wilson woman, winter 2012

Winter 2012

A Wintertime Cookhouse

An Icon of Wilson service

Your new favorite holiday recipes

The Wilson Christmas Parade marches down Nash Street in front of Wilson Hardware circa early 1960s.

Cover photo courtesy of The Wilson County Public Library

On the cover

4 Cooking in Kenly OneDCcouple’sretirement homeinKenlycomeswith twocompletekitchens

8 ‘Celebrate’ the Holiday Season AWilsonnativeandsuccessful caterersharessomerecipes forentertainingthisseason.

12 72 years old and strong as ever

TheSt.Timothy’sBakeSaleandLunchstilldrawsacrowdforgreatfood.

14 About TownSeewhowasoutandaboutatthe8thAnnualWhirligigFestival.

Table of Contents

2 WINTER 2012 WILSON WOMAN

Breastfeeding Consulting and Classes

by an InternationallyBoard-Certified

Lactation Consultant

Returning to work and breastfeeding doesn’t have to be stressful ...

call us today to find out more!!

birthwaysandbabydays.com252-714-5974

MedelaPump N Style

Advanced For the woman

returning to work.

17 Holiday Gift GuideGetajumponsomeofthebestWilsonhastoofferinour2012GiftGuide

24 Wilson Woman IconMarthaWalsonsitsdowntotalkaboutherlifeandan-swersourIconsurvey.

22 A Wilson ChristmasLookatsomeofthetraditionsweassociatewiththeseasonandapreviewofonethefolksdown-townhopeswillstay

32 Doing It Her WaySpringArbor’sBarbaraJef-fersonserveseverydishupwithlove.

2001 Downing Street, Wilson, NC 27893www.wilsontimes.com

Morgan Paul Dickerman, IIIPublisher

____________________

Shana HooverDirector of Sales and Marketing

(252) [email protected]

Bradley HearnSpecial Sections Editor

(252) [email protected]

Account Executives:

Karen Sarmiento(252) 265-7826

[email protected]

Lisa Pearson(252) 265-7827

[email protected]

Beth Robbins(252) 265-7849

[email protected]

____________________

Contributors

Writers:Janelle Clevinger, Debbi Covington,

Bradley Hearn

Art:

Gérard Lange | Graphic DesignJanelle Clevinger | Photography

Bradley Hearn | PhotographyPaul Nurnberg | PhotographyGray Whitley | Photography

____________________

WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM WINTER 2012 3

Shoppes at Brentwoodvaughansjewelers.com

252.243.5707

Nadine Skinner

M.D., FAAFP

Board Certi ed Family PhysicianAlesha Akins

PA-CCerti ed Physician Assistant

NEW HOPE PRIMARY CARE

4845 Nash Street NW, Suite A Wilson, NC 27896-7803

(252) 243-0053

Beyond physicals and vaccinations, New Hope Primary Care treats the whole patient, focusing on prevention, early detection and treatment. Dr. Nadine Skinner and Certi ed Physician Assistant Alesha Akins provide that level of care every day - from infants to the elderly, we’re here to treat your entire family. Providing Excellence. One Patient at a Time.

Changing Patient Lives for the Better Every Day.

Choose Well. Choose Wilson. www.wilmed.org

5” x 5”

Cooking it up in KenlyIndoor/Outdoor kitchens work for new Wilsonians

by Janelle Clevinger

WWhen Scottie and Martha Banks decided to build their retirement home in Wilson after living in the Washington, D.C. area all their lives, they knew the house would feature a large kitchen. But one kitchen wasn’t enough for Scottie. He needed a second one. Outside.

Located in Kenly, the Banks’ 3,500 square-foot house was finished in Sep-tember of 2010 and by the summer of 2012, an outdoor cook house had been added to their dream home.

“We wanted the cook house to be a part of the main house so we used the same design elements,” said Scottie.

“We pulled the look together by using same roofing materials, the same roof line as the house, building with the same brick, and the same outdoor fans we used on the back porch.”

Even the gates on either end of the cook house were custom built to match the gates used in the yard’s massive fence. Scottie had gates installed in order to keep Daphney, their one-and-a-half-year-old Standard Poodle, from wandering into the cookhouse, and to keep others from potentially burning themselves on the turkey fryer which tends to stay hot for a very long time

after using it.Scottie, and Wilson contractor Bobby

Cunningham of Cunningham Construc-tion Company, selected marine lumber for use in the cook house because of its weather resistance. It was painted to match the trim on the house.

The floor is covered with outdoor tile which is similar to indoor bathroom tile but is textured so that it doesn’t become slippery when it gets wet.

The cook house itself features, on one side, the turkey fryer, which can also steam crabs, a single gas burner and a gas grill with built in rotisserie, all pow-


Scottie Banks shows off the features of the cook house’s rotisserie, which includes a heated spit rod for even cooking.

Scottie and Martha Banks stand in the kitchen of their custom-built, 3,500 square foot house in Kenly. The kitchen was designed around the “kitchen triangle rule,” which means that the cooking surface, sink and refrigerator are no further than four or five feet from one another.

Indoor/Outdoor kitchens work for new Wilsonians


ered by gas. The cook house’s other side boasts copious amounts of storage and a charcoal grill with an attached smoker unit.

“Scottie picked all this out,” Martha said with a smile. “I had nothing to do with it.”

Martha did, however, request that the tank that holds the gas used by the cook house and the main house be buried be-side the house.

“I call it ‘The Ugly Submarine,” she said, referring to all the gas tanks.

Scottie made sure his cook house was loaded with all the latest gadgets. The metal rod that skewers the poultry being cooked in the rotisserie is heated, assuring that the meat is cooked evenly. A small, metal box can be filled with scented chips so that meat takes on a hickory or mequite flavor that is often missing in gas grilling.

Scottie has a fondness for rotisserie chicken, but his desire for a built-in rotis-serie unit wasn’t only fueled by his love of the cooked poultry.

“What drove me to do my own rotis-serie cooking was that a store-bought bird already cooked costs $6, but I can rotis-serie my own for $3,” he said.

The inclusion of a turkey fryer in the cookhouse was based on two things: the delicious results and demand.

“When we lived in D.C. and my family found out that I fried turkeys, I was doing four or five turkeys on Thanksgiving morn-ing,” he said.

Scottie’s newest addition to the cook house is the combination grill and smoker. The larger unit is a typical covered grill, but a smaller unit to its right can be used for additional grill space or filled with wood

and serve as indirect heat for smoking meat in the larger grill.

He has a “chimney” that allows him to start charcoal for the grill without using lighter fluid or other chemicals. A couple sheets of newspaper are stuffed into the bottom of the “chimney” with charcoal above it. After burning the newspaper, the charcoals heat up in the chimney and are ready to be poured into the grill after only a few minutes.

Wanting to keep his outdoor area as chemical-free as possible, Scottie looked up organic bug sprays on the Internet and discovered a concoction of tobacco juice, dish soap and antiseptic mouthwash which he now sprays on his lawn.

“It keeps the bugs away and people have commented on how fresh the lawn smells,” Martha laughed.

Indoor cookIng

The indoor kitchen is Scottie’s pride and joy.

The main living area design, which features the kitchen, was driven by Scot-tie’s family.

“I have a large family and they always gather in the kitchen,” Scottie said. “In our last house the rooms were all separated with everyone in different ‘pockets.’ We wanted the main living areas together in the back of the house.”

The huge cooking area looks out over the living room, a casual sitting area and the wide open backyard. Granite counter-tops frame nearly the entire kitchen, only surrendering to appliances, a pantry and

some storage. The countertops were con-structed at different levels, the shortest one being perfect for Martha’s five foot height.

A large island in the kitchen’s center is where Scottie does most of the food handling and holds one of the three water faucet in the kitchen. Another full-size sink is where dishes are washed, and an ac-cessory called a “pot filler” round out the water sources.

“Bobby told me that I just had to have a pot filler, but I’d never heard of one” Scottie said. “But it’s really not about filling a pot. It’s about not having to walk over to a sink when you need just a little more water in that pot.”

Designed around the “kitchen triangle rule,” the cooking surface, sink and refrig-erator are no further than four or five feet from one another.

The Banks’ stove is flanked by two ov-ens – one is a conventional oven and the other a convection oven. Scottie prefers using the convection oven when cooking cookies and breads.

An EnErgY STAr HomE

ENERGY STAR appliances, designed to save money and resources, are com-monplace in homes these days, but you rarely find an entire house with an Energy Star rating.

Rated by the federal government’s En-vironmental Protection Agency, ENERGY STAR certified new homes are designed and built to deliver energy efficiency sav-ings of up to 30 percent when compared

The crawl space under the Banks’ house is so tightly sealed that it remains the same temperature as the home’s intererior. The ground is completely covered in plastic and the space contains lighting and electrical outlets, and receives the same heat and air conditioning as the house.


to typical new homes. The Banks’ new home, as with all other homes with the ENERGY STAR label, underwent a process of inspections, testing, and verification to meet strict requirements set by the EPA.

“When our home was inspected, it ranked two to three points above what ENERGY STAR rating guys thought they would be,” Scottie said.

According to Cunningham, who has been building EN-ERGY STAR homes for about 10 years now, the Banks’ home runs 25 percent better energy-wise than a typical house the same size.

“There is real payback in ENERGY STAR homes,” Cun-ningham said. “All the initial expenses put into an ENERGY STAR home will be made up for in three years.”

The Banks’ home was one of the first homes in Wilson County with a sealed crawl space under the house. This means that the space under the house is so tightly sealed that it remains the same temperature as the house, as heating and air conditioning are pumped into that area as well.

“This house is SO tight that you have to bring in outside air,” Cunningham said. “Most homes get air from opening doors and leakage from the outside, but that’s not the case with this house.

And because of that, they have a dehumidifier in the crawl space that keeps humidity rates the same year-round.”

The crawl space “floor” is completely covered in plastic, lighting and electrical outlets for workers and the temperature

remains consistent no matter the season.

“Workers love to work underneath this house,” Scottie said with a chuckle.

The move To Wilson

Both Scottie and Martha are retired federal employees, Scottie first with the Internal Revenue Service and then with federal aid in the Department

of Education, and Martha with General Services Administra-tion.

Neither Scottie nor Martha had friends or relatives here, so why choose Wilson as their retirement spot?

Scottie and Martha looked for land in Smithfield and Ra-leigh where Scottie had family members, and they also looked in New Bern and Washington, NC.

HILTON’SMEN’S & LADIES SHOPPE


“We knew that when we retired we wanted to be able to live the lifestyle we were accustomed to but couldn’t do that in the D.C. area,” said Martha. “While driv-ing from another city, we stopped in Rocky Mount for gas and decided to move there, but couldn’t find a lot we wanted to build on.”

“I think Wilson kind of chose us,” Martha added. “Finding the lot was a fluke and everything else just fell into place.”

Martha said that the building experience in Wilson was wonderful.

“It’s just been great,” she said. “Every-body, and I mean everybody, has been won-derful and very forthcoming with information. I expected something bad to happen, but nothing ever did.”

Scottie agrees wholeheartedly.“Coming out of the city, we were used to

contracts,” Scottie said. “Here, you do things on a handshake. We just weren’t used to that. And so many people looked out for us and kept us out of trouble when it came to changes in the house plans. They went ahead took care of things when they came up.”

While Scottie’s passion is cooking, Martha is an avid seamstress and enjoys making quilts. She also loves to garden and is a member of the Wilson County Exten-sion Master Gardener Volunteers.

The Banks’ home includes a large room for Martha’s sewing, guest rooms, a walkup bar in the living room and an exercise room.

Knowing that this might serve as home to her mother and that this would be the last home they lived in, Martha and Scottie designed the house with wide hallways and wide door frames, sized for use by wheel-chairs and walkers.

“We won’t be moving again and be-cause we knew we’d need them as we got older and our mothers got older, we added certain conveniences like a backup genera-tor, the house being one story, and all hall-ways and bathrooms built to Americans with Disabilities Act specifications,” Martha said.

“The Banks’ home is completely custom-built from the ground up,” said Cunningham. “The plans were drawn for them, custom-ized for their lifestyle. They knew what they wanted and told me what they wanted and we just had a meeting of the minds, result-ing in very few changes being made to the house.”

The cook house features gas-run cookers and a burner on the right and storage and a charcoal grill on the left. Outdoor tile, textured to reduce slipping when wet, was used for the cook house floor and tempered, smoke-tinted, framed glass was inserted overhead after a wind storm nearly destroyed the ceiling fans.

Martha and Scottie Banks’ cook house in Kenly, as seen from their back porch, was built to mirror the look of the house by using matching brick, columns and roof line.

‘Celebrate’ the Holiday Season

A native of Willson and graduate of Fike High School and Atlantic Christian College (and former employee of The Wilson Times), Debbi Covington is a chef, caterer and food columnist living in Beaufort, SC. She is the author of the cookbook, “Dining Under the Carolina Moon,” and also writes the food column, “Everyday Gourmet” in the Beaufort newspa-per, Lowcountry Weekly. Her new book, “Celebrate Everything! Delicious Menus for Festive Gatherings and Easy Entertaining,” combines 182 recipes from her career as a caterer and author, as well as her childhood growing up in Wilson.

Debbi has been featured as a “Master of Entertaining” in Southern Living magazine and her recipes have been published in multiple cook-books including Southern Living’s “Best Kept Se-crets of the South’s Best Cooks” and “The Best of The Best of South Carolina.” She has been voted “Best Caterer” by the readers of the Beaufort Gazette and The Island News. Debbi has a passion for cuisine and delights in creating seasonal and locally inspired menus.

“Celebrate Everything!” can be purchased locally at Barrett’s Printing on Goldsboro Street or online at both www.cateringbydebbicovington.com and Amazon.com.


Wilson native Debbi Coving-ton’s new cookbook“Celebrate Everything!” can be purchased locally at Barrett’s Printing on Goldsboro Street or online at both www.cateringbydebbicovington.com and Amazon.com.

Debbi Covington, renowned chef, caterer and Wilson native, shows you how

PIngredients

1 (16-ounce) package whole fresh mushrooms4 ounces pancetta1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened3 tablespoons chopped fresh chivesPaprika

PreparationWash mushrooms and remove stems; drain on paper towels. Dice pancetta into small cubes. Cook pancetta in frying pan until crispy; drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, combine pancetta with cream cheese and chives. Fill mushroom caps with cream cheese mixture. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet; sprinkle with paprika. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Serves 6.

Pancetta and Chive Stuffed Mushrooms


Deck the halls tree trimming Party

This year, why don’t you invite the gang over for a tree timing party?! It’s a great way to kick off the holiday season! An added bo-nus is that when guests attend your party they expect to find a house that’s not quite ready for Christmas and you get a bunch of decorating help! -DC

The following recipes by Debbi Covington and photographs by Paul Nurnberg are excerpted from the book ‘Celebrate Everything!’ and are reprinted here courtesy of Debbi Covington and Lydia Inglett Ltd. Publishing.

Flavorful pancetta is Italian bacon that is cured with salt and spices.

3042-F Forest Hills RoadWilson • 252-291-0122

Richie BallanceRichie BallanceFLOORING & TILEFLOORING & TILE

INCINC

www.richieballanceflooring.com

Let our professional sales staff help with your bathroom or kitchen remodeling!

Carpet • VinylWood • Ceramic Tile

Laminates • Tile ShowersKitchen Backsplashes

Silestone & Granite CountertopsCultured Marble Vanity Tops

with Cultured Marble Showers


JIngredients

1 (17.3 - ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese1 (4 - ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained3 to 4 tablespoons diced jalapeño peppers1 egg, beaten

PreparationThaw puff pastry in the refrigerator. Preheat over to 375 degrees. In a small bowl, toss cheese with pimentos and diced jalapeños until well combined. Unfold 1 pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle evenly with half of the cheese mixture. Roll up like a jelly roll. Repeat with remaining pastry sheet and cheese mixture. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each pastry roll crosswise into 10 slices. Place the slices, cut-side up, onto two lightly greased baking sheets. Brush the slices with beaten egg. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown. Makes 20.

Jalapeño-Pimento Cheese Pinwheels

TIngredients

4 cups diced cooked turkey4 hard boiled eggs, roughly chopped1 cup celery, diced1/3 cup chopped onion1 (4-ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed2 (10.75-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup1 cup mayonnaise1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted1 (8-ounce) package chow mein noodles

PreparationPreheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine turkey with eggs, celery, onion, mushrooms, water chestnuts and peas. Blend soup and mayonnaise together and mix with other ingredients. Stir in toasted almonds. Place in a greased casserole dish and sprinkle with chow mien noodles. Bake in preheated over for 30 minutes. Serves 8.

Turkey CrunchGreat way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey!

You can prepare the pinwheels up to one day in advance. Prepare as directed but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate the unbaked pinwheels for up to 24 hours. I keep a jar of diced jalapeño peppers in the refrigerator. They’re perfect for this recipe.


CIngredients

1 stick butter, melted3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce3 teaspoons seasoned salt2 teaspoons garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder2 tablespoons lemon juice2 cups corn cereal2 cups rice cereal1 cup wheat cereal2 cups pretzels2 cups small bagel chips1 cup cheese-flavored mini crackers1 cup pecan halves1 cup mixed nuts

PreparationPreheat oven to 250 degrees. In a small bowl, combine butter and Worcestershire sauce with season-ings and lemon juice. Place remain-ing ingredients in a large bowl. Pour butter mixture over snack mix, toss lightly to coat well. Spread party mix evenly on two baking sheets. Bake until ingredients are completely dry, stirring every 20 minutes. Serves 12 to 15.

Covington Christmas Party MixThe secret ingredient in my party mix is the lemon juice! Make your own version of party mix with these seasonings and use 12 cups of your favorite snack stuff!


The women of the annual St. Timothy’s Bake Sale and Lunch are here to make your Thanksgiving quick and easy

72-years-old and stronger than ever

TThe St. Timothy’s annual Bake Sale and Lunch is back for its 72nd year, and its many volunteers are hoping to draw the attention of work-ing women who might enjoy some help with Thanksgiving dinner.

On Nov. 20, just a two days before Thanksgiving, patrons will be lined up at the door when the sale opens for business at 11:30 a.m. They’ll be loading up on homemade cakes and pies, cookies and casse-roles and a St. Timothy’s favorite — cocktail-size cheese biscuits.

But before that big day, the public has the opportunity to reserve a number of frozen or refrigerated items ahead of the rush. For the third year in a row, bake sale workers will be offering an order-ahead service with a specific menu.

Working women can order early and pick up their purchases — made by church volunteers — in the church parking lot on the way home from work.

Some of the frozen items on the order-ahead list include local sweet potato casserole, broccoli and cheese casserole and fresh local col-lards. These items can be stored in the freezer until later in the week for the big meal.

One of the mainstays of the an-nual bake sale is the chicken salad, and it can be purchased in advance or at the bake sale that day.

In years past, volunteers make roughly 430 pounds of chicken salad for the sale, using 220 chickens, 90 pounds of celery and 18 gallons of a special, secret recipe mayonnaise.

Some of the prep work is out-sourced for this big chicken salad undertaking, including the chopped celery and some of the cooked and chopped chicken.

A few select women who know the secret recipe will gather to mix up the mayonnaise for the chicken salad, and on the Sunday before the sale, an assembly line will form in St. Timothy’s kitchen to make the famous chicken salad.

If you want a taste of the chicken salad, plan to eat lunch at St. Timo-thy’s Episcopal Church on Nov. 20. Lunch offerings include a chicken salad sandwich, orange tomato soup or Episcopal vegetable soup along with the traditional dessert — “St. Timothy’s Famous Butterscotch Pie.”

Before or even after lunch, you can do some shopping at the bake sale. Bus boys will be available to help take food to the car or to help

customers shop.Many shoppers come for a cake

or pie for Thanksgiving dinner so they won’t have to make a dessert themselves. This year they will also be purchasing ginger-orange cran-berry sauce (recipe featured on page 13).

One of this year’s other order-ahead items is chocolate chess pie. James said volunteers went through a testing process to come up with a consistent recipe to give cooks who would be baking it, alerting them to a particular brand of pie crust and chocolate, for instance.

Yes, the bake sale is a lot of work, but it’s worth it to these women, who are able to distribute around $6,000 through this project each year.

Over the years, the money has been given to a number of local organizations including the Salvation Army, Hope Station, Wesley Shelter, the St. Timothy’s Soup Kitchen, Car-riage House, Home-Delivered Meals and S.P.O.T.

And not only do the women pro-vide a service for the community, but they also enjoy themselves — all 60 or 70 of them who cook and coordi-nate to make this project a reality.


2839 Daisy Lane • 206-0619(Located inside Ross McDaniel Salon)

M-F 10-5:30 - SAT BY APPT.

InvitationsCalling CardsNote Cards Napkins

all custom printed

CRANE & CO.

Unique Gifts

Visit us for all your

Wedding needs

GIngredients

16 ounces fresh cranberries, picked over and rinsed1 1/2 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup water1/2 cup fresh orange juice1 tablespoon finely chopped gingerFinely grated zest from 1 orange

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the ber-ries pop open, about 15-20 minutes. A longer cooking time makes the sauce thicker or more jelled. Remove from heat. Skim foam off the surface with a metal spoon and discard or after mixture has cooled, sir it in. Cool to room temperature. Refrigerate, covered, up to three months.

Ginger Orange Cranberry Sauce

SIngredients

3 cups fresh, local sweet potatoes baked 1/2 cup sugar2 eggs, beaten1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 stick margarine, melted1/2 cup milk1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Topping:1/2 cup brown sugar1/3 cup plain flour1/3 stick margarine, melted1 cup chopped pecans (optional- we do not use)

Preparation

Mash sweet potatoes. Add sugar, eggs, salt, margarine, milk and vanilla. Mixwell. Put in shallow 1 1/2 quart baking dish. Mix top-ping. Spread over sweet potatoes. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes. Serves 6.

St. Timothy’s Sweet Potato Casserole

The line outside St. Timothy’s for the extremely popular an-nual bake sale and lunch is typically stretched around the block before the doors open.

Thanksgiving Bake sale

The St. Timothy’s annual Bake Sale and Lunch is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Nov. 20, starting at 11:30 a.m. in Anderson Hall at the church, which is located on the corner

of Green and Goldsboro streets in downtown Wilson. If you’d like to order ahead, visit www.StTimothysWilson.org. Forms are also available in

the church office.Join them for lunch, starting at 11:30, and enjoy soup, a sandwich and “St. Timothy’s

Famous Butterscotch Pie.”


OAbout Town

Over the weekend of November 4-5, Wilson celebrated the 8th Annual Whirligig Festival, an award-winning event that draws tens of thousands of people to downtown for a variety of food, music, arts and crafts, contests, children’s activities, demonstrations, parades and an overall joyous celebration of Wilson’s unique works of art and culture. The festival, named after local artist Vollis Simpson’s renowned pieces of folk art, also served as an opportunity for the public to stop by the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project Repair & Conservation Headquarters on Douglas Street, where they could see these monumental pieces in the process of restoration for the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park Project.

The 8th Annual Whirligig Festival photography by Gray Whitley


www.stuartwalstoninc.com417 W. Nash Street, Wilson, NC

252-243-4940Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5:30pm

Shoppes at Brentwood • 237-7166www.churchwells.com

Monday-Friday 10-5:30

It’sJust

Worth More!

Custom Made Doesn’t

Cost Extra ...

Custom Designed by Anderson Bass


4315 Raleigh Rd. Parkway(Hwy. 264 W. near I-95)

(252) 399-4839 • (252) 205-0121Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hope’s Furniture

See what’s available in Wilson stores this holiday season and all year round with our newest Holiday

Gift Guide... (Starts on Page 18)


Needlepoint and Hook PillowsFine Print Stationery has a wonderful assortment of needlepoint and hook pillows for Christmas or anytime of the year. Fine Print offers unique gifts, invitations and custom-printed napkins for any occasion.Fine Print Stationery, 252-206-0619

Trips/VacationsLooking for the perfect gift? Let Creative Travel by Design do the shopping for you and wrap up a trip! Travel gift certificates are available, so stop by the office at The Shoppes at Brentwood to learn more. It could be the most exotic gift you’ve ever given.Creative Travel by Design — Teresa Summerlin 252-281-1899

Cinda B BagsCreations by Culbreth is already a downtown

Wilson tradition come Christmas time. Stop by the Tarboro Street store and find a great selection of Cinda B handbags, totes, travel

bags, baby bags and accessories, the perfect gift for that person on your list. Practical and

versatile, yet classy and chic, Cinda B bags are all custom-designed using the latest durable, poly/nylon fabrics and fashion-forward color

schemes, patterns and silhouettes. All Cinda B bags are made in the USA. Creations by

Culbreth is already getting into the “season of giving” by giving all its customers 20% off all

gift items. Creations by Culbreth,

252-237-8284

Gift Cards for Play DateA gift certificate from Play Date makes a great present not only for Christmas, but any time of the year. The safe, secure and professional environment at Play Date allows Mom and Dad a few hours of time alone for shopping, relaxing or social events. This holiday season, give the gift of time.Play Date, 252-399-7559


Hand-Painted Three Wise Men (17”)Christmas has arrived at Stuart Walston, Inc.! Visit them for all of the best holiday decorations to deck your halls. They have ornaments, Annalees, holiday figurines and much more for your home or the home of anyone on your list! $295 / set of threeStuart Walston, Inc., 252-243-4940

Holiday Invitational Art Show and Sale

The Wilson holiday season truly commences when the annual, eagerly

anticipated Holiday Invitational Art Show & Sale begins! November 16 through December 21 all of the Arts Council of

Wilson’s galleries and The Gallery Shop will be overflowing with original works of

art from over fifty local and regional artists. You’ll be delighted to discover finds such as our unique jewelry, colorful paintings,

drawings, stunning photographs, scarves, pottery, fused and blown glass, ceramics, Christmas decorations and more. Let us

help you shop for unique, one-of-a-kind works of art for everyone on your gift list!

Arts Council of Wilson 252-291-4329

Little Pine Key ChestStuart Walston, Inc. is the place for all of your home decorating needs. From fabric to furniture to artwork and accessories, they can help you spruce up your home for the holidays or find the perfect gift to place under the tree. Accented with bamboo and scrolled bracket feet, this Little Pine Key Chest can be dressed up for the holidays or any time of year. $2,125Stuart Walston, Inc., 252-243-4940

Tacori Diamond Engagement Ring and

BandPut a smile on your

special someone’s face this holiday season with an antique-style platinum and

diamond engagement ring and wedding band by Tacori.

Vaughan’s Jewelers, 252-243-5707


Gracie’s Village ShopsLocated just out of town on NC 58, Gracie’s Village Shops is the one-stop destination for

all anything you may need this season. From furniture, accessories, clothing, candles, jewelry

and art to toys and other gifts for children, Gracie’s can help you finish shopping for each

person on your list. Gracie’s Village Shops,

252-991-2463

Winking Santa OrnamentAll holiday decor is 25% off at Creations by Culbreth, the “Go To Christmas Guy” in Wilson. This Old World Christmas Winking Santa Ornament is part of a whole array of holiday decorations and gift ideas. Whether decorating your own home for the season or taking on your long shopping list, Creations by Culbreth is a mandatory stop each year for any of your holiday needs.Creations by Culbreth, 252-237-8284

Sugar and Spice ElfThis Sugar and Spice Elf by Mark Roberts is just one of a whole line of Mark Roberts

Fairies and Elves available at Creations by Culbreth. Saving 20% off your purchase this season will bring some holiday joy to you, in addtion to the lucky person you’re shopping

for. Visit the store at 222 Tarboro Street or visit TheGoToChristmasGuy.com for more

great gift ideas from Culbreth. Creations by Culbreth,

252-237-8284

M. Bagwell CollectionIt’s Christmas time in downtown Wilson. A wide variety of Christmas ornaments like those from the M. Bagwell Collection are available at ReCollections at Wilson Hardware located at 114-116 East Nash Street in Historic Downtown Wilson! ReCollections is full of gift ideas this season, from ornaments to jewelry, art, furniture, dolls and antiques just to name a few.ReCollections at Wilson Hardware, 252-243-3174


Seasonal ApparelThis outfit from Hilton’s Men’s and Ladies Fine

Clothing is the perfect addition to your ensemble for Christmas parties, holiday shopping or other

social gatherings. Hilton’s also offers a great variety of Patagonia, Peter Millar and Southern

Tide apparel. Join Hilton’s for their annual Christmas open house on Sunday, Dec. 18,

from 1-5 p.m. Free wrapping and delivery for all gifts. Let the folks at Hilton’s be your

elves this year! Hilton’s Men’s and Ladies Fine Clothing,

252-243-7003

Christmas Delight ElfThe Annalee Elves have arrived and are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Hanging from a chandelier or standing quietly on a mantle, these posable elves are sure to be a hit with young and old alike. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or are an annual collector, The Nook has the whole 2012 collection for you to choose from, including Santas, elves, mice and other animals. For more photos, check out The Nook on Facebook.The Nook, 252-243-2503

Vera Bradley BagsThe new patterns and styles of Vera Bradley bags have arrived at The Nook! The new Dogwood (shown above on The Miller Bag) and English Rose patterns are destined to be your new favorite but shop the large selection of retired patterns and styles at The Nook at 50% off! The Miller Bag, with it’s six roomy pockets, one outside pocket and zip-top closure is one overnight tote you won’t want to do without. Get a jump on your holiday shopping and stop in The Nook early. From November 8th through 18th, The Miller Bag will be on sale $68 (normally $85). So what are you waiting for?The Nook, 252-243-2503

James Grey & Co.If you have a wedding or hostess gift to buy, there’s no better selection than at James Grey and Company, located at 206 Tarboro Street in Downtown Wilson. In addition to antique and vintage finds, you’ll find Beatriz Ball metalware, colorful Hen House Linens, and a selection of Vietri tableware, glasses and tableware. Owners Steve and Leta Williams will help you make the perfect choice. They’ll even gift wrap it and provide free local delivery too! James Grey & Co., 252-991-5267


Monogrammed NecklaceGive her the perfect Christmas gift this year and keep her looking elegant all year round with monogrammed necklace from Churchwell’s Jewelers. Available in gold-plated or sterling silver, in 10 KT or 14 KT, you’ll see the sparkle in her eyes when she opens that box to find this beautiful, personalized gift on Christmas morning. Starting at $181Churchwell’s Jewelers, 252-237-7166

Bruno Electra-Ride™ Elite Stairlifts

This season, give the gift of total accessibility to your elderly or

handicapped loved ones with the Bruno Electra-Ride Elite Straight Rail Stairlift

System. The economically-priced, full-featured system is battery powered

and offers a seat belt and two remote radio call-send controls for maximum convenience. More unique than any

other gift, an Elite Stairlift System allows them to enjoy the home they love.

Family Medical Supply, 252-265-9827

Cross NecklacesCustom made by Anderson Bass, Churchwell’s co-owner and in-house custom designer, these beautiful diamond-encrusted cross necklaces will make a lasting impression any time of year. These special pieces are just a few of the unique treasures you can find at Churchwell’s. Whether it’s a Christmas gift, or you’ve got your mind on an upcoming birthday or anniversary, Churchwell’s is the place you want to stop by first for beauty, quality and originality. Churchwell’s Jewelers, 252-237-7166

Flex-A-Beds

The perfect night’s sleep is just a quick trip away. No

matter your age or lifestyle, the line of Flex-A-Beds at Family Medical Supply

will give you or someone you love a “dream” adjustable bed for life.

Family Medical Supply, 252-265-9827

WWW.WILSONTIMES.COM WINTER 2012 23Wilson Woman's Magazine AdAd size: 7.5" x 5"1/9/12

www.wilsoncc.edu(252) 291-1195P.O. Box 4305, 902 Herring Avenue, Wilson, NC 27893-0305

c o l l e g ec o l l e g ewilson communitywilson community

start here,start here, start here,

anywhere! anywhere! anywhere! transfer transfer transfer

Customized Family PlatterJust like they do all year round, Sweet Martha’s Whimsy offers an array of beautiful custom-painted pottery this season. Family platters with your choice of colors, prints of your kids made into critters, ornaments, wedding plates, birth announcements and more. Sweet Martha’s Whimsy, 252-234-ARTS (2787)

State Farm Life Insurance Company (Not licensed in MA, NY or WI)State Farm Life and Accident Assurance Company (Licensed in NY and WI)

Bloomington, IL1203087

Shaun Amato,Agent

3701 Nash St. NWWilson, NC 27896Bus: 252-291-2172

It can also provide for today.I’ll show you how a life insurance policy with living benefits can help your family with both long-term and short-term needs..GET TO A BETTER STATE.®

CALL ME TODAY.

[email protected]


The former city councilwoman, member of the N.C. Medical Board and icon of service and civic duty sits down to answer our survey

LLooking over the rows of plaques, framed certificates and designations that line the walls of her Kenan Street home, Martha Walston’s resumé is truly staggering.

At 90 years old, her sweet and mild countenance belies a keen intelligence, moral fortitude and determined spirit that guided her to a purposeful life of service to Wilson, to North Carolina and, inevitably, led to groundbreaking positions that benefitted both.

A three-term city councilwoman for the City of Wilson, president of the Alumni Association of UNC-Greensboro, member of the Board of Trustees at both UNC-Chapel Hill and N.C. State, the Board of Directors of the N.C. Physicians Health Program, president of the PTA in Wilson County, regional director of the American Field Services international exchange program, holder of practically every position in the Wilson Chamber of Commerce — as well

as numerous committees and councils along the way — her list of titles and accolades is almost endless.

“I was just raised to know that I wasn’t bet-ter than anyone else,” says Walston. “I wanted to give back.”

While all of her service along the way was important to her, many would point to her appointment as the first public member of the North Carolina Medical Board as her most monumental in regards to its lasting impact.

EARLY SERVICEIn the early 1940s, Walston was a young

woman full of conviction, filled with a passion for education and an inherent duty to serve others. From the start, she was destined to make an impact.

During World War II, she gave up a beloved teaching job in Rocky Mount to return home,

where she took an office job (“a man’s job”) at Export Leaf Tobacco Co. in downtown Wilson. Incidentally, she was the first woman in Wilson to work in the office of one of the big tobacco factories.

While holding down the full-time job, she and several of her friends endured the extensive training required to serve as volunteer nurses for the American Red Cross. She spent her evenings volunteering at the hospital.

It was this medical training that she was “doubly grateful for” when, years later, her daughter was born with spina bifida, a deformity of the spine.

“That was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever had to face,” she says. Many years were spent in and out of doctor’s offices and specialty hospitals in different parts of the country. But ultimately, she says, it was the most reward-ing thing she’s ever done.

by Bradley HearnMartha Walston


The second installment of an ongoing feature, the Wilson Woman Icon Series seeks to glean words of wisdom and guidance from accomplished and well-regarded women in the Wilson community through our standard eight-question survey. For this issue, we asked Martha Walston, former three-term Wilson city councilwoman and the first non-physician member of the North Carolina Medical Board.

1 ) W h a t h a s b e e n y o u r l i f e ’ s b i g g e s t s t r u g g l e ?

Walston: Our life’s biggest struggle has been raising a handicapped child. But it’s also been the most satisfying and rewarding challenge we’ve ever faced. I say “we” because it truly takes a village. We had a great deal of support. From our church, our community, everyone.

2 ) W h a t h a s b e e n y o u r p r o u d e s t m o m e n t ?

The accomplishment of our three children.

3 ) W h a t a d v i c e w o u l d y o u g i v e a y o u n g w o m a n s t a r t i n g h e r p r o f e s s i o n a l l i f e ?

Perseverance. And not to be discouraged if things don’t go right. Even if you fail, you just keep on trying.

4 ) W h o h a s b e e n t h e m o s t i n s p i r a t i o n a l f i g u r e t o y o u ? W h y ?

I have had so many inspirational figures in my life. My parents, first of all. I’d say some of the doctors I worked with on the NC Medical Board. Some ministers have been very inspiring. And I’ve had some absolutely wonderful professors too — I’m all about education.

5 ) W h a t d o y o u c o n s i d e r t h e m o s t i m p o r t a n t v i r t u e s a w o m a n m u s t p o s s e s s ?

Compassion. Also the ability to forgive.

6 ) W h a t d o y o u v a l u e m o s t i n t h e w o r l d ?

Family, love, and God.

7 ) W h a t i s t h e b i g g e s t p r o b l e m f a c i n g W i l s o n m o v i n g f o r w a r d ?

I think one of the biggest problems in the whole state, and the whole nation, is educating people. You can’t get a job if you’re not educated.

8 ) W h a t i s y o u r b i g g e s t h o p e f o r t h e f u t u r e o f W i l s o n ?

One of my biggest hopes right now is for the success of the Whirligig Park. I hope that it achieves all they hope for, helps the economy and brings people to Wilson. I feel like it’s a good step forward.

SERVING WILSONBut Walston stayed active in the community

and ultimately ran for Wilson City Council in the 1970s. Back then, the council appointed the mayor from its own ranks and in her first year, she was actually chosen by the council for the job, which would have made her the first female mayor of Wilson. Not ever motivated by personal pride, she turned the honor down. “I just thought I could be more useful as a council-woman,” she said, although she did serve as

mayor pro tem at meetings when the mayor was out of town.

PRACTICING MEDICINENot long after an unsuccessful bid for the

N.C. Legislature, she received at call from then Gov. Jim Hunt. He told her that he wanted a public member of the North Carolina Medical Board and asked if she would consider it.

“I was leery, I have to admit,” she said. She didn’t know much about medicine, she

admits, but through the circumstances of raising her daughter, she knew doctors and what it was like from the perspective of a patient.

“The first meeting I had, I could tell they were very leery of me.”

Naturally so. The Medical Board had been existence since before the Civil War and had never had a member who wasn’t a physician. In their eyes, letting an outsider into the decision-

Continued on page 26


making process of the medical world had the potential to undermine their whole profession.

Her first “meeting” was actually three full days of grueling meetings, and at the end of the first day, she felt the rest of the apprehensive board fix their gaze on her to gauge her reaction. Rather than shrink under the scrutiny, Walston was decided to end the uneasy vibe, summoned her steely resolve and fixed her gaze right back across the table.

“I looked right back at them and said, ‘Look, I don’t want to do anything that I’m not qualified to do. I just think there is room for outside input.’”

And with that simple declaration, the board breathed a sigh of relief and any tension in the room completely dissipated and was never felt again.

Walston ended up serving two, three-year terms on the board and thought that would be it. But after one term removed from it, she was unexpectedly appointed again and ultimately served two more terms.

Today, she can’t speak more highly of her 12 years serving on the Medical Board. Her time there saw major overhauls in the way practicing physicians are disciplined and how patients are educated about their own medical professionals. “It’s the most rewarding service I’ve ever done, because I was actually ac-

“Partner with the Professionals at PDSS”

252-243-7377www.professionaldrugscreening.com

Melanie Womble, RN, CPCT, BAT President

PDSS Professional Drug Screening Services, Inc.

• Complete Drug-Free Workplace Consultation & Management

• Specializing in Federal DOT Compliance/DOT Consortia

• Mobile Or In Office Collections • 24 Hour Availability• Urine, Hair, Oral Fluid Testing,

Breath Alcohol Testing• DATIA Accredited Facility For

Program Management & Collections• Customized Policies for Business &

Industry• Substance Abuse Evaluations By

DOT Qualified LCAS/SAP

• Supervisory Training• Owner/Operator Programs• MRO Services & DOT Pre-Adult

Reviews• Expert Witness Testimony• Litigation Support Services, DNA

Paternity Testing, Random Testing Pool For Child Custody & Visitation Issues

• Non-DOT Physicals• Anger Management• DWI Assessment/Treatment• ESC Claims Support

1208 Tarboro St., Wilson, NC 27893

Experience ... It Matters!

Arts Council

291-4329www.wilsonarts.com

HOLIDAY INVITATIONAL

Art Show & Sale

A BANKER’S HOLIDAY

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7

6:30pm-12:30am

Live Band, Auction,

Cash Raffle, Hubert Vester

Car Raffle,Fabulous Food

& Spirits!

November 16 thru December 21

A Banker’s

Holiday 2012

2 Holiday Events at YOUR

complishing great things,” she said. “And the people I was able to serve with were some of the most interesting and intelligent people I’ve ever met.”

In 1987, the North Carolina Medical Society presented her with The John Huske Anderson Award for her contributions which “had a positive impact on the medical profes-sion and public health.”

Today, Walston can look back at her ac-complishments with both humility and pride.

But she also looks back with gratitude at the opportunities she was given.

“There have been a few bumps in the road, but I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve done.”

You’ll never know exactly how things will turn out, she says, but the important thing is to keep going and continue pushing for the things you believe in. You may have a greater impact than you intended.

“If you don’t try something, you’ll never know.”

Walston, third from left, poses with other volunteer nurses during World War II. The women were trained by the American Red Cross and many went on to take up nursing as a career after the war.


OAbout Town

On Thursday, September 13, more than 50 businesses stationed vendor booths that lined most of the Wilson Mall for the annual Wilson Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO. Some businesses had eye-catching displays, others had prizes and many gave business memorabilia, pamphlets and brochures in an effort to showcase their services. The EXPO offered businesses the chance to network with each other as well as with potential customers. The event provides businesses with the opportunity to expose the company to hundreds of people in one day. The Business EXPO is one of the events the Wilson Chamber of Commerce hosts each year in an effort to support its members and the business community in Wilson. The night before the event, the Chamber hosted at preview party at the mall.

Wilson Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO

photography by the Wilson Chamber of Commerce

Dee Darden Warrick, LUTCFPrincipal AgentDee Darden Warrick Agency Nationwide Insurance

JOIN NATIONTHE

3453-A Airport Blvd., Wilson, NC 27896

252-243-4197 EXT, [email protected]

Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Columbus, OH. Not all Nationwide affiliated companies are mutual companies and not all Nationwide members are insured by a mutual company. Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance, the Nationwide framemark, Nationwide is On Your Side and Join the Nationwide are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. ©2012 Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved. NPF-0501M (7/12)


For nearly 20 years “A Banker’s Holiday” has been the premiere kickoff to the holiday season. Also serving as the primary fund-raiser for the Arts Council of Wilson, the “longest running holiday party” in town is sponsored by the participating banks and is held on both floors of the Arts Council of Wilson and a 40-foot by 120-foot tent outside in the Pavilion. The event used to be more of a street party, according to Barry Page, executive director of the Arts Council, where the downtown banks used their spaces and people just walked through the street to each party. But as the banks began to move out of town and, as Page notes, “to be more effective, have better security and be more responsible to our community,” they decided to consolidate the event into one space. Like previous years, A Banker’s Holiday (held on Friday, December 7 this year) will feature a huge food spread provided by four local caterers: Jac’s Grill, Quince, Kitty Meares Cater-ing and Jeremy Law of Soco Farm and Food. In addition, there will again by two bands: Rubberband in the Pavilion and Brad Shackelford, Bill Myers & Friends inside the Arts Council.

A Banker’s Holiday

Brentwood Christmas Tree

The 30-foot tall Christmas tree in the parking lot of The Shoppes at Brentwood has, for decades, sig-naled to the people (and shop-pers) of Wilson that it’s time for the holiday season to begin — particularly the retail side. Tradi-tionally one of the first Christmas items to go up, the landmark tree is usually erected a week or two before Thanksgiving.

Though there are countless Wilson holiday traditions, both new and old, personal and public, there are some that the citizens of Wilson County count on with as much faith as visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Eve...

Santa’s WorkshopA relatively new tradition, Santa’s Workshop is part of Deans Farm Market’s seasonal hay-rides and is open every Saturday from 10 a.m to 3 p.m. from November 24 through Decem-ber 22. Kids. For the past three years, Wilson kids have loved hearing a story from Santa, making a Christmas craft, getting their picture taken alongside the biggest “live” Christmas tree in Wilson and visiting Santa’s animals in his barn.


Non-InvasiveBody Contouring

INTRODUCING THE LIPO-EX PROCEDURE

Carolina Sports & SpineCALL TODAY - 252-442-4024

Offered inRocky Mount

& Wilson

The First 25 To Sign Up Get

$25000 OFF YOURFIRST PACKAGE

Light Up Wilson

Wilson Jaycees Christmas ParadeThough the route changes slightly from year to year, and it even took place on Monday evening from 2001 to 2005, The Wilson Jaycees Christmas Parade is one of the few Wilson events that many local residents have experienced literally their entire lives. The Wilson Jaycees chapter began in 1940 and their annual parade wasn’t too far behind. With the participation and collaboration of so many schools, civic groups and organizations both in front and behind the scenes, it’s a massive undertaking for many in town. “For us, it’s a year long event,” said Ginger Huff, president of the Jaycees and chair of the Christmas Parade. “As soon as this one ends, we are getting the permits for next year’s. It takes a lot of coordination and planning all year.”

2012 will be the 48th annual lighting of the downtown Christmas tree in front of the Wil-son County Courthouse. To many citizens, this official ceremony and its symbolic light-ing — organized by the City of Wilson — is the beating heart of the holiday season and serves as a gathering spot and jump-ing off point for downtown shopping from the beginning of December. This year, the ceremony will have at least four different school choruses singing making it the big-gest group of singers Light Up Wilson has seen in many years.

Santa’s Workshop


of Wilson, NC

You CAN Afford You CAN Afford A CadillacA Cadillac

252-237-1111 252-237-1111 www.jcharris.comwww.jcharris.com

4030 Ward Boulevard, Wilson4030 Ward Boulevard, Wilson

JC Harris

222 Tarboro St. SW • 252-237-8284

Everyone smiles with a gift from

TheGoToGiftGuy.com

A Downtown Christmas

In what Historic Downtown Wilson hopes to be the future of Wil-son’s Christmas traditions, several of Wilson’s past events are be-ing combined into a one large weekend celebration for 2012 called “A Downtown Christmas.”Nighttime shopping, carriage rides, a 15-foot snow globe and caroling are just some of the plans surrounding the event which aims to kick off the season in downtown Wilson. For the past sev-eral years, the WDDC-sponsored Festive Fridays took place over

2301-C Stantonsburg Rd. (next to JA’s Uniform)

252-364-8729 www.HappyGirlsBandB.com

M,T,W,F 10-6, Thurs. 10-8, Sat. 9-3

Happy GirlsBras & Breastfeeding We carry breast pumps,

nursing bras & full figure bras

Christmas Gift Cards Available

Individual care from caring individualsAt the Medicap Pharmacy® store, we believe that quality pharmacy care means more than just prompt prescriptions. Quality care means that you get the prescriptions and medications you need, along with the personal care and attention you deserve.

252.237.21111000 Tarboro Street W. Wilson, NC

Prescriptions FilledPrescriptions FilledWith Personal AttentionWith Personal Attention

A Downtown ChristmasDon’t forget your

gift cardsthis holiday season!

2341 Madison Dr., Wilson, NC 252-291-9199

For further info check our website at www.jacsgrill.com

three different weekends. But this year’s single event — Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 — will coincide with both Light Up Wilson and the Wilson Jaycees Christmas Parade.“We wanted to have one big holiday weekend kickoff,” said Susan Kellum, WDDC downtown marketing and communications coordinator. “We’re looking to have a really festive Christ-mas weekend.”A Downtown Christmas will be from 5-9 p.m. on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, at which time downtown businesses will be open and other activities planned. On Friday, Light up Wilson will com-mence at the Wilson County Court-house with Mayor Rose lighting the annual tree. The lighting will be fol-lowed by elementary school children singing carols and holiday music.

On Saturday, after the parade, Santa will take to the Courthouse steps to meet with children and hear their Christmas wishes. This will be the first year that Santa has been down-town, after being at the Wilson Mall for many years. But bringing Santa back downtown is just one aspect that Kellum and others hope recalls Christmases of Wilson past. For another planned ac-tivity throughout the weekend, each downtown business will participate in a window display contest, hopefully full of lights and Christmas spirit. “We wanted to recreate the Christ-mas of your childhood. We want Wilson to be lit up and recreate a time when downtown Wilson was upbeat and vibrant, which it is well on its way to becoming again,” said Kellum.


126 S. Tarboro StreetHistoric Downtown Wilson

252-237-7701

NOW OPEN!

Friday, Nov. 30th • 5pm - 9pmFor The Tree Lighting &

Saturday, Dec. 1st • 5pm - 9pmAfter the Parade

Monday-Friday 11am-3pm

Soup With Santa

Eating well at Spring ArborSelf taught kitchen master Barbara Jefferson does it her own way

For Barbara Jefferson, cooking is more about a feeling than memorizing recipes.

It’s an instinct she’s possessed since she was eight years old and began teaching herself the art in order to prepare meals for her five siblings after her mother passed away.

And it’s an instinct that continues today as the dietary manager of Spring Arbor of Wilson, where she oversees a cooking staff of six and each meal for the rest of Spring Arbor’s staff and its 61 residents.

It doesn’t mean that she’s a complete renegade in the kitchen, however. The flavors are often her own, but Jefferson is a professional and does adhere to the mandated nutritional guidelines set forth by the corporate nutritionist for the company.

“But when it comes down to it,” she laughs, “all the residents want is just the good, real Southern cooking.”

She has to be mindful, however, of just how much of that rich cooking she can give them. Natu-rally, with a clientele of almost entirely elderly people, there are going to be a slew of dietary restrictions. Many need to be tweaked in a separate pan for diabetics or other health concerns.

But it’s that “tweaking” that she’s good at. She’s been doing it for so long, it’s practically second nature.

Although her father was “an amazing cook,” and taught her many things, Jefferson took over taking care of her five siblings in the kitchen at a very young age. Her father even made a little step stool, so her short arms could reach the cabinets. She’s always loved it, though, and considered the ability a blessing.

By 1989, Jefferson took a job as a housekeeper at another Wilson retirement home. One month into the job, one of the staff cooks called in sick and the

frantic administrator asked Jefferson if she knew her way around the kitchen. Though apprehensive and a little nervous, she gave it a try.

She did such as good job that, little by little, she filled in more frequently, learned the tricks of the trade along the way, and was eventually asked to head the kitchen full time.

It’s been 23 years since then — 13 years at Spring Arbor — and she hasn’t slowed down.

“Rain, sleet or snow, I’m here,” she said. Even when there’s inclement weather, she says, she’ll have to pack up her children and spend the night at Spring Arbor. “I have to make sure someone is here to cook for the people. They need to be fed.”

And the people love it. Even the relatives of Spring Arbor’s residents that come in to eat look forward to the meals. Around holiday time, she’s bombarded with orders from friends and Spring Arbor coworkers for her famous chicken salad, greens and other Southern staples.

It’s no surprise, then, that her culinary prowess has spread beyond the walls of Spring Arbor. Over the years, she’s had more and more requests for pri-vate catering jobs. It’s something she does for friends and family at the moment — weddings or parties here and there — but it’s something that she thinks is worth looking into.

For now, though, her heart and hands serve the 61 residents of Spring Arbor of Wilson.

After all these years, she still cooks more with feeling than she does with recipes. And that feeling comes through in every meal she prepares. “I just love it. Love cooking, love to see the smiles on their faces when they enjoy their meal.”

That “love” she says, is what she puts into each recipe. “That’s the main ingredient right there.”

Barbara Jefferson, front, oversees fellow cooks Anita Wilkins and Michelle Willingham in the kitchen at Spring Arbor of Wilson.


CIngredients

2-3 pounds of sweet pota-toes5 ounces brown sugar2 1/2 cups orange juice1 1/4 ounce butter or margarine1/4 teaspoon saltDesired amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, all spiceMini Marshmallows (optional)

Preparation

Peel potatoes and dice to desired size. Mix orange juice, brown sugar, butter and salt together over heat. Then, add desired amounts of nutmeg, cinnamon and all spice. While heating for 25-30 minutes, continually add flour to add to create thickness while cook-ing. Pour thick mixture over potatoes in a pan and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for approximately one hour or un-til tender. If you decide to use marshmallows, add to the top of the potatoes near the end of baking, so they will brown and melt but not burn.

Candied Sweet Potatoes

MIngredients

1 cup butter (or margarine)1 cup sugar1 cup molasses2 cups flour1 cup boiling water1 teaspoon nutmeg3 eggs1/2 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon all spice1 teaspoon cinnamon1 teaspoon cloves

Preparation

Cream butter, sugar, molas-ses and eggs in a pan. The, add flour, soda and spices. Beat well and add the cup of boiling water. Beat until smooth. Bake at 350 degrees until done.

Molasses Pudding

HolidayHolidayOpen Open HouseHouse

2801 Ward Blvd., Wilson, NC 27896

Sunday, November 181-5 pm

Kick off your holiday at our Open House!

Bring the family for anafternoon of shopping,

refreshments, and lots of fun!

Spend $125and receive a

Gift Certificate to Shoppes at Brentwood as our way of spreading holiday cheer!

See stores for details.

Original receipts must be presented by 5:00 pm on November 18 at the designated location to qualify for the Gift Certificate Rebate program. Photocopies of receipts will not be accepted. Receipts will not split. Receipts will be stamped and returned to the customer. Gift certificate rebate limited to one person per event. Gift Certificate Rebate is available to shoppers 18 years or older with a photo ID. Store name and date of purchase must appear on receipt. Receipts from Food Lion and ABC Store do not qualify. Store credit or gift certificates do not qualify.

With the levels of many of the spices all dependent on the taste of the person preparing it, this recipe is a perfect example of Jefferson’s “tinker and taste” cooking method. The original recipe calls for water instead of orange juice, but she swears by the flavor the juice brings to it.

Write a Christmas letter to a soldierShow your appreciation for (and teach your child to

appreciate) our service men and women overseas by writing a Christmas letter. A fun, rewarding project for the whole family — it could even turn into a pen pal.

www.mailforheroes.com/ letterstosoldiers.org/

‘Step Into the Past’ As part of their “Stepping Into the Past” Saturday

series, featuring a variety of vendors and demonstra-tors, the Tobacco Farm Life Museum in Kenly will hold events on two Saturdays (11/24 and 12/01) called “Tis’ the Season,” featuring old time crafts and gifts. 919-284-3431

http://www.tobaccofarmlifemuseum.org

Take a HikeHold firm to your New Year’s resolutions for once

and get the family outside immediately with a fun hike. In 2011, a campaign organized by state parks nation-wide aimed at rejuvenating healthy minds and bodies, began an annual program that encouraged the public to take a hike on January 1. Celebrate the first hours of 2013 by visiting any of N.C.’s beautiful state parks.

http://ncparks.gov/Visit/main.php34 WINTER 2012 WILSON WOMAN

As the chaos of the holiday season consumes us, and our focus turns toward decorations, gifts, shopping, entertaining and time off of work, it’s important to remember that this season is also a great time to slow down and reflect on the year behind as well as the year ahead. And also, participate in some family activities that are good for family members of all ages.

‘Family Friendly’ things to do this holiday season

Volunteer or Give to the Salvation Army Instead of simply dropping change in the

buckets outside the grocery store, volunteer your time and money by helping the Salvation of Wilson County this holiday season. During 2011, the Army provided assistance to more than 2,500 individu-als, including over 700 children who received toys by way of the Army’s Angel Tree program and the toy store. Additionally, over 500 families received food for Christmas dinner. 252-243-2696 http://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/com-mands/wilson

It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio PlayInspired by the classic Frank Capra film It’s a

Wonderful Life, this holdiay favorite will have you in the mood for family and remind you of what the season is all about. The “play” is performed like a 1940s live radio broadcast in front of the audience at The Boykin Center. The actors perform the few dozen various roles and create the special sound effects. Don’t miss this old fashioned, one-of-a-kind show. Runs Nov. 29 - Dec. 2. All seats $10. 252-236-7266

www.playhouseofwilson.com.

1800-A Parkwood Blvd., Wilson

265-9827Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am-5:30pm

FAMILYMEDICAL SUPPLY

Located Behind Bojangles

Medical Equipment & Supplies• Respiratory Care• Incontinence Supplies• Mobility Aids • Self-Care Products• Trapeze Bars• Overbed Tables• Bathroom Safety Products• Walk-In Bathtubs• Wound Care Supplies• Air Flotation Mattresses• Orthopedic Supplies• Patient Lifts• Enteral Feeding Pumps

• Enteral Nutrition• Ostomy Products• 3 & 4 Wheeled Rolling Walkers• Walkers with Seats and/or

Baskets• Seat Lift Chairs• Power Wheelchairs• Scooters• Ultra-Lightweight & Specialty

Wheelchairs• Ramps for Wheelchairs

Home Oxygen C-pap / Bi-papHospital Beds • Wheelchairs

• Compression Hosiery• Diabetics Therapeutic Footwear

• Diabetes Management • Mastectomy Products

Remodel Sale In Progress

1702 Medical Park Dr., Wilson, NC252-243-7944

Susan H. Andersen, M.D. • John H. Buck, M.D.Natalia Jaimes, M.D. • Christina G. Poythress, PA-C

• Leesa G. Lawrence, M.D. • Mark Eldridge, PA-C

EASTERN CAROLINAPEDIATRICS, P.A.

Join us in2012-2013

Souvenir September 26-29Theatre at Barton and “Hot Summer Nights at the Kennedy” present Souvenir, a musical comedy by Stephen TemperleyFeaturing: Broadway comedienne Lisa Jolley

Women Wearing The Same

Dress5April 11-14Theatre at Barton presents Whodunnit, the Musical Ed Dixon’s outrageous farcical sendoff of the classic 1930’s murder mystery

November 8-11Theatre at Barton presents Five Women Wearing The Same DressAlan Ball’s over-the-top, bridesmaid comedy

WhOdunnit?

Tickets at the door or online at www.barton.edu/theatre. For additional information, contact Adam Twiss, director of Theatre at Barton, at 252-399-6484 or email: [email protected].

THEATRE AT BARTON

Lauren Kennedy and Alan Campbell Theatre

wilson woman, winter 2012

Documents

wilson hardware

wilson county public

downing street

changing patient lives

table of contents2 winter

squarefoot house

outdoor cook house

contributors clevinger