All tagged mike parker

Mike Parker: ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ seeking sponsors

When the first “Wings Over the Neuse” fundraiser occurred, I was not part of the CSS Neuse Foundation Board. In 2009, board members decided to do something special to raise funds to place a monument for Alton “Doc” Stapleford to recognize and honor all the work and supervision he provided during the construction of the CSS Neuse II.

Mike Parker: Juneteenth and the end of slavery

Last Thursday, many observed the latest federal holiday – “Juneteenth.” The term “Juneteenth” is the compression of “June Nineteenth” – the day in 1865 that Union Major General Gordon Granger ordered the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas at the end of the American Civil War. Roughly 250,000 enslaved people received their freedom that day.

Mike Parker: ‘Pomp and Circumstance’ takes off again

I had a break from high school graduations after my oldest four grandchildren earned diplomas. Courtney was first, followed by Haley, Taylor, and Jaxen. Jaxen’s graduation coincided with COVID, so he had no real commencement ceremony until he finished his degree at Johnston Community College. As you may recall, I call my first four grandchildren “The Old Guard.”

Mike Parker: When a plan comes together

As the fictional Col. John “Hannibal” Smith, leader of the A-Team, was known to say: “I love it when a plan comes together.” These words best describe the intense effort and planning that goes into making Kinston’s BBQ Fest on the Neuse a success year after year. This year marked the 44th year our city has put on the festival.

Mike Parker: An Evening Out with ‘The Old Guard’

Last Wednesday evening, I was blessed to eat dinner with three of my older grandchildren. Those of you who have read my column for years will remember that I have two sets of grandkids. The “Old Guard” are my first four: Courtney, Haley, Taylor, and Jaxen. The “Young Guns” are the last eight: Isaiah, Abby, Alex, Ben, Hannah, Laney, Alli, and Luke.