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AHOSKIE – Spring is in full bloom across the Roanoke-Chowan area, a perfect time to get outside, stretch your legs, and enjoy all that life has to offer.

With that in mind, the Spring 2024 edition of Front Porch Living magazine welcomes the return of warmer weather by featuring fun, games, and community spirit within the Roanoke-Chowan area.

Copies of the latest edition of the magazine are now in the process of being distributed throughout Bertie, Gates, Hertford, and Northampton counties.

There’s a story of how the Murfreesboro youth sports programs are in full swing. Basketball season just ended and now the young people of that area along with their adult volunteer coaches are setting their sights on outdoor activities.

Plans are currently being developed by Murfreesboro officials to expand its recreational offerings.

An identical scenario is unfolding over in Gates County. There, the county-funded Community Center features youth sports programs throughout the year, to include basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, flag football, and tackle football.

The Center also welcomes the young, and the young at heart, to a playground, skateboard park, walking trail, tennis courts, and horseshoe pits.

Over in Rich Square, a group of women maintain a tradition that began way back in 1940. The Garden Club of Rich Square offers a touch of natural beauty to this historic Northampton County town.

The magazine features the work of this club. Even though their membership has dwindled over the years, the dedication and effort of this group remains intact, and the flowers in bloom at this time of the year as well as their well-maintained “Triangle Park” is a testament that community spirit is alive and well in Rich Square.

Meanwhile, as the weather continues to warm, so do the opportunities to enjoy aquatic adventures at Bertie Beach.

Located on the picturesque Albemarle Sound off Bal Gra Road, Bertie Beach is featured in the magazine. The public beach offers swimming, kayaking, or just as a place to sit back and relax.

The 147-acre, county-owned property has been developed in stages over the past few years. Recently opened is a pavilion that has restrooms, outdoor showers, water bottle refill station, kayak storage, and a covered picnic area. There is an ADA compliant ramp/walkway to the beach, as well as hiking trails.

Be sure to check out a full page ad in the magazine that promotes a summer vacation contest.

Now in its 14^th year, Front Porch Living takes its name from the easy lifestyle of the local four-county area. It is solely the work of the same people that bring you the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, Gates County Index, r-cnews.com and The Portal, a daily e-mail.

Copies of Front Porch Living are distributed at over 100 locations throughout the four-county area….places where people gather on a routine basis; medical facilities, restaurants, businesses, chamber of commerce offices, county/municipal government offices, hair salons, etc. They are also available at the Roanoke-Chowan Publications office, located at the intersection of Main Street and Catherine Creek Road in downtown Ahoskie. If you miss seeing a copy, call 252-332-7207.