When I was a little girl growing up I used to get on a van that was sent to my neighborhood by the Salvation Army in Kinston NC. We met weekly and I was in a youth group called the “Sunbeams”. I loved going to my Sunbeam meeting.
All in Columns
John Hood: On becoming a Political Advertiser
It’s not personal, it’s just business — or so Facebook assures me.
On this matter, I’m inclined to believe the company (now called Meta by its CEO and nearly a dozen other human beings). That doesn’t make my latest encounter with the social-media giant any less frustrating, however. I just spent many days jumping through its authorization hoops so I could run political ads on a Facebook page I manage. And even after finishing the process, I still had my ad rejected and had to appeal the decision multiple times.
Jason McKnight: On Christmas Carols & Hope
Everyone has a favorite Christmas Carol. My grandmother, who has seen 101 Christmases, loves Silent Night. It fits her personality: warm, inviting, hospitable. What’s yours? And while we’re at it, why are Christmas Carols so well-loved? What is it about this collection of Hymns and Songs that mean so much to so many?
Kristy Bock: Loss of Hope
Earlier this month, and for the third time, a fire ripped through a house in Kinston. A house on Glenwood Avenue didn’t even make the local news. However, this morning, as I sit here in my warm home preparing for Christmas, I can’t help but shed a few tears for the house on Glenwood. For the House of Hope that will no longer be built there.
Mike Parker: “What do you want for Christmas, Dad?”
The things I really want for Christmas are never tangible objects. For instance, I would really like to have a good night’s sleep. Now, you must be pushing 50 from one side or the other to appreciate this wish. A good night’s sleep consists of two key ingredients: 1) comfort during the sleeping process, and 2) no aches and pains after the night is over and the alarm clock sounds.
John Hood: Imperial City Loses on Mandates
On September 15, I wrote a column responding to President Joe Biden’s announcement of a new federal mandate that large employers, federal contractors, and certain other business establishments require their employees either to be vaccinated or to undergo frequent COVID-19 testing.
Mike Parker: My favorite unsung Christmas carol
One reason I take such delight in the Christmas season comes from the pleasure I derive from Christmas music. “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manager,” and “Angels We Have Heard on High” spring immediately to mind.
Cooking with Tammy: Food gifts to make and take
The Holidays are a terrific time to say a big thanks and of course Merry Christmas to friends, family and co-workers. What better way than to give the gift of food! Here are several ideas, some are a bit healthier than others, but all are fun and will be enjoyed by those special to you!
Neuse Regional Libraries: Ending 2021 on a Good Note
The Neuse Regional Libraries (NRL) are excited to announce that they have been awarded three out of five awards for the medium-sized library category as part of the 2021 North Carolina Public Library Directors Association (NCPLDA) Awards as well as recognition for the Pink Hill Public Library facility refresh project.
Mike Parker: Unwrapped presents bless grandparents’ hearts
We held our annual “Thanksmas” celebration on Thanksgiving Day. I cannot remember when we first started this tradition, but I doubt any of the grandchildren can recall a time when we did not do Christmas on Thanksgiving.
Cooking with Tammy: Healthier Holiday Breakfasts
During leisurely Holiday mornings, breakfast often has a chance to take center stage. Most of these recipes can be made ahead and all of them have been redesigned to include healthier ingredients!
John Hood: Racial Preferences Are Ending Soon
The state of Washington has it. California has it. Michigan has it. Oklahoma has it. Nebraska has it. Arizona has it. Florida, New Hampshire, and Idaho have a version of it.
Mike Parker: Make ‘Uncle Gabe’ proud and support the Interpretative Center
On Saturday, October 16, craftsmen began building a 14-foot skiff as part of the CSS Neuse Interpretative Center’s “Shipbuilding Saturday.” The program ran from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. that Saturday as builders worked to construct an example of “Uncle Gabe’s Flattie Skiff,” a type of boat built by the thousands in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
John Hood: Cawthorn’s handlers got it wrong
When Carolina Journal first reported first-term U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn’s intention to abandon his current district next year to run in an adjacent one, CJ quoted Cawthorn as saying his decision was part of “a strategy to increase conservativism in North Carolina.”
Dr. Travis Towne: Thankfulness is a choice
My social studies students at the Lenoir County Early College High School often hear me provide an affectionately titled “Dr. T Rant” when I feel strongly about a particular topic or situation
Reece Gardner: We need freedom of choice in education
In recent years this effort has grown, leading many to believe that we should enact a voucher program that would give parents throughout the state a choice in how and where their children are educated. This could lead to freedom of choice in education, putting education in the market place and requiring educational outlets to compete with each other to attract students to their facilities. Schools would have to be competitive, and most of us will probably agree that competition tends to bring out the best in all of us.
Mike Parker: Take time to be truly thankful
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I am wondering just how thankful we truly are. We know not everything is perfect, but we live in a nation and in an age where we enjoy benefits in our lives that few have ever known.
Mike Parker: Take time to be truly thankful
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I am wondering just how thankful we truly are. We know not everything is perfect, but we live in a nation and in an age where we enjoy benefits in our lives that few have ever known.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Plan your holiday pies
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it is time to start making out menus and deciding on which pie recipes to use. As you cook for Thanksgiving, remember Buy Local produce whenever possible!! All of these recipes are traditional favorites with a slightly lighter twist!! The recipes promise not to skimp on flavor!
Reece Gardner: Count your blessings
With Thanksgiving Day coming up next week we would all benefit by recognizing the many blessings that come our way and by being thankful for those blessings. For example, just this past week I had the good fortune of being included in the festivities surrounding the celebration of the birthday of my two identical grandsons, Patrick Robert Nix and Davis