Lm march 2016

A Reflection of Life on Lake Gaston and Roanoke Rapids Lake

Mosquitos: Taming your backyard

Shamrock sweets

MARCH 2016

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Lake the Magazine916 Roanoke Ave., Roanoke Rapids NC 27870P.O. Box 520, Roanoke Rapids NC 27870252-537-2505

Copyright 2016 Lake the MagazineNo portion of Lake the Magazine may be reprinted in any form or posted on the Internet without the permission of the publisher.

On the cover: Jim Hogan, director of the music revue “Harrigan’s,” belts out an Irish tune while preparing the cabaret stage for opening night.

Cover photo by Tia Bedwell

On the cover...

Contributing writersJenny Gray, Khai Hoang,

Carol Moseley, Nick Sitzanis, Jane Teasley and Christina Wells.

Contributing photographersKhai Hoang, Jenny Gray

and Tia Bedwell

Layout and Design Bryan Clark

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Fishing is a fun activity that many people consider a passion. Novice fishermen may have fun on their first fishing outing but come away confused by some of the terminology

used. The following glossary of common fishing terms can help men and women as they further explore their newfound love of fishing.

• Angling: Fishing using a hook and line. Anglers are people who fish, and types of angling include bait and fly-fishing, casting and trolling.

• Bait: The food or food substitute used to lure in fish. Insects, minnows and worms are some of the widely used types of bait.

• Cast: To throw the hooked or baited end of a fishing line out into the water.

• Catch and release: When anglers “catch and release” their fish, they unhook the fish they catch and return them back to the water before the fish dies.

• Drifting: A type of fishing where the angler allows his or her boat to drift.

• Fly-fishing: A technique in which a light-weight rod known as a “fly rod” is used to cast live or imitation flies tied to a hook.

• Gaff: A type of hook used to land a fish.• Jig: A lure that consists of a single hook

with a lead weight molded around it. Jigs are often adorned with fur, feathers or a plastic body.

• Lure: Artificial bait designed to resemble live bait.

• Plug: A type of lure made of wood, plastic or rubber that is designed to resemble live bait, such as minnows or insects.

• Rod: The pole of a fishing pole. Different types of rods are used for different types of fishing.

• Sinker: A weight used to prevent lures from floating up in the water. Sinkers come in vari-ous shapes, types and weights.

• Spinner: A lure made with a rotating blade on a wire shaft.

Terms for novice anglers

8 | Lake the Magazine Lake the Magazine | 9

With winter just about gone and spring approach-ing, the month of March is full of parties, food and madness.

March madness (GO DUKE), Easter and St. Patrick’s Day all bring family and friends

together to celebrate God, good food and friendship. The story from around the world this month comes from a

place a little closer to home — Los Angeles. My friend Mike was kind enough to share a foodie story from his college years at Cal Poly University.

From Mike: During my college days my best friend and I would try to be creative in the kitchen. We loved straying away from the original traditional foods and always liked to try something different. The one catch was my friend was a vegetarian. Nothing against vegetarians and all, but man, I love my meat. Regardless, we decided to come up with something to celebrate the holiday.

Having never made it before, we decided to make a St. Patty veggie burger. I know you are probably thinking veggie burger — big deal. But hey, St. Patty is all about corned beef and

cabbage and beer. We had to make something to represent the veggie people. So, we checked out the fridge and brought out anything we could find and had some fun. The end result? Something pretty awesome neither of us expected.

I hope all of you enjoy reading the story and try the veggie burger — it’s amazing.

Enjoy March, as it is the beginning of spring, and always let’s stay positive and love one another.

Nick Sitzanis is the chef de cuisine at the Kennon House Restaurant in Gasburg, Va.

St. Patty’s Day madness

LAFAMIGLIA COOKING

BY NICK SITZANIS

I would also like to share a good party food for March madness, a simple Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Buffalo Chicken DipIngredients1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened1/2 cup sour cream2 cups cooked and cubed chicken1/2 cup hot sauce1/2 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

MethodPreheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 4-cup baking dish, spread cream cheese evenly over bottom of dish. In a separate bowl, mix chicken, sour cream and hot sauce and spread this mixture over cream cheese. Top with cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes un-til cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, and/or celery.


St. Patty’s Day madness Ingredients 1 tablespoon olive oil1 cup mushroom, finely chopped2 crushed garlic cloves1/2 diced onion 1 tablespoon medium curry powderZest and juice of 1/2 lemonCan chickpeas, rinsed and drained1 cup breadcrumbs1 cup plain yogurtPinch ground cuminSalt and pepper to taste Bun, toasted, buttered and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese TomatoRed leaf lettuce

MethodDice up the mushroom, garlic and onion and sauté for a few minutes. Mix in the curry powder, lemon zest and juice and cook until mixture looks quite dry. Tip out onto a plate to cool slightly.Mash the chickpeas in a bowl. Add the mushroom mix and the bread crumbs, then shape into patties.Heat up some oil in the skillet and fry about 3 to 4 minutes each side.

Mix the yogurt with cumin, salt and pepper. (We added a couple drops of green food dye. It was St. Patty's after all). Spread on the buns.Top with the burger with lettuce and tomato and serve with a couple of your favorite burger sides.

LAFAMIGLIA COOKING

BY NICK SITZANIS

St. Patty’s Day Veggie Burger


During the early spring, most of us spend some time cleaning the house, clearing the yard and generally getting things in condition for upcom-ing warmer months. So it is with our boats. They, too, have been in a somewhat hibernated

state for several months and will now be asked to perform for us as if nothing had happened.

Well, something usually HAS happened to our boats! For those of us who have kept the boats in the water during the winter months, and those who parked their boats on land, there is work to do.

Go over the electrical system from the batteries to the gen-erator to the appliances or lights they support to make sure everything works. You may only need to top off the water levels in your batteries. There are gauges (hydrometer) that you can use to measure the health of your batteries or take it to a garage or marina for the testing. Better to find out about health now than to have a battery death while on the water.

Check the oil level. Actually, if the engine has not been run much during the winter, you might want to go ahead and change the oil. Oil gets bad when your vessel just sits idle.

If you have an outboard, make sure the fuel line is intact and does not leak. Those rubber hoses and squeeze bulbs take a hit from sunshine, and from the fuel itself. They do not have a lengthy life. While I/Os and inboards have less of a problem, they also need checking. The same applies to any propane tanks and their lines.

If you have not run your engine for some time, don’t be too surprised that it won’t start or runs poorly once started. Suspect your fuel supply! Most of our engines run on auto gas, which does not have a long shelf life. Just setting there for several months, the gas is likely to have hatched all sorts of bad “stuff" that gum up fuel lines, carburetors, spark plugs and fuel jets. There are additives to help alleviate this prob-lem, but they really should have been added at the start of the winter.

In any event, you may want to top the tank off with fresh gas at the start of the boating season. Next winter, store the boat with a full tank and use the additive.

Cleaning your boat

Make sure your radio works if you have one. If you don’t, consider buy-ing one! A marine radio is a real safety item – and a very inexpensive “insur-ance” for your safety.

Check all of your lines (these are the ropes that when put on a boat are called lines … there … (now you have some nautical knowledge) to make sure they have not frayed or torn. If they are, consider replacement. Don’t forget the anchor rode. (That’s a line that when attached to your anchor is called a rode. Now … you are really over-educated)

Likewise, check the life jackets and throwables. If they are worn or badly faded, consider replacement. They “kinda” need to work the first time … every time! And, BE SURE to check that they are “Coast Guard Approved.” There are knock-offs out there. Life Jackets can be replaced — your loved ones can’t.

OK. You got the picture. Check ev-erything! Either do it yourself or take it to your local marina or boat mechanic.

The last item to check and probably the most important is you — the cap-tain and your crew. You’re the glue that holds everything together. The best kept boat in the world is not a safe one if the crew doesn’t know how to oper-ate it or follow the rules of the marine environment.

If you’re a little rusty in that area, come to one of the Coast Guard Aux-iliary boating courses. They are held once a month from March through September at 252 River Road in Hen-rico, N.C. This is Flotilla 93’s “head-quarters.” This course is for the whole family, so make it a learning day in preparation for many happy days on the water.

For information and to enroll in the Boating Safety Class, call the Cham-ber of Commerce at 252-586-5711.

Jane Teasley is former Flotilla com-mander and current Public Affairs officer and treasurer of Flotilla 93 on Lake Gaston. Teasley has been in the Coast Guard Auxiliary for nearly 16 years. For more informa-tion, contact Teasley at janek@bit-broad band.com.


WATER SAFETYBY JANE TEASLEY

Lake the Magazine | 13 12 | Lake the Magazine

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Daywith flavorful green treats

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect occasion to have fun in the kitchen with the color and flavor of the holiday — vivid green and refreshing peppermint.

“Food color and extract can transform an ordinary cupcake or cookie into a festive delight, worthy of any St. Paddy’s party,” said Mary Beth Harrington of the McCormick Kitchens.

For a green twist on classic red velvet cupcakes, stir green food color into basic cake mix and add pure vanilla extract, sour cream and cocoa powder. Whip up minty green cream cheese frosting and decorate with green sprinkles or colored sugar to make them fun for kids of all ages.

For more St. Patrick’s Day ideas and recipes, visit www.McCormick.com, www.Facebook.com/McCormickSpice or www.Pinterest.com/mccormickspices.

Easy Green Velvet CupcakesPrep time: 20 minutesCook time: 20 minutesMakes 24 servings1 package (18 1/4 ounces) German chocolate

cake mix with pudding1 cup sour cream1/2 cup water1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/4 cup vegetable oil1 bottle (1 ounce) McCormick Green Food

Color3 eggs2 teaspoons McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract Container (16 ounces) cream cheese frosting

or VanillaCream Cheese Frosting (recipe follows)Green sprinkles (optional)Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Beat

cake mix, sour cream, water, cocoa powder, oil, food color, eggs and vanilla in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened, scraping sides of bowl frequently. Beat on me-dium speed 2 minutes.

Pour batter into 24 paper-lined muffin cups, filling each cup 2/3 full.

Bake 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cupcake comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool completely on wire rack. Frost with cream cheese frosting. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.

Minty Green Cream Cheese FrostingStir 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint

Extract and 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Green Food Color into canned cream cheese frosting or Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting.

Vanilla Cream Cheese FrostingBeat 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese,

softened, 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened, 2 tablespoons sour cream and 2 teaspoons McCor-mick Pure Vanilla Extract in large bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in 1 box (16 ounces) confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Makes 2 1/2 cups.

DINING

Favorite Breakfast_____________________________________Favorite Lunch ________________________________________Favorite Dinner________________________________________Favorite Dessert _______________________________________Favorite Cocktail/Drink________________________________Favorite Barbeque _____________________________________Favorite Burger _______________________________________Favorite Pizza_________________________________________Favorite Salad_________________________________________Favorite Seafood_______________________________________Favorite Steak_________________________________________Favorite Lake Ice Cream________________________________Favorite cup of coffee___________________________________Favorite sweet tea_____________________________________Favorite Overall_______________________________________

PROFESSIONALS

Favorite Attorney______________________________________Favorite Bank Teller___________________________________Favorite Physician______________________________________Favorite Financial Advisor______________________________Favorite Insurance Agent_______________________________Favorite Pharmacist____________________________________Favorite Real Estate Agent______________________________Favorite Veterinarian__________________________________

SERVICESFavorite Auto Service__________________________________Favorite Car Dealer___________________________________Favorite Electrician___________________________________Favorite Financial Institution__________________________Favorite Florist________________________________________Favorite Heating and Air Service________________________Favorite Home Cleaning Service_________________________

Favorite Interior Designer___________________________Favorite Landscaper_________________________________Favorite Pest Control Services_______________________Favorite Pharmacy__________________________________Favorite Plumber____________________________________Favorite Salon/Spa___________________________________Favorite Workout/Fitness Center_____________________Favorite Pool Care Company__________________________Favorite Pet Groomer________________________________LIFE AT THE LAKEFavorite Boat Rentals________________________________Favorite Camping____________________________________Favorite Customer Service____________________________Favorite Dock/Boat House Builder____________________Favorite Golf Course________________________________Favorite Home Builder_______________________________Favorite Place to Buy a Boat__________________________Favorite Place to Take a Visitor_______________________Favorite Place to Buy Water Toys______________________Favorite Watercraft Service__________________________Favorite Place to hear live music_____________________Favorite Tackle Shop_________________________________Favorite Local Event_________________________________

SHOPPINGFavorite Appliance Store _____________________________Favorite Grocery Store ______________________________Favorite Hardware Store_____________________________Favorite Place to Buy A Gift__________________________Favorite Place to Buy Furniture______________________Favorite Place to Buy Jewelry________________________FavoriteProduce_____________________________________Favorite place to buy swimwear_______________________

WRITE IN VOTE: ____________________________________

Choose your favorite in Lake Country from businesses to people, from restaurants to real estate. The balloting will remain open through April 30, 2016. The winners will be announced in our June edition.

Your Name: Address: Phone: Email:

NEW!!! Vote online at RRDAILYHERALD.COM

Mail your entry to:

P.O. Box 520 • Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870Attn: Best of Lake Country

THE RULES ARE SIMPLE:Only one print entry per individual. You must use this official entry form from Lake The Magazine. At least 50% of the categories must be completed for your vote to count. E-mail address must be provided for your vote to count.


DINING

Favorite Breakfast_____________________________________Favorite Lunch ________________________________________Favorite Dinner________________________________________Favorite Dessert _______________________________________Favorite Cocktail/Drink________________________________Favorite Barbeque _____________________________________Favorite Burger _______________________________________Favorite Pizza_________________________________________Favorite Salad_________________________________________Favorite Seafood_______________________________________Favorite Steak_________________________________________Favorite Lake Ice Cream________________________________Favorite cup of coffee___________________________________Favorite sweet tea_____________________________________Favorite Overall_______________________________________

PROFESSIONALS

Favorite Attorney______________________________________Favorite Bank Teller___________________________________Favorite Physician______________________________________Favorite Financial Advisor______________________________Favorite Insurance Agent_______________________________Favorite Pharmacist____________________________________Favorite Real Estate Agent______________________________Favorite Veterinarian__________________________________

SERVICESFavorite Auto Service__________________________________Favorite Car Dealer___________________________________Favorite Electrician___________________________________Favorite Financial Institution__________________________Favorite Florist________________________________________Favorite Heating and Air Service________________________Favorite Home Cleaning Service_________________________

Favorite Interior Designer___________________________Favorite Landscaper_________________________________Favorite Pest Control Services_______________________Favorite Pharmacy__________________________________Favorite Plumber____________________________________Favorite Salon/Spa___________________________________Favorite Workout/Fitness Center_____________________Favorite Pool Care Company__________________________Favorite Pet Groomer________________________________LIFE AT THE LAKEFavorite Boat Rentals________________________________Favorite Camping____________________________________Favorite Customer Service____________________________Favorite Dock/Boat House Builder____________________Favorite Golf Course________________________________Favorite Home Builder_______________________________Favorite Place to Buy a Boat__________________________Favorite Place to Take a Visitor_______________________Favorite Place to Buy Water Toys______________________Favorite Watercraft Service__________________________Favorite Place to hear live music_____________________Favorite Tackle Shop_________________________________Favorite Local Event_________________________________

SHOPPINGFavorite Appliance Store _____________________________Favorite Grocery Store ______________________________Favorite Hardware Store_____________________________Favorite Place to Buy A Gift__________________________Favorite Place to Buy Furniture______________________Favorite Place to Buy Jewelry________________________FavoriteProduce_____________________________________Favorite place to buy swimwear_______________________

WRITE IN VOTE: ____________________________________

Choose your favorite in Lake Country from businesses to people, from restaurants to real estate. The balloting will remain open through April 30, 2016. The winners will be announced in our June edition.

Your Name: Address: Phone: Email:

NEW!!! Vote online at RRDAILYHERALD.COM

Mail your entry to:

P.O. Box 520 • Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870Attn: Best of Lake Country

THE RULES ARE SIMPLE:Only one print entry per individual. You must use this official entry form from Lake The Magazine. At least 50% of the categories must be completed for your vote to count. E-mail address must be provided for your vote to count.


Garden tasks for spring

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PRACTICAL GARDENERBY CAROL MOSELEY

Garden tasks for spring

March 20 is the first day of spring and signals warmer days are just around the corner. Believe me, I realize it is hard to resist the urge to plant annuals that are being displayed for sale but it is too early. Here in Zone 7, April 15 is the last expected frost date but to be safe

wait until May to set out tender plants. Use this time to tidy up and ready the garden for planting flowers.

Vegetables Peas and sweet peas can be planted now as well as perennial veg-

etables like asparagus. Lettuce is a cool-season crop that withstands cold better than heat so add lettuce to your plant list for spring and fall. Eggplant, onions, radish, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, leek seeds and early potatoes can be planted in the garden about mid-month.

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Tasks for MarchPrune spring flowering shrubs such as spi-

raeas, forsythias, flowering quince and azaleas once they stop blooming. If you wait until summer to cut them back, you will remove next year’s flowers. You see, these shrubs pro-duce flowers on old (last year’s) wood.

March is ideal for cutting the spent flower heads off black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia) and other perennials that were left to provide food for the birds during winter. Cut back ornamental grasses (liriope, miscanthus, etc.) which have provided three seasons of inter-est to allow the newly emerging green room to grow. Be sure to cut them back before the new growth emerges or the tips of new leaves may be cut off. Divide and transplant perenni-als such as asters, astilbes, phlox, ornamental grasses, hostas, daylilies and if you have extras offer them to friends. Now is the time to also divide herbs: Mint, creeping thyme, tarragon

and chives. There is the never-ending chore of weeding and if accomplished before they set seeds there will be fewer weeds to pull next year.

While out in the garden, look for any plants that have heaved. If you see any, push them back into the soil and tamp the dirt lightly with your foot. Heaving is caused by alter-nating thawing and freezing which can tear plant roots and force the plant out of the ground. With the temperature swings of late this could be a problem.

Prune summer bloomers that flower on new wood: Butterfly Bush, roses including Knock out Roses and Potentilla. Most Hydrangeas — mopheads and lacecaps, or oakleaf forms – bloom on old wood as do Forsythia, Lilac, Azaleas and Rhododendrons. Old wood is wood formed the previous year. Wait until after they finish blooming before pruning or you will not have flowers to enjoy this year.

Carol Moseley learned the love of gardening from her mother and father. Both were avid gardeners; his focus was vegetables and hers were flowers and shrubs. Carol has been gardening since 1969, and in 1999 completed the Master Gardening Training Course through the N.C. Cooperative Service. She said she was very fortunate to learn how to grow and use herbs from her dear friend, the late Diane Morris, the Herb Lady.

A wee bit of Irish comes to Littleton



A wee bit of Irish comes to LittletonSTORY BY JENNY GRAY and PHOTOS BY TIA BEDWELL

The Irish tradition will be celebrated this March in the Roanoke Valley when director Jim Hogan brings his annual production to Lake-

land’s intimate Cabaret Theatre.This unscripted show will be at 8 p.m.

March 11 and 12.“If somebody doesn’t have fun, it’s

their own fault,” Hogan said, laughing.This evening of fun and music, “Har-

rigan’s,” is designed to feel like an Irish pub.

“We don’t designate it as being in any particular place in Ireland,” Hogan said. “It’s not a bar. It’s not a saloon. It’s a pub. The people of Harrigan’s Pub know each other, and about each other, and they drink and sing and tell stories.”

There will be about 10 people on the stage; each will play themselves rather than characters. The cast includes dancer Deanna Rea, singer and guitarist Lewis Fields, flutist Diane Colin and pianist Sallye Duncan.



When Hogan started the revue in 2010, it was scripted with characters and called “The Wearing of the Green.”

“We had a story plot with character names, and then we changed it,” he said. “We are ourselves.”

The smaller stage makes for better audience partici-pation, he noted.

“It’s a smaller setting,” Hogan said. “We wanted to gather the audience into the pub itself so they could be a part of it.”

The audience is, in fact, invited to sing along to American-Irish classics, and purely Irish songs.

“We not only allow singing, but we encourage sing-ing,” Hogan added.

“Danny Boy” always is a part of the revue, he said.“Lewis knows thousands and thousands of songs,”

Hogan said. “I have a long background of knowing Irish songs, but he knows more songs than I do.”

Hogan said his grandparents came to the U.S. from Ireland, and he’s been there himself.

“It’s a quiet, peaceful place,” Hogan said. “My son traveled to Tipperary and he went to a pub and asked if there were any Hogans about.”

The bartender rattled off the names of three Hogans.“But then the bartender said, there’s only three in the

pub right now,” Hogan added, laughing.Another singer, Liz Johnson, will perform a homesick

Irish song, beloved by expatriates, based on a poem by William Butler Yeats, “The Lake Isle of Innisfree.”

“Yeats was an Irishman who had gone to London to work, and he missed Ireland so much he wrote a poem,” Hogan said. “It’s so much a part of the overseas Irish.”

Hogan, who is married to Littleton Town Commis-sioner Heidi Hogan, said he has been involved with Lakeland Theatre Company for years.

“Ten, 15 years ago, Heidi and I had said, why doesn’t Lakeland do an Irish show?” he said. “Everybody would love an Irish show, especially on a cold March day.”

Eventually Hogan decided to do it himself.“I said, I’ll do it if I get some help. I don’t know how

to be a director,” Hogan said. “With a lot of help from the staff at Lakeland, we did it.”

The show finale will be the singing of the National Anthem of Ireland.

“That’s how you close a pub, with the Irish national anthem,” Hogan said. “I learned the Irish national anthem as a kid.”

Lakeland Theatre Company is at 411 Mosby Ave. in Littleton. For more information, call 252-586-3124.


Welcome, March, month of green! In this month, we enjoy the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day, greet spring with open arms, and cel-ebrate an early Easter! Easter is typically the time when we begin to welcome our friends

who own second homes here at the lake. It feels somewhat like a family reunion.

The Lake Gaston region is dressed in rich hues of green most of the year. Development is interspersed with tall stands of trees, agricultural fields and open spaces. There is so much natural beauty to be enjoyed here. We are all somewhat like burrowing animals, coming out to face the sun for the first time in what seems like forever, and even in early spring, the Lake Gaston region offers much to entice you to come outside and play.

If you have children (or if you just love animals), head over to Wildwood Learning Farm in Hollister, N.C., just a bit farther west from Littleton. Say “hi” to Pepper the Macaw, one of the many birds happily making Wildwood their home sweet home. Meet and learn all about llamas, tortoises, goats, sheep, cows and more. Wildwood’s mission is to educate about the care and needs of different animals, providing knowledge and fun. Groups are welcome. Wildwood Learn-ing Farm is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; noon to 5 p.m. Sundays; and weekdays by appointment. Call 252-257-5575 for more information.

While you are in Hollister, enjoy nature’s classroom at Me-doc Mountain State Park. Rangers hold regularly-scheduled

educational programs about the park, its flora and fauna. Enjoy seven scenic hiking trails of various lengths and a vari-ety of terrain. You can even do a little fishing in Little Fishing Creek with several game fish like redbreast sunfish, bluegill, warmouth bass, largemouth bass and chain pickerel. Little Fishing Creek can be a good stream for paddling a canoe or kayak, depending on the water level. Contact the park about the current water level, then grab your boat, paddle and PFD! Picnicking and camping are two other phenom-enal activities to enjoy in the milder days of spring. Contact the park at 252-586-6588.

Continue farther into southeast Halifax County to visit Sylvan Heights Bird Park in Scotland Neck, the town where they park in the middle of the street with quaint shops and eateries. At Sylvan Heights, you will meet more than 2,500 birds from around the world. You can have

Spring is in the air


WHAT’S HAPPENING IN LAKE COUNTRY

BY CHRISTINA WELLS


Spring is in the air an up-close interaction at The Landing Zone, walk-in aviary. Get cheek to beak with small budgies and feed flamingoes from your hand. Sylvan Heights is open Tuesday-Sunday year-round. Check them out at www.shwpark.com or call 252-826-3186 for more information.

Over in Brunswick and Mecklenburg counties in Virginia, spend time exploring the beautiful Tobacco Heritage Trail. This non-motorized trail has been converted from abandoned railroad beds and affords you several miles of biking, horseback riding, walking, running, picnicking and nature observation. You can begin at the caboose in La Crosse and continue into Brodnax behind Whitby’s Store, the perfect spot to grab a cold drink before heading back to the start. You can also explore the trail in Lawrenceville, featuring wooden bridges and a picnic table. There are other portions of the trail in Victoria and South Boston. When fully developed, the Tobacco Heritage Trail will consist of 150 miles of rail-trail and connecting corridors in five counties.

Right here at the lake, try your hand at conquering the creek at Lakeside Mini-Golf, located in Henrico. Enjoy nine or 18 holes of mini-golf with a variety of challenging obstacles, making it a fun experience for the entire family again and again. Take a drive to Buck Springs Plantation in Warren County and visit notable figure Nathaniel Macon’s grave, several historic structures and some fun nature trails.


That’s only the beginning. Spring is the time to get the boats back in the water for some sunny day cruising. A bit of spring cleaning might be in order. Sweep the leaves off the decks and porches. Open the windows on a sunny day and just take a deep breath of Lake Gaston air. The world is greening up again, and Lake Gaston is ready to go!

Christina Wells is the Lake Gaston Chamber of Com-merce executive director. For more information about the chamber and Lake Country, visit www.lakegaston-chamber.com.

Almost 200 people attend the quarterly Roa-noke Wildwood Volunteer Fire Department yard sale, and officials are expecting just as many come March 12.

Pat Trainum, the publicity chairwoman, said the yard sale runs 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 790 Lizard Creek Road, and it features a vast selection of furniture, tools and more.

There are puzzles, books of all types, such as childrens and cooking, exercise equipment, yard equipment, cribs and patio furniture.

“We have a collectable section and these are special items that are of more value for collectors,” she said. “We’ve had a signed guitar, figurines.”

It’s such a large yard sale, it encompasses three separate areas at their department, she added.

“We don’t open until 9. People usually start lining up by 8,” Trainum said.

The purpose of the yard sale is to fund the volunteer fire department.

Firefighting equipment is expensive, Trainum noted, and some items the department has purchased include turnout gear.

“They’re very expensive, so we depend on all our fund-raisers, and the yard sale is a part of it,” she said.

Fire Chief Lorenzo Wilkins noted the quarterly yard sales are the largest fundraisers his department holds. Additional expenses the department has include truck maintenance and upkeep of the buildings.

So he asked residents to come out again in support.“The community has supported it in the past very well,

and it’s something we definitely depend on,” Wilkins said.The items the department sells are actually donations

from the community.Wilkins said those who would like to make a donation

can call the fire department at 252-586-5737 to schedule either a pickup or a drop off arrangement.

If the person who wants to donate items doesn’t live too far, the fire department will actually come and take the items. However, he advised those who do want to drop off donations to call ahead of time because some items may not be usable in the sale.

Finally, Wilkins thanked residents for their support in the past.

“We truly appreciate all that the community has done to do to help us in our fundraisers,” the chief said. “And they definitely continue to support us so we can continue to support them.”


Big yard sale for a good causeSTORY BY KHAI HOANG and PHOTOS BY TIA BEDWELL

Lake the Magazine | 2524 | Lake the Magazine

About Mosquito Squad of Lake Country Mosquito Squad serves all of Lake Country including Lake Gaston, Kerr Lake and surrounding counties. With nearly 200 locations nationwide, Mosquito Squad specializes in eliminating mosquitoes, ticks and spiders from outdoor living spaces. For more informa-tion, visit www.MosquitoSquad.com or call 434-636 2250.

BRACEY, Va. — Following the recent World Health Organi-zation announcement calling the severity of the Zika virus a global public health emergency, Mosquito Squad strongly urges homeowners to implement DIY mosquito control measures in their own yards to reduce mosquito populations and exposure to any vector-borne illnesses.

With nearly 200 locations in the United States, The Squad opened its mosquito elimination season this month in the Southern and Western sections of the country, including those already experiencing mosquito outbreaks. Offices across the country, including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and even New York, have received significant increases in calls about mosquito control due to Zika. In the Lake Country area, the season will begin in April and go through October. If the weather warms up sooner, Mosquito Squad of Lake Country will begin servicing customers accordingly.

“The outbreak of Zika virus has once again put the spotlight on mosquito control. It’s imperative that homeowners and commercial property owners take an aggressive approach to

mosquito elimination and help their community reduce mos-quito breeding grounds,” said Rob White, Mosquito Squad’s vice president.

Keith Quinn, owner of Mosquito Squad of Lake Country, said: “While the type of mosquitoes that carry Zika are present in the U.S., at this time no Zika-infected mosquitoes have been detected in our country. The same kind of mosquito also carries other diseases typically contracted abroad including Chikun-gunya and Dengue so proactive mosquito control is something that everyone can, and should, make a part of their lives.”

Quinn added while The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises homeowners to reduce standing water in their yards. Few do and often there are hidden areas that breed mosquitoes. By walking the yard to remove items that catch water, addressing landscape issues that cause water to pool and implementing other yard maintenance protocols, like proper grass height, how to dispose of lawn debris and more, home-owners can reduce mosquito populations in their own yards.

Here is a list of things homeowners can do:

DIY mosquito control measures


• Tip over anything that holds or collects water. A bottle cap filled with water holds enough water for mosquitoes to breed. Since mosquitoes breed in stand-ing water, the elimination of standing water decreases a mosquito’s breeding ground. Mosquito Squad tech-nicians report yards with bird baths, play sets with tire swings, tree houses, portable fireplaces and pits and catch basins are the biggest offenders.

• Toss any yard trash, including clippings, leaves and twigs. Even the smallest items can provide a ha-ven for mosquitoes and increase the population.

• Turn over items that could hold water and trash. Look for canoes, lake toys, children’s portable sand-boxes, slides or plastic toys; underneath and around downspouts; in plant saucers, empty pots, light fixtures and dog water bowls. Eliminate these items or keep them turned over until used.

• Remove tarps that can catch water. Many home-owners have tarps or covers on items residing in their outdoor spaces. If not stretched taut, they are holding water. Check tarps over firewood piles, portable fire

places, recycling cans, boats, sports equipment and grills. Mosquito Squad suggests using bungee cords to secure tarps in the yard.

• Take care of your home. Proper maintenance can be a deciding factor in property values and mosquito bites. Regularly clean out gutters and make sure the downspout is attached properly. Mosquito Squad recommends re-grading areas where water stands more than a few hours, and to regularly check irriga-tion systems to ensure they aren’t leaking and causing a breeding haven. Keep lawn height low and areas weed-free.

• Team up. Despite taking all precautions in your own home, talking with neighbors is a key component to mosquito and tick control. Townhomes and homes with little space between lots mean mosquitoes can breed at a neighbor’s home, and affect your property.

• Treat. Utilize a professional mosquito elimination barrier treatment around the home and yard. Using a barrier treatment at home reduces the need for using DEET-containing bug spray on the body.


OUR ADVERTISERSTO JOIN US, CALL

252-537-2505 EXT. 266

Ace Hardware of Lake Gaston .........................................3Daughtridge Gas Co. .......................................................27Debbie’s Cleaning Service ...............................................14Fred’s Boat Sales & Service ................................................5...Halifax Regional Medical Center ...................................32 Hardee’s Furniture ..............................................................6 Hardee’s Marine Services ...............................................27Jones Fence & Custom Vinyl ..............................................6 Lakeland Pier and Boathouse Company .......................26Mid-Atlantic Eye Physicians .............................................14

Mosquito Squad ....................................................................26 Pamela Hale, Realtor ............................................................27Renew Crew .............................................................................3 Salted Rim Designs ................................................................30 Shell Furniture ..........................................................................5 Story Properties ....................................................................14 Tar Heel Tire ..........................................................................14 The Bayberry Retirement Inn ..............................................14 The Sport Shop, Ltd. ...............................................................6 Touchless Boat Cover .........................................................14VCU Community Memorial Hospital ...................................2 VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital ...................30Warrenton Furniture Exchange ..........................................30

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Proudly serving the Lake Gaston Community since 1998

Design, Construction, Additions, Repairs, Boatlift Installation and Service

252-586-6500www.lakelandpier.com

Expect Quality fromStart to Finish

Pier & Boathouse Company, Inc.akeland


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Experience Endless hot water with a Rinnai Tankless Water Heater

Gas Products for

PROPANE TANK EXCHANGE1728 East 10th Street • Roanoke Rapids, NC • 252-533-0101

&BeautyComfort

252-977-6300XNLV144286


BUSINESS & SHOPPING

1. ACE Hardware of Lake Gaston 144 Elams Road Littleton NC 27850 252-586-0330 www.lkgacehardware.com

2. The Daily Herald 916 Roanoke Avenue Roanoke Rapids NC 27870 252-537-2505 www.rrdailyherald.com 3. Daughtridge Gas Co. 1728 East 10th St. Roanoke Rapids NC 27870 252-533-0101

4. Edward Jones Bonnie Caudle, financial advisor 195 Old Farm Road Roanoke Rapids NC 27870 252-537-1728 www.edwardjones.com

5. Overby Marine 1847 Eaton Ferry Road Littleton NC 27850 252-586-3593 www.overbymarine.com

6. Halifax County Visitor Center & Dog Run 260 Premier Blvd. Roanoke Rapids NC 27870 1-800-522-4282 www.visithalifax.com 7. Sanders Super Stop 6328 Gasburg Rd. Valentines VA. 23887 434-577-2202

If you would like to advertise your business on the regional map of

Lake the Magazine, call 252-410-7047

and ask for Rhonda Irby.

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4. Edward Jones Bonnie Caudle, financial advisor 195 Old Farm Road Roanoke Rapids NC 27870 252-537-1728 www.edwardjones.com

5. Overby Marine 1847 Eaton Ferry Road Littleton NC 27850 252-586-3593 www.overbymarine.com

6. Halifax County Visitor Center & Dog Run 260 Premier Blvd. Roanoke Rapids NC 27870 1-800-522-4282 www.visithalifax.com 7. Sanders Super Stop 6328 Gasburg Rd. Valentines VA. 23887 434-577-2202

8. ReNew Crew Bracey VA 434-636-5540lakecountry@renewcrewclean.comlake-gaston.renewcrewclean.com

9. Riverside Mill Antique Mall • Art Gallery • Designer Outlets 200 Mill St. Weldon NC 27890 252-536-3100 www.riversidemill.net

10. Story Properties Real Estate Sales & Vacation Rentals 1245 N.C. Highway 903 Littleton NC 27850 888-800-3002 or 252-586-0888 www.storyproperties.com

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Appliances, Mattresses & Furniture115 E. Franklin St. • Warrenton, NC • 252-257-3693

Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 8:30–5:30 • Wed. 8:30–12:30

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We have bunk bed mattresses in stock.

Warrenton FurnitureExchange, Inc.

Morningstar Marinas Eaton Ferry submitted this beautiful sunset taken at Lake Gaston.


PARTING SHOT

Morningstar Marinas Eaton Ferry submitted this beautiful sunset taken at Lake Gaston.

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roanokeclinic.com | 252.537.9176 1385 Medical Center Drive | Roanoke Rapids, NC

WOMEN’S HEALTH | FAMILY MEDICINE

Roanoke Clinic is excited to announce that

Dr. Carol Anne Rupe has recently joined

our talented and caring medical team.

A graduate of Georgetown University’s

prestigious School of Medicine, Dr. Rupe

is a board-certified Family Physician

with more than 25 years of experience

in caring for patients. A Diplomat of the

American Board of Family Practice, Dr. Rupe

specializes in caring for women, and provides

comprehensive health services for women

of all ages and life stages.

Areas of expertise include:

Treatment for Post-Menopausal Women

Cardiovascular Disease in Women

Bone & Breast Health

Dr. Rupe is now welcoming new patients!

To make an appointment, please call us at (252) 537-9176.

Lm march 2016

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