many of the people who crossed his path while he was in Tyrrell County are looking forward to watching the National Geographic special “The Walk Around the World” produced by House of Cards’ producer Beau Willimon and filmmaker Jordan Tappis which airs on September 10. I wonder if there will be a tiny segment in there about the little town across the bridge… Please click here to link to Karl Bushby’s book GIANT STEPS
A RARE EASTERN NC ROADSIDE FIND… A PITCHER PERFECT PLANT BY ROBERT LETHCO, JR. The first pitcher plant I saw was at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill. It is one of our many unique species of plants in North Carolina. One of several species of carnivorous plants, it depends on the nutrients obtained from animal protoplasm. It has a very powerful fragrance similar to the bearded iris that attracts small frogs and insects to its hungry ‘throat’. Once the frog or bug is inside the tube (pitcher of the
plant) the top closes shut. The inside of the pitcher plant is slippery and grooved in such a way that their unwitting prey cannot climb out. During digestion the prey is converted into a solution of amino acids, peptides, phosphates, ammonium and urea, from which the plant obtains its mineral nutrition (particularly nitrogen and phosphorus). The plant absorbs the phosphorus & nitrogen from the frog or insects' bodies. Even though I first learned about pitcher plants over 24 years ago, it was just June of this year that I finally stumbled onto them in Tyrrell County. As I was returning from a nature expedition, I spotted a bright yellow flower alongside the road. It turned out that down a one-
eighth stretch of road, there were well over 50,000 Sarracenia flava, also known as yellow pitcher plants, pitfall traps or trumpets. The rarest of the more than 70 known varieties of carnivorous plants, they start being visible around April and May in Eastern North Carolina. By late August or early September they die back. They can grow to 4-feet in height and are found both in clusters or individually. Their opening can be as much as 6-inches in diameter. They have two drooping bright yellow flowers. Carnivorous plants grow where the soil is acidic and poor and lacks any nutrients. This is one of the most amazing discoveries you will find in Eastern North Carolina.
SUMMER SHREDDIN’ TOUR BY JACK PIERCE, CONNOR ROUGHTON, AND DEAN ROUGHTON
In addition to the magnificent natural resources, one of the things that attracts people to Tyrrell County is our low population density. Simply put, with the exception of the bypass on summer weekends, Tyrrell does not have to deal with the same kinds of problems as other areas in regards to traffic, high crime rate, and all those other undesirable things that come along with piling people on top of one another. People appreciate the slower, less hectic pace of Tyrrell. The flip side of that coin is, that because there are fewer people to add to the tax base, Tyrrell County is limited is some ways as to what it can offer its citizens. Recreational facilities definitely fall under that
category. While there are quite a few people willing to (and many do) volunteer their time for kids, there just aren’t the physical resources like some other places have. For example, there are absolutely no public skateboarding facilities in Tyrrell.
Tyrrell to find the ideal location for their skill levels. Representing the beginning skater is Jack Pierce, my nephew, and part-time resident of Tyrrell during the summer months. My son, Connor, also spends a good deal of his summer in Columbia and offers a perspective for skaters with a Luckily, another draw medium skill level. And I, well, I for our county is its proximity to provide the parents’ perspective of “OMG, it’s hot out here, I Roanoke Island: Connor Roughton wore my winter and Jack Pierce at Roanoke Island Skatepark fat by mistake, are ya’ll ready to go yet???” In addition, with the parents’ point of view, I limited our visits to skateparks that are absolutely free. the Outer Banks, an area whose tourist based economy yields a stronger tax base to support recreational facilities. In fact, it seems just about every township on the OBX has its own skate park. With that in mind, my co-authors and I set out to investigate a few of them to help any would be skaters from
Our first stop was Roanoke Island Skatepark located at 500 Uppowac Street in Manteo, which is situated back behind the Roanoke Island Campus of College of the Albemarle. In our experiences, this park does not have a high volume of usage. In addition, there are no other recreation facilities at this site.
Jack’s novice offers a fitness trail, children’s as afternoons. In addition to the perspective: The best feature is playground, and bathrooms. skatepark, you will also find a that there’s a lot of flat ground playground, walking trail, picnic Jack: Its ok for people that you can just ride on. But area, bathrooms, and even a who’ve done it awhile, but for the beginner will not like all the dog park. beginners, I don’t think you steep ramps. Fun Factor: 8 should ride here. There are too Jack: This skatepark is Connor’s medium skill level many hard ramps and high awesome. It has everything a perspective: The distance drop offs. It’s just really hard. beginner would want like ramps between the ramp and the Fun Factor: 4 that aren’t as steep and aren’t as quarter pipe allows you time to fast, and there are not as many Connor: It was lose speed, so you don’t hit the people, so you don’t get mixed awesome. I like all the big pipe too fast. Also, if you have a up. But the bowl is high ollie, you can pretty hard and not make it up on a good for beginners. long, low wall Fun Factor: 9 which you can Connor: grind on. But on It’s one of my top the other end, the space between the three favorite parks to skate at. I like ramp and the the bowl. I like the quarter pipe makes way there are two you bust your tail ramps, a smaller on it. Also, the grind pipe by the one to get speed up and then a larger steps is too high Aviation: Connor Roughton at Aviation Skatepark one where you can unless you are come off and then really experienced. ramps. There’s a hump in the go up the grinding pole. On the You could bust your face on it. middle, and when you go over Fun Factor: 7 other side, you can go off this that, it feels like you’re not even bigger ramp and then onto a Next up was Aviation in gravity. I didn’t like the places triangle ramp and then onto a Skatepark on Veteran’s Drive in where you are supposed to drop quarter pipe. That’s fun. I like Kill Devil Hills across from First in because they were too steep. this park. But dropping in into Flight High School. Locals Fun Factor: 9 the bowl is not good because explain that the best time to visit you could hurt yourself. Fun After KDH, we shot Aviation is in the morning since Factor: 8 over to Kitty Hawk Skatepark at afternoons can get fairly 900 West Kitty Hawk Road. Our final skatepark was crowded. This location also Again, mornings are not as busy just over the Wright Memorial
The pool is terrible. It’s too big and deep. Only experts should go in there. Fun Factor: 10 On the way Jack Pierce at Kitty Hawk Skatepark back home our last Bridge into Currituck County. stop was Slice Pizzeria at Sound Park is located at 8955 milepost 8.5 in Kill Devil Hills in Caratoke Highway in Point a shopping center next to the Harbor. It has lots to offer Outer Banks Brewing Station. visitors: the skatepark, picnic After you eat pizza, you can visit pavilions with grills, waterside Duck Donuts or Try My Nuts for boardwalk and gazebos, walking some other yummy stuff. trail, volleyball court, softball/ Dean: What I like about baseball fields, tennis courts, two this location is that it has air playgrounds, and even boat ramp conditioning and cold drinks. access. It’s a bit more of a drive Also, the pizza is great and from Tyrrell, but the facilities provides lots of carbs and calories make it worth it if you are to help pack back on the bringing people who want to do insulation layer more than just skate. that you may Jack: What I like about have sweated this park is there are some short off while ramps that beginners can ride on sitting in the and a lot of space to just ride summer heat around on. Beginners won’t like watching the pool or the stairs. Fun Factor: your son and 7 nephew skate for hours Connor: I like the bowl. upon hours. I The ramp is small, but it’s a large highly bowl. I also like the double ramp.
recommend both the White Spinach Pizza and the Chicago Deep Dish Italian Sausage and Pepperoni Pizza. If your kids ask for some of your pizza, it is perfectly acceptable to tell them they already had their own and that they can have a sandwich when they get back to Grandma’s house. I should point out that Island Revolution in Corolla and the Outer Banks YMCA in Nags Head both offer skatepark access as well, but for a charge. We would have visited those, but I needed the money for my second slice of pizza. Hey, don’t judge me. It takes a lot of greasy bread to keep up my girlish figure. On behalf of my coauthors, Jack and Connor, I encourage you to take a kid skating today. WWW.DEANROUGHTON.COM
Dinner at Slice Pizzeria
PRICE REDUCED to $80.000 !!!
Tyrrell County’s Country Magazine September 2014
www.ScuppernongGazette.com Photo by Ingrid Lemme