The African American Heritage Commission of Kinston and Lenoir County will soon be hosting the Sixth Annual “Funk Festival” at the Community Council for the Arts from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. on September 16, 2023. Doors will open at 6 p.m.
All in Columns
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Nothing says summer in the south better than fresh cut watermelon
Can’t you always envision a fresh bright pink slice of watermelon whenever you think of summer?? A fresh watermelon is not only refreshing, but packs a punch when it comes to nutritional benefits! One wedge of watermelon has only about 86 calories, less than 1 gram of fat, no cholesterol and less than 1% of your daily value of sodium.
Mike Parker: When it comes to phishing – Don’t take the bait
Scammers and phishers have reached the next level of plying their despicable trade – text messages. I received a text message from Norton LifeLock informing me that my credit card would be charged $399.00. The text message provided an image that looked like an official communication from Norton LifeLock.
Chadwick Stokes: E. B. Frink Outdoor Classroom
What should an educational experience look like? Is to be contained within four (4) walls of a classroom or can it be conducted in the natural environment of the outdoors? There is an argument to be made that both spaces can work in conjunction with each other. The broader questions asked here is what has given rise to the idea of an outdoor classroom for E. B. Frink Middle School.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Summertime Slow Cooker Recipes
One of my favorite ways to cook is in a slow cooker, I even turn non-slow cooker recipes into slow cooker ones. Your crock isn’t just for winter, stay out of the kitchen and just flip the switch! Here are some healthy options for you to set and forget!! Enjoy!!
Mike Parker: Bell diary recounts POW’s experiences
When Angie Reid and Karen Nethercutt approached me with a proposal to reread and correct errors in Lt. Alonzo Etheridge Bell’s diary, I had mixed emotions. I felt flattered they believed I could manage this task. I had misgivings I could complete what others had already attempted. Still, I took on the charge with excitement and trepidation.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Beat the Heat with these Super Cool Summer Recipes
We were very blessed to have had a super mild spring this year, but never fear the summer has arrived, The heat is on!! These healthy-ish sweat treat options contain fresh fruit, Greek yogurt and more. Hope you will enjoy!
John Hood: Conservatives must stand for freedom
In North Carolina, the political label “conservative” is more popular than the terms “liberal” or “progressive.” In the most recent John Locke Foundation poll, for example, 46% of likely voters described themselves as conservatives, with 25% picking the liberal label and the rest either “moderate” or nothing at all. If we broaden out to include all North Carolinians, not just those who reliably vote, the gap shrinks a bit. But conservatives still form a plurality — and they significantly outnumber liberals.
Mike Parker: ‘Wings Over the Neuse’ seeking sponsors to support the CSS Neuse II
On Friday, September 8, the Fifteenth Annual “Wings Over the Neuse” fundraiser is set to take place. This year the Neuse Foundation board members are praying for clear, cool skies with no hint of hurricanes.
Chadwick Stokes: National History Day
Competition drives human beings to persevere and excel even in the face of significant adversity. History is the story of the past, defined by people and events who have shaped our world into what it is today. The combination of competition and history is at the heart of the National History Day contest.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Okra season is here!
Okra is beginning to show up at your local Farmers Market and roadside stands and when it is ripe and ready it is also quite abundant. Okra is either one of those vegetables that you love or you simply love to hate. Known for its scrubby texture when overcooked, okra is actually crunchy, crisp, and absolutely delicious when handled properly.
Mike Parker: Please show proper respect for the U.S. flag
Now that July 4 has come and gone, I want to share one of my supreme irritations. As I drive from place to place, I see any number of displays of the U.S. flag. I am sure those who fly the flag do so out of respect for the flag and love for our country.
Perry Report: Veto overrides, state budget update, & more
Many of you have seen me use the term "Long Session," this year. In North Carolina, our state legislature operates on a two-year period known as a "biennium," with Long Session taking place on the odd numbered years and Short Session for the even numbered years.
Caroline Lafone: The deeper significance of July 4th
Every summer, my favorite day of the year comes around, the Fourth of July. It is a day filled with my favorite things to celebrate our nation’s independence. Many of us go to the beach, watch fireworks, spend time with friends and family, laugh at “put it in reverse Terry” memes, and so much more! Just as the fireworks light up the sky, your vote can illuminate the path toward ensuring our nation’s values and principles.
Trinity Robinson: Freedom holidays are for everyone
Everyone can celebrate Juneteenth and Independence Day. Both holidays are significant holidays in the United States and hold special places in American history. They carry their own meaning. However, in a society increasingly fixated on labels and categorizations, it is crucial to recognize that the true essence of these holidays lies not in their assigned titles, but in the power, they hold to unite and empower individuals of all backgrounds.
Mike Parker: Where has happened to the founders’ vision?
Tomorrow marks the 247th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Over the years, this document seems to have become a “classic” in the sense Mark Twain used that word. Twain defined a “classic” as something people praise but do not read.
Sydney Sasser: America’s Independence Day reminds us of the work ahead
The Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love the fireworks, going to the beach, hotdogs, and everything else that comes with the holiday. It’s hard not to get swept up in all the celebrations and excitement of this day. There is also nothing quite like the comradery that occurs on this holiday.
Mike Parker: School project takes students into the past
I spent the second semester of this past school year teaching English online for a Christian academy. My ninth and tenth graders were a mix of students enrolled in the virtual academy and students who attended other Christian schools that lacked sufficient numbers of high school students to justify the expense of hiring a teacher for each subject area.
Cooking with Tammy Kelly: Little Blue Bite Loaded with Nutrition
Fresh or frozen, blueberries are a favorite spring and summer snack; they also pack a lot of nutritional punch into one little bite. Blueberries are low in calories, but high in fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K. Blueberries are 85% water, provide 14% of your daily fiber, a boost of heart-helping antioxidants and are only 80-84 calories.
BJ Murphy: Closing the Loophole - Celebrating the Property Owners Protection Act
On November 23, 2021, I loaded my handgun to potentially defend my family for the first and, hopefully, the last time in my life. Due to Covid, our children had to stay home from school, but one positive outcome was the installation of exterior security cameras around our home. At 2:00 AM, our Ring camera notifications woke me up. With one eye barely opened, I noticed a figure walking across our driveway. Once I jumped up, this man stood 15 feet from one of my daughter’s bedroom windows.