Front Porch Living January 2012

Home is where the heart is

Sentimental Journey

‘All Aboard’

“Iam happy and healed,” says a

patient of Roanoke-Chowan

Hospital’s Wound Healing

Center.

When you walk into the center, you

will see a bulletin board full of pictures

of patients who are ‘happy and healed.’

If you ask some of the patients there,

you will hear:

‘They went beyond my expectations’

or ‘my feet thank you and I have never

felt better.’

This year the Wound Healing Center

served 127 more new patients than the

year before and received another

“Front-Runner” award from National

Healing, Inc., their parent company and

a leader in the country for wound heal-

ing centers.

“Our center is dedicated to healing

chronic wounds of patients living in

Hertford County and the surrounding

counties,” states Kevin Jones,

program director. “The center

increased the number of pa-

tients served by 12% this past

year and has a higher heal rate

than the national average.”

The wound healing center is

the only one in the area to

offer hyperbaric oxygen treat-

ment that has helped to heal

many patients’ wounds.

“We are extremely proud of

the services we provide and

the personal success stories of many of

our patients,” states Dr. Jamie Udwadia,

medical director for the center.

“Some of our patients suffered with

wounds for years prior to coming to the

wound healing center. With care and

treatment, many wounds have healed

within a few weeks.”

“I was amazed with the expertise of

the staff and how loving they are. They

genuinely care,” concludes another

‘happy and healed’ patient. “Keep on

doing what you’re doing.”

RCH is inviting the community to

partner with the Wound Healing Center

and help patients in need of wound

healing. The hospital has launched a

‘happy and healed’ campaign to assist

uninsured patients with services includ-

ing transportation to the center.

For more information or to help the

campaign, contact Sandra Woodard, Di-

rector of Development, RCH, at 209-

3067.

WoundHealingCenter

continuesto growand heal

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Story by Lisa NewsomeContributed Photos

2 Front Porch Living

Front Porch Living 3

Going back to school for an advanced de-gree is hard enough, but try being a par-ent and working a full-time job, and it’s

even harder to do!Ask Tiffany Riddick, RN, a nurse in the ICU

at Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. “One day I finished up a paper and got it in,

then rushed in to work my shift at the hospital,”says the bright young mother of two twin boys.“I am always looking for ways to improve my-self, and am looking toward the future of nursingthat is going to require more advanced educationin the years to come. I also hope to teach oneday.”

Riddick, who worked part-time as a nursingassistant while completing her associate’s degreein nursing at Roanoke-Chowan Community Col-lege, is now taking pre-requisites to enter ECUSchool of Nursing next year. Part of her decisionto return to school is to be a ‘role model’ for hersons who are 11 years old.

She is not alone. Over 100 staff at the hospi-tal, from nurses and nurse aides, to radiology andrespiratory therapists decided to return to schoolto advance themselves and their healthcare ca-reers.

“People make the difference at our hospital,and we are proud of the 7 nurses who receivedadvanced specialty certifications this year, a 77percent increase in the number of certified nursesat our hospital,” states Nettie Evans, vice presi-dent for patient care services. “Having a highpercentage of nurses with advanced education,such as bachelor’s degrees, and specialty-certi-fied staff are associated with improved patient

safety and quality outcomes.” Many RCH staff enrolled and began the jour-

ney to advanced degrees in the past year. TheresaLangston and Marcia Castellow, respiratory ther-apists, earned bachelor’s degrees and respiratorytherapist Ila Joyner completed the echo-cardiotech program. One social worker earned a mas-ter’s degree.

Tonya Williams, MRI technologist in the ra-diology department, also completed her bache-lor’s degree in health services management atECU this past May.

“It’s always been a goal of mine to pursue ahigher degree, and I hope to pursue a master’s de-gree one day. In this healthcareenvironment, I believe advancededucation helps you to pursuehigher goals,” states Williams.

“We are especially proud of thehigh average grade point averagesof the staff returning to school,”says Evans. “We have some of thebrightest students in school work-ing for us.”

Beth Riddick, RN, educationdepartment, and Angela Jones,RN, medical unit are the nurseswho recently completed BSN(bachelor’s degree in nursing).They admit it was tough, butworth the effort.

“I just earned a bachelor’s de-gree in nursing this year fromECU,” says Jones. “I went backto school for the knowledge and

also to prepare for graduate school.”Jones, who also has a degree in health educa-

tion, hopes to enter other areas of nursing andhealthcare in the future.

“Nurses need to consider the bachelor’s degreeto ‘market’ themselves,” she explains. “A bach-elor’s degree is highly favored for jobs within oursystem and in the healthcare market today.

Jones is also a parent of young children andher twins were 2 years old when she returned toschool this past time.

“All they know is ‘Mommy’ is in school. Iteach my kids to ‘shoot for the stars’ and I try todemonstrate that to them,” concludes Jones.

It’s back toschool for advanced

education andcertification

at RCH

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Story by Lisa NewsomeContributed Photos

Tiffany Riddick, RN

Angela Jones, RN, BSN


Inside this edition

Sentimental Journey

Two local women offer advice on

the best way to get started on re-

searching family history.6Home is where the heart is

Old high school comes alive

again, serving as apartments for

those ages 55 and over. 12Life in the Fast Lane

Gates County youngster enjoys

immediate success as a go-kart

competitor.

Ahoskie based sorority uses vari-

ety of programs to prepare young

ladies to tackle the future. 28All Aboard

Colerain man shares his passion

of collecting model trains by of-

fering free tours of old museum.44

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

The natural andman-made beautyof Fretwell Farm,

located just southof Ahoskie, is

abundant, even inthe dead of winter.

20


Sentimental journey

At some point or another you’ve

wondered about the ancestors that

came before you.

Where did they come from? Who were

they? What was their story? How does it re-

late to who I am? The questions are infinite.

Each year millions of Americans set out

to dig into their family roots, hoping to find

the answers to those many questions.

With the popularity of NBC’s celebrity

genealogy show “Who Do You Think You

Are?”, and Internet resources like Ances-

try.com, delving into your family’s past has

never been such an enticing hobby, and yet

so available to the masses.

Despite the availability of information

and resources literally at your fingertips on-

line and at local agencies, the journey into

your genealogy is just that—a journey. And

just like any journey you must start some-

where and be prepared for the unpredictable

path ahead.

Recently, local researcher Connie Chris-

tison of Conway and author/historian Alice

Eley Jones of Murfreesboro offered tips on

how you can get a jumpstart in your own

family genealogical research.

The search begins at home

From the kitchen of her Conway area

home, Christison recalled how her fascina-

tion with genealogy began with her interest

in the past.

"I think I was born with a bug for it," she

said. "I've always liked history and local

history and family stories, things like that."

While working full time Christison, a

Northampton County native who grew up

in the Ashley’s Grove area, would toy with

her family research, but was unable devote

much time to it. That all changed with re-

tirement. "Since I've retired it's one of my

main hobbies," she said. "And I enjoy shar-

ing it with others and helping others." In the

past Christison offered genealogy classes at

the Elizabeth Sewell Parker Library, shar-

ing the knowledge she gained while re-

searching her own family roots, which she

has traced back into the 1600s.

When beginning to trace your family tree,

Christison suggests beginning with only one

line. “Don’t try to branch out (at the start)

because you will get frustrated with too

many people in there,” she suggested.

“Stick to one line until you feel comfortable

with what you’re doing.”

Both Christison and Jones said first begin

your research by talking with your family.

Old family stories, photographs, the family

Bible and re-reading family letters will give

you a starting point. Christison said when

she began her research she gathered any-

thing anyone in the family had by making

copies of anything she could.

Another thing to arm yourself with is an

objective mind. “The story you hear in the

family may not be the right story,” said

Jones.

Christison agreed.

“The information is great, but unless you

have the source...you really have to have

that source,” Christison said.

During an internship at the North Car-

olina State Archives, Jones worked as a

technician handling the fragile and historic

documents the department houses. Her

work brought her into contact with many re-

searching their family roots, some finding

more (or less) than expected.

“Genealogy is the most dramatic adven-

ture you can take,” said Jones.

She recalled many who visited the

archives looking for a relative who fought

in the Civil War. With a glorious, brave sol-

dier in mind, Jones said many left with that

image erased after finding out their ancestor

was a deserter.

Jones said genealogical research a re-

vealing journey, one filled with things you

may never thought you would find and

things you wished you had never found at

all. She added it’s vital to remember at the

core of it all are stories of humanity, both

triumphs and frailties.

“We’re all too painfully human,” she said.

“Make them (your ancestors) your heroes,

but keep them human.”

Both women said having a sense of your

local and national history can also help your

research.

Local and worldwide resources

Censuses, land, property and tax records,

vital records (birth, marriage and death), are

all part of the paper trail your ancestors

have left for you to find.

Christison said finding these documents

“The past is notdead.

It isn’t even past.”—William FaulknerFamily treasures discovered

during genealogical huntStory and photos by Amanda VanDerBroek

See JOURNEY page 8

Facing Page: Old family photos and docu-ments are a good source of information for

those conducting genealogical research.


can start in your own backyard. Court-

houses, the Register of Deeds, libraries and

even a local cemetery can house the infor-

mation you need to find.

She said the Northampton County Court-

house is a treasure trove for those on a ge-

nealogical hunt. Northampton was formed

in 1741 and Christison said the courthouse’s

documents have never been destroyed.

The same cannot be said for those search-

ing neighboring Hertford County.

"You cry when you know the Hertford

County courthouse burned twice (in 1830

and 1862)," she said. "Sometimes you can't

make the connection if those records are not

there."

Christison noted very few of the docu-

ments in Hertford County did survive.

Land records will give you an idea of

where your ancestors lived and how much

property they owned. Marriage records and

marriage bonds solidify relationships and

often hold the maiden name of the bride and

sometimes the names of her parents. Church

records and any court proceedings can help

with tracing your roots too.

Christison said death certificates, which

were not kept statewide until 1913 in North

Carolina, are often underutilized.

“The neat things about a death certificate,

you kind of discount them, but it gives you

the names of the mother and father,” she

said. “Now you've got something to go back

on.” The Federal Census began in 1790 and

was taken every 10 years after. Christison

said before that some counties took their

own censuses.

Censuses will often connect family mem-

bers by listing those living with the head of

the household that particular year and how

they are related. You can also find out their

occupations, if they were able to read and

write and who their neighbors were.

However, Christison warned of a large

gap in the census records due to a 1921 fire

at the National Archive.

“There is no 1890,” she said. “So we have

a 20 year gap in there that can really throw

you, if you have somebody that was born

during that time and moved out of the house

during that time.”

Christison said libraries are great for re-

search with their genealogy sections and

local history sections. Some libraries often

Local author and historian Alice Eley Jones displays two of her most recent works.

JOURNEY FROM PAGE 7

See JOURNEY page 9


house old newspapers and microfilm.

“Go through everything that you can

find, indexes searching for your surname,”

she said. “You never know what you're

going to pick up.”

At your computer, Christison said “zil-

lions and zillions” of resources literally

wait your fingertips.

Ancestry.com, a genealogy site that re-

quires a paid subscription, offers several

resources from censuses to military

records to immigration records. Cyndi's

List (cyndislist.com), The US GenWeb

Project (usgenweb.org) and GenForum

(genforum.genealogy.com) also offer

plenty of resources for free.

Challenges for black Americans

For black Americans the genealogical

journey can be even more arduous than the

typical.

Jones said the best way to start that jour-

ney is working from your own generation

back.

While most blacks will be able to trace

their family through censuses and other

vital records, it’s prior to the end of the

Civil War where the research becomes

more difficult.

Delving into the long history of slavery

in the United States can be a painful expe-

rience, especially when it concerns your

own ancestors.

“Genealogy can be painful,” said Jones.

Under the cruelty of slavery, blacks were

not considered individuals but property in-

stead.

Jones and Christison said deeds, taxation

records and slave owner wills that be-

queath slaves to another family member or

freeing them will help blacks trace their

slave roots.

Slave schedules, which were added to the

Federal Census in 1850 and 1860, can also

be helpful, but it was not required that each

slave be listed by name. Plantation records

often kept by the slave owners also have the

ability to shed light on ancestors.

In 1860, records referred to as “slave pa-

pers” were kept in most counties. Slave pa-

pers are a collection of an array of

information from civil cases regarding own-

ership of a slave to sale bills of slaves to

emancipation bonds.

Prior to 1865, slaves were not able to

marry in the state of North Carolina, though

most slaves cohabitated with their signifi-

cant other as husband and wife.

Jones said recording slave marriages

changed following emancipation. In 1866,

an act was passed by the North Carolina

General Assembly requiring former slaves

to record their marriages, creating cohabi-

tation records. Bertie and Gates counties

have some cohabitation records still in ex-

istence, according to the state archives.

In contrast to their slave counterparts

were freed blacks who lived in many dif-

ferent states across the country. Freed

blacks that were heads of households were

listed on federal censuses prior to 1870.

Jones said freed blacks were often listed

as “b” for black, “m” for mulatto signifying

mixed race. Native Americans, who were

not considered citizens by the government

until 1924, were also often times listed as

mulatto or “I” for Indian.

More than 170,000 African Americans

served in the Civil War in the U.S. Colored

Troops. Ancestry.com connects its sub-

scribers with a large number of records for

blacks who served in the war.

“I always say 1870 was a turning point

because all former slaves were not seen as

property or chattel, but human beings for

Connie Christison has compiled several volumes of her family’s history.

JOURNEY FROM PAGE 8

See JOURNEY page 10


the first time,” said Jones.

Blacks were listed for the first time as in-

dividuals in the 1870 Census. Those cen-

suses as well as those that followed give a

sense of what happened to slave ancestors

after being freed.

Black American genealogy also has niche

Web sites on the Internet. Afrigeneas.com

is site with several resources, including a

surname database and censuses. The Freed-

man’s Bureau (freedmansbureau.com) fol-

lowed and recorded the activity of former

slaves following emancipation. The site of-

fers an array of records, including marriage

and labor records and crimes against blacks.

Details, details, details

When it comes to genealogy details can

make or break your research.

“I can't stress watching the details,"

Christison said. "Don't just gloss over some-

thing."

During the dig into your ancestry, Chris-

tison said take the time to read and re-read

the documents you find and beware of dates

and names when matching them to your

family members.

In addition to paying attention to the de-

tails, Christison said recording your sources

is a necessity. She recommended taking

down page numbers, where the document

was found, what source the information was

found in and the dates of the document.

“What you’ve got is only as good as your

sources,” she said. “Nothing is worse than

going to the courthouse and getting all the

information and getting home and working

with it and at 12 o'clock at night realizing

you didn't write down the page number.”

Paying attention to details can pay off big

whether it’s a small detail in a family story

or the occupation of your ancestor on a cen-

sus. Each detail will give you a sense of not

only how they are related to you, but who

they were.

"The little things, if you can ever pick up

on those things, surely don't discount them,"

Christison said. "They're the fun things."

Christison said often times those research-

ing their family tree will discount looking

up or following up on the women in the

family.

“When you think about it, it's women that

tend to keep these (genealogical) docu-

ments,” she said. “I don't think we pay at-

tention to that as much as we should.”

Another thing to be aware of is how your

surname is spelled or misspelled. "A lot of

times it is their (ancestor) because the peo-

ple giving the information a lot of times did-

n't know how to spell,” she said. “Many

folks in the 1800s and back didn't know

how to read and write. And the people at the

courthouse did some interesting spelling.”

Christison added family members occa-

sionally changed their name as well.

Creative thinking can help that journey

into your roots. Christison said searching

neighboring counties and even states for

family connections doesn’t hurt.

She noted several families in the area

came from the Tidewater region in Virginia.

But she cautioned those sifting through the

early Virginian records. "The counties

changed up there, people may have been

living in same place, different counties may

have been formed,” she said.

Meeting up with other distant family

members doing the same research can also

be helpful. However, Christison warned to

always back up your research with sources

while comparing notes. “It surely can help

you,” she said. “And you may not agree.

Maybe your research does not agree with

what somebody else has done. ...People

should not take for certainty everything they

see that has been put in a family tree be-

cause it can take you off on a tangent.”

Organize your finds

At her home Christison thumbs through

her binder filled with family documents.

Organization is something she highly en-

courages after you have collected what you

need.

Christison organizes her notebooks by

generations, utilizing the eight tab dividers

to separate them. Photo sleeves can pre-

serve priceless family pictures and keep

them in the same place.

“When I get my information I like to put

it in notebooks. Family tree maker (on An-

cestry.com) is fine, but I’ve still got to have

a hardcopy,” she noted.

Many records you can make copies of,

but then there are those that cannot be re-

printed because of their size or age. Taking

a photo of the document can help you

record the find. "It works great and you can

enlarge it on the computer," she said. "That

is a good way to get your information from

those old books."

The internet again offers plentiful re-

sources for ways to keep your family docu-

ments organized. Ancestry.com has several

forms available and a quick search on the

internet will yield several free download-

able genealogy sheets and charts. �

JOURNEY FROM PAGE 9

Individuals looking tocompile information on their family often

turn to material found in public libraries to

conduct their research effort.

Home iswhere theheart is

Old Ahoskie High School findsnew life as much-needed apartmentsStory and photos by Cal Bryant

Personal mementoes and his-

toric structural photographs

adorn the walls of Bobby

Eure’s office within the Ahoskie

High School Apartments.

Tacked in the dead center of a

bulletin board located adjacent to

the office door is perhaps the most

intriguing of those artifacts. Writ-

ten on a 4x5 sheet of laminated

paper are the words Eure lives by

in his day-to-day duties as Site

Manager of the property:

Home Rules – “Always be hon-est, Count your blessings, Beareach others burdens, Forgive andforget, Be kind and tender hearted,Comfort one another, Keep your

promises, Be supportive of one an-other, Be true to each other , Lookafter each other, Treat each otherlike you treat your friend, Love oneanother deeply from the heart.”

“Those are words close to my

heart and ones we can all very eas-

ily live by,” said Eure. “I feel those

words describe what you will find

See APARTMENTS page 14


Bobby Eure holds the 1937 Ahoskie High School diploma of Ruth Ethel Bell in front of a case of school memorabilia.

APARTMENTS FROM PAGE 13


among the majority of those that live here.”And for 47 people, the old Ahoskie High

School now stands as a place they callhome.

SOS: Save Our SchoolBuilt in 1929, Ahoskie High School

served as the cornerstone for education inthe town, one at the time of the school’sopening was fast becoming the center oftrade and commerce in Hertford County.Thousands of children passed through itshallways and classrooms. Its football pro-gram was among the most recognized in thestate, producing several NFL standouts.

Designed by architect L.N. Boney ofWilmington, the school was the modernmarvel of its day. Its two floors contained23 classrooms as well as separate roomshousing Physics, Chemistry, General Sci-ence and Biology laboratories, a commer-cial department, a lecture room, clothinglab, food lab, dining area, agriculture room(which was later housed in its own buildingin back of the school) and library/reading

room. The school also boasted of one of the

most spacious auditoriums in the local area,one capable of seating 825 individuals (650downstairs and 175 in the balcony).

Thousands of individuals have a connec-tion to the old Ahoskie High School,whether or not they walked those storiedhallways as students. The building, last usedas a high school in 1972 when a new onewas constructed on West First Street, is anicon within the town and saving the agingstructure stood at the top of the list upon itsclosure soon after the consolidation ofAhoskie High and Murfreesboro High in1988.

The Ahoskie School Restoration Com-mittee was formed in an effort to save thebuilding after it was finally closed follow-ing its use as a middle school. Despite ef-forts to save the building there was little orno movement from potential buyers. Mean-while, the empty school was suffering fromsevere deterioration. The roof caved in overthe old auditorium…..ditto for the south

wing of the building.Finally, in the early-to-mid 2000’s, a pro-

posal spearheaded by CADA (ChoanokeArea Development Association) waslaunched to transform a fast-decaying build-ing into much-needed apartments, most ofwhich would be occupied by elderly resi-dents.

Through a series of meetings, fundingfrom several state and federal sources, aswell as from the Town of Ahoskie, was se-cured to begin a $6.4 million restorationproject. Ground was broke on the project in2005 and it opened to its first residents onOct. 15, 2007.

The facility is owned by CADA and man-aged by the Ahoskie Housing Authority.

Welcome Mr. EureOn Nov. 1, 2007, Eure began working

part-time as the supportive services coordi-nator at the apartments. The Gates Countynative was no stranger to Ahoskie as heworked for a number of years with thetown’s Police Department and had several


fffamily members attend school at Ahoskie

High.

He became Site Manager two years later

and that work led Eure to be named as the

2010 Manager of the Year during a cere-

mony hosted by Community Affordable

Housing Equity Corporation (CAHEC) in

Cary. There were over 60 nominations from

across the state for that prestigious award.

Hailed as an accomplished administrator,

Eure’s love for his job really comes through

when he talks about the residents of the

apartments.

“Since I have been working here the res-

idents not only have become close friends

to me, but they have also become family to

me,” he said. “Since I still work closely

with the Ahoskie Police Department, if

there is any criminal activity in or around

the apartment complex I protect the resi-

dents as if they were my family.”

He has witnessed an old school undergo-

ing a metamorphosis – once serving as an

educational oasis for local youngsters to

what is now home, sweet home to adults.

The brick shell of the building, as well of

those of the north and south wings added in

1937, was saved, as were many of the orig-

inal windows. The classrooms have been re-

placed by 41 apartments (37 in the main

building and four inside the old AHS agri-

culture building; 34 are one bedroom with

the remaining seven serving as two-bed-

room units). The school’s home economics

building was also saved and is now used by

CADA for its Ahoskie branch office.

“We’re at capacity,” said Eure, referenc-

ing the total number of occupants. “If every-

one currently living here all decided to

move out at the same time we have enough

on our waiting list to fill it back up. I receive

three to four calls

every week from

people wanting to

live here. Our

waiting list is

pretty long.”

I n d i v i d u a l s

must meet certain

criteria to be eligi-

ble to live in the

apartments – at

least 55 years old

and cannot own

any property other

than a vehicle.

The rent – which

includes electric-

ity, water, sewer

and garbage col-

lection – is based

on their individual

income. Tele-

phone and TV

cable service is

paid directly by

the occupants.

“This is not an

assisted living fa-

cility, rather an

apartment com-

plex for those who

are able to live on

their own,” Eure

said. “They can

come and go as

they please.”

Eure said the

two bedroom

units are occupied by family members – a

husband and wife, grandmother and grand-

son, etc.

Small pets are allowed for an additional

$25 per month fee. Eure said one lady has

an 18-month-old Chihuahua that he often

“dog sits” for short periods of time while


Cleo Mitchell prepares to enter her apartment.



she runs local errands.

The complex is self-contained as far as

amenities are concerned. Each apartment

has a kitchen, complete with a stove, refrig-

erator and microwave. There are self-ser-

vice laundry rooms on each floor. Mail is

delivered to the site, placed in individual

boxes near the main entrance.

Other than overseeing the day-to-day op-

erations of running an apartment complex,

Eure also serves as the activities director.

He orchestrates Bible study classes every

Tuesday and Thursday night. Jane Frei has

handled that task every Tuesday night since

the facility opened. Thursday night’s class

is rotated on a monthly basis between local

pastors.

“They (pastors) call me and want to vol-

unteer to handle those classes; they love in-

teracting with our residents,” Eure said.

BINGO is offered the first Wednesday of

the month; a breakfast social is enjoyed the

first Saturday of each month.

Eure also arranges for additional events

such as blood pressure checks, birthday cel-

ebrations, and site visits from local health

fairs, Home Life Care and the Ahoskie Fire

Department. Additionally, he coordinates

reunions of former Ahoskie High School

graduates.

He has sought out grants to provide other

amenities. Eure obtained one for $5,000 to

open an exercise room (treadmill and stair

climber) and another to provide covering

and railings for a handicapped assessable

entryway. He arranged for a piano to be

placed in the main, first floor hallway, one

that once was used at the old R.L. Vann

High School.

There’s also a room dedicated to arts and

crafts, complete with a sewing machine. A

portion of the school’s old library upstairs

has been transformed into a library for the

residents. Books are courtesy of the

Ahoskie Public Library and others. The

floor and ceiling of that room are original.

“It’s just like a big family here; they

sometimes lean on each other when life

deals a bad hand,” Eure said. “They are my

family and the residents will tell you that. I

protect them and I’m paid in return almost

every day when one of the ladies here

brings me a meal or a treat they have pre-

pared. I’m fed very well.”

Sharing the love

Residents of the AHS Apartments treat

Eure like a family member as well. He

refers to Mary and Vann Sessoms as “Ma”

and “Pa.” In turn they feel as Eure is their

adopted son, displaying different framed

photos of him inside their apartment.

“We love it here and we love Bobby,”

said Mrs. Sessoms, a Como native who has

lived in the apartments with her husband for

the past four years. “We have no complaints

about living here, it’s nice and comfortable.

We would recommend it to anyone looking

to live in an apartment.”

Mr. Vann has a connection to the old

school as his sister-in-law attended Ahoskie

High.

Virginia Powell of Ahoskie moved to the

apartments three years ago.

“I love everything about these apart-

Virginia Powell relaxes in her favorite chair as she watches television at her Ahoskie High School apartment.




ments, especially having him here,” Powell

said, pointing to Eure. “I had five kids to go

to school here so this building means a lot to

me and I was so happy to see it saved.”

Powell, whose apartment is located in the

north wing of the old school (where the

cafeteria was once located), has trans-

formed a dead end hallway into her personal

plant garden, using the abundant sunshine

pouring inside a large window to give life

to the greenery.

When current resident Cleo Mitchell

walks the halls to reach her apartment she

is retracing footsteps she took years ago.

Mitchell is a 1962 graduate of Ahoskie High

School.

“I’m proud to be here, living in what was

once my high school,” Mitchell stressed. “I

remember walking these halls; I remember

the teacher in each classroom; those rooms

now are apartments. I have so many fond

memories here.”

Another current resident of the apart-

ments, Romie Everett, remembers the time

he made repairs at the old Ahoskie High

during his employment as a maintenance

worker (1963-69) with Hertford County

Public Schools. Everett, a native of

Murfreesboro, has lived in an AHS apart-

ment for the past three years.

“It brings back a lot of memories, work-

ing for Stanley Dixon and Superintendent

Martin,” Everett recalled. “Those were the

good old days. I’m glad someone was able

to keep this school from being torn down. I

like living here. The people here are my

family.”

Safe and sound

Eure stressed that keeping his “family”

safe is important. He said the building is

locked down at 5 p.m. each day and un-

locked at 7 a.m. The residents have keys to

permit access between those hours or can

use an individualized code to gain entry to

the front door.

Other security measures include interior

auxiliary lighting, bright strobe lights above

each apartment door and ample outside

lighting (set on a timer). Each apartment

contains a pull cord in the bathroom and

bedroom. When a cord is pulled it activates

the strobe light on the outside of each apart-

ment door, alerting by light and sound (a

buzzer) other residents of a possible situa-

tion or emergency.

Master keys to all doors of the building

have been supplied to the Ahoskie police

and fire departments as well as Hertford

County EMS.

The entire building contains a sprinkler

system and integrated with a fire alarm sys-

tem that is monitored by the Ahoskie Police

Department.

Willie Darden also works on site, serving

as the maintenance man. When not on site,

he and Eure are just a phone call away in

the event of an emergency.

While Eure is not an Ahoskie High

School alum, he has family members edu-

cated there.

“This place has produced a lot of memo-

Mary and Vann Sessoms have lived in the Ahoskie High School Apartments over the past four years.




ries for a lot of people over the years,” Eure

noted. “Whether you went to school here or

not, this building has long stood as a bea-

con in Ahoskie and I know there are many

who are very happy that it was saved and

now in use.”

Eure’s cousin, Troy Godwin, played on

Ahoskie High’s undefeated and regional

state champion football team in 1966. An-

other cousin, Jimmy Godwin, played on the

1970 state championship team at AHS.

The old AHS became Ahoskie Middle

School, attended by Eure’s son, John, when

the family moved to Ahoskie in 1987.

Preserving the past

The transformation of a decaying school

into what it is today is a feat of major pro-

portions. The roof had fallen in over the

south wing. Steel beams buried deep in the

ground were used to provide support on

which to launch the renovation efforts. The

old auditorium was completely remodeled

and is now the home of two, two-bedroom

apartments and four, one-bedroom units.

The original outside brick walls and tower-

ing windows remain in that area of the

building.

The renovation process also saved the

school’s original doors. They are been refit-

ted with new hardware. One of the school’s

old typing classrooms, now an apartment,

still has the original floor and ceiling.

Different community organizations and

individuals joined forces to provide new

furniture and artwork to adorn the build-

ing’s common areas.

Tommy and Carolyn Mitchell, a husband

and wife who graduated from Ahoskie High

and later in life served as teachers at the

school, transformed the old trophy case into

a display of school related memorabilia, to

include athletic artifacts from the Indians

and Cougars (the AHS mascots over the

years). A few of the sports collectables came

from legendary AHS football coach Al

Vaughan. Ease Lassiter of Ahoskie saved a

few athletic artifacts from an old barn in the

local area that was about to torn down.

Among the artifacts is a 1937 Ahoskie

High School diploma bearing the name of

Ruth Ethel Bell.

A small window adjacent to the princi-

pal’s office was saved in the renovation.

Eure said it was staffed during school days

for students to drop off their lunch money.

“I’m so glad that someone stepped up to

the plate and decided to save this building

that has meant so much to this town and sur-

rounding communities for over 80 years,”

Eure said. “I’m not saying that because I

work here, but because of the history this

building holds. No one wanted to see this

building torn down.

“Everyone I’ve talked with here in town

and the nearby communities were so happy

to see the school building saved from the

wrecking ball,” he continued. “I haven’t

heard any negative comments about what

has been done here.”

The front lawn of the building, one that

stretches for nearly a full city block, has

been transformed as well. Thirteen old

trees, a few believed to be at least 75 years

old, were cut down, allowing the front of

the building to glow brightly in the morn-

ing sun. That unobstructed light is also evi-

dent inside the building, especially within

the apartments containing the beautiful high

arching windows.

For more information on the Ahoskie

High School Apartments, call 252-332-

2163, the Ahoskie Housing Authority at

252-332-4104 or CADA at 252-539-4155. �


Apartments, not classrooms, are now located off this hallway.



Sporting a mischievous grin on the face of his small

frame, Chase Rountree appears just like any typical

eight-year-old.

But check out his feet….especially the one on the right;

it’s made of lead.

What separates the son of Ken Rountree of Gates and

Melissa Rountree of Como from others his age is Chase

loves life in the fast lane….as in racing a go-kart at break-

neck speed on a dirt oval.

Just how good is Chase at the sport of kart racing? The an-

swer lies in a large number of trophies he collected during his

first year of competition.

“I was able to win quite a few races during my dozen or so

years racing, but Chase already has more trophies than I have

and he’s raced only one year,” said Ken Rountree, his voice beam-

ing with pride.

Let the record show that during 18 races that dotted the 2011 sea-

son schedule at Dixieland Motor Sports Complex near South Mills,

Chase Rountree captured the checkered flag on nine occasions and

placed as the runner-up eight times. Additionally, Chase was a

seven-time pole winner, meaning he had the best qualifying time.

Had it not been for a rough driving disqualification during week

17 of the schedule, the youngster would have easily claimed the

points championship. Unfortunately that call by track officials led

to a situation that suspended Chase's points for the last race, leav-

ing him finishing second for the overall title.

However, all was not lost.

“He actually was awarded the champions trophy by the track

president, but it had a ‘second place in points’ plaque attached to the

bottom,” Ken said. “The other kid received the points champion

jacket. He and Chase battled it out all year, but we were the team

to beat all year and Chase had the championship all locked up be-

fore the disqualification.”

Bare bones budget

As it is with any hobby, go-kart racing on a regular basis doesn’t

come without a price….often times a hefty one.

“It’s not unusual to go to a track and see $10,000 (kart) haulers

in the parking lot,” Ken Rountree said. “It’s an expensive hobby.”

But with the Rountrees, looks can be deceiving.

“We roll into the parking lot pulling Chase’s kart on a lawnmower

Life inthe fast

lane

By the looks of this collection of trophies, Chase Rountree is a success.

Child racing prodigyChase Rountree is a

natural behindthe wheel.

Story by Cal Bryant - Photos by Danielle Bryant

See FAST LANE page 22


FAST LANE FROM PAGE 21

Chase Rountree is shown here onboard his racing kart “Blue Deuce”.

See FAST LANE page 23

trailer,” Ken stated. “It doesn’t look like

much when parked alongside all those ex-

pensive rigs, but we don’t race with that

trailer….it’s just for hauling. The real deal is

Chase when he gets behind the wheel.”

To get his son started, the father made the

ultimate sacrifice.

Ken Rountree was an accomplished racer

in his own right. He spent 12 years racing

stock cars at paved ovals – Southampton

Motor Speedway, East Carolina Motor

Speedway, Southern National Raceway and

South Boston Speedway – within a 100-

mile radius of his home on Paige Riddick

Road in northern Gates County.

Ken’s career started in the Pure Stock di-

vision. He then switched to Grand Stock be-

fore moving up to the “big league” – Late

Model Stock. He won 21 races over his ca-

reer, including 14-of-22 starts at East Car-

olina Motor Speedway over a three-year

stretch.

“I was injured in a motorcycle accident a

few years ago and that ended my racing ca-

reer,” he said. “I sold all my stuff and took

the money to invest in Chase’s career.”

The father-son team began the 2011 sea-

son at Margarettsville Speedway in

Northampton County. While the duo liked

the track, it didn’t offer much in the way of

competition in Chase’s age group.

“That’s when we looked at Dixieland,”

Ken said of the one-fifth mile clay track lo-

cated about 12 miles north of Elizabeth

City. “Although Chase was only seven-

years-old at the time (he celebrated his

eighth birthday on the day after Christmas),

he was placed in the 8-10 Junior Amateur

Division. Most of the drivers there were ei-

ther nine or 10.”

Racing at that age level involves karts

with 10-horsepower engines. The young

drivers, such as Chase, begin with a kart

whose speed is controlled by a restrictor

plate on the carburetor. As they advance in

age the restrictor plate limitations are grad-

ually lowered.

“Blue Deuce” is born

Chase Rountree says he’s a big fan of

Brad Keselowski who competes on

NASCAR’s Sprint Cup and Nationwide Se-

ries circuits.

When Keselowski made the move in

Penske Racing to the #2 Miller Lite Dodge

– aptly named the “Blue Deuce” during the

days when the legendary Rusty Wallace was

behind the wheel – Chase knew exactly

what number and color scheme he wanted

on his kart.

“It was a natural fit with Chase liking Ke-

selowski so much,” Ken said. “I found some

blue paint that came close to matching that

color scheme and Chase fell in love with the

#2 kart. It looks real good and Chase can

drive the wheels off that thing.”

What’s unique about Chase’s budding

young career is that he wasn’t head over

heels in love with racing before the 2011

season.

“He likes to watch the NASCAR races

with me, but he really hadn’t talked much

about wanting to compete on a track until

last year,” the father said. “But once he got

behind the wheel and pushed the accelerator

to the floorboard he fell in love with it.”

Ken said Chase and the “Blue Deuce”

will move up to the Junior Stock division in

2012. That division is open to competitors

up to age 15.

“I’ve decided to go another route this

year,” Ken said. “We’re not going to con-

centrate on a points race this year. I see a

chance for Chase to get better as a driver at

tracks where there are more karts in the

field. We’re planning on racing some at

Dixieland, some at Margarettsville and a

track up between Franklin (VA) and South

Hill (VA).”

As is typical at most local tracks, the sea-

son traditionally begins in mid to late March

and lasts nearly until the end of November.

As for a possible future in stock car rac-

ing, Ken said he will not push Chase in that

direction.

“Just let it come natural….if he wants it

bad enough, he’ll make the effort,” Ken

noted. “As long as I’ve got two nickels to

rub together I’ll support him.”

The father continued by saying, “But he

needs to learn the business end as well.

There’s a lot more to racing than just snap-

ping on your helmet and racing on Saturday

nights. If he wants to further his career in

racing, he’ll have to learn how to go out,

like I did, and knock on doors for sponsor-

ship money. Right now he’s all about driv-

ing the kart, he’s not all that into setting

things up like I handle during the week, but

he’ll learn that part of the sport. He’ll have

to if he wants to understand all there is to

know about racing.”

While the father is all about teaching his

son the finer skills of racing, he readily ad-

mits that it makes him proud to see Chase

succeed at a sport they both love.

“It’s just as fun watching him…very sat-

isfying,” Ken concluded.

If the chance avails itself in 2012, look for

the lead-footed Chase Rountree and the

“Blue Deuce” at a race track near you. �


FAST LANE FROM PAGE 22


View from the Front Porch

Todd’s Pharmacy entered this coloful float in the Gatesville parade.

Buckland Elementary School students dressfor the occasion at Gatesville’s annual Christmas parade.

Dressed in thecolors of the

holiday seasonthese twoindividuals

display friendlysmiles and awave at theGatesvilleChristmasparade.

Cooper Elementary School students fill this floatat the Gatesville Christmas parade.

This entry in the Gatesville Christmas parade wassponsored by Damascus Road Worship Center.

View from the Front PorchFront Porch Living 25

Bertie County Sheriff’s office deputies Bonnie Brantley and CarlHoggard participated in the dance competition.

Bertie County Commissioner Rick Harrell and Recreation DirectorDonna Mizelle are surrounded by a host of county employees

during the ‘Dancing with the Bertie stars’.

Bertie County Register of Deeds Belinda White is congratulatedfor her years of service by Commissioner J. Wallace Perry.

Bertie County Commission Chairman L.C. Hoggard III and his partnerEvelyn White put on a dance show for county employees.

Ahoskie Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. sponsored the 2012 ‘March and Celebration’ — a tribute to the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Ahoskie sorority honors Dr. King through service and communityStory and Photos by Lindsey Grant

Imitating the path of leaders some fifty

years ago, a steady resonance of foot-

steps treads the streets of Ahoskie, start-

ing at Sunset and ending at Hayes.

While each of these steps give reverence

to a man who gave so much with one single

vision, silent tears fall onto the pavement.

This is a common scene during the annual

march from Sunset Street to New Ahoskie

Baptist Church on the Martin Luther King

Jr. holiday.

For two years, the Delta GEMS, a group

of young ladies, ages 14 to 18 sponsored by

the Ahoskie Alumnae Chapter of Delta

Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., have organized a

march attempting to replicate and restore

the many marches that were taken during

the Civil Rights Movement. Although the

march covers a little less than a full mile,

participants feel as if they, themselves,

could be walking along Dr. King at that mo-

ment.

The march takes place on MLK day fol-

lowing the traditional Sunday program.

However, the 32nd annual MLK service,

coordinated by the Ahoskie Alumnae Chap-

ter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, is much

more than a celebration of Dr. King’s serv-

ice but rather a ceremonial regard to Dr.

King’s legacy. Each year, young children

and young adults are included in the pro-

gram to recite speeches and poems, a stark

contrast from what African-American chil-

See SORORITY page 29


Rev. Dr. Staccato Powell of Raleigh was thefeatured speaker at the MLK tribute.

SORORITY FROM PAGE 28

See SORORITY page 30Audrey Moore reveals the amount of the offering.

dren experienced during the segregation era.

Who can forget Jazzmine Bunch, now a 7th grader at Hert-

ford County Middle School, who gave her own powerful adap-

tation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech

during last year’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. “Continuing

the Dream Partners’ Award” ceremony at Hertford County

High School? She will be presented this speech again during

this year’s Martin Luther King Day Program.

That annual service was held at New Ahoskie Baptist Church

on Sunday, January 15 with guest speaker, Reverend Dr. Stac-

cato Powell, the Senior Pastor of Grace AME Zion Church in

Raleigh.

The theme of the service was taken from an excerpt of the

speech “West India Emancipation” by Frederick Douglas in

1857: “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

Betty Pugh, this year’s chairperson of the MLK service, said

the message received by young people on January 15 will be

that Dr. King is “not just a name, picture, figure of speech and

if we lose sight of what he really is, what he really stands for,

our future could be in jeopardy.”

It is easy to forget the message of Dr. King — a message that

only appears in our subconscious once a year during the MLK

holiday. However, Dr. King’s inspirational memorandum of

impartiality and justice reigns without ceasing throughout the

community.

“We all have to play a part in the message of Dr. King,” Pugh

stated. “His message still lingers on today and we have to in-

terpret it the right way by working with healthy relationships in

our lives and refusing to leave today’s youth behind.”

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., a public service non-profit

organization first established in 1913, has demonstrated to the

community to be much more than a label. Not only does the

Ahoskie Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. have service ac-

tivities throughout the year, including the annual MLK pro-

gram attended by numerous public officials across the state,

but has organized diverse public service operations throughout

Hertford, Bertie, Northampton and Gates counties.

Participating in the service as ushers are two youth groups

sponsored by the sorority, Delta GEMS and The Delta Acad-

emy, who, along with the Ahoskie Alumnae Chapter of Delta

“We all have to play a part inthe message of Dr. King. Hismessage still lingers on todayand we have to interpret it the

right way by working withhealthy relationships in ourlives and refusing to leave

today’s youth behind.”- Betty Pugh


Sigma Theta Inc., have dedicated them-

selves to service in the community and lead-

ership within.

Linda McNair Moore, the chairperson of

Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering

Myself Successfully) of the Ahoskie Alum-

nae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,

Inc, [“to enrich the lives, empower the spir-

its and expose the minds of our at-risk

young ladies, ages 14-18”] along with her

committee has helped to lead each young

woman to become a more well-rounded

person by sharing with them the importance

of volunteering in various service opportu-

nities and emphasizing the significance of

academic achievement.

Delta GEMS, first originated under the

presidency of Mary Harrell-Sessoms,

framework is composed of five compo-

nents—Scholarship, Sisterhood, Service,

Show Me the Money, and Infinitely Com-

plete, forming a path for college and career

planning.

“We have taken them to colleges and uni-

versities to visit, given food to needed fam-

ilies during Thanksgiving, and have

organized an Operation: Santa Claus where

we caroled to patients in the nursing

homes,” Moore stated. “We have also gone

to historic sites in Raleigh and have organ-

ized our first ever MLK march last year.”

Moore continued to say that the same

way Delta Sigma Theta was able to assist

these young women, she hopes they will

take the mentoring they were given and help

another young lady become more success-

ful in life.

These young women truly appreciate the

importance of this involvement. Casey

Grant, President of Delta GEMS and a jun-

ior at Hertford County High School, shared

a few words about the Delta GEMS pro-

gram: “I have developed friendships with

people that I would not have normally come

in contact with. Delta GEMS has taught me

a lot about service to my community, be-

coming a leader, and the importance of es-

tablishing a relationship with my peers.”

Crystal Deloatch, a junior at Hertford

County High School and secretary of Delta

GEMS, believes that Delta GEMS has in-

spired her: “I have participated in the Delta

GEMS program for the last three years and

my self confidence has improved, my self

esteem has grown and I'm not shy about

standing up and speaking in public any-

more. I've already won a scholarship to help

with my college education, and the program

continues to give me valuable tools on be-

coming a positive and successful young

lady.”

Furthermore, many young women have

taken the tools that they have learned

through Delta GEMS and applied it well

after they have graduated from high school.

“Young girls seem to leave us, call back

The Ruffin Sisters perform a musical number as part of the MLK tribute.


See SORORITY page 31


and say ‘you helped us’,” Moore said. “[It]

makes us feel good when they say that.”

Brittney Cherry, a former Delta GEMS

member acknowledged that, “Delta GEMS

has molded me into a young lady that is bet-

ter prepared for life in general. Being a soph-

omore now at North Carolina Central

University, I use tactics that I have learned

from my advisors more and more each day;

three things in particular are time, money

management, and learning how to stay true

to myself. I am thankful to have had the

extra support and push from my advisors and

sisters while being a part of GEMS.”

In addition, The Delta Academy has also

strived for active participation in the com-

munity and a drive to improve oneself. This

determination is clearly reflected in their

motto, “the Dreams of Tomorrow, Preparing

Young Women For the 21st Century”.

Furthermore, the Delta Academy believes

in “augment[ing] their scholarship in math,

science, and technology, their opportunities

to provide service in the form of leadership

through service learning, defined as the cul-

tivation service learning, and their sister-

hood, defined as the cultivation and

maintenance of relationships.”

Delta Academy currently has over 40

members, ranging from ages 11-14.

“Delta Academy has coordinated toy

drives to assist needy families in Bertie,

Hertford, and Northampton counties. Delta

Academy has been able to collect many toys

and clothes to support children, ages 0-17,”

Genia Canada, the chairperson of the Delta

Academy stated. “The success of Delta

Academy comes from our participants who

are eager and motivated to better themselves

as a whole.”

Canada additionally said, “We want them

to understand that there is nothing that they

cannot do as long as they believe that it can

be done.”

When asked what makes Delta GEMS run

so successfully, the answer from Moore was

a curt “prayer”. Surely this is the same an-

swer for Delta Academy and the Delta

Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Through these

organizations, Dr. King’s vision of service

and hope to better his community certainly

lives on.

Dr. King once stated that “Life’s most per-

sistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you

doing for others?’” There is certainly no sign of

hesitance when the Ahoskie Alumnae Chapter

of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. answers. �



Mikyle Harrisbrightens hishankerchiefduring the

NorthamptonCounty 4-H

program heldin Jackson.

Northampton County 4-Hers sing Christmas carols.

Kate Coggins adds the finishing touches toa festive door hanger.


Northampton County youngsters recentlylearned how to tie dye during a Christmas workshop.

April DeBerrylends a

helping handto two

4-Hers asthey whipup a batch

of cinnamonswirl bread.

View from the Front Porch34 Front Porch Living

Two former classmates of the old Sunbury High School embrace during a reunion held November 12, 2011.

Evelyn Lassiter (left) greets a former classmateat the registration table.

A graduate of Sunbury High School (right) is the nextin line to be escorted to his table at the reunion.

Jerry Taylor (center) is joined by his wife Catherine (left) asthey chat with one of his former classmates.

Sunbury HighSchool classmates

mingle at thetown’s VolunteerFire Department

building where thereunion was

held.


For as long as I can remember I have been sub-merged in church as a young child followingbehind those much older to a leader showing

the younger generations what it means to worshipGod.

The idea of being involved in church never reallyseemed like a task until I reached my teenage years.It was a struggle to make myself want to participatein different activities that I once found exciting. Ifelt like I was being forced to do things that wereuncool and boring since my friends and classmatesweren’t involved. But as I grew older and matured,being involved became more of a way to have funwhile really doing something worthwhile, praisingGod.

Now, as a high school senior, I am about to leavemy loving church home at Berean Bible BaptistChurch and venture off into adulthood and collegelife. But my involvement while a teenager hashelped mold me into a young woman equipped tohandle whatever obstacles set before me. Differentactivities play a different role in my success, and asI approach hardships I think about the things I’veparticipated in at church and am put at ease.

I began youth choir at age six and continue to singas the choir participates in different programs suchas our Choir Anniversary. I have been able to de-velop my voice, which has allowed me to becomemuch more comfortable in front of large crowds, askill I will need especially as a college student. Thesongs we learn have great messages about the loveof Jesus that comfort me in my times of need.

Praise dancing hasthe same effect onmy life. It is a greatway to express my-self through a physi-cal activity thatblesses me and oth-ers as well. Thinkingof new ways to showthe words spoken inthe song brings thepraise dance team to-gether as we preparefor our anniversary,too.

Another great out-let that I have been apart of since a youngage is Triple “C”

Bible Camp. I started as a camper at age five and at-tended the camp every summer since then. It is anopportunity to learn in an adrenaline packed atmos-phere, and I took advantage of this, even as a child.Now as a teenager I am a Senior Counselor with thechance to help campers the way previous counselorshelped me. It is a wonderful reward to see the chil-dren have so much fun throughout the week whilelearning more about how to live a godly lifestyle.The most rewarding experience is leading a child toChrist! If the bugs and heat ever make me want toleave, the salvation of the campers is what wouldmake me come back. I am proud to be a part ofTriple “C” Bible Camp and I understand that it is alearning experience for both me and the campers.

As a sophomore I was able to extend my biblicalknowledge at Triple “C” Bible Institute. I wanted tobe able to show improvement so that I would be ableto rightly divide the word of truth, whether at campor out in the world (II Timothy 2:15). My instruc-tors only intensified my desire to participate inchurch and Christian activities because they showedme how successful I could be as I continued to growin Christ. It instilled a passion of learning in me thatI wish to pass on to others in the community.

Everyone should strive to participate in church,especially as a teenager. It will definitely benefit youas a maturing adult as you prepare to go out andtackle the wiles of the world.

Having a solid Christian background has helpedme reject peer pressure and temptations that manyteenagers have fallen in to. I credit God and my lov-ing church family as the basis of all my success. �

(This column was submitted by Tabitha Privott, Hertford County H.S. Senior.)

Growing in Christ


A Conversation With…What is your favorite part of

being Mayor of Windsor?I pretty much like all aspects

of the job. Meeting with citi-zens, hearing their concernsand viewpoints certainly pro-vides information from a dif-ferent perspective. I enjoyworking with our employees.The various volunteer com-mittees we have contribute somuch to our town and it isgood to see their work. Andwhenever we are able to solvesomeone's problem that is sat-isfying.

What made you decide torun for Town Commissioneroriginally?

When I first ran and it camefrom an interest in our town,our citizens, our past, and ourpotential.

What are some of the ac-complishments the town hasmade that you are most proudof?

Several come to mind. Theprison project was a big one.It was not an automatic giftfrom Raleigh. We put about$1.5 million into it as did thecounty and we had to makesignificant investments in ourelectric and sewer systems butwe did it and soon there willbe over 500 employees here.I'm proud of the improve-ments and sound managementpractices in our utilities busi-ness. We have tried to stay ontop of this rapidly changingenvironment. Successfullyoperating your utilities can bea plus in attracting new busi-ness. Certainly we try tomaintain a safe, clean, and at-tractive town for our citizensand visitors. Lastly we have adozen economic developmentprojects underway right nowand in a couple of years hope-fully we can point to success

there.

Why did you decide to runfor Mayor when Bob Spiveyretired?

It had been in the back ofmy mind for a while and sev-eral people approached meabout it. I felt like I had beenaround long enough to knowthe job and thought I could doit well. With the local econ-omy changing from agricul-tural/manufacturing toservices I wanted to do every-thing possible to make sure wehad a place in this evolvingeconomy.

How long have you lived inWindsor?

I was born here and havelived here all but 6 years of mylife so 57 years.

Who are some of the peopleyou use as role models in yourjob as mayor?

Obviously Mr. Spivey hasbeen an outstanding rolemodel. Former Mayor Liver-mon helped me and several ofthe commissioners have aswell. There are several busi-ness, civic, and church leaderswho have been good rolemodels and I have tried toglean something from each.

What are some things youwould like to see happen in thetown?

To me so many things comedown to economic develop-ment. If we can get more jobshere so many other problemswill be at least reduced inseverity. We must keep moreof our young people here andwe are aggressively address-ing this in a very challengingenvironment. Recreation,public safety, education andquality of life issues will beenhanced with economicgrowth.

How do you enjoy workingwith the town board?

Very much. We have beenlargely free of political games-manship and the commission-ers have tried to sincerelyaddress issues. They bringvarying levels of expertise tothe table. There have been nu-merous times that I thought Iunderstood an issue but by lis-tening discovered a more com-plete and correct solution.

Give us your best sales pitchfor the town of WIndsor.

We've got a beautiful townsituated on a picturesque riverwith two U.S. highways adja-cent. We are well locatedwithin a day's drive of a largepercentage of the country'spopulation. We have good cit-izens embracing small townvalues and charm creating agood environment that shouldbe attractive to all.

Jim Hoggard has been theMayor of Windsor since De-cember of 2009. He previ-ously served the town as acommssioner for 20 years.The Windsor native works infinancial planning for busi-nesses and individuals. He ismarried to Rita Hoggard.

Jim

Hoggard


As long as there have been people onthis earth, I suspect that there has beendiscussion about the relative impor-

tance of basic genetic inheritance or sur-rounding environment as factors influencingindividual development. (I have an image ofa disgusted cavewoman complaining that heroffspring have inherited the least attractivefeatures from her mate's side of the family.)

Scientists have entered the debate as moredetailed information about the humangenome is now available, and other analystsresearch the complex influences of specificaspects of environment on the developmentof children. The controversy is referred to asthe nature/nurture debate, and is usually pre-sented as distinctly separate poles.

Let's consider these influences on develop-ment as far more complex than the simplisticrendering of one or the other as being domi-nant influences. Instead, let's consider the on-going interaction of genetic potential withshaping environment. It is not a case of eithergenes OR environment; rather, it is genesWITHIN environment. The expression of ge-netic potential is unimaginable apart fromspecific environments. For example, geneticpotential in the brain and nervous system mayoffer a specific child the possibility of beingexceptional in language areas, able to quicklylearn and manipulate language. Place thischild in a language-impoverished environ-ment, and that potential will probably go un-realized.

The genetic combinations inherited by an-other child might dictate that, no matter howenriched and stimulating the environment, thechild would never be able to become a bril-liant engineer or physicist.

So what do we do with this idea about theinteraction of genetic determination and en-vironment?

First, we realize that the one thing we havesome control over in this complex collabora-tion is environment. Environment means allthe people, attitudes, stimulation, and oppor-tunities that present themselves to families,meaning everything that comes along fromthe moment of conception on (don't ever dis-count the importance of prenatal environ-ment). But there's something even less easyto quantify or describe in this multifacetedmix, and that is the ongoing response of eachindividual to their environment, which is im-possible to predict, and provides a wonderfulunknown quality to the process of human de-velopment.

For example, just as we know that some

homes that are lacking in warm relationshipsand positive role models may produce indi-viduals lacking in accomplishment and self-esteem, we also know that those same homesmay produce children so determined to findanother way of life that they will triumph overwhat seems to limit others.

I believe that it is important for parents tofocus on this unknown in the equation, to as-sume that children's development is so com-plex that we will all be given wonderfulsurprises as they travel along. They will not,and should not be, "chips off the old blocks,"even if they look exactly like their father ortheir mother's sister. Nor can parents, in tryingto exactly control the environment to offeronly the best experiences, influence and pre-dict all outcomes—which could, incidentallylead to major disappointments—all those bal-let lessons may not point to a future in pro-fessional dance. Rather, let us rejoice in themagical mixture of nature with nurture, plusthe individual's unpredictable response toboth, that makes your sons and daughterswho they are becoming!

© Growing Child 2011 Please feel free toforward this article to a friend.

Articles that appear from Grandma Saysare focused on general parenting practicesand philosophy and are not as age-specific asarticles that appear in Growing Child.

"Grandma Says" is a feature of GrowingChild and we encourage you to send yourcomments to: [email protected] �

Mary Morris is the Family & ConsumerScience Agent for Bertie County. She can bereached at 252-794-5319.

Grandma Says...“Family and Consumer Sciences Corner”



Mrs. Uncle Sam waves tothe crowd at the Veteran’s Day parade.

These three militaryveterans salutethe flag during

the annualVeteran’s Day

ceremony conductedby American LegionPost 102 in Ahoskie.

Post 102 Commander Steve Vinson standsat attention at the Veteran’s Day service.

The annualPost 102Veteran’sDay eventfeatureda parade.




The Colerain Train Depot boasts of ten model trains throughout the facility.

Model train buffs make tracks to ColerainStory and photos by Thadd White

It’s one man’s dream. And that dream is

the delight of many others. Tucked

away on Winton Road, Colerain is the

home of one of the region’s largest train de-

pots. Featured in the location of the former

Colerain Museum is Tom Waicul’s display

of model trains he has collected over his

lifetime.

“I’ve been collecting them since I was

about seven years old,” he said. “I’ve

bought them and added to my collection all

my life. Until I put them here, they were in

boxes except during Christmas time.”

Now the trains are on full display for any-

one interested in seeing them make their

way around the scenic displays set up inside

the depot. There are 10 trains displayed in

three rooms in the facility.

The expansion into the entire facility

came in 2010 when Waicul moved from one

room with four trains displayed to having

the entire building full of trains and the

scenery that accompanies those scale mod-

els.

“I love every minute of it,” Waicul

stressed. “The only day I’m not here is on

Monday. I am here every other day.”

He said he spends many of those days

changing and adding to the displays which

feature everything from the Colerain Fire

Station – which is fully operational – to gas

stations, train depots and homes.

The train enthusiast welcomes school

groups on a semi-regular basis. This year he

has already had visits from Ahoskie Chris-

tian School and Colerain Elementary

School.

“They love coming in and looking at the

displays and seeing the trains,” Waicul said.

“It’s fun to see how much they enjoy it.”

He has nearly all scales of trains from

standard to O, HO and N. The different

scale of train is set up with a matching vil-

lage or town.

In the few years since the doors have

opened to the depot, Waicul has had hun-

dreds of visitors to the small building in

Colerain. He said he is excited to show the

train collection to anyone who is interested.

“Mostly we have parents with their chil-

dren or grandparents with grandchildren,

but there are adults who are excited about it

too,” he said. “It’s always fun to have peo-

ple come in.”

Waicul said the visitors are varied.

“Some days I may not see anyone, and

then you will have a dozen or more people

come in during the day,” he said. “I stay

busy either way, but it’s fun when people

come by.”

The busiest time of the year comes dur-

ing the Christmas season. The train display

even began during the holiday season, back

in 2009, when Waicul took over a vacant

room in what was then the museum.

People came to the building to check out

the display during the Christmas season and

have been back every year since. During the

end of last year the holiday season brought

in a large turnout, including the annual

Christmas raffle.

One can easily spot which building in

‘AllAboard’

See TRAINS page 46


town holds the train depot by the

railroad crossing sign that stands

outside the facility. Complete

with working lights, the railroad

sign was a gift to Waicul.

“A gentleman came in and

said he had railroad lights he got

from Elizabeth City and wanted

to know if I wanted them,” he

said. “He brought them to me

and I was able to rewire it and

make the lights work. People

seem to like it.”

Once inside they find a col-

lection Waicul is proud to dis-

play.

“I enjoy all of them,” he said.

“I probably like the steam en-

gines more than the diesel be-

cause that is what I grew up

with.”

He said he also enjoys the

newer engines which feature

sounds, smoke and voices from

the train.

The display contains several

trains now that run completely

off of remote control.

At the end of last year, Waicul

added something new to the

depot – retail sales. He now car-

ries all varieties of trains from

various manufacturers. He said

the retail sales are simply in-

tended to help keep the bills

paid.

There is no charge for admis-

sion to the facility, but Waicul

does accept donations to help

pay for the utility and other bills.

The Colerain Train Depot is

open Tuesday through Sunday

from 12 noon to 5 p.m., but

Waicul said there is rarely a time

when he isn’t able to come over

and open the facility should

someone want to see it.

That’s especially true for the

school groups because many of

them prefer to come in the

mornings.

Those wishing to pay a visit to

the depot can call Waicul at 356-

1089. �

Tom Waicul demonstrates the operation of one of his trains collected over many years.

This is one of several displays featuring various trains.

TRAINS FROM PAGE 45


The sweet, sweet sights of home.

That’s what the people nestled in the

small Bertie County town of Colerain

see every time they enter the corporate lim-

its of the municipality they’ve come to know

and love.

“I thought this was the finest place in the

world to live growing up and I still think

that,” said Norman Perry Sr., who is well

into his eighth decade living in Colerain.

Though growing up many years later, cur-

rent Colerain Mayor Burney Baker said he

had the same feelings growing up in the

town.

“I enjoy small town life,” Baker said.

“Every afternoon growing up I had some-

thing to do with my friends whether it be

playing football or baseball.”

Baker said he would go into town and buy

a 10-cent Pepsi or Coke and just enjoy the

day.

“My parents didn’t have to worry much

about where I was going,” he added. “They

knew I would be back and that I wouldn’t

get into too much trouble.”

Main Street bustling with activity during

the childhood of both Baker and Perry. Each

remembers a variety of businesses on the

main strip in Colerain. There were many

places to go such as grocery stores, drug

stores, a car dealership, full-service gas sta-

tions, cleaners, and an oil company.

“Everything you needed was right here,”

Baker said.

Perry echoed those thoughts.

“When I was young there were stores

here,” he said. “Anything and everything

was available.”

Perry said he also enjoyed his childhood

in Colerain because of his love for the river

as well as hunting and fishing – all very ac-

cessible from Colerain.

River town grows

Colerain is a town that people have grown

to love in the northeastern corner of Bertie

Founded: 1743 (incorporated in 1794) Population: 204County: Bertie

Major Highways: NC 42 & NC 45

‘The finest place in the world’Story and photos by Thadd White

See COLERAIN page 49

Colerain Mayor Burney Baker stands outside of the Town Hall. Baker says he has alwaysenjoyed living in Colerain because of the small town atmosphere.


County.

The municipality was likely first in-

habited by Native Americans as wit-

nessed by the many fossils that have

been unearthed over the year.

In 1743, John Campbell obtained sev-

eral thousand acres of property in

Chowan County. A native of Coleraine,

Ireland, when Campbell’s settlement on

the river grew, the town of Colerain was

named.

During his time in Colerain, Campbell

was Bertie County’s representative in

the General Assembly. He was also a

delegate to the Provincial Congress in

1774.

Campbell also started a fishery in Col-

erain which remained until a few years

ago. The loss of that fishery has been

one of the sad moments in town, ac-

cording to Perry.

The town was officially incorporated

in 1794 and the first commissioners in

the town – James Campbell, Willie

Sawyer, James Wilson and Thomas

Cochran – were appointed by the North

Carolina General Assembly.

Soon after, Colerain Baptist Church

was started in 1780 by Jeremiah Dorgan.

Colerain Methodist Church was built in

1883.

Baseball was also a big part of Col-

erain’s history, according to a 1970 pub-

lication of the town’s account which was

written by the late Ruth F. White.

The town was part of the Albemarle

League, which history records as one of

the strongest semi-pro leagues in the

country, from 1947-49. In 1947, Col-

erain defeated Suffolk, Virginia’s team

in the semifinals and then stopped Eden-

ton in the seventh game of the series to

become champions of the league.

Bouncing back

While the town has suffered losses

over the years, recent history has been

good to Colerain with the addition of the

Colerain Medical Clinic, the location of

Family Dollar to the town and a strong

sewer project.

Downtown Colerain used to be bustling with activity. There are still approximately half a dozen businesses that call downtown home.

COLERAIN FROM PAGE 48

See COLERAIN page 50The Colerain United Methodist Church founded in

1883 still stands on its original location.


Baker said he was extremely

proud of the venture with Roanoke-

Chowan Community Health Center

which brought the medical clinic

into a modern facility in the corpo-

rate limits.

“It’s something a lot of towns

don’t have,” he stressed. “With an

aging population it’s important for

people to have access to quality

health care in town.”

He said he was also pleased to see

the Family Dollar there.

“I’ve heard so many comments

from people about how much it

means to have Family Dollar here,”

he said. “Before they came we had

to drive 17 miles or more to get any-

thing.”

Baker said he would like to see

Colerain attract other businesses

that he thinks would thrive in the

small-town atmosphere including a

restaurant

“Family Dollar changed the qual-

ity of life here and I think gave us

an opportunity to show how much

we can support local business,”

Baker said. “I think this town has a

lot to offer.”

While he would love to see the

downtown business district thrive

again, Baker said that area has its

drawbacks due to limited parking.

“Hopefully the downtown can at-

tract businesses that only need a few

parking spaces, but to have restau-

rant or something here we may have

to look at a different location,” he

said. “I think we can support that

type of business, we just have to

find the right match.”

For Perry, living in Colerain is

still a wonderful thing. He said he

loves the atmosphere offered by his

town.

“I love the quiet and peaceful-

ness,” he said.

The peace and quiet thrives

throughout the lovely town and

gives it a chance to continue to be a

place people love to call home.

(Editor’s Note: Portions of thisstory denoting the general history ofColerain were obtained from RuthWhite’s history of Colerain. In herwriting, she credited Dr. ArchibaldHenderson, Fred A. Olds, A.J.M.Perry and Mrs. Manley White forportions of the history.) �

COLERAIN FROM PAGE 49

Many residents of Colerain enjoy the beautiful view of the Chowan River.

Long time Colerain resident Norman Perry, Sr. callsthe town the ‘Finest Place in the World’


Documents

Front Porch Living January 2012