In the modified words of “Cat’s in the Cradle” by Harry Chapin, “I long since retired” as a teacher. In June of 2011, I said my good-byes to students and staff at Farmville Central High School and entered the wonderful world of retirement.
All tagged mike parker
Mike Parker: Remember Dr. Carver for more than peanuts
When I taught students the importance of limiting their research topics, I told them a parable centered on Dr. George Washington Carver. The story goes something like this:
Mike Parker: Attitudes caught, not taught
Is solving our community relations problems an important goal? What do problems with race relations and our city-county rift mean in our everyday world? The answer to the first question is “yes.” The answer to the second question, in a word, is “much.”
Mike Parker: First African American published poet bore name of slave ship
Phillis Wheatley’s name is probably better known by many high school students today than it was during my generation. Frankly, I never heard of Phillis Wheatley when I was cracking the books in my American literature class in 1967. I became familiar with a few of her poems as I constructed my syllabus for Major American Writers at East Carolina – at least two decades ago.
Mike Parker: Place names reflect Kinston’s history
Most citizens who drive through this city have little awareness that the street names preserve and reflect the city's history prior to the American Revolution. In December of 1762, the General Assembly passed an act to establish the town of Kingston on land belonging to William Herritage at Atkins Bank. Herritage, for whom Herritage Street is named, donated the first 100 acres of what became “Kingston” and later “Kinston.”
Mike Parker: Join the Navy and see a world of local history
On February 6-8, the CSS Neuse Foundation will offer a special event for those interested in local history from 1861 through 1865. The CSS Neuse Foundation is responsible for the CSS Neuse II, a full-scale replica of the original CSS Ram Neuse. This ironclad gunboat was outfitted and stationed here in Kinston.
Mike Parker: Dr. King: Student before Legend
Every school child knows – or should know – about Dr. Martin Luther King’s importance to the Civil Rights Movement. We have all heard stories about his fight for equality. We know he died on April 4, 1968, struck down by an assassin’s bullet as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee.
Mike Parker: The common sense of ‘Common Sense’
As we contemplate the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, we cannot overlook one of the most significant works written not only to support the push for independence, but a work that also plainly argued that anything less than independence from Great Britain placed the colonies as second class citizens as long as that bond existed.
Mike Parker: The joy of spending time with family
As 2025 ended and 2026 was being born, I had the opportunity to spend a week with my children and grandchildren at North Myrtle Beach, SC. Each year, we try to travel somewhere together to put aside our jobs and daily demands and focus on family. This year, all my children and all but one of my grandchildren made the trip.
Mike Parker: As the year closes, my only resolution – practice gratitude
As 2025 draws to a close, I have realized how much complaining I have heard – and done – this year. I confess that fault to my shame. I have so much in my life that brings me joy. Yet, too much of the time I focus on the negatives.
Mike Parker: What do you want for Christmas, Dad?
Sometime around Thanksgiving, children begin firing the question that never seems to end until Christmas Day.
Mike Parker: Has the Spirit of Christmas Past died?
The National Retail Federation released its annual holiday forecast on November 6, predicting retail sales in November and December will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024. That figure translates into total spending between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion.
Mike Parker: Christmas brightened hearts in Kingston
What DID Christmas look like around these parts 263 years ago, before the Revolution and our struggle for independence? At that time, this area was part of Dobbs County and pledged its allegiance to King George III.
Mike Parker: Harmony Hall schedules ‘Christmas Open House’ this Sunday
History aficionados will have an opportunity to visit the oldest structure in Kinston from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 7, when Historic Harmony Hall opens its treasures to interested members of the public.
Mike Parker: Take Time to Be Thankful
The lyrics of an old hymn once common in churches were written by William D. Longstaff in 1882. “Take Time to Be Holy” emphasizes the importance of spending time in prayer and communion with the Lord. As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I think we also need to “Take Time to Be Thankful.”
Mike Parker: Skirmishes focused on Fort Johnson in 1775
In the second half of 1775, Fort Johnson, North Carolina, was the scene of two major skirmishes between Continental and British soldiers and sailors. But the story of Fort Johnson began much earlier.
Mike Parker: Join troops as they ‘Muster the Militia’ this Saturday
Reenactors and living historians are joining forces for an encampment at the Caswell Memorial Site to interpret life in Dobbs County, the current day Lenoir County, in 1775, as part of the celebration of this nation’s 250th anniversary. “Mustering the Militia will be held from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 15.
Mike Parker: Marine Corps celebrates 250th Anniversary
Next Monday, November 10, the U.S. Marine Corps will celebrate its 250th anniversary. The first version of the Marines began on November 10, 1775, when Congress adopted a resolution creating the Continental Marines. The Second Continental Congress sent a resolution of Gen. George Washington that read – in part –
Mike Parker: Beth goes home to be with the Lord
Friday morning, I opened an email informing me that Beth Newton passed away Monday. Just a few days before her passing, Beth had sent me a letter that explained – in medical terms – the deteriorating condition of her heart. I sent a photo of her note to my daughter Sara, who is a cardiac nurse, because I am not fluent in medical terminology. In that note, Beth said that she might not live long. I never expected the end to come so soon.
Mike Parker: Grandpa wishes miracle child Happy 28th Birthday
On Wednesday of this week, Caitlyn Faith Dixon, my first granddaughter, would have turned 28. Just before Caitlyn turned 14 months old, the Osteogenesis Imperfecta that afflicted her little body claimed her life.