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Articles by Jo Grey
Santa arrives by ‘silver bullet’ truck - The Stanly News & Press
Published 3:53 pm Friday, December 6, 2024 On Tuesday evening, the night sky seemed dim compared to the holiday lights on Badin’s Falls Road and the Village Green, but below-freezing temperatures did not diminish the high spirits of a couple hundred people in town for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Those hardy folks sitting on metal bleachers just sat closer together.
A Starry Season | Our State
For more than 50 years, a dazzling chandelier has hung in the dining room of the Executive Mansion in Raleigh. Only recently has its remarkable backstory been fully illuminated.
Gaston County’s Tiny Traveling House
As the Great Depression weighed heavy in the 1930s, a mother in Gaston County dreamed of giving her daughter an unforgettable Christmas surprise. Ninety years later, Mary Wilson Adams still recalls the rumble of the truck that woke her one night as a carpenter delivered a playhouse — a tiny home just big enough for the 3-year-old to call her own. “It was grand!” she says, remembering that Christmas morning surprise.
’Tis Always the Season
The foyer of Margo Scurry’s home in northeast Charlotte is a portal into a kid’s Christmas dream. Four-foot-tall nutcrackers stand at the entrance to the living room, just the right height to look a child straight in the eye. A glowing tree twinkles nearby. And the entire room, anchored by a two-story brick wall, is festooned with hundreds of Santas — caroling, golfing, riding scooters. She even has a huggable, life-size Santa.
Room at the Badin Inn
After a day spent on planes, in airports, and amid crowds, Dennis and Stephanie Farias have finally made it to the tiny town of Badin where Stephanie’s parents live. It’s almost midnight on Christmas Eve, and at the end of their long trip from Nevada, the couple approaches the 1913 Badin Inn, a three-story, white structure with a wraparound veranda.
Stanly County’s Holiday Helpers | Our State
It’s midday on the eve of Thanksgiving, and The Rosebriar should be hopping. Except that the parking lot looks empty, the lights are off, and the front door is locked. Instead of its regular lunch service, the Albemarle restaurant is serving the community today by preparing seasonal, carryout sides.
Bistro opens at 1913 Badin Inn - The Stanly News & Press
Published 9:06 am Thursday, September 19, 2024 When you ask Curt and Angela Smith why they’re bringing an old kitchen to life at the 1913 Badin Inn, they say, “Because we love creating good food and making people happy.” That’s Chef Curt’s short answer. The long answer for Chef Ang begins a long way from Badin. She spent 23 years in Brazil with her missionary parents where her mother hosted and served other missionary families who visited or lived at the mission center.
Business owners celebrate long-awaited reopening - The Stanly News & Press
Published 3:02 pm Friday, September 6, 2024 Whether one speaks English or Lao, the language of the heart is the same. Laotian immigrants Tho and Phoudone Naovarath, speak well of their Stanly County community. “We have a good business, and my children have good schools,” said Phoudone. The Naovaraths have shared their hearts along the way by offering good food to all who come through the doors of Tho’s Pizza and Hot Subs in Badin. Aug. 31 was a day of joy for the Naovaraths.
Rediscovering the Writing Rosses - The Stanly News & Press
Published 2:01 pm Tuesday, July 16, 2024 Twenty-five years ago, Jean Ross Justice mailed a parcel from Iowa City to the library in Albemarle. Justice wanted the Stanly County library to have a copy of “Late Leisure,” the fifth book of poems written by her older sister, Eleanor Ross Taylor. But from Justice’s cover letter, it appears that people back home in Stanly County were late learning about the literary accomplishments of the sisters from Norwood.
STANLY THE MAGAZINE: Reading With Rocky - The Stanly News & Press
Published 10:42 am Sunday, June 2, 2024 Meeting a 140-pound shaggy dog in the library can be disconcerting, even for an adult. “But Rocky’s a gentle giant,” says Jessica Gise, who teams up with her registered therapy pet for monthly visits at Stanly County branch libraries. “He gets his kid-fix at the library.” Rocky was taught to greet smaller children on their level. “He naturally notices little kids,” said Gise.
Preserving the Outer Banks’ Life-Saving Stations | Our State
Caught in one of the longest-lived and deadliest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, the schooner Aaron Reppard was splintered in the surf along Hatteras Island on August 16, 1899. One passenger was battered to death after getting tangled in the rigging, his body hurled overboard when the mast fell. The ship’s captain leapt into the sea in a vain attempt to swim to shore.
Lighthouse Keeper: Meghan Agresto
The first couple of times Meghan Agresto came to Currituck County, she didn’t visit the lighthouse. “When I came in 2002, it was $6 to climb,” she says, “but I didn’t have six bucks.” Twenty-two years later, Agresto climbs the 220 steps daily and calls the Currituck Beach Lighthouse home. Her contagious personality shines as bright as the tower’s original Fresnel lens. “I have a voice that sounds like a mad cigarette smoker because I talk too much,” she says.
Garden Improv in High Point
In Martha Yarborough’s garden in High Point, everything was ready to go. The chairs were all lined up. The larkspur was blooming in the evening June sun. Guests relaxed in lawn chairs, drinking wine and eating caprese salad. There was only one thing left to do: watch a Shakespeare play. But in classic Shakespearean fashion, things don’t always — or ever, really — go as planned. A drop of water fell from the sky, and then another.
Beach Trip Trivia | Our State
Whether you’re on the deck of a boat or wearing waders in a mountain stream: For those who fish for fun or sport, there’s nothing like that telltale tug.
A Guide to Greensboro’s Greenways
SPONSORED BY In downtown Greensboro, everyday life moves in high gear: People rush to work, parents hold their children’s hands as they race to after-school activities, cars zip by. There are places to be; schedules to be kept. A few steps away from the tire-worn streets, pedestrians and cyclists find a welcome change of pace along a second thoroughfare. Greensboro’s Downtown Greenway is a portal to another world, a path where time slows down.
Daybreak on North Carolina’s Coast
Britt’s Donut Shop Carolina Beach A Carolina Beach vacation isn’t complete without a trip to the boardwalk to indulge in the glazed goodness of a Britt’s doughnut. Opened in 1939, the shop has built a loyal following by keeping things simple: Classic glazed is the only style on offer. As those who eagerly jump in line will tell you, these sweet treats more than stack up.
Magnificent Mocktails: No-jito
SPONSORED BY Yield: 1 serving. Simple Syrup: 1 cup water 1 cup sugar Cocktail: 5-6 mint leaves Lime wedge, plus more (for garnish) 2 ounces ArKay Non-Alcoholic Rum 1½ ounces lime juice ½ ounces simple syrup Ice Club soda Sprig of fresh mint (for garnish) For the simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved.
Horse Lover’s Getaway for Two at Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort
It’s the ultimate weekend for all who love horses, hosted by Tryon International in Mill Spring. For the weekend of October 11 to 13, 2024, enjoy a two-night stay for you and a friend in a cozy one-bedroom cabin. Start your weekend by checking out the shopping opportunities, horse show happenings, live music, and delicious food.
A Local’s Guide to Whalebone Junction
Twenty years ago, I thought the only reason to drive south of Milepost 16 was to reach the Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell outpost at the edge of Whalebone Junction. To be fair, I was 7-years-old at the time, and that was my definition of haute cuisine (until my mom introduced me to Sam & Omie’s, that is). That’s all changed now.
Climbing the Oak Island Lighthouse at 99
In the sweltering summer heat, Clayton “Chris” Christensen stands inside the bottom of the 153-foot-tall Oak Island Lighthouse. Sporting an “Army Strong” T-shirt and a ball cap that reads “Purple Heart — Combat Wounded — World War II,” he’s preparing to climb the eight ship ladders to the balcony. He’s made the climb maybe 25 times, he figures.
North Carolina’s River Lighthouses
The Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse looks more like a red-roofed coastal cottage than a lighthouse, but its shining light has long aided Roanoke Island sailors and fishermen. Over the years, several lighthouses by that name have been stationed around the island. The current one in Manteo is a replica of an 1877 version that once stood in Wanchese.
The Spirit of Oscar’s House
In the backyard of a cedar-shake cottage on NC Highway 12 in Ocracoke Village, strings of wooden flying pigs sway in the breeze beneath the branches of bushy fig trees. Blue bicycles, parked side by side, await riders who will steer them down sandy island roads, past Silver Lake, to the state’s oldest working lighthouse. The cottage’s wooden door swings open gently, letting out the murmur of voices and the rich scent of banana bread.
Veal Piccata | Our State
Yield: 6 servings. 1½ pounds veal cutlets ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper ½ cup all-purpose flour 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 pound white mushrooms, sliced 6 cloves garlic, minced ½ cup dry white wine 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons capers with liquid 3 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley, chopped 1 lemon, sliced for garnish Place veal between 2 sheets of wax paper. With a tenderizing mallet, pound veal to ¼-inch thickness.
Carolina Beach Music Festival
Mike Worley, emcee of the Carolina Beach Music Festival, walks through a sunscreen-scented sea of 4,000 people at Carolina Beach. He heads toward the boardwalk stage, stopping along the way to speak with folks huddled under beach umbrellas, and taking in the unofficial soundtrack of the festival: cold cans cracking open, waves crashing in the distance, and revelers sharing stories about last night’s crowd at the SeaWitch Tiki Bar and plans to attend the shag contest at the Lazy Pirate.
Shirley Payne’s Chocolate Cream Pie
Yield: 6 servings. ¾ cup salted butter, at room temperature 1⅛ cups granulated sugar 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3 large eggs 1 deep-dish piecrust, baked per package instructions 2 cups whipped topping Chocolate shavings (for garnish) In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy, or until sugar has dissolved. Stir in melted chocolate and vanilla. Mix well.
BADIN/PALESTINE NEWS: Litter Patrol, Loch Festival and Lupus Awareness - The Stanly News & Press
Published 7:50 am Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Litter Patrol Please meet at the Gazebo at 8:30 a.m. May 10 and join the effort to give Badin sidewalks and streets a welcoming and litter-free appearance. Reflective vests, gloves and bags will be provided. Loch Badin Festival The grounds of the 1913 Badin Inn will showcase festival vendors, entertainers, educators and athletes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 11 for the Loch Badin Celtic Festival and Highland Games.
4 Waterfront Adventures in Lake Norman
SPONSORED BY In the five-plus years Captain Martin Cagle has grown his Lake Norman Ride Wake & Surf Co from a wakeboarding school to an all-inclusive boat rental service, he’s learned the “ultimate day on the lake” is far from a universal definition. While wakeboarding and wakesurfing are still among the outfitter’s most popular activities, an increasing number of people just want to relax.
A Swan Song | Our State
By the time a tundra swan makes it to northeastern North Carolina in the fall, it has flown some 3,000 miles, in a great diagonal slash, from the Arctic barrens down the breadth of Canada. The birds then wing across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. A few stop along the Great Lakes marshes, but most fly nonstop all the way to Chesapeake Bay, where they gather by the hundreds, and then the thousands, and then the tens of thousands.
The Kneeler Girls of Edenton | Our State
Debbie Boyle walks along the brick pathway at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton, past the weathered tombstones of some 700 souls, including three former North Carolina governors. Inside the parish hall, about 20 women — all pastels and pearl necklaces, tastefully paired scarves and dresses, and stylish tortoiseshell glasses — await her arrival at folding tables. They’re hard at work doing needlepoint, their nimble fingers pushing and pulling thread in and out of tiny squares on canvases.
Keep the Pot Boiling
You have to work fast. Nobody likes a mushy potato, and overcooked shrimp are an abomination to society and a blight on the Nickens family name. Pulling off a perfect shrimp boil is all about timing, and it’s down to the second. Or at least the half-minute. Between the two of us, my son, Jack, and I have worked the propane burners under ambrosial pots of shrimp boil from North Carolina to Florida to Colorado to Wyoming. It’s kind of our thing. Which is kind of turning into his thing.
The Cake Boat of Lake Tillery
Children’s voices rise above the thrum of motors: “Caaake Boat! Caaake Boat!” they shout as they spot a bright flag across the water from their boat. Their wake reaches the main channel on Lake Tillery, where a pink pontoon boat rides out the swell. News flash! Selling cupcakes from a bobbing boat requires sea legs. Mia Lanier’s childhood on the lake gave her sea legs long before she began Make “Mia” Cake, the bakery business in which she fulfills custom orders and delivers sweets to local shops.
Los Fogones Serves Color & Flair in Goldsboro, NC
Fighter jets roar overhead as Carlos Herrera-Malaga places spiced chickens onto a wood-fire rotisserie behind his Goldsboro-based restaurant, Los Fogones. On his way to the kitchen, he makes a quick stop to check on his crop of Peruvian peppers — like the bright and citrusy ají limo and the small but spicy ají charapita — growing in humble planters along a gravel path.
The Zebulon Bagpiper | Our State
Roddy MacLellan began playing bagpipes as a kid in Glasgow, Scotland. Eventually, his interest faded, but after immigrating to the United States in 1980 and seeing pipers at a Scottish event, he was inspired to pick up the instrument again. “The sound is haunting,” the Wake County musician says.
A New Guard at The Pioneer Theater
One of Michael Basnight’s earliest memories is of a field trip to The Pioneer Theater. He and his Manteo Elementary School classmates waddled down Budleigh Street like excited little ducklings to see a movie — on a school day! When he was a bit older, Basnight’s parents or grandparents would drop him off at the theater, and in the summer, he’d ride his bike there with friends. As a teen, he took dates to the theater — just as his parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins had done before him.
Photo Essay: North Carolina Fishing
Let’s begin on a farm pond, which is where many anglers get their start. A farm pond, say, or a small-town lake. There’s a bobber on the water, and ripples fan out in diminishing wavelets, leaving the red-and-white plastic sphere to float like a stopper holding two worlds apart. Which is exactly what it does. And then, when that bobber does its thing and goes bob-bob-BOB-blurp! and disappears underwater, well, there’s nothing quite like that feeling in the world.
Four Drivers Every North Carolinian Should Know
SPONSORED BY Throughout the decades, the racetracks of our state have borne witness to some of NASCAR’s most extraordinary finishes. From tumultuous crashes to final-lap comebacks, here’s a deep dive into some of North Carolina’s most adrenaline-packed races and four drivers who lived out a similar truth: Anything can happen on race day. On the 1.36-mile track of Darlington Raceway, a 30-year-old Richard Petty whizzes five laps ahead second place at NASCAR’s Southern 500.
70 YEARS STRONG: After 7 decades together, couple stays busy with garden, antiques - The Stanly News & Press
Published 10:11 am Tuesday, April 9, 2024 “We want to keep busy,” said Anna Neumeyer, 88, speaking alongside her husband Jon, 91, known as “Jack” to family and friends. “Busy” means Jack tilled his vegetable garden recently and Anna has flower pots ready for planting at their Albemarle home. Jack bought a crystal chandelier at auction recently to rewire and sell. The Neumeyers are also planning a trip back to Ohio and Pennsylvania to visit nieces and nephews.
SPIRIT OF STANLY 2024: SNAP reporter covered his share of unusual stories - The Stanly News & Press
Published 11:50 am Tuesday, April 2, 2024 Most writers guard their solitude. Fred T. Morgan never stood a chance. Morgan began his esteemed 34-year career at the Stanly News & Press in 1951, spending a chunk of his writing days in a newsroom with four other newsmen, four desk phones and four clacking typewriters — not exactly the sound of silence. When his byline first appeared, his readers were asking, “Who’s Fred Morgan?” His colleague at the time, George Weaver, tried to tell them.
Forging a Family Tree
From the river that runs alongside our house, my 7-year-old has pulled something seemingly volcanic: a lumpy and porous black clump the size of a baseball. “What is this?” I ask him, but mostly myself, as I turn it over in my hand. We’ve been pulling skipping stones from the shallow water, tossing them across a flat section downstream. Upstream, the old house that is our new house waits on the bank, nearly hanging over this stretch of the South Fork of the Mills River.
BADIN/PALESTINE NEWS: Council to discuss budget goals - The Stanly News & Press
Published 8:29 am Tuesday, January 30, 2024 Town Business Limb and brush pickup is Feb. 6. Leaf collection continues through Feb. 12. Town Council has called a meeting to discuss budget goals on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall, 36 Falls Road. The Council’s regular monthly meeting is Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall. Badin Library Treva Allmon, branch manager of the Badin Library, invites everyone to check out the new indoor look.
Hamaan learns more about family, self in new book - The Stanly News & Press
Published 3:32 pm Friday, January 26, 2024 Denny Hamann makes new friends and meets new cousins wherever he goes. Even Teresa Crump, who is responsible for arranging Stanly County Public Library events, discovered they’re related.
CHRISTMAS MEMORY: Decisions, Decisions - The Stanly News & Press
Published 11:35 am Sunday, December 24, 2023 By Jo Grey of Badin For my brothers and me, the Christmas season during the late 1950s arrived in the mail with the Sears & Roebuck catalog. As best as I can remember, the dictionary sized, hefty fall edition was soon followed by the slimmed-down specialty Christmas version. Hundreds of thin paper pages of technicolor pictures were like the forerunner to Instagram.
BADIN NEWS: Museum's holiday store nears opening - The Stanly News & Press
Published 7:49 am Tuesday, November 7, 2023 October’s grand events included Semi-Annual Town Clean-up, Badin VFD Barbecue and Truck or Treat, Better Badin Fish Fry, Hardaway Pow Wow and the Better Badin Boo Fest. Congratulations and thank you to the hard-working citizens of Badin. Thank you also to John Westbrook and Love Thy Neighbor volunteers for last Saturday’s Community Thanksgiving Meal. Better Badin The nonprofit’s monthly meeting is Nov.
BADIN NEWS: Many events happening in October - The Stanly News & Press
Published 8:31 am Tuesday, October 10, 2023 Badin Library Children are invited to Storytime and Crafts at 10:30 a.m. today, and again on Oct. 24. Town Council The council meets tonight at 7 in Town Hall, 36 Falls Road. Visitors are welcome. Badin VFD The community is invited to the firehouse for barbecue on Oct. 14 beginning at 11 a.m. No more snaking lines of cars.
From muskets to vinegar pie, history lovers enjoy Living History Day - The Stanly News & Press
Published 1:25 pm Friday, October 6, 2023 History came alive for more than 300 visitors on Saturday afternoon at the Snuggs and Marks House Museum — the white clapboard two-story landmark on North 3rd Street — thanks to a partnership between the Stanly County History Center and Stanly County Historical Society. Lawn displays of soldierly paraphernalia from the American Revolutionary War and the Civil War provided a glimpse into war-time camp life.
BADIN NEWS: Council will have public hearing - The Stanly News & Press
Published 7:24 am Tuesday, September 26, 2023 Sunshine Club The Sunshine group meets at 10:30 a.m. today in the fellowship hall of Badin Baptist Church, 28 Falls Road. James Wahab, Badin Coffee barista, will present a program for coffee lovers and everyone else. The covered dish lunch will follow. Please bring a favorite entree or side to share with the group.
BADIN NEWS: West Badin plans festival, parade - The Stanly News & Press
Published 4:43 pm Tuesday, September 12, 2023 Town Council The Council’s regular meeting is the second Tuesday of each month. Tonight’s meeting is at 7 p.m. in Town Hall, 36 Falls Road. Visitors are welcome. West Badin Festival and Veterans Parade Everyone is invited to the Veterans Parade on Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. preceding the noon opening of the West Badin Festival and Homecoming celebration. All veterans are encouraged to take part and may walk or ride in personal vehicles.
BADIN NEWS: Town Council shows appreciation to church - The Stanly News & Press
Published 2:31 pm Tuesday, August 29, 2023 According to Councilman Charlie Council, Badin Town Council recently recognized four individuals and Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church “for service to the community that helps make Badin a better place for everyone.” Chris Evans accepted the award on behalf of Mt. Zion. Amanda Bowers, Fran Marsh, Jane Rife and Valerie Tyson were also recognized. Congratulations to these community leaders.
Members looks back on history as Love's Chapel prepares to mark 175th anniversary - The Stanly News & Press
Members looks back on history as Love’s Chapel prepares to mark 175th anniversary Published 3:10 pm Monday, July 31, 2023 Driving south through Stanfield out Love Chapel Road on a warm mid-summer morning, the sight of lush green meadows and fields of head-high corn, green from summer rain, make one forget the temperatures will reach the 90s.
Camp Invention in Oakboro leads to question: Who knew garden slugs could be inspiring? - The Stanly News & Press
Camp Invention in Oakboro leads to question: Who knew garden slugs could be inspiring? Published 4:28 pm Monday, July 24, 2023 A sticky, icky fake garden slug known as Allie Oops had an impact at Camp Invention at Oakboro Choice STEM School (OCSS) in mid-July. “Allie Oops reminded us to persevere when our ideas didn’t work,” said camper Brennan Yow, an OCSS rising sixth grader.
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