Shameka Lowe was among Franklin residents who traveled to Monday’s inauguration for second-term President Barack Obama.

A registered nurse at Southampton Memorial Hospital, Shameka arrived in Washington, D.C., at 4:30 a.m.

“I arrived at the mall after an eight-mile walk,” she said. “I was about 300 yards from the Capitol, which was very close to the first media screen.”

Also a part-time student at Paul D. Camp Community College, Shameka endured the cold and noted that people waited in line for three hours for hot chocolate.

“It was so worth it,” the 34-year-old said about attending her first inauguration. “This past Monday will be one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I was fortunate to attend the inauguration and I must say that it was much better than watching it in the comfort of my warm home. This experience was priceless.”

If she goes again, more layers of clothing and going one day prior to the event would be in order.

Clyde Johnson, 69, and his wife, Ann, 70, also of Franklin, attended the inauguration.

Clyde Johnson formerly taught at Southampton Middle and High schools and was a health physicist with Norfolk Naval Shipyard. His wife taught business at Southampton High School.

Clyde missed the chance to go to Obama’s first inauguration.

“I just wanted to be there, in the environment and as far as (experiencing) the historical significance.”

The couple stood near the Smithsonian American Arts Museum.

“There were screens set up (to watch the inauguration),” Clyde said. “It was quite interesting. The magnitude of the crowd was one thing. The other was just being in the atmosphere. I would do it again.”

•  Southampton High School student Marcus Joyner will appear in “Romeo and Juliet” from 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, through Saturday, Feb. 9, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10.

The Workshop Theatre Group and The Governor’s School of The Arts Theatre Department will present the production at T.C.C. Roper Theater at 340 Granby St. in Norfolk.

Students from the Governor’s School are playing the young parts while local professionals will play the adult roles.

• Virginia Clark of Franklin at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, will have a book signing at Farm Fresh in Franklin for “Light Poetry from the Heart.”

The 146-page paperback includes poems she wrote that focus on “what she has lived and what she’s gone through” coupled with inspiration to let the reader know “you’re not alone.”

Selling for $20, the book is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. Two poems are available for Kindle.

GWEN ALBERS is managing editor of The Tidewater News. Her email address is gwen.albers@tidewaternews.com.