Bunn/Wendell/Wilson/Zebulon Edition
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™ Local and National Unusual News Bunn/Wendell/Wilson/Zebulon NC Edition – 919.623.9392 Produced by Above And Beyond “I’M FREE—Take Me With You!” Volume 2, Number 1 Learning Corp. January 1, 2012 The Good News... Organic A Little Local History The Bad News... Combating Cotton Grown Locally Flu This Season Zebulon Family Ties While Influenza (flu) activity has been low for the past few TS Designs Announces First Certified Harris Barber Shop was established in 1948 by Elmo Harris weeks, it is expected to increase and at least two variants of with his brother, Herman Harris. Both men had been swine flu have been found in the US. Organic Cotton Harvested in NC encouraged into becoming barbers by their uncle, Sam In 2006, Eric Henry, president of TS Designs, and Brian Harris who ran the barber college in Raleigh. Flu season usually begins in November and runs through Morrell, president of Mortex Apparel, met with experts in March. Taking precautions like avoiding those who are ill, state agriculture. Their mission: to grow organic cotton in When he was 17, washing hands often, and covering the mouth when North Carolina. The response: it can't be done. Richard Harris began coughing may reduce the spread of diseases like flu. working with his dad Now, five years later and for the first time in recent memory, Local counties and the Centers for Disease Control and a usable volume of USDA-certified organic cotton is being Elmo in the shop. Father and son Prevention (CDC) encourage residents to get flu shots. Some harvested in NC. Despite a myriad of challenges to growing counties provide flu clinics or shots by appointment. This flu organic cotton in the state, including weeds, pests and (pictured at right) season, a few counties — including Durham — have elected defoliation issues, two NC farms — Hickory Meadows worked side by side for Organics and Parrish Enterprises — have grown 65 acres of many years until a knee to provide flu shots at no charge. For more details, visit the healthy organic cotton. This harvest is the first certified operation at age 83 web site of your county’s health department. organic cotton grown in NC, right in Nash County. forced Elmo Harris to Henry and Morrell have worked with these farms to grow — as he says — “give More NC organic cotton in their home state and as a solution for what up my clippers”. they considered a broken supply chain. Until now, TS UFO Sightings Elmo Harris ensured Designs' organic cotton T-shirts have been made at Mortex, The end of December may be best known for sightings of but due to a shortage of US-grown organic cotton, the t- the continuation of Santa Claus making his rounds, but in North Carolina the shirts have been made from overseas yarn. Harris Barber Shop, a Christmas weekend also brought two new UFO sightings. family-owned business Growing organic cotton has additional benefits for Hickory operated continually in Sightings of red flashing lights in the sky were reported in Meadows and Parrish Enterprises. Genetically-modified Zebulon for more than the Asheville and Charlotte areas, according to the Mutual seeds commonly used in non-organic farming are costly — half a century, when in UFO Network (MUFON). MUFON tracks reports by over $500 a bag — and farmers cannot save their seeds for Credit: Richard Harris individuals and groups who submit details about what they the next season. However, most of the non-GMO varieties 2001 he handed over have seen. used by Hickory Meadows and Parrish Enterprises cost less the clippers to his son than $100 a bag, and the farms can re-use the seeds obtained Richard, who continues to operate and grow the business, Residents who spot an unidentified flying object are after ginning their cotton. including expanding the shop in 2012 to six barber chairs. encourage to submit their experiences via www.mufon.com Roland McReynolds is the director of Carolina Farm Richard still uses barber chairs manufactured by the Emil J. so the full extent of local activity may be traced. Stewardship Association, an organization that advocates on Paidar Company in 1948. As Richard likes to say, “they behalf of organic and sustainable farmers. “Farmers can free were made so durable they put themselves out of business”. themselves of the ever-escalating prices of genetically Richard Harris runs the family business along with owning modified cotton seed,” McReynolds stated. “Over-reliance and operating Harris Funeral Home in Zebulon. Speaking on GM seed has led to an epidemic of super-weeds, and thanks to the efforts of Mr. Watson, Mr. Parrish, and TS with Richard, he points out that before integration, barber Designs, we have a chance to get off that treadmill.” shops and funeral homes were the pillars of the black business community — their services touched nearly every “The journey of growing organic cotton in NC began about black family. Fish Specials Wed-Thu-Fri-Sat five years ago when we were told it couldn't be done,” said 877 E Gannon Ave, Suite 105, Zebulon NC - Next to Walmart Henry. “We started by making T-shirts from cotton grown in Tradition and value remain a staple of Harris Barber Shop. A 919-269-2111 the state with a line called Cotton of the Carolinas, knowing recent JET magazine article addressed the key things to look that eventually we could do the same thing with certified for in a high-quality barber shop: at least four sets of Nina says, “Bring this organic cotton grown here.” clippers, a barbicide jar, spray disinfectant used on clippers, coupon in for 10% off Henry and Morrell partnered to create Cotton of the and a quiet demeanor for the barber. All these may be found your next meal.” Carolinas, which has been sold for the past few years. Since Coupon Not Valid with Any Other Offer, fish at Harris Barber Shop! specials, or tailgate specials. the cotton was not certified organic, the brand focused on supporting local jobs and creating an entirely transparent Today the world has broadened so that businesses serve supply chain, people of all races. And yes, women too connecting the often visit the barber shop as the clippers wearer of every shirt Richard uses are perfect for shaping the new with every producer shorter cuts favored by many women. in the supply chain. Boykin Jewelers The town and the business have seen a lot of “Conventional changes over the decades. The one constant 2330 Forest Hills Road textile wisdom says is that the hot topic discussions continue to you can't create an Wilson, NC 27893 go on everyday inside the doors of Harris apparel line from one farm, but we did Barber Shop, ranging from sports, crime, it,” said Morrell. and politics to current events. Head on Jelly Watches “This organic cotton Credit Mary Wilks, Carolina down for a great haircut at a great price. harvest is the next milestone Precision Consulting, Inc. Large assortment of and represents significant colors and styles opportunity in bringing a positive impact to both jobs and the environment in our state.” Your Choice…$11.95 The cotton quality, and thus the potential end product uses, with this coupon…while supplies last will be determined after ginning in January. Henry is committed to finding producers nearby to use the cotton. He adds, “Ultimately we want to keep as much of this cotton in NC as possible, so we can maximize the job impact and minimize the transportation footprint.” Copyright ©2012 Above And Beyond Learning Corp. The Grey Area™ is a trademark of Above and Beyond Learning Corp. Page 2 Volume 2, Number 1—January 1, 2012 The Grey Area™ Inside News Things to Do in NC When You’re Bored * Bunn * RMPD Presents Personal Safety Tips Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration Discovering the Arts Gala (January 19 @ 6pm) (January 16 @ 3pm) (January 14 @ 6:30-9pm) Personal safety class for adults. Annual tradition of phenomenal community talent. Always The Franklin County Student Arts Council invites students, Braswell Memorial Library, Warner Room eclectic and stirring, the 2012 musical and narrative program volunteers interested in working with the Student Arts 727 North Grace Street, Rocky Mount promises to move the audience as we collectively pay tribute Council and the community to this great event! There will be Contact Brenda Thibodeau at 252.442.1951 ext. 243. to the memory of the slain civil rights leader. Tickets $5. Edna Boykin Cultural Center,108 Nash Street NE, Wilson student and local artists, Open Mic, & awards given for the Emile Pandolfi (January 20 @ 8pm) Visual Arts Contest. Master of the keyboard play, one of today's top pianists. ACT! for Youth “Footloose” Common Grounds Coffee House, 20 Cheves Rd, Bunn Performing in popular and classical genres, his favorite (Jan 27-28 @ 7:30pm & Jan 29 @ 3pm) Contact [email protected] or 919.853.7020 M-F 10am-2pm. arrangements from Broadway musicals. Tickets $30. “Everybody Cut Footloose!” The Boykin Center will be * Rocky Mount * Dunn Center for the Performing Arts rockin’ to the beat of the Top 40 score when Rodgers and North Carolina Wesleyan College Hammerstein’s Footloose “kicks off its Sunday shoes” on 2012 MLK, Jr. Oratorical Competition 3400 N. Wesleyan Blvd., Rocky Mount NC the stage of the Boykin Center! Tickets: $12, $8 students and (January 7 @ 9am) seniors. February shows also. Students in grades 6-12 invited to participate. The speech Mini Clay Class (January 25-26) Edna Boykin Cultural Center,108 Nash Street NE, Wilson theme for students in grades 6-8 is “Building Dreams Ages 16 and Up.