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Several nonpartisan organizations and churches are encouraging voters to use early voting this year with a Stroll to the Poll event on Thursday morning.

Groups like the Craven Get Out the Vote Coalition, the Craven County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and others will meet for a stroll to the Craven County Board of Elections.

Participating individuals and groups can meet at 10 a.m. near the restrooms in Union Point Park, at 210 E. Front St., and walk together to the Board of Elections, located at 406 Craven St.

There are five early voting locations in Craven County. Same-day voter registration will also be available at early voting sites.

New Bern's early voting locations are at the Board of Elections, 406 Craven St., and the West New Bern Recreation Center, 1225 Pinetree Dr.

Vanceboro's early voting location is at the Vanceboro Fire Department, 375 N.C. 43.

Havelock's early voting location is at Another Marie Production, 322 E. Main St.

Cove City's early voting location is at the Cove City Fire Department, 425 S. Main St.

During early voting, residents can vote at any available location.

Early voting sites will be open on weekdays starting Thursday through Nov. 2 between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

The sites will be open on select weekends as well. The weekend hours will be on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Voters will need to show photo identification to vote this year.

All voters will be allowed to vote with or without an ID, according to the N.C. Board of Elections. If a voter doesn't have an ID to show at the polls, they can vote by filling out an ID Exception Form.

Polls will open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. Residents must vote at their assigned precinct based on their residential address.

Voters will cast ballots in national, state, local and judicial races.

Unofficial results from the election will be finalized following the canvass of the votes on Nov. 15.

GREENVILLE — Marsha Lyndell and Shenelle Howard met each other in the long winding line, waiting to get into Minges Coliseum on the East Carolina University campus to see Vice President Kamala Harris Sunday afternoon.

The venue, which has 8,000 seats, was full and there were more people than seats.

People got in line as early as 10:30 a.m. Harris spoke for 24 minutes around 4:20 p.m. But those who came did not seem to mind waiting for hours and they sang and danced as they waited.

Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, spent much of the weekend talking to North Carolina residents about her plans for the country, if she is elected president. North Carolina is one of seven states that have almost equal support from both parties, making them battleground or swing states. Harris and former President Donald Trump have concentrated a lot of their attention on these states, campaigning heavily as Election Day approaches a few weeks away.

It turns out, both Lyndell and Howard wanted to hear Harris speak so they could, hopefully, figure out who to vote for in the November election.

Lyndell, a lifelong Republican, voted for Trump the first time he ran, in 2016. She voted for Biden in 2020 and is unsure what to do this time around.

"I am not happy with Republicans and the things they are willing to say. I don't know when my party got so extreme in their views. No decency," she said. "I am not happy with Democrats, either. I just don't know what to do."

Howard, a lifelong Democrat, said she no longer believes Democrats will keep their promises.

"There are heads of households here who still make $8 an hour and have the same burdens anybody else has, but not enough money to live," she said. "There is no housing for the working poor and many of them are African-American women. Nobody speaks to us, but they want our vote."

If they do not hear what they need, both Lyndell and Howard say they may not vote for anyone for president but will vote on the rest of the candidates down the ticket. For example, both favor Democrat Josh Stein over Republican Mark Robinson in the governor's race.

It is the undecided voter like Lyndell and Howard that can turn North Carolina and other swing states either blue or red.

As Harris spoke, she began by talking about how the damage from recent hurricanes is a nonpartisan issue, saying her prayers are with everyone who has been impacted by the storm.

"I am focused on those states and those officials, both Republican and Democrat, to let them know we will be with you every step of the way," Harris said. "In times like this, we stand together as one nation. That is who we are."

She warned the enthusiastic crowd, the race to the presidency will be a tight race.

"We have hard work ahead of us, but we love hard work," Harris said. "We will win."

Harris took the time to point out the differences between her and Trump, her Republican opponent, saying their visions are very different.

"His is focused on the past," Harris said. "The other, ours, (is) focused on the future."

Harris said her campaign is focused on helping working families across the country, finding ways to bring down the cost of living, investing in small businesses and supporting reproductive choices for women.

"None of that matters for Donald Trump," she said. "Instead from him, we are hearing from that same old tired playbook."

Harris said Trump has no idea how to help middle class families but is only focused on himself. She pointed out how all of the presidents have done sit down interviews with CBS on "60 Minutes" and released their medical health reports from doctors. She pointed out that Trump has not done either and challenged him to do so.

"He is unwilling to meet again for us to debate," she said.

Harris said it makes people wonder if Trump's unwillingness to debate again would show people he is weak and unfaithful.

"For these reasons and so many more, it is time to turn the page and chart a new way forward," Harris said.

Harris promised to work for all Americans by keeping the Affordable Care Act, and having a $6,000 credit for families with children. She also promised a tax credit for people who are caregivers for family members.

Harris pointed out throughout her career she has only had one client, and that is the people. She believes it is why she has support from Republicans and Libertarians in this race.

While she says she has nonpartisan support, Democratic presidential candidates have not won in North Carolina since 2008.

Additionally, Harris' poll numbers are down in comparison to where they were in 2020 for President Joe Biden and where they were in 2016 for Hillary Clinton, at the same time in October during their races.

Harris acknowledges the challenge, but told her supporters on Sunday they must work for a North Carolina win.

U.S. Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., also spoke at the rally and encouraged those in attendance to vote early.

"The road to the White House goes through eastern North Carolina," Davis said. "We can do it. We can win."

N.C. Sen. Rachel Hunt, a Democrat who represents Mecklenburg County and daughter of former governor Jim Hunt, was also at the rally and asked voters for their support in her bid for lieutenant governor.

Harris arrived in North Carolina Saturday and met with Black leaders at The Pit Authentic Barbecue restaurant, in Raleigh, before she joined volunteers who were there to pack bandages, baby formula, baby wipes, pain relief pills and other items for victims of Hurricane Helene, which tore through western North Carolina last month.

On Sunday, the vice president spoke during a church service at Koinonia Christian Center in Greenville prior to the campaign rally at the ECU campus.

The weekend trip was her second to the battleground state after it was struck by Hurricane Helene.

A New Bern couple, Samantha and Wendell Wright, will have a special role in New Bern's 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday.

New Bern's Walk to End Alzheimer's is an annual event that raises funds and awareness to further the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

Participants will start their walk at Union Point Park, located at 210 E. Front St. Participants can choose between a 1-mile or 1.6-mile walk.

The walk begins with an opening ceremony at 10 a.m., during which the Wrights will represent the blue flower and the yellow flower, respectively, during the Promise Garden Ceremony.

Wendell Wright will hold the blue flower, which represents an individual living with Alzheimer's or another dementia, and Samantha Wright will hold the yellow flower, which represents someone who is supporting a person living with Alzheimer's.

"I'm excited to project my voice in having folks truly understand what it's like in our world," Samantha Wright said. "There are over 3 million unpaid caregivers, probably even more than that. It's unbelievable to me how many people are dealing with this and how important it is to make people understand that these caregivers are giving everything financially, emotionally, their true selves."

The Promise Garden Ceremony is an interactive experience where participants raise their respective color pinwheel flowers to represent their commitment to supporting people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

There are also purple flowers for participants who have lost someone to the disease and orange flowers for those who support the vision of a world without Alzheimer's and other dementia.

This is the Wrights' second year participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer's in New Bern.

"My biggest concern and the reason why I want to project my voice is I want to be a voice for the caregivers that we need help and support," Samantha Wright said.

New Bern's 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's has a fundraising goal of $75,000. As of Monday morning, almost $39,000 has been raised.

Registration will remain open until the morning of the event. To register online, visit .

Participants can also register for the walk at Union Point Park on Saturday. Anyone interested in registering at the park will need to be onsite by 9 a.m.

The Wright's journey

Samantha Wright is a caregiver for her husband, Wendell Wright, who was diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease at the age of 56.

The couple dreamed of moving to New Bern for retirement to be close to their friends in town and to be closer to Samantha Wright's family in Wilmington. While they thought this would happen further down the road, they made the move earlier so Wendell Wright could live out his dream while he was still able to.

"You could feel all of our future dreams being crushed as we heard the doctor say that Wendell had Alzheimer's," Samantha Wright wrote in the N.C. Alzheimer's Association blog. "My grandmother had dementia at 80 years old, so I always thought this was something you could experience at a much older age. I never expected it to happen so young."

In 2022, the couple sold their home of 25 years and moved to New Bern. Wendell Wright and his best friend began working on their house plans, but his Alzheimer's progressed faster than expected.

Now, Samantha Wright is his full-time caregiver and works full-time from home. She has help a few times a week but also teaches group fitness and yoga classes at a local gym.

"Being a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's or any other dementia can feel very lonely," she said in the N.C. Alzheimer's Association blog. "You must be their brain, their advocate. And the process of navigating a disability and treatments on top of planning for the future, while taking care of someone. It's a lot and none of it is made easy."

She also serves as an advocate for the Alzheimer's Association and shares her story with lawmakers to help encourage more support for caregivers.

Wright said she also wants to use her voice to remind people that Alzheimer's doesn't only affect the elderly.

"This truly can happen to you in your 50s, which is something that happened to my husband," she said. "The earlier you can detect it, now that our science has taken off in the last couple of years, there are a lot of options. Diet, there are medications, there are so many more studies on what you can do to prevent it from going quickly."

"You can't prevent it but at least you can start getting your ducks in a row and start changing your lifestyle and possibly fending it off or making it easier on you."

She emphasized that it's important for people to listen to their gut if they feel something isn't right with themselves or a loved one. If something feels off, Samantha Wright advises people to see a doctor immediately.

After Wendell Wright received his diagnosis, Samantha Wright remembered the subtle signs she saw in her husband's behavior years prior. Small changes in his personality, like difficulties at work, could have been signs of early-onset Alzheimer's.

Samantha Wright said the best piece of advice she received after her husband was diagnosed was to hire a financial adviser and lawyer.

"Alzheimer's can take a financial toll pretty quickly, but having a financial adviser and lawyer that can help you navigate this side of the disease will pay off tremendously," she wrote in the blog. "You can't do it all and building a team early on will help you long term."

Another recommendation she made for caregivers is to join a support group to learn as much as possible with programs offered through the Alzheimer's Association.

The Craven Arts Council and Gallery announced its events and gallery options for November, including photos of North Carolina's beauty, a performance from The Bonafides and more.

Artwork from Donna Hodgins' Carolina Blues exhibit and Naida Koraly's exhibit, Joining Eve's Journey - Stepping on the Snake, will hang in the gallery.

The Bonafides will remember Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Jerry Garcia with a performance of some of Garcia's greatest songs.

Additionally, the Craven Arts Council announced that they will be using the Craven Artist Relief Fund to help friends in the arts who were affected by Hurricane Helene.

Find out more about the upcoming events and how to donate to artists in western North Carolina.

Carolina Bluesin the Director's Gallery

For November, the Craven Arts Council and Gallery will present Carolina Blues in the Director's Gallery, showcasing a photographic journey through North Carolina.

This exhibition is an anthology by Donna Hodgins, in which she exhibits original photography of North Carolina's landscapes, nature, and still life.

The collection highlights the region's beauty and reflects Hodgins' artistic evolution.

The opening reception at the Bank of the Arts, 317 Middle St., will be on Nov. 8 at Artwalk from 5-8 p.m.

The Craven Arts Council and Gallery is free and open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Little Talks with a local fabric artist

The gallery will present Little Talks by Naida Koraly, a local fabric artist, on Nov. 9 at the Bank of the Arts.

Koraly's upcoming exhibition, Joining Eve's Journey - Stepping on the Snake, will be featured in the Main Gallery throughout November and December.

Her exhibit is a collection of 38 originally designed and stitched fabric artworks focusing on the eyes of women throughout history. Each artwork includes women from different countries, cultures, and religions.

Koraly will cover her latest exhibition, creative process, and more at Little Talks on Nov. 9 from 2-3 p.m. Wine and other light refreshments will be provided.

Tickets are $10 for Craven Arts Council and Gallery members and $15 for non-members. Tickets can be purchased at the Bank of the Arts, online at cravenarts.org or over the phone at 252-638-2577.

'At the Gallery: Jerry Garcia' performed by local musicians

The Craven Arts Council and Gallery will present "At the Gallery: Jerry Garcia," performed by The Bonafides on Nov. 16 at the Bank of the Arts.

Doors will open at 6 p.m., with a pre-concert talk beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Born and raised in San Francisco, Jerome "Jerry" Garcia was a musical prodigy of the 1960s.

Garcia was introduced to the open-tuning style by his stepfather at age 15, and he began his musical career three years later by performing with local artists in the Bay Area.

Known as a principal songwriter, lead guitarist, and vocalist for the Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band, he was known for his often improvised guitar riffs.

Garcia experimented with folk, bluegrass, electronic music, old-timey ballads, country, and reggae throughout his 30-year career. Garcia was introduced into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Grateful Dead one year before his passing in 1995.

The Bonafides are made up of nine friends based out of New Bern. Their musical tastes range far and wide with acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, fiddle, bass, drums, banjo, and other instruments.

Tickets for the show are $20 for gallery members and $25 for non-members. Tickets are available in person at the Bank of the Arts or over the phone at 252-639-2577.

Western North Carolina relief fundraiser

In the wake of Hurricane Helene and its effect on western North Carolina, the Craven Arts Council and Gallery will contribute half of their Artist Relief Fund to the North Carolina Arts Foundation's Disaster Relief Fund.

In addition, the Craven Arts Council will donate half of all contributions made to their Craven Artist Relief Fund between Oct. 1 and Dec. 13.

Craven Arts Council officials said they are making the contributions to help support artists and organizations affected by the natural disaster.

The Craven Artist Relief Fund was created in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and the destruction it caused in eastern North Carolina. The goal of the fund is to help artists reestablish their lives and their artistic practice following the wake of a natural disaster.

"As western North Carolina seeks to rebuild, we hope our contribution can help re-establish and provide support for our colleagues and friends in the arts, and we hope our community will join us," said Jonathan Burger, executive director of the Craven Arts Council and Gallery.

Donations to the Craven Artist Relief Fund can be made at the Bank of the Arts, 317 Middle St., over the phone at 252-638-2577, or online at www.cravenarts.org/craven-artist-relief-fund .