Summertime brings the opportunity to relax from daily activities and depart from one’s normal routine.

From boat docks to bookshelves, options are available in the area.
Library

Gary Shelton brought the “Shelton Show” to the Tyrrell County Public Library on June 19 for the afternoon. As a comedian and magician from New Bern, NC, Mr. Shelton has been making audiences laugh and wonder since the late 1970’s on national TV as well as small town events.

Shelton incorporated the theme of “Dig into Reading” into his performance to an estimated 70 people.

Shelton told stories and did magic tricks tied to the idea that reading is an important activity.

Eric Carle, a children’s author, was mentioned.

Shelton asked if anyone knew who he was.

“He wrote the Very Hungry Caterpillar,” said an audience member.

Carle grew up in China as a child of missionaries. He wrote “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” because he had watched silkworms.

The caterpillar does what is necessary to change.

“The library is a lot like a buffet of change,” said Shelton.

Shelton said that all over this library are things that can help a person change “from an ordinary caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly.”

Shelton then brought participants up to hold a bag.

He had audience members say “Dig into Reading.”

A butterfly was produced.

Shelton spoke about his work after the show.

“Each year I write a new show based on that summer’s theme,” said Shelton.

Shelton mentioned that he performs for seniors a show called “America’s Greatest Generation” at assisted living centers, rehab centers, and nursing homes. He also performs different shows for festivals, birthdays, and daycare’s.

“I try to inspire people to explore the world of books by showing them the impact they have had on my life. Kids think magic is cool and by association the library is,” said Shelton.

Shelton mentioned that he felt very blessed to do what he does for a living. His wife Lisa works at a library, and he sees the tremendous effect it has in people’s lives.

“I have been doing magic since I was 17 and the experience gets richer each day,” said Shelton.

On Wednesday, June 26th at 2:00, afternoon programming will continue with Fossils Rock! presented by Rebecca Harrell of the Columbia Middle School. All children are invited to attend and participate in the reading program. If you have questions about the summer program, feel free to contact the library at 796-3771.

VBS
Vacation Bible School is a summertime rite of passage.
Area churches offer the opportunity for kids and adults to learn spiritual ideals.
St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church in Creswell concluded their Vacation Bible School on June 21.
The classes started with nursery age kid s and ended with adults.
The theme for the week was “God’s Big Backyard: Under the Stars.”

“That means wherever you are, you can serve God.” said Sherronne Battle, organizer of the week’s activities.

Battle explained that the Bible School covered service in a variety of areas.

“Service means serving your family. It means serving your neighbors. It means serving your friends. It means serving your community,” said Battle.

These ideas were incorporated into four lessons.

An estimated 119 kids attended for the week.  About 37 volunteers helped in some fashion.

“Volunteers include the staff,” said Battle.

The church put on a program after a meal on Friday where members or a representative of each class discussed what they learned for the week.
Fishing
Outdoor activities are the perfect way to take advantage of the great weather available this time of year in Columbia.
Forty-six anglers enjoyed spring-like weather as they competed in the 7th Annual Alligator White Perch Tournament on June 22, 2013.  Most participants got an early start to put their lines in the water at 5:30am, and well over 100 pounds of white perch were checked into the weigh station at Bailey’s Store in Alligator by 4pm.  While anglers waited nervously to see if the total weight of their 12 fish were going to hold up, they enjoyed some delicious pork, beans, potatoes, slaw, and hushpuppies prepared by Colon Bailey.

 

The Conservation Fund sponsored the tournament to spotlight Tyrrell County, the community of Alligator, and the outdoor recreational opportunities that abound in the area.  They are looking for volunteers to plan and manage future white perch tournaments as well as the Columbia Rockfish Tournament planned for this November.  If you are interested in volunteering or sponsoring future tournaments, please contact Justin Boner at 919-951-0109 or  jboner@conservationfund.org

ALLIGATOR WHITE PERCH TOURNAMENT RESULTS

 

TOP FINISHER (Junior Division): 1, Aaron Lopez, Columbia, 4.5 pounds

 

TOP FINISHERS (Master Division): 1, James Brabble, Roper, 8.1 pounds; 2, Chris Holyfield, Columbia, 7.4 pounds; 3, Hal Furlough, Clayton, 7.1 pounds.

Anyone with information or a news release about their summer event or activity can contact the Scuppernong Reminder with more details.