The Neuse Regional Library won two of twenty 2019 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) Awards.
All in Columns
Reece Gardner: The impeachment charade
The impeachment charade on Thursday of last week featuring four "so-called "Constitutional Scholars was really painful to watch. These four were unanimous in one thing - they all hate President Trump.
Jon Dawson: Fictional tragedy unites millions
Last week the United States was rattled by a tragedy that sent millions into a panic. It wasn't the humanitarian disasters in Syria, Yemen or Venezuela, nor was it any of the domestic problems involving crime, Wall Street or Kylie Jenner.
What upset, triggered and knotted up so many (to the point that it was covered by all major networks during the evening news) was a commercial about an exercise bike.
Mike Parker: As Christmas approaches, please give to ‘Friends of the Homeless’
Each “night” is a man, woman or child who had no place to go, no food to eat, and no way to keep warm in the winter or keep cool in the summer.
Reece Gardner: Making the best of sad times
But we all have things happening in our lives TODAY which we should recognize and be thankful for, such as our families and friends. I thank God every day for the steadfast love of my wonderful family here on Earth and for the guidance I receive from Above.
Jon Dawson: Soda cats and fresh sausage
When we started having kids, The Wife and I stopped buying gifts for one another and focused on the kids, but we still put a few things in each other's Christmas stockings. Every year I look forward to taking my two Tax Deductions shopping to find a few things for The Wife's Christmas stocking and maybe stumble onto something they'd like for themselves. Our youngest is still into it, but the 15-year-old is becoming a little too cool for school.
Mike Parker: Giving the gift of family history
Neuse News columnist Mike Parker shares how he recently stumbled upon an old family video of his father and family.
Justin Barnett: When you hurt, He hurts
Over the next month or so, many will gather with family and friends to eat and to celebrate. However, for some, the holiday season will not be a time of happiness and celebration. The reality is that many people grieve during this time of year.
Reece Gardner: Being thankful today
Let's be thankful for what we have TODAY and let's show our loved ones NOW how much we love and appreciate them.
Jon Dawson: A Tax Deduction turns 15
I've never really pined for the days of my youth, and I've always looked forward to birthdays. If I understand the concept of birthdays correctly, the goal is to keep having them.
Mike Parker: Sometimes things just work out right
Last Tuesday evening the Wheat Swamp Ruritan Club held its yearly awards banquet at King’s Restaurant. During the awards banquet, the club recognized its “Citizen of the Year,” “Ruritan of the Year,” and recipient of the “President’s Award.”
Reece Gardner: Dealing with deep heartbreak
All of us at some time in our lives have been on the mountaintop of hope, and all of us have also been in the valley of despair. In a Carnegie Class I taught in Roanoke Rapids a few years ago, Joe Evans began his remarks by saying, "If I live to be a hundred years or more, I know I will never, ever meet anyone with the courage of my little 10-year-old son."
Jon Dawson: Former NFL player offering Black Friday training camp
In a matter of days, many Americans will gather to give thanks for their blessings. A few hours after that, many of those same Americans will push, shove and trample their way to holiday savings.
Mike Parker: The time has come to minimize politics in redistricting
The time has come to minimize politics in redistricting. The 1776 Constitution provided for a House of Commons and a Senate. Fast forward roughly 150 years. The infighting over Senate and House districts is alive and well. The biggest problem has been, and still is, the partisan nature of redistricting plans.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Friendsgiving!
Yep, Friendsgiving, the word is a mix up of “friends” and “Thanksgiving” and the idea is to spend an evening near the Thanksgiving Holiday with your best buds. Here is a menu I recently cooked for a Fall Dinner, these recipes were enjoyed by all, and it would be an easy choice for a Fall Friendsgiving!
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Fall is For Vegetables and Casseroles
Warm, hearty and nutritious, vegetable casseroles are a wonderful way to use your autumn garden or Farmers Market fresh load. For most of these recipes you can substitute whatever fall vegetables you have on hand, and you can always add try it with shrimp or chicken.
Reece Gardner: Trump inquiry is going public
The Trump Inquiry is finally going public this week, on the heels of the revelation that it has in fact been going on "behind the scenes" for several years.
Jon Dawson: Wearing pajamas while shopping deemed harmful to animals
"The scratching sound generated by people not picking up their feet confuses the birds and interrupts their migration to warmer climates for the winter," said Theodore Nugent of the Autobahn Society. "These swans need to be heading south, not looking for love at a Walmart."
Mike Parker: Judge strikes blow against freedom of religion and conscience
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmeyer in New York struck down a rule proposed by the Trump Administration that allowed health care providers to refuse to participate in abortions or render other services on moral or religious grounds.
Reece Gardner: A definition of faith
A definition of faith: The area was very dry, so all the villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer all the people gathered, but only one little boy came with an umbrella. That's faith! Today, I want to look back a few years and expand on some thoughts I shared with you then.