CHOWAN ARTS COUNCIL 50 YEAR GALA
SCREENSTRONG OFFERS INSIGHTS INTO YOUTH SCREEN ADDICTION
"There is courage, loyalty, and affection reflected in Odin's eyes ...It made me think...", Adachi
HOW MUCH SCREEN TIME IS TOO MUCH SCREEN TIME? THAT'S THE '?'
THE ANSWER IS STAGGERING, THE RESULTS CATASTROPHIC
For Edenton-Chowan Schools Superintendent Tammi Ward, an evening devoted to children and screens began with a personal admission: Even a parent who thought she had established firm limits could discover there was more to learn.
Opening the ScreenStrong “Kids’ Brains & Screens” workshop Sept. 28 at the John A. Holmes High School auditorium, Ward said two books had prompted her to reconsider the place of technology in children’s lives.
School Board Chair George Lewis introduced the board to The Digital Delusion, she said. About the same time, her book club was reading The Anxious Generation.
“I thought I was a good mom with screen time,” Ward said, recalling her children’s complaints that other parents did not impose the same restrictions. Reading the books left her wondering what more she could have done.
That reflection helped frame an evening focused on strengthening family connections and giving children more opportunities to grow beyond their devices.
The workshop brought together Edenton-Chowan Schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Albemarle, the Edenton Police Department and the Edenton-Chowan Educational Foundation.
Ward emphasized that progress would require families, schools and community organizations working together. Parents, grandparents along with local and county officials were on hand to absorb what kids are absorbing.
“None of us can do it by ourselves,” she said.
Leading the presentation was Mandee Hamann, a ScreenStrong speaker and ambassador liaison who traveled from Des Moines, Iowa. A businesswoman and former early childhood and children’s pastor, Hamann is the mother of three young adults.
She had spoken with teachers earlier that day and said student presentations were planned for the following day. Reaching educators, parents and students, she explained, helps a community develop a shared understanding of the issue.
Hamann began with her own family’s experience, reassuring parents that she had faced many of the same uncertainties.
Before becoming a speaker, she said, “I was a mom with a screen story.”
Her two oldest children received their first smartphones at age 14. At the time, Hamann believed waiting until that age, monitoring the phones and setting boundaries would provide adequate protection.
The family had moved from Iowa to San Antonio, Texas, and phones seemed to offer practical benefits: staying in touch and helping the children maintain friendships back home.
But Hamann said she began noticing changes, including greater detachment and conflict over phone use. Her daughter also experienced anxiety.
A friend introduced her to ScreenStrong, leading to a meeting with founder Melanie Hempe. That conversation challenged Hamann to rethink the family’s approach.
Rather than continuing to negotiate over the devices, Hamann and her husband decided their children would take a 30-day break from screens.
The decision came about a week before the COVID-19 shutdowns, she said. Suddenly home together, the family had to find other ways to fill its time.
The experience became a turning point and eventually led Hamann to help other families through ScreenStrong.
Her message to parents was encouraging rather than accusatory.
“Once we know better, we do better,” she said.
Throughout the presentation, Hamann urged families to consider what screen use may be replacing: sleep, reading, exercise, creativity, conversation and time together.
She described ScreenStrong’s work as helping families prevent screen problems and reduce dependence on potentially harmful digital activities. She discussed the organization’s concerns about social media, video games and exposure to inappropriate online content.
But changing habits, she said, requires more than putting away a phone.
Parents must help children find something meaningful to do with the time they reclaim. In her own household, that meant preparing activities and participating alongside her children.
Board games, outdoor play, music, hobbies and sports were among the alternatives she encouraged families to consider.
Hamann also emphasized movement, suggesting that parents give children opportunities to play outside or exercise before settling into homework.
Underlying those practical suggestions was a larger concern: preserving the relationships and experiences that shape childhood.
For families already struggling with screen habits, Hamann offered reassurance that change remains possible.
“It’s never too late,” she said. “If your child’s still in your home, it’s not too late.”
Beyond the screen: A starting point for families: practical tips from the ScreenStrong workshop
Changing a child’s screen habits begins with a family plan. During Edenton’s ScreenStrong workshop, speaker Mandee Hamann encouraged parents to focus on the activities and relationships children can gain when devices occupy less of their day.
Start with a conversation. Explain why the family is reconsidering screen habits. Keep the discussion centered on sleep, school, friendships and time together.
Look at what screens replace. Consider whether recreational screen use is crowding out reading, outdoor play, hobbies, conversation or rest.
Prepare alternatives. Before reducing screen use, help children choose activities they enjoy. Hamann described creating a list of things her children could do during their family’s screen break.
Join in. Children may need help learning how to fill their time. Play a board game, take a walk, cook together or work on a project.
Make movement part of the day. Hamann encouraged outdoor play and exercise, including opportunities to move before sitting down to homework.
Consider a planned reset. Hamann described her family’s 30-day screen break and discussed ScreenStrong’s challenge. Families considering a break should clearly define which recreational activities they will pause and how necessary schoolwork and communication will continue.
Build community support. Talk with other parents, teachers and youth organizations. Shared expectations can help families sustain changes.
Leave guilt behind. “Once we know better, we do better,” Hamann told parents. The goal is to move forward together.
Learn more at ScreenStrong.org.
A WEEKEND OF EVENTS....IN ONE DAY
Join in the Fun… It’s Not too Late to sign-up for the Nut Run & Parade.
With summer in the rearview mirror the annual Peanut Festival will march everyone into the spirit of fall as the 51st annual Peanut Parade and Festival takes place on Saturday, October 3rd with a great line-up of fun activities. The Nut Run is back this year with 10K at 7 a.m. followed by 5K at 8:30 a.m.. For the very ambitious individuals, run both races to qualify for the 15K Challenge. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind race experience through the scenic streets of historic Downtown Edenton and the rich farmland of Chowan County—home to generations of peanut growers. Sign-up at: https://bit.ly/47bpq5J .
This year, awards will be given on the Courthouse Green before the start of the parade at 10 a.m. The Cupola Colonial Market opens at 9 a.m. in the Cupola Gardens and runs til 4 p.m. The artisan makers return this year including some of the favorite vendors from last year including vendors displaying antiques, pewter, and other art. The perfect holiday gift from one of these hand-crafted vendors possibly awaits at the many quality booths. The market runs until 4 p.m..
The Paradedown Broad Street begins at 10 a.m.. Don’t forget to bring your chair. There is still time to join the parade with those shiny classic tractors, highly decorated golf carts, possibly a winning float along with classic and anitque cars. Sign up at bit.ly/47d2VNP.
Hold on the renownedSenior Center Dancer return again this year. For the first, there will be awards for parade participation including: Grand Peanut Award (Best overall entry); Peanut Butter Cup Award (Sweetest entry); The Peanut Patch Award (best agricultural entry); Nuttiest Entry Award (Most fun/most spirited); and the Peanut in the Rough Award (most unexpected entry). Festival activities follow the parade on King Street and the Courthouse Green. Activities include live music surrounding the green, Albemarle Queen Boat Rides on the Albemarle Sound. For a unique view to most, the ride offer a wide eyed view of the shore and town. For a close up view and a shoreline hug tour, Capt. Mark and the Liber-Tea offer an on the water electric launch tour. Hop on board either of these vessels for a view of Edenton worth remembering.
Shopping on Broad Street. Some of the best shopping in Eastern North Carolina is on S. Broad Street. Make sure to visit Edenton’s unique shops owned and operated by independent shop keepers who hand select each item sold in their stores. The Edenton Farmers Market is also celebrating the Peanut Festival. Shop local farmer’s booths and unique vendors located on North Broad Street. The Battle of the Bands starts at 2 p.m. at the John A. Holmes High School. Watch local and regional marching bands compete, electrifying the afternoon.
The Peanut Parade is sponsored by Main Street Edenton and Visit Edenton.
UPCOMING WEEKEND EVENTS
Chowan Arts Council to celebrate 50 years with Golden Gala
The Chowan Arts Council will celebrate a half-century of art, culture and community Saturday, Oct. 3, with its 50th Anniversary Golden Gala, beginning at 6 p.m.
The anniversary evening will honor the council’s past while looking toward its future, marking a milestone for an organization devoted to the arts in the Chowan community.
For artists, supporters and residents, the celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on the place of the arts in community life — bringing people together, encouraging creativity and providing opportunities to experience the talents of others.
The council’s invitation describes the gala as “an elegant evening honoring our past and inspiring our future.” Its black-and-gold announcement sets a festive tone for the golden anniversary celebration.
While the occasion recognizes 50 years of history, its theme also looks ahead to the next chapter of art, culture and community.
Tickets are now on sale through the Chowan Arts Council.
After the parade, stroll into the Cupola House Colonial Market
When the floats and tractors finish their journey down Broad Street Saturday, visitors can keep the celebration going with a stop at the Cupola House Colonial Market.
The third annual market will take place Oct. 3 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Cupola House Gardens, 408 S. Broad St., offering opportunities to browse before and after the Peanut Parade. Organized by the Cupola House Association, the event is held in conjunction with Edenton’s Peanut Festival weekend.
Organizers say vendor participation has grown each year, and they expect this year’s market to fill the gardens to capacity. For parade goers, the location offers a convenient next stop as they make their way toward the waterfront.
The 51st annual Peanut Parade begins at 10 a.m., traveling from Freemason Street south along Broad Street toward the waterfront. With the market continuing until 4 p.m., visitors will have ample time afterward to explore the vendors and enjoy the garden setting.
The historic surroundings give the marketplace a character of its own. Built in 1758 by Francis Corbin, the Cupola House overlooks Edenton Bay. Its preservation grew from a community effort in 1918, and the restored house and formal gardens remain a testament to that commitment.
The market is one of several reasons to linger downtown Saturday. The festival schedule also includes the Farmers Market, educational booths and food trucks on East King Street, and “Peanuts on Porches” musical performances near the Courthouse Green at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.
For more information about the Colonial Market, visit cupolahouse.org.
MOVIE REVIEW
ADACHI'S REVIEW PROMOTES DOG HUGS
By Darryl Adachi
The fifty-first and latest edition of the reality television game show Survivor recently began its new season on CBS. The basic premise of the series is that a group of strangers is isolated in a remote location and forced to work together and compete in challenges for rewards. With minimal tools and food, the contestants must build shelters, make fires, and forage to survive the elements. By competing in and winning physical and mental challenges, contestants can earn items such as food or gear.
The TV series came to mind as I watched The Heart of the Beast, currently playing at the Taylor, although I doubt that any of the contestants who have appeared on the show over the past 25 years would have made it through what Brad Pitt and his canine companion managed to endure during their first day or two in the Alaskan wilderness.
Pitt plays James Belmont, a retired Army Special Forces veteran. He and his loyal but traumatized combat German Shepherd, Odin, fly a seaplane deep into the Alaskan wilderness in search of peace and quiet. While piloting the plane, James suffers a heart attack, causing a violent crash in a remote, unforgiving region. Although both survive the impact, James is weakened by his heart condition and injuries. Stranded miles from civilization, the pair must navigate a brutal 58-mile trek back to safety while facing harsh weather, rugged terrain, wolves, and bears.
This is somewhat different from what Survivor contestants are expected to do. In one challenge, contestants had their hands tied behind their backs and were forced to tear chunks of meat from a massive hanging roasted pig carcass using only their teeth. They then ran over and spit the chewed meat into a basket to see who could accumulate the heaviest pile. Another challenge had them flying kites, while yet another involved shuffleboard. No wolves. No bears. No frozen mountains to traverse. Survivor is less a show about survival than it is a show about grown-ups being asked to do silly things.
The Heart of the Beast offers its audience a genuine survival story, so much so that you quickly realize you want James with you if zombies ever take over the world, as movies would have us believe they eventually will. It would prove fruitless to go up against James in any of the Hunger Games, and he would have given Mad Max a good run for his money.
Over the course of several days, James survives plane crashes, falls that would leave most people bloody and battered, multiple heart attacks, and wounds that would leave most of us curled up in a ball and whimpering in pain. The movie has its share of intense moments—so much so that a friend decided that enough was enough and left before the movie was over. The more hardened (and perhaps slightly more masochistic) among us chose to stay until the end and were rewarded with a sequence that all devoted dog owners could easily relate to.
Pitt is very good in his role as James, but the film belongs to Odin, portrayed by a German Shepherd named Uber (official pedigree name Makovon Heisenberg), who worked as a real-life mountain rescue and companion dog in New Zealand. Odin is the canine version of John McClane from Die Hard, the ultimate survivalist, seemingly incapable of being overwhelmed by any challenge.
There is courage, loyalty, and affection reflected in Odin's eyes, along with a fierce determination to do whatever he can to protect his human companion. It made me think—briefly—about possibly getting a second dog, more along the lines of Odin. I don't wish to be misunderstood here. My little Enzo is a wonderful companion whom I love dearly, but would he be able to track me down and drag my unconscious body out of a river, I wonder? Or would his emergency assistance be limited to simply licking my face? Something to consider.
While many may immediately see this film as an action-heavy blockbuster, it actually focuses more on the quiet, powerful, and unconditional bond between a wounded man and his dog as they rely on each other to endure a series of life-threatening challenges. While few of us may share our lives with a dog like Odin, we can certainly relate to the inexplicably deep connection and devotion that people and dogs share. The Heart of the Beast affords viewers a good reminder of that, and if only for that reason, this 100-minute film is worth the price of admission.
Warning: Chances are the film will bring tears to your eyes (no worries—Odin doesn't die) and give you good reason to hug your dog when you get home.
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